 These seven parables begin with the time that Jesus was here on earth and began to preach the gospel to the very end of the age and the final judgment. And everything that happens from the time that Jesus was here until Jesus comes again is comprised in these seven parables. Now, when you understand these seven parables, you know what to expect. And when things look dark or things look bad, you say, you know, that's wonderful. That's exactly what Jesus said it would be like.