Joy like yeast

For the full context of this post read Matthew 13:33.

Jesus spoke in parables. His parables were fictitious stories which were used as illustrations. They were object lessons. They were metaphors, and almost like riddles. Some were long, and some were short. Listen to this short parable of Jesus:

33 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).

I love this parable of the Bible because it is quick, it is fast, it is spirited, and it creates a great mind picture for me of a spunky little lady making bread in the kitchen. She’s all over the place and her story leads me down a few rabbit trails.

You’re likely familiar with what yeast looks like. If you're not, stop by the baking aisle of your local grocery store to purchase some. Yeast is very small and only a little bit is needed to make dough rise. I see the yeast in this parable as encouragement for believers to share the Gospel. You might be the only Christian at your place of employment; a little yeast is all that’s needed. One believer can make a difference. You might be the only believer in your family, neighborhood, or work, but you’ve got a job to do! God has placed you in a position where you can make a difference for his kingdom; a little yeast is all that’s needed!

You’re likely familiar with the phrase “it only takes one bad apple to spoil them all.” A rotten attitude spreads quickly and can spoil everyone’s attitude. Likewise, it only takes a little bit of yeast to make the dough rise. One joy filled attitude can bring hope to everyone's attitude. I see the woman with the yeast as a spirited little lady whose attitude for Jesus spread like yeast in dough. I want that same type of attitude which spreads joy to others like yeast in dough.

You’re likely familiar with watching yeast rise in dough. If you’re not, stop by the freezer aisle of your local grocery store to purchase some yeast rolls. It’s the fastest and easiest way to bake fresh bread! The early childhood educator in me loves to watch the yeast rise. It’s like magic! It’s a science experiment! It brings awe and wonder to young children everywhere. When we share Christ with others and allow our attitude of joy to spread to others, God works his magic! It’s not a science experiment! It’s the work of the Holy Spirit. Like yeast changes dough, the Holy Spirit changes lives! He brings awe and wonder.

Like yeast makes dough rise, this parable makes my hope rise! It’s my plan to tell others about Jesus, spread joy, and watch the Holy Spirit work his magic!