Matthew 16:5-12 – “When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. ⁶ “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”  ⁷ They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.”  ⁸ Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? ⁹ Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? ¹⁰ Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? ¹¹ How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” ¹² Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

The chief things in life are the presence of God and love.  If we have God’s presence and are loved, we rejoice and declare, “This is a good day.”   

As I read, prayed, and mused on the Word of God today, several realities filled my thoughts.   Natural thinking leads to spiritual poverty.  In Matthew 16, the disciples had forgotten to take bread (needed provisions). In verse 6, Jesus warned about the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.  Natural thinking robbed them of Revelation.

In verse 8, Jesus called their faith small. He reminded them of the miracles of feeding the multitudes. In other words, “Hey guys, you are concerned about bread! Remember what I did! I have already demonstrated that natural food is not a problem.”   Having the wrong focus opens the door to wrong actions.

Natural thinking prevents one from having God’s fullness.  Matthew 18:16-20 is a powerful reminder of the path to peace and plenty, or poverty spiritually.  Sin is never ignored, but restoration must be the goal. Go to them “in private.” That is key #1.

Then, take 2 or 3 others for a second meeting.  This is not a gang-up of buddies, but godly, prayerful, objective, and informed people whose hearts are for restoration. Their counsel may be to you as well as the offender. The objective is not exposure; it is restoration.

Then, take it to the church.  Do you notice something missing?  It is all private, and before the church, not a public proclamation of their sins and failures. That is not seeking restoration. God’s desire is restoration!

In verses 21-22, Peter spoke out of natural thinking.  He sought to limit forgiveness, but Jesus made it unlimited. Natural thinking wants justification for its anger. Spiritual thinking seeks restoration even at the expense of hurt.

The key is Matthew 19:21: Die to self; release everything to God (even your hurt). That which holds your heart controls you.   My heart breaks for the offender and the offended.  Both need healing and restoration.  I’m praying for an outpouring of the mind of Christ to break the power of natural thinking.

LORD, help us to think spiritually rather than rely on natural thoughts!