THE FIRST GREAT GROUP OF PARABLES
(Beside the Sea of Galilee)
Subdivision E
PARABLES OF THE MUSTARD SEED AND LEAVEN
MATT. 13:31-35
MARK 4:30-34d
The commentators seems split on the intent of these parables. Jon Courson feels they are a warning for the Church not to become too institutionalized and big. Scofield believes the leaven is a warning not to allow doctrine to be added to, taken away from, or bastardized.
"The use of the word in the N.T. explains its symbolic meaning. It is "malice and wickedness," as contrasted with "sincerity and truth", it is evil doctrine in its three-fold form of Pharisasism, Sadduceeism, Herodianism. The leaven of the Pharisees was externalism in religion. Of the Sadducees, scepticism as to the supernatural and as to the Scriptures. Of the Herodians, worldliness--a Herod party amongst the Jews."-Scofield
Other commentators stand by the thought that these two images (mustard seed and yeast) were positive examples of the nature of the Kingdom.
"Therefore some feel that Jesus had in mind here the dynamic character of yeast. The nature of yeast is such that once the process of leavening begins, it is impossible to stop. Perhaps Jesus was implying that those who profess to belong to the kingdom would grow in numbers and nothing would be able to stop their advance. This idea fits with the nature of yeast and makes sense in the flow of these parables. -BKC
"This it does because it is leaven, and works according to the law of its own essence. It was not leavened in an instant, but by gradual infection; an emblem of the spread of the gospel in the soul. Professors do not become perfect all at once. Religion operates from individual to individual. Where leaven is at work it will be felt. It works amidst seeming improbabilities." -E. Mellor
I think both cases have strengths and hold truths to think through.
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