photo by asbestos
__________________________________
Below is a list of parables that have tragic elements within – each has a trace of affliction, death, calamity, and unfairness told in allegorical fashion by Jesus. Through the telling of story as tragedy, Jesus identifies with those who have suffered loss, masking his meaning to those who have lived a comfortable life of “righteousness.” His parables confounded the Pharisees and spoke truth and life to the poor, the prostitute and the thief – who, in the grip of tragedy themselves could relate to the depravity found in the characters of Jesus’ politically charged parables.
Divided Kingdom (also a Fairy Tale)
Matthew 12:24-30
Mark 3:22-27
Luke 11:14-23
Good Samaritan
Luke 10:25-37
Grooms Attendants (also a Comedy)
Matthew 9:14-15
Mark 2:18-20
Luke 5:33-35
Humble Guest
Luke 14:7-11
King and His Advisors
Luke 14:31-33
Landowner
Matthew 21:33-46
Mark 12:1-12
Luke 20:9-18
Lost Coin
Luke 15:8-10
Lost Sheep
Luke 15:4-7
New Cloth (also a Comedy)
Matthew 9:16
Mark 2:21
Luke 5:36
New Wine (also a Comedy)
Matthew 9:17
Mark 2:22
Luke 5:37-39
Prodigal Son (also a Fairy Tale)
Luke 15:11-32
Rich Man and Lazarus
Luke 16:19-31
Rich Fool
Luke 12:16-21
Servants Duty
Luke 17:7-10
Ten Talents
Matthew 25:14-30
Luke 19:11-27
Ten Virgins
Matthew 25:1-13
The Unforgiving Servant
Matthew 18:23-35
Parable of the Wine Growers
Mark 12:1-13
Wise and Foolish Builders
Luke 6:1-8
Unprepared Builder (also a Comedy)
Luke 14:28-30
Wise Servant
Matthew 24:45-51
Luke 12:42-48
What do you think? Are there any that I am missing?
*The first of four posts on parables… parables as tragedy, comedy, fairy tale, and metaphor.
