Parables of Jesus Christ

Parables are a central feature of Jesus Christ’s teaching

Matthew 13:34–35 CSB

Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables, and he did not tell them anything without a parable, so that what was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled: I will open my mouth in parables; I will declare things kept secret from the foundation of the world.

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Different characteristics of Jesus Christ’s parables

They vary in complexity and length

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

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They have different levels of meaning

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

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They draw on human experience

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The themes of Jesus Christ’s parables

The kingdom of God

Mark 4:30 CSB

And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use to describe it?

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Relationship with God

Luke 15:20 CSB

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

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Right behaviour

Luke 10:37 CSB

“The one who showed mercy to him,” he said. Then Jesus told him, “Go and do the same.”

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The time of the end

Matthew 25:34 CSB

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

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Jesus Christ speaks about himself

Matthew 21:37 CSB

Finally, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said.

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

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Understanding Jesus Christ’s parables

Further explanation is sometimes needed

Matthew 13:36 CSB

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

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The meaning is sometimes hidden

The meaning of Jesus Christ’s parables was concealed only from those whose hearts and minds were closed.

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Responses to Jesus Christ’s parables

The parables demand action

Matthew 5:14–16 CSB

“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

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Positive responses

Matthew 13:16 CSB

“Blessed are your eyes because they do see, and your ears because they do hear.

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Rejection of Jesus Christ and his parables

Luke 20:19 CSB

Then the scribes and the chief priests looked for a way to get their hands on him that very hour, because they knew he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people.

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Examples of Jesus Christ’s parables

parable of the sower; parable of the net; parable of the lost sheep; parable of the good Samaritan; parable of the lost son; parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector