Matthew 13:33–35
33He 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.”
34All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables, and He did not speak to them without a parable. 35This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
“I will open My mouth in parables;
I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world.”
Focused Thinking:
What is leaven (yeast)?
What is leaven illustrating in this parable?
Leaven (yeast) is used as a symbol of evil or uncleanness (Matt16:6); but that isn’t the context here, it is a positive symbol of growth.
- Like the parable of the mustard seed, this parable stresses small beginnings with great growth.
- While the seed grows, however, the yeast permeates and transforms; thus, we see another aspect of the kingdom. Although yeast looks like a minor ingredient, it permeates the whole loaf. Like leaven working its way through the dough, the kingdom message would spread across the entire world.
- Governments rise and fall, businesses rise and fall, but the church is the one organization that finds a way to keeping moving forward regardless of circumstances.
Why did Jesus speak in parables?
He fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet: “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world.”
- The first half of the quoted verse follows the first part of Psalm 78:2.
- The second half (since the creation of the world) seems to be an independent rendition of the end of Psalm 78:2.
- Psalm 78 reviews Israel’s history from the time of slavery in Egypt to David’s reign.
- This psalm was told over and over to each generation so they would not forget God and make the same mistakes as their ancestors.
- The “things hidden” refers to God’s mighty acts in redeeming his people despite their sin and unfaithfulness.
Parables were an essential part of Jesus’ ministry, imparting truth, fulfilling prophecy, and separating the curiosity seekers from the true followers.
Personal Application:
Let’s start small with discipleship.
- Let’s do a pilot group for M28.
- Let’s embrace discipleship curriculums and mobilize leaders to mentor individuals or groups.
- Over time, let’s write discipleship curriculums that follow the “Do, Coach, Teach” model instead of the “Teach, Coach, Do” model.
Scott Brumbelow’s email about 1% is significant as it relates to this email. How can we go from 20 to 21%? How can we start with groups of 12?
- How can we break down discipleship into stages?
- What does basic training look like?
- What does advanced training look like?
- What does leadership develop look like?
Interactive Prayer:
Father, give us the personnel, the leaders, the time and the resources to make this happen. Help us to prioritize our priorities. Help us quit delaying. Help Andy, Bob and me put our heads together and make this happen. Father, give us the ability to run the organization well so we can keep the main things the main things. Father, forgive us for the distractions and excuses. Help us man up and do what needs to be done immediately.
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