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The Parables of Jesus

A. Divine Love, Mercy, and Justice

Parable

 Source Principles Illustrated
1. The Pearl of Great Price Matt. 13:45-46 The priceless value of redeeming love.

The Savior in search of men; men seeking for salvation. Cf. No. 11.

2. The Lost Sheep Luke 15:3-7 God's love for those who know they are lost but know not how to return to him. His unwillingness that any should perish. Cf. Nos. 3, 4.
3. The Lost Coin Luke 15: 8-10 God's love for those who know not that they are lost. Diligence in seeking the lost. Cf. Nos. 2, 4.
4. The Prodigal Son Luke 15:11-32 God's love for those who have wandered from his love. The hardheartedness of man in contrast with the love of God. Cf. Nos. 2, 3.
5. The Barren Fig Tree Luke 13:6-9 The relationship between divine mercy and justice. God's dealings with the Jewish nation. Cf. Nos. 8, 15, 16, 21.

[See also No. 31]

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B. The Plan of Salvation

 

Parable

 Source Principles Illustrated
6. The Mustard Seed Matt. 13:31, 32 The extensive, quantitative growth of the kingdom of divine grace, the church. God begins in a small way to accomplish great results. Cf. Nos. 9, 19, 20.
7. The Tares Matt. 13:24-30 Character decides destiny. The purpose of probationary time; tares do not eventually become wheat. Cf. Nos.9 ,29,40.
8. The Wicked Husbandmen Matt. 21:33-43 God's eternal purpose will triumph in spite of man's unfaithfulness. Israel would forfeit its role as the chosen nation. Cf. Nos. 5, 15, 16, 21.

[See also Nos. 5, 9, 10, 21]

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C. The Reception of Truth

 

Parable

 Source Principles Illustrated
9. The Sower, the Seed and the Soils Matt. 13:3-9, 18-23 The reception of truth by different classes of hearers. Cf. Nos. 6-8, 19.
10. The Great Banquet Luke 14:16-24 The danger of neglecting or rejecting truth. God cannot accept a divided heart. Cf. Nos. 6-8, 21.
11. Hidden Treasure Matt. 13:44 The transcendent value of truth and the effort necessary to secure it. Cf. No. 1.
12. New Cloth and New Wine Mark 2:21, 22 Truth versus traditionalism. The danger of preconceived opinions.
13. The Two Debtors Luke 7:41-43 Appreciation of, and gratitude for, the love and mercy of God.
14. Building a Tower; A King Going to War Luke 14:28-33 Counting the cost of discipleship.
15. Seven Unclean Spirits Matt. 12:43-45 The necessity of a positive attitude toward truth; the unpardonable sin.

The condition of the Jewish leaders.

Justification incomplete without sanctification. Cf. Nos. 5, 8, 16, 17, 21.

16. The Two Sons Matt. 21:28-32 Deeds count, not words; profession without practice is hypocrisy. Cf. Nos. 5, 8, 15, 17, 21.
17. Building on the Rock or on Sand Matt. 7:24-27 The perception of truth not an end in itself but a means to the end of a transformed life. The folly of knowledge without obedience. Cf. Nos. 15, 16, 21, 26.
18. The Rich Fool Luke 12:16-21 The danger of worldly mindedness; the folly of living for material things. To live for self is to perish.]

[See also Nos. 1, 29, 32, 34

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D. The Transformation of Character

 

Parable

 Source Principles Illustrated
19. The Growing Seed Mark 4:26-29 Faith and works: human effort cooperating with infinite power in Christian growth. Cf. Nos. 6, 7, 9, 20.
20. The Leaven Matt. 13:33 The intensive, qualitative growth of the kingdom of heaven. Power from above is implanted in the heart and transforms the life. Cf. Nos. 6, 9, 19.
21. The Man Without a Wedding Garment Matt. 22:2-14 The importance of Christ's righteousness. Cf. Nos. 5-8, 10, 15-17, 25.

[See also Nos. 15, 17, 34]

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E. Prayer

 

Parable

 Source Principles Illustrated
22. The Friend Calling at Midnight Luke 11:5-13 Perseverance in prayer. Asking to give to others.
23. The Unjust Judge Luke 18:1-8 Perseverance, earnestness, and confidence in prayer.

[See also No. 25]

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F. Humility Versus Pride

 

Parable

 Source Principles Illustrated
24. Choosing Places of Honor Luke 14:7-11 Humility toward one's fellow men; honoring others.
25. The Pharisee and the Publican Luke 18:9-14 Humility before God; the danger of pride and self-righteousness. Cf. No. 21.

[See also No. 38]

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G. Utilizing Present Opportunities

 

Parable

 Source Principles Illustrated
26. The Nobleman and the Pounds Luke 19:11-27 The improvement of talents and opportunities. Working while waiting for the kingdom. Faithful service the basis of reward. Cf. Nos. 5, 27, 37.
27. The Talents Matt. 25:14-30 Same as No. 26; also, helping others prepare for our Lord's return. Cf. Nos. 26, 34, 37.
28. The Dishonest Steward Luke 16:1-9 The diligent use of present opportunities in preparation for the future life. Cf. Nos. 26, 27.
29. The Rich Man and Lazarus Luke 16:19-31 Eternal destiny is decided in the present life; there is no second probation.

The danger of preoccupation with material things. Cf. Nos. 7, 18, 40.


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H. The Christian and His Fellow Man

 

Parable

 Source Principles Illustrated
30. The Good Samaritan Luke 10:30-37 True religion consists in active service for others; on this, eternal destiny depends. Contact with suffering humanity frees the soul of selfishness. Cf. No. 39.
31. The Unforgiving Servant Matt. 18:23-35 Mercy toward, and forgiveness of, others. Our forgiveness by God contingent on our forgiveness of others. Cf. No. 5.
32. Treasures Old and New Matt. 13:52 Familiarity with old truths; alertness for new truth. Adapt truth to the needs of the hearers. Cf. No. 9.
33. The Faithful Steward Luke 12:42-48 Conscientious supervision of the affairs of God's household, the church.


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I. Awaiting the Lord's Return

 

Parable

 Source Principles Illustrated
34. The Ten Virgins Matt. 25:1-13 Personal preparation for our Lord's return; His coming seemingly delayed.

Our need of the Holy Spirit. Cf. Nos. 27, 35, 36.

35. The Watchful Servant Mark 13:34-37 Watching for the Master's return. Cf Nos. 34, 36.
36. The Watchful Servant; The Vigilant Home Owner Luke 12:35-40 Preparedness for our Lord's sudden return. Living up to the light we have; personal accountability for truth. Cf. Nos. 7 34 35.
37. Laborers in the Vineyard Matt. 20:1-16 God measures service by the willingness and fidelity with which it is rendered.

Rewards are based on our Lord's gracious generosity and on the spirit which motivates our service for Him Cf. Nos. 8, 26, 27, 38.

38. Unprofitable Servants Luke 17:7-10 Faithfulness to duty. God's claim on all our services. Cf. No. 37.
39. The Sheep and the Goats Matt. 25:31-46 The significance of practical religion.

The supreme test of the reality of our religion is what it leads us to do for others. Cf. No. 30.


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J. The Final Judgment; Eternal Rewards

 

Parable

 Source Principles Illustrated
40. The Dragnet Matt. 13:47-50 The final separation of the bad from the good. Not all the wicked eventually become righteous. Cf. Nos. 7, 29.

[See also Nos. 7, 21, 26, 27, 29]

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