Definition: How is it that ye do not understand that I spake [it] not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 16:11. It's a really important passage about Jesus teaching his disciples about a growing problem within their community. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: Jesus is saying that his message to his disciples – and ultimately, to the entire church – was not about bread or food. He was specifically telling them about something called "leaven." Let's unpack “leaven”: Leaven in this context refers to a spiritual substance – like yeast – that makes bread rise. It’s a symbol of something that transforms and changes things within you. Pharisees & Sadducees: These were two groups of Jewish leaders who held very strict religious views and were suspicious of Jesus' teachings. They believed in a rigid, unchanging law and feared anything that might challenge their authority. So, what was Jesus trying to say? Jesus was warning his disciples about the influence of these Pharisees and Sadducees. He wasn’t trying to directly tell them what to do – he was saying that their worry and suspicion were causing problems within the community. He wanted them to understand that their focus on a specific "leaven" (the Pharisees' strict rules) was actually hindering their ability to truly understand and follow Jesus. In short, it’s about: A subtle but significant shift in focus. The importance of allowing God’s word to transform people. Avoiding excessive anxiety and suspicion that can distract from genuine faith. Why is this important? Jesus was teaching his disciples a crucial lesson: Don't get so caught up in worrying about what others are doing or believing in rigid rules that you lose sight of the real message – the message of God’s love and forgiveness. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Give you a little more context about the Pharisees and Sadducees?