Parable of the Leaven
Matthew 13:33
growthkingdominfluence
Biblical Text
He told them still another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough."
— Matthew 13:33 (NIV)
Context
Jesus shared this parable immediately after the Mustard Seed parable, providing another illustration of how God's kingdom works in hidden but transformative ways.
Theological Interpretation
This parable illustrates how God's kingdom influences and transforms society from within. Like yeast permeating dough, the kingdom's influence spreads gradually but thoroughly, affecting every part of human life and society.
Practical Applications
Hidden Impact
- •Internal change precedes external results
- •Small influences have large effects
- •God works behind the scenes
Transformative Power
- •Kingdom influence changes everything
- •Change happens from inside out
- •Complete transformation is the goal
Patient Process
- •Growth takes time
- •Influence spreads naturally
- •Results come gradually