October 16th: The yeast of the Pharisees

The behaviour of the Pharisees deprived sinners of compassion and outcast of love.  Luke 12: 1 – 7

Jesus told the people to beware of the yeast of the Pharisees. We know yeast is an ingredient used in making bread. Yeast has a powerful effect on dough. When Jesus used yeast to describe the Pharisees it implied they can have a powerful effect on people.

While yeast has a positive impact on dough as it causes it to rise and makes bread more delicious, the Pharisees’ impact on people was hypocritical or false. It was not that they caused people to behave sinfully but they stifled people. The Pharisees were always policing the Law to ensure that everyone conformed to their standards.

The behaviour of the Pharisees deprived sinners of compassion and outcast of love. They criticised Jesus for welcoming sinners and eating with them. While the Pharisees were concerned about the Law, Jesus was concerned about the kingdom of God. The kingdom principle is people first. While not disregarding the Law, Jesus always made the person feel loved and appreciated.