Latter Parables Of Jesus 9

INTRO: We have come to the fifth parable. The first three have been addressed to the disciples. In the first parable Jesus has given them some very important information regarding the kingdom of God. Israel’s history has been likened to a 12 hour day. The disciples who had been called in Israel’s 11th hour and had responded to the Lord’s message would be the first in the kingdom. In the second parable, because the disciples thought He would set up the millennial kingdom immediately, He told them that He would not set up the millennial kingdom at this time. His own citizens would reject Him and He would be going away for some time. During that time His disciples were to be busy with the work that He would give them to do before He left. Then, in the third parable, the cursing of the fig tree, He indicated to them that the kingdom of Israel had now been set aside and would not figure prominently in the Lord’s work until the end of the age, that is the end of the tribulation.