Easy-to-Understand Moral Stories (Parables) Told by Jesus in the Bible

Jesus told many parables or moral stories in the Bible to convey important messages and lessons to his listeners. Some of the most well-known ones include:

The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7)
The Sower and the Seeds (Matthew 13:1-9)
The Good Shepherd (John 10:1-18)
The Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32)
The Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10)
The Wise and Foolish Builders (Matthew 7:24-27)
The Wedding Banquet (Matthew 22:1-14)
The Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
The Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35)
The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)
The Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)
The Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16)
The Leaven (Matthew 13:33)
Good Tree and the Bad Tree (Matthew 7:17-20)

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These stories, among others, are still widely read and studied today for their moral teachings and messages about faith, forgiveness, and leading a good life.

1. The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)

A man was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him, and left him for dead. A priest and a Levite came by, but both avoided the man and continued on their way. But then a Samaritan man came along and saw the man in need. He had mercy on him and tended to his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them. The Samaritan then took the man to an inn and paid for him to be taken care of.

The moral of the story is that we should love and help our neighbors, even if they are not of our own race or religion. The Good Samaritan showed compassion and kindness to someone in need, and Jesus encouraged his listeners to do the same.

Here are a few points to ponder in order to understand the story of “The Good Samaritan” more deeply:

The cultural context: It’s important to understand that at the time this story was told, there was a lot of tension between the Jews and the Samaritans. By having the hero of the story be a Samaritan, Jesus was making a powerful statement about love and compassion crossing cultural boundaries.
The importance of action: The story is not just about having good intentions, but also about taking concrete actions to help others. The Good Samaritan didn’t just feel bad for the man in need, he actually got down and tended to his wounds.
The meaning of “neighbor”: The story is told in response to a question about who is considered a “neighbor.” Jesus’ message is that a neighbor is anyone in need, regardless of their background or relationship to us.
The call to love and serve: Ultimately, the story is a call to love and serve others, just as the Good Samaritan did. It encourages us to look beyond our differences and to reach out and help those in need, no matter who they are.

2. The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)

A man had two sons. The younger son asked his father for his share of the inheritance and went off to a faraway country to live a life of wild spending and partying. But eventually, he ran out of money and was reduced to eating with the pigs. He realized how much better off he was when he was living with his father and decided to go back and ask for forgiveness. When he returned, his father saw him from a distance and ran to him, embracing him and welcoming him back with open arms. The older son was upset that his younger brother was being celebrated and the father explained that his brother was lost but now was found and they should be joyful.

The moral of the story is about God’s love and forgiveness. Just like the father in the story forgave the younger son and welcomed him back with open arms, God is always ready to forgive us when we repent and turn back to him. The story also teaches us about the importance of embracing those who have strayed and offering them love and forgiveness.

Here are some points to consider in order to better understand “The Prodigal Son”:

The meaning of repentance: The story emphasizes the importance of repenting and turning back to God. The younger son realized the error of his ways and returned to his father, asking for forgiveness. This is a powerful message about the possibility of redemption and the transformative power of remorse and contrition.
The nature of God’s love: The father’s response to the younger son is a beautiful illustration of God’s love and forgiveness. Despite the son’s wrongdoing, the father welcomes him back with open arms and celebrates his return. This is a powerful message about the unconditional nature of God’s love.
The contrast with the older son: The older son’s response to the younger son’s return highlights the difference between a merciful and forgiving heart and a judgmental one. The older son represents those who follow the rules and do the right thing, but lack compassion and grace. The father’s response to the older son shows that he values a merciful and loving heart over strict obedience.
The value of family and relationship: The story underscores the importance of family and the power of reconciliation. The father in the story demonstrates the importance of maintaining relationships and the joy that comes from being reunited with loved ones.

3. The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7)

A shepherd had 100 sheep and one of them went astray. Instead of leaving the lost sheep behind, the shepherd went out to find it. When he found the sheep, he picked it up, carried it back on his shoulders, and rejoiced. In the same way, Jesus teaches, God values each one of us and will go to great lengths to save us when we stray.

The moral of the story is about God’s love and concern for each of us as individuals. Just as the shepherd in the story left the 99 sheep to search for the one that was lost, God will do everything in his power to bring us back to him when we wander away. The story also highlights the joy that comes from being found and reunited with God.

This parable is often interpreted as a message of hope and encouragement to those who feel lost or far from God. It reminds us that no matter how far we wander, God will always be there, searching for us and ready to bring us back into his loving embrace.

Here are some points to consider in order to better understand “The Parable of the Lost Sheep”:

God’s love for each individual: The parable emphasizes the idea that God values each and every one of us, and that he will go to great lengths to find us when we wander away. This is a powerful message about the depth and scope of God’s love for us.
The importance of repentance: Just as the lost sheep in the parable returned to the shepherd, the story reminds us of the importance of turning back to God and seeking his forgiveness. This is a powerful message about the possibility of redemption and the transformative power of remorse and contrition.
The joy of being found: The story also highlights the joy that comes from being found and reunited with God. The shepherd’s celebration upon finding the lost sheep is meant to convey the idea that God rejoices when we turn back to him.
The contrast with the 99 sheep: The 99 sheep that remained with the shepherd represent those who are faithful to God and do not wander away. However, the story is meant to show that even though the 99 are not lost, they are not valued any less by the shepherd. Each sheep, whether lost or not, is valued equally by God.
The role of the Good Shepherd: Jesus often referred to himself as the Good Shepherd, and this parable is a powerful illustration of his love and concern for each of us. The story is a reminder of the compassionate, caring, and forgiving nature of God, and of Jesus’ commitment to seeking out and saving the lost.

4. The Sower and the Seeds (Matthew 13:1-9)

A farmer went out to sow seed in a field. Some seed fell on the path and was quickly eaten by birds. Some seeds fell on rocky ground and sprang up quickly but withered away because they had no root. Some seed fell among thorns and was choked by them. But some seed fell on good soil and produced a crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.

Jesus then explained to his disciples the meaning of the parable, saying that the seed represents the word of God, and the various types of soil represent different types of people who hear the word. Those who hear the word on the path represent those who do not understand it and are quickly led astray by the devil. Those who hear the word on rocky ground represent those who receive it with joy, but they quickly lose their faith because they have no roots. Those who hear the word among thorns represent those who are distracted by the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth. But those who hear the word on good soil represent those who understand it, accept it, and bear fruit.

The moral of the story is about the varied response to the word of God and how some people accept it and live according to it, while others reject it and do not bear any fruit. The parable highlights the importance of having a good heart, which is receptive to the word of God and allows it to bear fruit in our lives.

Here are some points to consider in order to better understand “The Sower and the Seeds”:

The Word of God: The seed in the parable represents the word of God, and the various types of soil represent different types of people who hear it. This is meant to emphasize the power and importance of the word of God in our lives.
Receptiveness to the Word: The different types of soil in the parable represent different levels of receptiveness to the word of God. The good soil represents those who are receptive to the word and allow it to bear fruit in their lives, while the other types of soil represent those who are not receptive and do not bear fruit.
The Importance of a Good Heart: The parable teaches that it’s important to have a good heart, which is receptive to the word of God and allows it to bear fruit in our lives. This is meant to emphasize the importance of having a positive, open, and receptive attitude towards the word of God.
The Perils of Distraction: The seed that falls among thorns represents those who are distracted by the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth, and it highlights the dangers of being too focused on worldly things.
The Power of the Word: The story is a reminder of the power of the word of God and the potential for it to bring about transformation and growth in our lives. Those who receive the word and live according to it will bear much fruit, while those who reject it will not.
Joy in Bearing Fruit: The parable also conveys the joy that comes from bearing fruit and living according to the word of God. This is meant to inspire us to seek after the good soil, so that we may bear much fruit and bring joy and blessings into our lives.

5. The Good Shepherd (John 10:1-18)

“The Good Shepherd” is a story told by Jesus in the book of John in the Bible. The story begins with Jesus explaining that he is the gate through which his followers must enter in order to find salvation. He then goes on to use the metaphor of a shepherd and his sheep to describe his relationship with his followers.

A good shepherd, Jesus says, knows his sheep and they know him. He is willing to lay down his life for them and will not allow anyone to harm them. In the same way, Jesus says, he is the good shepherd who gives his life for his followers. He says that he knows each of his followers by name and that they are safe under his care and protection.

The story of “The Good Shepherd” is meant to emphasize the love and care that Jesus has for his followers, and how he is willing to give his life for them. It also highlights the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus and the security that comes from being under his care and protection. The story is meant to encourage us to trust in Jesus and follow him, so that we may have eternal life.

Here are some points to ponder from the story of “The Good Shepherd”:

Jesus is the gate to salvation: Jesus says that he is the gate through which his followers must enter in order to find salvation. This means that following Jesus is the path to eternal life.
The metaphor of the shepherd and the sheep: The metaphor of the shepherd and the sheep highlights the close relationship that Jesus has with his followers. A good shepherd knows his sheep and they know him. Jesus says that he knows each of his followers by name and that they are safe under his care and protection.
The love and care of Jesus: The story emphasizes the love and care that Jesus has for his followers, and how he is willing to give his life for them. This shows us the depth of his commitment to us and the lengths he will go to save us.
The importance of a personal relationship with Jesus: The story highlights the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus. When we have a personal relationship with Jesus, we are under his care and protection, and we have access to salvation.
Trust in Jesus: The story encourages us to trust in Jesus and follow him. When we trust in Jesus and follow him, we can have eternal life. This is the ultimate goal of our faith and the purpose of our relationship with Jesus.

6. The Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32)

“The Mustard Seed” is a story told by Jesus in the book of Matthew in the Bible. The story goes as follows: Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a mustard seed, which is one of the smallest seeds. But when it is planted, it grows into a large plant, bigger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air can come and make nests in its branches.

The story is meant to emphasize the growth and power of the Kingdom of Heaven. Just as the mustard seed grows into a large tree, so too does the Kingdom of Heaven grow and spread, until it encompasses everything. The story is also meant to encourage us to have faith in the growth and power of the Kingdom of Heaven, and to trust that it will continue to grow and spread, despite its small beginnings.

In conclusion, “The Mustard Seed” is a story that teaches us about the growth and power of the Kingdom of Heaven, and encourages us to have faith in its growth and spread. It reminds us that God’s plans for us are greater than we can imagine, and that even small things can have a big impact in the world.

Here are some points to ponder from the story of “The Mustard Seed”:

The growth of the Kingdom of Heaven: The story emphasizes the growth of the Kingdom of Heaven, which starts small but becomes large and encompasses everything. This is meant to encourage us to have faith in the growth and power of the Kingdom of Heaven.
The power of small things: The story shows us that even small things, like a mustard seed, can have a big impact in the world. This reminds us that our actions, no matter how small, can make a difference in the world.
Trust in God’s plans: The story encourages us to trust in God’s plans for us, even when they seem small or insignificant at first. God’s plans for us are always greater than we can imagine, and we can trust that they will come to fruition in due time.
The importance of faith: The story highlights the importance of having faith in God’s plans. When we have faith in God, we can trust that he will work everything together for good, even when things seem small or insignificant.
The value of perseverance: The story encourages us to persevere in our faith, even when things seem small or uncertain. Just as the mustard seed grows into a large tree, so too will our faith grow and bear fruit, if we persevere in it.

7. The Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10)

Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a woman who loses one of her ten coins. The woman is so eager to find her lost coin that she lights a lamp and searches her house thoroughly until she finds it. Jesus then says that in the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine righteous people who do not need to repent.

The story is meant to emphasize the love and forgiveness of God, who is eager to seek and save those who are lost. Just as the woman in the story is eager to find her lost coin, so too is God eager to find and save those who have lost their way. The story is also meant to encourage us to repent and return to God, and to be grateful for his love and forgiveness.

In conclusion, “The Lost Coin” is a story that teaches us about the love and forgiveness of God, and encourages us to repent and return to him. It reminds us that God is eager to save us, and that his love for us is great and unconditional.

Here are some points to ponder from the story of “The Lost Coin”:

God’s love for the lost: The story emphasizes the love and concern of God for those who are lost. This love is compared to the love a woman has for her lost coin, and shows us how much God cares for each one of us.
Repentance and forgiveness: The story encourages us to repent and return to God, just as the woman in the story searched for her lost coin. This reminds us that God is always willing to forgive us and welcome us back with open arms.
The value of the lost: The story shows us that God values each and every person, no matter how lost or far from him they may be. This emphasizes the importance of seeking out and saving those who are lost, just as the woman in the story sought out her lost coin.
The joy of forgiveness: The story teaches us that there is great joy in heaven over one sinner who repents and returns to God. This reminds us of the importance of repentance and the joy that it brings, not only to us, but also to God and to all of heaven.
Gratitude for God’s love: The story encourages us to be grateful for God’s love and forgiveness, just as the woman in the story was overjoyed when she found her lost coin. This reminds us to be thankful for God’s love and the grace he has shown us.

8. The Wise and Foolish Builders (Matthew 7:24-27)

The story of “The Wise and Foolish Builders” is told by Jesus in the book of Matthew in the Bible. In the story, Jesus compares the wise and foolish builders, who both build houses. The wise man built his house upon a rock, while the foolish man built his house upon the sand.

When the rains fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon both houses, the house built upon the rock stood firm, while the house built upon the sand fell. And Jesus says that everyone who hears his words and acts upon them is like the wise man who built his house upon the rock, and that everyone who hears his words and does not act upon them is like the foolish man who built his house upon the sand.

The story is meant to emphasize the importance of following Jesus’ teachings and putting them into practice in our daily lives. The rock in the story represents Jesus and his teachings, which are a solid foundation for our lives. The sand represents the world and its ways, which are unstable and cannot provide a solid foundation for our lives.

In conclusion, “The Wise and Foolish Builders” is a story that teaches us about the importance of following Jesus’ teachings and putting them into practice. It reminds us that Jesus’ teachings are a solid foundation for our lives, and that we must build our lives upon them if we want to be strong and endure through life’s challenges.

Here are some points to ponder for the story “The Wise and Foolish Builders”:

Building upon the rock represents following Jesus’ teachings and putting them into practice in our lives.
Building upon the sand represents living a life based on worldly values and practices, which are unstable and unreliable.
The story emphasizes the importance of listening to Jesus’ teachings and acting upon them in our daily lives.
The rains, floods, and winds in the story symbolize the trials and tribulations that we face in life, and the story teaches us that a solid foundation based on Jesus’ teachings can help us endure these challenges.
The story serves as a reminder that our choices and actions have consequences, and that building our lives upon a solid foundation is essential for our spiritual and emotional well-being.
The story teaches us about the difference between a temporary and a permanent foundation, and encourages us to choose wisely in how we build our lives.

9. The Wedding Banquet (Matthew 22:1-14)

The story of “The Wedding Banquet” is told by Jesus in the book of Matthew in the Bible. In the story, a king prepares a wedding banquet for his son and invites many guests. However, the guests make excuses and do not attend the banquet.

The king becomes angry and sends his servants out into the streets to invite everyone they find to come to the banquet, both good and bad. When the banquet hall is full, the king notices that one man is not dressed in wedding clothes. The man is thrown out into the darkness, and the king says, “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

The story is a parable, and it is meant to teach us about the kingdom of heaven. The king represents God, and the wedding banquet represents the kingdom of heaven. The guests represent the people of the world, and the man without wedding clothes represents those who do not have a right relationship with God.

In conclusion, “The Wedding Banquet” is a story that teaches us about God’s invitation to enter the kingdom of heaven and have a right relationship with him. It reminds us that God’s grace is available to all, but we must respond to his invitation and be properly dressed, which means having a right relationship with him, in order to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Here are some points to ponder for the story “The Wedding Banquet”:

The story emphasizes the idea that God invites everyone to the kingdom of heaven, regardless of their past.
The guests who made excuses and did not attend the banquet represent those who reject God’s invitation.
The man without wedding clothes represents those who try to enter the kingdom of heaven without having a right relationship with God.
The story teaches us about the importance of responding to God’s invitation and having a right relationship with him in order to enter the kingdom of heaven.
The story reminds us that God’s grace is available to all, but we must make an effort to enter into a right relationship with him.
The idea of being properly dressed in wedding clothes symbolizes the importance of being prepared and having a right relationship with God.
The story teaches us that God’s love is inclusive, and he invites everyone to the banquet. However, we must choose to accept his invitation and be in a right relationship with him.

10. The Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)

A man was going on a journey and he entrusted his possessions to his servants. To one servant he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent. The first two servants invested the talents they were given and doubled the amount, but the third servant buried his talent in the ground.

When the man returned from his journey, he asked the servants what they had done with the talents he had given them. The first two servants proudly showed him the doubled amount, and the man praised them for their good work.

But the third servant told the man that he was afraid and so he buried the talent in the ground. The man was angry with the third servant and took away the one talent he had given him, and gave it to the servant who had ten talents.

The story teaches us that God has given each of us unique abilities and gifts, and it is our responsibility to use them to serve others and bring glory to God. If we do not use our talents, we are wasting the blessings that God has given us. The story also teaches us about accountability, as we will be held responsible for what we have done with the gifts we have been given.

Here are some points to ponder for the story “The Talents”:

Responsibility: The story emphasizes the importance of being responsible for the gifts and abilities that we have been given.
Faithfulness: Using our gifts and abilities to serve others and bring glory to God is an act of faithfulness.
Stewardship: We are stewards of the gifts and abilities that God has given us, and it is our responsibility to use them wisely.
Diligence: The first two servants in the story were diligent in using their talents to produce more, which shows the value of hard work and determination.
Fear: The third servant in the story was afraid and so he buried his talent, which represents the dangers of fear and inaction.
Accountability: The story teaches us that we will be held accountable for what we have done with the gifts and abilities that we have been given.
Generosity: The story encourages us to be generous with our gifts and abilities, as they are not meant to be hoarded but shared with others.

11. The Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35)

The story of “The Unforgiving Servant” is found in Matthew 18:21-35. It goes like this:

Once upon a time, there was a king who had a servant who owed him an enormous sum of money. The servant was unable to pay the debt and was about to be sold, along with his family and possessions, to repay the debt. He fell to his knees before the king and begged for mercy, promising to pay back everything he owed. The king was moved by the servant’s pleading and forgave the entire debt.

However, the same servant went out and found another servant who owed him a small amount of money. He grabbed the man by the throat and demanded that he pay back the debt immediately. The second servant fell to his knees and begged for mercy, just as the first servant had done with the king. But the first servant refused to forgive the debt and had the second servant thrown into prison.

When the other servants saw what had happened, they reported it to the king. The king was extremely angry and called the first servant back to him. He said, “You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?” The king then handed the first servant over to the jailers to be punished until he could pay back all that he owed.

This story teaches us about the power of forgiveness and the importance of extending mercy to others, just as we have received it from God. When we are forgiven, we should forgive others and let go of our grudges. Holding onto bitterness and anger only harms ourselves and our relationships with others. The story also highlights the consequences of not forgiving and the need to be accountable for our actions.

In conclusion, the story of “The Unforgiving Servant” serves as a reminder that forgiveness is not just an option, but a requirement for those who follow Jesus. By extending forgiveness and mercy to others, we reflect the love and grace of God in our lives.

Here are some points to ponder from the story of The Unforgiving Servant:

Forgiveness is a key aspect of our faith and our relationship with God and others.
We should show the same level of forgiveness and mercy to others as we receive from God.
Holding onto grudges and anger can lead to further conflicts and harm our relationships.
The consequences of not forgiving others can be severe, as depicted in the story with the servant being handed over to the jailers.
The importance of acknowledging and asking for forgiveness when we have wronged someone.
The story highlights that the forgiveness and mercy we receive from God is not only for our benefit, but also to inspire us to extend the same to others.

12. The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)

The Rich Man and Lazarus is a story told by Jesus in the Bible, found in Luke 16:19-31. In the story, there was a rich man who lived a life of luxury and excess while there was a beggar named Lazarus who was poor and lived outside the rich man’s gate. Lazarus was covered in sores and longed to eat the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. When both men died, Lazarus went to heaven and was comforted by Abraham while the rich man went to hell and suffered in torment. The rich man cried out to Abraham to send Lazarus to give him just a drop of water to cool his tongue, but Abraham told him that there was a great chasm between them and it was impossible. The rich man then asked Abraham to send someone back to warn his brothers to not end up in the same situation as he did. Abraham told him that if they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone were to rise from the dead. The story ends with a reminder to be mindful of how we treat others and to live our lives with compassion and kindness.

Some points to ponder from the story “The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)” are:

Wealth and poverty: The story highlights the difference between the rich man and Lazarus, who lived in poverty. It highlights that wealth does not guarantee happiness or a place in heaven.
Responsibility towards others: The rich man was not concerned about the poor man at his doorstep, which reflects our responsibility towards those in need.
Judgment after death: The story shows that our actions in life will have consequences after we die. The rich man realized too late the importance of helping the poor.
Hell and Heaven: The story warns that if we do not help those in need, we will face punishment in the afterlife. On the other hand, if we help others, we will be rewarded in heaven.
The importance of repentance: The story emphasizes that it is never too late to change our ways and seek redemption. It is a reminder that we should always be prepared for the afterlife.

13. The Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)

The Ten Virgins is a story told by Jesus in the Bible, found in the book of Matthew 25:1-13. In this story, Jesus tells of ten young women who were waiting for a bridegroom to arrive for a wedding. Five of the virgins were prepared and brought extra oil for their lamps, while the other five brought only the lamps but no extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, all ten virgins fell asleep. But in the middle of the night, the bridegroom finally arrived and the virgins who had brought extra oil were ready with their lamps lit, while the others were not. The five unprepared virgins went to buy oil but by the time they returned, the doors to the wedding banquet had already been closed. The moral of the story is that we should always be prepared for the coming of the Lord, and live our lives in a way that is pleasing to Him.

Here are some points to ponder from the story of The Ten Virgins:

Preparedness: The story emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. The five wise virgins had brought extra oil for their lamps, while the five foolish virgins did not.
Watchfulness: The story teaches the importance of being alert and vigilant, waiting for the arrival of the bridegroom.
Readiness for the kingdom of God: The story can be interpreted as a reminder that one must be ready for the coming of the kingdom of God.
Discernment: The story highlights the importance of discernment, as the five foolish virgins failed to see the importance of being prepared.
Urgency: The story emphasizes the urgency of the situation and the need to act promptly. The foolish virgins realized their mistake too late, and the door to the wedding banquet was already closed.
Importance of spiritual preparedness: The story can be seen as a warning about the importance of spiritual preparedness, reminding us to stay vigilant and alert in our faith journey.

14. The Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16)

The Workers in the Vineyard is a story told by Jesus in the book of Matthew in the Bible. In the story, a man who owned a vineyard needed workers to help him harvest his crops. He went to the marketplace early in the morning and hired some workers, agreeing to pay them a denarius for the day. He went back to the marketplace several times during the day and hired more workers, promising to pay them what was right. When the day was over, the man called the workers to him and started with the ones he hired last, paying them a denarius each. The workers he had hired first, who had worked all day, assumed they would get more. But to their surprise, they also received only one denarius each. They grumbled, but the man explained to them that he had been fair and had promised to pay them only what was right.

Points to ponder:

Treating everyone equally, regardless of when they start working or how long they have been working.
Keeping one’s promises, even if they seem unfair to others.
Trusting that God will always provide what is needed and fair.
Appreciating what we have, rather than focusing on what others have received.

15. The Leaven (Matthew 13:33)

The Leaven is a parable told by Jesus in the book of Matthew, chapter 13 verse 33. In this story, Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a woman who took leaven and mixed it with three measures of flour until the whole batch was leavened.

Jesus uses this illustration to show how the teachings of God and the work of His kingdom can spread and permeate throughout the world, just as leaven spreads throughout the flour. The message of this parable is that even a small amount of faith can have a big impact and bring change to the world.

The Parable of the Leaven is a simple story that teaches a deep lesson about the influence of God’s kingdom. Here are some points to ponder as you reflect on this story:

The Leaven as a Symbol: The leaven in the story represents the influence of God’s kingdom in the world. It starts small, but it grows and spreads until it affects the entire batch of dough.
The Power of Influence: The story emphasizes the power of influence, showing how a small amount of leaven can impact the entire batch of dough. This can be seen as a reminder that we too have the power to influence others in positive ways.
The Kingdom of God: The story highlights the idea that God’s kingdom grows and spreads just like the leaven in the story. This is a reminder that we should always be working to spread God’s love and grace in the world.
Hidden Influence: The leaven in the story is hidden in the dough, just as the influence of God’s kingdom can be hidden in our lives. This is a reminder that sometimes the most impactful things are the things we don’t see.
Patience and Trust: The story of the leaven requires patience, as the dough must sit and rise for a period of time. This can be seen as a reminder to trust in God’s timing and be patient in our efforts to spread His love and grace.

16. Good Tree and the Bad Tree (Matthew 7:17-20)

The story of “The Good Tree and the Bad Tree” is told by Jesus in Matthew 7:17-20. This parable teaches about the importance of good actions and words. Jesus says that a good tree cannot produce bad fruit and a bad tree cannot produce good fruit. He explains that the fruits we produce reveal the type of tree we are. In the same way, our actions and words reveal the state of our hearts. Jesus encourages us to strive to be good trees, so that the fruit we produce will bring glory to God.

The parable of the Good Tree and the Bad Tree teaches us about the importance of bearing good fruit, which is a reflection of our inner character. The story highlights that what we do and the choices we make reveal the true nature of our being. It also reminds us that we will be judged based on our actions, and the words we speak. Some key points to ponder from this story are:

Our actions speak louder than our words. The story emphasizes that it is not enough to simply profess faith, but our actions must match our words.
Good deeds and good fruits reflect good character. The good tree is a symbol of someone who has a good character and is productive in their life.
The consequences of our choices. The story shows that the bad tree, despite its appearance, will eventually be cut down because it bears no fruit.
Discernment is important. We need to be able to differentiate between those who are genuine and those who are not, in order to avoid being misled.
Our lives have a lasting impact. The story emphasizes that our actions have a lasting impact, and that we should strive to live in a way that reflects our values and beliefs.

In conclusion, these parables told by Jesus in the Bible, such as The Good Samaritan, The Prodigal Son, The Sower and the Seeds, and The Good Shepherd, among others, offer valuable lessons for Christians to live by. Through these stories, Jesus teaches about God’s love and compassion, the importance of being prepared for his return, the dangers of greed, and the value of forgiveness, among other important values. These parables are not just stories but also powerful messages that continue to inspire and guide people to this day. They offer timeless wisdom and a roadmap for living a virtuous and fulfilling life.

Note: This post is created with the help of ChatGPT