Which of the following is not a parable of Jesus? This question often puzzles readers who are familiar with the teachings of Jesus Christ. Parables, a central feature of Jesus’ ministry, are short stories used to convey moral or spiritual lessons. However, not all stories attributed to Jesus are parables in the true sense. In this article, we will explore some of the stories that are often mistaken for parables and determine which one does not fit the criteria.
The first story that comes to mind is the Parable of the Prodigal Son. This story, found in the Gospel of Luke, tells of a young man who squanders his inheritance and returns home to his father’s forgiveness. The story beautifully illustrates themes of repentance, forgiveness, and the joy of reconciliation. Another well-known parable is the Parable of the Sower, which uses the imagery of seeds being sown on different types of soil to convey the importance of hearing and responding to God’s Word.
However, some stories are often mistakenly categorized as parables. One such story is the Parable of the Lost Sheep, which is actually a parable of Jesus. It is found in the Gospel of Matthew and tells of a shepherd who leaves his flock to search for one lost sheep. This story highlights the value of every individual and the lengths God is willing to go to in order to save one soul.
Another story that is often mistaken for a parable is the Parable of the Good Samaritan. While it is a powerful story that conveys the importance of loving one’s neighbor, it is not a parable in the traditional sense. Instead, it is a narrative that Jesus uses to illustrate the commandment to love others. The Parable of the Good Samaritan is found in the Gospel of Luke and is a clear example of Jesus’ teaching through storytelling.
So, which of the following is not a parable of Jesus? The answer is the Parable of the Lost Sheep. This story, while deeply meaningful and rich in symbolism, is not classified as a parable. It is a narrative that Jesus uses to emphasize the importance of the individual and the compassion of God. Understanding the distinction between parables and other types of stories helps us appreciate the unique way in which Jesus communicated his teachings to his disciples and the crowds that followed him.
