Parables

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 used to illustrate a principle or moral in a way that everyone can understand as long as they are ready.

 

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.

  

   ~What describes the future growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

                The parables of the mustard seed and the leaven bread

   ~Why does the Church send out so many missionaries?

                The parable of the treasure and the pearl of great price because the gospel is worth more than anything on earth, and we want to share it with everyone.

   ~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 parable of the mustard seed and the leaven because it grew from something small into something very large.

   ~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

   ~Why do some Church members choose to leave the Church?

The 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 want to say I would be willing to give up my life. I don’t know if I would be able to make that decision in a situation where I have to choose between my life and the gospel. I have given up time and energy for the gospel.

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. I think that being gathered into the net is like dying and going to the spirit world. Everyone goes there. The gathering of the good and casting the bad away is the final judgment, where the righteous are separated from the wicked.