Matthew Chapter 13 records many of the parables that Jesus taught. These stories painted pictures for the people (and for us) and speak of what the Kingdom of God is like. It is God’s supreme desire that man have access to the kingdom of God and understand what it is like and how it operates. It’s why He sent His Son to die on the cross, to destroy the works of the devil and give us access to Kingdom benefits. He is the second Adam. The first one failed, but the second One did not. These same parables are found in other books of the gospels as well.

In Matthew 13.24 we read the parable of the wheat and tares. The simplified meaning is that good people and bad people will grow up together on the earth and then be sorted out at the end. This parable is explained by Jesus in Matthew 13:36-43.

In Matthew 13:33, we find the parable of the leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal until it grew and expanded. Likewise, the Kingdom of God grows and expands in the heart of a man, but in a hidden way that does become obvious in time. See also Luke 13:20-21 for this parable.

In Matthew 13:44, we find the parable of a man who found a treasure in a field and then sold all that he had so he could buy that field. When we truly see the Kingdom and all that God has for us, we become willing to sell all too in order to follow Him. We are instructed in Scripture to lay up treasures in heaven.

In Matthew 13:45-46, there is the parable of the pearl of great price where a merchant found an especially valuable pearl, then sold all he had to obtain that one. Again the idea is that the Kingdom is a treasure that is infinitely more valuable than anything else we could possibly own.

In Mathew 13:47-49, we see the parable of the dragnet. At the end comes the net where the “fish” are gathered and sorted. This speaks to what happens at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the just.

In Matthew 18:12-14 we read the parable of the lost sheep. This speaks of God’s heart for that one lost person as He seeks to save those who are lost. You can also find this story in Luke 15:1-7. Jesus desires that all be saved.

In Matthew 18:23-35 we read the parable of an unforgiving servant. The picture lesson here is that we cannot withhold forgiveness from others or we will not be forgiven.

In Matthew 20:1-16, there is the parable of the workers in the vineyard, which teaches that no matter when people come to Jesus, they all get entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. He desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth as 1 Timothy 2:4 tells us.

In Matthew 21:28-32, we read the parable of the two sons. One is rebellious and one is obedient. The rebellious one repents and comes home. He is welcomed with open arms, a picture of the Father’s love, but the other son is jealous.

In Matthew 21:32-39 there is the parable of the wicked vinedressers, who are workers in a vineyard. The landowner has given authority to others to take care of his vineyard while he is away on a trip. He returns to find them not doing the work. Simply put, this is a picture of Jesus leaving the earth and delegating His authority to His Body to finish. You can find this story also in Mark 12:1-12, and Luke 20: 9-19.

In Matthew 25:14, there is the parable of the talents. We are all given gifts and responsibility and are expected to use them to serve God and His purposes in the earth. Man has been given dominion over the earth and an accounting will be required from the Owner.

In Matthew 22:2 is the parable of the wedding feast where all people were invited to the wedding, but some refused to attend because they were too busy. In the story, one did show up, but was wearing the “wrong garments” and was thrown out. Jesus has provided us with a robe of righteousness, but this man obviously refused to wear it. See also Luke 14:15-24 for a similar story.

In Matthew 24:31-36, we find the parable of the fig tree. The picture of the fig tree is used to show how we are to know the signs of the times, to know what is coming. See also Mark 13:28-31 and Luke 21:29-33 for this story

In Matthew 24:45-51, the parable of the faithful servant and evil servant tell us we are to be working in HIs kingdom and not slacking, serving Him with the talents He has given to us to accomplish His plans. See also Luke 12:41-48 for this story.

In Matthew 25:1- 13 we see the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. All were waiting for the bridegroom, but we see some being left behind because they were not prepared when He came at midnight. We could say they did not have enough “light” for the journey. The lesson is that we should watch and be ready, for we do not know the day or hour of His return.

In Matthew 25:14-30 we see the parable of the talents. The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who was traveling and gave his servants differing responsibilities with his money (talents). Two did well and one did not. The picture is that Jesus has left the earth and gave responsibility to His followers. See also Luke 19:11-27 for this story.

These are all pictures of the ways the kingdom of Heaven operates. These are principles, or guidelines to teach us to how we should live. This is not an exhaustive list.

The Kingdom of God is perfection; it is the Garden of Eden or better. Everything was perfect in that garden. Everything was provided for man in that garden. That “garden” lives inside of us now, if we are born-again people. The Kingdom of God has everything we need, both in this life and certainly in the one to come.