When Jesus taught, He didn’t always preach with long sermons or complicated theology. Sometimes, He simply told a story. These stories—called parables—were full of meaning and packed with spiritual truth. But what exactly is a parable, and why did Jesus use them so often? Let’s dive in and learn about the Parables of Jesus.
What is a Parable?
A parable is a short, simple story that uses everyday life to illustrate a deeper moral or spiritual lesson. The word “parable” comes from the Greek word parabolē, which means “comparison” or “placing beside.” Jesus used familiar images—seeds, sheep, coins, bread—to help people understand unfamiliar truths about God and His kingdom.
Think of parables like windows: they let in light and help us see things more clearly. But they also act like mirrors—reflecting what’s in our hearts.
How Many Parables Did Jesus Tell?
Jesus told around 38 to 40 parables, depending on how scholars count them (some are variations or closely related stories). These parables are spread throughout the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. You won’t find parables in the Gospel of John in the same way—they’re unique to the first three Gospels.
Why did Jesus use Parables?
Jesus had a two-fold reason:
- To reveal truth to those who were hungry for it.
For people who were open and curious about God, parables made big ideas easier to grasp. - To conceal truth from those who were hard-hearted.
Some people came to Jesus just to argue or criticize. Jesus used parables to hide deep truths from those who had no real interest in understanding.
In Matthew 13:10-13, the disciples asked Jesus why He spoke in parables. His answer? “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.”
How Did Jesus Use Parables?
Jesus often used parables to:
- Challenge people’s assumptions.
- Call out hypocrisy (often in a sneaky, gentle way—until the end of the story hit them!).
- Explain what the Kingdom of God is like.
- Show what God is like as a Father, King, or Shepherd.
- Teach how people should live and treat others.
Categories of Jesus’ Parables
To better understand them, let’s break the parables into categories based on themes. Under each, I’ve listed examples:
Parables About the Kingdom of God
These describe what God’s reign is like—how it starts, spreads, and surprises us.
- The Sower (Matthew 13:3–9, Mark 4:3–9, Luke 8:5–8)
- The Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31–32, Mark 4:30–32, Luke 13:18–19)
- The Leaven (Matthew 13:33, Luke 13:20–21)
- The Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44)
- The Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13:45–46)
- The Net (Matthew 13:47–50)
- The Growing Seed (Mark 4:26–29)
Parables About God’s Grace and Forgiveness
These reveal God’s heart—merciful, patient, and full of grace.
- The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32)
- The Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:12–14, Luke 15:3–7)
- The Lost Coin (Luke 15:8–10)
- The Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:23–35)
- The Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1–16)
Parables About Judgment and Readiness
Jesus warned about being unprepared for His return or ignoring His call.
- The Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1–13)
- The Talents (Matthew 25:14–30, Luke 19:11–27)
- The Wise and Foolish Builders (Matthew 7:24–27, Luke 6:46–49)
- The Wheat and the Weeds (Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43)
- The Net (Matthew 13:47–50)
- The Rich Fool (Luke 12:16–21)
Parables About Love and Relationships
These teach how we should treat others—with mercy, compassion, and humility.
- The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37)
- The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9–14)
- The Two Sons (Matthew 21:28–32)
- The Friend at Midnight (Luke 11:5–13)
- The Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1–8)
Parables About Faithfulness and Stewardship
These stories focus on responsibility and trustworthiness with what God gives.
- The Ten Minas (Luke 19:11–27)
- The Talents (Matthew 25:14–30)
- The Faithful and Wise Servant (Matthew 24:45–51, Luke 12:42–48)
- The Dishonest Manager (Luke 16:1–13)
Final Thoughts
Jesus didn’t just tell stories to entertain. Every parable had a purpose. Sometimes they comforted. Sometimes they confronted. But always, they called people into a deeper relationship with God.
If you want to grow in wisdom, start with a parable. Let it settle in. Ask yourself, Where am I in this story? Because chances are—Jesus is talking to you.