Matthew 13:33 - 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 the whole was leavened.
Introduction
• Review of the previous parable: The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Mt 13:31-32)
• Highlights remarkable growth despite small beginnings.
• Reassures disciples of their significant role and that not all will receive the Word.
I. Understanding Leaven
A. Definition of Leaven - A small portion of fermented dough used to ferment other dough (Holman Bible Dictionary).
1. Continues fermenting until the whole batch has risen (Hendriksen, New Testament Commentary).
B. Symbolism of Leaven in Scripture
1. Sometimes indicates corrupt influence (e.g., Mt 16:5-12, Lk 12:1, 1Co 5:1-13).
? References the leaven of the Pharisees (hypocrisy), and
? The leaven of false doctrine
2. However, in this parable, leaven symbolizes positive growth, aligning with the Parable of the Mustard Seed.
II. The Meaning of the Parable
A. Discuss “eisogesis” vs. “exegesis.”
1. Eisogesis refers to the unspoken or unwritten truth that can be interpreted from a phrase (scripture). Example: If one says the grass is green that also means it is not purple – even though the fact that it is not purple remains unwritten.
2. Exegesis is the exposition of a phrase (scripture) based on what is written only. Example: One would only talk about the grass being green…
3. The eisogesis of this passage is that it could just as easily be referring to the spread of the Gospel and the last day, global outpouring of the Spirit instead of the spread of false doctrine or the arrogant, corrective, presumptive, spirit of the Pharisees.
? I happen to think its Jesus speaking about revival!
B. The Kingdom’s Growth
1. Pervasive Influence
• The Kingdom permeates the world, spreading the reign of God.
• Examples include the gospel's reach and the church's expansion.
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mrk 16:15-16)
2. Invisible Growth
• Like leaven, the Kingdom grows subtly yet powerfully.
• Its effect, though not always visible, is undeniable.
C. The Kingdom’s Complete Influence
1. Every part of the world is impacted by the Kingdom's reach.
2. The gospel spreads universally (Ro 10:17-18, 16:25-26, Col 1:6,23).
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.” (Rom 10:17-18)
“Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. (Rom 16:25-27)
“We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:” (Col 1:3-6)
“If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;” (Col 1:23)
3. Despite resistance, the Word and Christ's reign leaves an indelible mark.
Global Revival Quotes from the Past
1. Charles Spurgeon: "Without the Spirit of God, we can do nothing. We are as ships without wind. We are useless."
2. Dwight L. Moody: "The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to Him."
3. John Wesley: "Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen; such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven on Earth."
4. Leonard Ravenhill: "The only reason we don’t have revival is because we are willing to live without it."
5. A.W. Tozer: "Revival will come when prayer is no longer used as a substitute for obedience."
III. Application of the Parable
A. Do Not Lose Heart
1. Success is not solely visible; measure it spiritually (Lk 17:20-21).
“And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luk 17:20-21)
2. Confidence comes from the assurance that God’s Kingdom will flourish.
B. Be a Leavening Influence
1. Allow the Kingdom's influence to permeate your life.
• Engage deeply with the Word of God.
2. Apply biblical principles in daily living.
• Serve as a positive force for the Kingdom by modeling your faith actively. “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1Ti 4:12)
Conclusion
1. Acknowledge that the Kingdom’s growth and your role in it are significant.
2. Reflect on the type of leaven you represent.
3. Aim to be a positive, Godly influence, avoiding ungodly behaviors.
4. Live the surrendered life and present yourself to be used for God’s glory, embodying the grace and influence of Christ in the world.
