Parables of Jesus

38 Parables of Jesus and Their Meanings

Discover the timeless wisdom behind the stories Jesus told.

Jesus was a master storyteller. Rather than speak in abstract theology, He often used parables – short, simple stories drawn from everyday life – to reveal deep spiritual truths. These parables weren’t just clever illustrations; they were powerful invitations to reflect, respond, and reshape our understanding of God’s kingdom.

Whether you’re new to the Bible or looking to deepen your faith, exploring the parables of Jesus can bring clarity, conviction, and comfort. Below are 38 parables found in the Gospels – along with a brief summary of their meanings.

What Is a Parable?

A parable is a symbolic story designed to teach a moral or spiritual lesson. Jesus used parables to:

• Challenge religious assumptions
• Reveal the nature of God’s kingdom
• Invite personal reflection
• Make complex truths relatable

As you read through these 38 parables, ask: What is Jesus revealing about God, ourselves, and how we should live?

38 Parables of Jesus and What They Mean

1. The Sower (Matthew 13:1–23)
   • God’s Word is sown in different hearts—only the good soil bears lasting fruit.
2. The Weeds (Matthew 13:24–30)
   • Good and evil coexist for now, but God will separate them at the final judgment.
3. The Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31–32)
   • God’s kingdom may start small, but it grows into something powerful and life-giving.
4. The Yeast (Matthew 13:33)
   • Just a little of God’s truth can transform everything.
5. The Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44)
   • Discovering God’s kingdom is worth giving up everything else.
6. The Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13:45–46)
   • A relationship with God is the most valuable thing in life.
7. The Net (Matthew 13:47–50)
   • God will sort the righteous from the wicked at the end of the age.
8. The Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1–7)
   • God rejoices over every sinner who returns to Him.
9. The Lost Coin (Luke 15:8–10)
   • God seeks and celebrates those who are spiritually lost.
10. The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32)
    • God’s love is lavish and forgiving, even when we’ve run far from Him.
11. The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37)
    • True neighborly love crosses boundaries and takes action.
12. The Rich Fool (Luke 12:13–21)
    • Storing earthly wealth without spiritual richness is foolish.
13. The Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1–8)
    • Keep praying; God is just and will respond in time.
14. The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9–14)
    • God honors humility over religious pride.
15. The Talents (Matthew 25:14–30)
    • Use what God gives you—faithfulness leads to reward.
16. The Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1–13)
    • Be ready spiritually—Jesus may return at any time.
17. The Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1–16)
    • God’s grace is not earned but generously given.
18. The Two Sons (Matthew 21:28–32)
    • Obedience matters more than promises.
19. The Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21–35)
    • Those forgiven by God must also forgive others.
20. The Wise and Foolish Builders (Matthew 7:24–27)
    • A life built on Jesus’ words will stand through every storm.
21. The Wedding Banquet (Matthew 22:1–14)
    • God invites all, but we must be clothed in righteousness to enter.
22. The Barren Fig Tree (Luke 13:6–9)
    • God is patient, but repentance must come before judgment.
23. The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31)
    • Earthly status means nothing in eternity—compassion matters.
24. The Tenants (Matthew 21:33–46)
    • God entrusts His kingdom to those who honor Him.
25. The Friend at Midnight (Luke 11:5–13)
    • Bold, persistent prayer is encouraged and rewarded.
26. The Growing Seed (Mark 4:26–29)
    • God causes spiritual growth in unseen ways.
27. The Two Debtors (Luke 7:41–43)
    • Those who recognize how much they’re forgiven love more deeply.
28. The Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31–46)
    • Final judgment will be based on acts of compassion and faithfulness.
29. The Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1–13)
    • Use worldly resources wisely in light of eternal priorities.
30. The Wise and Foolish Virgins (Matthew 25:1–13)
    • Stay spiritually prepared for Christ’s return.
31. The Children in the Marketplace (Luke 7:31–35)
    • Some reject truth no matter how it’s presented.
32. The Two Builders (Luke 6:47–49)
    • True disciples not only hear but obey Jesus’ teachings.
33. The Fig Tree Lesson (Matthew 24:32–35)
    • Pay attention to spiritual signs—Jesus will return.
34. The Lamp Under a Bowl (Matthew 5:14–16)
    • Let your faith shine visibly in the world.
35. The Speck and the Log (Matthew 7:1–5)
    • Don’t judge others without examining your own heart first.
36. The Unjust Judge (Luke 18:1–8)
    • Even an unjust judge responds to persistence—how much more will God?
37. The Net Cast into the Sea (Matthew 13:47–50)
    • A second reminder that final judgment will come.
38. The New Wineskins (Mark 2:21–22)
    • God’s new covenant requires a new heart and mindset.

Why the Parables Still Matter

Jesus’ parables are more than stories—they’re mirrors that help us examine our hearts and windows that reveal God’s grace. They’re perfect for:

• Youth Bible study
• Small groups
• Personal reflection
• Teaching and discipleship

Want to explore parables through short film? At The New Parables, we’ve created modern-day parables to help today’s students and seekers engage with timeless truth. Pair one of our short films with your next Bible study to start powerful conversations.