The Parables chart below makes a helpful study reference to the parables that Jesus told. It helps you to organize your study and teaching of Christ's parables. Each blue heading links you to the appropriate lesson.

Index to the Parables that Jesus Told

Introduction to the Parables That Jesus Told

Seven Themes
This lesson sets out the seven main concepts which Jesus teaches in his parables.

Great Mistakes
This lesson is about how the parables highlight the great and terrible mistakes that people make

What is a Parable
This lesson explains the nature of a parable, and how it should be interpreted.

Why Did Jesus Speak in Parables?
This lesson explains Christ’s reasons for using parables.

Stories For All Peoples
This lesson points out the remarkable fact that the parables Jesus told are understood by people of all classes and cultures.

Parables on Themes 1 and 2
The Kindness and the Severity of God

Parables in the Sermon on the Mount
Word pictures in Matthew chapters 5 through 7.

The Unforgiving Slave
The Unforgiving Slave (Mtt 18:21-35) refused to forgive little though he was forgiven of much. Consequently his debt was reinstated. This parable illustrates both the goodness and severity of God

The Lost is Found
In the parables of the Lost Sheep  Lost Coin and Lost Son (Lke 15:4-32), there was geat rejoicing when the lost was found. These parables illustrate the goodness of God.

The God Who Cares and Answers Prayers
The parables of the Friends at Midnight and the Persistent Widow (Lke 11:5-13, Lke 18:1-8), further illustrate the compassion and kindness of God and show the need to seek it.

Seeking or Rejecting Grace
The parables of the Workers in the Vineyard and the Marriage of the King’s Son (Mtt 20:1-16, Mtt 22:1-14) further illustrate God’s mercy and grace. (See also the Vine and Branches Jhn 15:1-5)

The Banquet Parables
the Embarrassed Guest the Luncheon for the Poor and the Slighted Invitation (Lke 14:7-24) also show God’s goodness, but emphasise that we ought to respond with humility.

Parables on Theme 3,
Obedience, Fruitfulness, and Stewardship

Two builders, Two Sons
The parables of the Two Builders and the Two Sons (Mtt 7:24-27, Mtt 21:28-32) illustrate theme 3 of the parables, namely true obedience to God'+SQ+'s word, and not mere lipservice.

Bearing Fruit
The parables of the Vine and the Branches, the Barren Fig Tree, and the Sower of Seed (Jhn 15:1-6, Lke 13:6-9, Lke 8:5-15) illustrate theme 3 of the parables, namely obedience to God. These three parables highlight the need for fruitfulness.

Stewards of God’s Grace
The parables of the Talents, the Wicked Tenant Farmers, and the Unrighteous Steward (Mtt 25:14-30, Mtt 21:33-46, Lke 16:1-13), also illustrate theme 3 of the parables, namely obedience to God. These three parables highlight the need for stewardship.

Parables on Themes 4 and 5
The value and universality of the kingdom of God

Seven Short Kingdom Parables
The parables of the Hidden treasure, Pearl of Great Price, Yeast, Mustard seed, Household Treasures, Sprouting seed, and the Dragnet, (Mtt 13, Mrk 4, Lke 13) picture the very great value of the kingdom of God, and its universal nature

The Parable of the Tares
The parable about the Tares in the Field (Mtt 13:24-30, Mtt 13:36-43) where good seed was sown concentrates on the last three themes of the parables. The kingdom is a spiritual and worldwide kingdom in which God’s people are recognised by their good hearts

The Good Samaritan
The parable about the Good Samaritan (Lke 10:25-37) also encompasses the last three themes, but particularly shows that God looks on the heart not the outward person, and God recognises justice, mercy, and kindness

Parables on Themes 6 and 7
The Weak Made Strong, God Looks on the Heart

Hearts Awry
The parables about the Two Debtors, the Pharisee and Tax Collector, and the Whited Tombs (Lke 7:36-47 Lke 18:9-14, Mtt23:27-28) illustrate how the Pharisees looked down upon others and promoted themselves as righteous, yet their own hearts lacked humility, justice, and love

Two Rich Men
The parables about the Rich Man and Lazarus, and the Rich Fool (Lke 12:13-21, Lke 16:19-31), illustrate the latter themes of the parables and also the great mistake of letting worldly riches prevent readiness for life after death

Other Parables About The Great Mistakes

Empty House, Empty Lamps
The parables of the Empty House and the Foolish Virgins (Mtt 12:43-45, Mtt 25:1-13) are about failure to respond to God’s kind invitation, to see the sin in oneself, and to get ready for judgment

Dividing the World In Two
The parables of the Two Gates and the Sheep and Goats (Mtt 7:13-14, Mtt 25:31-46) show how we must choose now which of the two multitudes we will be among in eternity

The Sheepfold Parables
The parables of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Gate (Jhn 10:1-30) contrast the Shepherd to a stranger, a thief, or a hireling, and show how we must ensure that we follow him and not them