Hypocrisy!

For Friday, May 30, 2025:

Luke 12:1b NLT, Jesus warning his disciples: “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees—their hypocrisy.”

This was a good analogy. The Hebrew people were all familiar with yeast. As they fled Egypt, God told them to make bread without yeast. It takes time for yeast to rise, and they didn’t have any extra time. When God said to get going, they needed to get going right away. Flatbread, bread with no yeast, isn’t light and fluffy, but it’s fast. When made with einkorn, it’s just as nutritious.

Jesus is comparing the false doctrine of the Pharisees to yeast. A little bit of yeast can raise a big batch of bread. A little bit of hypocrisy can grow into laws, traditions and ceremonies that overtake the fundamental religion. Suddenly, the made-up stuff is the focus, and the foundation is forgotten.

Our Savior is reminding the faithful to stick with what is true. Listen to what Jesus said; read your Bibles. Nowadays, many denominations are peddling yeast – a big show with little foundation, just like the Pharisees did. Religion with yeast may look big and fluffy and attract a lot of attention, but most of it isn’t true. Most of it isn’t required.

Don’t be taken in by a religion full of yeast!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship