20 Again he asked, "What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? 21 It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough."
I love what Matthew Henry states about the above verses:
“What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? It will be quite different from what you expect. You expect it will appear great, and will arrive at its perfection all of a sudden; but you are mistaken, it is like a mustard seed, a little thing, is tiny to the eye, and promises but little; yet, when sown it became a tree. Many perhaps were prejudiced against the gospel, because its beginnings were so small. Christ wished to remove this prejudice, by assuring them that though its beginnings were humble, its future would be prosperous; so that many should fly there, to lodge in the branches of it. You expect it will make its way by external means, but it shall work like yeast, silently and intangibly, and without any force or violence. A little leaven leavens the whole lump; so the doctrine of Christ will strangely diffuse its savour into the world of mankind. But you must give it time, and you will find it does wonders. By degrees the whole will be leavened.”
7 Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be. Job 8:7 (NIV)
Consider with me that the work of the gospel often comes on the scene appearing very weak, humble and small in its beginnings. The first breaking out of the gospel is like the sunrise. We see the purple, blue and pink hues beginning to appear in the sky as the sun slowly makes its entrance giving light to the day. Likewise, young converts are as little lambs that must be carried along. Scripture tells us in Isaiah:
11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)
All the while the Good News is growing and entering on the scene. The seed begins to grow as our actions are changed and our knowledge becomes clearer through the power of the Holy Spirit - our love and passion becoming more and more inflamed. Just as the seed of the Gospel begins to grow, the yeast works through the dough both silently and insensibly while all the world cannot hinder its growth or prevent it from communicating its truth or permeating its aroma. Again, Matthew Henry states:
“Thus it was in the world. The apostles, by their preaching, place a handful of yeast in the great mass of mankind, and it had a strange effect; it put the world into ferment, and in a sense turned it upside down.”
46 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.' " Acts 13:46-47 (NIV)
The Gospel was effective, not because of the people bringing it but because of the power of the Holy Spirit indwelling them. For we are told in Scripture:
13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13 (NIV)
Wisely, Gamaliel, a Pharisee and honored teacher of the law of that day states the following about the apostle’s actions:
35 Then he addressed them: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." Acts 5:35-39 (NIV)
When the Gospel is in the heart, it works a change. It begins to permeate all the faculties of the soul conforming us into the image of Jesus - winsome, wooing, loving and irresistible. It is thus effective not by outward force but by the inner force of the Holy Spirit which no one can hinder.
10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. Isaiah 46:10 (NIV)