– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Shrewd Steward
This is perhaps one of the most difficult of Jesus’ parables to grasp. As we read it and look for lessons, we must be careful what we apply and how. This isn’t the only time the Lord used an unfaithful servant in a parable, but His usage here is somewhat unique.
– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Fig Tree
Some people told Jesus about a group of Galileans whom Pilate killed. Jesus’ reponse indicated those who brought it up believed they got what they deserved. He said to them:
Do you suppose these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered such things? I tell you, no, but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. (Luke 13:2-3)
– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Seed of the Kingdom
Mark 4 has some parables we’ve seen in other gospels: the sower (4:3-20), the lamp (4:21-23), and the mustard seed (4:30-33). He adds a different parable – a story of the growth of a seed.
– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Rich Fool
As the Lord taught His disciples, a man from the crowd spoke up, asking for Jesus’ help:
Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me. (Luke 12:13)
– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Talents
If we hear someone speak about “talents,” we tend to think about skills or abilities that one has. In Matthew 25, Jesus gave a parable about three servants and their use of the master’s talents. In this case, a talent was not their skill or ability, but a sum of money.
– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
In Matthew 24, Jesus gave a few parables addressing the need for His people to prepare for His return. He continued the same thought in Matthew 25, teaching the parable of the ten virgins.
– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Wise and Faithful Servant
The first part of Matthew 24 addresses Jerusalem’s impending destruction, while the latter portion is about the second coming of Christ – the final judgment. Signs would precede the first event (fulfilled in 70 AD), but there would be no signs for the Lord’s return (Matthew 24:36-39). Jesus said,
– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Fig Tree, Signs of the Time
During a discourse about the destruction of Jerusalem, Jesus used a fig tree parable to illustrate the need to read the signs of the time. He said:
Now learn this parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. (Matthew 24:32-33)
– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Marriage Feast
The parable of the wicked vinedressers enraged the Pharisees, for they knew that Jesus spoke of them. However, they did not lay a hand on Him, for they feared the people (Matthew 21:45-46). Immediately, He spoke another parable against them, the parable of the marriage feast.
– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers
Jesus shared a parable about wicked men who were not only dishonest and greedy, but also violent and murderous. He spoke the parable in the hearing of the Pharisees, the very people whom He pictured in the parable.