Gospel Reflections #110: Little Expressions of Joy, Peace, and Hope: an Explosion of the Gospel

Matthew 13:33 “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”

This is one of two parables in Matthew 13 in which Jesus contrasts the kingdom of God starting small and growing so phenomenally that it is obvious to all. The bread seed (experience with God and the Gospel) is invisible, but when it is mixed with the flour, it expands greatly.

Our seemingly insignificant works (works are the daily experience with God and the Gospel: joy, fun, hope, and peace) can lead to God's miracles. We tend to think that we don't have the power or ability to participate in God's work (this participation is not about us earning God's approval or favor but an expression of the wonderful expression of experiencing Jesus), but if you remember each thing God has done for you, joy and gratitude will come to the surface.

By honestly expressing them (joy, fun, hope, and peace), we can be a part of God's work. The initial work of the gospel may be so small that no one notices it. But God will not miss a small light that is connected to Him, regardless of its size.

By sharing that light with others, the light will spread. Our small appreciation, our small joy, our small kindness, our small smile, our small greeting, etc. respond to the small cry of someone seeking God with the Holy Spirit. God can turn something small into something immeasurably greater, and it also leads to something called "eternity.

The breadcrumbs are not good deeds or achievements, but joy, fun, hope, and peace received from God. It is God who makes it swell. All we have to do is rejoice!

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This Gospel Reflections page is written by Masae San, a devoted student of the Bible who passionately embraces the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She shares her daily reflections on the Gospels as a way to reach out to others and spread the message of Jesus. We're sharing her message here so that you too can experience the joy that comes from the Gospel that has filled her heart.