The Leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees

The disciples’ missing bread leads them to hear Jesus’ warning as a comment on food, but he recalls the two feedings and names the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees as the real danger.

W⁵hen 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.