Matthew 13:33

“The kingdom of heaven is like yeast.”

“Still another parable,” Matthew wrote. This one is especially challenging for me because I am not absolutely sure that I apprehend the core truth Jesus wants to bring out. That is the difficulty with parables – but also the beauty of parables – they lend themselves to many interpretations. For example, in this parable it seems to me that Jesus is likening his word, the Word of God, to leaven.  That in itself is a thought to touch many chords in our lives. We love bread, even come to rely on it, but seldom do we imagine what it would be like to have no leaven – no bread. So it is essential for life.

Also, the Word of God transforms what it is put into. Is this not the miracle of conversion and the work of the Holy Spirit that we who are believers in Jesus know very well?  I think so.

But someone else, upon hearing the parable might well ask, “Who is the bread maker?” “What is the purpose of the leavened bread?”  “Who protects the all important yeast supply?” Such questions seem to beg the answers. Rightly so. It reminds us that we need to have a more complete narration to fully interpret a parable. This is the beauty of parabolic teaching, it goes on and on and on. There is a main point, often with a half dozen or more other points, other truths that will benefit us.

I take away the truth that if there is no Gospel, it is like life without bread.  My spiritual live depends entirely on the Bread from Heaven, Jesus himself, and all he is and does.