SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 13:33

TITLE/SUBJECT: PARABLE OF THE LEAVEN

PURPOSE: To realize that our influence has a great effect as we allow the Lord to work in us and through us…

 

THE PARABLES OF JESUS:

"PARABLE OF THE LEAVEN"

 

In our previous study we examined "The Parable of the Mustard Seed," Matthew 13:31-32, where the kingdom is depicted as having remarkable growth, despite humble beginnings.

Perhaps the parable was told to reassure Jesus’ disciples… that their involvement in the kingdom would not be in vain… especially after hearing two parables in which we see not all would receive the Word properly and that Satan’s efforts to hinder growth of the kingdom would be noticeable.

Another parable that seems to have the same purpose of reassurance now follows, found in Matthew 13:33, "He told them still another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough." This has become known as "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 spreading of the kingdom of heaven. However there are some differences to be noted. So this parable is certainly worthy of our consideration. Let’s begin, then, by noticing some…

  1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON "LEAVEN"

What is "leaven?" It is a small portion of fermented dough used to ferment other dough (Holman Bible Dictionary). Once inserted into a batch, it continues its process of fermentation until the whole batch has risen. Today, we are more likely to use the term "yeast" instead of "leaven."

There are symbolic uses of "leaven"… In the New Testament leaven is often symbolic of corrupting influence… Jesus warned of "the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadduccees" which included their teaching and hypocrisy (Matthew 16:5-12; Luke 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 unpenitent brother (1 Corinthians 5:1-13).

This has led some to conclude that "leaven" in the parable represents something evil. But there are several reasons why this is not likely true… There is no reason why its use elsewhere must be the same here.

      1. A speaker or writer is certainly free to use a figure any way they wish, even differently in different situations….
      2. To read the sue of the figure as found somewhere 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.

The close proximity of the parable to "The Parable of the Mustard Seed" would suggest similarities in meaning (comparing the two parables in Matthew 13:44-46). Well, if Jesus does not mean to use "leaven" in this context as symbolical of corrupting influence, then what does He mean?
  1. THE MEANING OF THE PARABLE:

The kingdom’s growth will be pervasive… That is, having the quality to permeate, - to spread the flow throughout the world! One suggestion is that the loaf represents the world, and the leaven is the kingdom. Thus the reign of heaven (God) will gradually make its influence in the world.

This "reign of heaven" could be manifested:
    1. In the form of the gospel (the "Word" of the kingdom, Matthew 13:19), as it is and proclaimed to all creation
    2. In the form of the Church, which spreads as people accept the gospel
    3. In the influence of the Word and the Church, as their influence is felt in society…

The parable may also illustrate the "invisible" growth of the kingdom…
    1. As leaven does its work with less than noticeable effect
    2. So the spreading influence of the kingdom is often unnoticeable, but real nonetheless!

The kingdom’s influence will be complete… Speaking of the loaf, Jesus said, "till 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 this way was expressed by Paul in Romans 10:17-18; 16:25-26; Colossians 1:6, 23.

Now obviously not all have obeyed the gospel, as we have seen when we studied "the parable of the four soils." For while the "fragrance of Jesus’ knowledge" is diffused in every place… to some it is "an aroma of death" (2 Corinthians 2:14-16): "But thanks be to God, Who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life."

Even so we still see the leavening influence of the Word and Christ’s reign…
    1. In the growth of the Church, and
    2. In the influence of the Word in society (as in our judicial system, charitable organizations, etc.)…
  1. APPLICATION OF THE PARABLE:

Don’t lose heart! Don’t measure the growth or success of the kingdom solely by visible standards. As Jesus said to the Pharisees… "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation; nor will people say, ‘Here it is’ or ‘There it is,’" (Luke 17:20-21a). "Because the kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:21b).

The spread of the kingdom (the rule of God) is taking place wherever the "Word of the kingdom" is being sown, and the fruit will be borne as it falls on "good and noble hearts."

We can remain confident: That what began as a mustard seed will become a great tree… and that what started in one small portion of the loaf will eventually spread through the whole loaf.

We each need to do our part to be a leavening influence… Each us should allow the "leaven of the kingdom" to permeate our own hearts and lives. We first take the Word of God into our own hearts… studying and meditating upon it, - and then seeking to apply it!

We need to allow the Word to produce in our own lives so that each of us can become a leavening influence for the kingdom of God! We do so:
    1. By word, as we share the Gospel of the kingdom with others.
    2. By deed, as we do good works that glorifies God.
    3. For as leaven, we are also "the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world" (Matthew 5:13-16). As such, we are designed to glorify God by our good works and also to influence our world for good as well!

CONCLUSION:

With an understanding of these two parables ("The Mustard Seed" and "The Leaven"), we can take heart in knowing that the work of Christ in regards to His kingdom will not be in vain. It all has a purpose and the principles of the effects of the Gospel continues to permeate throughout the world, - including here in and around each of our individual communities!

In closing this study, let me ask, "What kind of leaven are you?" This parable has been describing "leaven" as a positive force. But remember, "leaven" is also used to illustrate that which is harmful:

  1. The "leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy" Luke 12:1
  2. That which is a corrupting force, and needs to be purged (1 Corinthians 5:6-8).

Will you allow the grace of God to make you to be the kind of "leaven" that can be used for His glory?

View Sign View View My Guestbook

Please note:

You are welcome to share this sermon in your local churches, but I suggest that you personalize it. You do not have permission to publicize it or to make money from it in any form. May God richly bless you as you minister for Him with rich spiritual rewards of seeing many souls saved and sanctified for all eternity! Please let me know whatever helpful results you may get from this!

With Warm Sincerity in Jesus’ Love,

Rev. Don Schink, Pastor-Evangelist

Sonlight Ministries

Tijeras, NM

Email Pastor Don

Pastor Don's Home Page

Pastor Don's Ministry & Evangelism Outreach Page

You are Visitor #

The Christian Counter

Since September 19, 2004

Scripture quoted is from the: New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society