Sunday’s stories, for your newsletter

Every story and parable

For a sermon or a newsletter piece that reaches past the week’s readings. 212 in all, in Bible order. Each line is ready to paste, with Free Scripture’s own one-line hook and reading time.

From the Old Testament

• Creation and the FallGod makes a good world. People stop trusting him. God comes looking. About 19 minutes. Genesis 1 to 3
• Cain and AbelCain is angry, and he kills his brother. God warns him, then protects him. About 14 minutes. Genesis 4:1–16
• Noah’s ArkThe world is full of violence. God keeps Noah safe and makes a promise. About 26 minutes. Genesis 6 to 9
• The Tower of BabelPeople build a tower to the sky. God comes down. About 13 minutes. Genesis 11:1–9
• God’s Promise to AbrahamGod tells Abram to leave everything he knows. Years later, under the stars, God makes him a promise. About 15 minutes. Genesis 12 and 15
• HagarHagar is used, then sent away. God finds her in the desert. About 19 minutes. Genesis 16 and 21
• Abraham and Sarah Get New NamesAt ninety-nine, Abram gets a new name, and a promise that makes him laugh. About 8 minutes. Genesis 17:1–22
• Abraham’s VisitorsThree strangers at Abraham’s tent. Sarah laughs at their promise. About 9 minutes. Genesis 18
• Abraham and IsaacGod asks Abraham to do the hardest thing he has ever been asked. Abraham goes. About 18 minutes. Genesis 22:1–19
• Jacob and EsauJacob tricks his blind father. His brother Esau plans to kill him. About 21 minutes. Genesis 25 and 27
• Jacob Wrestles with GodAlone in the dark, Jacob wrestles until dawn. “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” About 8 minutes. Genesis 32:22–32
• Joseph and His BrothersHis brothers sold him. God turned their evil into rescue. About 25 minutes. Genesis 37 to 50
• Baby MosesA king orders baby boys killed. Brave women save one of them. About 19 minutes. Exodus 1 to 2
• The Burning BushA bush burns but does not burn up. God calls a shepherd who says, “Send someone else.” About 18 minutes. Exodus 3 to 4
• The Ten PlaguesPharaoh says no to God. Disaster after disaster hits Egypt. About 21 minutes. Exodus 5 to 11
• The PassoverBlood on the door. A meal eaten in a hurry. By morning, God’s people are free. About 16 minutes. Exodus 12:1–42
• Crossing the Red SeaThe sea in front. An army behind. God opens a way through. About 17 minutes. Exodus 13:17 to 15:21
• Manna from HeavenGod’s people grumble in the desert. Bread comes every morning, and water from a rock. About 10 minutes. Exodus 16:1–17:7
• The Ten CommandmentsThe mountain shakes with thunder. God frees his people first, then speaks. About 23 minutes. Exodus 19:16 to 20:21
• Moses on the MountainMoses walks into the cloud of God’s glory and comes down with his face shining. About 7 minutes. Exodus 24:12–18; 34:29–35
• The Golden CalfTired of waiting, the people make a god of gold. Moses pleads for them. About 9 minutes. Exodus 32
• The Bronze SnakeSnakes in the camp. God says: look at the bronze snake and live. About 8 minutes. Numbers 21:4–9
• Hear, O Israel“The LORD our God, the LORD is One.” Love him with everything, at home and on the road. About 7 minutes. Deuteronomy 6:1–9
• Choose LifeTwo paths, life and death. Moses says: choose life, because God is your life. About 8 minutes. Deuteronomy 30:9–20
• The Walls of JerichoRahab hides two spies. The walls of Jericho fall. About 21 minutes. Joshua 2 and 6
• As for Me and My HouseJoshua tells everything God has done, then says: “Choose this day whom you will serve.” About 8 minutes. Joshua 24:1–28
• Samson and DelilahSamson tells Delilah his secret. He loses everything, but God still hears him. About 21 minutes. Judges 16
• Ruth and NaomiNaomi loses everything. Ruth refuses to leave her. About 22 minutes. Ruth 1 to 4
• Hannah’s PrayerHannah prays so hard the priest thinks she’s drunk. God hears her. About 9 minutes. 1 Samuel 1:1–2:26
• God Calls SamuelSamuel hears his name in the night. He thinks it is Eli, but it is God. About 16 minutes. 1 Samuel 3
• David Is AnointedSeven tall brothers are passed over. God chooses the shepherd boy nobody invited. About 8 minutes. 1 Samuel 16:1–13
• David and GoliathA shepherd nobody expected. A giant everyone feared. About 19 minutes. 1 Samuel 17
• God’s Promise to DavidDavid wants to build God a house. God promises to build David one instead. About 8 minutes. 2 Samuel 7:1–17
• David and BathshebaA king abuses his power. A prophet tells him a story about a lamb. About 11 minutes. 2 Samuel 11:1–12:25
• The Wisdom of SolomonGod says, “Ask!” Young Solomon asks for wisdom. Then two mothers come to court. About 8 minutes. 1 Kings 3:3–28
• Elijah and the WidowA widow has one handful of flour left. God makes it last. About 9 minutes. 1 Kings 17
• Elijah on Mount CarmelFire falls on the mountain. Then God comes quietly to a tired prophet. About 24 minutes. 1 Kings 18:17 to 19:18
• Elijah Goes Up to HeavenElisha won’t leave his teacher. A chariot of fire takes Elijah away. About 9 minutes. 2 Kings 2:1–15
• Naaman Is HealedA proud general is told to wash in a muddy river. He almost walks away. About 9 minutes. 2 Kings 5:1–19
• Ezra Reads the LawThe people weep when they hear God’s word. Then: “The joy of the LORD is your strength.” About 7 minutes. Nehemiah 8:1–12
• EstherA plan to destroy a whole people. A queen who is afraid. About 25 minutes. Esther 2 to 8
• JobA good man loses everything, cries out to God, and holds on: “My Redeemer lives.” About 10 minutes. Job 1–2; 19; 38; 42
• Psalm 23A shepherd sings about his own Shepherd. God stays with him in the darkest valley. About 15 minutes. Psalm 23
• Wisdom Calls OutWisdom calls out at the crossroads. She was there when God made the world. About 7 minutes. Proverbs 8:1–4, 22–31; 9:1–6
• Chasing the Wind“Everything is futile!” The Teacher tried everything, then found a gift. About 9 minutes. Ecclesiastes 1:1–14; 2:18–26
• Swords into PlowsharesAll nations stream to God, and weapons become farm tools. About 8 minutes. Isaiah 2:1–5
• Isaiah Sees the Lord“Holy, holy, holy.” A burning coal, a forgiven man, and “Here am I. Send me!” About 8 minutes. Isaiah 6
• ImmanuelA frightened king won’t ask God for a sign. God gives one anyway: Immanuel. About 7 minutes. Isaiah 7:1–16
• A Child Is BornPeople in darkness see a great light. God’s answer is a child: Prince of Peace. About 10 minutes. Isaiah 9:1–7
• The Shoot of JesseFrom a dead stump, a new King. The wolf lives with the lamb. About 8 minutes. Isaiah 11:1–10
• The Desert Will Bloom“Be strong, do not fear!” The desert blooms, and the blind see. About 8 minutes. Isaiah 35
• Isaiah 40God’s people are far from home and sure God has forgotten them. God’s first word to them is “Comfort.” About 22 minutes. Isaiah 40
• A Light to the NationsA gentle servant who won’t break a bruised reed. “I will not forget you.” About 10 minutes. Isaiah 42:1–9; 49:1–16
• I Have Called You by Name“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you. You are Mine.” About 9 minutes. Isaiah 43
• The Suffering ServantDespised, rejected, pierced for others. “By His stripes we are healed.” About 11 minutes. Isaiah 50:4–9; 52:13–53:12
• Come to the WatersA free feast for the thirsty. God’s word never returns empty. About 8 minutes. Isaiah 55
• The Fast God ChoosesGod’s people fast and complain. God says: set people free and share your bread. About 9 minutes. Isaiah 58
• Arise, Shine“Arise, shine, for your light has come.” Nations bring gold and frankincense. About 8 minutes. Isaiah 60:1–6
• Good News to the PoorGood news to the poor, a crown of beauty for ashes. Jesus read it aloud in Nazareth. About 8 minutes. Isaiah 61:1–62:3
• Tear Open the Heavens“Tear open the heavens and come down!” An honest prayer for Advent. About 7 minutes. Isaiah 63:7–9; 64:1–9
• God Calls Jeremiah“I am only a child,” Jeremiah says. God says, “I am with you.” About 8 minutes. Jeremiah 1:4–10
• The Righteous BranchBad shepherds scatter the flock. God promises a King called “The LORD Our Righteousness.” About 8 minutes. Jeremiah 23:1–6; 33:14–16
• A New CovenantAn everlasting love, and a promise written on hearts: “I will remember their sins no more.” About 8 minutes. Jeremiah 31
• I Will Shepherd My SheepThe shepherds failed. God says he will look for his sheep himself. About 7 minutes. Ezekiel 34:11–24
• The Valley of Dry BonesA valley full of dry bones. God asks, “Can these bones come to life?” About 9 minutes. Ezekiel 37:1–14
• The Fiery FurnaceThe king says bow or burn. Three friends will not bow. About 19 minutes. Daniel 3
• Daniel in the Lions’ DenPraying is against the law. Daniel prays anyway. About 20 minutes. Daniel 6
• The Son of ManA throne of fire, and one like a son of man coming with the clouds. About 9 minutes. Daniel 7:9–14; 12:1–3
• Let Justice Roll DownA shepherd warns rich people who cheat the poor: “Let justice roll on like a river.” About 9 minutes. Amos 5:6–24; 6:1–7; 7:7–15; 8:4–7
• Jonah and the WhaleA prophet who ran. A city God refused to give up on. About 16 minutes. Jonah 1 to 4
• Out of BethlehemA town too small to notice, and a King from eternity. “He will be our peace.” About 7 minutes. Micah 5:2–5
• Do Justice, Love MercyGod takes his people to court, then tells them what he really wants. About 8 minutes. Micah 6:1–8
• The Righteous Will Live by Faith“How long, O LORD?” A prophet argues with God and learns to trust. About 8 minutes. Habakkuk 1:1–4; 2:1–4; 3:17–19
• God Sings Over YouAfter the warnings, a song: God rejoices over his people with singing. About 8 minutes. Zephaniah 3:14–20

Jesus: his life and teaching

• Joseph’s DreamJoseph plans to leave quietly. An angel says, “Do not be afraid.” About 12 minutes. Matthew 1:18–25
• The Wise MenStrangers follow a star. A troubled king is watching. About 18 minutes. Matthew 2
• The Baptism of JesusJohn says he is not good enough. God speaks from heaven. About 16 minutes. Matthew 3
• Jesus Is TemptedJesus is hungry and alone. The devil offers him three shortcuts. About 10 minutes. Matthew 4:1–11
• The BeatitudesA crowd of sick and hurting people. Jesus tells them where God’s favor rests. About 11 minutes. Matthew 4:23 to 5:12
• Salt and LightJesus names his followers salt and light. Then he says he came to fill out God’s law, not replace it. About 17 minutes. Matthew 5:13–20
• You Have Heard It SaidAnger, faithfulness, honest words. Jesus shows how deep God’s commandments go. About 10 minutes. Matthew 5:21–37
• Love Your EnemiesSomeone hurts you. Jesus says to love them anyway — and to pray for the people who make life hard. About 17 minutes. Matthew 5:38–48
• The Lord’s PrayerJesus teaches his disciples to pray. It starts with “Our Father.” About 18 minutes. Matthew 6:5–15
• Do Not WorryPeople worry about food and clothes. Jesus says, “Look at the birds.” About 18 minutes. Matthew 6:19–34
• Ask, Seek, KnockJesus teaches not to judge others harshly — and then teaches how to pray: ask, seek, knock. About 18 minutes. Matthew 7:1–12
• Jesus Sends Out the TwelveJesus sends twelve ordinary people out, and tells them God counts every hair on their heads. About 11 minutes. Matthew 9:35–10:42
• Are You the One?John the Baptist asks from prison. Jesus answers, and invites the weary to rest. About 11 minutes. Matthew 11:2–30
• Jesus Walks on WaterJesus walks on the sea at night. Peter starts to sink. About 14 minutes. Matthew 14:22–33
• The Faith of the Canaanite WomanAn outsider mother won’t give up. Even a crumb from Jesus is enough. About 8 minutes. Matthew 15:21–28
• When Someone Wrongs YouGo and talk to them, just the two of you. And where two or three gather, Jesus is there. About 8 minutes. Matthew 18:15–20
• Palm SundayThe crowd shouts, “Hosanna!” Then Jesus turns over tables in the temple. About 18 minutes. Matthew 21:1–17
• Practice What You PreachJesus warns about leaders who love to be seen. The greatest is the one who serves. About 8 minutes. Matthew 23:1–12
• GethsemaneJesus is overwhelmed with sorrow. His disciples fall asleep. About 17 minutes. Matthew 26:36–56
• The Great CommissionSome worship. Some doubt. Jesus sends them all, with a promise. About 9 minutes. Matthew 28:16–20
• Jesus Heals in CapernaumAn evil spirit shouts in the synagogue. By evening, the whole town is at the door. About 11 minutes. Mark 1:21–39
• Jesus Heals a Man with LeprosyNobody would touch him. Jesus reached out his hand. About 8 minutes. Mark 1:40–45
• Jesus Heals the Paralyzed ManThe house is full. Four men open the roof. About 16 minutes. Mark 2:1–12
• Lord of the SabbathHungry disciples pick grain on the day of rest. Then Jesus heals a man everyone is watching. About 8 minutes. Mark 2:23–3:6
• Jesus’s True FamilyHis family thinks he’s lost his mind. Jesus looks at the crowd and calls them family. About 8 minutes. Mark 3:20–35
• Jesus Calms the StormThe boat is sinking. Jesus is asleep. About 11 minutes. Mark 4:35–41
• Jairus’s DaughterA father’s little girl is dying. On the way, a sick woman touches Jesus. About 18 minutes. Mark 5:21–43
• The Death of John the BaptistJohn tells a king the truth. The king makes a foolish promise at his birthday party. About 8 minutes. Mark 6:14–29
• What Comes From the HeartThe leaders complain about unwashed hands. Jesus says the trouble is in the heart. About 7 minutes. Mark 7:1–23
• Peter Says Who Jesus IsJesus asks who people say he is. Peter gets it right, then gets it wrong. About 13 minutes. Mark 8:27 to 9:1
• The TransfigurationJesus shines on a mountain. A voice from a cloud says, “Listen to Him!” About 11 minutes. Mark 9:2–13
• Who Is the Greatest?The disciples argue about who’s greatest. Jesus picks up a child. About 9 minutes. Mark 9:30–37; 10:35–45
• Whoever Is Not Against UsThe disciples try to stop a stranger doing good in Jesus’s name. Jesus says, “Do not stop him.” About 8 minutes. Mark 9:38–50
• Jesus Blesses the ChildrenThe disciples try to send the children away. Jesus takes them in his arms. About 9 minutes. Mark 10:13–16
• The Rich Young ManA man asks what he must do. Jesus loves him, and tells him one thing he lacks. About 10 minutes. Mark 10:17–31
• Blind BartimaeusThe crowd tells a blind beggar to be quiet. He shouts louder, and Jesus stops. About 9 minutes. Mark 10:46–52
• The Greatest CommandmentA teacher asks which commandment matters most. Jesus gives him two. About 8 minutes. Mark 12:28–34
• The Widow’s OfferingRich people give large gifts. A poor widow gives two tiny coins, and Jesus notices. About 8 minutes. Mark 12:38–44
• Jesus Speaks About the EndWars, earthquakes, a fig tree. Jesus says: don’t be alarmed, keep watch. About 13 minutes. Mark 13
• The Angel Visits MaryAn angel brings Mary surprising news. She sings about a God who lifts the lowly. About 17 minutes. Luke 1:26–56
• The Birth of JesusA king born in a feeding box. The news goes first to shepherds. About 10 minutes. Luke 2:1–21
• Jesus Is Presented at the TempleAn old man and a very old widow have waited all their lives. Then a baby is carried in. About 11 minutes. Luke 2:22–40
• The Boy Jesus at the TempleTwelve-year-old Jesus goes missing for three days. His parents find him in his Father’s house. About 8 minutes. Luke 2:41–52
• Jesus Is Rejected at NazarethJesus reads Isaiah in his hometown and says, “Today.” By the end, they want him gone. About 9 minutes. Luke 4:14–30
• Jesus Calls the FishermenThey fished all night and caught nothing. Jesus says to try again. About 12 minutes. Luke 5:1–11
• The Faith of the CenturionA Roman officer tells Jesus he doesn’t need to come. “Just say the word.” About 8 minutes. Luke 7:1–10
• The Widow of NainA widow is burying her only son. Nobody asks Jesus for help. He stops the funeral. About 6 minutes. Luke 7:11–17
• The Man Among the TombsNo chains could hold him. Jesus crosses a lake to set him free. About 8 minutes. Luke 8:26–39
• Jesus Sets Out for JerusalemJames and John want fire from heaven. Three people want to follow, but not yet. About 7 minutes. Luke 9:51–62
• Mary and MarthaMartha is busy and upset. Mary sits and listens. About 9 minutes. Luke 10:38–42
• Fire on the EarthSome of Jesus’s hardest words, about fire, division and reading the times. About 10 minutes. Luke 12:49–59
• Jesus Heals a Bent-Over WomanEighteen years bent over at the back of the room. Jesus calls her forward. About 7 minutes. Luke 13:10–17
• The Lowest SeatGuests grab the best seats at dinner. Jesus says to take the lowest one. About 8 minutes. Luke 14:1–14
• Jesus Heals Ten LepersTen men are healed on the road. Only one comes back. About 9 minutes. Luke 17:11–19
• ZacchaeusA tax collector climbs a tree to see Jesus. Jesus calls him by name. About 8 minutes. Luke 19:1–10
• Give to CaesarA trap with a coin, a trick question about seven brothers, and two answers no one expected. About 9 minutes. Luke 20:20–40
• The Last SupperJesus shares one last meal with his disciples. He gives them bread and a cup, “for you.” About 20 minutes. Luke 22:7–34
• Peter Denies JesusPeter says he does not know Jesus. Then the rooster crows. About 14 minutes. Luke 22:54–62
• Jesus Before PilatePilate finds no crime. Barabbas goes free instead. About 19 minutes. Luke 22:63 to 23:25
• The CrucifixionJesus is nailed to a cross. He prays for the people hurting him. About 14 minutes. Luke 23:26–56
• The ResurrectionThe women bring spices to the tomb. Jesus is not there. About 10 minutes. Luke 24:1–12
• The Road to EmmausTwo friends walk away sad. A stranger walks with them. About 15 minutes. Luke 24:13–35
• Jesus Appears to the DisciplesJesus stands among his frightened friends, shows his hands, and eats a piece of fish. About 9 minutes. Luke 24:36–53
• The Word Became FleshBefore anything was made, the Word was with God. Then the Word became a human being. About 16 minutes. John 1:1–18
• The First DisciplesJesus asks, “What do you want?” A doubter finds out Jesus already knows him. About 11 minutes. John 1:35–51
• Water into WineThe wedding runs out of wine. Jesus fills six jars. About 13 minutes. John 2:1–11
• Jesus Clears the TempleThe temple courts are a marketplace. Jesus turns the tables over. About 10 minutes. John 2:13–22
• NicodemusA teacher comes to Jesus at night. Jesus talks about a new birth. About 16 minutes. John 3:1–21
• The Woman at the WellJesus is tired and thirsty. A Samaritan woman comes to the well. About 18 minutes. John 4:1–42
• Jesus Feeds the 5,000The crowd is huge. The lunch is tiny. About 14 minutes. John 6:1–15
• The Bread of LifeThe crowd wants more bread. Jesus offers them himself. About 12 minutes. John 6:22–71
• Jesus Heals a Man Born BlindEveryone asks whose fault it is. Jesus opens the man’s eyes. About 13 minutes. John 9
• The Good ShepherdA thief climbs in. A hired hand runs away. The good shepherd stays. About 13 minutes. John 10:1–30
• Jesus Raises LazarusJesus’s friend has died. Jesus cries, then calls him out of the tomb. About 18 minutes. John 11:1–44
• Mary Anoints JesusMary pours a year’s wages of perfume on Jesus’s feet. Judas calls it a waste. About 8 minutes. John 12:1–8
• The Grain of Wheat“We want to see Jesus.” Jesus says a seed has to die to bear fruit. About 8 minutes. John 12:20–36
• Jesus Washes the Disciples’ FeetThe night before he dies, Jesus picks up a towel and kneels at his friends’ feet. About 12 minutes. John 13:1–35
• I Am the WayFrightened friends ask the way. Jesus says, “I am the way.” About 13 minutes. John 14
• The Vine and the BranchesA vine, branches and fruit. Jesus says, “Remain in Me.” About 11 minutes. John 15:1–17
• The Spirit of TruthJesus is leaving, and says it’s for their good. The Helper is coming. About 12 minutes. John 15:18–16:15
• Jesus Prays for His FollowersOn his last night, Jesus prays out loud for his friends, and for you. About 11 minutes. John 17
• Mary Magdalene Sees JesusMary cries outside the empty tomb. Then someone says her name. About 16 minutes. John 20:1–18
• Doubting ThomasThomas missed seeing Jesus alive. A week later, Jesus comes back for him. About 15 minutes. John 20:19–31
• Jesus Restores PeterPeter had denied Jesus three times. Jesus makes him breakfast. About 17 minutes. John 21:1–19

The parables

• The parable of the Wise and Foolish BuildersTwo houses, one on rock and one on sand. The same storm hits both. Matthew 7:24–27
• The parable of the Weeds Among the WheatAn enemy sows weeds in the wheat. Both grow until harvest. About 2 minutes. Matthew 13:24–30
• The parable of the Hidden TreasureA man finds treasure in a field and sells everything to buy it. About 2 minutes. Matthew 13:44
• The parable of the Pearl of Great PriceA merchant sells everything he owns to buy one perfect pearl. About 2 minutes. Matthew 13:45–46
• The parable of the DragnetA net catches every kind of fish. The sorting comes at the end. About 2 minutes. Matthew 13:47–50
• The parable of the Unforgiving ServantForgiven a huge debt, he jails a man who owes him a little. About 3 minutes. Matthew 18:21–35
• The parable of the Workers in the VineyardEarly workers and last-hour workers get the same pay. About 3 minutes. Matthew 20:1–16
• The parable of the Two SonsOne son says no, then works. The other says yes, and doesn’t. About 2 minutes. Matthew 21:28–32
• The parable of the Wedding FeastA king’s wedding guests refuse, so he invites everyone. About 2 minutes. Matthew 22:1–14
• The parable of the Faithful and Wise ServantA servant is left in charge. Will he feed the house or abuse it? About 2 minutes. Matthew 24:45–51
• The parable of the Ten VirginsTen wait for a bridegroom. Only five brought extra oil. About 2 minutes. Matthew 25:1–13
• The parable of the TalentsThree servants are given money to manage. Two invest it. One buries his in the ground. Matthew 25:14–30
• The parable of the Sheep and the GoatsNations are divided by what they did for the hungry, the sick, the imprisoned. Matthew 25:31–46
• The parable of New Wine in Old WineskinsYou don’t pour new wine into old, brittle wineskins. About 2 minutes. Mark 2:21–22
• The parable of the SowerSeed falls on a path, on rock, among thorns, and on good soil. Only one yields. Mark 4:1–20
• The parable of the Lamp Under a BowlNobody lights a lamp and hides it. Lamps go on stands. About 2 minutes. Mark 4:21–25
• The parable of the Growing SeedA farmer sleeps and wakes while the seed grows on its own. About 2 minutes. Mark 4:26–29
• The parable of the Mustard SeedThe smallest seed grows big enough for birds to nest in. About 2 minutes. Mark 4:30–32
• The parable of the Wicked TenantsTenants beat the owner’s servants, then kill his son. About 2 minutes. Mark 12:1–12
• The parable of the Two DebtorsTwo people are forgiven their debts. Who will love more? About 2 minutes. Luke 7:41–43
• The parable of the Good SamaritanA man is beaten and left on the road. Two religious men pass by. A foreigner stops. Luke 10:25–37
• The parable of the Friend at MidnightA man knocks at midnight for bread and will not go away. About 2 minutes. Luke 11:5–8
• The parable of the Rich FoolA man builds bigger barns for his crop, and dies that night. About 2 minutes. Luke 12:16–21
• The parable of the Watchful ServantsServants keep their lamps lit, waiting for their master. About 2 minutes. Luke 12:35–40
• The parable of the Barren Fig TreeA tree bears no fruit. The gardener asks for one more year. About 2 minutes. Luke 13:6–9
• The parable of the YeastA little yeast works its way through a whole batch of flour. About 2 minutes. Luke 13:20–21
• The parable of the Great BanquetThe invited guests make excuses, so the host invites strangers. About 2 minutes. Luke 14:15–24
• The parable of Counting the CostA tower with no budget. A king at war, outnumbered. About 2 minutes. Luke 14:28–33
• The parable of the Lost SheepA shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep to go find the one that wandered off. Luke 15:3–7
• The parable of the Lost CoinA woman sweeps the whole house until she finds one lost coin. About 2 minutes. Luke 15:8–10
• The parable of the Prodigal SonA son takes his inheritance early, spends it all, and comes home expecting to be a servant. Luke 15:11–32
• The parable of the Shrewd ManagerA manager about to be fired cuts debts to make friends. About 3 minutes. Luke 16:1–13
• The parable of the Rich Man and LazarusA rich man feasts while a beggar starves at his gate. About 3 minutes. Luke 16:19–31
• The parable of the Unworthy ServantsA servant doing his job doesn’t expect thanks for it. About 2 minutes. Luke 17:7–10
• The parable of the Persistent WidowA widow keeps asking an unjust judge until he gives in. About 2 minutes. Luke 18:1–8
• The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax CollectorTwo men pray. One lists his virtues. One asks for mercy. About 2 minutes. Luke 18:9–14
• The parable of the Ten MinasA man about to be made king leaves money with ten servants. About 3 minutes. Luke 19:11–27

The early church and Paul’s letters

• Jesus Goes Up to HeavenA cloud hides Jesus. Two men in white say, “He will come back.” About 9 minutes. Acts 1
• PentecostWind, fire, and a crowd that hears in its own language. About 16 minutes. Acts 2
• Peter and John Heal a Lame Man“Silver or gold I do not have.” A man who never walked starts leaping. About 8 minutes. Acts 3:1–4:35
• We Must Obey GodAn angel opens the jail. The apostles go right back to preaching. About 8 minutes. Acts 5:12–42
• StephenChosen to serve, falsely accused, and forgiving to the end. About 7 minutes. Acts 6–7
• Philip and the EthiopianA traveler reading Isaiah asks, “Who is this about?” Then: “Here is water!” About 8 minutes. Acts 8:26–40
• Saul on the Road to DamascusSaul is hunting Jesus’s followers. Jesus stops him on the road. About 20 minutes. Acts 9:1–31
• Peter Raises TabithaThe widows show Peter the clothes their friend made. “Tabitha, get up!” About 7 minutes. Acts 9:32–43
• Peter and CorneliusA sheet full of animals sends Peter to a Roman soldier’s house. The Spirit falls. About 10 minutes. Acts 10
• Paul and Silas in PrisonPaul and Silas are beaten and locked in the stocks. At midnight they are singing, and the whole prison is listening. About 19 minutes. Acts 16:6–40
• Paul in AthensA famous city of thinkers has an altar to a god no one knows. Paul tells them who he is. About 14 minutes. Acts 17:16–34
• The ShipwreckFor two weeks a storm drives the ship, and everyone gives up hope. The prisoner on board is the one who tells them to take courage. About 18 minutes. Acts 27:1 to 28:16
• The Love ChapterA church is divided and arguing about spiritual gifts. Paul shows them a better way. About 17 minutes. 1 Corinthians 13
• Philippians 1Paul is in chains, and some people are working against him. He says it has all helped the good news spread. About 16 minutes. Philippians 1
• Philippians 2A church is starting to compete with itself. Paul points them to Jesus, who gave up everything. About 13 minutes. Philippians 2
• Philippians 3Paul had every reason to be proud of his record. He calls it all rubbish next to knowing Christ. About 13 minutes. Philippians 3
• Philippians 4Paul is in chains when he writes, “Rejoice in the Lord always.” Then he tells them what to do with worry. About 13 minutes. Philippians 4