The Parables of Jesus
The Parables in the bible were stories used by Jesus to illuminate the great truths and lessons He taught. This was His most common way of teaching. Each one has a central theme that unveils a timeless, often hidden meaning, or point. Of the four Gospels only John does not contain a parable by Jesus.
Jesus was teaching a totally different message than the people of His day had ever heard, and He was using these short and simple stories like a skillful artist to illuminate these wonderful new principles. He sometimes used them for comparison, such as "the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed .." (Luke 13:19) Another story illustrates both His mission on earth, and offers a glimpse into His very nature when He compared Himself to a Shepard who was in charge of 100 sheep. Though ninety-nine were safe, he risked his life to find the one that was lost. (Matt 18:12-14)
Often called "word pictures," Jesus used these masterful illustrations in ways the people of that day were familiar with, such as mustard seeds and fig trees, wineskins and oil lamps, to name a few.
Below are links to these wonderful sermons of Jesus. They are for our understanding, not only into what He expects of us, but of who He is, and what it will be like to spend a glorious eternity with Him.
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