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a) Parables of Jesus Rembrandt - Prodigal son in the tavern Luke 15:11-32
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Slevogt- Return of the prodigal son Luke 15:11-32
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Batoni - Prodigal son
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The parable begins with a wealthy man who had two sons. The younger son approaches his father and asks for his share of the inheritance. In ancient Jewish culture, this was considered very disrespectful, as the father was still alive and dividing the inheritance would usually occur after his death. However, the father agrees to his son's request and divides his property between the two sons.
The younger son then goes to a distant country and spends all his money on reckless living. He indulges in sinful behaviour and eventually finds himself completely broke during a famine. In his desperation, he takes a job feeding pigs, which was considered unclean and shameful in Jewish culture.
The younger son finally comes to his senses and decides to return home and ask his father's forgiveness, even if it meant becoming a servant in his household. As he nears home, his father sees him from a distance and runs to him, embracing and kissing him.
The father then orders his servants to bring a robe, a ring, and sandals for his son, symbolizing his reinstatement as a son and not a servant. The father also orders a feast to be prepared, celebrating the return of his lost son.
The older son, who had stayed faithful to his father and worked hard on the family farm, becomes angry and refuses to enter the celebration. The father goes out to plead with him, explaining that it is only right to celebrate and be joyful because the younger son was lost and is now found.
The parable concludes with the father saying, "My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found."
The parable teaches several lessons, including the power of forgiveness, the importance of repentance, and the unconditional love of a father. It also illustrates the danger of pride and self-righteousness, as the older son's jealousy and anger cloud his ability to see the value of his brother's return.
b) Parables of Jesus Steen - The Richman and Lazarus Luke 16:19-31
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Fetti - Lazarus and the Richman Luke 16:19-31
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Bronnikov - Lazarus and the rich man Luke 16:19-31
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The rich man in hell reaches out to Lazarus in heaven
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The parable is a story that illustrates the stark contrast between the rich and the poor, and the consequences of one's actions. It begins by introducing two characters: a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus. The rich man is described as being dressed in fine clothes and living in luxury, while Lazarus is depicted as being covered in sores and lying at the rich man's gate, hoping to receive some crumbs from the rich man's table.
As the story unfolds, both men die, and their fates are revealed. Lazarus is taken to Abraham's bosom (heaven as described by the Jews) , a place of honor and rest in the afterlife, while the rich man is sent to Hades, a place of torment and suffering.
The rich man, realizing the gravity of his situation, pleads with Abraham to have mercy on him and send Lazarus to cool his tongue with a drop of water. Abraham explains that there is a great chasm separating the two realms, and no one can cross from one to the other.
The rich man then begs Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his five brothers, so they may avoid the same fate. Abraham responds that they have Moses and the prophets, and if they do not listen to them, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead (Jesus is referring to his death and resurrection).
The parable warns against the dangers of wealth and neglecting the poor. The rich man's fate is a consequence of his selfishness and lack of concern for Lazarus, whereas Lazarus is rewarded for his faithfulness and suffering. It also emphasizes the importance of listening to the teachings of the prophets and following God's commandments.
In summary, the parable of the rich man and Lazarus is a powerful reminder of the consequences of our actions in life and the importance of treating others with compassion and kindness, regardless of their social status.
c) Parables of Jesus Strozzi - The guardian angel Matt 18:10
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Guardian angels are spiritual beings that are believed to be assigned by God to watch over and protect individual human beings. The idea of guardian angels is found in various religious traditions, including Christianity.
In the Bible, Jesus does not specifically mention the concept of guardian angels, but he does make several references to the care and protection that God provides to his people. For example, in Matthew 18:10, Jesus says, "See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven."
This passage suggests that every child has an angelic protector who constantly watches over them and is always in the presence of God. Similarly, in Luke 16:22, Jesus tells the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, in which Lazarus is carried by angels to Abraham's bosom after his death.
While Jesus did not give detailed instructions about how to communicate with or relate to guardian angels, some Christians believe that they can pray to their guardian angels for guidance, protection, and support. Others view the concept of guardian angels as a symbolic representation of God's constant care and concern for his people.
Overall, the idea of guardian angels is a source of comfort and reassurance for many people, reminding them that they are never truly alone and that God is always watching over them.
d) Parables of Jesus The pharisee and the publican Luke 18:9-14
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The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican is a story told by Jesus in the Gospel of Luke 18:9-14. It is a powerful illustration of the importance of humility and the dangers of pride.
The parable begins with two characters: a Pharisee and a tax collector, or publican. The Pharisee was a member of a Jewish sect that emphasized strict adherence to the law and the traditions of the elders. The tax collector, on the other hand, was despised by many Jews because he worked for the occupying Roman government and often engaged in corrupt practices to enrich himself.
The Pharisee stands in the temple and prays, thanking God that he is not like other people, including the tax collector. He boasts of his religious observances and his superiority to others. In contrast, the tax collector stands at a distance, beating his breast and praying for mercy, acknowledging his sins and unworthiness before God.
Jesus concludes the parable by saying that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified before God, because "all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."
The Parable teaches several important lessons. First, it warns against the dangers of pride and self-righteousness, which can lead to a false sense of superiority and a lack of empathy for others. It also emphasizes the importance of humility, acknowledging one's own weaknesses and sins, and seeking God's mercy and forgiveness. Additionally, the parable challenges the common assumptions of Jesus' time about who was righteous and who was not. The Pharisee, who was respected and admired by many, is shown to be spiritually bankrupt, while the despised tax collector is portrayed as humble and repentant.
Overall, the Parable encourages us to adopt a posture of humility and grace in our relationships with others and in our approach to God.
e) Parables of Jesus Tissot - The son of the vineyard Matthew 21:33-46
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Fetti - The murderous winemakers
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The Parable of the Son of the Vineyard, also known as the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, is a story told by Jesus in the synoptic gospels (Matthew 21:33-46, Mark 12:1-12, and Luke 20:9-19). It is a powerful allegory that exposes the religious leaders' rejection of Jesus' authority and their ultimate responsibility for his death.
The parable begins with a landowner who plants a vineyard, puts a hedge around it, and digs a winepress in it. He then leases the vineyard to some tenants and goes away on a journey. When the harvest season arrives, the landowner sends his servants to collect the produce. However, the tenants beat, mistreat, and even kill the servants.
Finally, the landowner sends his son, hoping that the tenants will respect him. However, the tenants see the son as a threat to their control and plot to kill him.
In the parable's conclusion, Jesus asks his listeners what they think the landowner will do to the wicked tenants. The listeners reply that the landowner will punish the tenants severely and lease the vineyard to others who will give him his due.
Jesus then explains that the vineyard represents Israel, the tenants are the religious leaders who have rejected God's messengers, and the son is Jesus himself. Jesus is warning the religious leaders that they are responsible for rejecting God's message and that they will ultimately face judgment for their actions.
The Parable is a powerful critique of the religious establishment of Jesus' time, who are depicted as corrupt and power-hungry. It also emphasizes the importance of accepting God's message and following Jesus' teachings, rather than rejecting them out of pride, jealousy, or fear.
The parable's message is still relevant today, reminding us of our responsibility to be faithful stewards of God's gifts and to recognize Jesus' authority as the true vineyard owner. We must be vigilant against the temptation to control or manipulate others and instead strive to be faithful servants who bear fruit for the kingdom of God.
f) Parables of Jesus Tissot - The good Samaritan Luke 10:25-37
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Van Gogh - The good Samaritan Luke 10:25-37
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Watts - Good Samaritan Luke 10:25-37
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Fetti - Good Samaritan Luke 10:25-37
