Parables of Jesus

Jesus said, "This is why I speak to them in parables: Though seeing, they do not see. Though hearing, they do not hear or understand." Matthew 13:13

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Synopsis

Jesus often taught using illustrations and stories - parables. His parables often tell of the kingdom of God and the nature of God. Sometimes the meaning is clear, at other times it can seem hidden.

Related topics

• Parable
• Parables Index
  • The Wise and the Foolish Builders | Matthew 7:24-27
  • The Sower | Matthew 13:3-23 | Mark 4:1-20 | Luke 8:5-15
  • Parables of the Weeds | Matthew 13:24-30
  • Parable of the Mustard Seed | Matt 13:31-32 | Mark 4:30-32 | Luke 13:18-19
  • Parable of the Leaven | Matthew 13:33 | Luke 13:20-21
  • Parable of the Hidden Treasure | Matthew 13:44
  • Parable of the Pearl | Matthew 13:45-46
  • Parable of Drawing in the Net | Matthew 13:47-50
  • The Lost Sheep | Matthew 18:12-14 | Luke 15:1-7
  • Parable of the Unmerciful Servant | Matthew 18:23-35
  • Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard | Matthew 20:1-16
  • Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen | Matthew 21:33-46 | Mark 12:1-12 } Luke 20:9-19
  • Parable of the Wedding Feast | Matthew 22:1-14
  • Parable of the Two Sons | Matthew 21:28-32
  • Parable of the Ten Virgins | Matthew 25:1-13
  • Parable of the Talents, Matthew 25:14-30
  • Parable of the Growing Seed | Mark 4:26-29
  • Parable of the Two Debtors | Luke 7:41-47
  • The Good Samaritan | Luke 10:30-37
  • Parable of the Friend at Night | Luke 11:5-8
  • Parable of the Rich Fool | Luke 12:16-21
  • Parable of the Faithful Servant | Luke 12:35-48
  • Parable of the Lost Coin | Luke 15:8-10
  • The Prodigal Son | Luke 15:11-32
  • The Unjust Steward | Luke 16:1-9
  • The Rich Man and the Beggar Lazarus | Luke 16:19-31
  • Parable of the Persistent Widow | Luke 18:1-8
  • Parable of the Good Shepherd | John 10:11-18

Comments, Personal Articles, Studies and Sermons

Parables of Jesus (discussion) (For short comments and opinions)

For related quotations see Parables of Jesus (quotes)

Main article

Jesus often taught using illustrations and stories - parables. His parables often tell of the kingdom of God and the nature of God. Sometimes the meaning is clear, at other times it can seem hidden.

The word "parable" is derived from the Greek word parabole. It can be used to refer to stories that make a point (like the Good Samaritan), stories that are allegories (like the parable of the Sower) or simple statements.

Each of the four Gospels contains parables of Jesus unique to that Gospel, with two of the best known, the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan, both being among those that occur only in the Gospel of Luke. Only two parables occur in the Gospel of John, and both are unique to that Gospel. A few parables appear in more than one of the synoptic Gospels. But no parable is common to the Mark and either Matthew or Luke but not both; that is, if a parable occurs in Mark and also somewhere else, then it appears in all three. This observation is one of those used to try to identify and analyse the sources used by the gospel writers, see Q document.

Parables also exist in the Old Testament and in many other writings, the best known being the story that the prophet Nathan tells King David.

Nature / types of parables

The Greek word "parabole" has a wide meanings. It can be used for riddles, stories, or comparisons.

Some theologians class Jesus' parables into 1 of 4 general types

• Similitude
  • Example: Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed (Matthew 13)
• Story
  • Example: Good Samaritan (Luke 10)
• Extended metaphor
  • Example: Great Banquet (Luke 14)
• Allegory
  • Example: Wicked tenants

Some of Jesus' parables

The Prodigal Son

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is one of Jesus' most well known parables. The story is found in Luke 15:11–32, being preceded by The Lost Sheep and The Lost Coin. It is the story of a son who dishonours his father and squanders his fortues and returns home in disgrace to his father but is welcomed with arms open wide and forgiveness.

The Good Samaritan

The Good Samaritan is another famous parable. It appears only in the Gospel of Luke (10:25-37). In the parable, Jesus illustrates that compassion should be for all people, and that fulfilling the spirit of the Law is just as important as fulfilling the letter of the Law. In the story, Jesus describes how a Samaritan, who at the time was a despised foreigner in the eyes of the Jews, shows himself to be the neighbour by helping out a Jew who was in great need.

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