Parables often speak to ethical concerns Throughout the parables Jesus pushes us to see that his kingdom requires his followers to act differently. His kingdom message is a call to a radically different way of living, be it forgiveness, as in the case of two debtors (Matt. 18:21–35), or reconciliation, as with the prodigal son (Luke 15:11–32). Parables tend to combine two elements of Jewish tradition Jesus brings together two elements, wisdom and eschatology, which are often treated as two separate