๐พ Parables of Jesus
Kingdom of God
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The Sower
CrowdsThe Word of God is received differently depending on the condition of the heart.
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The Wheat and the Tares
CrowdsGood and evil coexist until the final judgment when God will separate them.
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The Mustard Seed
CrowdsThe kingdom starts small but grows to become great, providing shelter for many.
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The Leaven
CrowdsThe kingdom permeates and transforms everything it touches, like yeast in dough.
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The Hidden Treasure
DisciplesThe kingdom is worth giving up everything to obtain.
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The Pearl of Great Price
DisciplesOne who recognizes the kingdom's value will sacrifice all to possess it.
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The Great Banquet
PhariseesThose originally invited (Israel) rejected the invitation, so God invites the outcasts and Gentiles.
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The Growing Seed
CrowdsThe kingdom grows mysteriously and inevitably - the farmer sleeps and rises, and the seed grows he knows not how.
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New Wine in Old Wineskins
John's disciplesJesus teaches that his new message of the kingdom cannot be confined to old traditions but requires fresh forms and renewed hearts.
Love & Mercy
Grace & Forgiveness
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The Prodigal Son
Pharisees & ScribesGod joyfully receives repentant sinners, and warns against the self-righteousness of the elder brother.
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The Lost Sheep
Pharisees & ScribesGod actively seeks the lost and rejoices greatly when even one sinner repents.
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The Lost Coin
Pharisees & ScribesHeaven rejoices over one sinner who repents - every soul has immense value to God.
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The Unforgiving Servant
Peter & DisciplesThose who have been forgiven much must forgive others. Unforgiveness brings judgment.
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The Workers in the Vineyard
DisciplesGod's grace is not earned by works. He is generous to all who come, regardless of when.
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The Two Debtors
Simon the PhariseeThose forgiven much love much. Simon showed little love because he felt little need for forgiveness.
Judgment & Eternity
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The Rich Man and Lazarus
PhariseesEarthly wealth means nothing in eternity. There is no second chance after death.
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The Ten Virgins
DisciplesBe prepared for Christ's return - there will be no time to prepare when He comes.
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The Barren Fig Tree
CrowdsGod is patient but expects fruitfulness. Continued unfruitfulness leads to judgment.
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The Sheep and the Goats
DisciplesAt the final judgment, people are separated by how they treated the least of Christ's brothers.
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The Wicked Tenants
Chief PriestsIsrael's leaders rejected God's messengers and will reject His Son. The kingdom will be given to others.
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The Dragnet
DisciplesAt the end of the age, angels will separate the wicked from the righteous - like sorting a net full of fish.
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The Wedding Feast
Chief PriestsThe king's invitation is rejected by the invited guests, so he invites everyone from the streets. But proper garments are required.
Stewardship
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The Talents
DisciplesGod entrusts gifts and expects faithful stewardship. Faithfulness is rewarded; laziness is judged.
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The Rich Fool
CrowdsLife does not consist in abundance of possessions. Storing up treasure for self while ignoring God is foolishness.
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The Minas (Pounds)
DisciplesFaithful use of God's entrusted gifts brings greater responsibility and reward, while neglect leads to loss.
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The Unjust Steward
DisciplesThe parable teaches believers to use worldly resources shrewdly for eternal purposes and to prove faithful in small things entrusted by God.
Prayer & Humility
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The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Self-righteousGod honors humble repentance over proud self-righteousness.
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The Persistent Widow
DisciplesGod will bring justice for His people who cry out to Him persistently. Never give up in prayer.
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The Friend at Midnight
DisciplesPersistence in prayer is rewarded. God is not reluctant like the sleeping friend - how much more will He give.