The Parables of Jesus 

Our new series The Parables of Jesus (running May - September), follows the Bible Society's Rooted Parables Edition.

Jesus constant refrain in ministry was repent for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matt 3: 2). Thankfully, he didn't just repeat this phrase and expect to people understand what he meant by it. He showed them what the Kingdom is like by healing the sick, teaching the Torah with authority, and, surprisingly, telling parables.

The stories were part of the way that Jesus inaugurated his Kingdom on earth, making it real to his listeners. To those who had ears to hear, the parables revealed the Kingdom; to those who were closed-minded, their meaning remained hidden.

The parables are of great value to us today as citizens of the Kingdom. They're still challenging and confounding us, full of twists and surprises. They give us the opportunity to love the Lord our God with all our minds as we work to understand the wisdom and truth they carry.

This series focuses on Jesus as an expert storyteller, and how his stories continue to intersect with our own.
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The Parables of Jesus

Part 1: The Nature of God's Kingdom.

• 3 May - The prodigal son (Luke 15: 11 – 32)
• 10 May - The ultimate shepherd (Luke 15: 1 – 7)
• 17 May - Wicked Judge; Willing God (Luke 18: 1-8)
• 24 May - Sowing with wild abandon (Matt 13: 1 – 23)
• 7 June - We shall have spring again (Matt 24: 32 – 35)

Part 2: The Value System of God's Kingdom

• 21 June - Tangled (Matthew 13: 24 – 43)
• 5 July - Take a risk (Luke 19: 11 – 27)
• 12 July - Crossing to the other side (Luke 10: 25 – 37)
• 19 July - A Social Commentary (Luke 14: 7 – 14)
• 2 Aug - Unshakeable (Matthew 7: 24 – 27)

Part 3: The Kingdom of Heaven is Like...

• 9 Aug - Jesus Surprising Kingdom (Matthew 13: 44)
• 16 Aug - The Kingdom of God is not like Watercress (Matthew 13: 31 – 32)
• 23 Aug - Be a blood red sock (Matthew 13: 33)
• 13 Sep - The dragnet (Matthew 12: 47 – 52)

• The Two Sons (Matthew 21: 28 – 32)
• Up the Escalator (Matthew 21: 33 – 46)
• The Marriage Feast (Matthew 22: 1 – 14)
• What are we Supposed to Do? (Matthew 24: 42- 51)
• Oiling Up (Matthew 25: 1 – 13)

1. What is the context in which Jesus is telling this parable? Is he at a meal or answering a question?
2. What do you think Jesus is trying to communicate about his Kingdom through this parable?
3. What is the response to Jesus’ parable? Does the audience turn away from Jesus or towards him?
4. What symbolism is used in the parable? Who do you think the characters represent?
5. What stood out to you from the parable you read today.
6. Considering what you've read, what do you want to bring before God in prayer?