The Parables of Jesus

The Parable of the Leaven Bread

Matthew 13:33 ^{Amplified Bible}

 

“(Jesus) told them another parable, ‘The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and worked into three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.’”

 

                  “The parable of the mustard seed shows evil in the external character of the kingdom; this parable shows the inward corruption that would take place.” ^[1] It’s the first time the word ‘leaven’ is used in the New Testament. Leaven was a symbol of impurity and corruption to the Jews and so this is why Jesus used this word. It is specifically referring to the corrupt, hypocritical teachings of the religious leaders of that day, namely, the Pharisees and the Sadducees. 

                  The word leaven* is first mentioned in scripture in Exodus 12:15. During the Passover celebration the people were to rid their household of all leaven, which was representative of sin. If anyone disobeyed and ate leavened bread during this 7 day celebration they would be cut off and excluded from God’s atonement for Israel. 

                  The Lord mentioned leaven in a negative light in three of the gospels. In Luke 12:1, Matt 16:11, and Mark 8:15, Jesus used the word leaven to symbolize the sinful teachings of the religious leaders and how they infiltrated the people’s walk with God. It should be pointed out that verses like Matthew 13:33 and Luke 13:21 have been said to mean not only the foul teachings of the religious leaders of their day, but also in a positive light using leaven’s ability to spread thru a mass of dough many times its own size to illustrate the spread of the gospel and God’s kingdom. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In his name & for his glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

*Leaven = yeast. They are one in the same and both words are used depending on which translation you are using.

^[1] Life Application Study Bible footnote.

 

Luke 12:1 - “Meanwhile, the crowds grew until thousands were milling about and stepping on each other. Jesus turned first to his disciples and warned them, ‘Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees—their hypocrisy.’”

Matthew 16:11 - “Why can’t you understand that I’m not talking about bread? So again I say, ‘Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’”

Mark 8:15 - “As they were crossing the lake, Jesus warned them, ‘Watch out! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod.’”

Luke 13:21 - “It is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.”