God in Sandals: Transformational Encounters With the Word Made FleshSample

Yeast in Action

Reflect on the parable about yeast. Notice the similarities between this story and the one about the mustard seed.

Jesus told a second parable on the subject of kingdom growth, similar to the mustard seed parable. Even though there are some subtle differences from the previous parable, it is possible that Jesus was giving the same lesson but showing sensitivity to the crowd’s diversity.

The mustard seed would hold more meaning for those who worked the land, mainly men. The parable about yeast, on the other hand, would be easily understood by those whose lives were basically home-based, mostly women.

The use of two similar stories to illustrate the same truth is a good example for anyone called to the ministry of teaching. We should communicate the eternal truths of the Word in a way that is understandable to those we serve.

Using a Siberian peasant as an example would be useless if most of the listeners had no understanding of life in that region. Our illustrations should be taken from the world familiar to our listeners, which will offer ample examples if we look for them.

The parable about yeast illustrates growth in the Kingdom. In the mustard seed parable, Jesus emphasized the final size of the tree, which became larger than any other plant. In this story size is symbolized by the three measures of flour the woman used.

This would be equivalent to ninety pounds, which would produce bread for at least one hundred people! It is clear from the proportions Christ mentioned that He wanted to show the amazing size of the project at its start, which even then would seem quite out of reach.

Just as in the previous parable, there is a hidden element as well as a beginning that shows little promise. Since the yeast is hidden in the dough through the process of being kneaded, the cook at first doesn’t see the results of her labor. Then the dough has to be set aside so that the yeast can work, and eventually, the whole lump will be affected by the process.

This illustration is applicable to all areas of the spiritual life. Our prayers rarely receive an immediate reply. The Word we share with friends seems initially to have no effect. Our efforts to train new disciples appear to be in vain.

But with the passing of time, we begin to see that these works were not fruitless. The Spirit has been working in secret and has enabled our efforts to produce eternal fruit. And so we see how valuable it is for Christian workers to maintain an attitude of patient perseverance. Big changes do not come about overnight. How difficult it is for us to wait when speed has become so vital in our culture!