“Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (Matthew 16:6, ESVUK)
Following Jesus was never meant to be a journey shaped by outward appearances or religious performance. He calls us to authentic faith—a faith rooted in reality, humility, and love for the Father. This is not simply a caution about doctrine—it is an urgent invitation to listen deeply and live truly.
What Jesus Means
Jesus frequently uses vivid imagery—here, “leaven” speaks of influence: subtle, hidden, yet transformational. In Scripture, leaven almost always symbolises corruption and sin; it works quietly, infiltrating the whole batch of dough (Exodus 12:15; Galatians 5:9).
“The leaven of the Pharisees” refers to a heart-level hypocrisy (Luke 12:1), an outward show of religion that masks a distance from God. The Pharisees prioritised rules, traditions, and public recognition, but Jesus saw through to their hearts:
“For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.” (Matthew 23:25)
Jesus’ command here is not for the surface but for the soul—for a discipleship that resists all forms of spiritual pretence and performance.
The Example of Jesus and the Early Church
Jesus never modelled superficial religion. He challenged the Pharisees directly, calling them to real repentance and humility. His life was marked by transparency and truth: praying alone in Gethsemane (Luke 22:42), loving the unlovable, and obeying the Father in all things.
The early church understood the danger. When hypocrisy threatened the community, they responded with honesty (Acts 5:1-11). When legalism tried to distort grace, the apostles clung to the gospel’s purity (Acts 15:5-11).
God’s desire—from the Old Testament Passover bread (Exodus 12:19) to the new covenant—was always a people of pure heart, free from the “old leaven,” walking sincerely in His ways.
Why This Command Matters
This command pierces through time and culture. Every believer, every community, faces the temptation to substitute the form for the substance, applause for authenticity. Spiritual compromise starts in secret, but always shapes our character and our witness.
“The LORD looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
Jesus wants disciples with an inward reality—men and women marked by sincerity, humility, and yieldedness to the Holy Spirit. The yeast of hypocrisy robs us of intimacy with God, undermines mission, and distorts what it means to know Him.
What Might This Look Like Today?
This is a daily call to courageous honesty and spiritual vigilance.
- Choosing truth over image, refusing to hide weaknesses and struggles.
- Repenting of moments where performance overshadows real relationship.
- Seeking regular self-examination and inviting the Spirit’s searching light (Psalm 139:23-24).
- Valuing grace and inner transformation over “keeping up appearances”.
- Welcoming loving accountability, allowing others to speak truth into our blind spots (Hebrews 3:12-13).
- Measuring every tradition, custom, or expectation against the clear light of Scripture (Mark 7:6-8).
What matters most is realness before God—a pure heart, a teachable spirit, and a willingness to let Him lead. The journey is costly, yet glorious.
A Prayer
Lord Jesus, save us from every trace of hypocrisy and self‑reliance. Give us the courage to walk in truth, to let go of every mask or pretence, and to receive Your transforming grace. Form us into people of sincerity and love so that the world might see Your life in us. Amen.
The Kingdom does not advance by outward performance but by the inward reality of surrendered disciples. By His grace, this can be us.
For His Name’s Sake
C. L. J. Dryden
Shalom
Questions for Reflection
- Where are you most vulnerable to the “leaven” of performance or pretence?
- How can you pursue deeper authenticity with God and others this week?
- What tradition or habit needs to be re-examined in light of Jesus’ words?
Life With CD 
Well said, sir. Amen and Amen, as they say.