Parables are prophecies. The seven parables describing the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven in MATT 13 is the progression of this age, beginning to end, while the King is away and his domain is under stewards. He has sent angels to gather the tares into bundles. These are religious systems and cults and denominational groups. They are being prepared for elimination from his kingdom by the fires of the tribulation but before they are burned he will gather his wheat into his barn. This is the rapture of the church. It just makes sense. When this is accomplished the King will return and take his earthly rule.
LK 19:11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.
12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.
13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.
14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this [man] to reign over us.
15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.
The citizenry of the kingdom must be established first before the King appears and takes his rule in person because of this;
Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Joh 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
The purpose of the great tribulation is to purge those who will not believe.
Speaking of this time:
De 4:27 And the LORD shall scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be left few in number among the heathen, whither the LORD shall lead you.
De 28:62 And ye shall be left few in number, whereas ye were as the stars of heaven for multitude; because thou wouldest not obey the voice of the LORD thy God.
Isa 24:6 Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.
