Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” What is Jesus calling us to? 

Invitations ≠ guests All are invited, but you must accept the invitation to become a guest! Parables are like riddles – can make clearer or harden hearts. Salvation comes after judgement.

Listen! Hear the word, accept the word, act on the word, enter the kingdom. We don't grow people. The word does. There are barriers to good listening.

Now… but not yet Jesus has brought the kingdom but there is further revealing and growing of the kingdom to come. The kingdom transforms from being small and weak to being universal.