Final answer:
A parable is a fictional story with a moral lesson, while a sermon is a direct religious speech or discourse.
Step-by-step explanation:
A parable is a short story or narrative that uses fictional characters and events to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. It typically involves symbolism and metaphor to convey its message. A sermon, on the other hand, is a speech or discourse delivered by a religious leader or preacher, usually in a religious setting. It is intended to provide religious instruction, guidance, or inspiration to the audience. While both parables and sermons may convey moral or spiritual teachings, the key difference is that parables use storytelling techniques, while sermons are more direct and didactic.