In this short parable about the leaven, Jesus speaks of the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit. When you first read the parable, you don’t even think it could have something to do with the Holy Spirit.

Leaven, or yeast, is used in baking different kinds of bread. When it is added to flour, it starts a fermentation process that makes the dough softer and lighter. In this way it is made more enjoyable to human taste.

Jesus wants to make certain principles of God’s kingdom clear to us through this illustration. The leaven represents a marvelous process in us, which starts very small but then has an astonishing end, as the parable says: “till it was all leavened.” Jesus wants to grow His selfless love in us in place of our egoism.

FROM US TO THE WORLD

In one sense of this parable, Jesus wants to show the influence of the gospel on the world. Even though the gospel started out small, it will permeate the whole world in the end. In another sense, Jesus is showing us how God’s life-changing power works in us through the Holy Spirit. He says in Luke 17:20,21,

“The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” (NIV)

For the people of the first century, the kingdom of God was in their midst through the person of Jesus. Today, the kingdom of God begins in our lives when we receive Jesus as our Savior and Lord. When we remain in Him and He remains in us, then at Jesus’ second coming the visible kingdom will begin for us. Right now, we want to look at the development of the kingdom of God within us by the in-dwelling of Jesus.

He can only live in us through the Holy Spirit.

The changing power works quietly

The “leaven is used to represent the kingdom of heaven. It illustrates the quickening, assimilating power of the grace of God… The change can be made only by the Holy Spirit.” Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, p.96

Here it has to do with an inner power that pervades everything and can completely change us. In this way, God wants to positively change our character through the Holy Spirit.

The Bible tells us that the first era of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in biblical times was sometimes accompanied by audible and visible indications. But character change within us happens quietly — provided that we are filled with the Holy Spirit. And then we suddenly discover that a positive change has taken place in us.

“The leaven hidden in the flour works invisibly to bring the whole mass under its leavening process; so the leaven of truth works secretly, silently, steadily, to transform the soul. The natural inclinations are softened and subdued. New thoughts, new feelings, new motives, are implanted. A new standard of character is set up — the life of Christ. The mind is changed; the faculties are roused to action in new lines. Man is not endowed with new faculties, but the faculties he has are sanctified. The conscience is awakened. We are endowed with traits of character that enable us to do service for God.” Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, p.98,99

Why does God change us so quietly, so imperceptibly until we see the result?

A quiet time is necessary for change just as nature goes through when it revives from winter. Strong plants such as oaks grow very slowly. Does God tests us in this way to see if we really have a desire for the Holy Spirit? Does He test our faith? Yes. And He wants to give us a fruitful life (see John 15:1–8; Galatians 5:22).

QUESTIONS FOR MEDITATION & DEVOTION

1. How does the parable about the leaven impacts your life? What are the main lessons inside this short parable?

2. Why does God work quietly?

3. How do you know God is at work in your life? What is the role of the fruit of the Spirit?