Matthew Henry Commentary Matthew 13:31-35

"Another parable set he before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: which indeed is less than all seeds; but when it is grown, it is greater than the herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the heaven come and lodge in the branches thereof. Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till it was all leavened. All these things spake Jesus in parables unto the multitudes; and without a parable spake he nothing unto them: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the foundation of the world." — Matthew 13:31-35 (ASV)

The purpose of the parable of the seed sown is to show that the beginnings of the gospel would be small, but its eventual outcome would be a great increase. In this way, the work of grace in the heart—the kingdom of God within us—would be carried on. In the soul where grace truly is, it will grow genuinely; though perhaps at first not discernible, it will eventually come to great strength and usefulness.

The preaching of the gospel works like leaven in the hearts of those who receive it. The leaven works certainly, as does the word, yet gradually. It works silently and unseen (Mark 4:26–29), yet strongly; without noise, for such is the way of the Spirit, but without fail. So it was in the world.

The apostles, by preaching the gospel, hid a handful of leaven in the great mass of mankind. It was made powerful by the Spirit of the Lord of hosts, who works, and no one can hinder. So it is in the heart. When the gospel comes into the soul, it works a thorough change; it spreads into all the powers and faculties of the soul and alters the very function of the members of the body (Romans 6:13). From these parables we are taught to expect a gradual progress; therefore, let us ask ourselves: Are we growing in grace? And in holy principles and habits?