We read about the parable of the yeast in Mat.13 and Luke 13. A small bit of yeast causes the dough to rise. The yeast represents the kingdom of heaven and the dough is the world. In the parable of the mustard seed ,the kingdom of heaven is represented by something that grows into something large.

The yeast is unnoticeable and is added to the dough. Its work is not visible outside though the result of its impact is made obvious. The kingdom of heaven which operates within us is something which we can not see though the impact is seen by others. The growth of the kingdom of God should influence a large section of humanity.

We like the yeast should permeate through the world and our existence should affect the world in a positive way. On the other hand, we must like the dough allow the yeast ,the kingdom of God to permeate within us.

The tiny lump of yeast transforms a large volume of dough and makes it a delicious food for people. Though the beginning of Christianity appeared very insignificant it grew into a powerful experience that affected the way of many lives. We too must not be discouraged by our feeble efforts to bring about desirable changes in the community. As long as the yeast retains its characteristics, the work will go on. As long as we retain our Christian witness and traits, we will be able to bring about the desirable changes.

Our Christian values must affect every aspect of our existence like the yeast which affects the whole dough. A person’s life of witness can not be viewed in segments. Only when our whole life is lived in obedience to His perfect will, we can bring about changes around us, in our family and in our community. A Sunday Christian can not impact any one.

The yeast changes the dough though it lies hidden. Though God’s plans are concealed from our understanding, He is working all the time. The difficulties we face in the process, may all lead to something good in our life. Sometimes, we may feel that God is silent in our lives. Similarly, though we may not actively do something concrete, our life style itself impacts the society. Our words, silence, acts of commission and omission, actions and reactions like the invisible silent yeast impact others. We as followers of Christ must act like Christ. Our thoughts, words and actions must impact the society and bring about desirable changes around us just like the yeast that transforms the unpalatable and uninteresting dough into tasty and delicious bread. Our life like the yeast can transform the society.

But yeast has other connotations also. It stands for sin and false doctrines. During the Feast of the Unleavened Bread the Israelites were asked to remove the yeast from their houses ( Exodus12:15). No yeast was to be found in their houses. ( Ex.12:19) Here yeast is the symbol for sin which has to be flushed out of our life..

Dr. (Mrs.) Edriana Jeyasingh