The Lord Often Taught with Parables

The Lord Often Taught with Parables

Parables: In My Own Words

 (1) Parables are used to teach us according to our understanding and our faith. Each person who hears a gospel parable will gleam something different than their neighbor. As ones faith increases, so does their understanding and thus each time we hear the parable a new and deeper meaning is realized.

(2) Parable is a Greek word, which means to compare things side by side. In the gospel, parables reveal divine certainties. Parables are short stories with a moral lesson.

(3) In order to understand a parable, one must know the context and setting it was originally presented. When one knows these things, they can begin to distinguish between the interpretations of a parable, versus the application of a parable. You can apply a parable to any circumstance but to gain the original meaning or interpretation, you should know to where, when and to who it was originally address.

Additional rules are: (A) don’t impose forced meaning to secondary incidents. (B) Don’t draw parallel parables based on worldly things. (C) Keep in mind that some parables have double meanings, pay close attention to the wording and context. (D) When you share a parable, don’t add unnecessary emphasis on things that pull the attention away from the main line of teaching.

The following is a list of questions that can be answered with gospel parables.

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

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

·         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? See the parables of the mustard seed and the leaven (Matthew 13:31-50)

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

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

Real Application:

·         Considering the parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (see Matthew 13:44-46), I know that I would be willing to sacrifice all that I have to obtain the treasure of gospel in order to have eternal life in heaven with my family. Perception is reality and having gained a testimony of the true gospel, I don’t feel that the things I have given up are really sacrifices at all. I have forsaken my sins and past life, to lay hold of God’s word. I have turned down career opportunities, given up recreational time to myself to serve the Lord and build his kingdom. I give of myself freely to know him and I believe I have been rewarded greatly for it.

Dissect the Parable:                                                     

·         (Q)What does the net represent in the parable of the net cast into the sea? (See Matthew 13:47). (A) The net is the gospel as it is sent forth into the entire world by those that would head the word of a living prophet and hasten the work of salvation. (Q)What does it mean to be gathered into the net? (A)This is in reference to the gathering of Israel upon Christ return. (Q) What is represented by the action of gathering the good into vessels and casting the bad away? (See Matthew 13:48-50). (A) This is in reference to the final judgment. Those that have been good and faithful servants will find themselves counted amongst Christ sheep.