The Parables of Jesus
in the Gospel of Luke (1)
I. What is a parable? A parable is a narrative or story conveying a spiritual or moral principle. The meaning of a parable is often not explicitly stated but it is also not usually intended to be secret or hidden either. It is an earthly story with heavenly meaning.
II. Read Luke 7:36-50 twice. Can you briefly retell the story in your own words? What verses is the actual parable in?
III. Deeper Dive: When you put the parable in the context of the verses surrounding it, what is the significance/symbolic meaning of each of these items in the parable?
1. The debtor who owed 50 denarii (*note: denarii is the plural form of denarius, the chief silver coin of the Romans)
2. The debtor who owed 500 denarii
3. The meaning of the word “debtor,” i.e. someone with a debt – see Romans 3:23; 6:23
4. The moneylender (v. 41)
5. “they had nothing with which to repay” (v. 42) – see Romans 5:6-9
6. “he graciously forgave them both” (v. 42) – see Colossians 2:13; Luke 24:47
Click here for answer key
IV. Apply:
1. How do we as believers experience God’s forgiveness today? See Acts 10:43; 1 John 1:9.
2. What is the result of our receiving forgiveness? Acts 2:38
3. According to this parable, if our love for the Lord wanes or becomes stale, what may be the problem?
4. Can you share any experiences when you had a freshly receiving or appreciating God’s forgiveness?