Jesus often used parables to get his point across to his disciples. Parables are a window into another world and a mirror in which you see yourself. They are descriptive, not prescriptive—they reveal and conceal. As we walk through the parables of Jesus, use the resources, teaching, and study questions below to unpack each story and what it means for following Jesus.

Teaching

Reading Plan

These daily readings will help prepare you for the upcoming teaching you will hear this weekend at Grace Church. These passages will create some context for the sermon by showing you Scriptures the teacher might be quoting and some passages that contain related ideas. Our hope is that as you follow this reading plan, it will help you become more defined and directed by Scripture.

View Plan

Study Questions

  • WEEK 1: The Rich Fool

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Parables Additional Resources

What are two helpful ways to think about parables?

Scofield Foster
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What are two errors people make when interpreting parables?

Bobby Raulerson
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Thoughts on Economic Segregation from the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)

David Delk
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Jesus taught through parables in many locations—here are a few examples.

Did you know?

  • 1 Part Parables

    • The Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44)
    • The Mustard Seed (Mark 4:31-33)
    • The King Going to War (Luke 14:31-33)

    2 Part Parables

    • The Pharisee & Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14)
    • The Two Foundations (Matthew 7:24-27)
    • The Growing Seed (Mark 4:26-29)

    3 Part Parables

    • The Wheat & The Weeds (Matthew 13:24-30)
    • The Vineyard Workers’ Pay (Matthew 20:1-16)
    • The Ten Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
    • Early: The Net (Matthew 13:47-50)
    • Middle: The Good Shepherd (John 10:1-18)
    • Late: The Vineyard Owner (Matthew 21:33-46)
    • Jesus’ longest parable: The Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32)
    • Jesus’ shortest parable: The Leaven (Matthew 13:33)
    • Similitudes (Quick note of comparison, using “like” or “as”, to paint a metal picture.)
      - The Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13:45-46)
    • Parabolic Sayings (Short narration, often a one-line. Illustrates a teaching that comes before or after.)
      - The Wedding Guests’ Joy (Luke 5:34-35)
    • Full Parables (Complete, stand-alone story. Gives the hearer a full situation to think through and see the underlying truth).
      - The Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)

Downloads

Resources

Guide for Interpreting Jesus' Parables Thumbnail
The Complete Parables of Jesus
The Money Challenge Questions
Future Grace by John Piper