Parables in Luke
A Complete List, Order, and Meaning of Every Parable in Luke
Jesus’ Parables in the Gospel of Luke
The Gospel of Luke contains some of Jesus’ most memorable stories — from the Good Samaritan to the Prodigal Son — along with several parables found nowhere else in Scripture. In all, Luke records 24 parables, each revealing something about the kingdom of God, the heart of Jesus, and the call to live as his followers. Below, you’ll find them arranged in order, linked to full commentary, artwork, and study resources to help you go deeper.
Keep scrolling to explore the parables through artwork, quick-reference tables, and related Bible study tools - all designed to help you understand Luke’s Gospel more fully.
List of Parables in Luke: Complete Guide to the Parables of Jesus with Scripture References
Frequently Asked Questions About Jesus’
Parables in Luke
1. How many parables are in the Gospel of Luke?
The Gospel of Luke contains 24 parables—more than any other Gospel. Some, like The Parable of the Good Samaritanand The Parable of the Prodigal Son, are unique to Luke. Others, such as The Parable of the Sower, appear in multiple Gospels. Luke’s parables often highlight God’s mercy, the reversal of fortunes, and the inclusion of outsiders.
2. What is the most famous parable in Luke?
Two parables stand out as the most recognized:
The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37), which teaches compassion across social and ethnic boundaries.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32), which portrays the lavish grace of God toward repentant sinners.
3. Which parables are unique to Luke’s Gospel?
Several parables are found only in Luke, including:
4. What themes do the parables in Luke emphasize?
Luke’s parables emphasize:
God’s mercy and forgiveness (The Prodigal Son, The Lost Sheep)
Care for the poor and marginalized (The Good Samaritan, The Rich Man and Lazarus)
Readiness for God’s kingdom (The Watchful Servants, The Ten Minas)
Reversal of fortunes (The Rich Fool, The Barren Fig Tree)
5. Why does Luke include so many parables?
Luke uses parables not only as teaching tools but also as windows into Jesus’ mission. By telling vivid, relatable stories, Jesus reveals spiritual truths about God’s kingdom in ways that challenge the self-righteous, comfort the broken, and invite all to respond in faith. Many of Luke’s parables reflect his Gospel’s special concern for the outcast and the sinner.
6. Where can I read commentary on each parable in Luke?
You can find verse-by-verse breakdowns and commentary for every parable in Luke on this site. Start with The Parable of the New Wine and Old Wineskins and work your way through the complete list in the Parables in Luke Table above.
Continue Your Study in the Gospel of Luke
The parables are just one way Luke teaches us about Jesus’ life, ministry, and message. Keep exploring with these in-depth studies and resources:
Miracles in Luke – Complete List and Meaning
Discover the 18 miracles recorded in Luke, what they reveal about Jesus’ authority, and how they connect with his parables.
Luke’s Audience – Who Was He Writing For?
Understand the unique audience Luke had in mind and how it shapes the way his parables are told.
People Mentioned by Name in the Gospel of Luke
Meet the individuals who appear in Luke’s Gospel and see how their stories intertwine with the parables.
Explore the major themes in Luke—such as mercy, reversal, and the kingdom of God—and how the parables bring these to life.
Full Gospel of Luke Commentary
Access verse-by-verse commentary, outlines, and study tools for every passage in Luke.