Our paragraph topic is: (Parable of the leaven) Part 2.
The kingdom of heaven is like. Christ has compared it to the good seed planted by the sower. He has compared it to the mustard seed which, when planted, grows to be the tallest herb in the garden. He has compared the kingdom of heaven to leaven, which, when placed with three parts flour, combines to mix with all parts until all is leavened. All speak of growth. Growth of the seed, growth of the mustard seed, growth of the leaven. The kingdom of heaven seeks growth. It seeks to expand. It seeks to become the tallest, highest, greatest thing in the garden, in God's garden.
All parables. All mysteries. All unclear. What do these parables mean? What is Christ telling us about the place that we seek to live out eternity? The disciples listen to the parables. The people listen to the parables. All are bewildered. All do not understand why he speaks of these things in such a manner that does not allow for clear understanding. And it was said, All these
things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables, and without parables he did not speak to them; that what was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled, "I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world."
Since the foundation of the world these things have been. Since the foundation of the world these truths have been. Since the foundation of the world this knowledge has been hidden from the wise and the prudent but only revealed to the little ones. He who has ears let him hear. He seeks knowledge let him know that through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit all things will be revealed. He who desires understanding let him meditate on the things that are spoken of since the foundation of the world and more will be revealed. For it is though the awakening of the spirit and the planting of the seeds of wisdom that one understands. Human knowledge will not open the doors of understanding. Human knowledge will not enlighten one to the message of the kingdom. Through faith in Christ, one begins to know the truths of the Father of all truth.
Christ has given us today a taste of what lies before us. He has given us in these parables a glimpse of the kingdom of heaven. All reveal growth. All parables speak of plantings. We are planted in the world that we live in and so also are the weeds. Do we grow in the spirit? Or do we grow in the earth? Spiritual growth produces fruit. Spiritual growth affects others as does leaven. Spiritual growth increases until it becomes the tallest plant in the garden. And the angels come to dwell in its branches. Do you have the life of Christ within you? Or do you have the life of the world in you? The life of Christ is inclined towards eternal life. The life of the world is inclined towards death. There is no middle ground. Where do you stand? Where are you planted?
