Again he asked, "What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough." (Luke 13:20-21)

Once again, the kingdom of God is practically invisible and mysteriously powerful.

Once again, the kingdom of God requires the woman's active involvement.

The comparison is especially interesting because yeast was often - is often - used as a symbol of human pride. Even in the time of Jesus a good Jewish home would ritually remove all yeast from the house prior to passover.

Yeast bubbles and boils as it leavens the dough. It is also used as a metaphor for fervent zeal, whatever the object.

Pride is a problem. Zeal is a requirement. Distinguishing one from the other can require considerable care.

Above is an ancient Greek terracota sculpture showing four women kneading dough while a flutist plays for them from roughly 500 BC.