The Parables of Jesus

Parables concerning the growth of the Kingdom.

The Talents: Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:11-27 This parable reveals that the Kingdom will spread by wise use of the spiritual talents and abilities God has given believers.

The Sower: Matthew 13:3-8; Mark 4:3-8; Luke 8:5-8 The Gospel of the Kingdom will be spread by the sowing of the seed of the Word of God. The fruit does not depend on the seed, but on the condition of the soil (a person's heart).

The Tares And Wheat: Matthew 13:24-30 Satan will try to defeat the spread of the Kingdom by sowing people described as "weeds" among the good seed of God's Kingdom. These weeds resemble the good wheat, but are easily identified at harvest time because wheat produces grain, while weeds produce no useable product.

The Net: Matthew 13:47-50 The Kingdom is also compared to a great net thrown into the sea. All kinds of fish are caught, then when the net is drawn to shore the good fish are separated from the bad. The Kingdom will draw men and women from all nations. Prior to the final establishing of the Kingdom, there will be judgment and a separation of true believers from hypocrites and unbelievers.

The Mustard Seed: Matthew 13:31-32; Mark 4:31-32; Luke 13:19 The Kingdom of God will grow like a mustard seed. The seed is small and has insignificant growth in the beginning, but in maturity it grows to great size.

The Leaven: Matthew 13:33; Luke 13:21 Like leaven in a lump of dough, the Kingdom of God will spread throughout the whole world. The power of the Kingdom is not external but internal.