New Testament Parables

Brian Kuehmichel
4/16/2000 & 04/21/2013





A Parable is a type of analogy presented in a simple spoken or written form, without extraneous detail or distracting circumstances, that generally feature human characters to illustrate a universal moral or spiritual truth. This narrative generally relates a single, simple, consistent action that often involves a character facing a moral dilemma, or making a questionable decision and then suffering the consequences.

100 New Testament Parables
Complete List Of 100 Parables In The New Testament compiled by Brian Kuehmichel©
For an explanation of Jesus using parables go to bottom of page.
Parables (parabolic sayings) are word pictures using symbolic references to actual things to teach spiritual truths.
SCRIPTURE
QTY
PARABLE NAME
LOCATION
OCCASION
PARALLEL ACCOUNTS
STUDY AIDS
Verses followed by this colored cell ->
  
 have a New Testament verse calling the text a parable!
Matthew
Matt 5:15, 13-16
4
The Lighted Lamp
Sermon on Mount
Great Multitude
Mark 4:21; Luke 8:16; 11:33
Link
Matt 5:25, 21-26
2
Agreeing With Your Adversary
Sermon on Mount
Great Multitude
Luke 12:58
Link
Matt 6:22-23
2
The Light Of The Body
Sermon on Mount
Great Multitude
Luke 11:34-36, 33-36
Link
Matt 7:13-14; 5:1-7:29
2
The Strait Gate
Sermon on Mount
Great Multitude
Luke 13:24-27
Link
Matt 7:24-27; 5:1-7:29
2
The House Upon The Rock & on the Sand
Sermon on Mount
Great Multitude
Luke 6:48-49
Link
Matt 9:15, 14-17
3
The Mourners In The Bride Chamber
Galilee
Disciples of John
Mark 2:19-20; Luke 5:34-35
Link
Matt 9:16-17, 14-17
3
The Old Garment and Old Wineskin
Galilee
Disciples of John
Mark 2:21-22; Luke 5:36-39
Link
Matt 9:37, 35-38
2
The Plenteous Harvest
Galilee
Disciples
Luke 10:2
Link
Matt 11:16-17, 2-19
2
The Children In Marketplace
Galilee
Multitude
Luke 7:31-32
Link
Matt 12:25, 22-28
3
The Kingdom Divided
Galilee
Multitude, Accused by Pharisees
Mark 3:23-25; Luke 11:17-19, 14-22
Link
Matt 12:29, 22-30
3
The Strong Man's House
Galilee
Multitude, Accused by Pharisees
Mark 3:27; Luke 11:21-22
Link
Matt 12:43-45, 38-45
2
The Unclean Spirit
Galilee
Multitude, Scribes, Pharisees Ask Sign
Luke 11:24-26
Link
Matt 13:3-8, 1-23
3
The Sower
Seashore in Galilee
Great Multitude
Mark 4:3-8; Luke 8:5-8
Link
Matt 13:24-30, 24-43
1
The Wheat and The Tares
Seashore in Galilee
Great Multitude
 
Link
Matt 13:31-32, 24-43
3
The Mustard Seed
Seashore in Galilee
Great Multitude
Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18-19
Link
Matt 13:33, 24-43
2
The Leaven Hid In Meal
Seashore in Galilee
Great Multitude
Luke 13:20-21
Link
Matt 13:44, 44-53
1
The Treasure Hid In Field
Seashore in Galilee
Disciples
 
Link
Matt 13:45-46, 44-53
1
The Pearl Of Great Price
Seashore in Galilee
Disciples
 
Link
Matt 13:47-50, 44-53
1
The Dragnet
Seashore in Galilee
Disciples
 
Link
Matt 13:52, 51-53
1
The Householder
Seashore in Galilee
Disciples
 
Link
Matt 15:11, 1-20
2
The Things Entering A Man
Gennesaret
Scribes & Pharisees
Mark 7:15
Link
Matt 15:13
1
God's Plants
Gennesaret
Scribes & Pharisees
 
Link
Matt 15:14, 1-20
2
A Blind Leader
Gennesaret
Scribes & Pharisees
Luke 6:39
Link
Matt 18:12-13, 17-27 + Mt 18:1
2
The Lost Sheep
Capernaum
Disciples
Luke 15:4-7
Link
Matt 18:23-24, 15-35
1
The Debtor Forgiven Yet Unmerciful
Capernaum
Reply to Peter's Question vs 21
 
Link
Matt 20:1-16; 19:27-20:16
1
The Laborers In The Vineyard
Approaching Jerusalem
Disciples
 
Link
Matt 21:28-31, 23-32
1
Two Sons
At Temple In Jerusalem
Chief Priests, Scribes, Elders
 
Link
Matt 21:33-40, 23-45
3
The Murderous Husbandmen
At Temple In Jerusalem
Chief Priests, Scribes, Elders
Mark 12:1-9; Luke 20:9-16
Link
Matt 22:2-14; 21:23-22:14
1
The Marriage Feast & Wedding Garment
At Temple In Jerusalem
Chief Priests, Scribes, Elders
 
Link
Matt 24:32, 1-44
4
The Fig Tree
Mount of Olives
Disciples
Mark 13:28; Luke 13:6-9; 21:29-30
Link
Matt 24:43, 36-44
2
The Thief Entering The House
Mount of Olives
Disciples
Luke 12:39
Link
Matt 24:45-51, 32-51
2
The Faithful and Unfaithful Servant
Mount of Olives
Disciples
Luke 12:42-46
Link
Matt 25:1-12; 24:32-25:13
1
The Ten Virgins
Mount of Olives
Disciples
 
Link
Matt 25:14-30; 24:32-25:30
1
The Five Talents
Mount of Olives
Disciples
 
Link
Matt 25:31-46; 24:32-25:46
1
The Sheep And Goats
Mount of Olives
Disciples
 
Link
Mark
Mark 2:19-20, 18-22
3
The Mourners In The Bride Chamber
Galilee
Disciples of John
Matt 9:15; Luke 5:34-35
Link
Mark 2:21-22, 18-22
3
The Old Garment and Old Wineskin
Galilee
Disciples of John
Matt 9:16-17; Luke 5:36-39
Link
Mark 3:23-25, 13-30
3
The Kingdom Divided
Galilee
Scribes from Jerusalem
Matt 12:25; Luke 11:17-19, 14-22
Link
Mark 3:27, 19-30
3
The Strong Man's House
Galilee
Scribes from Jerusalem
Matt 12:29; Luke 11:21-22
Link
Mark 4:3-8, 1-20
3
The Sower
Seashore in Galilee
Great Multitude
Matt 13:3-8; Luke 8:5-8
Link
Mark 4:21, 21-25
4
The Lighted Lamp
Seashore in Galilee
Disciples
Matt 5:15; Luke 8:16; 11:33
Link
Mark 4:26-29, 10-34
1
The Seed Sown
Seashore in Galilee
Disciples
 
Link
Mark 4:30-32, 10-34
3
The Mustard Seed
Seashore in Galilee
Disciples
Matt 13:31-32; Luke 13:18-19
Link
Mark 7:15, 14-23
2
The Things Entering A Man
Gennesaret
Scribes & Pharisees
Matt 15:11
Link
Mark 12:1-9; 11:27-12:12
3
The Murderous Husbandmen
At Temple In Jerusalem
Chief Priests, Scribes, Elders
Matt 21:33-40; Luke 20:9-16
Link
Mark 13:28, 1-37
4
The Fig Tree
Mount of Olives
Disciples
Matt 24:32; Luke 13:6-9; 21:29-30
Link
Mark 13:34-36, 28-37
1
The Man On Far Journey
Mount of Olives
Disciples
 
Link
Luke
Luke 5:34-35, 27-39
3
The Mourners In The Bride Chamber
Galilee
Scribes & Pharisees Ask Question
Matt 9:15; Mark 2:19-20
Link
Luke 5:36-39, 27-39
3
The Old Garment and Old Wineskin
Galilee
Scribes & Pharisees Ask Question
Matt 9:16-17; Mark 2:21-22
Link
Luke 6:39, 17-49
2
A Blind Leader
Plains of Galilee
Great Multitude
Matt 15:14
Link
Luke 6:43, 17-49
1
The Tree And Its Fruit
Plains of Galilee
Great Multitude
 
Link
Luke 6:48-49, 17-49
2
The House Upon The Rock
Plains of Galilee
Great Multitude
Matt 7:24-27
Link
Luke 7:31-32, 19-35
2
Children In Marketplace
Galilee
Multitude
Matt 11:16-17
Link
Luke 7:41-42, 36-50
1
The Two Debtors
Galilee
Meal at Simon the Pharisee's House
 
Link
Luke 8:5-8, 4-15
3
The Sower
Went City to City
Multitude
Matt 13:3-8; Mark 4:3-8
Link
Luke 8:16, 16-18
4
The Lighted Lamp
Went City to City
Multitude
Matt 5:15; Mark 4:21; Luke 11:33
Link
Luke 9:62, 57-62
1
The Hand To The Plow
Approaching Jerusalem
One Disciple
 
Link
Luke 10:2, 1-11
2
The Plenteous Harvest
Approaching Jerusalem
Disciples
Matt 9:37
Link
Luke 10:30-35, 25-35
1
The Good Samaritan
Approaching Bethany
Lawyer Asked Who Was His Neighbor
 
Link
Luke 11:5-8, 1-13
1
The Reluctant Friend
Bethany
Disciples
 
Link
Luke 11:17-19
3
The Kingdom Divided
Galilee
Scribes from Jerusalem
Matt 12:25; Mark 3:23-25
Link
Luke 11:21-22, 14-22
3
The Strong Man's House
Bethany
Disciples
Matt 12:29; Mark 3:27, 19-30
Link
Luke 11:24-26, 14-26
2
The Unclean Spirit
Jerusalem
Accused by Pharisees Before Multitude
Matt 12:43-45
Link
Luke 11:33, 33-36
4
The Lighted Lamp
Jerusalem
Accused by Pharisees Before Multitude
Matt 5:15; Mark 4:21; Luke 8:16
Link
Luke 11:34-36, 33-36
2
The Light Of The Body
Jerusalem
Accused by Pharisees Before Multitude
Matt 6:22-23
Link
Luke 12:16-20, 13-34
1
The Rich Man With Barns
Jerusalem
Response to One from the Multitude
 
Link
Luke 12:35-38, 35-41
1
The Watching Servants
Jerusalem
Disciples in a Great Multitude
 
Link
Luke 12:39, 35-41
2
The Thief Entering The House
Jerusalem
Disciples in a Great Multitude
Matt 24:43
Link
Luke 12:42-46, 35-48
2
The Faithful and Unfaithful Servant
Jerusalem
Disciples in a Great Multitude
Matt 24:45-51
Link
Luke 12:58, 49-59
2
Agreeing With Your Adversary
Jerusalem
Disciples in a Great Multitude
Matt 5:25
Link
Luke 13:6-9, 1-9
4
The Fig Tree
Jerusalem
Disciples in a Great Multitude
Mt 24:32; Mk 13:28; Lk 21:29-30
Link
Luke 13:18-19, 10-21
3
The Mustard Seed
Jerusalem
Disciples in a Great Multitude
Matt 13:31-32; Mark 4:30-32
Link
Luke 13:20-21, 10-21
2
The Leaven Hid In Meal
Jerusalem
Disciples in a Great Multitude
Matt 13:33
Link
Luke 13:24-27, 22-30, 34
2
The Strait Gate
Approaching Jerusalem
Response to Question
Matt 7:13-14
Link
Luke 14:8-10, 7-14
1
Taking The Chief Seats
Approaching Jerusalem
Dinner at House of Chief Pharisee
 
Link
Luke 14:16-24, 1-24
1
The Great Supper
Approaching Jerusalem
Dinner at House of Chief Pharisee
 
Link
Luke 14:28-30, 25-35
1
Building A Tower
Approaching Jerusalem
Great Multitude
 
Link
Luke 14:31-32, 25-35
1
A King Going To War
Approaching Jerusalem
Great Multitude
 
Link
Luke 14:34-35, 25-35
1
The Salt Losing Savor
Approaching Jerusalem
Great Multitude
 
Link
Luke 15:4-7, 1-32
2
The Lost Sheep
Approaching Jerusalem
Scribes & Pharisees Murmur at Jesus
Matt 18:12-13
Link
Luke 15:8-9, 1-32
1
The Lost Silver Coin
Approaching Jerusalem
Scribes & Pharisees Murmur at Jesus
 
Link
Luke 15:11-32, 1-32
1
The Prodigal Son
Approaching Jerusalem
Scribes & Pharisees Murmur at Jesus
 
Link
Luke 16:1-9; 15:1-16:15
1
The Unjust Steward
Approaching Jerusalem
Disciples
 
Link
Luke 16:19-31, 1-31
1
The Rich Man And Lazarus
Approaching Jerusalem
Pharisees Deride Jesus
 
Link
Luke 17:7-10, 5-10
1
The Servant's Duty
Approaching Jerusalem
Disciples
 
Link
Luke 18:2-5, 1-8 + Lk 17:11
1
The Unjust Judge
Samaria and Galilee
Disciples
 
Link
Luke 18:10-13, 9-17 + Lk 18:31
1
The Pharisee and Publican Praying
Samaria and Galilee
Correct self righteousness
 
Link
Luke 19:12-27, 11-28
1
The Ten Pounds
Jericho to Jerusalem
Disciples and Crowd
 
Link
Luke 20:9-16, 1-19
3
The Murderous Husbandmen
At Temple In Jerusalem
Demand Jesus' Authority
Matt 21:33-40; Mark 12:1-9
Link
Luke 21:29-30, 5-36
4
The Fig Tree
At Temple In Jerusalem
Disciples' Questions - Great Prophecy
Mt 24:32; Mk 13:28; Lk 13:6-9
Link
John
John 4:35, 1-43
1
The Harvest
Samaria
Disciples at the Well
 
Link
John 6:25-32, 25-60
1
The Bread of Life
Capernaum
In Synagogue
 
Link
John 10:1-5
1
The Thief vs The Good Shepherd
Jerusalem
Pharisees and Multitude
 
Link
John 10:7-10
1
The Sheepfold Door
Jerusalem
Pharisees and Multitude
 
Link
John 10:11-16; Jn 9:35-10:17
1
The Good Shepherd
Jerusalem
Pharisees and Multitude
 
Link
John 15:1-8, 1-27
1
The Vine And The Branches
Jerusalem by Gethsamane
Walking to Gethsemane With Disciples
 
Link
Notes
These are spoken in the format used of parables and like many others have a very specific application. They are listed for your evaluation. Matt 13:34 & Mark 4:11, 33-34 state there are no exceptions.
Therefore Jesus' public discourses in John's gospel must use parables, too.
Matt 5:13
1
The Salt of The Earth
Sermon on Mount
Great Multitude
 
Link
Matt 5:14
3
The Light of The World
Sermon on Mount
Great Multitude
John 8:12; 12:46, 44-50
Link
John 8:12
3
The Light of The World
At Temple In Jerusalem
Great Multitude
Matt 5:14; John 12:46, 44-50; See John 9:5
Link
John 11:25-26
1
The Resurrection and The Life
Bethany
Multitude
 
Link
John 12:46, 44-50
3
The Light of The World
At Temple In Jerusalem
Great Multitude
Matt 5:14; John 8:12; 12:44-50 See John 9:5
Link
Psa 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old.
Matt 13:34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:
Mark 4:11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables.
13 And he said unto them (His disciples), Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?
Mark 4:33-34 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
 
 Last Modified: April 21, 2013 — Added: Matt 15:13 & Luke 11:17-19

View: 29 Old Testament Parables


The Journeys of our Lord Jesus || The last seven days of our Lord Jesus || The Lord Jesus Prays