Bible study series: Luke 20:9-19. He told the parable to the people, but the chief priests, teachers of the law, and elders knew it was directed at them.
Parable of the Wicked Tenants, in Luke’s Gospel
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Category Archives: Parables
Parable of the Sheep and Goats
Bible Study series: Matthew 25:31-46. This parable is about final judgment based on how nations treated Christ’s disciples and missionaries and very needy people, not how they treated Israel.
Parable of Bags of Gold (Talents) in Matthew’s Gospel
Bible Study series: Matthew 25:14-30. A talent was a huge monetary amount. So modern translations correctly update the term. The main point is how will you work for the kingdom, work that he has tailor-made for you?
Parable of the Ten Maidens
Bible Study series: Matthew 25:1-13. The main message is to get ready for the coming of the bridegroom (the Messiah)
Parable of the Faithful and Unfaithful Servants: Warning to Kingdom Leaders
Bible Study series: Matthew 24:45-51. We better be faithful and find ourselves busy with God’s call on our lives. If we get abusive with his people, we will not have a happy, final judgment.
Parable of the Ten Minas
Bible Study series: Luke 19:11-27. The ones who were productive with the minas (a monetary amount) were rewarded. What about the unproductive and the rebels?
The Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector
Bible Study series: Luke 18:9-14. The tax collector had the right attitude, which pleased God. “Everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, and everyone who humbles himself shall be exalted.”
Parable of the Persistent Widow and Unjust Judge
Bible Study series: Luke 18:1-8. You have to keep at it, in your prayer, whether you are praying for justice or healing or the salvation of your loved one.
Parable of the Marriage Feast
Bible Study series: Matthew 22:1-14. The parable predicts the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple establishment. Then ordinary Jews and Gentiles will be included in the new community.
Don’t Do Little Work and Demand Loud Applause
Bible Study series: Luke 17:7-10. You got to do your work before the Lord, not to get the applause of people. Get his approval, if you do his work and complete his mission. He may ask you to do the hard thing, too.
Parable of the Vineyard and Wicked Tenants in Matthew’s Gospel
Bible Study series: Matthew 21:33-46. Another shot at the Jerusalem and temple establishment. This was God’s plan–to get his Son on the cross to die for the sin of the world. His Son spoke only the truth, which was enough to fulfill this plan.
Parable of the Two Sons
Bible Study series: Matthew 21:28-32. Once again, this parable is directed at the Jerusalem and temple establishment. God will build a new community, not of the high and mighty or religious elites, but of the lowly and needy.
Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
Bible Study series: Luke 16:19-31. This is a beloved parable about justice. It should be read in conjunction with the Parable of the Shrewd Manager.
Parable of the Prudent Manager
Bible Study series: Luke 16:1-13. Sometimes he is called the “dishonest manager.” What does this mean? Why would Jesus tell such a parable? It is becoming my favorite because of its moving parts and subtleties. It should be read in conjunction with the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.
Parable of the Lost, Spendthrift Son
Bible Study series: Luke 15:11-32. It’s about the Father’s love, forgiveness, and acceptance, once the sinner genuinely repents and turns around to prove his repentance.
Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin
Bible Study series: Luke 15:1-10. God seeks for wanderers and sinners. That’s how much he loves lost people.
Don’t Be Tasteless Salt
Bible Study series: Luke 14:34-35. “But if even it became tasteless, by what will it be salty again?”
Parable of the Great Banquet
Bible Study series: Luke 14:15-24. The gospel call can be accepted or rejected. The Jerusalem and temple establishment will reject it, but the needy and the Gentiles will accept it.
Parable of the Landowner and Workers
Bible study series: Matthew 20:1-16. Sometimes it is titled Parable of the Workers.
Exhortation to Be Humble and Generous
Bible Study series: Luke 14:7-14. “For everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, and the one who humbles himself shall be exalted.”
Strive to Enter the Narrow Door
Bible Study series: Luke 13:22-30. “Struggle to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to go in and will be unable.” No easy believism, no sloppy grace.
Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
Bible Study series: Matthew 18:21-35. If you don’t forgive, God won’t forgive you. This parable comes right after the church discipline and reconciliation process (vv. 15-20). Everyone must be willing to forgive.
Mustard Seed, Yeast, and Kingdom Growth
Bible Study series: Luke 13:18-21. The kingdom starts small in the one figure of King Jesus, but grows big, after his ascension.
Parable of Barren Fig Tree
Bible Study series: Luke 13:6-9. Israel or more specifically Jerusalem and the temple are issued a warning. Repent or face judgment.
Parable of the Lost Sheep in Matthew’s Gospel
Bible Study series: Matthew 18:10-14. Jesus is willing to get the one that is lost, when it is in danger.
Warning to Kingdom Leaders
Bible Study series: Luke 12:41-48. “Blessed is that servant whom his master will find doing thus when he comes.” But the opposite is true. If a kingdom servant is abusive, the punishment will be severe.
Be Prepared for the Son of Man’s Return
Bible Study series: Luke 12:35-40. Watch for his return. Behave righteously, and do his will while you wait.
Jesus Teaches Us about Persistent Prayer
Bible Study series: Luke 11:5-13. Many times for the same need! You have to persist in your request, being grateful to God for even allowing you to enter his throne room to receive mercy and grace and help in your time of need.
Treasure Old and New
Bible Study series: Matthew 13:51-52. Educated disciples can bring out old and new treasures.
The Parable of the Net
Bible Study series: Matthew 13:47-50. Please be sure that you are a true citizen of the kingdom because people who seem to be in the kingdom actually cause sin and practice lawlessness. Angels will make the final determination.
Two Short Parables
Bible Study series: Matthew 13:44-46. The Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price. You have to give up all you have to get the better thing.
Greatest Commandments and Parable of the Good Samaritan
Bible Study series: Luke 10:25-37. These verses are important because they define what the greatest commandments are, and the parable is very beloved and admired.
Parable of Weeds among Wheat, Explained
Bible Study series: Matthew 13:36-43. As noted in the companion post, leave judgment of the world up to God. Don’t cut down the weeds that look like wheat. You may damage the wheat.
The Use of Parables
Bible Study series: Matthew 13:34-35. The hidden things are now being revealed to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.
Parables of Mustard Seed and Leaven
Bible Study series: Matthew 13:31-33. The kingdom of God expands slowly, as it rescues people from the kingdom of darkness. Each redeemed life represents kingdom expansion.
Parable of Weeds among Wheat, Introduced
Bible Study series: Matthew 13:24-30. We must leave judgment of the world in God’s hands. Let’s not presume to judge worldly people before God’s time.
Parable of the Sower, Explained
Bible Study series: Matthew 13:18-23. Now we come to the interpretation. We need to see ourselves in the parable. Continue reading
The Purpose of Parables
Bible Study series: Matthew 13:10-17. You have to dig for the answers, showing your hunger for the kingdom. You must also have humility.
Parable of the Vineyard and Wicked Tenants
Bible Study series: Mark 12:1-12. This parable is about the Jerusalem and temple establishment. We should expect more confrontations, since he is now in Jerusalem. The establishment had already heard of him.
The Parable of the Soils (Sower), Introduced
Bible Study series: Matthew 13:1-9. Where is your heart? Hard? Prepared? Let’s see.
Disciples Are Salt and Light
This post is part of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:13-16. Salt and light are metaphors for godly influence in society.
The Purpose of Parables and the Parable of Soils (Sower), Explained
Bible Study series: Luke 8:9-15. Are you hungry enough to dig into God’s word to mine its truths? Will you stay with your faith or walk away? Will you let Satan steal the word from your heart? Your soul is at stake.
Parable of the Soils (Sower), Introduced
Bible Study series: Luke 8:4-8. Where is your heart when you hear the gospel? Soft? Ready? Hardened? Anxious? Vulnerable to Satan?
Questions about Fasting and Parables of New Cloth and New Wine
Bible Study series: Matthew 9:14-17. God is doing a new thing.
God Is Doing a New Thing through Jesus
Bible Study series: Luke 5:33-39. New wine in old wineskins?
Jesus Spoke in Parables
Bible Study series: Mark 4:33-34. Parables keep everyone keen and reveal who leans in to pursue truth.
The Kingdom Starts Small and Grows Big
Bible Study series: Mark 4:30-32. Don’t despise small beginnings. Be patient for God to work.
Secrets Will Be Exposed by Light. Be Alert to What You Hear. Measure for Measure
Bible Study series: Mark 4:21-25. Several hard-hitting truths delivered with such few verses.
Jesus Explains the Parable of the Sower (Soils)
Bible Study series: Mark 4:13-20. The parable is profound, and he explains it to us.
Jesus Teaches on the Purpose of Parables
Bible Study series: Mark 4:10-12. Are you hungry enough to dig for their meaning?
Jesus Introduces the Parable of the Sower (Soils)
Bible Study series: Mark 4:1-9. Jesus introduces the parable, and then just a little later he will explain it.
Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector
Luke 18:9-14: Are we humble enough to admit our sins, or do we listen to religion and believe we do not have very many sins to confess?
Parable of the Persistent Widow
Luke 18:1-8: We are challenged to pray and not give up, until we get an answer.
Parable about the Master and His Servant
Luke 17:7-10: This parable challenges us to serve God even when we do not receive applause. Are we humble enough to serve him in this situation?
Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
Luke 16:19-31: This parable is about doing good to the poor and needy. The parable challenges us not to be like Ebenezer Scrooge in Dicken’s A Christmas Carol. It also explains God’s justice on those who do not help.
Parable of the Prudent Manager
Luke 16:1-13: This parable is difficult to understand.
Parable of the Lost (Prodigal) Son
Luke 15:11-32: The lost son’s father ran out to meet him and hugged him and kissed him, thrilled to have him back home.
Parable of the Lost Coin
In Luke 15:8-19 Jesus loves you so much that he will look everywhere for you.
Parables about the Cost of Discipleship
In Luke 14:16-24, Jesus challenges a large crowd following him to count the cost to be his disciple. It ain’t easy.
Parable of the Great Banquet
In Luke 14:15-24, we are challenged to ask: How long can we reject the call to come into the kingdom of God?
Parable of the Lowest Seat
In this parable (Luke 14:7-11), we must be careful about self-promotion, which is rampant in the American church.
Parable of the Unfruitful Fig Tree
This parable in Luke 13:6-9 is about Israel and Jerusalem and judgment on both. But can we learn lessons about our own unproductive discipleship?
Parable of the Rich Fool
In this parable (Luke 12:13-21), we are called to ask ourselves this question: How attached are you to your possessions?
Parable of a Friend in Need
In the Parable of a Friend in Need (Luke 11:5-8), Jesus teaches us to persist and be bold in prayer.
Parable of the Forgiven Debtor
Jesus forgave a sinful woman in Luke 7:39-50. This parable teaches us about gratitude for God’s forgiveness.
Parable of the Watchful Servant
Are you ready for the Lord’s return?
Parable of the Growing Seed
Parables are purposed to challenge us (among other things). As a kingdom citizen, are you ready to allow the kingdom of God do its work, overseen by God? It is his kingdom after all. Mark 4:26-29.
Parable of the Sheep and Goats
Are you prepared for final judgment?
Parable of the Bags of Gold (Talents)
This parable is often titled Parable of the Talents. Are you a productive kingdom citizen?
Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids
What kind of disciple are you? Wise or foolish? Are you prepared for the Second Coming?
Parable of the Wise and Faithful Servant
Will you be faithfully serving God in your life when Jesus comes back? Will you do his will to the very end? If so, rewards are coming.
Parable of the Fig Tree and Other Trees
Do you believe the signs Jesus talked about in the first century can carry over to our days?
Parable of the Wedding Banquet
You have to be invited into the kingdom. God’s call to come in is going out to you right now.
Parable of the Vineyard and Wicked Tenants
The Jerusalem and temple establishment may have rejected Jesus, but God calls him his beloved Son and made him the chief cornerstone of a new temple.
Parable of the Two Sons
The temple establishment and religious leaders get their comeuppance, in contrast to the commoners and expendables.
Parable of Workers in the Vineyard
This is a story about God’s generosity. Do new converts get more grace than long-serving Christians, or does everyone get an equal amount of grace?
Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
This parable will be a challenge for some of us. You must forgive, or your Father in heaven won’t forgive you. Serious!
Parable of the Lost Sheep
God is searching for you, out of his love. He sent his Son to look for you. That’s how much he loves you.
Parable of Householder
We need the New Testament and the Old Testament.
Parable of the Net
After God’s great harvest, you will be judged. Are you a follower of Jesus? Are you found in union with him or away from him?
Parable of Priceless Pearl
If you have to, sell everything you have to get into the kingdom. Don’t let your possessions prevent you.
Parable of Hidden Treasure
Don’t miss out on the kingdom of God. Dig for it.
Parable of the Yeast
You must be born again to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3, 5). When you do, your life a radical turn for the better.
Parable of the Mustard Seed
The kingdom starts off small and grows slowly. Then it grows in your life and in millions of lives around the globe, individually. Through changed lives after the salvation of each person, the kingdom can influence society for the better.
Parable of Weeds among Wheat
This parable is about counterfeit disciples, satanic attacks by planting them inside the kingdom of God, yet we must not render ultimate and final judgment on them before God does. It also speaks of Jesus’ view of the end-times. It is not as complicated as the teachings of popular, end-time Bible prophecy teachers.
Parable of Sower and Soils
Will you let persecution or the anxieties of life steal or crush the word out of you? Or will you allow God to change your heart to become good soil? This is the most important parable for challenging our hearts to be receptive to Jesus and his gospel.
Parable of New Cloth and New Wine
We could title this post: “God Is Doing a New Thing through Jesus.” That’s the basic meaning of this parable.
Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders
How do we know whether we are a wise of foolish builder in the kingdom of God? How do we become a wise one?
Parable of Lamp under a Bowl
What does light mean in the kingdom of God? Does it produce good works? What is its source?
Rich Man and Lazarus: True Events or Just a Parable?
Here is a compendium of various commentators, who tend to reach one conclusion.
Parable of the Sower: Eternal Security or Possible Apostasy?
The parable may not cover the titled theological dispute in detail, but many interpreters believe it does. So let’s explore.
What Is a Parable?
It is the major technique of Jesus’s teaching, right up there with his direct teaching. So how do we define it?
Works Cited
Here is a list of the principal works referenced or used at this site. More will be added as time goes on, so please check back.
Dr. Jim's Essential Bible Teaching 