4 Minute Read

Prepare Your Heart

To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply and quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, ask the Lord to speak to you in this time. Let Him know that you will listen and make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.

Read God’s Word

Genesis 41:37-42:38
Matthew 13:18-35

A Verse for Today

Slowly and reflectively read the following verse(s) and listen to what God will say to you through His written Word. Consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.

Matthew 13:33 (CSB): “He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and mixed into fifty pounds of flour until all of it was leavened.'”

Reflecting on God’s Word

The verse I have chosen for today is a very short parable. But it is definitely worthy of our time and reflection.

But before getting to the verse, why did Jesus speak in parables? In Matthew 13:10-17, we learn that parables were used for two primary reasons. First, they enabled those who wanted to listen and reflect on what Jesus said to understand deep spiritual truth. Second, they concealed the truth from those who didn’t want to seriously listen to Jesus and actively reflect on what He said.

So, instead of giving a speech on what the Kingdom of Heaven is like, Jesus used an analogy. He used a parable so that those who would listen and reflect on His words would gain incredible insight into what it means that He had come to set up His Kingdom in its early form. He said it is like yeast that permeates every corner of the dough it is added to.

So, let’s unpack this parable to understand it.

First, the Kingdom of Heaven is simply Jesus’ rule and reign over those who are saved. If you are trusting in Jesus to make you right in God’s eyes, then you are in the Kingdom right now. Jesus is your King, and your task is to submit to Him and obey Him as you enjoy Him.

But how powerful is the message of this Kingdom? Can it survive and even thrive in a world system that fights against it? Jesus’ parable answered that question.

Jesus said that the Kingdom is like yeast that is added to fifty pounds of flour. Given enough time, we know what that yeast will do. It will permeate every corner of that dough.

And that’s the lesson of Jesus’ parable. We shouldn’t doubt the potency of the Gospel. It is the power of God unto salvation to those who believe (Romans 1:16). And, if we share it and comply with the biblical principles found in Scripture, the Gospel cannot help but take over human hearts, one at a time.

What principles might come into play? Well, first, we need to share the Gospel (Romans 10:14-15). Then, we need to live a life of holiness so that our life doesn’t negatively impact our message (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12).

Friend, you and I have been given the good news of the Gospel. We have been called by Jesus to share it with others. Don’t doubt its efficacy. It is like yeast that can permeate the human heart and a community of people one heart at a time. So, share it boldly as the Lord leads you.

Spend Time in Prayer

  • Ask God to help you see the destitution of each human heart apart from Him, and where that person will spend eternity.
  • Ask God to enable you to study His Word so that you rightly understand the Biblical Gospel.
  • Ask God to help you find opportunities to share the greatest news the human heart has ever experienced—that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again to save anyone who will repent (turn from sin and self-rule) and trust in Him.

Going Deeper

If you want to dig a little deeper into the parable of the yeast, consider reading the following GotQuestions article:

“What is the meaning of the Parable of the Leaven?”

Sharing

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Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com)