Growing is good, but producing fruit is required. We must make the most of our time and be disciples that make disciples.
This parable teaches us how a provincial gospel, so small at the beginning, became a universal gospel for both Jews and Gentiles.
Jesus compares the Kingdom of heaven to a treasure and a pearl of great price. Both are so valuable they are to be considered acquisitions of a lifetime.
To live in the kingdom of God requires forgiving others as we have been forgiven.
In this parable Jesus teaches that while a friend gives grudgingly, a father gives willingly, and God is our Father.
The familiar parable of the Good Samaritan reminds us that just seeing a need is not enough, appropriate action must follow.
The parable of the sower and the soils teaches us that the condition of your heart will determine what you hear.