JESUS TEACHES HIS DISCIPLES ABOUT INFLUENCE

Matthew 16:5-12
Key Verse: 16:6

      "'Be careful,' Jesus said to them. 'Be on your guard
      against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.'"


1. Review the conversation Jesus had with the Pharisees and Sadducees
   in verses 1-4.  Where did Jesus and his disciples go afterward?  What
   had they been doing earlier?

2. Read verses 5-6. What warning did Jesus give his disciples?  What do you
   know about the origin, history and present state of the Pharisees? The
   Sadducees? (See Jude 12-16 for comments on corrupt religious leaders.)

3. Read verses 6-7.  What is yeast and how does it function in bread?  What
   did the disciples discuss and what conclusion did they reach? Why? (7)

4. Read verses 8-11a. Why did Jesus rebuke them?  What reveals their lack
   of faith?  Of what did Jesus remind them? Why is it important to remember?

5. What did the disciples finally realize about Jesus' warning?  Why is 
   influence like yeast?  Can you think of examples of bad influence? Of good
   influence?  Think about Jesus' own example (Jn 1:14; Lk 21:37,38; Lk
   23:34).