1. Topic: Parables of Jesus in the Gospels. Mt 13:10-15, Mk 4:10-12, Lk 8:9-10 (The Purpose of Parables); Mt 13:31-32, Mk 4:30-32, Lk 13:18-19 (The Parable of the Mustard Seed); Mt 25:14-15 (The Parable of the Talents); Mk 13:33-37 (Need for Watchfulness); and Lk 19:12-13 (The Parable of the Ten Gold Coins).
             2. Context: The context for Matthew's parables is that they come right after the section on mounting hostility to Jesus and his mission (in which Jesus establishes that every one of His followers and who does the will of God is his brother and sister) and right before more of Jesus' miracles and teachings outside Galilee. In Mark's Gospel, the preceding is the same, but it is followed by more works in Galilee. Luke's parables also follow the telling of Jesus' works and miracles. They are followed by His journey to Jerusalem.
             3. Relevant Footnotes: Matthew 13:11 – A parable is figurative speech and there is more to it than just the story. One has to reflect on the story to understand its meaning. God grants the gift to understand to his disciples but not to the crowds. This fulfills Isaiah's prophecy. Matthew 13:31-33 – This illustrates how small the kingdom of God starts out with the preaching and healing ministry of Jesus, and how big it will eventually expand to. Matthew 25:14 – The interpretation is that one who uses his gifts wisely will see the kingdom, but laziness will lead to exclusion. Mark 4:11 – The reason for Parables, in Marks' view, is so the commoner, or disbelieving crowd, will not understand the meaning and teachings of Christ, but only his disciples will, who interpret it and can understand because of their faith.
             4. Comparison: The purpose of the parables is common to the three synoptic gospels. In all three the same message is conveyed. However, Matthew's view or interpretation is much subtler. He does not say that it
             ...