the Parables of Jesus

I set out to study the parables of Jesus and began to search for a easy reference link. I came upon http://www.christianbiblereference.org/jparable.htm

Self-Righteousness and Humility
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
[Jesus] also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt:

“Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ 

“But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ 

“I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (NAS, Luke 18:9-14)

Like the tax collector, we must recognize that we are all imperfect sinners by God's standards (Romans 3:23), and we must depend on God's mercy for our justification. Anyone who is self-righteous and looks at other "sinners" with contempt is actually committing a serious sin!"

Related verses: Proverbs 26:12, Matthew 5:5-9, 7:1-5, 9:10-13, 18:10, 20:25-28, Mark 9:35, Luke 6:32-42, 7:36-50, 14:11, John 8:1-8, Romans 2:1-4, 3:23, 14:10-12, 1 Corinthians 4:5, 10:24, 13:1-7, 16:14, Ephesians 4:1-6, Galatians 6:1-3, Philippians 2:2-8, 2 Timothy 2:22-25, James 2:12-13, 4:11-12, 1 John 1:8

On the website each reference above is linked to a popup text of the verse.

Jesus was the master of teaching in parables. His parables often have an unexpected twist or surprise ending that catches our attention and drives home the parable's lesson. The parables give us a feeling and insight into heavenly and spiritual concepts that cannot be expressed in mere words. They also give us a much richer understanding of the kingdom of God and its values, which are often the opposite of worldly values. Without understanding the parables, it is impossible to fully understand Jesus and His teachings.