"With what can we compare the kingdom?" (v30). This is an important question because the kingdom tells you something about the King. This is true at every level of life from gardeners to managers to CEOs to presidents (Prov. 24:30-34). The state of things speaks about those responsible for it. Jesus has announced the kingdom of God is here (1:15). He has told the disciples he will make them fishers of men (1:17). So what does this mean? How will the kingdom make its way? What sorts of people will be included? Jesus asks this question because he wants to see what the disciples, and you, think, and then to compare it to what he says. This passage echoes the question asked in Isaiah 40, one of the most famous chapters in the Old Testament: "To what will you liken God, or what likeness compare to him?" (v18). He is not to be reckoned as an idol we make or control.