The Parables of Jesus

Parables are stories drawn from everyday life that illustrate a religious truth. They compare familiar situations, persons, or events to an unfamiliar or unrecognized truth. The hearers of parables often identify with a particular character and react to the parable’s reversal of expectations. Parables act as both a window to the kingdom of God and a mirror that convicts listeners, trapping them through the element of surprise.

The beginning of the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard offers insight into the graciousness of the God of the kingdom (Matt 20:1–10), whereas its conclusion raises a mirror to the ungraciousness of the first workers (Matt 20:11–16). Listeners who identify with the first workers get caught in the trap of Jesus’ story—identifying this element of surprise is crucial to understanding the theme of the parable.

Parables are frequently organized according to their literary form. Parables that use simile present an explicit comparison using “like” or “as” (e.g., “I am sending you out like sheep in the midst of wolves,” Matt 10:16). Parables that use metaphor equate two things in order to compare them (e.g., “You are the salt of the earth,” Matt 5:13). Those using similitude link a common event with a spiritual lesson (e.g., the parable of the Lost Sheep, Luke 15:3–7). Parables often occur as example stories, where characters serve as examples for listeners, such as in the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29–37). There are also parables that are allegories, which consist of a series of metaphors that together establish an extended comparison at a number of points, such as in the parable of the Sower (Mark 4:1–9).

Themes that can be seen in the parables include:

Responses to Jesus’ teaching. These stories call listeners to respond faithfully to Jesus; examples include the parable of the 10 Virgins (Matt 25:1–13) or the Wise and Foolish Builders (Matt 7:24–27).

Warnings about an imminent judgment. These include the parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16–21) and the Shut Door (Luke 13:25–28).

Kingdom of God parables. These stories proclaim the coming of the kingdom of God and illustrate its characteristics. Examples of this theme include the parables of the Wedding Guests (Matt 22:1–14), and the Patch and Wineskins (Mark 2:19–22).

Growth of the kingdom parables. The parables of the Mustard Seed and Yeast (Luke 13:18–21) illustrate the special presence of God.

Parables of God’s mercy. These stories show God as one who offers unconditional love; examples include the parables of the Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and Lost Son (Luke 15:1–32).

Displays of God’s mercy by Jesus. Jesus showers the mercy of God upon marginalized people as in the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31) and the Pharisee and Tax Collector (Luke 18:9–14).

Calls to deeper discipleship. These stories stress the importance of obedience (the Two Sons in Matt 21:28–32), placing the kingdom first (the Hidden Treasure and Costly Pearl in Matt 13:44–46), humility (Places at the Table in Luke 14:7–10), and prayer (the Persistent Widow in Luke 18:1–8).

Consequences of a lack of discipleship. The parable of the Wicked Tenants in Mark 12:1–9 and the Children Playing in the Marketplace in Matt 11:16–17 illustrate how destructive a lack of discipleship is. The majority of Jesus’ parables center on discipleship or a lack of discipleship.

The identifying marks of godly community. Stories like the Kingdom Scribe (Matt 13:51–52) and the parable of the Weeds (Matt 13:24–30) illustrate the true community of believers.

The influence of Jesus’ followers. These parables show the effect of Jesus’ followers upon the world as in the parables of the Salt of the Earth and the Light of the World (Matt 5:13–16).

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus employs memorable parables to depict life in the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is like a festive wedding banquet (Matt 22:2; 25:10); everyone desires invitation to this jubilant celebration. For field laborers, the kingdom is like the unbelievable harvest—the kind every farmer plagued with drought and insects dreams about (Matt 13:8). For fisherman, the kingdom is like a net that unexpectedly catches a huge multitude of fish (Matt 13:47). And for everyone, the kingdom of God is like a hidden treasure one stumbles upon unexpectedly (Matt 13:44).

Jesus also uses parables to present a brilliantly painted image of God as a compassionate father overflowing with grace and mercy (Luke 15). God dresses himself to serve, as one who places our needs first (Luke 12:37). Imagine a debt that would take 164,000 years to repay—God forgives it entirely (Matt 18:24, 27).

Parables also show God coming to the aid of the social outcasts, the marginalized, disenfranchised, and underprivileged. Samaritans (Luke 10:29–37), tax collectors (Luke 18:9–14), beggars (Luke 16:19–26), and widows (Luke 18:1–8) become the heroes in parables.

Jesus uses parables to note how people can live his teachings on love and justice. The follower of Jesus must be like a tree that bears fruit (Matt 7:16–20; Luke 13:6–9); God’s true children not only hear but do His will (Matt 7:21–23; 21:28–30). Jesus’ disciples must be ready as they actively wait for His second coming (Matt 24:42–25:46).

Finally, Jesus’ use of parables helps envision the type of difference a community of Christ followers can make in the world. It is the salt of the earth and the city set upon a hill (Matt 5:13–16).

Dean Deppe

Further Reading

Parables of Jesus Table

How to Study the Bible