Parables of Jesus List
Quick Summary
Jesus told many parables, but most scholars agree on a core list of 35 to 40 distinct parables found primarily in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. These short narrative stories reveal the nature of God’s kingdom, expose the human heart, and invite readers into faith, repentance, and discipleship. While definitions vary across traditions, this post provides a clear, well‑organized, and widely accepted complete list of Jesus’ parables.
Introduction
Parables are one of Jesus’ most characteristic teaching methods. They are simple stories with surprising depth, using everyday images—seeds, trees, weddings, coins, vineyards—to illuminate the mysteries of God’s kingdom. The Gospels contain dozens of these narrative teachings, though the exact number depends on how one defines a parable.
Some lists include brief metaphors or comparisons (such as the good and bad trees), while others count only full stories with characters and plot. This post offers a practical and widely recognized complete list of Jesus’ parables in the Synoptic Gospels, with notes on parallels and disputed examples.
What Counts as a Parable?
Scholars differ slightly on what qualifies as a parable, but most agree that a parable is:
A short narrative story rather than a single metaphor.
A story with characters or a scenario.
A teaching tool with symbolic meaning.
This list focuses on narrative parables, the core set used in nearly all academic, pastoral, and devotional studies.
Why John’s Gospel Is Different
John is often said to contain no parables. Instead, it uses long symbolic discourses (for example, the Good Shepherd). Some scholars classify John 10 as containing “parabolic imagery,” but they are not narrative parables like those in the Synoptics.
For clarity, this list focuses on the accepted Synoptic narrative parables, with a brief section at the end for disputed or symbolic parables.
Complete List of Jesus’ Parables
Below is a widely accepted, ministry‑friendly complete list. Titles vary, but all references are given for Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
Parables in Matthew, Mark, and Luke (with parallels)
| Parable | Matthew | Mark | Luke |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parable of the Sower | Matthew 13:3–9 | Mark 4:3–9 | Luke 8:5–8 |
| Lamp Under a Basket | Matthew 5:14–16 | Mark 4:21–22 | Luke 8:16 |
| New Cloth on Old Garment | Matthew 9:16 | Mark 2:21 | Luke 5:36 |
| New Wine in Old Wineskins | Matthew 9:17 | Mark 2:22 | Luke 5:37–38 |
| The Mustard Seed | Matthew 13:31–32 | Mark 4:30–32 | Luke 13:18–19 |
| The Wicked Tenants | Matthew 21:33–46 | Mark 12:1–12 | Luke 20:9–19 |
| The Fig Tree (Lesson of the Fig Tree) | Matthew 24:32–35 | Mark 13:28–29 | Luke 21:29–33 |
Parables in Matthew and Luke
| Parable | Matthew | Luke |
|---|---|---|
| The Lost Sheep | Matthew 18:12–14 | Luke 15:3–7 |
| The Talents / Minas | Matthew 25:14–30 | Luke 19:11–27 |
| The Two Builders | Matthew 7:24–27 | Luke 6:47–49 |
| The Great Banquet | Matthew 22:1–14 | Luke 14:15–24 |
| The Faithful and Unfaithful Servant | Matthew 24:45–51 | Luke 12:42–48 |
Parables Unique to Matthew
Matthew contains several kingdom parables found nowhere else.
| Parable | Matthew Reference |
|---|---|
| Weeds Among the Wheat | Matthew 13:24–30 |
| The Hidden Treasure | Matthew 13:44 |
| The Pearl of Great Price | Matthew 13:45–46 |
| The Net | Matthew 13:47–50 |
| The Unforgiving Servant | Matthew 18:23–35 |
| The Workers in the Vineyard | Matthew 20:1–16 |
| The Two Sons | Matthew 21:28–32 |
| The Wedding Banquet / Wedding Garment | Matthew 22:1–14 |
| The Ten Virgins | Matthew 25:1–13 |
Parables Unique to Luke
Luke contains some of Jesus’ most beloved and memorable parables.
| Parable | Luke Reference |
|---|---|
| The Good Samaritan | Luke 10:25–37 |
| The Friend at Midnight | Luke 11:5–8 |
| The Rich Fool | Luke 12:16–21 |
| The Barren Fig Tree | Luke 13:6–9 |
| The Lost Coin | Luke 15:8–10 |
| The Prodigal Son | Luke 15:11–32 |
| The Unjust Steward / Shrewd Manager | Luke 16:1–13 |
| The Rich Man and Lazarus | Luke 16:19–31 |
| The Master and the Servant | Luke 17:7–10 |
| The Persistent Widow | Luke 18:1–8 |
| The Pharisee and the Tax Collector | Luke 18:9–14 |
| The Two Debtors | Luke 7:41–43 |
| The Pounds (variation of Talents) | Luke 19:11–27 |
| The Tower Builder and Warring King | Luke 14:28–33 |
Often Included in Complete Lists (brief narrative images)
Some scholars include shorter but still narrative‑styled parables.
| Parable | Gospel References |
|---|---|
| The Growing Seed | Mark 4:26–29 |
| The Watchful Servants | Luke 12:35–38 |
| The Thief in the Night | Matthew 24:43–44, Luke 12:39–40 |
| The Wedding Feast Waiting Servants | Luke 12:35–38 |
| The Unfruitful Trees / Good and Bad Trees | Matthew 7:17–19, Luke 6:43–45 |
This brings a common academic tally to approximately 40 parables, depending on criteria.
Disputed or Symbolic Parables
These are not universally counted but appear in some lists:
The Good Shepherd (John 10:1–18)
The Vine and Branches (John 15:1–8)
The Sheepfold and Gate (John 10:7–10)
The Salt Parables (Matthew 5:13, Mark 9:50, Luke 14:34–35)
These are symbolic discourses rather than narrative parables.
Why Jesus Used Parables
1. To reveal the kingdom to those ready to hear
Parables invite reflection and response. Read “The Purpose of Parables”
2. To conceal truth from hardened hearts
Jesus often ends parables with, "Let anyone with ears listen."
3. To connect heavenly truth with everyday life
Seeds, banquets, coins, vineyards—Jesus uses familiar images to reveal divine realities.
4. To provoke decision
Parables call listeners to repentance, mercy, humility, or faith.
FAQs
How many parables did Jesus tell?
Most accepted lists contain 35–40 narrative parables.
Which Gospel has the most parables?
Luke contains more unique parables than any other Gospel.
Why doesn’t John include parables?
John uses symbolic teaching rather than short narrative stories.
What is Jesus’ most famous parable?
Many point to the Prodigal Son or the Good Samaritan.
