VERSE:
“Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” [Jesus’ disciples] discussed this among themselves and said, “it is because we didn’t’ bring any bread.” Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “you of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?”
—Matthew 16:6-9

THOUGHT:
When Jesus warned His disciples saying “be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees”, He was referring to their false teachings (Matthew 16:12). His disciples, however, didn’t understand what He was talking about, and naturally thought that Jesus was talking about the yeast used in bread. Before clarifying what He was trying to tell them, Jesus addressed the reason why they did not understand what He was talking about when He said “you of little faith… do you still not understand?”. Their lack of faith hindered their ability to understand what Jesus was telling them.

APPLICATION:
The bible isn’t merely a book filled with facts, poetry, history and philosophy; it is a spiritual book. The bible contains the very words of God, and it requires faith to understand. When reading the bible, if you come across a passage that is tough to understand, rather than just thinking harder, ask God to help build your faith so that you would have ears to hear what He is saying.

PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, build my faith so that I can understand your word. Give me ears to hear what your spirit is saying to me. In Jesus’ Name I pray, AMEN!