In just one sentence, Jesus described a powerful truth about the kingdom of God using something as simple as yeast. Found in Matthew 13:33, the Parable of the Yeast may be short, but its meaning runs deep. What did Jesus want us to understand through this everyday ingredient? In this Bible study, we’ll explore the symbolism of yeast in Scripture, uncover the spiritual lessons behind this parable, and discover how it applies to our daily walk with Christ.
There are actually 58 passages related to yeast in Scripture. Jesus used examples of “leaven” (yeast) in His teachings to symbolize an important lesson.
What Did Jesus Say about Yeast?
In Matthew 13:33, Jesus taught this Parable of Yeast: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.”
A small spoonful of yeast can cause bread dough to double in size. Likewise, Jesus’s kingdom would start small and grow much larger; blossoming until the whole world was impacted.
The yeast is seen as a positive symbol of intensive transformation. It’s small beginnings led to extensive growth of the kingdom.
When the word “yeast” is used in the Bible, it can also be symbolic of sin or false teaching. Paul makes this point-
“You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? ‘A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.'” Galatians 5:7,9
The sin of the Jewish Christians was spreading false teachings to other Christians. Like yeast, it will grow and work its way through all it comes in contact with.
Why Is Yeast a Symbol of Sin?
Jesus was speaking to his disciples and said, “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” Luke 12:1
The Pharisees were pretenders. Outwardly, they sounded religious, but inwardly, they had no regard for the spiritual or physical well-being of the people. They were power hungry imposters.
The Yeast of the Pharisees
They were spreading their “yeast” of bad moral influence that contaminated the people’s minds.
Jesus spoke of the yeast of the Sadducee’s in Matthew 16. They were spreading their false doctrines (denying the resurrection, and the immortality of the soul for starters) and could keep many from following Christ.
Sin is Like Yeast
Sin is like yeast in that it is a deceptive, creeping entity that can start small but grow into a bigger issue. How do we deal with our sin problem?
God gives us the answer in the Feast of the Unleavened Bread. It was so important that God made it a seven day Feast.
The Feast of Unleavened Bread
The Feast commemorates the Israelite’s leaving Egypt so quickly in the middle of the night that they didn’t have time to add yeast to their bread. For the entire seven days of the feast, they eat only unleavened bread; remembering God’s deliverance.
They are to begin the festival by thoroughly removing every trace of leaven in their home. Since leaven (yeast) is symbolic of sin, this was a time of reflection and repentance for them and the “removal” of sin from their lives.
Meaning of Unleavened Bread
The Feast of Unleavened Bread symbolizes how we are to live.
For starters, we have to recognize the sin in our lives. That takes introspection.
We are to actively seek out the sin that is creeping into our lives, looking into every nook and cranny of our hearts and sweeping it away.
We are to resist temptation when it strikes, shutting it down quickly before it can become sin. Find whatever prayer or action that works for you to turn from the temptation.
Finally, when we do sin, we are to ask for forgiveness immediately. Spend time with God, remembering all He has done for us.
Related Post∼ Confession of Sin
Final Thoughts
Here’s one of my favorite verses that perfectly describes our dilemma:
“I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. Romans 7:18-20
And it continues in verse 25: “Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is Jesus Christ our Lord.”
We’ll never be perfect, but a healthy respect for the insidious nature of sin can keep us in check. Keep in mind then when we became Christians, we repented of our sins and received the Holy Spirit!
He lives in us and He will help us live righteous lives.
Reflection Questions:
Why do you think Jesus chose such a small and common ingredient to describe something as significant as God’s Kingdom and the sin in our lives?
What role does patience play in both baking with yeast and growing our faith?
Why is it important to be aware of the hidden or subtle ways sin can influence our thoughts and actions?
After reading this parable, how do you feel encouraged or challenged in your spiritual journey?
Blessings!
AnnMarie
All Scripture is taken from the New International Version unless specified otherwise.
Photo Credit: Canva