The ministry hit an all time high. The past week their meeting had 5,000 in attendance and, let’s just say, Jesus’s impromptu potluck with the five loaves of bread and two fishes was spectacular.
After a weekend like that, Jesus decided to take his disciples on a getaway for some time to regroup and refresh. Once they got to the lake shore, everyone began to spread out for a few days of relaxation when Jesus asked, “Where’s the bread”? In the chaos of preparing to leave, somehow, the food was forgotten.
All twelve of his followers sat up straight, and just like any good ministry leadership team, they all pointed fingers at who they thought was guilty. After a few minutes of awkward silence, Jesus took this opportunity to impart some wisdom to them.
“Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducces”.
The awkward silence grew, and so did the blank stares. John raised his hand for Jesus to clarify, but Peter pounced on John’s hand and motioned him in closer.
In John’s ear, Peter whispered, “Jesus is cranky because there’s no bread”.
John nodded with understanding and turned to share the revelation with the others. Like a game of telephone, one by one, the disciples passed along their version. Matthew was just about to whisper in Judas’s ear, “Jesus is winky, because he bought a new bed”, when Jesus interrupted their shenanigans with a grin.
“Do you boys really think I’m talking about not having bread? Have you already forgotten how I fed 5000 people with a few loaves of bread? I’m telling you,
Be on your guard against the teachings of religious leaders.
… … …
This is exactly how it happened. Sort of. Read it for yourself in Matthew 16:5-12
