In the Bible, leaven is often used metaphorically to represent the pervasive and corrupting influence of sin. Jesus Christ Himself warned His disciples to "beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod" (Mark 8:15, NKJV). Understanding this warning requires an examination of what these two types of leaven represent and how they manifest in destructive behaviors and ideologies: lasciviousness and legalism. Furthermore, the concept of unleavened bread, originating from the Passover, symbolizes purity and separation from sin, providing a foundation for understanding New Testament teachings on living a holy life. Historical examples illustrate how these leavens have contributed to the rise and fall of civilizations, contrasted with the enduring influence of the Kingdom of God.
The Leaven of Herod: Lasciviousness
Herod, known for his morally corrupt reign, symbolizes lasciviousness, which is unrestrained indulgence in sensual pleasures. This type of leaven represents a hedonistic lifestyle, characterized by the pursuit of pleasure without regard for moral boundaries. The Herodian dynasty was notorious for its decadence and disregard for God's laws, embodying the essence of fleshly desires and worldly excess.
Lasciviousness, or licentiousness, is condemned throughout Scripture. Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, lists it among the works of the flesh: "Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness (lasciviousness), idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:19-21, NKJV). The leaven of Herod spreads corruption by promoting a life driven by carnal desires, leading to spiritual decay and separation from God.
Historical Example: The Fall of Rome
The Roman Empire's decline is a prime example of how lasciviousness can lead to the fall of a civilization. At its height, Rome was known for its grandeur and influence, but its downfall was marked by moral decay and indulgence. The ruling class engaged in excessive luxury, corruption, and hedonistic lifestyles. Edward Gibbon, in his seminal work The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, argues that the moral decay among Rome's elite was a significant factor in its decline (Gibbon, 1994). The pursuit of pleasure over duty weakened the societal structure, contributing to Rome's eventual fall.
The Leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees: Legalism
In contrast, the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees represents legalism. The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the letter of the Law while often neglecting its spirit. They imposed burdensome regulations and traditions on the people, focusing on outward conformity rather than inward transformation. Jesus criticized them for their hypocrisy, stating, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness" (Matthew 23:27, NKJV).
Legalism, as embodied by the Pharisees and Sadducees, is the belief that righteousness can be achieved through human effort and strict adherence to rules. This mindset fosters a judgmental attitude and a false sense of superiority, leading to religious fanaticism. Legalists emphasize external behavior over the heart's condition, resulting in a form of godliness devoid of true spiritual power: "having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!" (2 Timothy 3:5, NKJV).
Historical Example: The Spanish Inquisition
The Spanish Inquisition exemplifies the destructive power of legalism. Established in the late 15th century, the Inquisition aimed to maintain Catholic orthodoxy in Spain through strict and often brutal enforcement of religious laws. This period was marked by severe persecution, torture, and execution of those deemed heretics. The legalistic approach of the Inquisition stifled intellectual and cultural growth, leading to fear and oppression. The rigid enforcement of religious conformity ultimately led to social and political turmoil, leaving a legacy of suffering and division (Longenecker, 2015).
The Writing on the Wall: Pride and Decadence
The fall of civilizations often comes with clear warnings, much like the "writing on the wall" seen by King Belshazzar of Babylon. In Daniel 5, Belshazzar's pride and indulgence led to a divine judgment where a mysterious hand wrote on the wall, predicting the kingdom's downfall. That very night, Babylon was overthrown by the Medo-Persian Empire (Daniel 5:1-31, NKJV).
Similarly, the last Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, exalted himself as "King of Kings" before being cast down by religious extremists during the Iranian Revolution. Iran provides a striking example of how "barbarians" can emerge from the ranks of revolutionaries embittered by the injustices experienced by the population. When the ruling elite consumes all resources at the expense of everyone else, with no fairness or reset, revolutionary cycles become inevitable. The Iranian Revolution of 1979 saw the overthrow of the Shah, whose regime was marked by corruption, decadence, and a significant disparity between the rich and the poor.
The Shah's extravagant lifestyle and oppressive policies created fertile ground for revolutionary sentiment. The revolution was driven by a coalition of various groups, including religious extremists who capitalized on the population's discontent. The result was the establishment of an Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Khomeini, which brought about a drastic shift in the country's political and social landscape. This change by force was a natural consequence of the perceived decadence and injustice under the Shah's rule. Ironically, Iran exchanged one form of tyranny for another, moving from the lasciviousness of Herod to the legalism of the Pharisees—from liberty to oppression.
The Year of Jubilee: A Divine Reset
The concept of the Year of Jubilee in the Bible provides a divine antidote to the cycles of decadence and revolution. The Jubilee, observed every 50th year, was a time when debts were forgiven, slaves were freed, and ancestral lands were returned to their original owners. This practice ensured that wealth and resources were redistributed, preventing the accumulation of power and wealth in the hands of a few.
The Year of Jubilee was designed to reset the social gameboard, giving everyone a fair shot again. It was a divine provision for maintaining social justice and economic balance, reflecting God's desire for fairness and compassion. This principle stands in stark contrast to the selfish accumulation of resources that often leads to social unrest and revolution. Revolutionary cycles, such as the French Revolution, highlight how decadence and injustice precipitate change by force, overthrowing entrenched systems and resetting the societal structure.
Modern European Society
European society faces its own "barbarians" as it abandons its traditional Christian identity and morality for idols that have precipitated terrorism and cultural subjugation by hordes of people unimpressed with their progressivism and apathy towards beauty, holiness, truth, and virtue. As Europe moves further away from its biblical foundations, it becomes increasingly vulnerable to external threats and internal decay, mirroring the historical patterns of decline seen in past civilizations.
The Antidote: The Leaven of Heaven
While the leaven of Herod and the Pharisees represents corruption and destruction, Jesus offers an antidote through the concept of the "leaven of heaven." In His teachings, Jesus likens the kingdom of God to leaven: "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened" (Matthew 13:33, NKJV). This parable illustrates how the kingdom of God grows quietly and permeates every aspect of life, bringing transformation from within.
The leaven of heaven works in a manner opposite to the corrupting influences of Herod and the Pharisees. Instead of spreading sin and death, it brings life and righteousness. The growth of God's kingdom within us is a mysterious and powerful process, much like the unseen work of leaven in dough. This growth is nurtured by meditating on God's Word, which acts as the seed sown in our spirits, watered and exposed to His light.
The Bible emphasizes the importance of God's Word in spiritual growth and transformation: "The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple" (Psalm 119:130, NKJV). God's Word illuminates our hearts and minds, guiding us in righteousness and truth.
Praying in the Spirit is another essential aspect of this transformative process. Jude 1:20-21 exhorts believers to "build yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life" (NKJV). Praying in the Spirit edifies and strengthens us, enabling the leaven of heaven to work more effectively in our lives.
The Apostle Paul also highlights the work of God in believers: "for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13, NKJV). This divine work assures us that the transformation we experience is not of our own doing but is the result of God's power within us. Additionally, Paul reassures the believers in Philippi: "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6, NKJV).
Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 further emphasizes that spiritual growth and maturity are ultimately the work of God: "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase" (NKJV). The Word of God works effectively in those who believe: "For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe" (1 Thessalonians 2:13, NKJV).
Paul's final commendation to the Ephesian elders underscores the power of God's Word: "So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified" (Acts 20:32, NKJV). This reinforces the idea that God's Word and His grace are central to spiritual growth and the inheritance of eternal life.
Historical Example: The Enduring Impact of Christianity
The enduring impact of Christianity, particularly in Western civilization, illustrates the transformative power of the leaven of heaven. The teachings of Jesus and the spread of the Gospel have profoundly shaped Western culture, law, and ethics. Historian Tom Holland, in his book Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World, argues that many of the values and principles that underpin Western civilization are rooted in Christian teachings. Concepts such as human dignity, equality, and compassion have their origins in the biblical worldview (Holland, 2019).
Christianity's influence can be seen in the abolition of slavery, the establishment of hospitals and educational institutions, and the promotion of social justice. The moral and ethical framework provided by the Bible has permeated Western thought, often unconsciously shaping the way societies function. This enduring legacy stands in stark contrast to the destructive effects of the leaven of Herod and the Pharisees.
Conclusion
In summary, the leaven of Herod represents lasciviousness—a life driven by sensual pleasures and worldly desires—while the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees symbolizes legalism—a strict adherence to religious laws without genuine faith and transformation. Both forms of leaven are corrupting and lead to destructive ends: hedonism and religious fanaticism. However, the leaven of heaven, representing the kingdom of God, brings life, growth, and transformation.
The historical practice of eating unleavened bread during Passover serves as a powerful symbol of purity and separation from sin. This Old Testament practice finds its fulfillment in the New Testament, where believers are called to live holy lives, purging sin from their midst and embracing the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice. As we meditate on God's Word and pray in the Spirit, we allow the leaven of heaven to work within us, building us up and securing our inheritance in God's eternal kingdom. Historical examples illustrate how civilizations have risen and fallen under the influence of corrupting leavens, while the enduring impact of Christianity showcases the transformative power of the leaven of heaven. Jesus' admonition to beware of these leavens serves as a timeless reminder to pursue a faith grounded in grace, truth, and a sincere relationship with God, nurtured by meditating on His Word and praying in the Spirit.
References
The Holy Bible, New King James Version. Thomas Nelson, 1982.
Elwell, Walter A., and Barry J. Beitzel. "Leaven." Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible, Baker Book House, 1988.
Edwards, James R. The Gospel According to Mark. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2002.
Edwards states, "The warning against the 'leaven' of Herod and the Pharisees alerts the disciples to the corrupting influence of both political and religious establishments" (Edwards, 2002, p. 243).
Nolland, John. The Gospel of Matthew: A Commentary on the Greek Text. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2005.
Nolland notes, "Jesus' criticism of the Pharisees' leaven is directed at their hypocritical practice of the law, which burdens others while ignoring the weightier matters of justice, mercy, and faithfulness" (Nolland, 2005, p. 950).
Longenecker, Richard N. Paul, Apostle of Liberty. Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2015.
Longenecker discusses Paul's view on legalism: "Paul saw legalism as a dangerous distortion of the gospel, one that replaced the grace of God with human efforts to achieve righteousness" (Longenecker, 2015, p. 134).
Ferguson, Everett. Backgrounds of Early Christianity. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2003.
Ferguson explains, "The metaphor of leaven is used to indicate the pervasive and transformative influence of the kingdom of God in a believer's life" (Ferguson, 2003, p. 131).
Gibbon, Edward. The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Penguin Classics, 1994.
Gibbon argues that the moral decay among Rome's elite was a significant factor in its decline, highlighting the role of indulgence and decadence in the empire's downfall (Gibbon, 1994).
Holland, Tom. Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World. Basic Books, 2019.
Holland argues that many values in Western civilization are rooted in Christian teachings, illustrating the enduring impact of the leaven of heaven on human history (Holland, 2019).