Our Parables of Jesus and their meanings art app has about 1,000 paintings. We hope you enjoy the experience, both on this page and in the app. We continue from the previous post
a) Parables of Jesus Bloch - The little children Mark 10:13-16
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The parable of the little children is a story that Jesus told his disciples. In the story, some parents brought their children to Jesus so that he could bless them. The disciples rebuked the parents, telling them to keep their children away from Jesus, thinking that he was too busy to bother with them. But Jesus responded by saying, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." He then took the children in his arms and blessed them.
This parable is often interpreted as a lesson about the importance of having childlike faith. Jesus is saying that the kingdom of heaven is open to those who have a simple and trusting faith like that of a child. He is also challenging the disciples' attitudes towards children, reminding them that children are valued and loved by God just as much as adults are.
Additionally, this parable can be seen as a call to Christians to be welcoming and inclusive, especially to those who may be seen as vulnerable or marginalized. It reminds us that we should not judge or exclude others based on their age, social status, or any other factors, but rather we should welcome all who come to us with open arms, just as Jesus did with the children.
b) Parables of Jesus The Sower Matt 13:1-23
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The parable of the Sower is one of the most well-known parables that Jesus taught. It is a story that uses familiar imagery of farming to convey deeper spiritual truths about the human heart and the response to the gospel message. The story is told in a way that is easy to understand but also contains layers of meaning for those who are willing to dig deeper.
The parable starts with a farmer who went out to sow seeds in his field. As he sows the seed, some of it falls on the path, some on rocky ground, some among thorns, and some on good soil. Each type of soil Represents a different kind of heart condition that people can have towards the message of the gospel.
The first type of soil is the path, which represents people who are hardened to the gospel message. They may hear it, but they don't understand it, or they reject it outright. The devil comes and snatches the message away before it can take root in their hearts. These people are like the Pharisees who heard Jesus' teachings but refused to believe in him. In todays word, these are the scoffers, highly intelligent people, that scoff at virtue and absolute moral values, calling it the abode of the simple.
The second type of soil is the rocky ground, which represents people who receive the gospel message with joy at first, but they have no root in themselves. When trouble or persecution comes because of the message, they quickly fall away. These people are like those who show an initial interest in Christianity but later lose interest when they face difficulties or opposition.
The third type of soil is among thorns, which represents people who hear the gospel message but are more concerned with the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth. The message is choked by these worldly distractions, and they are unfruitful. These people are like those who are too preoccupied with material possessions or success to take the message of the gospel seriously.
Finally, the fourth type of soil is good soil, which represents people who hear the gospel message, understand it, and live it out in their lives. They are productive and fruitful, yielding a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown.
The parable of the Sower teaches us that the success of the gospel message is not solely dependent on the messenger but also on the receptivity of the listener. The condition of the heart is crucial in receiving and living out the message. It also reminds us that we need to be careful about the distractions and worries of this life that can choke the message and hinder its impact on our lives.
c) Parables of Jesus Tissot - The parable of the barren fig tree Luke 13:6-9
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In the parable, a man had a fig tree in his vineyard that had not produced any fruit for three years. He told the gardener to cut it down, but the gardener asked for one more year to cultivate the tree and see if it would bear fruit. If it still did not bear fruit after that, then it could be cut down.
This parable can be interpreted in a few different ways, but one common interpretation is that the fig tree represents Israel, and the man and the gardener represent God. In this interpretation, the parable is a warning to Israel that they must bear fruit or face judgment.
Israel was God's chosen people, but they had been disobedient and unfaithful. They were not living up to their calling to be a holy nation and a light to the Gentiles. Instead, they had become like the barren fig tree, not producing any fruit.
God had been patient with Israel for a long time, but now judgment was looming. The man's command to cut down the tree represents the judgment that was coming. However, the gardener's request for one more year represents God's mercy and grace, giving Israel one more chance to repent and bear fruit.
The gardener's plan to cultivate the tree represents God's efforts to bring Israel back to Him. This could include sending prophets to speak to them, providing opportunities for repentance and forgiveness, and even sending Jesus as their Messiah.
The parable ends with a warning that if Israel does not bear fruit after this final chance, then judgment will come. This is a reminder that God's patience and mercy have limits, and there will be consequences for disobedience and unfaithfulness.
Overall, the parable is a call to repentance and a warning of judgment for those who do not bear fruit in general. Today we have Jesus teachings and the teachings of the bible in general; bear fruit!
d) Parables of Jesus Champaigne - The good shepherd John 10:1-5
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The parable of the Good Shepherd is used to illustrate Jesus' relationship with his followers.
Jesus compares himself to a good shepherd who cares for his sheep. The shepherd enters the sheep pen by the gate and calls his own sheep by name. The sheep recognize the voice of the shepherd and follow him out of the pen. They do not follow strangers, because they do not recognize them. This parable teaches that Jesus is the true and good shepherd who cares for his followers. Just as a shepherd cares for his sheep, Jesus cares for his followers and protects them from harm.
Secondly, the parable emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus' voice. Just as the sheep recognize the voice of their shepherd and follow him, we should also listen for and recognize Jesus' voice (teachings) in our lives. This means we need to spend time with him in prayer, reading the Bible, and seeking his guidance and direction.
Lastly, the parable reminds us that there are many voices in the world that can distract and deceive us. We need to be discerning and wise in recognizing which voices to follow and which to avoid. We should follow only the voice of the good shepherd, who leads us on the path of righteousness.
f) Parables of Jesus Fetti - The vineyard workers Matt 20:1-16
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In the parable, a landowner went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day's work. Later in the day, he hired more workers at different times and promised to pay them whatever is right. When evening came, the landowner paid all the workers the same amount, regardless of how long they had worked. Those who had worked longer complained, but the landowner reminded them that they had agreed to work for a denarius and that he had paid them what he had promised.
This parable represents the kingdom of heaven and God's grace. In this interpretation, the landowner represents God, and the workers represent people who enter the kingdom of heaven at different times in their lives. The denarius represents the reward of eternal life.
The workers who were hired early in the morning represent those who have been faithful to God throughout their lives, while those who were hired later represent those who come to faith in God later in life.
The fact that the landowner pays all the workers the same amount regardless of how long they worked represents God's grace. The reward of eternal life is not based on how long someone has been faithful to God or how much they have accomplished in their lives, but rather it is a free gift given to all who enter the kingdom of heaven, regardless of when they come to faith.
The workers who had worked longer and received the same payment represent those who believe that they are more deserving of God's grace because of their long-standing faith or their accomplishments in life. However, the landowner's response to their complaint shows that God's grace is not earned or deserved, but freely given to all who believe in Him.
Overall, the parable is a reminder of God's grace and the fact that salvation is a gift given to all who believe in Him, regardless of when they come to faith or what they have accomplished in life. It also reminds us not to compare ourselves to others or think that we are more deserving of God's grace because of our works.
The interpretation is all well and good however we can't ignore the fact that it seems unfair. Mother Teresa for instance can in no way, at least based on my mortal thinking, be compared to the thief at Jesus right hand. She was devout for many years and produced much fruit; he on the other hand repented only at the point of death. It seems fair that everyone should have access to the Kingdom, however being a Kingdom, it seems reasonable to imagine that we all hold different positions depending on our devotion and fruitfulness.
g) Parables of Jesus Fetti -The lost drachma Luke 15:8-10
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In the parable, a woman had ten drachmas, but she lost one of them. She searched her entire house until she found the lost coin, and then she called her friends and neighbors to rejoice with her.
This parable can be interpreted in a few different ways, but one common interpretation is that it represents God's love for the lost and His joy when they are found. In this interpretation, the woman represents God, and the lost drachma represents a sinner who is lost and separated from God. The fact that the woman searches her entire house until she finds the lost coin represents God's relentless pursuit of the lost.
The woman's joy when she finds the lost coin and calls her friends to rejoice with her represents God's joy when a sinner repents and turns back to Him. The fact that she calls her friends and neighbors to celebrate with her shows that there is rejoicing in heaven when a sinner repents.
The fact that the woman had ten drachmas to begin with represents the fact that God's love is not limited or exclusive, but rather He loves all people equally and desires for all to be saved. Each Drachma is loved in equal measure and no stone will be left unturned in trying to bring any lost one back to the fold.
Overall, the parable is a reminder of God's love for the lost and His desire for all people to be saved.
h) Parables of Jesus Fetti - Parable of the pearl Matt 13:35-46
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The parable of the pearl is found in Matthew 13:45-46. In the parable, a merchant was searching for fine pearls, and he found one pearl of great value. He sold everything he had and bought the pearl. The pearl represents the kingdom of heaven and the worth of following Jesus.
In this interpretation, the merchant represents a person who is searching for truth, meaning, and purpose in life. The pearl of great value represents the kingdom of heaven, which is the ultimate treasure that surpasses any worldly possessions or pursuits.
The fact that the merchant sold everything he had to buy the pearl represents the cost of following Jesus and entering the kingdom of heaven. It requires total commitment, sacrifice, and surrender of all worldly attachments and pursuits.
Overall, the parable is a reminder of the worth of following Jesus and entering the kingdom of heaven. It requires total commitment and sacrifice, but the reward of possessing the most valuable and priceless treasure is worth it.
i) Parables of Jesus Fetti - The mote and beam Matt 7: 3-5
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In the parable, Jesus said, "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."
This parable can be interpreted in a few different ways, but one common interpretation is that it represents the importance of examining our own faults before criticizing others.
In this interpretation, the speck of sawdust in our brother's eye represents the faults and shortcomings of others that we tend to notice and criticize. The plank in our own eye represents our own faults and shortcomings that we are blind to or choose to ignore.
The fact that Jesus instructs us to first take the plank out of our own eye before trying to remove the speck from our brother's eye represents the importance of self-examination, repentance, and humility. We must be willing to acknowledge and take responsibility for our own faults before we can help others with theirs.
Overall, the parable calls us to repentance and humility, and reminds us that we are all in need of grace and forgiveness.
j) Parables of Jesus Fetti - The unmerciful servant Matt 18:21-35
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The Parable is a powerful story that teaches us about forgiveness and the importance of showing mercy to others.
In the parable, a servant owed his master a great deal of money, which he was unable to pay. The master ordered that the servant and his family be sold into slavery to pay off the debt. The servant begged for mercy and promised to pay back the debt, so the master forgave him and canceled the debt.
However, when the servant encountered another servant who owed him a small amount of money, he demanded payment and refused to show him any mercy. When the master found out about this, he was angry and had the unmerciful servant thrown into prison until he could pay back everything he owed.
The moral of the story is that we should forgive others as we have been forgiven. The first servant was forgiven a huge debt that he could never repay, yet he was unwilling to show even a small amount of mercy to someone who owed him a much smaller debt. This is a powerful reminder that we should always show kindness and mercy to others, even when they have wronged us.
The Parable teaches us that forgiveness is not only an act of mercy but also a duty. If we want to receive forgiveness, we must be willing to give it to others, even when it is difficult. It is a powerful lesson that reminds us of the importance of treating others with compassion and understanding, no matter what their circumstances may be.
k) Parables of Jesus The parable of the rich fool Luke 12:13-21
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In the parable, a wealthy man had an abundant harvest and decided to tear down his barns and build bigger ones to store all his grain and goods. He planned to relax and enjoy his wealth for many years to come, thinking that he had secured his future.
However, God spoke to him and told him that he was a fool for thinking that his wealth could guarantee him a long and comfortable life. He would die that very night, and all his wealth would be of no use to him.
The moral of the story is that material possessions and wealth are temporary and can be taken away at any moment. The rich man in the parable was so focused on accumulating more and more wealth that he forgot to consider the bigger picture of his life and what he truly valued.
The Parable reminds us that true wealth comes from a life well-lived, not from the accumulation of possessions. It encourages us to focus on what really matters in life, such as our relationships, our values, and our purpose, rather than solely on acquiring material goods.
Ultimately, the story teaches us to be grateful for what we have, to use our wealth wisely, and to always keep in mind that our time on earth is limited. We should strive to make the most of our lives, to be generous with our resources, and to live in a way that honors our values and our relationship with God.
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