Mt. 13:31-33
Sunday Morning, February 2, 2003

Why Don’t You Grow Up?

Introduction:

When you see a mature Christian, what makes you identify him / her as mature? 

Digging Deeper

I. On the heals of the previous two parables in this chapter (i.e., Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Weeds), it is as though Jesus follows with the Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast exclaiming, “In spite of all these losses, my kingdom will overcome and will be victorious. Though its first beginnings may appear small, it shall . . . like a mighty tree, fill the earth with its branches . . . like potent leaven, it will release its influence throughout the world.”

II. The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast are both representative of the kingdom – God’s ruling or reigning activity in the lives of men. From something very small and seemingly insignificant (“budding” faith) the whole person is impacted and changed in the maturing process. This is a parable of encouragement! 

III. Mustard was valued for both its leaves and its pungent seed. It was thought remarkable because of the smallness of the seed compared to the large size of its mature plant. The force of Jesus’ parable is the extreme contrast between the seed from which mustard plant’s sprout and the impressive size of the full-grown bush. 

IV. Leaven is an ingredient in making bread. It works from within. The word “leaven” appears often in the synoptic gospels and in Paul’s writing, but it is most often used to symbolize an evil influence which spreads like an infection. In each instance, it is used in a literary figure – either as a parable, metaphor, or proverb. 

1. Used in this parable form (parallel passage in Luke 13:21), the hidden but persistent expansion of the kingdom of God is compared to leaven hidden in dough until it permeates the whole. If allowed to penetrate, the Christian message will change everything it touches with revolutionary force – people, social order, economic relations, and the course of history. This is the only place in the New Testament where “leaven” symbolizes a positive influence. 

2. Used as a metaphor in Mk. 8:15 and in Luke 12:1, leaven is an attribute of the Pharisees and of Herod of which the disciples are to beware. In Matt. 16:5-12, Jesus used the concept of leaven in offering a warning against the teaching of the hypocritical Pharisees and Sadducees.

3. In 1 Corinthians 5:6 and Gal. 5:9, Paul uses the words, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” In 1 Corinthians, the proverb symbolizes the notion that the continuing presence of a transgressor in the community renders the community guilty of the transgression. In the Galatians passage, the imagery refers to the influence of false teachers on the congregation. 

Application Points: 

I. The church of God is a corporate support system for helping those who are young in the faith to grow into spiritual maturity in a loving and caring family. Paul instructs us in Ephesians 4:11-16 that leaders in the church are given to the body for the purpose of equipping the saints. This key passage describes leaders as “equippers” - - preparing every member for works of service through a growing knowledge of Jesus Christ. As their maturity grows, so does their service. This is the essence of renewal. 
a. New ministries will constantly be emerging in this type of church environment. Key to this happening is the emphasis on equipping and empowering of the members! A profound sense of unity will also emerge partly as a result of the diversity of the body where members are using their differing gifts and all of this ties together in the one common goal of maturity in Christ (Eph. 4:15). The diversity that exists within our congregation should not threaten our unity, rather it should contribute toward greater unity, fellowship, and ministry. The task of church leaders is to shape the environment - - equipping others for ministry. 

II. Read 1 Peter 2:2 and Hebrews 5:11-6:1. What do these passages say it takes to grow spiritually? What are some reasons why so many Christians remain at the elementary level?

Conclusion:

These parables show the potential impact of God’s ruling and reigning activity in the lives of men / women today. From something very small and seemingly insignificant, such as a mustard seed or a bit of leaven, the whole Christian can be impacted and changed during the maturing process. And yet, it doesn’t happen all at once.