The Parable of the Leaven, as spoken by Jesus to the multitude, illustrates a profound truth about the kingdom of heaven. He declared, "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened." This imagery draws from a recognizable element in the history of His audience, referencing the three measures of meal first seen in Genesis when Abraham fellowshipped with God. However, Jesus introduces a subversive element, showing that over time, the fellowship between God and the expanding house of Abraham degenerated, becoming entirely leavened. This parable points to a covenantal relationship that had become thoroughly corrupted, as Israel adopted pagan beliefs from surrounding nations, blending them into her relationship with God. The Judaism Jesus encountered was a mix of some Scripture with corrupting influences from the Babylonian captivity, Hellenism, and hardened traditions, resulting in a kingdom marked by false beliefs rather than overt idolatry. Thus, when He came to His own, the descendants of Abraham, they did not receive Him, reflecting a covenantal bond that had been wholly compromised.

In Matthew 13:33 and Luke 13:20-21, Jesus Christ presents the Parable of the Leaven, forewarning of internal doctrinal distortions within God's church. This parable, one of the first four in Matthew 13, reveals the future progress of the church, specifically how God's doctrines are corrupted. It consists of three interlocking parts: the leaven, the woman, and the meal. Leaven, as depicted in the parable, symbolizes corruption and evil, consistent with its representation throughout the Bible. Jesus Christ uses it to signify false doctrines, akin to the corrupt teachings of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herod, which prioritize human traditions over God's Word. The leaven is hidden in the meal, illustrating how satan subtly undermines the truth, spreading disintegration and corruption through hypocritical formality, skepticism, greed, pride, and worldly desires. The woman in the parable represents a system of beliefs and practices that influence others, acting contrary to God. She surreptitiously hides the leaven of false doctrine in the meal, encrypting corrupting ideas into the church. Her actions mark her as an opponent of Christ, infusing His church with destructive beliefs. The three measures of meal signify a substantial amount, recognized by Jesus' audience as the grain offering, which was never to contain leaven. This meal represents love, service, and loyalty to others, especially within the church, mirroring the second great commandment to love our fellow human beings. Jesus warns that false doctrines, stealthily introduced, would erode these relationships, fostering insensitive, self-centered attitudes that spread through the church like leaven in dough, until all is leavened.