Throughout the gospel accounts of Jesus’ life, we read that He often spoke in parables. This teaching method places a profound truth inside a common story or analogy. Put simply, parables are heavenly truths wrapped in an earthly story.

This summer, Woodside is examining the parables of Jesus as told by Luke. In support of our message series, we have compiled a reading list that features stories and themes that link with those taught by Jesus. It is our hope that you’ll be encouraged on your faith journey as you read along!

Week 1 – The Parable of the Soils BIG IDEA: A Heart that Receives the Word of God Reveals the Work of GodØ Day 1 – Luke 8:4-15 Ø Day 2 – Psalm 78:1-2Ø Day 3 – Isaiah 6:8-13Ø Day 4 – Matthew 13:10-17Ø Day 5 – James 2:14-26 Week 2 – The Parable of the Prodigal FatherBIG IDEA: The Heart of the Father is a Heart for AllØ Day 1 – Luke 15:11-32Ø Day 2 – Matthew 18:12-14 Ø Day 3 – Ezekiel 34:11-16Ø Day 4 – Psalm 23Ø Day 5 – Luke 5:27-31 Week 3 – The Parable of the Open Invite Banquet BIG IDEA: Live Like the Kingdom of God Celebration is an Open InvitationØ Day 1 – Luke 14:12-24 Ø Day 2 – Isaiah 25:6-9Ø Day 3 – Luke 15:11-7Ø Day 4 – Matt. 11:25-30Ø Day 5 – Revelation 19:6-10

Week 4 – The Parable of the Qualified SinnerBIG IDEA: The Heart MattersØ Day 1 – Luke 18:9-14 Ø Day 2 – 1 Samuel 16:1-7Ø Day 3 – Proverbs 4:20-23Ø Day 4 – Philippians 2:1-11Ø Day 5 – 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Week 5 – The Parable of the Great ReversalBIG IDEA: Real Faith Obeys God’s WordØ Day 1 – Luke 16:19-31 Ø Day 2 – Micah 6:6-8Ø Day 3 – 2 Timothy 3:10-17Ø Day 4 – James 1:22-27Ø Day 5 – James 2:14-17

Three Questions for Consideration With every biblical passage there is much for the reader to consider—cultural context, people involved, location, and the message being communicated.

Once we’ve considered these foundational aspects of a biblical passage, we can move to personal application. Allow the truth of Scripture to mold and shape our lives by considering the following: UP: What does this communicate about the character of God? IN: How does this encourage me to live in relationship with the Family of God? OUT: How does this influence me to intentionally live on mission and reach others with the Gospel?