Gospel parables, an Orthodox commentary (Page 2 of 32)

The first group of parables sets out Christ’s teaching on the Church is mission and the Kingdom of Heaven among men. His Church started on earth as the 12 Holy Apostles and His other close followers. After the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles on the day of Pentecost, the Church spread quickly wherever the apostles preached. The Church is not limited by territory, nationality, culture, language, or anything else. God’s spiritual power penetrates and abides in the souls of men, lighting their minds and consciences, and directing their wills toward good. In the parables, members of Christ’s Church are called “sons of the Kingdom.” They differ from unbelievers and unrepentant sinners, who are called “sons of the Evil One” by Christ. Ideal missionary conditions for strengthening the Kingdom of God in men are found in the parables of the sower, the tares, the seed growing secretly, the mustard seed, the leaven, and the treasure hidden in the field,the pearl and the net.