Summary of the Parables of Jesus
This document provides a comprehensive summary of the parables of Jesus as recorded in the Gospels, with references aligned to the Common English Bible (CEB). Each parable is very briefly explained and categorized by theme.
What is a Parable?
A parable is a short, everyday story that invites hearers to see God’s reign and to respond. Parables use familiar images -seeds, farms, coins, parties - to reveal surprising truth, often with a twist that confronts assumptions.
Parables by Theme
God’s reign: small beginnings, surprising growth
· The Sower (Four Soils) — Matt 13:3–9, 18–23; Mark 4:3–9, 13–20; Luke 8:5–8, 11–15
· The Growing Seed — Mark 4:26–29
· Mustard Seed - Matt 13:31–32; Mark 4:30–32; Luke 13:18–19
· Yeast in the Dough — Matt 13:33; Luke 13:20–21
· The Seed and Weeds (Wheat & Tares) — Matt 13:24–30, 36–43
The worth of the kingdom & the call to respond
· Hidden Treasure — Matt 13:44
· Pearl of Great Price — Matt 13:45–46
· The Net — Matt 13:47–50
· The Two Builders (Wise & Foolish) — Matt 7:24–27; Luke 6:47 - 49
Grace, mercy, and the scandal of generosity
· Workers in the Vineyard — Matt 20:1–16
· Two Debtors — Luke 7:41–43
· The Unforgiving Servant — Matt 18:23–35
· The Lost Sheep — Matt 18:12–14; Luke 15:3–7
· The Lost Coin — Luke 15:8–10
· The Lost (Prodigal) Son & the Elder Brother — Luke 15:11–32
Discipleship, money, and everyday faithfulness
· The Rich Fool — Luke 12:16–21
· Watchful Servants (Doorkeeper) — Luke 12:35–40; Mark 13:33–37
· Faithful & Unfaithful Stewards — Matt 24:45–51; Luke 12:41–48
· The Talents / Minas — Matt 25:14–30; Luke 19:11–27
· The Unjust (Shrewd) Manager — Luke 16:1–9
· Rich Man and Lazarus — Luke 16:19–31
Prayer, persistence, humility
· Friend at Midnight — Luke 11:5–8
· Persistent Widow and Unjust Judge — Luke 18:1–8
· Pharisee and Tax Collector — Luke 18:9–14
Mercy, neighbor-love, inclusion
· Good Samaritan — Luke 10:25–37
· Great Banquet (Excuses) — Luke 14:15–24; cf. Matt 22:1–10
· Wedding Banquet & Wedding Garment — Matt 22:1–14
Readiness for the King’s arrival (judgment & hope)
· Ten Bridesmaids (Virgins) — Matt 25:1–13
· Sheep and Goats — Matt 25:31–46
· Fig Tree Lesson — Matt 24:32–35; Mark 13:28–31; Luke 21:29–33
· Barren Fig Tree — Luke 13:6–9
· The Net / Final Sorting — Matt 13:47–50
Repentance, identity, and authority
· Two Sons (Go & Don’t Go) — Matt 21:28–32
· The Wicked Tenants — Matt 21:33–46; Mark 12:1–12; Luke 20:9–19
· The Two Builders — Matt 7:24–27; Luke 6:47–49
Short picture-parables and kingdom snapshots
· The Lamp on a Stand — Matt 5:14–16; Mark 4:21–23; Luke 8:16–17; 11:33
· Measure You Use — Matt 7:2; Mark 4:24; Luke 6:38
· Speck and Log — Matt 7:3–5; Luke 6:41–42
· New Patch on Old Cloth / New Wine in Old Skins — Matt 9:16–17; Mark 2:21–22; Luke 5:36–39
· Children in the Marketplace — Matt 11:16–19; Luke 7:31–35
· Salt and Light — Matt 5:13–16; Mark 9:50; Luke 14:34–35
· Pearls before Pigs — Matt 7:6
Big Takeaways
- God’s reign is near—quiet, surprising, unstoppable.
- Grace is extravagant - and it expects merciful, forgiving people.
- Discipleship is practical - faithful with money, ready for the King, doing the
words of Jesus.
- God’s table is wide - the excluded are welcomed, the “insiders” are challenged.
- Now is the time to respond - with humility, repentance, and neighbor-love.