The Parable of the Leaven
Introduction
In Matthew 13, Jesus gave many parables to help the people
understand the kingdom of heaven. He wanted them to know what His
kingdom would be like when it came on Pentecost so they would be
ready to enter it. In this lesson, we will look at one very short
parable, only one verse long, but filled with meaning—the Parable of
the Leaven in Matthew 13:33.
The Parable
Explained
Matthew 13:33 says, “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.”
Jesus likely saw His mother use leaven in bread making. It was an
everyday example the people would recognize. A piece of fermented
dough from one loaf was kept back to influence the next loaf. When
it was mixed in, it permeated the entire batch, changing it all for
the better.
The Kingdom
as an Influencing Agent
Jesus used this to teach that His kingdom would work in the same
way—quietly, gradually, and powerfully influencing the whole world.
Paul reminded the Corinthians that “a little leaven leavens the
whole lump” (1 Corinthians 5:6). The kingdom works by changing
hearts from the inside, and those changed hearts then influence
others. Christianity was never meant to spread by force or violence
but by the transforming power of God’s word and the influence of
faithful lives.
The Word
Works from Within
God’s word changes us from the inside out. James calls it the
“implanted word” (James 1:21) which saves our souls. It alters our
desires, our attitudes, our will, and our actions. Just as leaven
must be placed inside dough to work, the word of God must be placed
in our hearts. And once inside, it is to affect every part of us—not
just one area of life, but our whole being.
Historical
Influence of the Kingdom
This principle has proven true throughout history. First-century
Christians influenced their world not by revolution but by love,
service, and sacrifice. Over time, practices such as crucifixion,
slavery, and infanticide declined. Women were elevated, benevolent
institutions and hospitals were started, and education was
advanced—all because disciples allowed God’s word to change them,
and then they changed their communities.
Personal
Application
Jesus calls us to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16). Salt makes
things better and light drives out darkness. Each of us has a sphere
of influence—our family, workplace, community. The kingdom grows as
we live transformed lives, showing the love of Christ, speaking
truth, and standing for righteousness. If the world is to become
better, it begins with me becoming better through God’s word.
The Parable of
the Leaven Sermon Outline
Call to
Action
Jesus’ parable teaches that the kingdom of heaven is meant to
influence the world for the better—but it begins with our hearts. If
you have not yet allowed God’s word to transform you, begin today by
obeying the gospel and becoming a new creation in Christ. If you are
already a Christian, let His word continue to work in you so that
your influence makes your family, your community, and your world a
better place.
Key
Takeaways
-
The kingdom
of heaven works quietly and gradually, like leaven (Matthew
13:33).
-
God’s word
must be implanted in the heart to change us (James 1:21).
-
A little
leaven influences the whole lump (1 Corinthians 5:6).
-
History
shows Christianity has elevated human life and society through
influence, not force.
-
Each
believer has a sphere of influence; change in the world begins
with change in us (Matthew 5:13–16).
Scripture
Reference List
-
Matthew
13:33 – Parable of the Leaven
-
1
Corinthians 5:6 – “A little leaven leavens the whole lump”
-
James 1:21 –
The implanted word saves souls
-
Matthew
5:13–16 – Salt and light in the world
-
Romans 6:4 –
New life in Christ through baptism
-
John
13:34–35 – A new commandment: love one another
Prepared by
Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO |
The
church of Christ
