"A Subversive Approach" Matthew 13: 31-35; Exodus 12: 14-20

Sort of an interesting little parable when you study it a bit.  Here's some things to consider about this passage.

1.  In almost all other instances in biblical literature and other ancient literature, leaven has a negative connotation.  It generally exemplifies that which spoils and corrupts.  A NT example can be found in Paul's use of leaven in I Corinthians 5:6.  So what do we make of Jesus connecting leaven with the kingdom?

2.  There were defined roles in the making of bread -- the woman kneaded the bread; children gathering wood; father kindling the fire.  The family image is left out of this parable.

3. Greek word for "hiding" (krypto) is also used in a negative connotation generally referring to hiding something for selfish reasons.  There are no other examples in literature at that time where krypto was used to refer to mixing leaven and bread.

4.  Jesus mentions an absurd amount of flour -- it would have been enough to feed 100 people.

5.  Perhaps Jesus is having some fun as he tell this parable.

6.  By linking it to the mustard seed (if they were paired as Jesus told them, instead of being linked by the person who put the gospel together), it suggests that the point of the parable is how big the kingdom will be relative to the little, inconspicuous start.

7.  I sort of like the idea of leaven as being corrupting. The kingdom is revealed as our worldview and expectations get corrupted.    Anyone have any stories about a little insignificant thing becoming a big thing along the way?

Peace,

Richard