Parables
And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given … Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, … But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.
—Matthew 13:10-11, 13-14a, 16-17, NKJV
Immediately following His 40 days of fasting in the wilderness and enduring the temptations of Satan, the Lord Jesus came preaching the advent of the Kingdom of Heaven. He knew His mission and began His ministry without delay. There was no time to waste because His time was limited and there was much work to do. There were no means of rapid travel, internet, phones, radio, television, or social media. The Lord went throughout Israel from town to town preaching, teaching, and demonstrating the Kingdom by signs, wonders, and miracles. (See Matthew 15:24.) At times the Lord used parables in His public teachings and then later explained them to His disciples. He revealed to the disciples that this method of teaching was the fulfillment of a prophecy given by Isaiah. (See Isaiah 6:9-10.)
By using parables, Jesus told stories involving common things and activities in first-century Israel and compared them to the spiritual truths He wanted to convey. However, not everyone who heard the parables understood them. But the “blessed” of the Lord or overcomers were given eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to understand the teachings contained in them.
The Gospels are filled with parables, for example, the thirteenth chapter of Matthew. There is a progression in this chapter that starts with the planting of the seed of the Word of the Kingdom in the hearts of men to reap a harvest. Since agriculture was the mainstay of Jewish life at this time, the Parable of the Sower and the Seed used every day agricultural life to explain the higher principles of the Kingdom. (See Matthew 13:1-23.) This is followed by the intrusion of the enemy’s planting of the tares among the “good seed” planted by God as the enemy also desires a harvest. (See Matthew 13:24-30.) Next, the way the Kingdom of Heaven develops within the inner man is compared to leaven (yeast) that transforms three pecks of flour into leavened bread. (See Matthew 13:33.)
Even as the evil one planted tares with the intent to reap a harvest for the kingdom of darkness, the Lord Jesus warned the disciples of the leaven of the Pharisees. “‘How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread?—but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’ Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matthew 16:11-12, NKJV).
The nature of leaven is to work (multiply) until the whole lump of dough is affected and changed by its labors. We see how both the Kingdom of Heaven and the kingdom of darkness desire to effect change over the triune nature of man—spirit, soul, and body. One fills with Light and the other fills with darkness.
The Kingdom is Like Leaven
He spoke another parable to them, “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three pecks of flour until it was all leavened.”
—Matthew 13:33, NASB
One of the daily chores of a Jewish household in Jesus’ day was to make the daily amount of bread needed for meals. Today, bread continues to be a mealtime staple in most households around the world. However, in our experience, bread is usually purchased from the store and not made in the home so we have lost some of the meaning of this comparison. But the development of the Kingdom within our triune nature is still like the process of the leaven working in the three pecks of flour until the entire lump is leavened. Therefore, it would enhance our understanding of the Kingdom, which is within us, to study the way leaven or baker’s yeast works to change the nature of the flour and water into a loaf of bread.
The Natural Process[1]
Yeast (a leavening agent) is a substance consisting of living organisms which when mixed with a sugar source and warm water causes fermentation which transforms a dense mass of dough (flour mixture) into a well-risen loaf of bread. Today, the most used form of baker’s yeast is active dry yeast which is easy to use and is fast acting. The dormant yeast is activated or awakened by adding warm water; the sugar is added to feed the yeast. Fermentation begins as the activated yeast feeds on the sugar; they emit carbon dioxide and ethanol (alcohol) as a byproduct of digesting the sugar. The leaven will eventually permeate the entire dough mixture as it quickly uses up the sugar source and begins to feed on the flour mixture. The fermentation process also strengthens and develops gluten in the dough and adds to the distinctive and amazing flavors in bread. Kneading (pressing and folding the dough in a squeezing manner with the hands) further develops the gluten in the dough which gives it a smooth and stretchy texture. The strong elastic gluten network which develops within the dough traps the small bubbles of carbon dioxide thereby causing the dough to expand or rise.
The process of making yeast bread involves a series of alternating work and rest periods. Work periods occur when the dough is manipulated by the baker as in mixing (the initial step of combining the ingredients together), kneading, and folding, as well as dividing, and shaping. Work periods are typically followed by rest periods, these occur when the dough is allowed to sit undisturbed in a warm and draft-free environment. The final dough-rising step before baking is called “proofing” where the shaped dough is finally placed in the baking pan and left to rise again. The continued rising activity of the leaven causes the lump of dough to rise again to conform to the shape of the pan giving it the familiar look of a loaf of bread. The “proofed” lump of dough has completed all the stages required by the recipe and is ready to be baked; thereby yielding the final product that was the baker’s original goal.
The Spiritual Process
Although similar to the natural process of leavening a lump of dough, the process of developing the Kingdom of Heaven within us operates on a higher level. The baker is the Holy Spirit Who is tasked with guiding and teaching us how to live in unity with the Lord. (See John 16:5-15.) The three pecks of flour represent our triune being: spirit, soul, and body. (See 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.) The spiritual yeast or leaven is the living “Seed of the Kingdom” that is implanted in the three distinctive parts of our being at the new birth. This living seed, like the living yeast, must be given nourishment and the proper environment for development.
The water (Living Water) is the activating power of the Holy Spirit that activates the “Seed of the Kingdom.” (See John 4:9-14; 7:37-39.) The source of warmth, which is a vital ingredient, is the Fire of God: the eternal-life spark. “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28-29, NKJV).
The sugar or honey is the Word of God upon which the “Seed of the Kingdom” feeds causing growth, producing visible changes and adding flavors: “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8a). (See Psalms 19:7-10; 119:102-103; Ezekiel 3:2-3; Revelation 10:8-10.) The spiritual mixing, kneading and folding are the spiritual work processes which develop and strengthen us as described by the Apostle Paul. “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12-13, NKJV).
The final step of proofing comes as we wait on the Lord in faith, believing for the promises we have been given: “Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing” (James 1:3-4, AMPC). When the proofing stage is complete, we—like the leavened lump of dough—have been conformed to the shape of the vessel in which we reside. It is our destiny to be conformed into the image of the Son. (See Romans 8:28-30.) Like the heat of the oven transforms the dough into a loaf of bread, the fire of His presence completes the transformation of our spirits, souls, and bodies. “And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst” (John 6:35, NKJV).
Spirit, Soul, and Body
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [that is, separate you from profane and vulgar things, make you pure and whole and undamaged—consecrated to Him—set apart for His purpose]; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete and [be found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful and absolutely trustworthy is He who is calling you [to Himself for your salvation], and He will do it [He will fulfill His call by making you holy, guarding you, watching over you, and protecting you as His own].
—1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, AMP
As we discussed in our lessons concerning the Beatitudes and the attributes of the “blessed,” we see that the first and last rewards are the same—the Kingdom of God. Sandwiched between them are all the attributes that come with being in the Kingdom and living out Kingdom principles. The final reward completes the circle and sums up all the rewards for there is no greater reward than the Kingdom of God. The ones saved by His grace and who live by His dictates already possess the Kingdom, but they learn through the process of life and the determined work of the Holy Spirit within them to allow the Kingdom to possess them: a complete transformation.
The Kingdom of God is to saturate us—spirit, soul, and body. It is a triune salvation, culminating in the development of the Kingdom within. This process is progressive, working its way from spirit, to soul, and then to the physical body, removing the consequences of the fall from the children of men who submit to the transformational process by which they become sons of God and the attributes of the “blessed” are formed within them. Nothing was left unaccounted for in the Lord God’s plan of redemption. The Kingdom of Heaven is to be manifested in and through every part of our triune being.
John G. Lake spoke about the triune nature of salvation in a sermon delivered at London, England in 1918. Here is an excerpt from that sermon.
The real Christian is a separated man. He is separated forever unto God in all the departments of his life, and so his body and his soul and his spirit are forever committed to God. … The impression I wish to leave is this: that an hundredfold consecration to God takes the individual forever out of the hands of all but God. This absolute consecration to God, this triune salvation, is the real secret of the successful Christian life.[2]
—John G. Lake, John G. Lake: His Life, His Sermons, His Boldness of Faith
However, there is another kingdom—the kingdom of darkness—that the Lord cautioned His disciples about. It also wants to permeate the triune nature of men. The Lord’s warning about the “leaven of the Pharisees” is as valid today as it was the first time He spoke it to His disciples. “He said to them, ‘Watch yourselves carefully so you don’t get contaminated with Pharisee yeast, Pharisee phoniness. You can’t keep your true self hidden forever; before long you’ll be exposed. You can’t hide behind a religious mask forever; sooner or later the mask will slip and your true face will be known. You can’t whisper one thing in private and preach the opposite in public; the day’s coming when those whispers will be repeated all over town’” (Luke 12:1-3, MSG).
As we advance in our quest toward higher spiritual ground, the Kingdom progressively leavens the whole of our triune being. The Word of God, the power of His Spirit, and the heat of His love-fire (the eternal-life spark) all work together to awaken the living Kingdom seed to begin the transformation into the image of Christ, Himself. This transformation begins at the new birth. The soul (mind, will, and emotions) is renewed as we feast on the Word of God and allow it to transform our minds: activating the Mind of Christ. The prayer instructions of the Lord Jesus confirm that we are to pray for the Kingdom to come and the will of God to be done on earth as it is in Heaven: even in our bodies which are earthen vessels. (See 2 Corinthians 4:7.) The physical body is the object of the final stage of this leavening process whereby every cell is restored as we call on the Kingdom of God to come and His will to be done in our spirits, souls, and bodies as it is in Heaven, bringing glory to the Father through the Son by the power of the Spirit and the Blood. (See Matthew 6:9-13.)
As overcomers, we must be willing to allow the leavening process of the Kingdom of Heaven to advance throughout our triune being by cooperating with the Holy Spirit. Since we have an adversary who desires to steal our seed, kill our fruit and destroy our harvest, we must yield ourselves and not resist the kneading process: the gentle but firm and effective work of the Holy Spirit. (See John 10:10.) We must cherish the times of resting and waiting on Him as patience produces great faith and confidence in His plan for our lives as we advance to higher ground.
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Now it is my privilege to leave you with a blessing.
May the peace of the LORD fill your house & home
May HIS presence surround you wherever you roam
May the gentle rains of HIS mercy & grace
Continually kiss the cheeks of your face.
I bless you in Jesus name.
Thank you.
Scriptural References
Parables
Matthew 13:10-11, 13-14a, 16-17, NKJV; (See Matthew 15:24.); (See Isaiah 6:9-10.); (See Matthew 13:1-23.); (See Matthew 13:24-30.); (See Matthew 13:33.); (Matthew 16:11-12, NKJV).
The Kingdom is Like Leaven
Matthew 13:33, NASB
The Natural Process
Citation:
LivingStrong.com, “LIVESTRONG.COM/Parenting/Children/Child Development/How to Explain to Children How Yeast Works in Baking”. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/218473-how-to-explain-to-children-how-yeast-works-in-baking/>. (Accessed 24 June 2014).
The Spiritual Process
[(See John 16:5-15.); (See 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.)]; (See John 4:9-14; 7:37-39.); Hebrews 12:28-29, NKJV; [Psalm 34:8a; (See Psalms 19:7-10; 119:102-103; Ezekiel 3:2-3; Revelation 10:8-10.)]; Philippians 2:12-13, NKJV; James 1:3-4, AMPC; (See Romans 8:28-30.); John 6:35, NKJV
Spirit, Soul & Body
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, AMP;
Lake , John G., John G. Lake: His Life, His Sermons, His Boldness of Faith. (Kenneth Copeland Publications, 1994). Page 9.
Luke 12:1-3, MSG; [(See 2 Corinthians 4:7.); (See Matthew 6:9-13.); (See John 10:10.)]
Extra Study References
Matthew 4:17; 13:1-52; 18:23-35; 20:1-16; 22:1-14; Mark 4:1-41; Luke 12:32; 13:18-21; 17:20-21
[1] LivingStrong.com, “LIVESTRONG.COM/Parenting/Children/Child Development/How to Explain to Children How Yeast Works in Baking”. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/218473-how-to-explain-to-children-how-yeast-works-in-baking/>. (Accessed 24 June 2014).
[2] Lake , John G., John G. Lake: His Life, His Sermons, His Boldness of Faith. (Kenneth Copeland Publications, 1994). Page 9.