Matthew 13 The next 6 parables recorded here all focus on the "kingdom of heaven",  revealing truths that have been "hidden since the foundation of the world."

Verses24-30; 36-43  The parable of the tares and wheat.   In this world there are two kinds of people - sons of the kingdom and sons of the evil one.  Both remain until the harvest, until the day comes when Christ sends His angels.  Then, "they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks, and those who commit lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire; in that place there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth," 

The last parable in this chapter, verses 47-50, is similar.  The dragnet is thrown into the water and gathers all kinds of fish.  The good fish are retained, the bad fish are thrown away.  Jesus says that at the "end of the age" His angels will come and "take out the wicked from among the righteous." 

The parable of the mustard seed, verses 31-32, reveals that the kingdom begins small, but grows.  When it is fully grown it is larger than the other plants.  It is like a tree, where the birds can come and build their nests.

The parable of leaven, verse 33, simply reveals that the influence of the kingdom is not always overt, but the effect will definitely be noticed.

Both the parable of the hidden treasure and the pearl, ( verses 44-46), reveal the great value of the Kingdom.  The kingdom is worth selling all other things of value in order to purchase this one thing.

To become a "son of the kingdom" is to be one who will " shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father." ( v43)  Good seed or good fish are chosen, kept, valued by the owner.  Only those who have received the Word, who have heard and understood the Truth with ears that hear... are chosen to be kept... spared, saved.

In verse 52 Jesus says this to His disciples, " Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of household, who brings forth out of his treasure things new and old. "  This statement is puzzling to me.  The Bible Knowledge Commentary suggests that Jesus is telling them that some of these things are new, but some they have known all along.  For example, the writer suggests that the hidden treasure speaks of Israel while the pearl of great price speaks of the church.  It also suggests that the parable of the mustard seed teaches that once the kingdom started it will continue to grow without stopping until it is fully grown.  These may have been new thoughts for the disciples.

So, what is the Lord revealing to me about Himself through these parables?  
He is the One who has planted me here, in His field.
He is the One who will keep me, even when there is evil all around.
He considers me worth His time and effort.
He makes me to be like the leaven... perhaps hidden from view, but effective for what He desires to do in this world.

Father, thank You for giving such grace to us, that You sow Your word in our hearts and make us sons and daughters of Your kingdom.  Accomplish all You desire in us today.  I am where You have placed me today.  You are keeping me in Your Hands.  You have loved me and cared for me and will never leave me or forsake me.  I will give You all my heart and soul and strength, Lord, to love You and with Your help to love others as myself.  May Your kingdom come!  Amen.