Parables of Time and Eternity

Most people agree that Jesus' parables are about the kingdom of God. But what is that? They seem to have a lot about hell and judgment, but how is that consistent with the Parable of the Prodigal Son and Jesus' search for "lost sheep"? They speak of the "Son of Man," but who or what is that? Some have thought they predict the end of the world, but could that be a failure to understand biblical lan...