Yes, all four Gospels in the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) contain parables which are short stories or comparisons used by Jesus to convey spiritual lessons or truths. Each Gospel includes a number of unique parables alongside those that are shared across multiple Gospels.
For those who are interested in more details
Yes, all four Gospels in the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) contain parables. Parables are an important and distinctive feature of Jesus’ teachings, as they are short stories or comparisons that Jesus used to convey profound spiritual lessons or truths. These parables employed familiar settings or elements from everyday life to engage with his audience and convey complex concepts in a simple and relatable manner.
Here are some interesting facts about parables in the Gospels:
-
Quantity and Overlap: Each Gospel includes a number of unique parables alongside those that are shared across multiple Gospels. While there is some overlap, the overall collection of parables is not identical in all four Gospels. For instance, the parable of the Good Samaritan is unique to the Gospel of Luke, while the parable of the Prodigal Son is found only in the Gospel of Luke as well.
-
Teaching Method: Jesus frequently used parables to teach his disciples and followers. In Matthew 13:34-35, it is mentioned, “Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: ‘I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.'”
-
Hidden Meaning: Parables often contained hidden or deeper meanings that required interpretation. As Jesus explained to his disciples in Mark 4:11-12, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside, everything comes in parables; in order that ‘they may indeed look, but not perceive, and may indeed listen, but not understand; so that they may not turn again and be forgiven.'”
-
Variety of Topics: Parables covered a wide range of subjects, including the kingdom of God, compassion, forgiveness, faithfulness, repentance, and more. They reflected Jesus’ teachings on morality, relationships, salvation, and the nature of God’s kingdom.
-
Impact on Literature and Art: Jesus’ parables have had a profound influence on literature and art throughout history. They have been referenced, reimagined, and interpreted in various forms of artistic expression, becoming an enduring source of inspiration for writers, painters, and filmmakers.
Here is a table showcasing a selection of well-known parables found in the four Gospels:
| Parable | Gospel / Source |
|---|---|
| The Good Samaritan | Luke |
| The Prodigal Son | Luke |
| The Sower | Matthew, Mark, Luke |
| The Mustard Seed | Matthew, Mark, Luke |
| The Lost Sheep | Matthew, Luke |
| The Talents | Matthew |
| The Wedding Feast | Matthew |
As Albert Einstein once said, “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” This quote emphasizes the power of simplicity in conveying profound truths, which Jesus masterfully accomplished through his parables.
Response via video
This video discusses how Jesus used parables to challenge people’s ideas about the Kingdom of God and to show the upside-down values of God’s Kingdom. The parables were used to conceal his message from those who opposed him while revealing truth to those who were open-minded. The speaker describes them as a storehouse filled with treasures that can help individuals gain a greater understanding of themselves and the world around them. By reflecting on the meanings of the parables, people can unlock hidden treasures of wisdom and spiritual growth. The parables of Jesus remain relevant today and challenge Jesus’s followers to imagine how God’s Kingdom is at work in the world.
Other approaches of answering your query
Canonical gospels The three synoptic gospels contain the parables of Jesus. There are a growing number of scholars who also find parables in the Gospel of John, such as the little stories of the Good Shepherd (John 10:1–5) or the childbearing woman (John 16:21). Otherwise, John includes allegories but no parables.
All the Parables of Jesus
- 1. The Parables of New Cloth and New Wineskins
- 2. The Parable of the Lamp Stand
- 3. The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders
Examples of the Parables of Jesus
- “Parable of the Sower” – Matthew 13:3-8
- “Parable of the Weeds” – Matthew 13:24-30
- “Parable of the Mustard Seed” – Matthew 13:31-32
- “Parable of the Yeast” – Matthew 13:33
- “Parable of the Hidden Treasure” – Matthew 13:44
The parables of Jesus are found in the Synoptic Gospels and some of the non-canonical gospels. They form approximately one third of his recorded teachings. Christians place great emphasis on these parables, which they generally regard as the words of Jesus. [1] [2]
Facts about the topic
Surely you will be interested in these topics
Which gospel does not have parables? John’s Gospel
Jesus tells parables of the kingdom to describe its nature. In John’s Gospel, by contrast, there are no parables or exorcisms. Jesus’ teaching focuses much more on his own identity and his unique relationship with the Father.
Which gospels have parables? Answer will be: By some counts, Jesus gave us more than 30 parables in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Others suggest the total number of parables by Jesus totals more than 50. The number of distinct parables Jesus offers us is less important than the message they bear.
How many parables are in all 4 gospels?
Response to this: Answer and Explanation: None of Jesus’ parables are in all four of the canonical Gospels because John’s Gospel does not have parables.
What percentage of the Gospels are parables? Response: 35 percent of Jesus’ teaching in the synoptic gospels is in parables. There are between 37 and 65 parables, depending on how we define “parable.” Two-thirds of all parables are in Luke — 18 of them unique to this gospel.
Additionally, What does the Bible say about parables? As an answer to this: With many such parables He was speaking the word to them, so far as they were able to hear it; All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables, and He did not speak to them without a parable. Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.
How many parables Did Jesus teach?
Answer: The Gospels record 39 distinct parables of Jesus. These range in length from the Parable of the Old Garment, which is given in only one verse (cf. Luke 5:36), to the Parable of the Prodigal Son, which covers some 21 verses (cf. Luke 15:11–32).
Thereof, What do parables mean in the Bible? As a response to this: What does parables mean in the Bible? : a short story that teaches a moral or spiritual lesson especially : one of the stories told by Jesus Christ and recorded in the Bible. What is the moral lesson of the parable?
Also to know is, Why did Jesus speak in parables?
Answer: Why did Jesus use parables? Because they are a powerful tool for communicating. Jesus understood the power of stories and used them to inspire and bring about change in his audience. Why did Jesus speak in parables? Because there is power in the stories. But I think there’s even more we can learn from Jesus and in the power of stories.