As part of the Lukan version of the Olivet discourse, Jesus said that ‘Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled’ (Luk 21:24). How may the ‘times of the Gentiles’ be described? When and how will it be fulfilled? How is...
The last parable in Matthew 13 is often neglected, sometimes not even considered to be a parable — and yet in this unique parable Jesus instructs scribes to bring forth new and old things concerning the kingdom. Who qualifies to be a scribe? What must be understood?...
The parable of the dragnet (Mat 13:47-50) is another unique Matthean parable and the third in Matthew 13 that receives an explanation (Mat 13:49-50; cf. 13:18-23; 13:36-43). But just because the parable has received an explanation does not mean one should not think...
‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it’ (Mat 13:45-46; NKJV). Who is the wealthy merchant who sold all that he had and bought the pearl? A...
In Matthew 13, the disciples ask Jesus privately in the house to explain the parable of the tares of the field (Mat 13:36). Among other referents, Jesus identifies the field as the world, the sower as the Son of Man, and the field is specifically ‘his field’ (Mat...
