In the Beginning
Beware of Leaven Leaven is used as a symbol of corruption throughout the Bible. Several cautions for the Christian are taught by its use in both Old Testament and New. The article Beware the Leaven of the Sadducees describes dangers of gross doctrinal error. Acting in greed (as in the error of Balaam), they perhaps exalted ritual over righteousness. Implications of the Sadducees’ denial of a resurrection are elaborated. Spiritual pride and its pitfalls are described in Beware the Leaven of the […]
Beware the Leaven of the Sadducees
Ritualism, Riches, and Error “And the disciples came to the other side of the sea, but they had forgotten to bring any bread. And Jesus said to them, “Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” They began to discuss his among themselves, saying, “He said that because we did not bring any bread.” But Jesus, aware of this, said, “How is it that you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread? But […]
The Leaven of the Pharisees
Hypocritical Holiness “He spake also this parable unto certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous,and set all others at nought” (Luke 18:9, from the ASV unless otherwise noted). Jesus said to his disciples first, “Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy” (Luke 12:1). Thus, this lesson is especially for us. Jesus warned us also against the leavens of the Sadducees (Zadokites) and Herodians (Matthew 16:6‑12, Mark 8:15) but each time emphasized the leaven of the Pharisees. […]
Beware the Leaven of Herod
Politics and the Church “There came certain Pharisees, saying to him, Get thee out, and go hence; for Herod would fain kill thee. And he said unto them, Go and say to that fox, Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I am perfected” (Luke 13:31‑32 ASV). — Kome Ajise The leaven of Herod is not a common phrase compared to the more familiar leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. In Matthew 16, our […]