The Parables of Jesus

Introduction

A parable is a story which uses an example from the natural world to illustrate a spiritual truth. The actual meaning of the word "parable" is "to lay beside to compare." In parables, Jesus used natural examples that were easily understood to explain spiritual truths. That which is natural is something you can observe with your senses. You can see, hear, taste, or touch it. That which is spiritual can only be observed with spiritual senses. Basically, a parable is an earthly story with a Heavenly meaning.

The main subject of the parables of Jesus was the Kingdom of God. Before telling many of these parables Jesus clearly stated this as the subject: "Again he said, 'What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it?'" (Mark 4:30, NIV). Even when the parable was not introduced by such a direct statement, the analogies illustrated principles of the Kingdom of God. Every parable told by Jesus related in some way to the Kingdom.

Why did Jesus choose this unique teaching method to reveal spiritual truths about the Kingdom of God? The disciples asked this same question: "The disciples came to him and asked, "Why do you speak to the people in parables?" (Matthew 13:10, NIV). Jesus answered them: "Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but to them it is not given" (Matthew 13:11, KJV).

Knowledge of spiritual truths was given to the disciples because they had spiritual minds. Those without spiritual minds heard the parables but failed to understand them because such truths can only be understood by a spiritual mind:

The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14, NIV)

Those with spiritual minds--meaning they have been born again through Jesus--understand spiritual things. Those with carnal, sinful minds cannot understand. Jesus used parables to conceal these great spiritual principles from unbelievers:

That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing, they may hear, and not understand...(Mark 4:12, KJV)

The following is a compilation of the parables told by Jesus. The subject, references, and Kingdom principles taught by each are listed. Look up each reference in your Bible and study the parable in detail.