Skeptical Of Authority

As any baker can tell you, a small amount of leaven — yeast — goes a long way, working its effect on a much larger mass of dough. For this reason Jews of Jesus’ age saw the fermentation process brought on by leaven as a metaphor for a corrupting influence, something that in excess was in danger of overflowing its container. Jesus warned his disciples to be on guard against the “leaven” of leaders—religious or political—who sought to manipulate the people by exercising authority beyond proper boundaries. Jesus had a healthy skepticism about authority not grounded in humility and respect. And that’s a wise attitude, history teaches us.