That's how it must have been for the disciples when the Lord Jesus warned them "against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees" (Mt. 16:6). They made a verbal connection with their having forgotten to bring along bread for the journey - and in doing so showed just how little they really 'got' what he'd said. On this occasion, their two plus two didn't make four. Far from it.
What they showed was just how naïve they were - and how much they therefore needed Jesus' warning. They were deeply susceptible to the insidious effect of unbelief, of the corruption of their best intentions and hopes by calloused cynicism.
In treating the Pharisees and Sadducees as one group, our Lord underscores the danger he detects. They believed different things and were frequently at odds with each other - but both were united in opposing Jesus as the Son of God, the Messiah. The disciples, alas, simply hadn't begun to discern the unholy alliance that faced them, nor its capacity to deceive and lead astray. They frequently judged by shallow appearances which proved to be far from accurate.
We live in similarly disturbing times. No less than the disciples do we need to hear our Lord's words: "Be careful...be on your guard." We, too, are vulnerable and susceptible to the spirit of the age. Any denial of that is an immediate breaching of our defences.
Where does genuine insight come from? We're shown in Peter's experience. When asked about the identity of the Son of Man, he speaks with conviction: "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." How had he worked that out? What special ability did he possess? Well, he didn't. The insight came from above: "this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven."
If we see Jesus more clearly and have begun to cherish him, it has been gifted to us. Humility and gratitude are always the order of the day.
But once given it has to be fiercely guarded - and Peter falls at the first hurdle. He is offended that Jesus declares his pathway to glory lay via the cross. But his thoughts and feelings are now from below: "you do not have in mind the concerns of God but merely human concerns." In opposing Jesus he was playing the part of Satan, tempting our Lord away from his mission. Ouch.
We always need the Lord to illuminate our understanding. It is sheer folly to rely on our abilities or to hold lightly to the truth that has been so graciously given to us. The challenge will often come at the point that is most painful and disconcerting to us, at the heart of the gospel call to follow Jesus as Lord, come what may. We need to be ready for that.
Never have we more needed to heed the words of Jesus: "Watch and pray that you do not fall into temptation". And to rest our all upon his promise, "None shall snatch them from my hand."
We always need the Lord to illuminate our understanding. It is sheer folly to rely on our abilities or to hold lightly to the truth that has been so graciously given to us. The challenge will often come at the point that is most painful and disconcerting to us, at the heart of the gospel call to follow Jesus as Lord, come what may. We need to be ready for that.
Never have we more needed to heed the words of Jesus: "Watch and pray that you do not fall into temptation". And to rest our all upon his promise, "None shall snatch them from my hand."
************
Christian, seek not yet repose;
Cast thy dreams of ease away;
Thou art in the midst of foes:
Watch and pray.
Principalities and powers,
Mustering their unseen array,
Wait for thy unguarded hours:
Watch and pray.
Gird thy heavenly armour on;
Wear it ever, night and day;
Ambushed lies the evil one:
Watch and pray.
Hear the victors who o'ercame;
Still they mark each warrior's way;
All with one sweet voice exclaim,
'Watch and pray.'
Hear, above all, hear thy Lord,
Him thou lovest to obey;
Hide within thy heart His word:
'Watch and pray.'
Watch, as if on that alone
Hung the issue of the day;
Pray, that help may be sent down:
Watch and pray.
(Charlotte Elliott, 1789-1871)
