Parables of Jesus Christ

Parables are a central feature of Jesus Christ’s teaching

Matthew 13:34–35 NIV

Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.”

See also Ps 78:2; Mk 4:33–34

Different characteristics of Jesus Christ’s parables

They vary in complexity and length

Mt 7:6; Mt 13:18–23; Mt 13:37–45; Mt 13:52

They vary in their use of metaphors, word pictures, objects and actions

Mt 5:13–16; Mt 13:44; Mt 18:2–3; Mt 21:18–22; Lk 15:8–10

They have different levels of meaning

Often the full impact of a parable may be lost if the Jewish context is not understood:

Lk 10:30–37; Lk 15:11–32

They draw on human experience

Mt 13:33; Mt 18:12–14; Lk 7:41–43

The themes of Jesus Christ’s parables

The kingdom of God

Mark 4:30 NIV

Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it?

See also Mt 13:31–32; Mt 13:44–45; Mk 4:26–29

Relationship with God

Luke 15:20 NIV

So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

See also Lk 18:7–8; Mt 18:12–14; Mt 7:9–11

Right behaviour

Luke 10:37 NIV

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

See also Mt 7:24–27; Lk 13:6–9; Lk 15:27

The time of the end

Matthew 25:34 NIV

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

See also Mt 25:1; Mt 25:14–19; Mk 13:35; Lk 12:35–36; Lk 12:40; Lk 16:22–23

Jesus Christ speaks about himself

Matthew 21:37 NIV

Last of all, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said.

See also Mt 22:2; Mt 25:10

The “I am” sayings of Jesus Christ are brief picture parables:

Jn 6:35; Jn 8:12; Jn 10:14; Jn 15:1

Understanding Jesus Christ’s parables

Further explanation is sometimes needed

Matthew 13:36 NIV

Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”

See also Mt 13:18; Mt 15:15

The meaning is sometimes hidden

Lk 8:9–10 The meaning of Jesus Christ’s parables was concealed only from those whose hearts and minds were closed.

See also Is 6:9–10

Responses to Jesus Christ’s parables

The parables demand action

Matthew 5:14–16 NIV

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

See also Mt 4:24; Mt 7:5–6; Mt 13:43; Mt 13:45–46; Mt 25:13; Mt 25:40; Mt 25:45; Lk 12:21; Lk 12:32–33

Positive responses

Matthew 13:16 NIV

But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.

See also Mt 7:28–29; Mt 13:51

Rejection of Jesus Christ and his parables

Luke 20:19 NIV

The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest him immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people.

See also Lk 16:14

Examples of Jesus Christ’s parables

Mt 13:1–23 parable of the sower; Mt 13:47–52 parable of the net; Mt 18:12–14 parable of the lost sheep; Lk 10:25–37 parable of the good Samaritan; Lk 15:11–32 parable of the lost son; Lk 18:9–14 parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector