A Study of the commands from our Lord, Jesus the Christ

Week 25, May 16th

This week's Tour Stop the commands found in Matthew 16:6 (NASB)

"And Jesus said to them, 'Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.'"

The Greek word for "Watch out" is "horaō" which means "to see, i.e. become acquainted with by experience, to experience"

Strong's definition for "horaō" carries the meaning "to discern clearly".

The Greek word for "beware" is "prosechō"; which can mean "to turn the mind to, attend to be attentive"

So the command is telling a disciple of Jesus to "become acquainted with" and "discern clearly" the "leaven of the Pharisees and Scribes". And what is this "leaven"? Jesus tells us that this "leaven" is hypocrisy (see Luke 12:1 (NASB)).

The Greek word for "hyprocrisy" is "hypokrisis"; which means "acting" or "to be what one is not"

Remember, the Pharisees and Scribes made a "living" out of being righteous before both men and GOD. Jesus pointed out several examples of hypocrisy demonstrated by this "brood of vipers":
- proclaiming their donations to the poor to the public (see Matthew 6:2 (NASB)).
- praying long prayers in public (see Matthew 6:5 (NASB)).
- showing their discomfort during acts of worship (see Matthew 6:16 (NASB)).
- pointing out sins of others, while ignoring their own sin (see Matthew 7:5 (NASB)).
- professing faith in GOD but not believing (see Matthew 15:7-8 (NASB)).

When I first started looking at this passage, I thought I was to "watch out" and be aware of the teachings of religious leaders that manipulate the word of GOD to benefit themselves rather than the honoring the LORD.

I still believe LORD is commanding me to do this.

In addition, I believe this is a command to "watch out" and be aware of my actions. Can my actions be described as hypocrisy ("leaven")?

Jesus tells me in Matthew 5:16: "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

As a disciple of Christ, a believer, my outward actions, my "light", should shine before men. I just need to be conscious of "who" is being glorified.

And that is the take away this week; "Watch out" and "beware" of your actions. Because the moment you begin to share what GOD has done for you:
- forgiven your sins (see 1 John 1:9 (NASB)).
- transformed you into a new creature (see 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NASB)).
- given you eternal life (see John 3:16 (NASB)).

The world, believers and non-believers, will be watching. Make sure your actions reflect what you believe in your heart: Jesus is LORD!

If you have any other questions for me please send me an email

If this link does not work for you my email address is 'burtonmark@cox.net' with the subject line of 'Week 25'. I would love to hear from you.

The tour continues next week but I am not at all sure which of the commands of our LORD I will be sharing. Waiting on the Holy Spirit.

Return to:
"and teaching them to obey... Main"

"Weekly Entries - Table of Contents"

"Top of Page"