Parables

According to the Bible Dictionary, the Parable conveys to the hearer religious truth exactly in proportion to his faith and intelligence. 

To me, this is another example of how much Christ loves us. He wants us to seek Him for further understanding. By teaching us through parables we can increase our learning if we seek Him. Jesus Christ loves us and as we seek Him we learn of Him and His teachings. We build our relationship with Christ. This week we learned about parables and I have posted the assignment with my thoughts and invite you to study for yourself that you may be taught by the spirit.

Choice 2: Matthew 13: 24-48. The Lord Often Taught with Parables

1.     In the Bible Dictionary read the first three paragraphs under the entry “Parables” (pgs. 740-41). In your own words, write a definition of a parable.

A parable is a spiritual analogy to covey truth. To comprehend the true meaning, it requires the hearer to seek understanding by faith.

2.    Read the following parables: parable of the tares (Matthew 13:24-30); parables of the mustard seed and the leaven (Matthew 13:31-33); parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44-46); parable of the gospel net (Matthew 13:47-50). Next to each of the following questions write the name of the parable that best answers that question.

o       What describes the future growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? parables of the mustard seed and the leaven (Matthew 13:31-33)

o       Why does the Church send out so many missionaries? parable of the gospel net (Matthew 13:47-50)

o       How do you explain the remarkable growth of the Church, considering that it is fairly new compared to most world religions and started small in the American frontier? parables of the mustard seed and the leaven (Matthew 13:31-33)

​o       Why are some members of the Church willing to sacrifice so much worldly wealth and recognition in order to maintain membership in the Church? parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44-46)

o       Why do some Church members choose to leave the Church? parable of the tares (Matthew 13:24-30

3.    Write answers to the following questions:

o       Considering the parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (see Matthew 13:44-46), what sacrifices would you be willing to make to obtain the treasure of the gospel? What sacrifices have you or those you know already made for the gospel?

 I am willing to make any sacrifice necessary to obtain the treasure of the gospel. This sounds easy but I need the guidance of the spirit to help me improve my choices so that I am consistently choosing the best choice. At the time I felt like I sacrificed a fun life. Now I see that what I thought was a sacrifice was a choice necessary for me to receive the blessings and companionship of the Holy Ghost in my life. I am willing to offer my time, testimony and all I am and have to assist the Lord in His work.

·      What does the net represent in the parable of the net cast into the sea? (See Matthew 13:47). What does it mean to be gathered into the net? What is represented by the action of gathering the good into vessels and casting the bad away? (See Matthew 13:48-50).

To me the net represents the Missionaries (servants) carrying the word of God to the people. To be gathered into the net is teaching all people the gospel of Jesus Christ. The action of gathering the good vessels might be; those who accept Christ as their Savior and want to follow Him the covenant people. The casting the bad away might be those who are unwilling to follow Christ and accept Him as the Savior, unrepentant.

If you would like to strengthen your faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ, you may want to view these bible videos https://www.lds.org/bible-videos/?lang=eng