Journal: Pneumatikos
Volume: PNEUMATIKOS 15:2 (Fall 2024)
Article: The Parables Of The Mustard Seed And Leaven
Author: Paul Miles

Pneumatikos 15:2 (Fall 2024) p. 51

The Parables Of The Mustard Seed And Leaven

Paul Miles

Grace Abroad Ministries
International Society for Biblical Hermeneutics
Chafer Theological Seminary
Kraków, Poland

Keywords: dispensationalism, kingdom postponement, parable of the mustard seed, parable of the leaven, premillennialism, parables, eschatology, Matthew 13, Ezekiel 17, Ezekiel 31, Daniel 4

Abstract: The parables of the mustard seed and leaven describe the interim period that resulted from Christ’s withdrawal of His kingdom offer. In the parable of the mustard seed, a mustard seed is planted (to represent the kingdom offer) but a different plant grows instead (representing the Satanic world system) which benefits the birds in the branches (representing the demonic realm). In the parable of the leaven, a woman (representing Satan) sneaks leaven (representing evil) into a large but finite amount of meal (representing the world) until it is entirely permeated by the rotting influence of leaven (representing the Satanic influence in the entire world). Support for this interpretation of the parable of the mustard seed may be found in allusions to birds in Ezekiel and Daniel as well as an ancient horticultural idiom that uses γίνομαι to describe the growth of weeds. Support for this interpretation of the parable of the leaven may be found in a study of the object referenced in the term “the kingdom of heaven is like” as well as the nature of the leaven and the woman.

Pneumatikos 15:2 (Fall 2024) p. 51

Introduction

Several interpreters have used the parables of the mustard seed and the leaven as proof texts for replacement theology. Such interpretations suggest that the numerous biblical texts promising a literal, future, and earthly Messianic kingdom are redefined by brief parabolic sayings. The eclectic hermeneutical approaches that justify such interpretations of these parables will ultimately drive the interpreter to see God replacing His promised literal Messianic kingdom on earth with a spirit kingdom that is being realized through some current experience. The problems with replacement theology are legion and more often than not resolved easily through the consistent and exclusive application of literal-grammatical-historical hermeneutics, which results in the school of thought known as dispensationalism.

What then is a dispensational approach to the parables of the mustard seed and leaven? Contextually, Jesus delivers these parables after a severe r...