Yeast

Scripture: Matthew 13:24-43 Click here for the reading

Observation: Jesus uses parables to help make the intangible idea of the kingdom of God become more tangible.  One of these small examples is of yeast.  He says that the kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman used to make bread.  A little yeast is placed in the dough and makes it rise.  Without yeast the dough is flat.  Jesus' point is that even small things like yeast can make a big difference.  Interesting to note that yeast is often used in negative ways especially as Jesus used it to talk about the pharisees restrictive laws having a contagious factor on something good.  Here, Jesus uses yeast as a good thing.


Application:  As a home brewer, yeast is an important part of making beer.  Without it, beer would just be wort (undrinkable). Yeast makes things happen. It stirs up the rest of the recipe.  Part of our faith fermentation (brewing beer and bible study) this past weekend focused on this teaching from Jesus.  Amazing to discover the applications of Jesus' parable.  So many thoughts about how little things in life (yeast) like smiling, opening doors for people, giving of themselves, tackling difficult tasks for others, etc. were so important to living out the gospel.  I think sometimes we hear those words "the kingdom of God" and shreak because it feels impossible to see and to live into.  Yeast has a way of helping invigorate the rest of recipes much like the kingdom of God can invigorate the rest of our life.


Prayer: Lord we thank you for small things that make a BIG difference.  We pray your kingdom come so that others may see, hear, feel your presence and tangible aspects of your kingdom in the world around us.