SEMESTER 5
178 – The Parables of the Mustard Seed and Leaven.
BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE
COURSE: THEOLOGY V LESSON # 78
ESCHATOLOGY – THE KINGDOM OF GOD – THE PARABLES OF THE MUSTARD SEED AND THE LEAVEN
Read: Mat. 13:31-33
INTRODUCTION:
1. There has been great variation of application of these two kingdom parables.
2. Of course, a parable needs application not interpretation.
3. The great issue is, what does the mustard seed represent, and what does the leaven represent?
4. Some have claimed that since both are likened to elements in, or put into, the Kingdom of God they have to be the same thing.
III: Some think the leaven represents sin, others the church, and others the Gospel.
I. WHAT DO THE MUSTARD SEED AND LEAVEN HAVE IN COMMON
1. They both appear small and to have little significance in self.
2. They are both capable of tremendous, comparative increase.
III: By potato and mustard seed, or wheat and leaven. (Hear on tape.)
3. Both are basically unnoticed by the world at large.
4. Both have very significant effect in their final stage.
II. THE MUSTARD SEED AND ITS MEANING
1. It seems to me, this illustrates the kingdom over all kingdoms, arising out of an apparently small and insignificant seed.
2. This kingdom does not rise out of a great nation, or of “great men.”
i. God did not choose Israel for its greatness.
ii. He did not choose Samuel, or David, or Solomon for greatness.
iii. He did not bring forth the King through human greatness. (Isa. 53:1-3, Jn. 1:46, Micah 5:2)
iv. The King Himself came and walked in humility. (Acts 4:11, Mat. 11:29, Mk. 9:11-13, Lk. 23:11)
v. His disciples who preached were apparently very small. (Acts 4:13, Acts 5:38, I Cor. 1:27)
3. But the end thereof shall fill the earth, both prophecy and history assure it. Dan. 2:35, Acts 2:41, Rev. 19:11 and following show the end.
4. We dare not despise the day of “small things.” Remember the seed.
III. THE LEAVEN AND ITS MEANING
1. To let the leaven represent good instead of evil, would be to oppose or frustrate Bible pattern.
i. Because all symbolic use of it pointed to sin. (Ex. 13:3, I Cor. 5:6, Gal. 5:9)
ii. It does not contribute substance, but preys on substance.
III: By the difference in what leaven is and what we see it to be.
2. It seems to me that Matthew 16:1-20 identifies this symbol.
i. The false doctrine of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. (Mat. 16:1-12)
ii. As opposed to the faith from God. (Mat. 16:13-20)
3. The Kingdom of God has the mustard seed of God’s revelation, but also the leaven of unbelief and self-religion.
4. So broad is this leavening effect, that the question is asked, will it banish faith? (Lk. 18:7-14)
5. We see the mustard seed of faith with the germ-life of divine revelation, saving that multitude.
6. At the same time we see that polluting, leavening effect of religious garbage.
Conclusion: Which of these have you?