Parables of the Kingdom

The Sower (Matthew 13:1-23)

The kingdom begins with proclamation. Seed (the word) falls on four soils representing human hearts. Only one soil produces fruit. The parable teaches that the word's effectiveness depends on the condition of the hearer's heart.

The Wheat and the Tares (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43)

An enemy sows weeds among wheat. Rather than uproot the tares and damage the wheat, the master waits until harvest. The kingdom exists alongside evil in the present age; final separation belongs to the Son of Man at the end of the age.

The Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32)

The smallest seed grows into the largest garden plant, sheltering birds. The kingdom begins in seeming insignificance -- a crucified carpenter from Nazareth -- but grows to encompass all nations.

The Leaven (Matthew 13:33)

A woman hides leaven in three measures of flour until the whole batch is leavened. The kingdom works quietly and invisibly from within, permeating and transforming everything it touches.

The Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44)

A man discovers treasure hidden in a field and joyfully sells everything to buy the field. The kingdom is so valuable that finding it redefines all other priorities. The response is not reluctance but overwhelming joy.

The Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13:45-46)

A merchant seeking fine pearls finds one of extraordinary value and sells everything to acquire it. Unlike the treasure found accidentally, this man actively searches, suggesting the kingdom rewards those who seek.

The Dragnet (Matthew 13:47-50)

A net cast into the sea catches every kind of fish; the good are kept and the bad thrown away. The kingdom's final phase is judgment. Just as with the tares, separation occurs at the 'end of the age,' not before.