02.40. The Gospel Leaven

40. THE GOSPEL LEAVEN. The power of leaven is irresistible. However small the quantity placed in meal it overcomes by its fermentation all opposition, and assimilates the entire mass to its own likeness. Jesus makes this beautiful figure illustrative of the irresistible influence of his Gospel in the human heart, in the moral world.

"Another parable spoke he unto them: The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened" (Matthew 13:33). "And again he said, whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened" (Luke 13:20-21). The Gospel leaven must prevail universally; it will ferment until "the whole is leavened."