Sermons on Story Parables:

One Line Parables

Contributed by Paul Zwarich on Jul 25, 2008

Even though the rich blessings God intends for us may appear to be of no more value than a seed or a handful of yeast we should not deceive ourselves.

Lectionary 17 A Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 This morning we heard a number of “One – Line Parables” that Jesus used to describe the Kingdom of God to illustrate how God’s power and authority is visible and expressed in our world. Unlike the longer “Story Parables” like the Good Samaritan or the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:31-52

Denomination: Lutheran

The Parable Of The Lost Coin Series

Contributed by Ricardo Rodriguez on Nov 1, 2012

This parable is a story that had a happy ending just like the parable of the lost sheep. Both illustrate the indescribable mercy of God for the lost. In this story, the needy soul is compared with a lost coin.

Ice Breaker: Do you like stories with happy endings? Biblical Reading: Lucas 15:8-10 INTRODUCTION: This parable is a story that had a happy ending just like the parable of the lost sheep. Both illustrate the indescribable mercy of God for the lost. In this story, the needy soul is compared ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:8-10

Denomination: Apostolic

The Parable Of The Rich Fool

Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on Oct 17, 2013

Parable is a short story that illustrates a moral point and Jesus illustrates that in the parable of rich fool.

The parable of the Rich Fool Luke 12:13-12:21 Introduction- Please turn to Luke 12:13-21. This is the parable of the Rich fool. It is the recorded words of Jesus addressing a conflict between two brothers over an inheritance. The words of Jesus goes much deeper than two brothers arguing ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:13-21

Denomination: Nazarene

The Parable Of The Talents Series

Contributed by Kevin Brady on Sep 6, 2021

Three servants receive different gifts from their master. Two use them wisely. One does not. Why? This sermon explores the historical context of this parable with a view toward clarifying the plight of the unworthy servant. A re-telling of the story is followed by several meditations on the text.

Nothing was ready. Bags remained open and unpacked, with clothes neither in nor out. The servants ran from one unfinished task to another, trying their best to follow conflicting instructions from stewards who were themselves at odds. The mother of the house and her young children sat wide-eyed at ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

The Story Of A Lost Son

Contributed by Gary Smith on Nov 23, 2013

While on earth, Jesus sought out the sinner, He has called His church to go after the lost as well. The Holy Spirit draws people to the Christ and the salvation He so freely offers.

"The Story of a Lost Son" TEXT: LUKE 15:23,24 Introduction: A. In chapter 15 we have three stories which early church Fathers considered as one parable. 1) The purpose of each is to show the natural reaction to finding that which was lost is Joy. a. God longs to reconcile sinners to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:23-24

Denomination: Church Of God

The "Parable Of The Unforgiving Servant” Series

Contributed by John Hamby on Oct 21, 2004

# 9 in a series on the "The Stories That Jesus Told" - The Parables. This sermon examines the cost of unforgiveness in our lives.

The Stories That Jesus Told Sermon # 9 “Parable of The Unforgiving Servant” or “The World’s Worst Prison” Matthew 18:21-35 “One of my favorite stories concerns a man who was bitten by a dog, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

Denomination: Baptist

The Parable Of The Three Friends Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Aug 14, 2025

Jesus answered a disciple's request (Lord, teach us to pray) with an example--and a story!

The Parable of the Three Friends (Full disclosure: Dr. Vance Havner wrote a sermon based on this text in his book, “Why Not Just Be Christians?”, published by Fleming Revell before 1977. This message is not a plagiary of his work. I preached a sermon based on this text on Sunday evening, June 1, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Story Within A Story

Contributed by Jimmy Haile on Sep 30, 2015

God is speaking to you today God is asking you, “Will you follow Him?” “Will you be in a relationship with Him?” please enter a brief summary that helps other preachers know the focus of your sermon

Genesis 24:1-63 Like many things in the bible, this story has a two-fold meaning! Just like a parable has a physical application and spiritual application. (Sower and the seed, prodigal son, parable of the lost sheep….) I believe each person in this story represents something, a picture of ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 24:1-63

Denomination: Baptist

"Parables”

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Morrissey on Jul 12, 2002

July 21, 2002 -- NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST -- Proper 11 Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 Color: Green Title: “Parables”

July 21, 2002 -- NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST -- Proper 11 Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 Color: Green Title: “Parables” The Parable of Weeds among the Wheat 24 He put before them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; 25but while everybody ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:24-43

Denomination: Lutheran

The Parable Of The Marriage Feast Series

Contributed by Martin Holland on Feb 20, 2014

The future is set for a marriage feast prepared by the Father for His Son and Jesus tells us a story about it.

The Parable Of The Marriage Feast Matt. 22:1-14 These parables of the Lord are amazing stories with hidden truths concerning the kingdom of heaven. This particular story concerning the marriage feast requires careful observation to understand. See: Matt. 22:1-14 I believe to better interpret this ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

"Parable Of The Toy Story(Much More Than A Toy)” Series

Contributed by Bubot Parago on Jun 26, 2018

In Toy Story, Buzz Lightyear is given to a boy named Andy Davis from his mother as a birthday present. He also believes that he is a real space ranger,rather than a toy. Buzz Lightyear quickly becomes Andy's favorite toy. There is a great similarity to us

Introduction: Inspiration and Similarity: In Toy Story, Buzz Lightyear is given to a boy named Andy Davis from his mother as a birthday present. He also believes that he is a real space ranger, rather than a toy. Buzz Lightyear quickly becomes Andy's favorite toy, making Andy's original favorite ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Parable Of The Prodigal Father: A Parable Of Extravagant Love Series

Contributed by Joey Nelson on Apr 21, 2002

“Prodigal” means extravagant, lavish, unrestrained, and even to the point of being what some would consider being wasteful. Watch the father in this story. It was the father who threw himself into the prodigal land of extravagance and unrestrained love fo

INTRODUCTION Opening Statement: In Luke 15, Luke gives a series of three parables in response to the criticism of the scribes and Pharisees that Jesus received unbelieving people and even ate with them. Evidently, His love and vulnerability attracted lost people from all classes and lifestyles. He ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

The Greatest Story Ever Written

Contributed by Jonathan Campbell on Oct 14, 2008

Charles Dickens described the parable of the prodigal son as "the greatest story ever written". This sermon takes a fresh look at this familiar story.

1. THE SON’S REQUEST "Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me" (v.11) This was a shameful request. He was asking for his inheritance. Only the oldest son had the right to make this request. In effect, he was saying “I wish you were dead”. In Middle Eastern culture, such a son would ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-24

The Story Behind The Story

Contributed by Daniel Austin on Mar 3, 2010

The truth is there is a story behind the story of the entire Bible. It is the story of God and His love and His desire for all to have salvation.

The Story Behind The Story 10/12/08 PM Text: Various INTRODUCTION: Introduction: Last Sunday I preached a lesson drawn from a story that many are familiar with, one that I pointed out is taught beginning in the youngest of bible classes; the story of Noah. But the lesson went behind the story of ...read more

Scripture: Romans 10:17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Parables? Series

Contributed by Paul Clemente on Jan 9, 2017

why did jesus speak in parables?

When a person reads a Bible passage, is it always immediately understood by them?? What do you think are reasons why some bible passages cannot be immediately understood?? Since the Bible was written by God the Holy Spirit and people are not God, there will be some difficulty in fully ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:1-25

Denomination: Independent/Bible