Parables of Jesus

Jesus used parables as a means of communicating to the masses. When it came to his disciples he interpreted them. A parable is interpreted as a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, as told by Jesus in the Gospels.

There are 48 parables of Jesus as recorded in the bible:

Here are they

1. The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1–23; Mark 4:1–20; Luke 8:4–15)

Lesson: Different people respond to God’s word in different ways, depending on the condition of their heart.

Read also Overview of the book of Job

2. The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37)

Lesson: True neighborly love shows compassion to anyone in need, regardless of race or background.

3. The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32)

Lesson: God is a loving Father who welcomes back sinners who repent, no matter how far they’ve strayed.

4. The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1–7; Matthew 18:10–14)

Lesson: God cares deeply for every individual and rejoices when even one lost soul returns.

5. The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30)

Lesson: God expects us to wisely use the gifts and opportunities He gives us.

6. The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31–32; Mark 4:30–32; Luke 13:18–19)

Lesson: The Kingdom of God starts small but grows into something great and powerful.

7. The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1–13)

Lesson: Be spiritually prepared, because no one knows when Christ will return.

8. The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21–35)

Lesson: We must forgive others as generously as God has forgiven us.

9. The Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13–21)

Lesson: Don’t place your trust in earthly riches—life is short and uncertain.

10. The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1–16)

Lesson: God’s grace is generous and not based on human ideas of fairness.

11. The Parable of the Two Builders (Matthew 7:24–27; Luke 6:46–49)

Lesson: A wise person builds their life on Jesus’ teachings; otherwise, they are spiritually unstable.

12. The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares (Weeds) (Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43)

Lesson: Good and evil will coexist until the final judgment when God will separate them.

13. The Parable of the Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44)

Lesson: The Kingdom of Heaven is so valuable that it’s worth giving up everything to possess it.

14. The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13:45–46)

Lesson: Like a rare pearl, the Kingdom is of incomparable value.

15. The Parable of the Net (Matthew 13:47–50)

Lesson: At the end of the age, God will separate the righteous from the wicked.

16. The Parable of the Unjust Judge (Persistent Widow) (Luke 18:1–8)

Lesson: Always pray and never give up—God hears persistent faith-filled prayer.

17. The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9–14)

Lesson: Humility, not self-righteousness, leads to justification before God.

18. The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31)

Lesson: Wealth and status in this life don’t guarantee favor with God—compassion and repentance matter.

19. The Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:15–24; Matthew 22:1–14)

Lesson: Many are invited to God’s Kingdom, but not all accept the invitation.

20. The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree (Luke 13:6–9)

Lesson: God is patient, but people are expected to bear spiritual fruit before it’s too late.

21. The Parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28–32)

Lesson: Actions speak louder than words—true obedience to God is shown by what we do, not just what we say.

22. The Parable of the Tenants (Wicked Vine Dressers) (Matthew 21:33–46; Mark 12:1–12; Luke 20:9–19)

Lesson: God sent prophets and ultimately His Son to Israel, but many rejected Him. Judgment follows rejection.

23. The Parable of the Budding Fig Tree (Matthew 24:32–35; Mark 13:28–29; Luke 21:29–31)

Lesson: Just like you can read the seasons, you should be spiritually alert for signs of Christ’s return.

24. The Parable of the Friend at Midnight (Luke 11:5–13)

Lesson: God responds to persistent, bold prayer—He’s a generous Father.

25. The Parable of the Lamp under a Basket (Matthew 5:14–16; Mark 4:21–25; Luke 8:16–18)

Lesson: Your faith is meant to shine—don’t hide the light of truth.

26. The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Servants (Matthew 24:45–51; Luke 12:42–48)

Lesson: Be faithful while waiting for Christ’s return—you don’t know when He’ll come back.

27. The Parable of the Strong Man (Matthew 12:29; Mark 3:27; Luke 11:21–22)

Lesson: Jesus has authority over Satan and is able to “bind the strong man” to rescue us.

28. The Parable of the Dishonest Manager (Shrewd Steward) (Luke 16:1–13)

Lesson: Use your worldly resources wisely and generously in light of eternity.

29. The Parable of the Growing Seed (Mark 4:26–29)

Lesson: The Kingdom of God grows in mysterious, God-driven ways—even when we don’t see it.

30. The Parable of the Wedding Feast (Matthew 22:1–14)

Lesson: God invites many to His Kingdom, but only those clothed in righteousness (symbolically) can stay.

31. The Parable of the Seed and the Soils

(This is often merged with the Parable of the Sower but can be viewed with emphasis on how spiritual growth varies.)
Lesson: Spiritual growth depends on how well we receive and respond to God’s Word.

32. The Parable of the Leaven (Yeast) (Matthew 13:33; Luke 13:20–21)

Lesson: God’s Kingdom may start small but its influence spreads powerfully and transforms everything.

33. The Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15:8–10)

Lesson: Just like the lost sheep, God rejoices when even one sinner repents and returns.

34. The Parable of the Divided Kingdom/House (Matthew 12:25–26; Mark 3:24–25; Luke 11:17–18)

Lesson: A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand—unity is essential, especially in the spiritual realm.

35. The Parable of the Watchful Servants (Luke 12:35–40)

Lesson: Be spiritually alert and ready, because Christ will return when least expected.

36. The Parable of the Faithful Manager (Luke 12:41–48)

Lesson: Leaders are held to greater accountability—much is required of those who’ve been entrusted with much.

37. The Parable of the Persistent Friend

(Sometimes grouped with “Friend at Midnight,” but also symbolic on its own.)
Lesson: Don’t be afraid to approach God with bold, persistent faith.

38. The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31–46)

Lesson: Final judgment will be based on how we treated others—especially the “least of these.”

39. The Parable of the Vine and the Branches (John 15:1–8)

(Some don’t count this as a parable, but it’s a powerful metaphor.)
Lesson: Abiding in Christ is the only way to bear spiritual fruit.

40. The Parable of the Owner of the House (Matthew 13:52)

Lesson: A wise teacher of the Kingdom brings out both old and new treasures—truths rooted in Scripture and fresh understanding.

41. The Blind Leading the Blind (Luke 6:39)

Lesson: A person cannot lead others spiritually if they themselves are spiritually blind.

42. The Children in the Marketplace (Matthew 11:16–19; Luke 7:31–35)

Lesson: People find excuses to reject truth no matter how it’s delivered—whether it’s John’s strictness or Jesus’ grace.

43. The Camel Through the Eye of a Needle (Matthew 19:24; Mark 10:25; Luke 18:25)

Lesson: It’s nearly impossible for the wealthy to enter the Kingdom if they rely on riches instead of God.

44. The Unclean Spirit Returning (Matthew 12:43–45; Luke 11:24–26)

Lesson: Removing evil isn’t enough—you must replace it with God’s presence or risk even worse spiritual ruin.

45. The Hen and Her Chicks (Matthew 23:37; Luke 13:34)

Lesson: God desires to lovingly protect His people, but they must be willing to come under His care.

46. The Tower Builder (Luke 14:28–30)

Lesson: Count the cost of discipleship—don’t start a spiritual journey you’re not committed to finishing.

47. The Warring King (Luke 14:31–33)

Lesson: Consider the seriousness of following Christ. It requires surrender and sacrifice.

48. The Sign of Jonah (Matthew 12:38–41; Luke 11:29–32)

Lesson: Just as Jonah was in the fish, Jesus would be in the tomb—His resurrection is the ultimate sign.