August 7, 2005

The Kingdom of Heaven is Like

Matthew 13:33

Opening Words: There came a point in Jesus’ ministry when he was no longer welcomed in the synagogues. The leaders of the orthodox faith were now in open opposition against him. The Master found himself leaving the sanctuary of synagogue and using the sanctuary of the seashore. It was in this setting that Jesus really develops his use of parables. It is at the seashore that we find Jesus today. In the thirteenth chapter of Matthew we find seven parables. Six of those seven parables begin with the phrase “the kingdom of heaven is like.” Hence, we find the series title. Each one of these parables answers a basic question about the kingdom of heaven. Today Jesus answers the question, why is the kingdom so hidden? So my question for you today is, if this church would close today, who would miss us?

Our parable is the parable of the yeast. It is not a shocking parable to us. However, to the Jews in Jesus’ day it turned a few heads. In those days yeast had gotten some bad press. It reminded them of their great exodus out of Egypt. Yeast was even removed from their homes during the Passover. Then again, Jesus is not interested in using it as a reminder of the past. The Master uses yeast as symbol of what was to come. Let us hear this single verse together.

Introduction

If this church would close today, who would miss us? Let me ask you that question again. If this church would close today, who would miss us?

I love the story of King Xerxes, who came back to life. He wanted to see all the changes in the world, since his time. His guide took him to Las Vegas to see all the gambling and took him to a show. His guide took him to Kentucky to see all the distillers. He took him to the countless brothers around our world. King Xerxes was not impressed. He said, “We had all these things in my time. Show me something new!” So his guide took him to hospitals and children’s homes. His guide took him to schools and homeless shelters. He took the king to every place where good people were helping strangers in need. The king smiled and said, “This is new! How is this possible? Who is responsible for this kindness?” The guide responded with a simple answer, “The church!”

I tell you that story for one reason. The church exists to change the world for the better. The church exists to be a change agent. We are to use our influences to improve people’s lives. The church does not exist just to be an oasis of optimism. The church does not exist so we can have a retreat from the world’s problems. The church exists to be a change agent. The church does not exist for itself. We are to be difference makers. That is what Jesus is trying to tell us in this one verse parable.

Body

Jesus says in verse 33, “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.” I have never made a loaf of bread but those who have tell me there comes a point when the yeast must be mixed throughout the dough. If the kneading is done correctly, then the yeast will influence all the dough. It raises the dough. The church is meant to be the yeast. We are meant to influence the world and raise our expectations. If you look back on world history then you find the church has influenced our world.

When you look back you will see it. The church has influenced the role of Women in our world. In traditional Jewish society men prayed everyday. They thanked God in their liturgy everyday they were not a Gentile, a slave or a woman. In Greek civilization woman lived in utter seclusion, with nothing to do beyond household tasks. In the non-Christian east still today baby boys are treasured, baby girls are thrown away in the trash. Jesus teaches us that God values all people. The church has influenced the role of women in our world. If you believe that is a good thing then say, “Amen!”

When you look back you will see it. The church has influenced the role of Children in our world. In the immediate background of Christianity, marriage had broken down. It was common for a person to have a different spouse every year. In that environment the lack of consistency at home made it nearly impossible for children to reach their full potential. As a matter of fact children were seen as an inconvenience. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me. Do not hinder them. For to such belongs the kingdom of God.” How big has the church’s influence been on children? Answer yourself these questions, how big of a part of your life are your children or your grandchildren? The church has influenced the role of children in our world. If you believe that is a good thing then say, “Amen!”

When you look back you will see it. The church has influenced the care of The Sick in our world. In Sparta newborn babies were inspected. If the judge ruled the baby sound then he or she could live. If the child was ruled unsound then the child was exposed to death on a mountainside. Did you know the first home for the blind was created by a Christian monk, Thalasius? Did you know the first dispensary was formed by a Christian merchant, Apollonius? Did you know the first hospital was created by a Christian lady, Fabiola? Christianity was the first faith to be interested in the broken things of life! The church has influenced the care of the sick in our world. If you believe that is a good thing then say, “Amen!”

When you look back you will see it. The church has influenced the role of The Aged in our world. Cato, the Roman writer gives advice to anyone caring for a farm. He said, “Look over your livestock and sell anything of surplus, such as oil, wine or grain. Sell worn out oxen or old slaves.” In his day, the old were discarded on the scrape heap of life. Job 12:12 teaches us, “Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” The church works at her best when all ages are represented. The church has influenced the role of aged in our world. If you believe that is a good thing then say, “Amen!”

Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.” The church is not meant to exist in isolation. The church is not meant to exist for itself. The church is meant to be part of the world. The church is meant to influence the world and raise the world’s standards. So let me ask you the question one more time.  If this church would close today, who would miss us?

Doug Anderson is the Executive Director of the Bishop Rueben Job Leadership Center in Mitchell, South Dakota. He says every American church exists because they were once part of the great Christian movement. In those days spreading the Gospel was the passion of the church. Every church was moving out to claim some new territory for Jesus. Those must have been exciting days. The problem is over the past fifty years many mainline Protestant Churches have stopped moving out and started turning in. Those churches have gone from being part of the Christian movement to just another institution.

There is a world of difference between a movement and an institution. Movements are worried about Jesus. Institutions are worried about budgets. Movements are worried about Jesus. Institutions are worried about keeping and maintaining our possessions. Movements worry about Jesus. Institutions worry about rules. Movements go to people with the Good News about Jesus. Institutions do things to bring people to them to continue the club. There is a world of difference between being part of a movement and being part of an institution. Let me give you an example.

One of the most historic churches within the Mahoning Valley was the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She sits on Wick Avenue next to the Butler Art Institute. Seven months ago that church closed. Early next week the Butler will announce the purchase of the old building. Why do you think that once thriving congregation died? I do not believe she died because she was a downtown church. I do not believe she died because she had an aging congregation. She did not die because the people were not committed or the pastor was poor. She did not die because there was a lack of need in that neighborhood. The First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) died for the reason that every church dies. She was no longer part of the Christian movement. She became just one more institution, who became more consumed with herself than the changing world around her. At some point in her history she stopped moving out and started moving in. People don’t join a church to become part of an administrative committee. They join a church to get in touch with Jesus and make some positive contribution to our ailing world.

I hate to see a church close. It saddens me to see a church close but what is sadder is this. I will try to say this gently. The First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will really not be missed because she only existed for herself. That is not good enough. Jesus said we should be like yeast, influencing the world around us. So let me ask you the question one more time.  If this church would close today, who would miss us? Who are we really helping?

Conclusion

The largest church in the world is in South Korea. The Full Gospel Church has seven hundred and fifty thousand members. Her history is an amazing story. For years she had about three hundred members, half of our size. A new pastor came with a new idea. (Preachers always have new ideas!) He took his three hundred members and divided them into groups of ten. He met with those thirty groups of ten and gave them a simple task. He said, “Go out and love someone.” He didn’t care if that someone was young or old, lived in the city or the country, rich or poor. He didn’t care. He didn’t care how they loved those people. They could give them money, time or share some special talent. He did not care. He just said to those thirty groups of ten, “Go out there and love someone.” And do you know what happened? Those people who were loved responded with more love. They went out and loved someone else. That church grew not because the building was nice or the preacher was handsome. That church did not grow because the food was good or they had a new worship service. That church grew because they went out and loved someone.

Who are we really loving in our community? There are a lot of needs in this world. Jesus said we are to be like yeast. We are to raise the standard for our community and the world. Are we out there loving the world or are we just existing for ourselves? If this church would close today, who would miss us?  Can you answer that question before you go to bed tonight? Let us pray.