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PART II: THE PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM
CHAPTER 5
THE YEAST
Introduction
The Parable of the Yeast is found in Matthew 13:33 and
Luke 13:20-21. This short parable is sometimes called the
Parable of the Leaven.
The Story
He [Jesus] 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." (Matthew 13:33, New
International Version).
Again he asked, "What shall I
compare the kingdom of God to? It is like
yeast that a woman took and mixed into a
large amount of flour until it worked all
through the dough." (Luke 13:20-21, New
International Version).
Again, Jesus took a familiar phenomenon of everyday life
and taught a spiritual truth. A woman was making bread.
She took some yeast and kneaded it into three SATAS (about
1/2 bushel or 22 liters) of flour. The yeast grew until it
permeated the mixture.
The Interpretation
Bakers' yeast is a microscopic one-celled plant that is
nearly colorless. It has no chlorophyll and it is classified
as a fungus. It is dependent on green plant starch or sugar
for food. It reproduces by developing a bud, which separates
and grows into another yeast cell. Yeast produces two
enzymes, invertase and zymase, which help to convert starch
to sugar, and sugar to alcohol, carbon dioxide and energy.
This process is called fermentation. Breadmakers add yeast
(and sometimes sugar) to dough and place the dough in a
warm place. The carbon dioxide that is produced forms
bubbles in the dough and causes the dough to rise. Baking
causes the gas to expand even more, and most of the alcohol
is driven off.
The yeast at first represents the Word of God, which
becomes believers (the Word incarnate). The woman represents
Christ.
The flour is the world population. As yeast spreads
throughout dough, so the kingdom of God spreads throughout
the world. By interpreting this parable in scriptural
context, the whole world will not be saved, although society
will be affected positively. This parable does not teach
universal salvation even though the salvation of everyone is
a noble thought.
Central Truth
AS THE HOLY SPIRIT ANOINTS THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST,
MANY WILL BE CONVERTED,
AND THEIR NEW CHRISTLIKE NATURE
WILL INFLUENCE THE WORLD.
Conclusion
Let us constantly sow the Word of God, which will
penetrate the hearts of people who receive the Truth. Their
Christlike lives, in turn, will permeate and influence
society.
END