The Parable Of The Leaven

by Micky Galloway

“Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till it was all leavened.” In a previous article James Hicks wrote on the parable of the mustard seed from Matthew 13:31-32. In these two parables, the mustard seed and the leaven, the kingdom is depicted as having remarkable growth, despite very humble beginnings. In both of these, there is no recorded explanation offered by Jesus, but the lessons are similar and remarkable.

What is “leaven”? Today, we more likely use the term “yeast” instead of “leaven.” Leaven is defined as “the remnant of dough from the preceding baking which had fermented and become acid” (Easton's Bible Dictionary). We also learn that “leaven is used metaphorically in the Bible of an influence that can permeate whatever it touches. Leaven is used as a symbol of either good or bad influence” (Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary). “Once inserted into a batch, it continues its process of fermentation until the whole batch has risen” (Hendriksen, New Testament Commentary). 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. 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 fornicating brother in Corinth (I Corinthians 5:1-13). This has led some to conclude that “leaven” in the parable represents something bad, but this is not the case. In context the parable of “leaven” immediately follows the parable of the “mustard seed” suggesting similarities in meaning. Jesus is obviously illustrating the growth of the “kingdom of heaven,” not something evil!

The Meaning Of The Parable. Though there is no explanation of the parable recorded, there are several lessons learned from it. First consider that the leaven was not in the meal by nature, it had to be put there. What Christ brought into the world was a new influence. The preaching of the kingdom of Christ was not a human invention. It was a divine remedy provided to overcome the evil consequence of sin. The forgiveness of sins was not something man could provide for himself.

Secondly, a little leaven is effective to bring about change. Likewise, the introduction of Christ and His kingdom into the world is powerful to bring about a change upon the world. Even in the wicked city of Corinth, the preaching of “Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (I Corinthians 2:2), brought about changed lives. Paul wrote, “Or know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with men, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye were washed, but ye were sanctified, but ye were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God” (I Corinthians 6:9-11). Certainly wherever the gospel is prayerfully and diligently tried, it is successful as “the power of God” (Romans 1:16) to “open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God” (Acts 26:18).

Thirdly, a little leaven works slowly, particle by particle, yet the change is wrought throughout. So the kingdom of God grows through gradual, constant pervasiveness. Paul said to Timothy, “And the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (II Timothy 2:2). This parable illustrates the “invisible” growth of the kingdom. As leaven does its work slowly, with less than noticeable effect, so the spreading influence of the kingdom is often unnoticeable, but real nonetheless!

Fourth, and the last thought expressed in the parable, is that the kingdom’s influence will be complete. The leaven continued to operate on the meal “till it was all leavened.” Isaiah had prophesied concerning the Lord’s kingdom, “And it shall come to pass in the latter days, that the mountain of Jehovah's house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it” (Isaiah 2:2). Daniel also said, “And in the days of those kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall the sovereignty thereof be left to another people; but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever” (Daniel 2:44). 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. “Yea, verily, Their sound went out into all the earth, And their words unto the ends of the world” (Romans 10:18; cf. 16:25-26; Colossians 1:6,23). Of course, not all have obeyed the gospel, yet we still see the leavening influence of the “word of the kingdom.”

Therefore don’t be discouraged. Don’t measure growth solely by visible standards. As Jesus said to the Pharisees, “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: neither shall they say, Lo, here! or, there! for lo, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20-21). 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 “honest and good hearts.”

Do your part. Allow the “leaven of the kingdom” to permeate your own heart and life. Study God’s word. Meditate upon it, and then seek to apply it! By word and deed, share the gospel of the kingdom with others, for we know that our work for Christ regarding His kingdom will not be in vain.