1. In the Bible Dictionary read the first three
paragraphs under the entry “Parables” (pp. 740-41). In your own words, write a
definition of a parable.
A parable is a story
with a hidden meaning to teach a principle of God’s commandments.
2. Read the
following parables: parable of the tares (Matthew 13:24-30); parables of the
mustard seed and the leaven (Matthew 13:47-50); 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?
Parable of the
treasure and the pearl of great price
o Why does the
Church send out so many missionaries?
Parable of the
gospel net
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?
The parables of the
mustard seed
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
o Why do some
Church members choose to leave the Church?
Parable of the tares
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 would like to
think I make a lot of sacrifices for the gospel but, by living the gospel, I
feel like I’m not sacrificing anything. I have a temple recommend so I obey the
word of wisdom, law of chastity, the law of tithing, the law of concentration
and do anything else that would keep me worthy of that recommend. As a 19 year
old of today, that’s hard! For me honestly, it’s not a sacrifice. I love the
Lord and I know that the Lord has good reasons for his laws. I’ve seen many
friends, members and nonmembers, who have broken the Lords commandments and
just have this cloud of guilt. I know that it’s not worth it to go through that,
so I don’t see it as a sacrifice. I see it as protection.
o 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).
The net represents
the kingdom of heaven. To be gathered in the net means to be “…righteous and shine
forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father (Mark 13:43).” When it talks
about gathering the good into vessels and casting out the bad, it talks about
our judgments for our doings. We have the freedom to choose for ourselves but,
not the freedom choose our consequences. For that, Heavenly Father cannot let
in no clean thing. He must find the ones who have been true, faithful, and have
planted His word into his heart. We must learn on earth to follow him, repent,
and endure to the end. If we can’t, what makes you think we will do that in
Heavenly Father’s kingdom?
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