We've seen how in these parables Jesus is addressing his disciples' growing sense of disappointment and disillusionment with him. They expected the Kingdom of God that God's King would bring to be fantastic! But life following Jesus was hard and often a long way from fantastic...
So Jesus told these parables to gently correct and shape their thinking about life in his Kingdom.
And just like Jesus' disciples did then, we need to hear and understand these parables if we are ever going to think rightly about life in Jesus' Kingdom. If you missed any of the talks over the last 6 weeks do try and catch up on what you missed here.
Another huge help in our own discipleship can be the example of others who have clearly grasped these things and lived their lives in light of them. Which is why this Summer we're reading together the autobiography of someone who did just that - 'Evidence not Seen', by Darlene Diebler Rose. This is the story of a woman who, despite the most appalling experiences in a Japanese prisoner of war camp during World War II, never lost sight of the treasure she had as a member of Jesus' Kingdom.
If you haven't already got a copy you can pick one up on Sunday from the welcome table (pay Ed Shaw) or if you're away you can get a copy online here.
Let's read it together and be given courage to keep living for the King. The value of the treasure to be found in him is so vast, no matter what else it costs you to get it, it's worth it.
