How Many Parables Did Jesus Teach?

There are 40 parables in the Gospels. A parable is a short story that teaches a spiritual principle. Jesus used these short stories to teach His disciples. One of the benefits of parables is that people remember stories. Even non-Christians are likely to have heard of “The Prodigal Son” or “The Good Samaritan.” Consider how you can incorporate storytelling into your leadership.

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The Parables of Jesus

1. Lamp Under a Bowl (Matthew 5:14-15, Mark 4:21-22, Luke 8:16, 11:33)
2. Wise and Foolish Builders (Matthew 7:24-27, Luke 6:47-49)
3. New Patch on an Old Garment (Matthew 9:16, Mark 2:21, Luke 5:36) 
4. New Wine in Old Wineskins (Matthew 9:17, Mark 2:22, Luke 5:37-38)
5. Sower and the Soils (Matthew 13:3-23, Mark 4:3-20, Luke 8:5-15)
6. Weeds (Matthew 13:24-43)
7. Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, Luke 13:18-19)
8. Yeast (Matthew 13:33, Luke 13:20-21)
9. Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44)
10. Valuable Pearl (Matthew 13:45-46)
11. Net (Matthew 13:47-50)
12. Owner of House (Matthew 13:52)
13. Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:12-14, Luke 15:4-7)
14. Unmerciful Servant (Matthew 18:32-34) 
15. Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16)
16. Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32)
17. Tenants (Matthew 21:33-44, Mark 12:1-11, Luke 20:9-18)
18. Wedding Banquet (Matthew 22:2-14)
19. Fig Tree (Matthew 24:32-35, Mark 13:28-29, Luke 21:29-31)
20. Faithful and Wise Servant (Matthew 24:45-51, Luke 12:42-48)
21. Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)
22. Talents (Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 19:12-27)
23. Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25:32-46)
24. Growing Seed (Mark 4:26-29)
25. Watchful Servant (Mark 13:35-37, Luke 12:35-40)
26. Moneylender (Luke 7:41-43)
27. Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37)
28. Friend in Need (Luke 11:5-8)
29. Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21)
30. Unfruitful Fig Tree (Luke 13:6-9)
31. Lowest Place at the Feast (Luke 14:7-14)
32. Great Banquet (Luke 14:16-24)
33. Counting the Cost (Luke 14:28-33)
34. Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10)
35. Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
36. Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1-8)
37. Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)
38. Master and His Servant (Luke 17:7-10)
39. Persistent Widow (Luke 18:2-8)
40. Pharisee and Tax Collector (Luke 18:10-14)

A Leader Worth Imitating, Appendix A: The Parables of Jesus