Parable of the Yeast Life Lessons for Today

The Parable of the Yeast is very short but impactful. In Luke 13:20-21, it says: Again he asked, “What shall I compare the kingdom of God to?  It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds^[a] of flour until it worked all through the dough.”

What is the main point of the Parable of the Yeast?

The main point of the Parable of the Yeast is that just as a small amount of yeast mixed into flour causes the dough to rise gradually and unnoticed until a fluffy mound is formed, is the way the Spirit of God works within us. He slowly seeps into every level of our being, growing and spreading without being noticed, until we are changed at our core into children of God.

The Parable of the Yeast Reflection and Life Lessons

1. Something tiny becomes large and mighty

Our faith and our commitment as Christians usually don’t happen like a lightning strike. More often, it begins with a tiny speck that we probably wouldn’t even notice, like reading a Bible verse, a prayer cried out in pain, or a kindness shown by a stranger. These little pieces seep into our being and change us over time until we finally realize God’s Spirit has taken hold of us and changed our very being.

2. We don’t notice the growth until – BOOM!

The way yeast helps dough rise is nearly imperceptible, similar to watching grass grow. When we’re actively working on our growth as Christians, we may not always recognize the growth we’re making until we look backward and see how far we’ve come in our journey. Give yourself the grace to grow slowly and steadily toward strong faith. 

3. Tiny doesn’t mean weak

God’s Word may seem like a small dose that we feed souls, but don’t underestimate the power of His Word. His message works itself into our hearts gradually and silently but has great power and strength to change us completely.

4. Spread yeast into the world 

The Apostles were the first people who Jesus commissioned to spread His message of repentance and salvation into the world. So, too, we are called to spread this yeast into our own circle of influence today. In each tiny way that we sprinkle the Good News to our family, neighbors, and community, we bring about a gradual, unstoppable change for God’s Kingdom. Don’t underestimate simple acts.

5. The Gospel is unstoppable

When we read and reflect on God’s Word, it changes us thoroughly. Just as there is no way to remove the yeast once it has been mixed into the dough, once we have received God in our hearts, He becomes a part of our existence that cannot be undone. Our growth as Christians has no bounds and it is not something anyone can take away from us or dampen. Our greatest growth will come when we seek Him with all our hearts.

6. Spiritual growth is a gradual process 

Humans are impatient. We want change and we want it now! As we walk through our Christian journey, the most important aspect is not how quickly we’re moving, but that we’re moving in the right direction. We should always be seeking a deeper relationship with God, discerning His will for our lives and following as best we can. Continual small and imperceptible steps will get us where we need to be. Tiny steps, like a few specks of yeast, can lead to great things.

This post may contain affiliate links. This is my full disclosure.

Are you seeking deeper faith, a more meaningful life, or greater inner peace?

Embark on a journey of spiritual growth and self-reflection through the timeless teachings found within the forty parables of Jesus Christ. Grab your ebook, softcover, or LARGE PRINT. Read FREE with Kindle Unlimited! Learn more on Amazon (affiliate link). Read a Sample!

Why is Yeast like the Kingdom of God?

Yeast is like the Kingdom of God because it takes only a small amount of yeast to infiltrate flour and make it rise imperceptibly until it’s completely changed into a plump raised mound of dough. In the same way, a small amount of God’s Spirit within us changes us imperceptibly and gradually until we have become completely changed into the person He intended us to be.

More Parables!

Do you love the parables as much as I do? You may enjoy reading life lessons on these others (listed below), these activities for adults and children, or this list of Parables and Meanings. More parable lessons are underway. See them all HERE!

Do you love journaling? Does writing down your personal reflections help you process your thoughts more fully? Perhaps these Christian writing journals will be helpful as you reflect on the life lessons of the parables.

• 6 Lessons from Mustard Seed Faith
• 4 Parable of the Hidden Treasure Lessons
• 5 Life Lessons from the Parable of the Talents
• 3 Parable of the Lost Sheep Lessons
• The Parable of the Sower explained – which soil are you like?
• 4 Life Lessons from The Parable of the Ten Virgins
• 3 Life Lessons from the Parable of the Rich Fool
• 3 Lessons from the Parable of the Vineyard Workers
• Parable of the Lost Coin Spiritual Lessons
• The Parable of Two Sons – 3 Spiritual Life Lessons
• The Parable of the Weeds – 4 Spiritual Lessons
• The Parable of the Persistent Widow
• Lessons from the Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector
• The Parable of the Pearl Life Lessons
• The Parable of the Great Banquet Lessons
• Parable of the Shrewd Manager Life Lessons
• Parable of the Yeast Life Lessons for Today
• Parable of the Unforgiving Servant Life Lessons
• Parable of the Wedding Feast Life Lessons
• Parable of the Net Life Lessons
• The Parable of the Growing Seed
• The Parable of the Tenants Life Lessons
• Parable of the Fig Tree Life Lessons
• Lazarus and the Rich Man Parable Life Lessons
• Parable of the Good Shepherd Bible Lessons
• Parable of the Wineskins Spiritual Lessons
• Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders Lessons
• Parable of the Faithful Servant Life Lessons
• Parable of the Lamp Life Lessons
• Parable of the Two Debtors Life Lessons
• Parable of the Householder Life Lessons
• Parable of the Friend at Midnight Life Lessons
• Parable of the Master and Servant Life Lessons
• Parable of the Watchful Servants Life Lessons
• Take the Lowest Seat Parable Life Lessons
• The Parable of the Prodigal Son Life Lessons
• 5 Parable of the Good Samaritan Lessons
• The Cost of Being a Disciple Life Lessons

Photo by Skyler Ewing.