The Parables of Christ – Leaven
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The Leaven (Mt 13:33)
33* He spoke another parable to them, “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three pecks of flour until it was all leavened.”
In Our previous study we examined “The Parable Of The Mustard Seed” – Mt 13:31-32
Where the kingdom is depicted as having remarkable growth, despite humble beginnings
Perhaps the parable was told by Jesus to reassure His disciples… That their involvement in the kingdom would not be for naught
Another parable that seems to have the same purpose of reassurance is the parable of the leaven.
Immediately we can see similarities to “The Parable Of The Mustard Seed”
Both are quite brief, with no explanations by Jesus recorded, Both appear to be describing the remarkable spread of the kingdom of heaven
But some differences can be noted, so this parable is certainly worthy of careful consideration
First we need some BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON “LEAVEN”
“LEAVEN” in the first century was
1. A small portion of fermented dough used to ferment other dough (Holman Bible Dictionary)
2. Once inserted into a batch, it continues its process of fermentation until the whole batch has risen (Hendriksen, New Testament Commentary)
Today, we more likely use the term “yeast” instead of “leaven”
In the New Testament, “leaven” is often symbolic of corrupting influence
Jesus warned of “the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees”, which included their teaching and hypocrisy – cf. Mt 16:5-12; Lk 12:1
Paul wrote of the danger of how “a little leaven leavens the whole lump”, as he addressed the need to withdraw from the unrepentant brother – 1 Co 5:1-13
This has led some to conclude that “leaven” in the parable represents something evil . There are several reasons why this is not likely true…
To read the use of the figure as found elsewhere into this passage is a form of “eisegesis.”
That is, reading something into the passage not actually there, Though in this case one may not be reading their own preconceived ideas into the passage, as is commonly done , But reading the ideas of another Biblical context into this one is still a form of “eisegesis”
As opposed to “exegesis”, which is to read out of a passage what it actually says or means, and should be the goal of proper Bible study
The last phrase would then suggest that the kingdom is destined to fail!
1) The “leaven” is to eventually fill the whole loaf!
2) If “leaven” represents corrupting influence, how discouraging!
Because of the context, The close proximity of the parable to “The Parable Of The Mustard Seed” would suggest similarities in meaning (cf. the two parables in Mt 13:44-46)
This parable teaches that THE KINGDOM’S GROWTH WILL BE PERVASIVE…
1. That is, having the quality to permeate, to spread or flow throughout the world
2. One suggestion is that the loaf represents the world, and the leaven is the kingdom
3. Therefore the reign of heaven (God) will gradually make its influence felt in the world
4. This “reign of heaven” could be manifested:
a. In the form of the gospel (the “word” of the kingdom, Mt 13:19), as it is was proclaimed to all creation – cf. Mk 16:15-16
b. In the form of the church, which spreads as people accept the gospel
c. In the influence of the Word and the church, as their influence is felt in society
5. This parable may also illustrates the “invisible” growth of the kingdom
a. As leaven does it work with less than noticeable effect
b. So the spreading influence of the kingdom is often unnoticeable, but real nonetheless!
This parable also teaches that THE KINGDOM’S INFLUENCE WILL BE COMPLETE…
Speaking of the loaf, Jesus said “until it was all leavened”
No part of the “loaf” (world) will be untouched by the influence of the kingdom. That the gospel did indeed spread in this way was expressed by Paul in Ro 10:17-18; 16:25-26; Co 1:6,23
Of course, not all have obeyed the gospel – e.g., “The Parable Of The Four Soils”
While the “fragrance of His knowledge” is diffused in every place… ..to some it is “an aroma of death” – cf. 2 Co 2:14-16
Yet, we still see the leavening influence of the Word and Christ’s reign…
a. In the growth of the church
b. In the influence of the Word in society (cf. our judicial system, charitable organizations, etc.)
This parable teaches us not to LOSE HEART…
Don’t measure the growth or success of the kingdom solely by visible standards
As Jesus said to the Pharisees…
a. “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’” – Lk 17:20-21a
b. “For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” – Lk 17:21b
The spread of the kingdom (the rule of God) is taking place wherever the “word of the kingdom” is being sown, and fruit will be borne as it falls on “good and noble hearts”
Christians are to Remain confident:
a. That what began as a mustard seed will become a great tree
b. That what started in one small portion of the loaf will eventually spread through the whole loaf
We must also learn to DO OUR PART TO BE A LEAVENING INFLUENCE…
Allow the “leaven of the kingdom” to permeate your own heart and life
a. Take the Word of God into your own heart
b. Study and meditate upon it, and then seek to apply it!
Allow that Word to produce fruit in your life, so that you become an leavening influence for the kingdom of God!
By word, as you share the gospel of the kingdom with others . By deed, as you do good works that glorify God
For as leaven, we are also “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” - cf. Mt 5:13-16.
(thanks to Mark A. Copeland for adapted notes above)