Matthew 16:1–12
Watch Out for the Leaven
In this passage, Jesus warns His disciples to beware of the “leaven” of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Though these two groups were very different, they shared a common problem: both had drifted from God's truth. The Pharisees added to God's Word with man-made rules and traditions, while the Sadducees subtracted from it, reshaping faith to fit their own preferences and priorities. This sermon explores the demand for signs, the danger of false teaching, and why even sincere believers must remain watchful.
Jesus points His disciples back to the one sign that matters most: His death and resurrection. In a world tempted either to add to God's Word or take away from it, Christians are called to cling to Christ, cultivate discernment, and hold fast to the gospel. With humility, charity toward other believers, and confidence in Jesus, we can resist the subtle errors that so easily spread and remain faithful to the One who lived, died, and rose again for us.