A Study Of

The Parables Of Jesus

Gene Taylor
 Table of Contents
Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................................. 1

An Introduction to the Parables ................................................................................................................... 2

Lesson One: The Parable of the Sow er ........................................................................................................ 5

Lesson Tw o: The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant ............................................................................... 6

Lesson Three: The Parable of the Two Sons ................................................................................................ 7

Lesson Four: The Parable of the W icked Husbandmen ............................................................................ 8

Lesson Five: The Parable of the Unjust Steward ........................................................................................ 9

Lesson Six: Parables Teaching Persistence in Prayer ................................................................................ 10

Lesson Seven: The Good Samaritan .............................................................................................................. 11

Lesson Eight: The Parable of the Rich Fool ................................................................................................. 12

Lesson Nine: The Parables of Luke Fifteen ................................................................................................. 13

Lesson Ten: The Parables of Matthew Twenty-Five .................................................................................. 15

Lesson Eleven: The Parable of the Two Debtors ........................................................................................ 17

Lesson Tw elve: The Parable of the Tares ..................................................................................................... 18

Lesson Thirteen: The Mystery of the Seed Growing .................................................................................. 19

© Gene Taylor, 1995. All Rights Reserved

A Study of the Parables of Jesus Gene Taylor -1-

 An Introduction to the Parables
The parables com prise m ore th an one-third of the recorded teachings of Jesus. While they contain
some of the m ost profound lesson s taught by Him, at the same tim e th ey comprise so me of His
simplest, most easily understoo d lessons.
The writers of the N ew Testam ent, w hile using allegories an d similitudes, do no t use the story
parable as Jesus did though it is found occasionally in the Old Testament such as the parabolic story of
a vineyard in Isaiah 5:1-7 and the parable Nathan spoke to Dav id (2 Samuel 12:1-7). In the New
Testament, though, its use seemed to be unique to Jesus which was a fulfillment of prophecy
(Com pare M atthew 13:34-35 w ith Psalm 78:2 and Matthew 13:13-14 with Isaiah 6:9-10).
By the tim e of His ministry which is recorded in Matthew 12 and 13, Jesus’ fo rm of public
instruction had become principally parabolic. Why? Their leaders and the people as a whole had
hardened their hearts against Him and His message because they were filled with prejudice, moral
hardness, blindness, and w illful igno ran ce. As opposition to H im grew in intensity, so did His
parables in their force, solemnity, and number. His purpose in them reflected the conditions which
prompted Him to teach in such a way.

Parable Defined
A. Many people define a parable as “an earthly story with a heavenly meaning,” but such a
definition is not broad enough to include all the parables.
1. Luke 4:23, by the above definition, would have to be called a proverb.
2. Mark 7:15-17, by the above definition, would be a kind of riddle that would prompt the
hearer to ask, “W hat is there that com es out of m e that is more important than what I
take in?”

B. “Literally denotes a placing beside, (akin to paraballo, to throw or lay beside, to co mpare). It
signifies a placing of one thing beside an other with a view to comparison.” (W.E. Vine, Vine’s
Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, p. 840)
C. It is derived from the Greek word “parabole” that com es from tw o other Greek wo rds.
1. “Ballo” (verb): “to throw or cast.”
2. “Para” (preposition): “alongside of.”
3. “That which is thrown alongside of,” thus resulting in a comparison.
D. Generally speaking, a parable is a comparison or analogy drawn from nature or human
circumstances, the o bject of which is to set forth a spiritual lesson. In the parables of Jesus there
are comparisons of spiritual realities and natural occurrences.
E. A parable is not the same thing as an allegory.
1. In ancient and medieval times it was customary to treat the parables of Jesus as
allegories. Some still treat them that way today.
2. Allegory defined.
a. “An allegory in the Gk. came to signify ‘to speak so that the facts stated are
applied to illustrate principles.’” (Vine, 49)
b. “The veiled presen tation, in a figurative story, of a m eaning m etapho rically
implied but not expressly stated. That which figuratively stands for something
else.” (Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary)

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 3. An allegory is like a parable in that it is a story told to make a comparison but their
difference lies in the fact that ev ery detail in an allegory has an inner m eaning w hile in
a parable the details are not necessarily significant but are often there only to add color
to the story.
4. An illustration of the use of allegories is found in Galatians 4:24-31.
a. Hagar and Sarah are used to contrast the old and new covenants.
b. Every detail in this allegory corresponds to something.

The Purposes of Parables

A. While the New Testament does not state, in so many w ords, the exact purpose of the parabolic
teaching of Jesus, it im plies it in Matthew 13:10-13: “A nd the disciples cam e and said to Him,
‘Why do You speak to them in parables?’ He answered and said to them, ‘Because it has been
given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been
given. For whoever has, to him m ore will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever
does n ot have, even what he has will be taken away from him . Th erefore I speak to them in
parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they
understand.” (New King James Version)
B. The four go als of parables.
1. The revelation of truth.
a. Parables often reveal more truth than a plain statement would.
b. Those who, with a proper attitude, were seeking truth would be able to
understand more (Matthew 13:11-12) because they had seeing eyes and hearing
ears. (Matthew 13:16)
c. Christ revealed deep spiritual truths in a way easy for His disciples to understand.
2. The concealment of truth. (Matthew 13:11-14)
a. The use of parables did not make Jesus’ teaching plain to all who heard it
because, having no appreciation for it, some of His hearers would not seek to
understand it for they loved darkness more than light. (John 3:19-21)
b. The concealment of truth is not inconsistent with God. Consider Romans 1:28
and 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12.
3. The preservation of truth.
a. Parables are set forth in a vivid, striking form which commands attention and
impresses the m em ory thus making them easy to recall.
b. Their use is especially beneficial to those who are just beginning to study
spiritual things because it enables them to feed upon simpler things and to
retain the stories more easily than just plain facts.
4. The elicitation of truth from those otherw ise reluctant to acknowledge it.
a. Nathan’s parable to David caused David to condem n himself. (2 Samuel 12:1-7)
b. The parable of the wicked husbandmen spoken by Jesus to the Jews caused the
Jew s, in effect, to adm it that God w ould be just in destroying them for their
wickedness. (Matthew 21:23-46)

Understanding Parables
A. It is impo ssible to lay dow n strict rules for understand ing parables.
1. For example, in som e parables small details have significance while in others details are
not important.

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 2. “The primary lesson or lessons of a parable must be grasped but not each and every
detail is always to be forced to yield a distinct lesson. Parables are like pictures, in that
they require details to make up the general picture but without each detail having of
necessity a special and separate lesson. It may or m ay not be so.” (G.H. Lang, The
Parabolic Teaching of Scripture, p. 17)
B. In general, a parable has one central meaning.
1. In most cases, the details or incidents of the parable are merely “drapery,” i.e., they
serve as the background for the main thought or lesson.
2. Som e incidents, though, have m eanings which are given by Jesus H imself.
C. “In understan ding th e parables of Jesus, there are at least six points th at we need to remember.
(1) ‘The material of parables may be real or fictitious.’ (2) ‘The material of parables may be
borrowed from nature or from human life.’ (3) ‘The purely fanciful details of a parable may
correspond accurately to the men who are instructed, and to their doings.’ (4) ‘Parts or the
who le of a parable may be prophecy.’ (5) ‘Th e essential lesson taught is the main matter; details
may or may not have separate significance.’ (6) ‘Application of details not explained must be
on the lines of explanations given; then they will be sober and valuable, not fanciful or idle.
Then also they will harmonize naturally with the whole picture, will add to its completeness,
heighten its effect, and will not be foreign to it or irrelevant to the m ain lesson.” (Lang, 17-18)

Conclusion
A very careful reading and study of the parables of Jesus will prove to be a great blessing to you.
Giving serious consideration to their lessons will allow you to gain much knowledge and wisdom.

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 Lesson One: The Parable of the Sower
Lesson Text: Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-8,13-20; Luke 8:4-8,11-15

Matthew 13:1-16 1. In what part of Palestine was this parable spoken? Do

1 The same day went Jesus out of the house, and
you th ink that would have any particular significance in
sat by the sea side.
2 And great multitudes were gathered together relation to the content of the parable? Explain your
unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and answ er.
the whole multitude stood on the shore.
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 2. What four types of soil are referred to in the parable?
way side, and the fowls came and devoured them
up:
5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had
3. What resulted when the seed fell on each type of soil?
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. 4. What were the various reactions to this parable?
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, 5. Wh y was Jesus speaking in parables?
some thirtyfold.
9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why
speakest thou unto them in parables? 6. Wh at does the “seed” represent? W hy, in your
11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is estimation, is this such an appropriate figure?
given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom
of heaven, but to them it is not given.
12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and
he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath 7. Wh at does the “way side” soil represent?
not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because
they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not,
8. What does the “stony” soil represent?
neither do they understand.
14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias,
which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not
understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not 9. Wh at does the “thorny” soil represent?
perceive:
15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their
ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have
closed; lest at any time they should see with their 10. Wh at does the “good” soil represent?
eyes, and hear with their ears, and should
understand with their heart, and should be
converted, and I should heal them.
16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and 11. What do you believe is the main lesson to be learned
your ears, for they hear. (KJV) from this parable?

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Lesson Two: The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant

Matthew 18:21-35

Matthew 18:21-35 1. What prompted Jesus to speak this parable?

21 Then came P eter to him, and said, Lord, how oft
shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till
seven times?
22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until
seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. 2. What does it mean “to reckon” (v. 24)?
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 3. Wh y did the king forgive the servant?
talents.
25 But forasm uch 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. 4. How does the amount owed by the fellow-servant to the
26 The servant therefore fell down, and
unmerciful servant compare to the amount forgiven by
worshipped him , saying, Lord, have patience with
me, and I will pay thee all. the king to the unm erciful servant?
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 5. Con trast the attitude o f the unmerciful servant toward
pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by his fellow-servant to the attitude of the king toward the
the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. unm erciful servant.
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. 6. Were the fellow-servants of verse 31 wrong in informing
31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done,
their master of the actions of the un merciful servant?
they were very sorry, and came and told unto their
lord all that was done. Explain your answer.
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? 7. What is the central meaning of this parable?
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
8. Cite other passages of Scripture which teach the same
his brother their trespasses. (KJV) idea as this parable.

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 Lesson Three: The Parable of the Two Sons
Lesson Text: Matthew 21:28-32

Matthew 21:28-32 1. Where did this teaching take place?

28 But what think ye? A certain man
had tw o sons; and he came to the first,
and said, Son, go work to day in my 2. What events caused Jesus to teach this parable?
vineyard.
29 H e answered and said, I will not: but
afterw ard he repented, and went. 3. What did the father command his sons to do?
30 And he came to the second, and
said likewise. And he answered and
said, I go, sir: and went not. 4. What was the first son’s initial response to the
31 W hether of them twain did the will of command of his father? What did he ultimately do?
his father? They say unto him, The first.
Jesus saith unto them , Verily I say unto
you, That the publicans and the harlots 5. What was the second son’s initial response to the
go into the kingdom of God before you. command of his father? What did he ultimately do?
32 For John came unto you in the way
of righteousness, and ye believed him
not: but the publicans and the harlots 6. What is the crucial difference between the response of
believed him: and ye, when ye had the two sons?
seen it, repented not afterward, that ye
might believe him. (KJV)
7. How did the audience which w as listening to Jesus fit
the description of the tw o sons?
Notes
8. Could the two sons represent anyone other than the
audience of Jesus? Explain.

9. What is the main lesson of this parable?

10. Wh at purpose of parabolic teaching did Jesus

accomplish with this parable? Explain.

11. How does this parable relate to authority?

12. Cite, if you can, some secondary lessons that might be

learned from this parable.

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Lesson Four: The Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen

Lesson Text: Matthew 21:33-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-18

Matthew 21:33-46 1. What is a husbandman?

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, 2. What improvements did the househo lder make to his
and let it out to husbandmen, and went into property for the husbandmen?
a far country:
34 And when the time of the fruit drew
near, he sent his servants to the 3. What did the husbandmen do to the servants of the
husbandmen, that they might receive the
householder who w ere sent to them? Why?
fruits of it.
35 And the husbandmen took his servants,
and beat one, and killed another, and
stoned another. 4. Why was the householder’s son sent to the
36 Again, he sent other servants more husbandmen? What did they do to him? Why?
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. 5. What did the chief priests and elders of the Jews who
38 But when the husbandmen saw the were present say that the householder would do to the
son, they said among thems elves, This is husbandmen?
the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us
seize on his inheritance.
39 And they caught him, and cast him out
6. What application did Jesus make of the answer of the
of the vineyard, and slew him.
40 W hen the lord therefore of the vineyard chief priests and elders?
cometh, what will he do unto those
husbandmen?
41 They say unto him, He will miserably 7. What did the chief priests and Pharisees want to do
destroy those wicked men, and will let out with Jesus? Why did they not do it?
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 8. Wh at do the following figures represent?
builders rejected, the same is become the
head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing,
a. The husbandmen.
and it is marvellous in our eyes? b. The householder.
43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom
of God shall be taken from you, and given c. The vineyard.
to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone d. The son.
shall be broken: but on whoms oever it shall
fall, it will grind him to powder.
45 And when the chief priests and 9. What is the main lesson of the parable?
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 10. What secondary lesson s co uld be drawn from this
they took him for a prophet. (KJV) parable?

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Lesson Five: The Parable of the Unjust Steward

Lesson Text: Luke 16:1-14

Luke 16:1-14 1. Why did the m aster call his steward before him?
1 And he said also unto his disciples, There was a
certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same
was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.
2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that 2. What is a steward? What w as a steward’s task? What
I hear this of thee? give an account of thy
authority did a steward have?
stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.
3 Then the steward said within himself, What shall I
do? for my lord taketh away from me the
stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.
3. Upon learning that his stewardship would soon be
4 I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of
the stewardship, they may receive me into their terminated, what alternatives did th e steward consider?
houses. Why did he reject each of these?
5 So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto
him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou
unto my lord?
6 And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he 4. What was the steward’s ultimate course of action? How
said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and would it solve his problems?
write fifty.
7 Then said he to another, And how much owest
thou? And he said, An hundred m easures of wheat.
And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write
5. Why did the master commend him even though the
fourscore.
8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, steward was still cheating him ?
because he had done wisely: for the children of this
world are in their generation wiser than the children
of light.
9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of 6. How do you reconcile Jesus telling His followers to be
the mam mon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, like an unjust man?
they may receive you into everlasting habitations.
10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful
also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is
unjust also in much. 7. In what way(s) are we to be like the steward?
11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the
unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust
the true riches?
12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is 8. What is the “unrighteous mamm on?”
another man's, who shall give you that which is your
own?
13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he
will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will 9. What are “true riches?”
hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot
serve God and mammon.
14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous,
heard all these things: and they derided him. (KJV) 10. Wh y is it impossible to serve two masters?

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Lesson Six: Parables Teaching Persistence in Prayer

Lesson Tex t: Luke 11:1-13; 18 :1-8

Luke 11:5-13 The Parable of the Friend at Midnight (Luke 11:1-13)

5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have
a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say 1. What request did the disciples make of Jesus that
unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;
6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to prompted this parable?
me, and I have nothing to set before him?
7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble
me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with 2. Why did the man go to his friend’s house? What, do you
me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give suppose, made his need so urgent that he would go to
him, because he is his friend, yet because of his his friend’s house at such a late hour?
importunity he will rise and give him as many as he
needeth.
9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given
you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be 3. Wh y did the friend not answer the doo r at first?
opened unto you.
10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that
seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be 4. Why was his friend at first reluctant to give him what
opened.
11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a he wanted? W hat finally moved him to give him what
father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, he requested?
will he for a fish give him a serpent?
12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a
scorpion?
13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good 5. What is the main lesson of this parable?
gifts unto your children: how much more shall your
heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask
him? The Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8)

Luke 18:1-8 6. What was the setting of this parable? What future event
1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, prompted its teaching?
that men ought alw ays to pray, and not to faint;
2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which
feared not God, neither regarded man:
3 And there was a widow in that city; and she 7. Describe the judge found in the parable.
came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine
adversary.
4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he
8. Why did the wom an com e to the judge?
said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor
regard man;
5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will
avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary 9. Who or what do you think the following figures might
me.
represent?
6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge
saith. a. The judge.
7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which
cry day and night unto him , though he bear long with b. The woman.
them?
8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily.
Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he
find faith on the earth? (KJV) 10. What is the main lesson of this parable?

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 Lesson Seven: The Good Samaritan
Text: Luke 10:25-37

Luke 10:25-37 1. What prompted Jesus to teach this parable?

25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up,
and tempted him, saying, Master, what
shall I do to inherit eternal life? 2. Why did the lawyer ask Jesus to tell him who his
26 He said unto him, W hat is written in the
“neighbo r” was?
law? how readest thou?
27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love
the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with
3. Was there anything significant about the road from
all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and
with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as
Jerusalem to Jericho?
thyself.
28 And he said unto him, Thou hast
4. Why would you expect a priest to help the man who
answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
29 But he, willing to justify himself, s aid had been beaten and robbed?
unto J esus, And who is my neighbour?
30 And Jesus answering said, A certain
man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, 5. Why would you expect a Levite to help the man who
and fell among thieves, which stripped him had been beaten and robbed?
of his raiment, and wounded him, and
departed, leaving him half dead.
31 And by chance there came down a 6. What was a “Samaritan?” Wh at was the attitude that the
certain priest that way: and when he saw Jews of Jesus’ day had tow ard Sam aritans?
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 7. Why was the Samaritan such a fitting character to serve
passed by on the other side.
Jesus’ purpose in the parable?
33 But a certain Samaritan, as he
journeyed, came where he was: and when
he saw him, he had compassion on him,
8. What error(s) do you think Jesus was combating by
34 And went to him, and bound up his
wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set teaching this parable?
him on his own beast, and brought him to
an inn, and took care of him.
35 And on the morrow when he departed, 9. What do you think is the central lesson of the parable?
he took out two pence, and gave them to
the host, and said unto him, Take care of
him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, 10. What other lessons can be learned from this parable?
when I come again, I will repay thee.
36 W hich now of these three, thinkest
thou, was neighbour unto him that fell
11. What bearing, if any, does the teaching of Matthew 7:12
among the thieves? have on this parable?
37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on
him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do
thou likewise. (KJV) 12. How can we imitate the Samaritan today? Be specific.

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 Lesson Eight: The Parable of the Rich Fool
Text: Luke 12:13-21

Luke 12:13-21 1. What caused Jesus to teach this parable?

13 And one of the company said unto him,
Master, speak to my brother, that he divide
the inheritance with me.
2. Wh at is covetousness?
14 And he said unto him, Man, who made
me a judge or a divider over you?
15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and
beware of covetousness: for a man's life 3. Why is “the abundance of the things” one possesses not
consisteth not in the abundance of the a valid measure of the worth and value of ones life?
things which he possesseth. What is a valid one? Why?
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,
4. Was Jesus teaching that it is wrong to be rich? Explain.
W hat shall I do, because I have no room
where to bestow my fruits?
18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull 5. Was Jesus teaching that it is wrong to be at ease or to
down my barns, and build greater; and enjoy leisure activities? Explain.
there will I bestow all my fruits and my
goods.
19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou
6. Was Jesus teaching that it is wrong to save and provide
hast much goods laid up for many years;
take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. financial security for oneself and his family? Explain.
20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this
night thy soul shall be required of thee:
then whose shall those things be, which 7. Why did Jesus call the farmer in the parable a “fool?”
thou hast provided?
21 So is he that layeth up treasure for
himself, and is not rich toward God. (KJV) 8. How does o ne “lay up treasure for himself?” Where is
one to “lay up treasures?” How does one do it?
Notes
9. What does it mean to be “rich toward God?”

10. What is the central lesson of this parable?

11. How do verses 22 through 34 of this chapter apply to

what Jesus taught in this parable?

12. What application(s) can be made of this parable today?

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 Lesson Nine: The Parables of Luke Fifteen
Text: Luke 15:1-32

Luke 15:1-32 to spare, and I perish w ith hunger!

1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him,
sinners for to hear him. Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, 19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make
This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. me as one of thy hired servants.
3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he
4 W hat man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had
lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed
the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he him.
find it? 21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned
5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his against heav en, and in thy sight, and am no more
shoulders, rejoicing. worthy to be called thy son.
6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his 22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the
friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his
me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. hand, and shoes on his feet:
7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven 23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let
over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety us eat, and be merry:
and nine just persons, which need no repentance. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he
8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep 25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came
the house, and seek diligently till she find it? and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and
9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends dancing.
and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; 26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what
for I have found the piece which I had lost. these things m eant.
10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the 27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and
presence of the angels of God over one sinner that thy father hath killed the fatted calf, becaus e he hath
repenteth. received him safe and sound.
11 And he said, A certain man had two sons: 28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore
12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, came his father out, and intreated him.
give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he 29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these
divided unto them his living. many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at
13 And not many days after the younger son gathered any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest
all together, and took his journey into a far country, me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
and there wasted his substance with riotous living. 30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath
14 And w hen he had spent all, there arose a mighty devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him
famine in that land; and he began to be in want. the fatted calf.
15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that 31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me,
country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. and all that I have is thine.
16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks 32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be
that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again;
17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many and was lost, and is found.
hired servants of my father's have bread enough and (KJV)

A Study of the Parables of Jesus Gene Taylor -13-

1. What charge did the Pharisees and scribes level at Jesus? What bearing did it have on the parables
found in this chapter?

2. Briefly summarize the parable found in verses four through seven.

3. What is the main lesson to be learned from the abo ve parable?

4. Briefly summarize the parable found in verses eight through ten.

5. What is the main lesson to be learned from the abo ve parable?

6. Briefly summarize the parable found in verses 11 through 32.

7. What is the main lesson to be learned from the abo ve parable?

8. Who do the following characters seem to represent? Why?

a. The son w ho left home.

b. The father.

c. The son w ho remained at home?

9. What is meant by the statement of the father to his son who had remained hom e that his brother
who “was dead... is alive again” seeing that it is apparent that the son who had left home had not
died? Does the statement have any impact on man today?

10. How does each parable in this chapter compare to the other two?

11. How does each parable in this chapter differ from the other two?

12. What co mmon lesson can be learned from all three parables in this chapter?

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Lesson Ten: The Parables of Matthew Twenty-Five

Lesson Text: Matthew 25:1-46

Matthew 25:1-46 afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo,
1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto there thou hast that is thine. 26 His lord answered and
ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou
meet the bride-groom. 2 And five of them were wise, knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather
and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took where I have not strawed: 27 Thou oughtest therefore
their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at
took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the my coming I should have received m ine own with
bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 usury. 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give
And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the it unto him which hath ten talents . 29 For unto every
bridegroom c ometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all one that hath shall be given, and he shall have
those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken
the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for away even that which he hath. 30 And cast ye the
our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be
saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and weeping and gnashing of teeth. 31 W hen the Son of
you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels
yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the with him, then shall he s it upon the throne of his glory:
bridegroom c ame; and they that were ready went in 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and
with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 he shall separate them one from another, as a
Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33 And he
Lord, open to us. 12 But he answ ered and said, Verily shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on
I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for the left. 34 Then shall the K ing say unto them on his
ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the
of man cometh. 14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the
man travelling into a far country, who called his own world: 35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat:
servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger,
unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was
another one; to every man according to his several sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came
ability; and straightway took his journey. 16 Then he unto me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him,
that had received the five talents went and traded with saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed
the same, and made them other five talents. 17 And thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw
likewise he that had received two, he also gained other we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and
two. 18 But he that had received one went and digged clothed thee? 39 O r when saw we thee sick, or in
in the earth, and hid his lord's money. 19 After a long prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the K ing shall
time the lord of those servants com eth, and reckoneth answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you,
with them. 20 And so he that had received five talents Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of
came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 41 Then
deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained shall he say also unto them on the left hand, D epart
beside them five talents more. 21 His lord said unto from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for
him, W ell done, thou good and faithful servant: thou the devil and his angels: 42 For I was an hungred, and
hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no
ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy drink: 43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in:
lord. 22 He also that had received two talents came naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and
and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: ye visited me not. 44 Then shall they also answer him,
behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst,
23 His lord said unto him, W ell done, good and faithful or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did
servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will not minister unto thee? 45Then shall he answer them,
make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not
joy of thy lord. 24 Then he which had received the one to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46 And
talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but
an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and the righteous into life eternal.
gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25 And I was (KJV)

A Study of the Parables of Jesus Gene Taylor -15-

1. Wh ere was Jesus wh en He taught these parables?

2. What question had been asked of Jesus? Do these parables in any way relate to that question? Explain.

3. Where were the five foolish virgins when the bridegroom arrived? What was told them when they
finally returned?

4. Who do you think is represented by:

a. The five foolish virgins?

b. The five wise virgins?

c. The bridegroom?

5. What is the main lesson of the parable?

6. What was a “talent?” Why did the master distribute the talents to his servants as he did?

7. Why was the m aster angry at the m an who had been given one talent? W as he justified in his
anger? Explain.

8. Who or what do you think is represented by:

a. The master?
b. The servants?

c. The talents?

9. What is the main lesson of this parable?

10. How do es the parable of the talents relate to the parable of the virgins?

11. Does the parable of the virgin s relate to the teaching of Jesus in verses 31 through 46 of this
chapter? Explain.

12. Does the parable of the talents relate to the teaching of Jesus in verses 31 through 46 of this
chapter? Explain.

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Lesson Eleven: The Parable of the Two Debtors

Text: Luke 7:36-50

Luke 7:36-50 1. What prompted Jesus to teach this parable?

36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he
would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's
house, and sat down to meat.
37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a 2. Who was Simon? What was his religious background?
sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the
Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of
ointment, 3. Wh at was Simon’s reaction when he saw a sinful
38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and
woman washing and anointing the feet of Jesus?
began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them
with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and
anointed them w ith the ointment.
39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him 4. What do you think was the basis of Simon’s reaction?
saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if
he were a prophet, would have known who and what
manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is
5. Why do you think Jesus spent so much time associating
a sinner.
40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I with sinners? Explain your answer in the light of His
have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, statement found in Luke 19:10.
Master, say on.
41 There was a certain creditor which had two
debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the 6. What differences exist between the way God looks upon
other fifty.
42 And w hen they had nothing to pay, he frankly people and man looks upon them ? (cf. 1 Samuel 16:7)
forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them
will love him most?
43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to 7. In term s of the two debtors, should one have been mo re
whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou grateful to the moneylender than the other? If so, which
hast rightly judged.
44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto
one and why?
Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine
house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she
hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with 8. Wh at is meant by the statem ent in verse 47, “But to
the hairs of her head. whom little is forgiven, the same loves little?”
45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since
the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this
wom an hath anointed m y feet with ointment. 9. What, in your own terms, is the main lesson to be
47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are learned from this parable?
many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom
little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.
49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say
10. Wh at are some of the ways Christians should express
within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins their gratitude to God for the forgiveness of sins He has
also? granted to them?
50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved
thee; go in peace. (KJV)

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 Lesson Twelve: The Parable of the Tares
Text: Matthew 13:24-30

Matthew 13:24-30 1. Briefly summarize the story of this parable.

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 2. Wh at does the sower of the goo d seed represent?
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
3. What does the “field” represent? Explain.
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? 4. Wh o does the “enem y” represent?
28 He said unto them, An enemy hath
done this. The servants s aid unto him, W ilt
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 5. What is represented by:
them.
30 Let both grow together until the
harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say a. The w heat?
to the reapers, Gather ye together first the
tares, and bind them in bundles to burn
them: but gather the wheat into my barn. b. The tares?
(KJV)

Notes 6. Wh y did the ho useholder not allow his servants to

gather up the tares? W hat do you think it represents?

7. When did the householder say the tares should be

gathered? What is represented by “the harvest?”

8. What application, if any, can be made of this parable

today?

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Lesson Thirteen: The Mystery of the Seed Growing

Text: Mark 4:26-29

Mark 4:26-29 1. Briefly summarize this parable.

26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God,
as if a man should cast seed into the
ground;
27 And should sleep, and rise night and
day, and the seed should spring and grow 2. List other parables of Jesus which used “seed” to teach
up, he knoweth not how. their lesson. Tell the meaning of each.
28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of
herself; first the blade, then the ear, after
that the full corn in the ear.
29 But when the fruit is brought forth,
3. What does the “seed” represent in this parable?
immediately he putteth in the sickle,
because the harvest is come. (KJV)

Notes 4. In what way does m an no t know how a seed grow s?

5. In what way is it true that “the earth brin geth forth fruit
of herself ” (NKJV: “yields crops by itself ”)?

6. Wh at do the following figures represent?

a. The sower.

b. The earth.

c. The harvest.

7. What is the main lesson of this parable?

8. What applications can be made of this parable today?

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A Study of the Parables of Jesus Gene Taylor -20-