The 24 Parables in the Gospel of Luke
1. The Parable of the New Wine and Old Wineskins (Luke 5:37-39)
In this parable, Jesus further explains His message by comparing new wine and old wineskins. He says that new wine must be put into fresh wineskins because if new wine is put into old wineskins, the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed.
Additionally, the parable highlights human resistance to change and the difficulty of accepting new ideas, akin to old wineskins being unable to adapt to new wine. It also emphasizes continuity in God's plan, with Jesus' coming seen as the fulfillment of divine promises. This parable symbolizes Jesus' ministry as a radical new movement that cannot be confined within the old structures of his day. Sometimes broader cultural and social changes necessitate new frameworks to embrace shifts. Are we willing to allow God to change our lives radically?
2. The Wise and Foolish Builders (Luke 6:46-49)
In the parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders, found in Luke 6:46-49, Jesus emphasizes the importance of not only hearing His words but also acting upon them. He compares those who hear His teachings and put them into practice to a wise man who builds his house on a solid foundation of rock. When floods come and the torrents strike, the house remains secure because it is well-built. This analogy highlights the stability and security that comes from living according to Jesus' teachings. It suggests that true discipleship involves a deep commitment to living out the principles of the Kingdom of God, resulting in a life that can withstand trials and adversities.
Jesus describes those who hear His words but do not act on them as foolish builders who construct their houses on a foundation of sand. When the same floodwaters rise, these houses quickly collapse and are utterly destroyed. This parable serves as a stark warning about the dangers of superficial faith that lacks genuine obedience and transformation. It underscores that merely listening to Jesus without integrating His teachings into one's life is insufficient. The parable thus calls for introspection. Who wants to be surprised when calamity arrives?
3. The Parable of the Two Debtors (Luke 7:41-43)
Jesus tells this parable in response to Simon the Pharisee's judgmental thoughts about a sinful woman anointing Jesus' feet. He describes a moneylender who has two debtors; one owes 500 denarii, and the other 50. When neither can repay, the moneylender forgives both debts. Jesus asks Simon which debtor will love the moneylender more, and Simon correctly answers that it would be the one who had the larger debt forgiven.
This parable illustrates the depth of gratitude and love that comes from understanding the extent of forgiveness received. The sinful woman, recognizing the enormity of her forgiven sins, shows great love and devotion to Jesus. In contrast, Simon, who does not see himself as needing much forgiveness, shows little love. The parable teaches that awareness of one's sinfulness and the grace of forgiveness SHOULD lead to profound love and devotion to God.
4. The Parable of the Sower (Luke 8:4-15)
In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus describes a sower who scatters seeds on different types of soil, resulting in varied outcomes for the seeds. Some fall along the path and are trampled or eaten by birds, some fall on rocky ground and wither without moisture, some fall among thorns and are choked, and some fall on good soil and produce a bountiful crop. This parable illustrates the different responses people have to the word of God, depending on the condition of their hearts.
Jesus later explains the parable to His disciples, emphasizing that the seed represents the word of God. The various soils represent different types of hearers: those along the path are those who hear but the devil takes the word away, those on rocky ground receive the word with joy but fall away in times of testing, those among thorns are choked by life's worries and riches, and those on good soil hear the word, retain it, and produce a harvest. This parable underscores the importance of a receptive and persevering heart in bearing spiritual fruit.
5. The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
The Parable of the Good Samaritan is one of Jesus' most famous teachings, illustrating the command to love one's neighbor. In response to a lawyer's question about inheriting eternal life and who qualifies as a neighbor, Jesus tells a story about a man who is robbed and left half-dead on the road. A priest and a Levite pass by without helping, but a Samaritan considered a social outcast by Jews (and, thus, an unlikely hero), stops to assist the man, showing him compassion and care.
Jesus concludes the parable by asking who among the three passersby acted as a neighbor to the injured man, to which the lawyer replies, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus then instructs him to "go and do likewise." This parable challenges prejudices and teaches that true neighborly love transcends ethnic and social boundaries.
6. The Parable of the Friend at Midnight (Luke 11:5-8)
In this parable, Jesus presents a scenario where a man goes to a friend’s house at midnight to ask for bread to feed an unexpected guest. Initially, the friend refuses, citing the inconvenience of the hour and the disturbance to his family. However, due to the man's persistence, the friend eventually gets up and provides the bread.
Jesus uses this story to teach about the power of persistent prayer. He emphasizes that if a reluctant friend can be persuaded to help through persistence, how much more will God, who is loving and willing to help, respond to our persistent prayers? The parable encourages believers to be tenacious and unwavering in their prayer life, trusting in God's willingness to provide for their needs.
7. The Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21)
In the Parable of the Rich Fool, Jesus tells the story of a wealthy man whose land produces an abundant crop. The man decides to tear down his barns and build bigger ones to store all his grain and goods, planning to take life easy and enjoy his wealth. However, God calls him a fool, declaring that his life will be demanded from him that very night, and questioning who will get what he has prepared for himself.
This parable serves as a stark warning against greed and the folly of storing up earthly treasures without being rich toward God. It highlights the transient nature of material wealth and the importance of being spiritually prepared. Jesus teaches that true security and fulfillment come from a relationship with God and using one's resources to serve others and advance God's kingdom.
8. The Parable of the Watchful Servants (Luke 12:35-40)
In this parable, Jesus compares His followers to servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet. They are to keep their lamps burning and stay dressed, ready to open the door for him immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds alert upon his return, as they will be rewarded for their vigilance.
The parable underscores the need for constant readiness and faithfulness in anticipation of Jesus' return. Jesus teaches that, like the servants, His followers should live in a state of spiritual alertness and preparedness, diligently fulfilling their duties and maintaining their faith. The parable concludes with a reminder that the Son of Man will come at an unexpected hour, emphasizing the importance of being perpetually prepared for His return. Is the Christian life exhausting? Exhilarating? Or a normal part of what we do?
9. The Parable of the Faithful and Wise Manager (Luke 12:42-48)
Jesus tells a parable about a master who puts a faithful and wise manager in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time. If the manager is found faithfully doing his duties upon the master's return, he will be rewarded and put in charge of all the master's possessions. However, if the manager abuses his power and mistreats the servants, he will be punished severely when the master returns unexpectedly.
This parable highlights the importance of faithful stewardship and accountability. Jesus emphasizes that those entrusted with responsibilities must carry them out diligently and with integrity, as they will be held accountable for their actions. The greater the responsibility, the greater the accountability.
10. The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree (Luke 13:6-9)
In this parable, a man has a fig tree planted in his vineyard, but for three years he finds no fruit on it. He tells the gardener to cut it down, as it is taking up space without producing anything. The gardener, however, pleads for another year, offering to dig around it and fertilize it, hoping it will bear fruit. If it still does not produce, then it can be cut down. It causes the reader to wonder, is there a time limit for repentance?
The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree illustrates God's patience and mercy, offering opportunities for repentance and growth. The fig tree represents individuals or nations that fail to produce the fruits of repentance and righteousness. The gardener's plea for more time symbolizes Jesus' intercession and the grace period given for people to turn from their ways and bear spiritual fruit. However, it also warns of the impending judgment if there is no transformation.
11. The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Luke 13:18-19)
Jesus compares the kingdom of God to a mustard seed, which is tiny when planted but grows into a large tree where birds can perch in its branches. This parable illustrates the seemingly small and humble beginnings of God's kingdom, which will grow and expand beyond expectation.
The parable emphasizes the transformative power and exponential growth of the kingdom of God. Despite its modest start, it will flourish and provide shelter and blessings to many.
12. The Parable of the Yeast (Luke 13:20-21)
In this parable, Jesus likens the kingdom of God to yeast that a woman mixes into a large amount of flour until it works all through the dough. This analogy demonstrates the pervasive and transformative impact of God's kingdom.
Just as yeast causes dough to rise and expand, the kingdom of God influences and transforms individuals and societies from within. Jesus encourages us to see the subtle, effective, and gradual growth and influence of God.
13. The Parable of the Narrow Door (Luke 13:22-30)
Jesus describes the kingdom of God as a narrow door, advising people to strive to enter through it. Many will seek to enter but will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, those standing outside will plead to be let in, but the owner will say he does not know them. Despite their protests, he will reject them for their wickedness. One should not take all of this for granted.
This parable underscores the urgency and effort required to enter God's kingdom. It warns against complacency and presumption, urging individuals to live righteously and be prepared for the coming judgment. The imagery of the narrow door conveys the exclusivity and difficulty of the path to salvation, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and faith.
14. The Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-24)
Jesus tells a parable about a man who prepares a great banquet and invites many guests. When the banquet is ready, the invited guests make excuses and refuse to come. Angered by their rejection, the host orders his servant to invite the poor, crippled, blind, and lame from the streets and alleys. Even then, there is still room, so the servant is sent to the roads and country lanes to compel more people to come, ensuring the house is full.
The Parable of the Great Banquet illustrates God's inclusive invitation to His kingdom and the consequences of rejecting it. The initially invited guests represent those who disregard God's call, while the later invitees symbolize the marginalized and Gentiles who accept it. This is the story within the story of the gospels and the New Testament - one group is rejecting the invitation of Jesus so others will soon be welcomed.
15. The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7)
In this parable, Jesus compares God's joy over a repentant sinner to a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to find one that is lost. When he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and calls his friends and neighbors to rejoice with him.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep illustrates God's relentless love and pursuit of sinners. It highlights the value of each individual and the great joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.
16. The Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10)
Jesus tells of a woman who loses one of her ten silver coins and diligently searches her house until she finds it. When she does, she calls her friends and neighbors to rejoice with her. Jesus concludes by saying there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
The Parable of the Lost Coin underscores the diligent and determined nature of God's search for the lost. It mirrors the preceding parable's theme, emphasizing the joy and celebration in heaven over a repentant sinner.
17. The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
In this well-known parable, a younger son demands his inheritance from his father and squanders it in a distant country. When a severe famine strikes, he finds himself in desperate need and decides to return home, hoping to be treated as a hired servant. His father, seeing him from a distance, runs to embrace him and celebrates his return with a feast. The older brother, however, is resentful and refuses to join the celebration.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son illustrates God's unconditional love and forgiveness. The father's joyful reception of the repentant son symbolizes God's grace towards sinners who return to Him. The older brother's reaction serves as a caution against self-righteousness and highlights the need for compassion and rejoicing in the restoration of others.
18. The Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1-9)
Jesus tells a story about a rich man whose manager is accused of wasting his possessions. The manager, knowing he will be fired, devises a plan to ingratiate himself with his master's debtors by reducing their debts. When the master learns of this, he commends the manager for his shrewdness, though not for his dishonesty. This is a somewhat confusing parable at times.
The Parable of the Shrewd Manager highlights the importance of using worldly resources wisely and prudently to secure a future. Jesus uses this parable to teach that believers should be wise and strategic in their use of resources, prioritizing eternal values and relationships. It underscores the principle of faithful stewardship and the need to be astute in managing one's affairs.
19. The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)
In this parable, Jesus contrasts the lives of a rich man who lives in luxury and a poor man named Lazarus who begs at the rich man's gate, covered in sores. When both die, Lazarus is carried to Abraham's side, while the rich man ends up in torment in Hades. The rich man begs Abraham to send Lazarus to cool his tongue and to warn his brothers, but Abraham reminds him that they have Moses and the Prophets to listen to.
The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus serves as a powerful warning about the dangers of wealth and the importance of compassion and righteousness. It underscores the finality of God's judgment. Will wealth blind us to our state and our deep need of grace in the here and now?
20. The Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8)
Jesus tells a parable about a widow who persistently pleads with an unjust judge to grant her justice against her adversary. Although the judge neither fears God nor cares about people, he eventually grants her request to avoid being worn out by her continual coming.
The Parable of the Persistent Widow illustrates the importance of persistent prayer and unwavering faith. Jesus encourages believers to pray continually and not lose heart, assuring them that God, who is just and loving, will respond to their prayers. The parable highlights God's willingness to grant justice to His chosen ones who cry out to Him day and night.
21. The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14)
In this parable, Jesus contrasts the prayers of a self-righteous Pharisee and a humble tax collector. The Pharisee boasts of his piety, thanking God that he is not like other people, while the tax collector stands at a distance, beats his chest, and pleads for God's mercy. Jesus declares that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified before God.
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector teaches the importance of humility and repentance in approaching God. It condemns self-righteousness and pride, emphasizing that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, while those who humble themselves will be exalted. T
22. The Parable of the Ten Minas (Luke 19:11-27)
Jesus tells a parable about a nobleman who goes to a distant country to receive a kingdom and then returns. Before leaving, he entrusts ten of his servants with a mina each and instructs them to put the money to work until he returns. Upon his return, he rewards the servants who have earned more with their minas and punishes the one who did nothing with his.
The Parable of the Ten Minas emphasizes the importance of faithful stewardship and the responsible use of the resources and opportunities God provides. It teaches that those who are faithful in small matters will be entrusted with greater responsibilities, while those who neglect their duties will face consequences. Jesus told the disciples he would go away and the Son of Man would return. The message is clear.
23. The Parable of the Tenants (Luke 20:9-19)
In this parable, a man plants a vineyard and rents it to some tenants before going on a journey. At harvest time, he sends servants to collect his share of the fruit, but the tenants beat and send them away empty-handed. Finally, he sends his beloved son, thinking they will respect him, but the tenants kill the son, hoping to seize the inheritance. Jesus concludes by saying the owner will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others.
The Parable of the Tenants is an allegory of Israel's history, highlighting the rejection of God's prophets and ultimately His Son, Jesus. It serves as a warning of impending judgment for those who reject God's messengers and His Son.
24. The Parable of the Fig Tree (Luke 21:29-33)
Jesus tells a parable about a fig tree and all the trees, saying that when they sprout leaves, people know that summer is near. Similarly, when people see certain signs, they will know that the kingdom of God is near. Jesus assures that His words will never pass away, even though heaven and earth will pass away.
The Parable of the Fig Tree emphasizes the importance of discernment and readiness for the coming of God's kingdom. It teaches that believers should be attentive to the signs of the times and remain vigilant in their faith. Jesus' words are eternal and trustworthy, providing a foundation for hope and perseverance in the face of changing circumstances
