The Lord Often Taught with Parable

Matthew 13: 24-48 

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 that teaches a lesson. In the case of the Saviors parables they revealed the mysteries or secrets to the Kingdom of God.

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.

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

(Matthew 13:31-33)

·                     Why does the Church send out so many missionaries?

(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?

(Matthew 13:31-33)

·                     Why are some members of the Church willing to sacrifice so much worldly wealth and recognition in order to maintain membership in the Church?

(Matthew 13:44-46)

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

(Matthew 13:24-30)

3.    Write answers to the following questions:

•        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 feel like moving to Mexico was a large sacrifice. I don’t get to see my family very often. I struggle learning the language and fitting in with the cultural. I am unable to get good health care which as stopped our progress in having children. Because infertility treatments are unavailable to us. Which makes me questions Gods plan for us. But I know I am supposed to be here so if I don’t have the opportunity to have children in this life then I know it is according to Gods plan. It’s hard to say that because I feel like I am obeying one commandment which is preventing me to obey another.

•                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).

I think the net represents our missionary force or the word of God catching the fish who are receptive to the word. Gathering into the net means gathering those who will come. Gathering into the stakes of Zion. Gathering the elect. Gathering in the good and casting out the bad means bringing in those who what to learn and know God. Those who don’t cast themselves away. But we must never stop casting out the net because we never know when a fish might be ready.