Jesus said,

You of little faith. Ma. 16:8

Things are not always what we think. They thought Jesus was upset because they forgot to bring bread. What Jesus said was, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.” Matthew 16:6. They thought leaven meant bread. Jesus corrects them in verse 12: beware of the doctrine (teaching) of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Again, the context helps us understand Jesus’ warning. A warning which holds true today. “Beware of the doctrines of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” The names may be different, but the false teachings are the same. The context of the warning begins in chapter 15. 

The Pharisees criticize Jesus and His disciples because they “transgress the tradition of the elders.” Specifically, they did not wash their hands before eating. They had a ritual for everything, including the proper way to wash their hands. A ritual mother today would find it unsatisfactory. But it was their way, which was the right way, the only way. This prompted an immediate and poignant reply from Jesus, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? Verse 3.

Then Jesus teaches the people God’s way. Hear and understand. Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes of the mouth, this defiles a man, verses 10-11. There are still some today who trample upon this truth insisting their way is the way. Beware of their leaven!

Then Jesus again does the unthinkable. He answers the prayer of a Gentile woman. He heals her daughter by just thinking. There is no record of Jesus commanding her healing or touching her or any contact except the prayer of a woman of faith, verse 28. And what was her act of faith, “Lord, even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their master’s table.” Verse 27. Then Jesus heals and feeds four thousand men besides women and children! Verses 29 thru 39. 

Then the confrontation with the Pharisees and Sadducees. Then the warning about false teaching. And not just false doctrine but faith. Why didn’t His disciples show the same faith as the Gentile mom? Why didn’t they see the real Jesus in the feeding the multitude with seven loaves and a few fish; with leftovers?

Faith is not what we think. Great faith is believing. Little faith is doubting. Yet, faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. Things are not always what we think.