Remembering His Faithfulness, Guarding My Heart
BRD REFLECTION 2026
Matthew 16:1-12 and Psalm 62:1-8 (NIV)
(Shaun Tan, Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Matthew 16:1-12 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
In this passage, I observe two different but connected responses to Jesus. In verses 1-4, the Pharisees and Sadducees came to test Jesus by asking for a sign from heaven. This stood out to me because Jesus had already performed many signs before this, yet their hearts remained hardened. It is also significant that the Pharisees and Sadducees came together, even though they often differed theologically and politically. Jesus points out that while they could interpret the weather, they could not discern the spiritual reality before them: that He had come to fulfil God’s covenant. Their issue was not a lack of evidence, but a lack of faith and hardened hearts.
In verses 5-12, the disciples misunderstood Jesus’ warning about the “leaven” of the Pharisees and Sadducees, thinking He was speaking about the lack of physical bread. Jesus reminded them of how He had already fed the masses previously. This shows me that even those who follow Jesus closely can still be slow to understand, especially when distracted by practical worries. Verse 12 ties the passage together, as the disciples finally understood that Jesus was warning them about the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees and not about physical bread.
APPLY:
This passage challenges me to examine my own heart. I can be guilty of asking God for more signs or clearer answers, even though He has already shown me His faithfulness in many ways. Like the disciples, I can become so focused on my immediate needs, responsibilities, or anxieties that I miss what Jesus may be teaching me, or where He is presently in my circumstances.
I also reflected on what my modern-day “leaven” might be. Having spent a few years in the marketplace, I can see how worldly power, promotions, pride, people-pleasing, and financial comfort can quietly influence my heart and cause me to resist Jesus instead of following Him faithfully.
DO:
Following Jesus requires not just religious activity, but spiritual discernment. I will endeavour to spend more time practising examen, so that I can better discern where God has been present (or absent) in my life and respond to Him. In times of anxiety or uncertainty, I want to pause and remember that God has carried me before, and He continues to watch over me because He is sovereign over my life.
PRAY:
Father Lord, may my heart remain open to You. Help me to remember Your goodness, protect me from the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees, and continually shape my heart to seek after You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
