Four short parables point to the surpassing value of the kingdom of God and the need to find it now.
Jesus told his disciples how to handle not only adversity, but also prosperity, both of which require faith in God.
God is free to define Israel, to show mercy or wrath, and to add to Israel from the nations.
The LORD uses leaders to deal with threats to the welfare of his people, and he is the God who delivers them.
