Parables of Jesus

Matthew 13: 10-11

10 The disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?”

11 He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.

Note:   The word “parable” is used 48 times in the first three Gospels, twice in Hebrews (9:9 and 11:19).  It has been estimated that at least one-third of Jesus’ recorded teaching is found in the parables.

In my research of parables I have found many variances in the actual number (ranging from 30 something to 50 something parables).  I am guessing that the number variance between different resources on parables is due to what is deemed a parable.

Below is listed 41 parables.  This will change as I more thoroughly study the 4 Gospels to do a verification count, rely on further research, as well as input from others.

NOTE:  Below this list is more background information on the parables of Jesus.

PARABLES of the 4 Gospels:

  1. Parable #1:   New cloth on an old coat
    1. Matthew 9:16
    2. Mark 2:21
    3. Luke 5:36
  2. Parable #2:   New wine in old wineskins
    1. Matthew 9:17
    2. Mark 2:22
    3. Luke 5:37-38
  3. Parable #3:   Lamp on a stand
    1. Matthew 5:14-15
    2. Mark 4:21-22
    3. Luke 6:16 &  11:33
  4. Parable #4:   Wise and foolish builders
    1. Matthew 7:24-27
    2. Luke 6:47-49
  5. Parable #5:  Moneylender forgives unequal debts
    1. Luke 7:41-43
  6. Parable #6:   Rich man foolishly builds bigger barns
    1. Luke 12:16-21
  7. Parable #7:   Servants must remain watchful
    1. Mark 13:35-37
    2. Luke 12:35-40
  8. Parable #8:   Wise and foolish servants
    1. Matthew 24:45-51
    2. Luke 12:42-48
  9. Parable #9:   Unfruitful fig tree
    1. Luke 13:6-9
  10. Parable #10:   Sower and four types of soil
    1. Matthew 13:3-8
    2. Mark 4:3-8;  4:18-23
    3. Luke 8:5-8; 8:11-15
  11. Parable #11:   Weeds among good plants (Kingdom of Heaven)
    1. Matthew 13:24-30; 13:36-43
  12. Parable #12:   Growing seed (Kingdom of Heaven)
    1. Mark 4:26-29
  13. Parable #13:   Mustard seed (Kingdom of Heaven)
    1. Matthew 13:31-32
    2. Mark 4:30-32
    3. Luke 13:18-19
  14. Parable #14:   Yeast (Kingdom of Heaven)
    1. Matthew 13:33
    2. Luke 13:20-21
  15. Parable #15:   Hidden treasure (Kingdom of Heaven)
    1. Matthew 13:44
  16. Parable #16:   Valuable pearl (Kingdom of Heaven)
    1. Matthew 13:45-46
  17. Parable #17:   Fishing net (Kingdom of Heaven)
    1. Matthew 13:47-50
  18. Parable #18:   Owner of a house (Kingdom of Heaven)
    1. Matthew 13:52
  19. Parable #19:   Lost sheep (sheep as children)
    1. Matthew 18:12-14
    2. Luke 15:4-7
  20. Parable #20:   The sheep, gate, and shepherd
    1. * John 10:1-5; 10:7-18
  21. Parable #21:   Master and his servant
    1. Luke 17:7-10
  22. Parable #22:   Unmerciful servant (Kingdom of Heaven)
    1. Matthew 18:23-34
  23. Parable #23:   Good Samaritan
    1. Luke 10:30-37
  24. Parable #24:   Friend in need
    1. Luke 11:5-8
  25. Parable #25:   Lowest seat at the feast
    1. Luke 14:7-14
  26. Parable #26:   Invitation to a great banquet
    1. Luke 14:16-24
  27. Parable #27:   Cost of discipleship
    1. Luke 14:28-33
  28. Parable #28:   Lost Coin
    1. Luke 15:8-10
  29. Parable #29:   Prodigal son (lost son)
    1. Luke 15:11-32
  30. Parable #30:   Shrewd manager
    1. Luke 16:1-8
  31. Parable #31:   Rich man and Lazarus
    1. Luke 16:19-31
  32. Parable #32:   Workers in the vineyard
    1. Matthew 20:1-16
  33. Parable #33:   Persistent widow and crooked judge
    1. Luke 18:2-8
  34. Parable #34:   Pharisee and tax collector
    1. Luke 18:10-14
  35. Parable #35:   King’s ten servants given minas
    1. Matthew 25:14-30
    2. Luke 19:12-27
  36. Parable #36:   Two sons; one obeys, one does not
    1. Matthew 21:28-32
  37. Parable #37:   Wicked tenants
    1. Matthew 21:28-32
    2. Mark 12:1-11
    3. Luke 20:9-18
  38. Parable #38:   Invitation to a wedding banquet
    1. Matthew 22:28-32
  39. Parable #39:   Signs of the future (Fig Tree)
    1. Matthew 24:32-35
    2. Mark 13:28-29
    3. Luke 21:29-31
  40. Parable #40:   Wise and foolish virgins
    1. Matthew 25:1-13
  41. Parable #41:   Sheep and goats will be separated
    1. Matthew 25:31-46