Jesus Goes After the Thing Behind the Thing

1. A Sign-Seeking Heart Keeps Moving the Goalpost

1 The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ 3 and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. 4 A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Jesus then left them and went away. ~Matthew 16:1–4~ 

2. Yeast works slowly, then it changes everything. So does Influence

5 When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. 6 “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 7 They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.” ~Matthew 16:5–7~ 

3. Understanding comes with a Good Memory 

8 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? 9 Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 10 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 11 How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12 Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. ~Matthew 16:8–12~ 

• When we WON’T see: Name Your Sign
  • • What conditions have you put on God?
    • “If you fix this, then I’ll trust you.”
    • Where have I moved the goalpost of obedience?

When we DON’T see: Remember Your Baskets
Where has God provided?
Where has God been faithful
What has God saved you from
When has God spoken, moved, forgiven…?

> 7 DAY CHALLENGE: WRITE IT DOWN.
7 Baskets in 7 Days! Each Day this week write down one thing God has done