Yeast
Yeast is a leavening agent. It makes the dough rise, which is good, unless the yeast is infested with bad things.
The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, asking him for a sign from heaven, to test him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.” And he left them, and getting into the boat again, he went across to the other side. Now the disciples had forgotten to bring any bread; and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.” They said to one another, “It is because we have no bread.” And becoming aware of it, Jesus said to them, “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes, and fail to see? Do you have ears, and fail to hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?” They said to him, “Twelve.” “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?” And they said to him, “Seven.” Then he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?” - Mark 8:11-21
Jesus often challenged the Pharisees accusing them of putting manmade traditions over the needs of the people.
In observance of the law, they created traditions that extended the law to everyday rules and restrictions.
When Jesus warns the apostles of the danger in the way the Pharisees expand the laws to suit their own need for power over the people, they misunderstand and think he is talking about bread.
They should have no fear of having too little to eat. Jesus showed them twice that he could feed thousands with little, so why are they confused?
I think they fail to make the connection. Jesus showed them and us that feeding the hungry is more important than following manmade rules designed to keep us from focusing on helping one another.
We see examples of this overly restrictive nature today.
Jesus wanted the disciples to see that some restrictions make little sense. That is why he challenged the restrictions on the Sabbath, on washing hands before eating, and on healing the sick.
If someone is in need of help, is it not a priority to lend a hand?
Maybe we should learn to let common sense rule. Each of us needs to make his or her own decisions in life, and live with the consequences, good or bad.
That is the risk of freedom and self-determination.
Of course, it is a lot easier to just do as we are told.
More to come...