Parable (noun)

1. A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, typically one of the stories told by Jesus in the Gospels.
2. A brief allegory, often in the form of a story, used to illustrate a moral lesson or religious principle.
3. A succinct story that teaches a moral or spiritual lesson, especially one of those told by Jesus in the New Testament.
4. A fable or allegory that teaches a moral lesson.
5. A story or analogy that teaches a moral lesson, often one of those used in the Bible.

Origin:

Late middle english: from old french, from latin parabola, from greek parabolē "comparison, analogy", from parabolos "thrown alongside, comparison".

Examples:

1. The parable of the Good Samaritan is one of Jesus' most famous parables.
2. The parable of the Prodigal Son is a well-known story that teaches about forgiveness.
3. The parable of the Sower is a story about the different ways people receive the message of the gospel.
4. The parable of the Lost Sheep is a story that teaches about God's love and concern for all people.
5. The parable of the Talents is a story that teaches about the importance of using one's abilities and resources wisely.