Parables of Jesus

We've all come across Jesus' parables. Some of these stories have been revisited time and again throughout our lives.
But haven't we all, at some point, finished reading a parable and wondered, "What exactly did that mean?"

In the ancient Near Eastern culture, storytelling techniques like parables and fables were cornerstones of communication. Jewish Rabbis and their audiences eagerly anticipated teachings being shared through captivating stories that sparked their imaginations.

By narrating a simple story, listeners could easily recall the teachings about God as they went about their day. Seamlessly intertwined with Biblical references, these stories highlighted profound truths about God, His kingdom, and our role in it.

So, join us on this journey as we delve into Jesus' parables. Discover how the profound truths they convey have continued to echo deeply in our hearts, even after two thousand years.

For more on parables, please see the list of excellent references below.

Part 1 - Introduction to Parables

Matthew 13:33
In our introductory lesson, we'll dive into what parables are all about, how they are used, and why they are effective when delivering a challenging message.

​These simple stories pack a punch, conveying deep and sometimes complex ideas—like the Kingdom of God, our relationship with Him, and even the intricacies of our relationships with each other.











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Lesson Handout:  Click Here

Intro Part 2 -Parable of
​the Mustard Seed

Matthew 13:31-35
The Parable of the Mustard Seed stands out as one of Jesus' most renowned and discussed teachings.

Its straightforwardness might be what truly resonates with us.

Though the parable spans just two verses, its profound allusions have kept conversations around it vibrant for nearly two millennia.

Together with the Parable of the Yeast (highlighted in "Introduction to Parables Part I"), they vividly depict the Kingdom of God.
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The Kingdom of God is a potent force. It starts with just a spark, but from that modest beginning, it touches every facet of life. Once the Kingdom of God starts its journey, no one can halt its progress.

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Lesson Handout: Click Here

Parable of the Wicked Tenants (pt. 1)
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Mark 12:1-12
​The Parable of the Wicked Tenants, as recorded in Mark 12:1-12, is a profound integration of various Old Testament scriptures.

Jesus specifically directed this parable towards the esteemed religious leaders of His time, including the priests and the teachers of the law.

Drawing from the foundational context of Psalm 2, Jesus masterfully incorporates elements from Isaiah 5 and Psalm 118. Through this, He conveys two pivotal messages:

1. His unequivocal identity as the Messiah.
2. The deliberate opposition of the religious leaders towards Him.
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Given the discernible reaction of these leaders, it was evident they recognized that the parable was a commentary on their actions.
Lesson Handout: Click Here

Parable of the Wicked Tenants (pt. 2)

Mark 12:1-12
This video is the second in a two-part series examining the Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Mark 12:1-12).

In this installment, we'll delve into Psalm 118:22-24, focusing on the phrase "the stone the builders rejected." We'll explore how Jesus identifies Himself as that very "stone."

Furthermore, we'll consider a Rabbinic saying that sheds light on a remark found in both Matthew (Matt. 21:44) and Luke (Luke 20:18).

The Rabbis say -
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  "If a stone falls on a pot, woe to the pot.
   If a pot falls on a stone, woe to the pot.       Either way, woe to the pot!" 

If indeed Jesus is this stone, then great is the peril for those upon whom it descends.

Rich Man and Lazarus (pt. 1)

Luke 16:19-31
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus warns those in power about the dangers of misusing their authority.

Luke's gospel hones in on this message, even more than Matthew, Mark, or John. He underscores the duty of those in power to advocate for the poor and marginalized.

Enter the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31).

This parable is a storytelling gem. Jesus crafts it using a backdrop familiar to his first-century Israeli audience. 

Jesus masterfully weaves references from the Old Testament and insights from first-century Jewish culture. The result? A compelling call to those in leadership: "repent," or risk losing your inheritance.

Join me, in this two-part series as we dive deep into this parable.

Rich Man and Lazarus (pt. 2)

Luke 16:19-31
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Pharisee and the Tax Collector

Luke 18:9-14

Intro to the Parable of the Minas

Luke 19:11-27
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Parable of the Minas (pt. 1)

Luke 19:11-27

Parable of the Minas (pt. 2)

Luke 19:11-27
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Parable of the Weeds

Matthew 13:24-43

Parable of the Ten Virgins

Matthew 25:1-13