JesusWalk® Publications

Jesus' Parables for Disciples
Over 100 Stories, Analogies,
and Figurative Sayings
a 321-page book
by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson

 


Book front cover | back cover

Jesus constantly framed his teachings in figurative terms. "He did not say anything to them without using a parable." Why? Partly to veil his teachings so his enemies couldn't use them against him, and partly to make them memorable to ponder and pass on.

Indeed, capsulized in these stories and analogies is a vast treasury of Kingdom truths designed to disciple men and women.

My goal is to form you as a disciple of Jesus by helping you understand these same parables that Jesus used to form the first disciples.

This study is different. Most books cover 25 to 35 of the best-known parables, but exclude many others. It comes down to definitions. The essence of an English language definition of "parable" is story. But the Bible definition of Greek parabolē is much broader. It includes stories, of course, but also analogies, similitudes, and maxims of all kinds. What ties them together is that they are comparisons used to teach spiritual truths.

Jesus used more than 100 stories, metaphors, similes, and maxims to train his disciples. This series of 12 lessons is designed to explore essentially all of Jesus' stories, analogies, and figurative sayings, including three acted parables.

Each parable or analogy is placed in its context and historical setting, then mined for the gold Jesus intended to convey to his disciples -- and to us today. Discussion questions help students probe Jesus' teaching for their own lives. Extensive footnotes help teachers and preachers to explore each passage and key words more deeply. Those who preach or teach on the parables will find this a tremendous resource.

Here is an outline.

  • Preface
  • Introduction to Parables
  • References and Abbreviations
  • Reprint Guidelines
  1. Parables about God's Love
  2. Parables about Israel's Unbelief
  3. Parables about Repentance
  4. Parables about Final Judgment
  5. Parables about Readiness for Christ's Return
  6. Parables about Salvation
  7. Parables about the Nature of Christ's Kingdom
  8. Parables about Responding to the Kingdom
  9. Parables about Disciple Character
  10. Parables about Disciple Values
  11. Parables about Disciple Practices
  12. Parables about Caring for the Lost

See the entire Table of Contents.

This study is available in book format (below) or at no cost delivered via e-mail over a 12-week period.

 

Jesus' Parables for Disciples, by Dr. Ralph F. WilsonPaperback format, US $19.95 Length 321 pages. Must be ordered through Amazon.com. The paperback size is 7.5 in  x 9.25 in.  ISBN: 979-8397567015. ASIN: B0C7J78TNW.

Amazon USA - Canada - UK - Germany - France - Netherlands - Japan - Italy - Mexico - Spain - China - Brazil - Poland - India - Australia

Kindle e-book formatKindle E-book format, US $8.95. You may purchase this version directly from Amazon USA  or from national sites below. This is read using a your Kindle or a Kindle Reader program installed on your computer, tablet, or phone. It cannot be printed out (Amazon ASIN: B0C7HXN9MX).

Amazon USA - Canada - UK - Germany - France - Japan - Mexico - Spain -  Italy -  Netherlands - China  - Brazil - Poland - India - Australia 
 

 
PDF E-book format, $8.95. 321 pages. You purchase this PDF e-books and can download it within minutes. You can read it on your computer in PDF format if you like, or print out a single copy on your printer, either 8-1/2 x 11" or A4 paper. To make multiple copies, get reprint licenses below. No tax is charged on e-books. PDF e-books are ordered directly from the author at JesusWalk Publications. (Remember: If you plan to print this out, your total cost will be the $8.95 for the PDF plus the cost of printing -- paper, ink, toner, etc. In some cases the paperback might be a better value.)

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Reprint license to make copiesReprint License, $2.50 per copy. This allows you to print additional copies for your own group. Once you've ordered this item, set quantity field for the number of reprints you plan to make and click on "recalculate." One license is required for each additional copy you make beyond the initial book you purchased. This reprint license prohibits sale of the book to individuals outside your local area or congregation. You'll probably want to order a single copy of the e-book also, so you'll have the text from which to reprint. So if you have a group of 6 people, you'll need to order one e-book (for the first reprint) and 5 reprint licenses.

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Copyright © 2025, Ralph F. Wilson. <pastor@joyfulheart.com> All rights reserved. A single copy of this article is free. Do not put this on a website. See legal, copyright, and reprint information.

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