“The Kingdom of Heaven 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.” Matt. 13:33
Lord Jesus, personally, I’m glad you didn’t say, “Heaven’s Kingdom is like gluten-free bread.” But regardless of personal bread choices, this parable is so encouraging and very timely. One woman mixes a little yeast (sourdough starter) into enough wheat to yield 40-60 pounds of dough, which would be enough for five dozen loaves of bread, and about 480 hearty-slice sandwiches. This story is awesome on many levels.
This woman was obviously thinking about providing bread for many more people than the members of her own household. Her heart was bigger than her bungalow. Her labors were labors of love. Her confidence was in the permeating, transforming power of the yeast. She didn’t own a bread story. She was yours—the Bread from Heaven—the Bread of Life (John 6:22-29).
You always provide the necessary “yeast,” Jesus, because you are the King of the kingdom—its redemptive presence, greatest treasure, and transforming power. In the coming weeks and months, make this parable more real to us than ever. Help us not be overwhelmed with all the divisiveness, anger, spite, rancor in our world. The present story isn’t the whole story or the last chapter.
As “leaven” of your lovingkindness, use us in our relationships, neighborhoods, and communities. Give us patience. Fill us with hope. We too, like this woman, are yours. So Very Amen.