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 parables of Jesus
 
The Sermon On the Mount by Carl Heinrich Bloch, Danish painter, d. 1890.
The Sermon On the Mount by
Carl Heinrich Bloch,
Danish painter, d. 1890.
(larger image)
The parables of Jesus, found in the Synoptic Gospels, embody much of Jesus' teaching. Jesus' parables are quite simple, memorable stories, often with humble imagery, each with a single message. Jesus, for example, likened the Kingdom of God to leaven[a] (an image usually meant as corruption) or a mustard seed[b]. Like his aphorisms, Jesus' parables were often surprising and paradoxical. The Parable of the Good Samaritan, for example, turned expectations on their head with the despised Samaritan proving to be the wounded man's neighbor. The parables were simple and memorable enough to survive in an oral tradition before being written down years after Jesus' death.
The Good Samaritan, Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn
The Good Samaritan,
Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn
(larger image)
His parables are sometimes interpreted as allegories in the gospels themselves and in Christian tradition. In such an allegory, each element corresponds metaphorically to a class of people (e.g., false Christians), a heavenly reward, or some other topic. The gospel of John includes allegories but no parables.

Believed to be the words of Jesus, taught to him by the Father, Christians place high significance on the parables.
28So Jesus said to them, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. —John 8:28

occurrence

Parables are attributed to Jesus in the three synoptic gospels of the New Testament and the noncanonical Gospel of Thomas. According to some interpretations, the Gospel of John also contains a parable.

According to one source the Gospel of Luke contains both the largest total number of parables (24) and the largest number of unique parables found nowhere else (10). The Gospel of Matthew contains 23 parables of which six are unique. The noncanonical Gospel of Thomas contains 15 parables of which two are unique. The Gospel of Mark contains eight parables of which only one (the Parable of the Growing Seed) is unique. The Gospel of John contains only the story of the Vine, which some consider to be a parable.
In Western civilization, they are the best known examples of stories referred to as parables, and so form the prototype for the term parable.
The Prodigal Son, Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn
The Prodigal Son,
Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn
(larger image)
The parables are thought to have been transmitted orally for years before being written down. The hypothetical Q document is sometimes seen as a source for parables in Matthew and Luke.

Parables also exist in the Old Testament and in many other writings, see parable.

Purpose

Mark 4:10-12, Matthew 13:10-17 and Luke 8:9-10 offer an explanation as to why Jesus would teach in parables. These verses say that whenever Jesus would go off by himself (away from the crowds of followers he attracted), those close to him and the disciples would ask about the parables. He told them that they had been given the secret of the Kingdom of God (a concept commonly called the Messianic Secret) but that outsiders did not have this secret, so everything to them is given in parables, never to be fully understood, otherwise they might find forgiveness, citing variations of Isaiah 6:9-10. Matthew 13:12 adds:

"Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him." (NIV), a saying also found in the Gospel of Thomas 41 as well as Mark 4:25, Matthew 25:29 and Luke 8:18, 19:26.Mark 4:33-34 and Matthew 13:34-35 repeat that Jesus would only speak to the "crowds" in parables, while secretly, in private, explaining everything to his disciples.
The two Debtors, Fetti, Domenico
The two Debtors, Fetti, Domenico
(larger image)
Some historians, on the other hand, conjecture that Jesus used parables because they provoked thought and coaxed the listeners into participating more actively as they considered the parables' ambiguous content.

The parables are thought to have been transmitted orally for years before being written down. The hypothetical Q document is seen as a source for parables in the gospel's of Matthew and Luke.

The Jewish Encyclopedia article on New Testament: The Sayings: Parables states:

"The simple meaning of these parables, however, was lost later on, and they were taken to be allegories and mysteries, especially when they alluded to the Messianic expectations, about which it was not safe to speak in public, as they assumed the end of the kingdom of Satan (Rome; comp. Mark 4:11, 4:34; Matt 13:1-52, especially 13:35 and 13:39).
Thus "the parable of the fig-tree" (Mark 13:28; see Julius Wellhausen, who is at a loss to explain it) is actually a "symbol" of the Messianic advent, according to the Midrash (Cant. R. ii. 13), but was no longer understood by the evangelists, either as an allegory or as a sign of Messianic success or failure, in the story of the blasted fig-tree (Mark 11:13-14, 11:20-23)."

Framing material

Some parables are unadorned. Other include framing material, often an explanation at the end of the parable explaining its meaning. Historians often consider the short, memorable parables authentic and the explanatory framing material as a later addition.

According to the Catholic Encyclopedia: Parables:

"There are no parables in St. John's Gospel. In the Synoptics .. we reckon thirty-three in all; but some have raised the number even to sixty, by including proverbial expressions."

The Parables

Blind leading the blind

(Luke 6:39)
The Parable of the Blind Leading the Blind, Artist: BRUEGEL, Pieter the Elder. Date: 1568
The Parable of the Blind Leading the Blind, Artist: BRUEGEL, Pieter the Elder. Date: 1568
(larger image)
39 He also told them a parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?
Cross references:
  1. Luke 6:39 : Matt 15:14
see also: additional resources for Luke 6:39

 

Good Shepherd

(John 10:1-6)
1 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers." 6This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
Cross references:
  1. John 10:5 : John 10:12, 13
  2. John 10:6 : John 9:40
  3. John 10:6 : Mark 9:32
see also: additional resources for John 10:1-6

 

Vine and branches

(John 15:1-5)
1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Cross references:

  1. John 15:1 : Jer 2:21
  2. John 15:1 : 1 Cor 3:9
  3. John 15:2 : John 15:6; Matt 3:10; 7:19; Rom 11:17; 2 Pet 1:8
  4. John 15:2 : Matt 15:13; Rom 11:22
  5. John 15:2 : Matt 13:12
  6. John 15:3 : John 13:10
  7. John 15:3 : John 17:17; John 15:7; Eph 5:26
  8. John 15:4 : John 15:5-7; 1 John 2:6; Phil 1:11; Col 1:23; John 6:56
  9. John 15:4 : John 3:15
  10. John 15:5 : Rom 6:5
  11. John 15:5 : John 15:16; Col 1:6, 10
see also: additional resources for John 15:1-5

 

Good Samaritan

(Luke 10:30-37)
Parable of the Good Samaritan
Parable of the Good Samaritan.
Artist: WYNANTS, Jan.
Date: 1670
(larger image)
30 Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35
And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' 36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" 37He said, "The one who showed him mercy." And Jesus said to him, "You go, and do likewise."
Cross references:
  1. Luke 10:30 : Luke 18:31; 19:28
  2. Luke 10:31 : John 1:19; Num 8:19
  3. Luke 10:32 : Luke 10:31
  4. Luke 10:33 : Matt 10:5
  5. Luke 10:34 : Isa 1:6
  6. Luke 10:35 : Matt 18:28
see also: additional resources for Luke 10:30-37

 

Importunate friend

(Luke 11:5-9)
5 And he said to them, "Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves, 6 for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; 7 and he will answer from within, 'Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything'? 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. 9 And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
Cross references:
  1. Luke 11:8 : Luke 18:1-6
  2. Luke 11:9 : For Luke 11:9-13, Matt 7:7-11
  3. Luke 11:9 : Matt 18:19; 21:22; Mark 11:24; John 14:13; 15:7, 16; 16:23, 24; James 1:5, 6, 17; 1 John 3:22; 5:14, 15
  4. Luke 11:9 : 1 Chr 28:9; 2 Chr 15:2; Prov 8:17; Jer 29:13; Isa 55:6
  5. Luke 11:9 : Rev 3:20
see also: additional resources for Luke 11:5-9

Rich fool

(Luke 12:16-21)
Parable of the Rich Man. Artist: REMBRANDT Harmenszoon van Rijn. Date: c. 1627
Parable of the Rich Man.
Artist: REMBRANDT Harmenszoon
van Rijn.
Date: c. 1627
(larger image)
16 And he told them a parable, saying, "The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, 'What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' 18 And he said, 'I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.' 20 But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God."
Cross references:
  1. Luke 12:16 : Psalm 49:16-20
  2. Luke 12:17 : Eccles 5:10
  3. Luke 12:18 : Luke 12:24
  4. Luke 12:19 : Prov 27:1; James 4:13-15
  5. Luke 12:19 : Eccles 2:24; 11:9; 1 Cor 15:32; Luke 15:23
  6. Luke 12:20 : Jer 17:11; Matt 16:26
  7. Luke 12:20 : Luke 12:19
  8. Luke 12:20 : Job 27:8
  9. Luke 12:20 : Psalm 39:6; Job 27:17-22; Eccles 2:18, 21
  10. Luke 12:21 : Matt 6:19, 20
see also: additional resources for Luke 12:16-21

 

Cloud and wind

(Luke 12:54-57)
54 He also said to the crowds, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, 'A shower is coming.' And so it happens. 55 And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, 'There will be scorching heat,' and it happens. 56 You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? Settle with Your Accuser 57 "And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?
Cross references:
  1. Luke 12:54 : Matt 16:2, 3
  2. Luke 12:54 : 1 Kgs 18:43, 44
  3. Luke 12:55 : Luke 12:54
  4. Luke 12:55 : Matt 20:12
  5. Luke 12:56 : Matt 16:3
  6. Luke 12:57 : Luke 21:30
  7. Luke 12:57 : John 7:24; 1 Cor 11:13
see also: additional resources for Luke 12:54-57

 

Barren fig-tree

(Luke 13:6-9)
6 And he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 And he said to the vinedresser, 'Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?' 8 And he answered him, 'Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. 9 Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.'"
Cross references:
  1. Luke 13:6 : Matt 21:19; Mark 11:13; Isa 5:2
  2. Luke 13:7 : Luke 3:9; Matt 7:19
see also: additional resources for Luke 13:6-9

 

Builder of a tower

(Luke 14:28-30,33)
28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'
Cross references:
  1. Luke 14:28 : Prov 24:27
see also: additional resources for Luke 14:28-30,33

 

King going to war

(Luke 14:31-33)
31 Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. 33 So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.
Cross references:
  1. Luke 14:31 : Luke 14:28
  2. Luke 14:33 : Phil 3:7
  3. Luke 14:33 : Luke 14:26; Luke 18:28
see also: additional resources for Luke 14:31-33

 

Savour of salt

(Luke 14:34,35)
34 "Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?
Cross references:
  1. Luke 14:34 : Mark 9:50
  2. Luke 14:34 : Matt 5:13
see also: additional resources for Luke 14:34,35

 

Men bidden to a feast

(Luke 14:7-11)
7 Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, 8 "When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, 9 and he who invited you both will come and say to you, 'Give your place to this person,' and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Cross references:
  1. Luke 14:7 : Luke 11:43
  2. Luke 14:10 : Prov 25:6, 7
  3. Luke 14:11 : Luke 18:14; Prov 29:23; Ezek 21:26; Matt 18:4; James 4:6, 10; 1 Pet 5:5, 6
see also: additional resources for Luke 14:7-11

 

Prodigal son

(Luke 15:11-32)
The Parable of the Prodigal Son Artist: FRANCKEN, Frans II. Date: 1633.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son Artist: FRANCKEN, Frans II. Date: 1633.
(larger image)
11 And he said, "There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.' And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living.
14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.

17 "But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants."' 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' 22 But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate.

25 "Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.' 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, 'Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!' 31 And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'"

Cross references:
  1. Luke 15:12 : Deut 21:17
  2. Luke 15:12 : Luke 15:30; Mark 12:44
  3. Luke 15:13 : Eph 5:18; Titus 1:6; 1 Pet 4:4
  4. Luke 15:16 : Luke 16:21
  5. Luke 15:17 : 1 Kgs 8:47
  6. Luke 15:17 : Acts 12:11
  7. Luke 15:18 : Exodus 10:16
  8. Luke 15:18 : Matt 21:25; John 3:27
  9. Luke 15:19 : Luke 7:6, 7
  10. Luke 15:20 : James 4:8
  11. Luke 15:20 : Gen 33:4; Acts 20:37
  12. Luke 15:20 : 2 Sam 14:33
  13. Luke 15:21 : Luke 15:19
  14. Luke 15:22 : Zech 3:3-5
  15. Luke 15:22 : Gen 41:42; Esth 3:10; 8:2
  16. Luke 15:22 : Ezek 16:10
  17. Luke 15:23 : 1 Sam 28:24
  18. Luke 15:23 : Luke 12:19
  19. Luke 15:24 : Luke 15:32; Rom 11:15; Eph 2:1; Col 2:13; Rev 3:1
  20. Luke 15:29 : Luke 15:23
  21. Luke 15:30 : Prov 29:3
  22. Luke 15:30 : Luke 15:12
  23. Luke 15:31 : John 8:35
  24. Luke 15:32 : Luke 15:29
  25. Luke 15:32 : Luke 15:24
see also: additional resources for Luke 15:11-32

 

Lost sheep

(Luke 15:3-7)
3 So he told them this parable: 4 "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
Cross references:
  1. Luke 15:4 : For Luke 15:4-7, Matt 18:12-14
  2. Luke 15:4 : Ezek 34:6; 1 Pet 2:25
  3. Luke 15:4 : Exodus 3:1; 1 Sam 17:28
  4. Luke 15:4 : Ezek 34:4, 11, 12, 16; Luke 19:10
  5. Luke 15:5 : Isa 40:11; 49:22; 60:4; 66:12
  6. Luke 15:6 : 1 Pet 2:25
  7. Luke 15:7 : Luke 15:10; Luke 5:32
  8. Luke 15:7 : Luke 5:32; Matt 9:13
see also: additional resources for Luke 15:3-7

 

Lost piece of silver

(Luke 15:8-10)
8 "Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.' 10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Cross references:
  1. Luke 15:10 : Luke 12:8
see also: additional resources for Luke 15:8-10

 

Unjust steward

(Luke 16:1-8)
1 He also said to the disciples, "There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his possessions. 2 And he called him and said to him, 'What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.' 3 And the manager said to himself, 'What shall I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. 4 I have decided what to do, so that when I am removed from management, people may receive me into their houses.' 5 So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he said to the first, 'How much do you owe my master?' 6 He said, 'A hundred measures of oil.' He said to him, 'Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.' 7 Then he said to another, 'And how much do you owe?' He said, 'A hundred measures of wheat.' He said to him, 'Take your bill, and write eighty.' 8 The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.
Cross references:
  1. Luke 16:1 : Luke 12:42
  2. Luke 16:2 : 1 Cor 9:17
  3. Luke 16:8 : Matt 25:2
  4. Luke 16:8 : Luke 20:34; Luke 10:6
  5. Luke 16:8 : John 12:36; 1 Thess 5:5; Eph 5:8
see also: additional resources for Luke 16:1-8

 

Rich man and Lazarus

(Luke 16:19-31)
19 "There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 24 And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.' 25 But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' 27 And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house— 28 for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' 29 But Abraham said, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.' 30 And he said, 'No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' 31He said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.'"
Cross references:
  1. Luke 16:19 : Esth 8:15; Rev 18:16
  2. Luke 16:19 : James 5:5
  3. Luke 16:20 : Acts 3:2
  4. Luke 16:21 : Matt 15:27
  5. Luke 16:22 : Luke 15:10; Matt 18:10; Acts 12:15; Heb 1:13, 14; Luke 12:8
  6. Luke 16:22 : John 13:23
  7. Luke 16:23 : Matt 11:23
  8. Luke 16:23 : Matt 8:11, 12
  9. Luke 16:23 : Luke 16:22
  10. Luke 16:24 : Luke 16:30; John 8:33, 39, 53
  11. Luke 16:24 : Zech 14:12
  12. Luke 16:24 : Isa 66:24; Matt 25:41
  13. Luke 16:25 : Luke 6:24; Job 21:13; Psalm 17:14
  14. Luke 16:29 : Luke 16:31; Luke 24:27; Acts 26:22; 28:23
  15. Luke 16:29 : John 5:45-47
  16. Luke 16:30 : Luke 16:24
  17. Luke 16:31 : Luke 16:29
  18. Luke 16:31 : Matt 28:11-15; John 12:10, 11
see also: additional resources for Luke 16:19-31

 

Importunate widow

(Luke 18:1-8)
1 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. 2 He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, 'Give me justice against my adversary.' 4 For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, 'Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.'" 6 And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
Cross references:
  1. Luke 18:1 : Luke 21:36; Rom 12:12; Eph 6:18; Col 4:2; 1 Thess 5:17; Luke 11:5-9
  2. Luke 18:1 : 2 Cor 4:1, 16; 2 Thess 3:13
  3. Luke 18:2 : 2 Cor 8:21
  4. Luke 18:4 : Luke 11:8
  5. Luke 18:7 : Rev 6:10; Isa 63:4
  6. Luke 18:7 : Rom 8:33; Col 3:12; Titus 1:1; Mark 13:20
  7. Luke 18:7 : Psalm 88:1
  8. Luke 18:7 : James 5:7
  9. Luke 18:7 : 2 Pet 3:9
  10. Luke 18:8 : Heb 10:37
  11. Luke 18:8 : Luke 17:26-30; Matt 24:12
see also: additional resources for Luke 18:1-8

 

Pharisee and the Tax Collector

(Luke 18:9-14)
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."
Cross references:
  1. Luke 18:9 : Luke 16:15; Matt 5:20
  2. Luke 18:9 : 2 Cor 1:9
  3. Luke 18:9 : Prov 30:12; Isa 65:5; John 7:48, 49
  4. Luke 18:10 : 2 Kgs 20:5, 8; Acts 3:1; Luke 18:14
  5. Luke 18:11 : Matt 6:5; Mark 11:25
  6. Luke 18:11 : Rev 3:17
  7. Luke 18:12 : Matt 9:14
  8. Luke 18:12 : Luke 11:42
  9. Luke 18:13 : Luke 18:11
  10. Luke 18:13 : Ezra 9:6
  11. Luke 18:13 : Luke 23:48
  12. Luke 18:13 : Psalm 79:9; Ezek 16:63; Dan 9:19
  13. Luke 18:14 : Luke 14:11
see also: additional resources for Luke 18:9-14

 

Pounds

(Luke 19:12-27)
12 He said therefore, "A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. 13 Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, 'Engage in business until I come.' 14 But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, 'We do not want this man to reign over us.' 15 When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. 16 The first came before him, saying, 'Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.' 17 And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.' 18 And the second came, saying, 'Lord, your mina has made five minas.' 19 And he said to him, 'And you are to be over five cities.' 20 Then another came, saying, 'Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; 21 for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.' 22 He said to him, 'I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? 23 Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?' 24 And he said to those who stood by, 'Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.' 25 And they said to him, 'Lord, he has ten minas!' 26 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 27 But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.'"
Cross references:
  1. Luke 19:12 : For Luke 19:12-27, Matt 25:14-30; Mark 13:34
  2. Luke 19:13 : Matt 25:1
  3. Luke 19:13 : John 21:22, 23
  4. Luke 19:14 : John 1:14
  5. Luke 19:17 : Luke 16:10; 1 Cor 4:2; 1 Tim 3:13
  6. Luke 19:17 : Matt 24:47
  7. Luke 19:20 : John 11:44; 20:7; Acts 19:12
  8. Luke 19:21 : 1 Sam 25:3
  9. Luke 19:21 : 2 Cor 8:12
  10. Luke 19:22 : 2 Sam 1:16; Job 9:20; 15:6
  11. Luke 19:22 : Matt 18:32
  12. Luke 19:22 : Luke 19:21
  13. Luke 19:26 : Luke 12:48; Matt 13:12
  14. Luke 19:27 : Luke 19:14
  15. Luke 19:27 : Luke 20:16; Matt 22:7; 1 Sam 15:33
see also: additional resources for Luke 19:12-27

 

Beam and mote

(Luke 6:41,42)
41 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
Cross references:
  1. Luke 6:41 : Luke 6:37
  2. Luke 6:41 : John 8:7-9
see also: additional resources for Luke 6:41,42

 

Tree and its fruit

(Luke 6:43-45)
43 "For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, 44 for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. 45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Cross references:
  1. Luke 6:43 : For Luke 6:43, 44, Matt 7:16, 20
  2. Luke 6:44 : Matt 12:33
  3. Luke 6:45 : Matt 12:35; 15:18, 19; Matt 13:52; Eph 4:29
  4. Luke 6:45 : Matt 5:37
  5. Luke 6:45 : Matt 12:34
see also: additional resources for Luke 6:43-45

 

Creditor and debtors

(Luke 7:41-47)
41 "A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?" 43 Simon answered, "The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt." And he said to him, "You have judged rightly." 44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little."
Cross references:
  1. Luke 7:41 : Matt 18:28
  2. Luke 7:42 : Matt 18:25
  3. Luke 7:42 : Rom 8:32
  4. Luke 7:44 : 1 Tim 5:10; Gen 18:4
  5. Luke 7:44 : Luke 7:38
  6. Luke 7:45 : 2 Sam 15:5; 19:39; 20:9
  7. Luke 7:45 : Luke 7:38
  8. Luke 7:46 : Psalm 23:5; 141:5; Eccles 9:8; Matt 6:17
  9. Luke 7:47 : Luke 7:39
see also: additional resources for Luke 7:41-47

 

Man taking a far journey

(Mark 13:34-37)
34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake."
Cross references:
  1. Mark 13:34 : Matt 25:14
  2. Mark 13:34 : Mark 12:1; Matt 21:33
  3. Mark 13:34 : Rom 12:6-8
  4. Mark 13:34 : Ezek 44:11; John 10:3; Luke 12:36
  5. Mark 13:35 : Mark 14:34-38; Matt 25:13; 26:41; Luke 12:37; 21:36; Acts 20:31; 1 Cor 16:13; 1 Thess 5:6; 1 Pet 5:8
  6. Mark 13:35 : Mark 1:32; Luke 12:38
  7. Mark 13:35 : Mark 14:30, 68, 72
  8. Mark 13:35 : Mark 6:48; Exodus 14:24
  9. Mark 13:36 : 1 Thess 5:1-6
  10. Mark 13:36 : Mark 14:40
  11. Mark 13:37 : Mark 13:35
see also: additional resources for Mark 13:34-37

 

Kingdom, divided against itself

(Mark 3:24)
24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

  • House, divided against itself

    (Mark 3:25)
    25And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.

     

  • Strong man armed

    (Mark 3:27; Luke 11:21)
    27 But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house.
    Cross references:
    1. Mark 3:27 : Isa 49:24
    2. Mark 3:27 : Isa 53:12
    see also: additional resources for Mark 3:24

     

    Lighted candle

    (Mark 4:21; Luke 11:33-36)
    21 And he said to them, "Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand?
    Cross references:
    1. Mark 4:21 : For Mark 4:21-25, Luke 8:16-18
    2. Mark 4:21 : Matt 5:15; Luke 11:33
    see also: additional resources for Mark 4:21

    33 "No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. 34 Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. 35 Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness. 36 If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light."
    Cross references:
    1. Luke 11:33 : Luke 8:16; Matt 5:15; Mark 4:21
    2. Luke 11:34 : Matt 6:22, 23
    3. Luke 11:34 : Deut 15:9
    4. Luke 11:35 : Luke 11:34
    5. Luke 11:36 : Matt 5:16
    see also: additional resources for Luke 11:33

     

    Seed growing secretly

    (Mark 4:26-29)
    26 And he said, "The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. 28 The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come."
    Cross references:
    1. Mark 4:26 : Matt 13:24-30
    2. Mark 4:27 : Eccles 11:5, 6
    3. Mark 4:29 : Joel 3:13; Rev 14:15
    see also: additional resources for Mark 4:26-29

     

    Tares

    (Matthew 13:24-30,36-43)
    24 He put another parable before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, 25 but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. 27 And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, 'Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?' 28 He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' So the servants said to him, 'Then do you want us to go and gather them?' 29 But he said, 'No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.'"
    Cross references:
    1. Matthew 13:24 : Matthew 13:37-42; Mark 4:26-29
    2. Matthew 13:29 : 1 Cor 4:5
    3. Matthew 13:30 : Matthew 3:12
    see also: additional resources for Matthew 13:24-30,36-43

     

    Sower

    (Matthew 13:3-23; Luke 8:5-15)
    3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: "A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, 6 but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears, let him hear."

    10 Then the disciples came and said to him, "Why do you speak to them in parables?" 11 And he answered them, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says:

    "'You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive. 15 For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear,and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.'

    16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. 17 For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. The Parable of the Sower Explained 18 "Hear then the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty."

    Cross references:
    1. Matthew 13:3 : Matthew 13:34
    2. Matthew 13:3 : Isa 55:10; Amos 9:13
    3. Matthew 13:6 : James 1:11
    4. Matthew 13:6 : John 15:6
    5. Matthew 13:7 : Jer 4:3
    6. Matthew 13:8 : Matthew 13:23; Gen 26:12
    7. Matthew 13:9 : Matthew 11:15
    8. Matthew 13:11 : Matthew 19:11; Col 1:27; 1 Cor 2:6-10; 1 John 2:20, 27; Matthew 11:25
    9. Matthew 13:11 : Rom 16:25
    10. Matthew 13:12 : Matthew 25:29; Mark 4:25; Luke 8:18; 19:26; John 15:2; James 4:6
    11. Matthew 13:12 : Rev 2:5
    12. Matthew 13:13 : Deut 29:4; Jer 5:21; Ezek 12:2; Rom 11:8; 2 Cor 3:14; 4:4; Isa 42:19, 20
    13. Matthew 13:13 : Matthew 13:19, 51; Matthew 15:10; 16:12; Mark 8:21
    14. Matthew 13:14 : John 12:40; Acts 28:26, 27; Isa 6:9, 10
    15. Matthew 13:15 : Heb 5:11
    16. Matthew 13:15 : John 9:39, 41
    17. Matthew 13:15 : Rom 10:10
    18. Matthew 13:15 : Luke 22:32
    19. Matthew 13:16 : Luke 10:23, 24; Matthew 16:17
    20. Matthew 13:17 : Matthew 13:16
    21. Matthew 13:17 : Heb 11:13; 1 Pet 1:10-12; John 8:56
    22. Matthew 13:18 : For Matthew 13:18-23, Mark 4:13-20; Luke 8:11-15
    23. Matthew 13:19 : Matthew 13:38; Matthew 4:23; 8:12
    24. Matthew 13:19 : Matthew 13:13
    25. Matthew 13:19 : John 17:15; Eph 6:16; 2 Thess 3:3; 1 John 2:13, 14; 3:12; 5:18, 19
    26. Matthew 13:20 : Isa 58:2; Ezek 33:31, 32; Mark 6:20; John 5:35
    27. Matthew 13:21 : Gal 1:6; Hos 6:4; Gal 5:7
    28. Matthew 13:21 : Matthew 11:6
    29. Matthew 13:22 : Matthew 6:25
    30. Matthew 13:22 : 2 Tim 4:10
    31. Matthew 13:22 : 1 Tim 6:9, 10, 17; Matthew 19:23; Mark 10:23; Acts 5:1-11; Heb 3:13
    32. Matthew 13:23 : Matthew 13:19
    33. Matthew 13:23 : Hos 14:8; John 15:5, 16; Phil 1:11; Col 1:6
    34. Matthew 13:23 : Matthew 13:8
    see also: additional resources for Matthew 13:3-23, additional resources for Luke 8:5-15

     

    Mustard-seed

    (Matthew 13:31,32; Luke 13:19)
    31 He put another parable before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches."
    Cross references:
    1. Matthew 13:31 : For Matthew 13:31, 32, Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18, 19
    2. Matthew 13:31 : Matthew 17:20; Luke 17:6
    see also: additional resources for Matthew 13:31,32

    19 It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches."

    Cross references:
    1. Luke 13:19 : Luke 17:6; Matt 17:20
    see also: additional resources for Luke 13:19

     

    Leaven

    (Matthew 13:33)
    33 He told them another parable. "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened."
    Cross references:
    1. Matthew 13:33 : Luke 13:20, 21
    2. Matthew 13:33 : Gen 18:6
    3. Matthew 13:33 : 1 Cor 5:6; Gal 5:9
    see also: additional resources for Matthew 13:33

     

    Treasure hid in a field

    (Matthew 13:44)
    44 "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
    Cross references:
    1. Matthew 13:44 : Prov 2:4
    2. Matthew 13:44 : Matthew 25:9; Prov 23:23; Phil 3:7, 8
    3. Matthew 13:44 : Isa 55:1; Rev 3:18
    see also: additional resources for Matthew 13:44

     

    Pearl of great price

    (Matthew 13:45,46)
    45 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
    Cross references:
    1. Matthew 13:46 : Matthew 7:6
    2. Matthew 13:46 : Matthew 13:44
    3. Matthew 13:46 : Matthew 13:44
    see also: additional resources for Matthew 13:45,46

     

    Net cast into the sea

    (Matthew 13:47-50)
    47 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. 48 When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. 49 So it will be at the close of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous 50 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
    Cross references:
    1. Matthew 13:47 : Matthew 4:19
    2. Matthew 13:47 : Matthew 13:38; Matthew 22:10; 25:2
    3. Matthew 13:48 : John 21:11
    4. Matthew 13:49 : Matthew 13:39
    5. Matthew 13:49 : Matthew 25:32; Matthew 13:41
    6. Matthew 13:50 : Matthew 13:42
    see also: additional resources for Matthew 13:47-50

     

    Meats defiling not

    (Matthew 15:10-15)
    10 And he called the people to him and said to them, "Hear and understand: 11 it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person." 12 Then the disciples came and said to him, "Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?" 13 He answered, "Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up. 14 Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit." 15 But Peter said to him, "Explain the parable to us."
    Cross references:
    1. Matthew 15:10 : Matthew 13:51
    2. Matthew 15:11 : Acts 10:14, 15
    3. Matthew 15:12 : Matthew 13:57; Luke 7:23
    4. Matthew 15:13 : Isa 60:21; 61:3; John 15:1, 2; 1 Cor 3:9
    5. Matthew 15:13 : Jude 12
    6. Matthew 15:14 : Matthew 23:16, 24; Isa 56:10; Mal 2:8
    7. Matthew 15:14 : Luke 6:39
    8. Matthew 15:15 : Matthew 13:36
    see also: additional resources for Matthew 15:10-15

     

    Unfaithful Servant

    (Matthew 18:23-35)
    Parable of the Unfaithful Servant Artist: UNKNOWN MASTER, German. Date: c. 1560.
    Parable of the Unfaithful Servant Artist: UNKNOWN MASTER, German. Date: c. 1560.
    (larger image)
    23 "Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, 'Pay what you owe.' 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' 30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' 34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."
    Cross references:
    1. Matthew 18:23 : Matthew 25:19
    2. Matthew 18:24 : Esth 3:9
    3. Matthew 18:24 : Matthew 25:15
    4. Matthew 18:25 : Luke 7:42
    5. Matthew 18:25 : Exodus 21:2; Lev 25:39
    6. Matthew 18:25 : 2 Kgs 4:1; Neh 5:5
    7. Matthew 18:26 : Acts 10:25; Matthew 8:2
    8. Matthew 18:27 : Matthew 18:25
    9. Matthew 18:28 : Matthew 20:2; 22:19; Mark 6:37; 14:5; Luke 7:41; 10:35; John 6:7
    10. Matthew 18:33 : Matthew 6:12; Eph 4:32; Col 3:13; 1 John 4:11
    11. Matthew 18:34 : James 2:13
    12. Matthew 18:34 : Matthew 18:30; Matthew 5:25, 26
    13. Matthew 18:35 : Matthew 6:15; Prov 21:13
    14. Matthew 18:35 : 1 Pet 1:22; Rom 6:17
    see also: additional resources for Matthew 18:23-35

     

    Labourers hired

    (Matthew 20:1-16)
    1 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and to them he said, 'You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.' 5 So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, 'Why do you stand here idle all day?' 7 They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You go into the vineyard too.' 8 And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.' 9 And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. 10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. 11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, 12 saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.' 13 But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?' 16 So the last will be first, and the first last."
    Cross references:
    1. Matthew 20:6 : 1 Cor 15:8
    2. Matthew 20:8 : Lev 19:13; Deut 24:15
    3. Matthew 20:8 : Luke 8:3; Matthew 24:45
    4. Matthew 20:12 : Luke 12:55; James 1:11
    5. Matthew 20:13 : Matthew 22:12; 26:50
    6. Matthew 20:14 : Matthew 25:25
    7. Matthew 20:15 : Rom 9:15-24
    8. Matthew 20:15 : Matthew 6:23; Deut 15:9; Prov 23:6
    9. Matthew 20:16 : Matthew 19:30
    see also: additional resources for Matthew 20:1-16

     

    Two sons

    (Matthew 21:28-32)
    28 "What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' 29 And he answered, 'I will not,' but afterward he changed his mind and went. 30 And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, 'I go, sir,' but did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.
    Cross references:
    1. Matthew 21:28 : Matthew 17:25; 18:12
    2. Matthew 21:28 : Matthew 21:33; Matthew 20:1
    3. Matthew 21:29 : Matthew 21:32; Matthew 27:3; Heb 7:21
    4. Matthew 21:31 : Luke 7:29
    5. Matthew 21:31 : Luke 7:37-50
    6. Matthew 21:31 : Matthew 12:28
    7. Matthew 21:32 : Matthew 3:8-12, 15; Prov 8:20; 2 Pet 2:21
    8. Matthew 21:32 : Matthew 21:25; Matthew 11:18
    9. Matthew 21:32 : Luke 3:12, 13
    10. Matthew 21:32 : Matthew 21:29
    see also: additional resources for Matthew 21:28-32

     

    Wicked husbandmen

    (Matthew 21:33-45)
    33 "Hear another parable. There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and built a tower and leased it to tenants, and went into another country. 34 When the season for fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to get his fruit. 35 And the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. 36 Again he sent other servants, more than the first. And they did the same to them. 37 Finally he sent his son to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.' 38 But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.' 39 And they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. 40 When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?" 41 They said to him, "He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons."

    42 Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures:

    "'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?

    43 Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. 44 And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him."

    45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them.

    Cross references:
    1. Matthew 21:33 : For Matthew 21:33-46, Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19
    2. Matthew 21:33 : Matthew 21:28; Psalm 80:8; Isa 5:1
    3. Matthew 21:33 : Isa 5:2
    4. Matthew 21:33 : Song 8:11, 12
    5. Matthew 21:33 : Matthew 25:14, 15; Mark 13:34
    6. Matthew 21:34 : Matthew 21:33
    7. Matthew 21:35 : Matthew 5:12; 22:6; 23:34, 37; 2 Chr 24:19; 36:15, 16; Neh 9:26; Jer 37:15; 38:6; Acts 7:52; 2 Cor 11:24-26; 1 Thess 2:15; Heb 11:36, 37
    8. Matthew 21:35 : 2 Chr 24:21; John 10:31-33; Acts 7:59
    9. Matthew 21:36 : Matthew 22:4
    10. Matthew 21:38 : Heb 1:2; John 1:11; Rom 8:17
    11. Matthew 21:38 : 1 Kgs 21:19
    12. Matthew 21:39 : Heb 13:12
    13. Matthew 21:40 : Matthew 24:50; 25:19
    14. Matthew 21:41 : Luke 19:27
    15. Matthew 21:41 : Matthew 21:43; Acts 13:46; 18:6; 28:28; Matthew 8:11, 12
    16. Matthew 21:42 : Matthew 21:16
    17. Matthew 21:42 : Acts 4:11; 1 Pet 2:7; Psalm 118:22, 23
    18. Matthew 21:43 : Luke 14:24
    19. Matthew 21:43 : Matthew 3:10; Isa 5:4, 7
    20. Matthew 21:44 : Isa 8:14, 15; Rom 9:32, 33; 1 Pet 2:8
    21. Matthew 21:44 : Dan 2:34, 35, 44, 45
    see also: additional resources for Matthew 21:33-45

     

    Marriage-feast

    (Matthew 22:2-14)
    2 "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, 3 and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. 4 Again he sent other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.' 5 But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, 6 while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. 7 The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9 Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.' 10 And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.

    11 "But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. 12 And he said to him, 'Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the attendants, 'Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' 14 For many are called, but few are chosen."

    Cross references:
    1. Matthew 22:2 : For Matthew 22:2-14, Luke 14:16-24
    2. Matthew 22:2 : Rev 19:7
    3. Matthew 22:3 : Esth 6:14; Prov 9:3, 5
    4. Matthew 22:4 : Matthew 21:36
    5. Matthew 22:4 : Luke 11:38; John 21:12, 15
    6. Matthew 22:4 : Prov 9:2
    7. Matthew 22:5 : Heb 2:3
    8. Matthew 22:6 : Luke 18:32; Acts 14:5; 1 Thess 2:2
    9. Matthew 22:6 : Matthew 21:35
    10. Matthew 22:7 : Matthew 21:41; Luke 19:27
    11. Matthew 22:8 : Matthew 10:11; Acts 13:46; Rev 3:4; Luke 20:35
    12. Matthew 22:10 : Matthew 13:47
    13. Matthew 22:11 : Rev 19:8; 22:14
    14. Matthew 22:12 : Matthew 20:13; 26:50
    15. Matthew 22:13 : Matthew 8:12
    16. Matthew 22:14 : Rev 17:14
    see also: additional resources for Matthew 22:2-14

     

    Fig-tree leafing

    (Matthew 24:32-34)
    32 "From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 34 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.
    Cross references:
    1. Matthew 24:33 : James 5:9; Rev 3:20
    2. Matthew 24:34 : Matthew 16:28
    see also: additional resources for Matthew 24:32-34

     

    Man of the house watching

    (Matthew 24:43)
    43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into.
    Cross references:
    1. Matthew 24:43 : For Matthew 24:43-51, Luke 12:39-46
    2. Matthew 24:43 : 1 Thess 5:2; 2 Pet 3:10; Rev 3:3
    see also: additional resources for Matthew 24:43

     

    Faithful, and evil servants

    (Matthew 24:45-51)
    45 "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 47 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 48 But if that wicked servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed,' 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know 51 and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
    Cross references:
    1. Matthew 24:45 : Matthew 25:21; 1 Cor 4:2; Heb 3:5
    2. Matthew 24:45 : Matthew 7:24; 10:16; 25:2
    3. Matthew 24:46 : John 13:17; Rev 16:15
    4. Matthew 24:47 : Matthew 25:21, 23
    5. Matthew 24:48 : Matthew 25:5
    6. Matthew 24:49 : 1 Thess 5:7
    7. Matthew 24:50 : 2 Pet 3:12; Matthew 25:13
    8. Matthew 24:51 : Matthew 8:12
    see also: additional resources for Matthew 24:45-51

     

    Ten virgins

    (Matthew 25:1-13)
    1 "Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, 'Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' 9 But the wise answered, saying, 'Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.' 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us.' 12 But he answered, 'Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.' 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
    Cross references:
    1. Matthew 25:1 : Luke 19:13
    2. Matthew 25:1 : Matthew 9:15; John 3:29; Rev 19:7; 21:2, 9
    3. Matthew 25:2 : Matthew 24:45
    4. Matthew 25:5 : Matthew 24:48; Matthew 25:19; Heb 10:37; 2 Pet 3:4, 9
    5. Matthew 25:6 : Mark 13:35
    6. Matthew 25:7 : Luke 12:35
    7. Matthew 25:10 : Matthew 24:44
    8. Matthew 25:10 : Matthew 22:2
    9. Matthew 25:10 : For Matthew 25:10-12, Luke 13:25-27
    10. Matthew 25:11 : Matthew 7:22, 23
    11. Matthew 25:12 : Matthew 25:11
    12. Matthew 25:12 : Matthew 10:33; 2 Tim 2:19
    13. Matthew 25:13 : Matthew 24:42
    14. Matthew 25:13 : Matthew 24:50
    see also: additional resources for Matthew 25:1-13

     

    Talents

    (Matthew 25:14-30)
    14 "For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.' 21 His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.' 23 His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' 26 But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
    Cross references:
    1. Matthew 25:14 : For Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 19:12-27
    2. Matthew 25:14 : Mark 13:34
    3. Matthew 25:14 : Matthew 21:33
    4. Matthew 25:15 : Matthew 18:24
    5. Matthew 25:15 : Rom 12:6; 1 Cor 12:11; Eph 4:7; 1 Pet 4:10
    6. Matthew 25:15 : Matthew 25:14
    7. Matthew 25:18 : Matthew 13:44
    8. Matthew 25:19 : Matthew 25:5v
    9. Matthew 25:19 : Matthew 18:23; Rom 14:12; Luke 16:2
    10. Matthew 25:21 : Matthew 25:23; Matthew 24:45
    11. Matthew 25:21 : Luke 16:10; 1 Cor 4:2; 1 Tim 3:13
    12. Matthew 25:21 : Matthew 24:47
    13. Matthew 25:21 : Heb 12:2; John 15:11
    14. Matthew 25:24 : 1 Sam 25:3
    15. Matthew 25:24 : 2 Cor 8:12
    16. Matthew 25:25 : Matthew 20:14
    17. Matthew 25:26 : Matthew 18:32; Prov 20:4; Rom 12:11
    18. Matthew 25:29 : Luke 12:48; Matthew 13:12
    19. Matthew 25:30 : Matthew 8:12
    20. Matthew 25:30 : Luke 17:10
    see also: additional resources for Matthew 25:14-30

     

    Wise and foolish builders

    (Matthew 7:24-27)
    24 "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it."
    Cross references:
    1. Matthew 7:24 : For Matthew 7:24-27, Luke 6:47-49
    2. Matthew 7:24 : Matthew 25:2; Ezek 13:10-14
    3. Matthew 7:26 : Matthew 7:24
    see also: additional resources for Matthew 7:24-27

     

    Children of the bride chamber

    (Matthew 9:15)
    15 And Jesus said to them, "Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.
    Cross references:
    1. Matthew 9:15 : John 3:29
    2. Matthew 9:15 : Luke 17:22
    3. Matthew 9:15 : John 16:20
    see also: additional resources for Matthew 9:15

     

    New cloth and old garment

    (Matthew 9:16)
    16 No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away from the garment, and a worse tear is made.

     

    New wine and old bottles

    (Matthew 9:17)
    17 Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved."
    Cross references:
    1. Matthew 9:17 : Josh 9:4
    see also: additional resources for Matthew 9:17

     

    References

    • English Standard Version (ESV), The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
    • Scott, Bernard Brandon (1989). Hear Then the Parable: A Commentary on the Parables of Jesus. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 33-34. The actual number of parables in Thomas is fluid. John Dominic Crossan counts 15, Ron Cameron 14, and Bernard Brandon Scott 13. See also Crossan, John Dominic (1992). In Parables: The Challenge of the Historical Jesus. Sonoma, CA: Polebridge Press and Cameron, Ron (1986). Parable and Interpretation in the Gospel of Thomas. Forum 2/2.
    • Koester, Helmut (1990). Ancient Christian Gospels: Their History And Development. Philadelphia, USA: Trinity Press International, 196-200.
    • Cameron, Ron (2004). Sayings Traditions in the Apocryphon Of James. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Divinity School, 8-30.
    • The Complete Gospels, Robert J. Miller, ed., notes for Mark 1:35-38: "..Jesus is often shown trying to avoid the presence of the crowds, sometimes seeking privacy in order to perform miracles or impart special instruction (e.g., 1:45; 5:37; 6:31; 7:17; 24, 33; 8:23; 9:28, 30; 10:10, 32b."
    • Complete Gospels, note for Mark 1:43-45: "Jesus' anger (v.41) and stern warning not to make him known, conveyed by snapping (literally "snorting") at the cured leper, is connected to a key narrative theme in Mark's gospel, the mandated "secret" of Jesus' true identity. Jesus repeatedly attempts to hide his actions, at least until he reaches Jerusalem, but usually without much apparent success (see also 1:25-28, 34; 3:12; 5:43; 7:36; 8:26).."
    • Harris, Stephen L., Understanding the Bible. Palo Alto: Mayfield. 1985.
    • "New Testament: The Sayings". Retrieved on 2008-02-16.
    • Adolf Jülicher, Die Gleichmisreden Jesu (2 vols; Tübingen: Mohr [Siebeck], 1888, 1899).
    • John P. Meier, A Marginal Jew Volume II, Doubleday, 1994.
    • "Catholic Encyclopedia: Parables". Retrieved on 2008-02-16.
    • Emile Mâle, The Gothic Image , Religious Art in France of the Thirteen Century, p 195, English trans of 3rd edn, 1913, Collins, London (and many other editions)
    • BibleGateway.com
    Parable (JewishEncyclopedia.com)

    • see also

    1. «  The Parable of the Leaven
    2. «  Parable of the Mustard Seed

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    Short Description
    The parables of Jesus, found in the Synoptic Gospels, embody much of Jesus' teaching. Jesus' parables are quite simple, memorable stories, often with humble imagery, each with a single message. Jesus, for example, likened the Kingdom of God to leaven (an image usually meant as corruption) or a mustard seed. Like his aphorisms, Jesus' parables were often surprising and paradoxical. The parable of the good Samaritan, for example, turned expectations on their head with the despised Samaritan provin ... more
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