Learning Eternal Truths from the Parables

 Luke 16:1-12; 19-31; 17:11-19; 18:1-14 Parables and Accounts that Teach Eternal Truths

There are certain parables that I have studied in my life that really stand out to me. This week I had the privilege to study parables the that were less familiar to me. The principles didn't stand out to me right away so I needed to read the student manual, words of the prophets to gain greater insight and learn what the Lord wanted me to know.

This week the assignment was to study the parables and accounts with the accompanying commentary from the institute student manual and describe what we feel is the major principle the Lord wants us to understand from each of the parables.

Luke 16: 1-12 The Parable of the Unjust Steward

Calgary Alberta Temple

This parable discusses the importance of preparing for our eternal future. We may put great effort towards the type of life we live here in our mortal life, yet how much do we prepare for our life afterward where we want to live with our Heavenly Father and our families forever? This parable teaches the importance to prepare for eternal life. If we want eternal life, then we need to prepare for eternal life while on earth. The New Testament teacher’s manual states, “If we are wise, we will make provision for our eternal future.”

           “This parable does not encourage us to be dishonest or to cheat others in any way; rather, it                   encourages us to prepare for our eternal future with the same energy and effort as this steward             prepared for his temporal future. If even an unscrupulous steward will prepare for his future, 
             the Saints should be willing to prepare for eternity.” New Testament Teacher Manual

Luke 16:19-31 The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

What do we learn about the Spirit World from this parable?

In the parable “Abraham’s bosom” refers to paradise and “hell” is spirit prison. Before the death of Christ, there was no way for spirits to move from “one place or condition to the other.” New Testament manual

Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, Jesus makes it possible for those in spirit prison to be taught the gospel of Jesus Christ and repent. The Atonement bridges the gap between spirit prison and paradise. Those who accept the gospel of Jesus Christ and repent may be permitted into paradise. The Savior has atoned for all and removes those trapped in spiritual darkness to receive the fullness of the gospel and live with Him again. “Our circumstances in the next life depend upon how we receive the Lord and His servants in this life.” New Testament Manual

If we accept the gospel of Jesus Christ, receive the Lord’s servants, keep God’s commandments and use the Atonement in our life, then we will be able to live with God again.

President Joseph F. Smith (1838–1918) clarified that before spirits can be released from spirit prison, they must hear the gospel and accept it and the saving ordinances must be performed for them: “In relation to the deliverance of spirits from their prison house, of course, we believe that can only be done after the gospel has been preached to them in the spirit, and they have accepted the same, and the work necessary to their redemption by the living be done for them” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith [1998], 413–14).

Luke 17:11-19, Parable of the Ten Lepers

Why were the Ten Lepers to show themselves to the Priests? And Were not Ten Cleansed?

The 10 lepers saw the Savior and asked for mercy. Jesus told them to go show themselves to the priests. They did as they were asked to do and were cleansed because of their obedience. However, only one of the lepers that were cleansed returned to the Lord to give thanks and because of the lepers faith and gratitude was made whole. Bishop Batemen comments on the difference between the thankful leper and the unthankful lepers.

“Although all ten lepers in this account were “cleansed,” only the Samaritan man who returned was made “whole” (Luke 17:14, 19). Bishop Merrill J. Bateman, while serving as Presiding Bishop, taught: “In becoming a whole person, the grateful leper was healed inside as well as on the outside. That day nine lepers were healed skin deep, but only one had the faith to be made whole” (“The Power to Heal from Within,” Ensign, May 1995, 14).”

If we are thankful in all things, then the Lord will bless us and we will become whole.

Luke 18:1-8 The Parable of the Unjust Judge

Why did the Lord give the parable of the unjust judge?

The Lord gives us the parable of the unjust judge to teach us to never stop praying and to “pray and not to faint.”

“The Greek word translated as “to faint” means to become discouraged or weary or to tire of something. In the parable, praying without giving up is represented by a widow who repeatedly appeals to a judge to remedy an injustice. There have been times when I feel tired and I casually forget to say my prayers. The Lord teaches us in this parable to be diligent in our prayers. If we are going through difficult times do not give up praying. Show the Lord you can endure and pray through it.

I found Elder Holland’s  quote below comforting:

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught: “When lonely, cold, hard times come, we have to endure, we have to continue, we have to persist. That was the Savior’s message in the parable of the importuning widow. … Keep knocking on that door. Keep pleading. In the meantime, know that God hears your cries and knows your distress. He is your Father, and you are His child” (“Lessons from Liberty Jail,” Ensign, Sept. 2009, 30). Perseverance is rooted in the foundational gospel principles of faith and hope. Perseverance reflects our faith that our actions will bring the Lord’s blessings into our lives.”

Luke 18:9-14 The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican

Why did the Lord give the parable of the Pharisee and the publican?

The Lord gives this parable to us to show the importance of living in humility. The Pharisee trusted in himself and in his own feeling of himself. The publican felt like a sinner. The Pharisee spoke of himself often. This parable show us to rely upon the Lord and not our own abilities and attitudes. This parable is a warning for us to humble ourselves and watch how we feel about others.

“The Savior stated the moral of the parable in terms of pride and humility: “For every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 18:14; see also D&C 52:15).” New Testament Student Manual

“Could there be greater contrast in the prayers of the two men? The Pharisee stood apart because he believed he was better than other men, whom he considered as common. The publican stood apart also, but it was because he felt himself unworthy. The Pharisee thought of no one other than himself and regarded everyone else a sinner, whereas the publican thought of everyone else as righteous as compared with himself, a sinner. The Pharisee asked nothing of God, but relied upon his own self-righteousness. The publican appealed to God for mercy and forgiveness of his sins.

“Continuing the story, Jesus then said: ‘I tell you, this man,’ referring to the publican, the despised tax collector, ‘went down to his house justified, rather than the other.’ (Luke 18:14.) In other words, the Lord said he was absolved, forgiven, or vindicated. …

“Humility is an attribute of godliness possessed by true Saints. It is easy to understand why a proud man fails. He is content to rely upon himself only. … The proud man shuts himself off from God, and when he does he no longer lives in the light. …

“… History bears record that those who have exalted themselves have been abased, but the humble have been exalted. On every busy street there are Pharisees and publicans. It may be that one of them bears our name” (“The Pharisee and the Publican,” Ensign, May 1984, 65–66).