Parables and Accounts That Teach Eternal Truths

Luke 16:1–12, 19–31; 17:11–19; 18:1–14

Study the following parables and accounts along with the accompanying commentary from the institute student manual. Describe in writing what you 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. “The Children of This World Are in Their Generation Wiser Than the Children of Light” (p. 124).

We should learn from the haste of what people do for temporal things and do likewise in reference to acting with haste and preparation towards spiritual matters and our eternal destiny.

·         Luke 16:19–31, the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. “What Do We Learn About the Spirit World from the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus?” (pp. 124–25).

We must be helpful to those in need and give of our substance.  We must listen to our prophets and leaders and change. God will be just in the end.

·         Luke 17:11–19, the ten lepers. “Why Were the Ten Lepers to Show Themselves to the Priests?” and “Were There Not Ten Cleansed?” (p. 130). See also the Bible Dictionary, “Leprosy” (p. 724).

We must be sincere and always give thanks for the blessings we receive from our Father in Heaven. If we are true and diligent in doing so Christ can make us whole in whatever we lack.

·         Luke 18:1–8, the parable of the unjust judge. “Why Did the Lord Give the Parable of the Unjust Judge?” (p. 131).

The Lord expects us to be persistent in our crys to Him. We must not become discouraged or tired of something (especially righteous things or desires.)

·         Luke 18:9–14, the parable of the Pharisee and the publican. “Why Did the Lord Give the Parable of the Pharisee and Publican?” (p. 131).

We must be humble before the Lord and admit our wrongs and sins to Him. We must never think we are better than anyone else; for we are all sinners and all need Christ’s atonement.