instances are continuous with the OT use of the term as a translation of māšāl. . Distinct from these few aphorisms are the more numerous similes (or similitudes), in which Jesus typically makes use of a concrete figure to illustrate a more abstract notion. A feature of Matthew’s Gospel especially is the description of the kingdom as likened to figures and scenarios: “The kingdom of heaven is like [or, ‘may be compared to’] …” (Mt 13:24, 31, 33, 44, 45, 47, 52; 18:23; 20:1; 22:2;