Matthew 13:36

My wife, Norma Jean, is a wonderful cook. This is not just the opinion of a prejudiced husband, just ask anyone who has been the recipient of her culinary delights.

Among the favorites of our kids, grandkids and college students are her homemade rolls. She uses the receipt from my Mom, and so they are affectionately called “Mattie Rolls.”

I asked her “how much yeast does it take to make a batch?” She said two tablespoons will make 48 rolls. The yeast is mixed into the other ingredients and is unseen, but produces a wonderfully delicious result.

In a similar fashion, Jesus used this metaphor to describe the impact and influence of the Kingdom in this series of parables.

Another parable He spoke to them: “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened” (Matt. 13:36)

Surprisingly, some commentators think Jesus is describing the influence of false doctrine and ungodly living. For instance, Jesus warned, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees” (Matt. 16:6). Plus there’s Paul’s warning about the spread of immorality in Corinth when he said “a little leaven leavens the whole lump” (1 Cor. 5:6).

However, in this text, Jesus is using the metaphor is a positive fashion. Along with the mustard seed, the pearl of great price, and the hidden treasure in a field, the leaven speaks to a special quality of the spiritual Kingdom.

To the casual observer the God’s Kingdom may appear insignificant, inconsequential, and infinitesimal, especially when compared to the mighty kingdoms of the world with their powerful armies and enormous wealth. Yet, God’s Kingdom is different. It is spiritual. It works from within. It seeks to change minds and hearts.

Just as leaven transforms the meal, so does kingdom principles and rule transform one’s life. In 1 Cor. 6:9-10, Paul lists some of the most disgusting and depicting sinners you could imagine. Fornicators. Adulterers. Idolaters. Homosexuals. Sodomites. Drunkards. Swindlers. Extortioners. Those guilty of such sins composed the Corinthian church. But something wonderful had occurred in their lives. Their sins were washed away. They had been justified by God’s grace and gospel. They were no longer lost sinners, but sanctified saints, enjoying Kingdom blessings and benefits.

Most all preachers, and many of our readers have witnessed such a transformation. Some of you have personally experienced such a dramatic change.

The incredible growth and spread of first century Christianity speaks to this wonderfully leavening influence as the apostles and preachers went throughout the Roman Empire preaching “things pertaining to the kingdom of God” (Ax. 1:8; 8:12; 19:8; 20:25; 28:23).

The restoration period of 19th century America records the leavening power of Kingdom preaching as thousands of men and women responded to the gospel and churches were established throughout the land. Similarly, we have witnessed such growth in African countries and the Philippines.

But more personally, what a joy it is to see this spiritual leaven at work in the heart of husband or wife, a father or mother, or a son or daugher, who turns away from the lure of the world and the enticements and entanglements of Satan to follow Christ.

Often, we hear of someone converted to Christ, whose influence leads many others to the Lord as well as serving as an inspiration and motivation to those who are already Christians. While in Canada, we learned of a man named Blake in Kingston, Ontario, who obeyed the gospel 2 ½ years ago. Since then 23 people have been baptized into Christ, many as a direct result of his influence. Ah, the power of Kingdom leaven.

This little verse reminds us not to despise the day of small beginnings. Not to overlook the seemingly insignificant and irrelevant. Not to discount the difference one person can make. And to realize that from small beginnings, great things can be accomplished.

Just a little leaven, can make a big difference. Just ask anyone who’s ever eaten a “Mattie Roll.” Or better yet, ask a “Corinthian” who’s been cleansed of their sins.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman