The preaching of the Gospel is like yeast or leaven, working from the inside out. The dough that is kneaded with yeast looks the same as that which has no leavening agent…at least at first. Given the right conditions, the right ingredients, the dough with yeast behaves much differently. It’s a very interesting parable for me since my dad spent many years working as a baker. He taught me the simple rules of making yeast breads and emphasized the importance of temperature, kneading (not too much) and most significantly, proofing.
My people, hear my teaching;
listen to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth with a parable;
I will utter hidden things, things from of old—
things we have heard and known,
things our ancestors have told us.Psalm 78:1-3
Parable of the Yeast: Matthew 13:33-35, Mark 4:33-34