BEWARE THE LEAVEN

In the early spring in the month of Abib immediately following Passover is the seven day festival of unleaven bread that we are commanded to keep. You can read about it's institution in Exodus 12:15-20. There was to be no leavening found anywhere within their borders for this seven day period. The first day is a holy day as is the last. To the Israelites it was to be a reminder of what Yahweh did for them when He brought them out of Egypt. Exodus 13:7-9. Deuteronomy 16:3 They left Egypt hurriedly and had no time to leaven their bread. As there is with everything that Yahweh does, there is a spiritual lesson to be learned from this festival time that the Israelites did not understand but we must.

As one reads the books of the law one will discover that blood sacrifices and burnt offerings were to be made without leaven. Exodus 34:25, Leviticus 2:11, Leviticus 6:17

Deuteronomy 16:4 We will discover the relevance of this later in this study. There were some exceptions to this rule which will be covered in a future study.

In the new testament we will begin to see what leaven represents. Yahshua told the apostles in Luke 12:1 In the meantime, when so many thousands of the multitude had gathered together that they trod upon one another, he began to say to his disciples first, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Before we continue with that though, lets look at a scripture where Paul gives us a little more insight. 1 Corinthians 5:8 Let us, therefore, celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. From these two scriptures we can understand that leaven represents hypocrisy, malice, and evil. Under investigation these words will all be shown to represent sinful attitudes.

Hypocrisy is from the Greek, “Hupokrisis”. It means to play a part, deceitful pretending. Malice is from, “Kakia”. It means , have ill will, desire to injure. Evil is from,

“Poneria”. It means, depravity, have evil purposes or desires in secret. This word also means, active exercise of a vicious disposition. With this knowledge one can see that these things are all centred on deceiving others or doing evil that is directed at or affects others. These others, according to scripture, are our neighbours.

We are told to love our neighbour as ourselves. Matthew 22:39 And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbour as yourself. Romans 13:9 The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery, You shall not kill, You shall not steal, You shall not covet," and any other commandment, are summed up in this sentence, "You shall love your neighbour as yourself." Galatians 5:14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, "You shall love your neighbour as yourself."

Before we continue we must establish just who is our neighbour. This question was asked of Yahshua. Luke 10:29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Yahshua, "And who is my neighbour?" To discover that answer read Yahshua's response. Luke 10:30-37

From this we can conclude that everyone we come in contact with is our neighbour in Yahweh and Yahshua's eyes. Lets pursue this concept a little further. Romans 13:10 Love does no wrong to a neighbour; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Since love is the fulfilling of the law, not loving our neighbour would be the breaking of the law. Breaking of the law is identified as sin. 1John 3:4 Whosoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

Notice that those acting in love do no wrong or cause any harm to their neighbour.

We are also told to be truthful to our neighbour. Ephesians 4:25 Therefore, putting away falsehood, let every one speak the truth with his neighbour, for we are members one of another. Kakia and Poneria are doing wrong to neighbour. Hupokrisis is being deceitful to neighbour. These things are all identified as leaven which we are told to avoid.

Leaven, when it is added to bread dough, puffs it up to many times its original size. It adds nothing to the dough except air. It makes the bread appear to be something that it isn't. Do a little experiment with a loaf of bread that has been made with yeast. Take a slice and a rolling pin and roll the slice. In doing this you will end up with a flat piece of bread. What you have done is removed the air (leaven) and taken the bread back to its original size. A person who is leavened seems on the surface to be something they are not, just as did the slice of bread.

Lets begin now to fully understand the spiritual danger of being leavened. Leaven is parallel to pride. Sin is the transgression of the law. All deliberate sin comes from pride.

Leaven puffs up. Pride puffs up. The pride I'm referring to is self exalting pride. This kind of pride will not stand. Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace; but with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Yahweh hates pride, not because it hurts Him but because it hurts our fellow man and ultimately ourselves. Proverbs 8:13 The reverence of Yahweh is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.

Just as a small amount of leaven will puff up a very large lump of dough.

1 Corinthians 5:6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? So pride left unchecked will exalt us to a position higher than Yahweh. It is a position that we don't deserve and is unattainable except in our minds. In this self exalted position is where sin is born. As stated before, all deliberate sin comes from self exalting pride. Just how does this take place? Yahweh gave the law, including the ten commandments, as instruction on how one is to live a righteous life pleasing to Him. When we disobey this instruction we sin. In doing this, we exalt ourselves to a position higher than His. We have by our actions or attitude overruled what He has said. We have now placed ourselves in the position of law maker. What we decide takes precedence over what Yahweh has commanded. James 4:11 Do not speak evil against one another, brethren. He that speaks evil against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.

Lets become fully aware of how easily one could exalt ones self to such a position.

Someone insults you. You are angry and you instantly lash back. Why are you angry? Because the one who insulted you thinks less of you than you do of yourself. When you lash back you do so from pride. Because of this pride you have lashed back in vengeance. You have now taken a position that Yahweh says is His. Romans 12:19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of Elohim; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says Yahweh." Proverbs 24:29 Do not say, "I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for what he has done." Yahshua has told us how we should act in such a situation. Luke 6:28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.

I use this example because it is the one most prevalent in our society today. Sometimes this situation can arise without a word spoken. It is shown in road rage, in long lineups at checkout counters, and many other everyday situations. One should never react. Reaction is never preceded with thought. We must delay action so that it never becomes reaction. There is very good advice that can usually turn a potentially bad situation to good. Proverbs 15:18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. We, as followers of Yahweh, must be the ones who are slow to anger and answer softly. We must respond to others as Yahweh and Yahshua respond to us. Remember; Romans 5:10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to Elohim by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. John 3:16 For Elohim so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For Elohim sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

This is not what we deserved but nevertheless it is how Yahweh responded to us, through love, patience, and kindness. Romans 2:4 Or do you presume upon the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience? Do you not know that Elohim’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?

Is Yahshua asking the impossible? Does He require something of us that He would not do Himself? 1 Peter 2:21 For to this you have been called, because Messiah also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin; no guile was found on his lips. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he trusted to him who judges justly. Hebrews 12:3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

Yahshua would never require of us something that He would not do. He set the example and abided by the following principle. 1 Peter 2:19 For one is approved if, mindful of Elohim, he endures pain while suffering unjustly. Yahshua knows exactly what it is like to be insulted and lied about unjustly but He never reacted from pride.

He was even murdered unjustly but still did not lash back. Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth.

He trusted in the word of Yahweh. Proverbs 29:23 A man’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honour. Because of this patience and humility which comes from true agape love He has been exalted by the one who said,” vengeance is mine”. Philippians 2:9 Therefore Elohim has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name.

The time is coming when people will think they are doing service to Yahweh if they kill us. John 16:2 They will put you out of the synagogues; indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to Elohim. When this time comes, will we respond as Yahshua, Stephen, Paul, Peter and the others that were put to death unjustly did? Luke 23:34 And Yahshua said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments. Acts 7:60 And he (Stephen) knelt down and cried with a loud voice, "Master, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Stephen responded in love for his murderers. Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. The minor things that we face today are preparing us for the major things in the future.

The above is one small example of how one could exalt themselves to a position higher than Yahweh, but any time we sin deliberately we are doing the same thing. We are over ruling Yahweh and placing ourselves above Him. This is being puffed up, leavened.

Lets now examine the opposite of pride, which is being leavened. This is humility, or being unleavened. That which is unleavened is genuine. It is what it seems to be. There is nothing artificial. There is nothing hidden. It is in this unleavened state that we are pleasing to Yahweh.

As Yahshua was our example of patience and not railing back at those who treat us unkindly, let Him also be our example of humility and being unleavened. Consider for a moment His position before He became flesh as a tiny human baby. He was at the very throne of Yahweh. He was Elohim. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Elohim, and the Word was Elohim. 2 He was in the beginning with Elohim; He was also the agent that Yahweh used to create all things including mankind.

John 1:3 all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. Colossians 1:15 He is the image of the invisible Elohim, the first-born of all creation; 16 for in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. Hebrews 1:2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.

This great and awesomely powerful being was willing to give that all up to become as we are. Philippians 2:5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Messiah Yahshua, 6 who, though he was in the form of Elohim, did not count equality with Elohim a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a stake.

This indestructible, almighty being who was in the second highest position in the universe and beyond, gave it all up and became less than every person who has ever lived. Don't be shocked. It is true. Matthew 20:28 even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Luke 22:27 For which is the greater, one who sits at table, or one who serves? Is it not the one who sits at table? But I am among you as one who serves. Yahshua took the lowliest of positions among men. Consider for a moment, His position and attitude. He who was the agent of creation Acts 3:15 is impaled on a stake bearing the penalty for the sins of the entire world. He was the greatest servant who ever lived yet he was hated as a criminal.

Isaiah 53:3 He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Matthew 26:67 Then they spat in his face, and struck him; and some slapped him, Matthew 27:39 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads

Matthew 27:44 And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.

Even in all of this He did not rail back. He accepted all the ridicule, insults, and hatred that the people He came to save handed out, and He responded in love. Luke 23:34 And Yahshua said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments. This is genuine, unleavened, love of neighbour. Because of this love He was willing to go to the grave bearing the penalty that we deserved and in His last moments ask our heavenly Father to forgive us.

(Understand this fully. He did not have to go through this degrading scenario. He could have responded as we might. If He wished to take vengeance by lashing back at His captors, they would have been destroyed in a heartbeat. Matthew 26:53 Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? Yahshua knew that the result of such an action would mean the destruction of the world. Yahshua came from love of others more than Himself and He endured what He did from love of others more than Himself)

Because of this humility that He suffered at our hands Yahweh has restored Him to His former glory, John 17:5 and now, Father, glorify thou me in thy own presence with the glory which I had with thee before the world was made. Yahweh answered this prayer of Yahshua because of the humble attitude with which it was said. He had accomplished the job that He came to earth to achieve, the salvation of mankind who He had created and loved dearly even through the hatred and insults. Yahweh has exalted Him as He said he would. Revelation 5:11 Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing!"

This world, including all of us, now bow the head and knee to this one that was seen as a lowly criminal. Philippians 2:9 Therefore Elohim has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Yahshua every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Yahshua Messiah is Sovereign, to the glory of Elohim the Father.

At the beginning of this study we saw that blood sacrifices were to be offered without leaven. Exodus 34:25 "You shall not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leaven; neither shall the sacrifice of the feast of the Passover be left until the morning”. All sacrifices and offerings signified Yahshua and His perfect sacrifice offered to Yahweh on our behalf.

As we have seen, Yahshua was totally unleavened. He was not puffed up by pride but was truly humble. This is the only type of sacrifice that Yahweh will accept. He will accept nothing artificial. Yahweh knows what we are. As Yahshua said, Luke 12:2 Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Hebrews 4:13 And before him no creature is hidden, but all are open and laid bare to the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Hypocrisy, malice and evil intent, those things that puff up, may be hidden from our fellow man but are clearly evident to Yahweh. In this condition we are not acceptable to Yahweh. Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of Elohim, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to Elohim, which is your spiritual worship. Did you notice that we are to be living sacrifices? As sacrifices we are to offer ourselves to Yahweh, as Yahshua did, without leaven. Psalms 51:17 The sacrifice acceptable to Elohim is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O Elohim, thou wilt not despise.

As we approach this very Holy Passover season we must meditate on the great meaning of this festival time. It is a time of self examination to discover the leaven in our lives that will make us unacceptable to Yahweh. As Paul said; 1 Corinthians 5:7 Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Messiah, our paschal lamb, has been sacrificed. As we partake of the bread and cup as the symbols of Yahshua's body and blood, it is a time of recommitment to the covenant that Yahweh has made with us through Yahshua. In this commitment we must come before Yahweh laid bare and present ourselves without leaven. 1 Corinthians 5: 8 Let us, therefore, celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

In this unleavened state we can bow humbly before the loving creator and sustainer of the universe with confidence and say; Psalms 141:2 Let my prayer be counted as incense before thee, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice!

HalleluYah May Yahweh bless your studies. Elder Dave Ganton.