The answer is: Three

Matt 13:33

In Matthew 13:33, the parable of the leaven is a small, yet impactful illustration. Here, a woman mixes leaven into three measures of flour—as if she’s transforming nothing into something vibrant. The act of hiding leaven reminds us of the slow yet powerful influence that good ideas, influences, or movements might have over time, even if at first they seem insignificant.

Now, three measures of flour is quite a hefty amount! To give you an idea, that would equal about twenty-one cups! In baking terms, that's plenty for a good number of people—suggesting that the effect of even a small act of goodness or inspiration can be monumental.

This parable paints the broader picture of change. Just as leaven, a humble ingredient, mysteriously expands and transforms dough, so too can the essence of kindness and truth permeate a society, quietly but fully. Interestingly, in Jewish tradition, leaven is often a symbol of sin; however, in this context, it serves to illustrate how a transformative force—here seen as the Kingdom of Heaven—can lead to something beautiful.

Moreover, the number three echoes throughout the Bible as one of significance: think about the Holy Trinity or Jonah spending three days in the belly of the whale. This could all suggest that profound truths can arise from humble beginnings. So, next time you mix your own ingredients, remember how small actions have the potential to yield abundant change!