374. MAT 13:33. PARABLE OF THE LEAVEN

Mat_13:33. Parable of the Leaven

"The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened."’97Mat_13:33.

Here we have a cluster of rich and delightful parables, and so beautifully simple, that the most illiterate cannot possibly mistake their meaning. The one under consideration is exceedingly homely and expressive.

I. Let us notice the Meaning of the Figures employed.

Now there is,

1. The leaven.

By which we are to understand the truth of the gospel’97the word of life. Like leaven, it is,

(1) Insignificant in appearance, yet,

(2) Powerful in its influence.

2. There is the meal or flour.

Now this refers to the heart. Here is proper material for usefulness, but must be prepared before it can be employed. The heart of man is capable of being laid out for God, and bearing fruit to his glory.

3. Then there is the agent.

"A woman" took this leaven, &c. Jesus employs his ministering servants to be bearers of his blessed truth; as he did his disciples to the multitude, with the loaves and fishes.

4. Then there is the hiding.

It was brought to, and put within the meal; both necessary. We must hear and receive the word into the heart; like Mary, the mother of Jesus, who pondered the things she heard in her heart, &c. Luk_2:19.

II. The Effects described.

1. It leavened the meal.

Imparted its own nature unto it. So gospel truth imparts its own nature to the soul. It is a word of light, and illumines; a word of life, and quickens; a word of peace, and consoles; a word of purity, and sanctifies.

2. It leavened the meal silently and mysteriously.

So the truth of the gospel: it is internal and invisible; none can describe it; we see it by its effects.

3. It leavened the meal progressively.

Gradually, more and more.

4. It leavened the whole.

It is the will of God, even our perfection. We are to go on till we obtain the fulness of the stature, &c.; till all sin is removed, and all is holy and fit for glory.

Application

1. Believers, cherish this divine influence.

2. Sinners, receive the truth in its quickening power.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS