What Jesus Did! 'Little Faith People' — Matthew 16:7-12

Sunday, August 1, 2021

At this [the disciples] began to argue with each other because they hadn't brought any bread. Jesus knew what they were saying, so he said, "You have so little faith! Why are you arguing with each other about having no bread? Don't you understand even yet? Don't you remember the 5,000 I fed with five loaves, and the baskets of leftovers you picked up? Or the 4,000 I fed with seven loaves, and the large baskets of leftovers you picked up? Why can't you understand that I'm not talking about bread? So again I say, 'Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.'"

Then at last they understood that he wasn't speaking about the yeast in bread, but about the deceptive teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

— Matthew 16:7-12 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus did get frustrated with his disciples; he just didn't give up on them! That means that he continued to be involved with them and help them grow. Indeed, he reached back into their experience and helped them understand their blindness and lack of faith more clearly while driving home his point of concern: Be warned about the Pharisees and Sadducees; their teaching is dangerous! In addition, they should have clearly learned by now that they could depend on Jesus for food.

In dealing with people who don't understand, I find we fail because we don't have the relationship with them to know them and their history enough to help them change — we tend to lose patience when people don't get it the first or second time — we get caught up in the argument and the frustration, and we forget the main point in the first place.

Today's Prayer

Holy God, help me be more patient with others who are confused, who do dumb things spiritually, and who ask the same questions again and again. Please help me deal with others in the way you have dealt with me when I've been slow to understand and foolish in my choice of behavior. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 6:25-27, 30-33
  • Galatians 4:19-20
  • Matthew 15:12-14

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 16:7-12 NLT — "You have so little faith!

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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