The Parables of Jesus Christ

If you were to consult a modern dictionary for a definition of the word parable you would probably read that a parable is a short allegorical story designed to illustrate or teach some truth, religious principle or moral lesson.

Although this is clearly an accurate definition, it doesn't give us a full insight into a biblical parable.

To better understand what a parable is, we need to investigate the origin of the word.

The English word parable comes from the Greek word parabole which literally means 'to place alongside'. So a parable compares one thing to another.

In Easton's Bible Dictionary this comparison is further explained as being a comparison of earthly things with heavenly things, making a parable an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. And that is exactly what Jesus did, in his parables he would compare an aspect of everyday life with a truth about the kingdom of God.

But Jesus didn't stop there.

One common characteristic of the parables he told was that they would contain a twist which would have been totally unexpected by the original listeners. In fact not only would it be unexpected, it would in many ways contradict or question beliefs they had held for years.

For example, a Samaritan - who would be despised by the orthodox Jews and considered as being unworthy of God - ends up as the hero in a story that includes Jewish priests. Wealthy kings whose normal concerns are with their own wealth and power cancel huge debts owed to them by mere servants.

This is not your normal behavior, which of course Jesus knew. He also knew that it was because of these strange and unexpected twists that the parables would grab the attention of those who heard them. You could argue that Jesus was the original shock jock.

Parables also communicate beyond their original audience. Although rooted in the life and times of Jesus, the teachings found in the parables transcend that culture and speak to us today in images that are still powerful.

The word pictures painted by Jesus in his parables are just as clear today as they were two thousand years ago.

Despite the fact that we may not realize today that a Samaritan was despised by the orthodox Jews of his day, we certainly know what a good Samaritan is. Many of us have either been one or have been grateful to have been helped by one.

Here is a list of the parables of Jesus with links to the passages in the Bible where the parable appears.

The Wise and the Foolish Builders
Matthew 7:24-27

The Parable of The Sower
Matthew 13:3-23 Mark 4:1-20 Luke 8:5-15

The Parable of The Wheat and the Tares
Matthew 13:24-30

The Parable of The Mustard Seed
Matthew 13:31-32 Mark 4:30-32 Luke 13:18-19

The Leaven
Matthew 13:33 Luke 13:20-21

The Hidden Treasure
Matthew 13:44

The Pearl
Matthew 13:45-46

Drawing in the Net
Matthew 13:47-50

The Parable of The Lost Sheep
Matthew 18:12-14 Luke 15:1-7

The Unmerciful Servant
Matthew 18:23-35

Labourers in the Vineyard
Matthew 20:1-16

The Parable of The Two Sons
Matthew 21:28-32

The Parable of The Wicked Husbandmen
Matthew 21:33-46 Mark 12:1-12 Luke 20:9-19

The Parable of The Wedding Feast
Matthew 22:1-14 Luke 14:16-24

The Fig Tree
Matthew 24:32-36 Mark 13:28-32 Luke 21:29-33

The Parable of The Ten Virgins
Matthew 25:1-13

The Parable of The Talents
Matthew 25:14-30 Luke 19:11-27

The Seed Growing Secretly
Mark 4:26-29

The Two Debtors
Luke 7:41-47

The Good Samaritan
Luke 10:30-37

The Friend at Night
Luke 11:5-8

The Rich Fool
Luke 12:16-21

The Faithful Servant
Luke 12:35-48

The Parable of The Barren Fig Tree
Luke 13:6-9

The Guests
Luke 14:7-15

Building a Tower and Waging War
Luke 14:28-33

Lost Money
Luke 15:8-10

The Parable of The Prodigal Son
Luke 15:11-32

The Parable of The The Dishonest Steward
Luke 16:1-9

The Rich Man and Lazarus
Luke 16:19-31

The Master and the Servant
Luke 17:7-10

The Parable of the Widow and the Judge
Luke 18:1-8

The Parable of The Pharisee and the Publican
Luke 18:9-14