Parable: Method of teaching used by many, but most exclusively
by Jesus Christ, especially during the Galilean portion of his ministry.
Parables were used as away to teach religious truth, with the amount of
understanding dependent on the faith and intelligence of the listener. To those
not interested in the gospel the stories were meaningless, yet to the spiritual
the stories gave understanding to the mysteries and secrets of the kingdom of
heaven. Those who seek truth will find it buried in the parables.
The origin of the word parable is Greek, meaning side by side or
comparison. Jesus taught gospel principle side by side to material objects that
were common to the people of the time.
There are two aspects for the listener to consider, the
application and the interpretation. When a parable is delivered there is only
one meaning or interpretation of the story. When understanding its true meaning
both context and setting are to be considered. From study of the time,
location, people being taught, the true interpretation can be understood. There
are rules in regard to interpretations of parables. First, the student should
not link subordinate incidents to include the same meaning. Second, do not
apply similar meaning when two stories share similar or parallel information.
Third, the same words used in different parables can be used for different
meanings. The example given is the word leaven which can illustrate the meaning
of good or evil. Fourth, is that the comparison within a parable is not
complete and is used to help understand, but does not affect the meaning of the
parable. The parable is a window to how life is, not necessarily as it should
be, with draws points of doctrine from the example. Last, find and apply the
teaching of the parable rather than focusing and dissecting the story around
it. The study of the parables is
valuable today as the application of the parables continues through every age
and circumstance.
- Parable
tares. Matt 13:24-30: What describes the future
growth of the church.
- Parables
of the mustard seed and the leaven.
Matt 13:31- Remarkable growth
of the church in the future.
- Parables
of the treasure and the pearl of great price. Matt 13:44-46 Why members are willing to sacrifice.
- Parable
of the gospel net. Matt 13:47-50
Why we send out missionaries.
The question is presented, what sacrifices would I make to
obtain the gospel? As a life time member I don’t know. Conversion stories are
so interesting and I am left wondering if I would recognize and receive the
gospel if I had not been born into the gospel. It is easy to say I would give
up family, wealth, or fame, but that would be guessing.
As far as sacrifices in relation to the gospel, there may seem
to be a few of them. There is the
sacrifice of time. This would include temple attendance, church attendance,
preparation for teaching and fulfilling callings. There is monetary sacrifice
of tithes and offerings. I have one older brother that is not actively engaged
and I believe our relationship has been compromised by my activity. I believe
it is on his end. He is uncomfortable around active family members. In
connection with the subject of my brother, there has been no sacrifice too
great when I compare the current state of our lives. I would not want to be in
my brother’s shoes. The yoke offered by Jesus is light to bear. Satan lured my
brother down a dark and dreary path. The gospel is not a sacrifice it is the
plan of happiness.
The net mentioned in Matt 13:47may be the missionary work of the
Church. The net is cast out and gathers in all who will hear. In the end all
who are faithful will be gathered in, but those who fall away and do not abide
the commandments will be cast away.
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