Matthew 13:53

And it came to pass that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.

This verse concludes a section of Matthew's gospel, that pertaining to the proclamation and inauguration of his kingdom, appointment of its officers, enunciation of its principles, and statement of its laws.

The last seven parables, recorded in this chapter, constitute a remarkably comprehensive and detailed presentation of the guidelines of faith; and there is a strong temptation to find in these seven parables some mystical or secret meaning. The efforts of men to do this, however, are far from convincing. Unity and harmony do indeed appear in the group taken as a whole. THE SOWER stresses the obstacles to be overcome by the word, which succeeds anyway. THE TARES presents the enemy opposing God's purpose, even within the church itself, and warns the church against taking matters into its own hands. THE MUSTARD SEED and LEAVEN show the growth of the kingdom from small beginnings to great power and influence, both outwardly and visibly, as shown by the tree, and also inwardly and secretly, as shown by the leaven. THE MUSTARD SEED and LEAVEN concern the general impact of the kingdom upon the whole world, whereas the next two, THE HIDDEN TREASURE and PEARL OF GREAT PRICE, show the impact of the kingdom upon the individual and the supreme worth of God and his kingdom to the individual person. THE DRAW NET presents the final end of God's purpose when the precious shall be separated from the vile, and each class shall inherit the destiny it deserves.