Rising to the Occasion

 Matthew 13:33-43

“The Parable of the Leaven.”

Think about making bread. You add yeast (leaven) to the flour, spreading it through the dough, making it rise and become a big, beautiful loaf. That's what leaven does – it lifts things up.

But back then, people often considered leaven as a symbol of something bad, sinful. So, when Jesus told this story, it wouldn't have made people feel hopeful about the church growing. Instead, it would have been a bit shocking, like a fork popping “the rising dough” of their expectations. The very thing meant to make the dough rise (the church grow) was also linked to something deflating. Confused yet?

Here was Jesus, suggesting that the kingdom of heaven, the church taking root on earth, would be like this massive batch of dough, thoroughly infused with elements contrary to its pure intention. He wasn't painting a picture of instant perfection, but rather one of pervasive influence, both good and, disturbingly, impure. It was His way of teaching, direct and often challenging. He was focused on His Father's mission.

The "kingdom of heaven," as it existed then and even now, was just a glimpse of a grander design, a plan that would unfold more fully later. These were the seeds of truth Jesus came to sow. Some would embrace them, shaping their lives accordingly. Others would remain resistant, their hearts like soil unwilling to receive.

Later, when the crowds dispersed and the initial excitement faded, the disciples, puzzled, approached Jesus. "Rabbi," they asked, "explain this to us."

And so, Jesus unveiled the deeper meaning. He declared Himself the sower, scattering His Father's Word worldwide. Those who hear and believe become His true family. Those who reject it align themselves with the opposition. It all boils down to a fundamental choice. The adversary, Satan, seeks to corrupt and destroy God's Word. His attempts may hinder the full harvest, but ultimately, there will be a final gathering. Angels will separate the righteous from the unrighteous.

The judged will face a fiery torment, a definitive end to their way. Jesus Himself will oversee this final act. His angels, present from the beginning, will carry out this judgment, a powerful display of victory. These captives will be taken to a place of intense suffering, dominated by a relentless fear of eternal separation from God.

Only the Father will perform the ultimate separation of "wheat and tares" at the end of time. Then, His faithful will shine brightly, like purified gold. "Do you follow Me on this?" Jesus asked. "You’re going to need this insight in the coming days."

But wait. There’s more…  Read about "No Trespassing!"