The parable of the mustard seed and the leaven in Matthew 13, are both referring to spiritual growth in either an individual or a newly founded church community. The seed of faith in, truth about, and submission to Yeshua is at first small. However, over time it grows to dominate the heart of the individual or community.
The Mustard Seed
31He presented another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; 32and this is smaller than all other seeds, but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that THE BIRDS OF THE AIR come and NEST IN ITS BRANCHES.”
The Leaven
33He 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.”
34All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables, and He did not speak to them without a parable.
35This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
“I WILL OPEN MY MOUTH IN PARABLES;
I WILL UTTER THINGS HIDDEN SINCE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD.”
The large tree would affect dramatically the environment around it. Likewise, leaven affects the whole loaf despite being a small part. So too our relationship with Christ will mature and grow to dominate all aspects of our lives if it is sincere and we pursue it as we should. It is not simply affecting “what we do on days of worship once a week”.
The leaven provides interesting perspective on how the growth takes place. Largely, it is gradual and secret. It takes time. It does not simply announce itself, but gradually grows to affect the entire loaf. Similarly, the tree from day to day does not appear to grow, but as you see it over time it is actually growing significantly.
Prayerfully reflect on these parables and how they apply in your life. Have you fully submitted to Yeshua? Is your relationship with Him dominating your whole life in all aspects? or have you simply carved out a space or time that He can be a focus and then blocked off the rest of your time to continue living as you would without Him?
Remember that even when you get on the right track in relationship with Christ, at times your growth may seem slow day to day. Do not be discouraged. Keep pursuing Him and building relationship with Him, just as you would over many years with a spouse or a good lifelong friend. It takes time. You are never “done”.
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