Paul uses several stories form the Old Testament to illustrate God’s choices which divided the nation right from the beginning. God chooses to show mercy to some and also chooses who to use for his purposes.

Paul uses the image of the olive tree to explain how because of their unbelief, many Jews have been separated from the purposes of God and gentiles have been grafted into those purposes. He predicts a time when the Jewish nation will be fully included at a future time.

The second in a series of parables Jesus used to teach about the Second Coming. His servants/disciples need to be faithful and use what they have been given for the Kingdom of God.

In answer to the first of the disciples' questions, Jesus predicts the future destruction of Israel including the Temple. He warns his disciples to flee when they see the signs.

Another parable to teach that the invitation to the Jewish people to believe in Jesus as Messiah had been rejected yet others were invited in to the Kingdom of God. Punishment would follow.

The religious leaders try to trick Jesus with a question but he returns with a question of his own. He tells the parable to show that sinners are entering the Kingdom, having accepted Jesus as Messiah.

Despite many miracles and signs being performed in that area, most people did not believe. Jesus uses the prophecies of Isaiah to warn of impending disaster because of this unbelief.

Jesus explains that he must die just like a seed, so that others will be saved. God the Father speaks for the third time to confirm that Jesus' earthly life and his future death and resurrection has, and will, glorify him.

The parable is directed at the Pharisees and links to the previous parable. It warns against letting wealth and possessions distract from following the Law of Moses and the Kingdom of God. There are two eternal destinies after life.

Jesus encourages his disciples to choose Jesus over relationships with other people, to face rejection because of the Gospel and to use their resources for the Kingdom. True disciples will influence their society.