And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” – Mark 8.15
What are the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod? Jesus spoke of two types of leaven to beware. The context of the chapter provides two clues, bread and blindness. Bread is the staple of life. Yet bread is changed by leaven. Blindness describes inability to perceive reality right in front of you. Jesus was out in the wilderness instructing hungry hearts. He then fed them bread. The leaven of these two parties were their teachings and examples on how to pursue life – apart from Jesus.
If Jesus directly warns you of something, is it worth your effort to understand and act on it?