The Parables: Earthly Stories with Heavenly Meaning

Jesus was a master storyteller. His parables are short tales that use common, recognizable images—like farming, servants, and money—to deliver a moral or spiritual message about the Kingdom of God.

What Is The Purpose Of A Parable?

Jesus used parables for a dual purpose: to illuminate spiritual concepts for those who believed and to expose the hard-heartedness of those who didn't.

• Revealing Truth: For His disciples and those who believed, parables were the way Christ uncovered the long-hidden mysteries of the Kingdom.

• Concealing Truth: For those who were self-righteous or hardened by their own ego, the parables were confusing. They could "see but not perceive; they hear but not really listen" (Matthew 13:13).

The plot of a parable itself is not the point; the abrupt twist or surprise ending is what delivers the powerful message, enticing listeners into new modes of thinking and behavior.

Jesus replied, “Because they haven’t received the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but you have.” (Matthew 13:11)

5 Essential Parables and Their Lessons

There are dozens of parables in the Bible, but these five are some of the most popular and important lessons Jesus taught:

1. The Parable of the Wandering Sheep (Matthew 18:12-14)

• Key Message/Lesson: God's love is personal and relentless. He values every single person and will go to extraordinary lengths to find the one who has strayed.

2. The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant (Matthew 18:23-35)

• Key Message/Lesson: Our forgiveness of others must reflect the immense, immeasurable forgiveness God has given us. We must forgive because we have been forgiven.

3. The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)

• Key Message/Lesson: Our "neighbor" is anyone who is in need, regardless of their background, race, or social standing. Love requires active, compassionate service.

4. The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:10-14)

• Key Message/Lesson: Humility, not self-righteousness, is key to being justified before God. Those who humble themselves will be exalted, and those who exalt themselves will be humbled.

5. The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16)

• Key Message/Lesson: God's grace (His generosity) is not fair by human standards. He gives to all what is promised, and our salvation is based on His goodness, not the amount of time we have served Him.