The answer is: Three

Matt 13:33

In Matthew 13:33, Jesus uses a simple yet profound analogy when He speaks about three measures of flour and how a woman hides leaven within it. That’s no small amount! This wouldn’t be your everyday batch of bread; it’s believed that three measures could yield enough bread to feed over 100 people—a dinner feast classic in biblical times.

Now, what’s fascinating is that leaven, or yeast, symbolizes transformation. Just a small bit of it can permeate through the entire batch, signifying how the Kingdom of Heaven can start small and spread throughout the world. Perhaps you’re wondering more about leaven’s role in Scripture? Traditionally, it’s often seen with a dual edge: while it can symbolize corruption (like during Passover when all leaven is removed), here, Jesus flips that idea and shows it can represent growth, potential, and change.

Additionally, bread is a staple in the Scriptures. Its presence signifies sustenance, community, and divine provision. The act of baking is laced with shared experiences, much like fellowship in communities today.

This parable resonates on multiple levels—personal transformation, community growth, and spiritual renewal. The imagery of a woman doing all of this work suggests resilience and vital roles often missed in broader narratives; a powerful nod to those who transform lives quietly but profoundly. It reminds us that transformation often begins behind the scenes, sending ripples into the lives around us.