The Parables in the Gospel of Mark

Continuing listing of the parables in the Gospels. You can find Matthew here.

The Gospel of Mark is the shortest of the four Gospels, but it’s packed with vivid storytelling and fast‑moving action. Mark doesn’t include as many parables as Matthew or Luke, yet the ones he records are rich, memorable, and deeply tied to Jesus’ teaching on the Kingdom of God.

Below is a clear breakdown of the parables found in Mark, along with their King James Version references so you can read them directly.

1. New Cloth on an Old Garment

Mark 2:21 Jesus uses a simple image from everyday life to show that His message cannot be patched onto old religious systems.

2. New Wine in Old Bottles

Mark 2:22 A companion to the previous parable, emphasizing that the new covenant requires a new framework.

3. The Divided Kingdom (and the Strong Man)

Mark 3:23–27 Jesus responds to accusations from the scribes with a parable about divided kingdoms and binding the strong man.

4. The Sower

Mark 4:3–20 One of Jesus’ most foundational parables, explaining how different hearts receive the Word.

5. The Lamp Under a Bushel (Lamp on a Stand)

Mark 4:21–25 A reminder that truth is meant to shine, not be hidden.

6. The Growing Seed (Unique to Mark)

Mark 4:26–29 A beautiful picture of the mysterious, steady growth of God’s kingdom—found only in Mark’s Gospel.

7. The Mustard Seed

Mark 4:30–32 A tiny seed becomes a great plant, illustrating how God’s kingdom grows from small beginnings.

8. The Wicked Husbandmen (The Tenants)

Mark 12:1–12 A powerful parable about Israel’s leaders rejecting God’s messengers—and ultimately His Son.

9. The Fig Tree

Mark 13:28–29 Jesus uses the budding fig tree to teach about recognizing the signs of His coming.

10. The Watchful Porter

Mark 13:34–37 A short parable urging believers to stay alert and ready for the Lord’s return.

Why Mark’s Parables Matter

Mark’s Gospel is fast‑paced and action‑oriented, but when Jesus pauses to teach in parables, the moments are deliberate and weighty. These stories:

• Reveal the nature of God’s kingdom
• Expose the condition of the human heart
• Call listeners to faith, readiness, and obedience

Although Mark doesn’t include as many parables as Matthew or Luke, the ones he does record carry tremendous weight. Each story is carefully placed and highlights key themes at the heart of Jesus’ ministry—His authority, His compassion, and the unfolding mystery of God’s Kingdom. Mark may be brief, but his parables are anything but shallow; they give us essential insight into how Jesus taught, how people responded, and what it truly means to follow Him.