1. The Parable of the Talents – In this story, a master entrusts various amounts of money (talents) to three of his servants. Two of the servants invest the money and earn a profit, but the third servant hides the money out of fear and returns it to the master without any increase. The master praises the first two servants for their wise use of the talents but condemns the third servant for wasting his opportunity.
2. The Prodigal Son – In this story, a young son demands his inheritance from his father and squanders it all on wild living. When he becomes destitute, he realizes his mistake and returns to his father, hoping to be hired as a servant. However, his father welcomes him back with open arms and celebrates his return with a feast.
3. The Good Samaritan – In this story, a man is robbed and left injured on the side of the road. Several people pass by but ignore him, including a priest and a Levite. However, a Samaritan, who would have been considered an outcast in Jewish society, stops to help the man and pays for his care at an inn. This story highlights the waste of human suffering that can occur when people prioritize their own comfort or prejudices over compassion.
4. The Feeding of the 5,000 – In this story, Jesus miraculously feeds a crowd of 5,000 men (plus women and children) with just five loaves of bread and two fish. After everyone has eaten and is satisfied, the disciples gather up the leftover fragments, which fill twelve baskets. This story shows how God can multiply and use even seemingly insignificant resources when they are given with faith and generosity.
