500 surprising facts from Scripture — hidden details, numbers and little-known stories, one at a time.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates loving one's neighbor through the actions of an unexpected outsider.
This parable, recorded in Luke 10:30-37, describes a Samaritan helping an injured man after religious figures passed him by. It was told in response to the question, 'And who is my neighbour?' (Luke 10:29).
The Parable of the Prodigal Son describes a wayward son who is welcomed back joyfully by his forgiving father.
This well-known parable, recorded in Luke 15:11-32, illustrates themes of repentance, grace, and reconciliation. The father's declaration that his son 'was dead, and is alive again' (Luke 15:24) is central to the parable's meaning.
The Parable of the Sower describes seeds falling on different types of soil, representing varied responses to spiritual teaching.
This parable, recorded in Matthew 13:3-9, is followed by Jesus' own detailed explanation in Matthew 13:18-23. The different soils represent varying receptiveness to spiritual truth, ranging from complete rejection to fruitful acceptance.
The Parable of the Mustard Seed illustrates how something small can grow into something remarkably large.
This brief parable, recorded in Matthew 13:31-32, compares the kingdom of heaven to a tiny mustard seed that grows into a large tree. This imagery emphasizes themes of gradual yet significant spiritual growth and influence.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep describes a shepherd leaving ninety-nine sheep to search for a single lost one.
This parable, recorded in Luke 15:3-7, emphasizes the value of even a single individual and the joy associated with their return. It is presented alongside the related parables of the lost coin and the prodigal son in the same chapter.
The Parable of the Talents illustrates the importance of wisely using and investing the resources entrusted to us.
This parable, recorded in Matthew 25:14-30, describes servants given different amounts of money, or 'talents,' with varying degrees of productive use. Servants who invested wisely were commended, while one who buried his talent out of fear was rebuked.
The Parable of the Ten Virgins emphasizes the importance of being prepared for an uncertain future event.
This parable, recorded in Matthew 25:1-13, describes five wise virgins who brought extra oil for their lamps and five foolish virgins who did not. It concludes with an exhortation to 'watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour' (Matthew 25:13).
The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus describes contrasting afterlife outcomes for a wealthy man and a poor beggar.
This parable, recorded in Luke 16:19-31, illustrates themes of reversal, justice, and the consequences of ignoring the needs of others. It also includes a notable statement regarding the sufficiency of Scripture for those who refuse to believe.
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector contrasts self-righteous pride with genuine humility in prayer.
This parable, recorded in Luke 18:9-14, concludes with the statement that the humble tax collector, rather than the outwardly religious Pharisee, went home 'justified.' This parable directly addresses themes of humility versus self-righteousness.
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant illustrates the importance of forgiving others as we have been forgiven.
This parable, recorded in Matthew 18:23-35, describes a servant forgiven a massive debt who then refuses to forgive a much smaller debt owed to him. It follows Jesus' teaching on forgiving 'seventy times seven' times (Matthew 18:21-22).
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