Parables and the SFG Chapters

 Kevin Todeschi gave a presentation at the 2025 ARE Congress titled "Our Search for God." In January 2025, Kevin read John 8:12, which said, "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." From this he questioned whether the parables teach the same lessons as A Search for God. He was convinced that they did, so he set about examining them. He lined up 12 parables with 12 SFG lessons for his talk.

Here are 38 parables he lists from the Bible.

Here is how Kevin sees the parables compared to the SFG lessons:

1. The Parable of the Talents - Cooperation
2. The Parable of the Hidden Treasures - Know Thyself
3. The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders - Ideals
4. The Parable of the Mustard Seed - Faith
5. The Parable of the Ten Virgins - Virtue and Understanding
6. The Parable of the Good Samaritan - Fellowship
7. The Parable of the Sower - Patience
8. The Parable of the Friend at Night - The Open Door
9. The "Parable" of the Vine and its Branches (John 15:1-7) - In His Presence
10. The Crown of Life (James 1:12 and Revelation 2:10) - The Cross and the Crown
11. The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats - The Lord Thy God is One
12. The Parable of the Prodigal Son - Love

Here is a summary that Kevin gives for each of the parables he mentions:

• The Parable of the Talents: All individuals need to use the spiritual gifts, personal resources, and talents that have been entrusted to them to the best of their ability (and more will be given), or they face the possibility of a KARMIC response - e.g., suffering and regrets = "weeping and gnashing of teeth."
• The Parable of the Hidden Treasures: The kingdom of God is within you (Luke 17:21). So, within each of us are hidden or overlooked talents, treasures, abilities, and spiritual strengths that are part of the Soul. These are the very strengths which we need to focus upon and cultivate as a means of becoming our true Soul Self.
• The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders: Strive to become the best person you can currently imagine and create a strong spiritual foundation (a "rock" - a spiritual ideal) for yourself and your life, enabling you to become your Best Self, Your Soul Self, Your Christ-like Self.
• The Parable of the Mustard Seed: Faith must be cultivated, nurtured, and shared through your actions and thoughts. Even the tiniest component of faith can grow and expand and provide unimaginable support.
• The Parable of the Ten Virgins: The parable is about the importance of both the awareness and the application of spiritual truths, and remaining aware of your spiritual background so that you can answer the call when needed.
• The Parable of the Good Samaritan: The parable is about the importance of finding Fellowship (creating community) with all individuals, regardless of who or what they are.
• The Parable of the Sower: Yes, the parable shows various levels of faith and receptivity to spiritual principles BUT it also illustrates the importance of patience and perseverance along life's journey, because our efforts will not always be immediate or even successful. Every seed we sow will not reach fruition, but when we are willing to deal with adversity and challenge, keeping focused on the situation at hand, some seeds will sprout and bear fruit.
• The Parable of the Friend at Night: The parable illustrates BOTH how even in the midst of the activities of our daily lives, we are presented with the opportunity to be of service to someone in need, as well as how the Creator will respond to our own needs whenever we call out for help!
• The "Parable" of the Vine and its Branches: This parable suggests that we are connected to the Divine and always in God's presence. Life's experiences often entail being purged and pruned, and those portions of ourself that do not bear fruit must be discarded. However, when we abide in the consciousness of His Presence, all things are possible.
• The Crown of Life: The "Crown of Life" is the reward for those who remain steadfast on their spiritual path, overcoming all of life's trials (karmic and otherwise) becoming a worthy companion of the Creator's in the process.
• The Parable of the Sheep and the Goat: This parable illustrates that fact that God is in EVERYONE, and however we treat another person, we are ultimately treating the Creator in the very same manner.
• The Parable of the Prodigal Son: This parable illustrates God's boundless love and forgiveness, and our ultimate connection to the Divine. It portrays the Journey of each and every Soul, and how God will rush out to meet us even when we are still a long way from home.