This assignment was to read the parables and write what I felt the Lord wanted me to learn. I used the LDS scriptures, "The Book of Mormon Made Easier", the Bible dictionary, and The Life and Teachings of Jesus & his Apostles" as my references.
The Parable of the Unjust Servant
After reading this parable several times I am still
uncertain. One suggestion of the meaning is to be honest in our financial
dealings. In verse ten it suggests if we are faithful in smaller details we
will be faithful also in greater details. The opposite is also true when we are
unjust in small details we are unjust in the greater details. In other words if
we lie a little here and there, we most likely are lying in larger matters too.
It is also interesting to see the unjust
steward scramble to procure friendship in case he gets released from his
position as a steward. He is commended by the rich man for his actions, but it seems
like the message is misleading and looks more like death bed repentance. A
commentary I read explains that business minded people are more worried about
their future here on earth, whereas church members are worried about their
eternal reward instead. This commentary,
“The Book of Mormon Made Easier”, also suggests this parable tells us to be
honest with our money. The author explains that the mammon of unrighteousness
is descriptive of money used dishonestly by people. If we are wise and honest
with money here on earth, it will allow us to enter into heaven, instead of the
opposite if we are dishonest.
The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
The message of this parable is to warn us that now is the
time for us to prepare to meet God. We must be charitable to others. We must
listen to the prophets and follow their counsel. Messengers will not be sent to
scare us into repentance. This parable also teaches that prior to the death of
Jesus Christ those who passed away were either sent to paradise or hell. There
was no opportunity for those in hell to receive the gospel. Lazarus was received
in paradise, whereas the rich man was not. With the visit of Jesus to spirit
prison, the prison doors were opened so that the preaching of the gospel could
take place beyond the veil. Those being taught are those that would have
embraced the gospel on earth but did not have the opportunity. Now they can repent,
accept ordinances performed vicariously, and enjoy eternal life.
Ten Lepers Healed, One Gives Thanks
This parable underlines the importance of giving thanks.
Jesus healed 10 lepers, but only one returns to give thanks. In primary last
Sunday, Sharing Time was on gratitude. The children could easily tell what we
should be grateful for, but were a little stumped when asked how we show our
gratitude. After seeing the kids in my primary and reading this I believe when
teaching gratitude the ‘how to be grateful’ part is a learned skill and needs
more emphasis. Then after reading the
Bible definition of leprosy, I had the thought that our sins could be likened
to leprosy just like walls are called leprous. I picture myself mottled like
mildew, an outward sign of my sins. Thus, l have leprosy (have sinned). I need
to be healed. I can be healed by the Savior through repentance. I owe him my gratitude
for healing me.
The Parable of the Unjust Judge
This parable reminds us to keep praying, even when we don’t
receive the answer immediately. There are probably numerous reasons all prayers
aren’t answered immediately. The question posed in verse 8 is interesting. It says,
when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith? This makes me wonder if
through waiting for answers to unanswered prayers our true colors are revealed.
We either continue faithful in prayer or give up our faith in frustration.
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican
This parable is an example of pride goeth before the fall.
The example and caution is to be humble. Those who are boastful will encounter
experiences which will teach them humility.
No comments:
Post a Comment