Matthew 16:1-12

Devotionals, Articles, and Bible Study Resources on Matthew 16:1-12

1Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came and tested Jesus by asking Him to show them a sign from heaven.
2But He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘The weather will be fair, for the sky is red,’
3and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but not the signs of the times.
4A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Then He left them and went away.
5When they crossed to the other side, the disciples forgot to take bread.
6“Watch out!” Jesus told them. “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
7They discussed this among themselves and concluded, “It is because we did not bring any bread.”
8Aware of their conversation, Jesus said, “You of little faith, why are you debating among yourselves about having no bread?
9Do you still not understand? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?
10Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?
11How do you not understand that I was not telling you about bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
12Then they understood that He was not telling them to beware of the leaven used in bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
— Matthew 16:1-12

Related Resources from Heartlight

Little Faith People
Illustration of Matthew 16:8-12 NLT

Illustration of Matthew 16:8-12 NLT -- Jesus knew that the followers were talking about this. So Jesus asked them, "Why are you talking about not having bread? Your faith is small. You still don't understand? Remember the five loaves of bread that fed the 5,000 people? And remember that you filled many baskets {with bread after the people finished eating}? And remember the seven loaves of bread that fed the 4,000 people? Remember that you filled many baskets {with bread after the people finished eating}? So I was not talking to you about bread. Why don't you understand that? I am telling you to be careful and guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and the Sadducees." Then the followers understood what Jesus meant. Jesus was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread. Jesus was telling them to guard against the teaching of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.

Trick or Truth
Illustration of Matthew 16:1-4 NLT

Illustration of Matthew 16:1-4 NLT -- The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus. They wanted to test Jesus. So they asked Jesus to show them a miracle to prove that he was from God. Jesus answered, "When you people see the sunset, you know what the weather will be. If the sky is red, then you say we will have good weather. And in the morning you watch the sunrise. If the sky is dark and red, then you say that it will be a rainy day. These things are signs of the weather. You see these signs in the sky and you know what they mean. In the same way, you see the things that are happening now. These things are also signs. But you don't know the meaning of these signs. Evil and sinful people are the kind of people that want a miracle for a sign (proof). But those people will have no sign—only the sign of Jonah." Then Jesus left that place and went away.

Got it Wrong, Again!
Illustration of Matthew 16:5-7 NLT

Illustration of Matthew 16:5-7 NLT -- Jesus and his followers went across the lake (Lake Galilee). But the followers forgot to bring bread. Jesus said to the followers, "Be careful! Guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and the Sadducees." The followers discussed the meaning of this. They said, "Did Jesus say this because we forgot to bring bread?"

Cross References for Matthew 16:1-12

Cross References Provided by Open Bible

The Berean Standard Bible

The Berean Standard Bible (BSB) is a modern, clear, and faithful translation based on the best available Greek and Hebrew manuscripts. Ideal for reading, study, and sharing, it entered the public domain in 2023. For more information, visit berean.bible.