The “Parables” in the Gospel of John

Continuing the listing of “parables” from the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke here.

Readers often expect to find parables in every Gospel, but John stands apart. While Matthew, Mark, and Luke (the Synoptic Gospels) contain dozens of parables, John includes none of the traditional story‑based parables Jesus used elsewhere.

Instead, John presents Jesus’ teaching through:

• extended conversations,
• symbolic actions,
• metaphors,
• and rich theological discourses.

Even though these are not parables in the classic sense, John’s Gospel is filled with powerful figurative illustrations that function similarly by revealing spiritual truth through imagery.

Below is a breakdown of the major illustrative figures Jesus uses in John, each with KJV citations.

1. The Good Shepherd and the Sheepfold

John 10:1–18 Jesus describes Himself as the Shepherd who knows His sheep and lays down His life for them.

Note: John 10:6 uses the word parable in the KJV, but the Greek term means figure of speech.

2. The Door of the Sheep

John 10:7–10 A vivid picture of Jesus as the only true entrance to salvation and safety.

3. The Grain of Wheat That Dies

John 12:24 A single seed must die to bear fruit—an illustration of Jesus’ sacrificial death and the life it brings.

4. Walking in the Light

John 8:12; John 12:35–36 Jesus uses the contrast of light and darkness to describe belief, discipleship, and spiritual clarity.

5. Living Water

John 4:10–14; John 7:37–39 A metaphor for the Holy Spirit’s life‑giving presence.

6. The Bread of Life

John 6:32–58 Jesus uses the imagery of bread to explain that He alone sustains spiritual life.

7. The True Vine

John 15:1–8 A rich illustration of dependence, fruitfulness, and abiding in Christ.

8. The Great Catch of Fish (Symbolic Sign)

📖 John 21:1–14 Not a parable, but a symbolic miracle pointing to the disciples’ future mission.

Why John Has No Traditional Parables

According to biblical scholars, John’s Gospel intentionally omits the parables found in the Synoptics because his focus is different:

• He emphasizes identity more than narrative.
• He highlights signs and discourses rather than short stories.
• His goal is to reveal Jesus as the eternal Son of God (John 20:31).

As one source notes, “The Gospel of John does not contain any traditional parables at all”.

Summary

While John includes no classic parables, it contains some of the most profound illustrative teachings Jesus ever gave. These metaphors—Shepherd, Door, Vine, Bread, Light—are not stories but living symbols that reveal who He is and what He offers. I will still be expanding on these as I go through all the parables listed in the other Gospels over the next few weeks.

Discovering the Path of Salvation