Parables of Jesus

1. The Sower

Scripture:

Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23 (also Mark 4:3-9, Luke 8:5-8)

Story:

A farmer went out to plant seeds. He tossed them everywhere! Some fell on a hard
path—birds gobbled them up. Some fell on rocky ground—they sprouted but dried out fast.
Some fell among prickly thorns—they got choked. But some fell on good soil and grew into big,
happy plants with lots of fruit! Jesus said, “Listen to God’s words like the good soil listens to
seeds.”

Memory Verse:

“Listen and understand!” (Matthew 13:23, adapted)

Moral Lesson:

Pay attention to God’s words and let them grow in your heart like seeds in good soil.

2. The Wheat and the Weeds

Scripture:

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

Story:

A farmer planted good wheat in his field. But at night, a sneaky enemy planted weeds
right next to it! When they grew, the weeds got all mixed up with the wheat. The helpers said,
“Should we pull the weeds?” The farmer said, “No, wait ‘til harvest. Then we’ll keep the wheat
and toss the weeds.” Jesus said God will sort out good and bad in the end.

Memory Verse:

“The Son of Man will send his angels.” (Matthew 13:41, adapted)

Moral Lesson:

Be patient and trust God to take care of what’s right and wrong.

3. The Mustard Seed

Scripture:

Matthew 13:31-32 (also Mark 4:30-32, Luke 13:18-19)

Story:

Jesus said, “God’s kingdom is like a tiny mustard seed. It’s so small you can barely see
it! But when you plant it, it grows into a huge tree—bigger than all the garden plants! Birds come
and sit in its branches.” Even little things can grow big with God!

Memory Verse:

“The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed.” (Matthew 13:31, adapted)

Moral Lesson:

Small acts of faith can grow into something big with God’s help.

4. The Yeast (Leaven)

Scripture:

Matthew 13:33 (also Luke 13:20-21)

Story:

Jesus said, “God’s kingdom is like yeast a lady mixed into dough. She only used a tiny
bit, but it made the whole batch of bread puff up big and yummy!” A little bit of God’s love can
spread everywhere.

Memory Verse:

“The kingdom of God is like yeast.” (Matthew 13:33, adapted)

Moral Lesson:

A little kindness can make a big difference in the world.

5. The Hidden Treasure

Scripture:

Matthew 13:44

Story:

A man found a treasure chest buried in a field—gold and jewels! He was so excited, he
sold everything he had to buy that field. Jesus said God’s kingdom is worth more than anything,
and when you find it, you’ll give up anything to keep it!

Memory Verse:

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure.” (Matthew 13:44, adapted)

Moral Lesson:

God’s love is the best treasure—worth more than toys or games.

6. The Pearl of Great Price

Scripture:

Matthew 13:45-46

Story:

A man who loved pearls found the biggest, shiniest one ever! He sold all his stuff just to
buy it. Jesus said God’s kingdom is like that pearl—super special and worth everything you
have!

Memory Verse:

“The kingdom of heaven is like a pearl.” (Matthew 13:45, adapted)

Moral Lesson:

Loving God is the most valuable thing you can choose.

7. The Net

Scripture:

Matthew 13:47-50

Story:

Fishermen threw a big net into the sea and caught all kinds of fish—good ones and
stinky ones. They sat down, kept the good fish, and threw the bad ones away. Jesus said God
will sort out who loves Him at the end of time, just like that!

Memory Verse:

“The kingdom of heaven is like a net.” (Matthew 13:47, adapted)

Moral Lesson:

Live in a way that shows you love God, because He sees everything.

8. The Unmerciful Servant

Scripture:

Matthew 18:23-35

Story:

A king forgave a servant who owed him tons of money—like a million dollars! But then
that servant wouldn’t forgive his friend who owed him just a little. The king got mad and said, “I
forgave you—why didn’t you forgive him?” Jesus said we should forgive others like God forgives
us.

Memory Verse:

“Forgive each other.” (Matthew 18:35, adapted)

Moral Lesson:

Forgive your friends, because God forgives you.

9. The Workers in the Vineyard

Scripture:

Matthew 20:1-16

Story:

A man hired workers for his vineyard. Some worked all day, some just a little while. But
he paid them all the same! The all-day workers grumbled, but the man said, “I’m fair—I can be
generous if I want!” Jesus said God gives love to everyone, no matter when they come to Him.

Memory Verse:

“The last will be first.” (Matthew 20:16, NIrV)

Moral Lesson:

Don’t be jealous—God loves everyone the same.

10. The Two Sons

Scripture:

Matthew 21:28-32

Story:

A dad asked his two sons, “Go work in my vineyard.” The first said, “No way!” but later
went. The second said, “Sure!” but didn’t go. Jesus said the one who obeyed mattered more
than the one who just talked.

Memory Verse:

“Obey your father.” (Matthew 21:31, adapted)

Moral Lesson:

Do what’s right, not just say you will.

11. The Wicked Tenants

Scripture:

Matthew 21:33-44 (also Mark 12:1-12, Luke 20:9-19)

Story:

A man planted a vineyard and rented it to some farmers. He sent helpers to get his
share of the grapes, but the farmers were mean—they beat them up! Finally, he sent his son,
but they threw him out, too. Jesus said God doesn’t like it when we reject His love.

Memory Verse:

“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” (Matthew
21:42, NIrV)

Moral Lesson:

Don’t push away God’s love—accept it!

12. The Wedding Banquet

Scripture:

Matthew 22:1-14

Story:

A king threw a big party for his son’s wedding and invited everyone. But some said,
“Nah, too busy!” So he invited others from the streets instead. One guy came but didn’t dress
right, so he got kicked out. Jesus said God’s party is for everyone who says yes!

Memory Verse:

“Many are invited.” (Matthew 22:14, adapted)

Moral Lesson:

Say yes to God’s invitation and be ready to join Him.

13. The Ten Virgins

Scripture:

Matthew 25:1-13

Story:

Ten girls were waiting for a wedding party with their lamps. Five brought extra
oil—smart! Five didn’t—oops! The groom came late, and the ones without oil missed out. Jesus
said, “Be ready for me!”

Memory Verse:

“Keep watch!” (Matthew 25:13, NIrV)

Moral Lesson:

Be prepared to meet Jesus by loving Him now.

14. The Talents

Scripture:

Matthew 25:14-30 (also Luke 19:11-27)

Story:

A man gave his servants money—five bags, two bags, and one bag. The first two
worked hard and doubled it—yay! The last one hid his and did nothing—boo! The man said,
“Use what I give you!” Jesus wants us to use our gifts for good.

Memory Verse:

“Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21, NIrV)

Moral Lesson:

Use what God gives you to help others.

15. The Sheep and the Goats

Scripture:

Matthew 25:31-46

Story:

Jesus said He’ll come back as a king and sort people like a shepherd sorts sheep and
goats. The “sheep” helped the hungry and sick—Jesus said, “You helped me!” The “goats”
didn’t, and they missed out. Helping others is helping Jesus!

Memory Verse:

“Whatever you did for one of these, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40, adapted)

Moral Lesson:

Help people in need—it’s like helping Jesus.

16. The Good Samaritan

Scripture:

Luke 10:25-37

Story:

A man got hurt on the road, and people walked by. Then a kind Samaritan stopped,
bandaged him, and took him to safety on his donkey. Jesus said, “Be a good neighbor like that!”

Memory Verse:

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27, NIrV)

Moral Lesson:

Be kind and help anyone who needs it.

17. The Friend at Midnight

Scripture:

Luke 11:5-8

Story:

A man knocked on his friend’s door at midnight, saying, “I need bread for a guest!” His
friend grumbled, “Go away!” but finally got up because the knocking wouldn’t stop. Jesus said,
“Keep asking God—He listens!”

Memory Verse:

“Ask and it will be given to you.” (Luke 11:9, NIrV)

Moral Lesson:

Don’t give up—pray and trust God.

18. The Rich Fool

Scripture:

Luke 12:16-21

Story:

A rich man grew so much food he built giant barns to keep it all for himself. He said, “I’m
set forever!” But God said, “Nope, you can’t take it with you!” Jesus said to share, not hoard.

Memory Verse:

“Be rich in faith.” (Luke 12:21, adapted)

Moral Lesson:

Share what you have—loving God is better than stuff.

19. The Barren Fig Tree

Scripture:

Luke 13:6-9

Story:

A man had a fig tree that never grew figs. He said, “Chop it down!” But the gardener
begged, “Give it one more year—I’ll take care of it.” Jesus said God gives us chances to grow
good fruit.

Memory Verse:

“Bear fruit.” (Luke 13:9, adapted)

Moral Lesson:

Show God’s love by doing good things.

20. The Great Banquet

Scripture:

Luke 14:16-24

Story:

A man threw a huge party and invited his friends. They all said, “Too busy!” So he
invited poor and hurting people instead, and they came happily. Jesus said God’s love is for
everyone who wants it!

Memory Verse:

“Come, for everything is ready.” (Luke 14:17, adapted)

Moral Lesson:

Don’t miss out on God’s love—say yes when He calls.

21. The Lost Sheep

Scripture:

Luke 15:3-7 (also Matthew 18:12-14)

Story:

A shepherd had 99 sheep, but one got lost. He searched everywhere, found it stuck in a
bush, and carried it home. Then he threw a party! Jesus said, “I love finding the lost!”

Memory Verse:

“I am the good shepherd.” (John 10:11, NIrV)

Moral Lesson:

Jesus loves you and will always look for you if you’re lost.

22. The Lost Coin

Scripture:

Luke 15:8-10

Story:

A lady had ten coins but lost one. She swept her house, looked under everything, and
finally found it—yay! She called her friends to celebrate. Jesus said God is happy when we turn
to Him.

Memory Verse:

“Rejoice with me!” (Luke 15:9, adapted)

Moral Lesson:

You’re special to God, and He’s happy when you’re with Him.

23. The Prodigal Son

Scripture:

Luke 15:11-32

Story:

A boy took his dad’s money and ran away. He spent it all and got hungry. He came
home sorry, and his dad hugged him tight—no yelling! “Let’s party!” said Dad. Jesus said God
welcomes us back with love.

Memory Verse:

“My son was lost and is found!” (Luke 15:24, adapted)

Moral Lesson:

God forgives you and loves you, even when you mess up.

24. The Dishonest Manager

Scripture:

Luke 16:1-13

Story:

A tricky manager was about to lose his job. He made deals with people who owed his
boss money, lowering their bills so they’d like him. The boss said, “Smart move!” Jesus said to
use what you have wisely for good.

Memory Verse:

“Be faithful in little things.” (Luke 16:10, adapted)

Moral Lesson:

Use what you have to help others, not just yourself.

25. The Rich Man and Lazarus

Scripture:

Luke 16:19-31

Story:

A rich man lived fancy, but poor Lazarus sat hungry outside his gate. They both died.
Lazarus went to heaven, but the rich man didn’t because he never helped. Jesus said to care
for people who need it.

Memory Verse:

“Love your neighbor.” (Luke 10:27, adapted)

Moral Lesson:

Don’t ignore people who need help—be kind.

26. The Persistent Widow

Scripture:

Luke 18:1-8

Story:

A widow kept asking a grumpy judge, “Help me!” He said no, but she wouldn’t stop.
Finally, he helped her just to get some peace! Jesus said, “Pray like that—God will answer!”

Memory Verse:

“Always pray and don’t give up.” (Luke 18:1, adapted)

Moral Lesson:

Keep praying—God hears you.

27. The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

Scripture:

Luke 18:9-14

Story:

Two men prayed. The Pharisee bragged, “I’m so good!” The tax collector said, “I’m
sorry, God—help me!” Jesus said the humble one was closer to God.

Memory Verse:

“God, have mercy on me.” (Luke 18:13, adapted)

Moral Lesson:

Be humble and say sorry when you’re wrong.

28. The Minas (Pounds)

Scripture:

Luke 19:11-27 (similar to The Talents)

Story:

A king gave his servants money—one mina each. Two worked hard and made more.
One hid it and did nothing. The king rewarded the hard workers. Jesus said to use what God
gives you!

Memory Verse:

“Well done, good servant!” (Luke 19:17, adapted)

Moral Lesson:

Work hard with what God gives you to make good things happen