Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 16:11

"How is it that ye do not perceive that I spake not to you concerning bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." — Matthew 16:11 (ASV)

Because they were men of little faith (v.8; cf. 6:30; 8:26; 14:31), they came to an unimaginative conclusion. Jesus could not have been talking about bread because he had already shown his power to provide all the bread they needed. He had performed two “food” miracles, and there had been basketfuls of leftovers each time.

Jesus’ charge against the disciples ran deep. He had already denounced the Pharisees and Sadducees for their particular “teaching” that demanded manipulative signs and for their unbelief in spite of the bountiful evidence already supplied. Now the disciples are perilously close to the same unbelief in Jesus’ person and miracles. The miracles Jesus performs, unlike the signs the Pharisees demand, do not compel faith; but those with faith will perceive their significance.

Instead of explaining the meaning of his metaphor of the yeast, Jesus repeats it. Great teacher that he is, he is trying to train his disciples to think deeply about the revelation he is giving and is not content to keep on spoon-feeding them.