Everyone loves and remembers the parables of Jesus. The scenes He paints are so vivid and lifelike that they are deeply embedded in the common store of reference for those who read the Bible. If someone mentions the Good Samaritan, the Pearl of Great Price, or Lazarus and the Rich Man, nearly everyone knows what is being discussed. The parables of Jesus contain insights of wisdom and practical living that are universally applicable. Who would argue against Christ's admonition to grow spiritually through His gifts in the Parable of the Talents? Who could miss the illustration of God the Father's love for even His wayward children in the Parable of the Prodigal Son? What a void there would be in spiritual understanding without the pointed instruction on faith and prayer in the Parable of the Importunate Widow! A parable is a story drawn from human experience that carries a higher spiritual meaning. This is its principal purpose, though it does not exclude its use for other ends. God creates most things with multiple functions, and the various parts of His Word are no exception. Parables often have dual roles of instructing and prophesying, although one may be more apparent. For instance, the Parable of the Fig Tree both teaches a universal principle and prophesies of the coming Kingdom of God. Jesus presents this parable in the midst of signs of His second coming to key us in on their time element, noting that when events are already budding, they signal how close the end is. Other parables, such as those of the Faithful and Evil Servants, the Ten Virgins, the Talents, and the Sheep and the Goats, also carry a future outlook, specifically tied to the return of Christ. The Parable of the Ten Virgins, with its well-known symbols, is perhaps the easiest to understand in a prophetic light. Jesus flatly states that this parable deals with conditions just before His second coming, warning that all of God's people will go to sleep spiritually, but only half will have enough strength to prepare for His return. When He returns, our Savior shuts the door on the other half. The warning is to draw close to God now because we do not know when Christ will come back. Certainly, these parables are timeless in their lessons, but they have their greatest impact in the times they foretell. Undoubtedly, the parables carry prophetic implications.