Lessons of the Kingdom (parables of Jesus)

Why was Jesus so keen on us staying awake? Why is the metaphor of "sleep" bad?

Jesus says that watchfulness looks like caring for this world.

What a weird parable. There is so much that is lost in translation here. How do we make heads or tales of it? It turns out to be the perfect parable for the start of Advent!

How often are we supposed to forgive people? And who is Jesus saying we should forgive here? A deeper look at this difficult parable.

This is in the context of the woman who comes weeping and washing Jesus' feet.

The vineyard owner hires people throughout the workday and then pays them all the same wage.

The parable of the woman and the unjust judge

How does Jesus instruct his disciples to pray?

We look at two little parables on the problem of pride and importance of humility in the Kingdom.

The first imperative of the kingdom: love your neighbor as yourself

This parable might shock you when you realize what gives the Kingdom of Heaven it's value!

The mustard seed and the leaven - how the kingdom grows and how it advances

Jesus explains that some people receive the gospel and others don't.

Jesus uses parables to 1) instruct disciples and 2) confuse everyone else.