Three Parables That Can Shape Your Faith

Jesus often taught using parables—simple stories with deeper meaning. In Matthew’s Gospel, He shares three parables that challenge us to reflect on how we live: the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids, the Parable of the Talents, and the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. Each one speaks to preparation, stewardship, and the way we love others.

But these aren't just old stories—they can help us navigate life’s uncertainties today. Are we prepared for the unexpected? Are we making the most of what we've been given? Are we living out our faith in real, tangible ways? Let’s dive into these parables and see how they still shape our faith today.

Imagine you’re waiting for a big event—the arrival of a groom at a wedding. In Jesus’ parable, ten bridesmaids are waiting for this moment. Five of them wisely bring extra oil for their lamps, while the other five do not. When the groom arrives in the middle of the night, the unprepared bridesmaids scramble to buy more oil, only to return and find the doors shut.

The Message of Preparation

For years, many have read this parable as a warning about who gets into Heaven and who doesn’t. But what if it’s less about exclusion and more about preparation?

The question isn’t just, "Will we be ready for the end?" but rather, "Are we prepared to recognize and receive Jesus now?"

When Jesus first arrived, the religious leaders—those who should have been most prepared—missed Him entirely. Meanwhile, the humble and open-hearted were ready to welcome Him.

For us today, this parable asks: Are we positioning ourselves to see God at work in our lives? Are we spiritually prepared for the unexpected turns life throws our way? Preparation isn’t just about knowing what’s coming but about being ready for whatever comes.

The second parable tells of a master who gives his servants different amounts of money (or "talents") before leaving on a journey. One servant receives five talents, another two, and the last one. The first two invest and double their master’s money, but the last one, out of fear, buries his in the ground.

When the master returns, he rewards the first two for being faithful but rebukes the last one for wasting what was entrusted to him.

The Call to Stewardship

The Pharisees of Jesus’ day were given the responsibility of leading God’s people, but instead of using their position to bless others, they made it harder for people to encounter God.

Fast-forward to today, and this parable asks us: Are we making the most of what we’ve been given?

This isn't just about money. It’s about our time, gifts, opportunities, and influence. Are we investing in things that matter? Or are we letting fear, insecurity, or busyness keep us from stewarding what God has entrusted to us?

And notice this: The master didn’t expect the same results from each servant. The one with two talents wasn’t asked to make five—he was only expected to be faithful with what he had. In the same way, God isn’t measuring us against others; He’s simply asking us to be faithful with what we've been given.

This final parable describes a future moment when a king separates people into two groups—like a shepherd separating sheep from goats. To one group, the king says, "When I was hungry, you fed me. When I was in prison, you visited me." They’re surprised—"When did we do that?" The king replies, "Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me."

To the other group, He says the opposite: "You ignored those in need, and in doing so, you ignored me."

The Invitation to True Transformation

This parable flips everything upside down. The religious leaders of the day thought they were righteous because they followed the rules, but Jesus shows us that true faith is about how we treat others.

And here’s the kicker: Both groups are surprised. The righteous weren’t doing good things to be seen by God—they were simply living out who they had become. Meanwhile, the others thought they were doing all the right things but missed the heart of it all.

Jesus isn’t looking for people who perform; He’s looking for people who are formed into His image—people who naturally love and serve others because it’s simply who they are.

These three parables are more than ancient teachings- they’re invitations to a deeper, more intentional faith.

1. Be Prepared. Not just for some distant event, but for the ways Jesus is moving in your life today.
2. Be Faithful. Steward and use what God has given you—big or small.
3. Be Formed. Allow God to shape you into someone who loves and serves naturally.

When life feels uncertain, it’s easy to get caught up in worrying about what’s coming or when things will happen. But Jesus calls us to focus on who we are becoming.

Instead of focusing on when the groom will arrive or when the King will return, we shift our focus to living in a way that welcomes Him now.

These parables remind us that faith is active. Faith is about being ready, being responsible, and being transformed.

As we go about our daily lives, let’s ask ourselves:

• Am I ready to see and receive Jesus today?
• Am I stewarding what I’ve been given well?
• Am I living out my faith in a way that reflects Jesus’ love?

Jesus’ parables challenge us, but they also offer hope. We don’t have to wait for a future event to encounter Him—He’s here now, ready to walk with us.