Parables from Luke 14–18

PER244 The parable of the lost drachma

This parable, found only in Luke, shows God, portrayed as a woman, searching for and finding a lost drachma. It symbolizes the soul that has gone astray yet is precious in God's sight, underscoring His mercy and His joy at the return of the lost one.

Luke 15.8-10 (King James Version) :

Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER245 The parable of the prodigal son

The article explores the parable of the prodigal son in the Gospel of Luke, stressing divine forgiveness and love. The father welcomes his repentant son, in contrast to the elder son, who criticizes such leniency. This parable, the hinge of chapter 15, illustrates God’s search for those who have gone astray. Luke rearranges this account to support his theological message on the Kingdom of Heaven.

Luke 15.3-7 (King James Version) :

And he spake this parable unto them, saying,What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER246 The parable of the unfaithful steward

This article explores Luke’s parable of the unfaithful steward, noting that the steward’s cunning is praised for its wisdom, not for its dishonesty. The parable encourages reflection on the use of practical wisdom in spiritual matters.

Luke 16.1-13 (King James Version) :

And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.So he called every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER247 The parable of the rich man and Lazarus

The article analyzes the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in the Gospel of Luke. Distinctive for mentioning a name, Lazarus, it explores the question of divine justice and the repercussions of earthly choices on the afterlife. Luke organizes the account around theological teachings on the kingdom of heaven, prompting deep reflection on salvation and compassion.

Luke 16.19-31 (King James Version) :

There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER249 Parable of the unworthy servants

The article explores the parable of the unworthy servants in Luke 17.7-10, stressing the importance of humility and gratitude in the life of the disciple. Jesus teaches that faithful service does not expect recognition from the master and that every ability is a gift from God. Obedience confers no rights, thus promoting an attitude of gratitude, not of entitlement.

Philippians 2.13 (King James Version) :

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER254 The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican

This article analyzes the parable in Luke 18.9-14, where Jesus teaches that true righteousness before God is founded on humility and not on appearances or spiritual pride, through the figures of the Pharisee and the publican.

Luke 18.9-14 (King James Version) :

And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER272 The Parable of the Minas

This study deals with the parable of the minas in Luke 19.11-27, a story told by Jesus at Jericho, highlighting the period between Hanukkah and Passover. It examines the chronology of events in Jesus’ ministry, including his interactions with Lazarus, Bartimaeus and Zacchaeus.

John 11.1-3 (King James Version) :

Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.(It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER304 Parable of the Faithful Servant

This article examines the parable of the faithful servant, stressing the importance of faithfulness and vigilance while awaiting the Lord's return, which is certain but unpredictable.

Luke 21.25-28 (King James Version) :

And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER305 Parable of the Ten Virgins

The parable of the ten young women teaches the importance of spiritual preparation for the Lord's return, illustrating two possible outcomes: being ready and entering with the Bridegroom, or arriving too late and finding the door shut.

Revelation 3.1-3 (King James Version) :

And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER253 The Parable of the Unjust Judge

The article examines the parable of the unjust judge (Luke 18,1-8), centered on perseverance in prayer and the expectation of the Kingdom. It highlights Luke's unique narrative structure, which gathers parables together to deepen his theology of faith and divine justice.

Luke 18.1-8 (King James Version) :

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

Parables from Luke 14–18

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