Parables in the Bible

This insightful collection explores the parables told by Jesus, unveiling profound spiritual truths through simple yet powerful stories. These images bring to life the parables of the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, and the Mustard Seed, illustrating their enduring lessons on faith, love, and redemption. These visual representations offer a compelling glimpse into the divine wisdom conveyed through these timeless teachings.

Exploring the Stories Behind the Images

Each image is intricately designed using original biblical texts and manuscripts, with insights from Hebrew and Greek studies uncovering the depth of meaning within Jesus’ parables. Discover their significance through concise interpretations, enriched with reflections from historical Christian figures, offering a deeper understanding of how parables shape faith.

A Visual Testament to Divine Wisdom

Witness the spiritual depth and transformative power of these parables, captured in meticulous detail and guided by original Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic sources. Highlights include:

Authenticity in Every Detail

• Original Biblical Texts: Ensuring accuracy in portraying Jesus’ parables as recorded in Scripture.
• Historical Manuscripts: Providing context on the spiritual and theological depth of these teachings.

Discover and Reflect

Journey through the lessons of the Sower and the Seeds, the Wise and Foolish Virgins, and the Lost Sheep. Explore their profound messages, the impact they had on Jesus' listeners, and the eternal truths they reveal. This carefully curated experience invites viewers to engage with Scripture’s parables in a transformative and insightful way.

📖 Verse: Matthew 25:1-13 (KJV) 

1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. 

📜 Context:
Jesus taught about the importance of being spiritually prepared. The five wise virgins had oil in their lamps, representing faith and readiness for Christ’s return.

🔎 What Happened After Jesus Spoke:
The five wise virgins entered the wedding feast with the bridegroom, symbolizing the reward for those who remain prepared for His coming.

Interesting Facts About The Five Wise Virgins

• This parable is part of Jesus’ teaching about the end times (Matthew 24-25).
• The bridegroom represents Jesus, and the virgins symbolize believers.
• Oil in the lamps represents the Holy Spirit and spiritual readiness.
• The wedding feast symbolizes the Kingdom of Heaven (Revelation 19:9).
• The wise virgins prepared in advance, showing faithfulness.
• They could not share their oil, symbolizing personal responsibility in faith.
• The door was shut after they entered, indicating finality in God’s judgment.

📖 Verse: Matthew 20:1-16 (KJV)

1 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.
5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?
7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. ”

📜 Context:
Jesus told this parable to illustrate God’s grace. Workers hired at different times of the day all received the same wages, showing that God’s rewards are based on His mercy rather than human effort.

🔎 What Happened After Jesus Spoke:
The parable revealed that in God’s kingdom, His generosity is not based on human expectations but on divine grace.

Interesting Facts About the Workers in the Vineyard

• The landowner represents God, and the workers symbolize believers.
• The wages reflect God’s gift of salvation, not earned merit.
• The early workers expected more but received the same as the latecomers.
• This parable highlights that God’s ways are not based on human fairness but divine grace.
• The last will be first, and the first last (Matthew 20:16).
• God’s mercy extends to all, regardless of when they come to Him.
• The vineyard represents God’s kingdom and His calling to labor.

📖 Verse: Matthew 25:14-30 (KJV)

14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 

📜 Context:
Jesus told the parable of the talents to emphasize faithful stewardship. The unfaithful servant buried his talent instead of using it for his master’s benefit.

🔎 What Happened After Jesus Spoke:
The unfaithful servant was cast out, showing that God expects His people to use their gifts for His kingdom.

Interesting Facts About the Unfaithful Servant

• The master represents God, and the talents represent gifts given to believers.
• The other servants used their talents wisely and were rewarded.
• The unfaithful servant blamed the master instead of taking responsibility.
• Fear and laziness caused his downfall.
• God expects growth and faithfulness in what He entrusts to us.
• Those who do not use their gifts lose them (Matthew 25:29).
• This parable teaches that wasted potential has consequences.

📖 Verse: Matthew 18:23-35 (KJV)

23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

📜 Context:
Jesus told this parable about a servant who was forgiven a great debt but refused to forgive a smaller debt owed to him. It illustrates the necessity of extending mercy as we have received it from God.

🔎 What Happened After Jesus Spoke:
The unforgiving servant was punished, showing that those who refuse to forgive others will not receive God’s forgiveness.

Interesting Facts About the Unforgiving Servant

• The king represents God, and the servant represents believers.
• The first debt was enormous, symbolizing our sin before God.
• The second debt was minor, showing how little others owe us in comparison.
• Mercy is required from those who have received it (Matthew 6:14-15).
• Unforgiveness leads to spiritual imprisonment.
• This parable teaches the dangers of hypocrisy in receiving grace but not giving it.
• True forgiveness reflects God’s nature.

📖 Verse: Matthew 13:45-46

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.”

📜 Context:
Jesus used this parable to illustrate the immeasurable worth of the kingdom of heaven. The merchant recognized the value of the pearl and sacrificed everything to obtain it.

🔎 Meaning:
The gospel is of supreme value, and true believers will surrender everything for it.

Interesting Facts About the Pearl of Great Price

• Pearls were among the most valuable gems in the ancient world.
• Unlike other gems, pearls are formed through suffering within an oyster.
• The merchant actively sought valuable pearls, representing the search for truth.
• His willingness to sell all reflects the call to total commitment to God.
• Jesus emphasized that the kingdom is worth more than earthly riches.
• This parable parallels the call to forsake all to follow Christ (Luke 9:23).
• It teaches that salvation is priceless and cannot be earned.

📖 Verse: Matthew 13:44

“The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.”

📜 Context:
Jesus described the kingdom of God as a hidden treasure, emphasizing that it is of immeasurable worth and worth giving up everything to obtain.

🔎 Meaning:
The kingdom of God is worth sacrificing everything to obtain.

Interesting Facts About the Hidden Treasure

• In ancient times, wealth was often hidden in fields to protect it from thieves and invaders.
• The man in the parable stumbles upon the treasure rather than seeking it.
• His joy reflects the discovery of salvation and the value of knowing Christ.
• Selling everything symbolizes the total commitment required to follow Christ.
• This parable complements the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price.
• Jesus taught that nothing compares to the value of eternal life (Mark 8:36).
• The treasure represents the kingdom of God, which remains hidden from the spiritually blind.

📖 Verse: Matthew 13:47-50 (KJV)

47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.
49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 

📜 Context:
Jesus used the parable of the net to illustrate the coming final judgment when God will separate the righteous from the wicked.

🔎 Meaning:
God will separate the righteous from the wicked in the end times.

Interesting Facts About the Parable of the Net

• Fishing was a major industry in Jesus’ time, making this parable relatable.
• The net represents the gospel invitation that gathers all kinds of people.
• The sorting of fish symbolizes the final judgment.
• The bad fish represent those who reject God’s truth.
• Angels will assist in separating the righteous from the wicked (Matthew 13:49).
• The sea often represents the nations in biblical imagery.
• Jesus frequently used fishing metaphors, including "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19).

📖 Verse:  Luke 10:25-37 (KJV)

25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. 

📜 Context:
A Jewish man was attacked by robbers. A priest and a Levite passed him by, but a Samaritan, despite being from a despised group, stopped to help.

🔎 Meaning:
Love your neighbor, regardless of race or status.

Interesting Facts About the Good Samaritan

• Samaritans and Jews were historical enemies.
• The road from Jerusalem to Jericho was dangerous and known for robberies.
• Jesus challenged cultural biases by making a Samaritan the hero.
• The priest and Levite, religious figures, failed to show mercy.
• The Samaritan went beyond basic help, paying for the man’s care.
• This parable emphasizes love in action, not just belief.
• Jesus answered the question, "Who is my neighbor?" with this story.

📖 Verse:  Matthew 22:1-14 (KJV)

1 And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said,
2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,
3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.
4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.
5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:
6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.
9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.
11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
14 For many are called, but few are chosen. 

📜 Context:
A king invited guests to his son's wedding, but they refused to come. Others were later invited, symbolizing God's call to all people.

🔎 Meaning:
Many are invited to salvation, but few accept.

Interesting Facts About the Wedding Feast Parable

• The wedding represents the kingdom of God.
• The invited guests symbolize Israel’s rejection of Jesus.
• The open invitation represents salvation available to all.
• One man was cast out for not wearing wedding clothes, symbolizing unrepentance.
• This parable emphasizes both grace and judgment.
• The final phrase, "Many are called, but few are chosen," highlights human responsibility.
• The parable foreshadows the great wedding feast of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-9).

📖 Verse: Luke 19:11
“And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.”

📜 Context:
Jesus' followers expected the kingdom of God to appear immediately, but He taught that His rule would come later.

🔎 Meaning:
Jesus explained that His kingdom was not coming immediately, teaching patience and faithfulness.

Interesting Facts About the Delayed Kingdom

• Many Jews expected the Messiah to overthrow Rome and establish a political kingdom.
• Jesus often taught about the "already, but not yet" nature of God’s kingdom.
• This parable highlights the importance of faithful service while waiting.
• The delay of the kingdom allows more people to repent (2 Peter 3:9).
• Jesus' second coming will establish the visible kingdom of God.
• This lesson echoes throughout the New Testament (Matthew 24:42-44).
• The parable calls believers to live expectantly and responsibly.

📖 Verse: Matthew 25:21
“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

📜 Context:
In the Parable of the Talents, a master entrusted his servants with resources. One servant wisely used what he was given and was rewarded for his faithfulness.

🔎 Meaning:
Jesus emphasized faithfulness in small responsibilities leading to greater blessings.

Interesting Facts About Faithfulness

• The servant was rewarded for diligence, not results.
• Jesus often taught that faithfulness in small things matters to God.
• The phrase "Well done, good and faithful servant" is a model for Christian living.
• The unfaithful servant was cast into darkness (Matthew 25:30).
• This parable highlights stewardship of God’s gifts.
• It teaches that God’s kingdom operates on trust and accountability.
• The reward for faithfulness is joy in God’s presence.

📖 Verse: Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23 (KJV)

3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;
4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:
5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:
8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Jesus Explains the Parable

18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.
19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

📜 Context:
Jesus described a farmer sowing seed, which fell on different types of soil, representing the various ways people receive God’s Word.

🔎 Meaning:
Different responses to God's Word produce different spiritual outcomes.

Interesting Facts About the Parable of the Sower

• The seed represents God’s Word.
• The four types of soil represent different human hearts.
• The hard soil symbolizes those who reject God’s Word.
• The rocky soil represents shallow faith.
• The thorny soil stands for distracted believers.
• The good soil bears fruit, symbolizing true discipleship.
• Jesus explained this parable in detail to His disciples.

📖 Verse:  Matthew 13:31-32 (KJV)

31 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:
32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. 

📜 Context:
Jesus compared God’s kingdom to a tiny mustard seed that grows into a large tree.

🔎 Meaning:
God's kingdom starts small but grows immensely.

Interesting Facts About the Mustard Seed Parable

• The mustard seed was one of the smallest seeds known in Israel.
• It grows into a plant large enough for birds to nest in.
• This parable illustrates the expansion of God's kingdom.
• It teaches that faith starts small but increases over time.
• The birds represent people who find shelter in God's kingdom.
• The parable encourages patience in spiritual growth.
• Jesus often used farming imagery to explain God’s work.

📖 Verse: Matthew 13:33; Luke 13:20-21

“The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.”

📜 Context:
Jesus compared God’s kingdom to leaven (yeast) that permeates and transforms dough.

🔎 Meaning:
God's kingdom influences the world, just as yeast affects the dough.

Interesting Facts About the Parable of the Leaven

• Leaven represents growth and transformation in God’s kingdom.
• A small amount of yeast affects the entire batch of dough.
• The number three often signifies divine completeness in Scripture.
• The parable teaches that God’s work often begins unseen but grows over time.
• Some interpret leaven as a symbol of both good (growth) and bad (sin).
• This parable is linked to the Mustard Seed parable in teaching kingdom expansion.
• Jesus emphasized patience in witnessing God’s kingdom flourish.

📖 Verse: Matthew 13:24-30 (KJV)

24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

Jesus Explains the Parable

Matthew 13:36-43 (KJV)
36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.
37 He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;
38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.
41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

📜 Context:
Jesus described a farmer whose enemy planted weeds among his wheat, symbolizing the coexistence of good and evil until judgment day.

🔎 Meaning:
Good and evil coexist until God's final judgment.

Interesting Facts About the Parable of the Wheat and Tares

• Wheat represents true believers, while tares symbolize false ones.
• The enemy represents Satan, who plants deception in the world.
• The field is the world, not just the church.
• God allows both to grow together until the harvest (final judgment).
• The reapers (angels) will separate them at the end of time.
• This parable warns against premature judgment.
• Jesus later explained this parable to His disciples privately.

📖 Verse: Matthew 21:28-32 (KJV)

28 But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
32 For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him. 

📜 Context:
Jesus told a story of two sons: one refused his father’s command but later obeyed, while the other promised to obey but did not.

🔎 Meaning:
Obedience matters more than mere words.

Interesting Facts About the Parable of the Two Sons

• The first son represents sinners who repent and obey God.
• The second son symbolizes hypocrites who claim to follow God but do not.
• Jesus directed this parable at the religious leaders of His time.
• Tax collectors and sinners were entering God’s kingdom before them.
• True obedience requires action, not just words.
• The parable highlights God’s patience with repentance.
• It contrasts external religiosity with genuine transformation.

📖 Verse:  Matthew 21:33-46 (KJV)

33 Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:
34 And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.
35 And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.
36 Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise.
37 But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.
38 But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.
39 And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.
40 When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?
41 They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.
42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
45 And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.
46 But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet. 

📜 Context:
Jesus told this parable to the religious leaders, illustrating how Israel had repeatedly rejected God's messengers, including the prophets.

🔎 Meaning:
Israel rejected God’s messengers and His Son.

Interesting Facts About the Parable of the Wicked Tenants

• The vineyard represents Israel, and the landowner represents God.
• The tenants symbolize Israel’s religious leaders who rejected God's prophets.
• The servants represent the prophets who were mistreated throughout history.
• The son represents Jesus, whom the leaders would reject and kill.
• Jesus foretold His own death through this parable.
• The landowner’s patience shows God’s mercy before judgment.
• Jesus quoted Psalm 118:22 ("The stone which the builders rejected…") to reveal that He was the cornerstone.

📖 Verse:  Luke 12:16-21 (KJV)

16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. 

📜 Context:
Jesus taught that material wealth is worthless without spiritual richness.

🔎 What This Teaches About Wealth:
True wealth is measured by one’s relationship with God, not by material gain.

Interesting Facts About Spiritual Wealth

• The parable of the rich fool warns against trusting in wealth (Luke 12:16-20).
• True riches are found in seeking God’s kingdom (Luke 12:31).
• Jesus told the disciples to store treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20).
• The early church shared their wealth to meet each other's needs (Acts 4:32-35).
• Wealth is a tool, not a measure of worth (Proverbs 11:4).

📖 Verse: Luke 15:17-32 (KJV)

17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and entreated him.
29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. 

📜 Context:
Jesus told this parable to illustrate God's mercy and the joy of repentance. The younger son left home, squandered his inheritance, and ended up destitute. When he returned, his father welcomed him with open arms, symbolizing God's grace toward sinners.

🔎 Meaning:
God is always ready to forgive the repentant.

Interesting Facts About the Parable of the Prodigal Son

• The younger son represents sinners who turn away from God.
• The father represents God, who welcomes back the repentant.
• The far country symbolizes a life of sin and separation from God.
• The older brother represents self-righteous individuals who resent God’s mercy on sinners.
• The father running to meet the son was a cultural break, showing extreme love and forgiveness.
• The robe, ring, and shoes represent full restoration to sonship.
• The celebration reflects heaven’s joy over a sinner’s repentance.