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Question: I have kind of a loaded question concerning the kingdom parables of Matthew 13. I don’t know if you are able to follow me on this, but the typical evangelical interpretation of the parable of the “leaven hidden in three measures of meal” starts with “leaven is usually bad in the Bible,” but in this case it is good. This to me is not an acceptable interpretation, but I’m really perplexed as to why so many evangelical leaders, who undoubtedly are aware, at least, of the other interpretation still persist in this.
Response: The fuller context of this parable is found in Matthew 13:33-42, which includes the Lord’s explanation of the “tares and the wheat.” It is instructive that in the parable of the tares and wheat, the Lord has planted “good seed.” We cannot deny that this is good. The enemy, however, has (using the same method) sowed his own seeds. The seed of the Lord permeating the world like leaven is good. Yet the tares (until the harvest) are virtually indistinguishable from the wheat. This is bad. Leaven is a natural development in the process of making good bread and the process is used by both the good and the bad. And it is true that most references to leaven are used as a negative: “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (Gal 5:9, etc.). (continues)
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