He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.” Matthew 13:33 NIV
Every baker understands the importance of yeast in making a good loaf of bread. It’s the key ingredient that strengthens the dough, makes the bread rise and makes great flavor possible. So why would Jesus draw an analogy between bread making and our Christian experience?
First, let’s note that the yeast in the analogy must be mixed in and worked all through the dough. For your life to turn out the way you desire, God must penetrate every part of it! Jesus made this statement shortly after explaining to his disciples the parable of the sower.
“Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path.” Matthew 13:18-19 NIV
Seed that remains on the surface, never penetrating into the soil, is snatched away before it has the chance to grow and produce fruit. Likewise, surface Christianity is of little value. We must allow the kingdom of God to permeate every part of our lives. As we do, God plants the truth of His word in us, watering it and cultivating it so it grows and produces much fruit. Just like a good baker kneads the dough, God will work with us, applying just the right amount of pressure, shaping us and making us into something amazing for His glory.
So what else do we know about yeast that makes this a good analogy?
Yeast is a living organism that thrives in the right temperatures and reproduces very quickly. The kingdom of heaven is alive! Christianity’s not about being religious, it’s about enjoying abundant life with God. As yeast is the essential ingredient in bread, living in relationship with God is the key ingredient in life. A heart warmed by the presence of God thrives and it tends to reproduce very quickly because others are drawn by the peace and the joy they see in a life satisfied in Christ.
Lord, like yeast thoroughly mixed into flour, we want you to penetrate our lives. Knead us until we are growing in our faith and rising up to be the people you are calling us to be!