A man was giving a big dinner, and he invited many; and at the dinner hour he sent his slave to say to those who had been invited, 'Come; for everything is ready now.' But they all alike began to make excuses... —Luke 14:16-18a Another Parable about Wrong Priorities The parable of the 'big dinner,' words Jesus used to introduce another parable, is yet again about wrong priorities. Jesus had already taught about wrong priorities regarding money in view of eternity (Luke 12:16-

Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions. —Luke 12:15 A stern Warning In the parable of a man who increased his productivity and wealth yet was 'not rich toward God,' he was called a 'fool' (Luke 12:16-21). This is a stern warning with strong language. The context of the parable is Jesus' warning against 'every form of greed' and a false sense of identity and security in abudance

And who is my neighbor? —Luke 10:29 The most famous Parable The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) is arguably the most famous of all biblical parables. People know about it all around the world. Some may not know who said it or in which book it is written, but they have heard about a good Samaritan who helped another person. The story advocates helping those in need. People made up proverbial sayings around this famous parable. We are encouraged to 'be a good sama

'But what do you think?' —Matthew 21:28a Short and to the Point This short parable of 'two sons' (Matthew 21:28) is introduced with a question: 'But what do you think?' It is an engaing question, stimulating, or perhaps provoking, thinking. Being a thoughtful person is important in life if we want to understand life and how to best live it. Many people just follow the masses and do what everyone else does. Jesus encouraged thinking. He challenged norms and pointed people back

I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. —Luke 15:7 Titles of Parables The parables in Scripture have no titles. Most Bibles use titles for parables, added by the translators/editors as overheads. In the case of 'the parable of the sower' (P1), Jesus used these very words when He gave the interpretation (Matthew 13:18), yet not so much as a title but rather as

A moneylender had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. So which of them will love him more? —Luke 7:41-42 The Context of the Parable This parable is among the shortest. The context in which it was given serves as a comparison to real life. A religious man had invited the famous Rabbi from Galilee to visit him and dine with him (Luke 7:36). They reclined at the table (v 37), which mean

The kingdom of heaven may be compared to... —Matthew 13:24 Jesus and the Kingdom Jesus came to announce the kingdom of God (Matthew 4:17). Preaching the kingdom was His priority and purpose (Luke 4:43). The kingdom of God is the domain of the King of the universe, the Creator of heaven and earth. It is the sphere where His will is done. His kingdom comes when His will is done (Matthew 6:9-10). The kingdom is demonstrated where He manifests His power (Matthew 4:23; 12:28). Jes

So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him to knocks, it will be opened. —Luke 11:9-10 Prayer Parables There are two powerful parables on prayer; both emphasise persistence in prayer despite adverse circumstances. As noted in the Introduction to the Parables, these brilliant stories convey one main point. These two prayer parables encourag

Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to Him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven." —Matthew 18:21-22 7 or 490 times? The question of forgiveness is highly relevant to human existence, because we cannot live without it. Life simply doesn't work without forgiveness. We all need forgiveness and we all need to forgive. We need forgiveness because we do

For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. —Luke 14:11 Humility in Life Two striking parables deal with pride and humility. They touch on real-life circumstances: in public social events (Luke 14:7-10) and in public prayer (Luke 18:10-14). For some such occasions were opportunities to 'put their best foot forward,' to 'dress to impress,' or, simply put: to 'show off.' Today people 'show off' with fancy clothes, expensive cars and l

And He [Jesus] was teaching them many things in parables, and was saying to them in His teaching... —Mark 4:2 Introduction to the Parable The Parable of the Sower (Mark 4; Matthew 13; Luke 8) is arguably the best parable to start a study of the biblical parables, for it is straight forward and Jesus Himself gave the interpretation of its meaning. Further, if we don't understand this parable, Jesus asked, how can we understand all others? (see Mark 4:13). This parable is, ther

When a large crowd was coming together, and those from the various cities were journeying to Him, He spoke by way of a parable. —Luke 8:4 What is a Parable? The biblical parables are brilliant, witty and creative stories that communicate a message by way of illustration and comparison. They relate to real life. Parables draw a comparison or contrast and illustrate a point. They are the work of an artist—a literary artist. Parables strike at the heart of a matter in our lives