The Parables of Jesus Explained

What is the meaning of the Parables

The Parables of Jesus Christ are some of the most well-known and well-loved passages in the Bible. This resource page of The Parables of Jesus Explained is designed to help you bring Jesus’ messages into your heart and life. Each parable has a meaning that had context at the time Jesus spoke them, but they still apply to life today. Our List of Parables and Their Meaning downloadable pdf is a free printable resource you can use to get a good overview of the meaning of the parables.

The Parables of Jesus Christ are some of the most well-known and well-loved passages in the Bible. This resource page of The Parables of Jesus Explained is designed to help you bring Jesus’ messages into your heart and life.

Jesus with His Disciples. The Parables of Jesus Christ Explained

What is a Parable?

Oxford Dictionary defines a parable as a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, as told by Jesus in the Gospels. The parables describe ordinary circumstances and situations that people can understand easily, but their moral lessons teach us how to live as faithful Christians, as God intended.

Jesus used parables to teach the people about God’s Kingdom and the way to salvation. At first, the stories (parables) he tells may not seem to have anything to do with God or salvation.

Why did Jesus speak in parables?

The disciples asked Jesus why he spoke in parables in Matthew 13:10. His short answer is in Matthew 13:13 NIV. The whole conversation is: Matthew 13:10-17.

This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.

The people weren’t open to God’s message and most were skeptical of Jesus. His messages were unpopular because they challenged people to change in ways they didn’t want to. Jesus chose to teach using parables because it was simpler for people to understand stories about familiar situations than about the abstract afterlife and judgment of God. Even so, the meaning of the parables could be difficult to grasp. To help you extract the most value, each parable is broken down into life lessons below.

Are parables still relevant today?

Sometimes we can’t see how the parables are relevant to us today. But be assured that every parable applies and speaks to each of us today. They provide directions to help us navigate the journey to eternal salvation. God’s expectations never change and the journey to reach Him never changes.

I pray you will take the time to learn more about the spiritual meaning and lessons in the parables that Jesus spoke for your benefit so long ago. He’s inviting you to walk down the path to salvation. Will you accept his invitation?

What do the parables teach us?

Each parable teaches us about living a life that’s pleasing to God. Typically each parable includes several takeaways that apply to all of us. In the following articles, we offer ways in which the message and meaning in the parables can help keep you on the path to eternal life with Jesus.

List of parables and their meaning – pdf

Are you looking for a list of parables and their meaning? Our List of Parables and Their Meaning downloadable pdf is a resource for yourself, your family, classroom, or ministry. This instant download has NO email SIGN-UP!

Use our parable lessons below to learn how to apply the parables to your life. Our lessons add more depth and context to the meaning of the parables.

Parable Lessons for Children

Our parable explanations have been used effectively as the basis for children’s parable lessons. I invite you to use the concepts to design your lessons according to the understanding of your children.

I’d also love to hear what tools or resources would make this easier for you. I’ve created comprehensive Parable of the Mustard Seed Bundle for Youth and Parable of the Prodigal Son Youth Bundles that include a lesson, coloring pages, and other activities. Lessons and activities for other parables are underway. Check out the current packages and let me know what you think!

Lessons from the Parables of Jesus Christ



.

If you love the parables

If you love the parables, you may be interested in our printable products. We have a growing catalog of adult devotionals, foldable pocket booklets, coloring foldable pocket booklets, and wall prints. For children, we have lesson plans, coloring pages for various ages, wall prints, reflection/journal pages, activity pages, and games. Below is the Mustard Seed Youth Bundle, one of our best values!

Mustard Seed for Youth Bundle includes everything you need for a Sunday School Lesson. Mustard Seed Activities include 3 sets of coloring pages and a set of Journal/Reflection pages.

Cover Image by 4222320 from Pixabay

Scroll to Top