Matthew 16

“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 16:4 NIV

Jesus was predicting His death and resurrection.  This is the second time that He used the term “the sign of Jonah” to describe what was going to happen to Him (see also Matthew 12:39).  Jonah was in the belly of a large fish for three days and then was saved and given new life.  This directly parallels how Jesus was soon going to be in the heart of the earth for three days, and then resurrected, to give us new life.  It was a truly bold and unbelievable statement to make, but Jesus was able to back it up.  He, in fact, did rise from the dead after three days and appeared in the flesh 12 separate times to a total of more than 550 people, over a period of 40 days.

“Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.” Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 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.” 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 16:6-12 NIV

Jesus was warning the disciples about the wrong teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees.  Today, God warns us to be on guard against wrong teaching.  All Christians should measure what they are taught against the infallible Word of God which is “able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:15-17).  If a teaching contradicts any part of what it says in the Bible, then it is a false teaching.  Another way to determine (discern) whether a teaching is wrong: look at the teacher and at the way they act in their personal life.  Are they God-honoring?  Loving?  Do they practice what they preach?  If not, they are considered a false teacher, and we should run from them.