This uses the image of leaven to illustrate how the kingdom of God, although small at first, gradually influences and transforms everything it touches.
Explanation of the parable
1. Leaven as a symbol: Leaven, although small in quantity, has an enormous impact on all the dough. It represents the kingdom of God, which begins modestly but gradually influences and transforms everything it touches.
2. Gradual transformation: The shows how the kingdom of God grows and spreads invisibly yet powerfully. Just as leaven makes all the dough rise, the kingdom of God transforms people's hearts and lives in a profound and lasting way.
3. Active role: The woman who mixes the leaven into the flour symbolizes believers who bring the values of the kingdom of God into the world. It is a reminder that every individual has a role to play in the spread and growth of the kingdom.
Matthew includes a note explaining that Jesus always taught in parables to fulfill the prophecy (a reference to Psalms 78.2). Luke does not make this explicit connection with prophecy. This principle of development is relevant both to the disciple and to the Church.
Both passages illustrate the significant impact and growth of the kingdom of God. This phenomenon can be seen in the development of the Church. The Jewish inhabitants of Thessalonica, dissatisfied with the teachings of Paul and Silas, declared: "These people who have turned the world upside down have come here too" (Acts 17.6).