2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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LEAVEN IN THE DOUGH: ITS MEANING
MONDAY, APRIL 13
Matthew 13:33-35
Memory verse: Matthew 13:33
“…The kingdom of heaven
is like unto leaven,
which a woman took…”
LEAVEN IN THE DOUGH: ITS MEANING
Leaven is yeast. It is microscopic in size. A tiny amount is used with the dough. Once the yeast is kneaded into the dough, it will impact the whole dough. Leaven is used figuratively in many parts of the Bible to refer to something bad, usually sin. Thus, the Feast of Unleavened Bread was ordained by God to be observed annually, reminding Israel of the importance of repentance and removal of sin from their lives. But for the first time in the Bible, leaven is used in this parable figuratively to teach the invisible impact of the Gospel in a sinner’s life like yeast working invisibly within the dough.
In this Parable of the Leaven, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a woman who took leaven and hid it in three measures of meal (i.e. 50 pounds or 23 kg of dough). She kneaded the large dough until the whole was leavened.
Unlike the Parable of the Mustard Seed, the impact of the leaven in the dough is invisible to the naked eye. The dough will rise as the yeast feeds on the sugar in the dough, releasing pockets of gas within that are unable to escape. The dough is left to ferment further so that the yeast can keep permeating through the dough. Once it is sufficiently fermented, the dough is placed into the oven for baking. The fire will kill the yeast, stopping it from fermenting further. Once the dough is baked, it is fluffy, soft, and ready for consumption. Once the Gospel begins its work in a believer’s life, it takes time for the believer to grow from infancy to maturity where he can be a holy witness and servant of God in Christ.
The Parable of the Leaven describes the work of the Gospel in the sinner’s heart, for it works within and is not visible immediately. But it becomes visible later as he grows in grace and knowledge of God in Christ.
In contrast, the Parable of the Mustard Seed describes the growth of Christianity worldwide.
THOUGHT: Has the Gospel of Christ permeated every pore of my being?
PRAYER: O God Most High, help me to make sure of my salvation with fear and trembling, for Christ’s sake. Amen.