The Parable of the Unjust Steward
This parable is confusing to me after reading the student manual and a
commentary. The moral of this parable has to do with preparation for eternal life. The steward is aware he will soon be let go,
so he hurries to collect a portion of debt owed to the rich man. These gestures
developed friendships. This plan provided acquaintance for the hereafter,
whereas money is earthbound and is useless in the hereafter. We learn from this
example that we must be more concerned about our life after this one and less
about building wealth and stock here.
The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
In this parable Lazarus is a poor man; he dies and goes to paradise.
The rich man does not help Lazarus in this life. He dies he goes to hell. From
this we learn that how we treat others will determine our destination after
this life. At the time of this parable paradise and hell are completely separate
with no connection between them. Not until Jesus was crucified and as he lay in
the tomb he visited the spirit world. During this visit he bridged the gap
between hell and paradise. With this gap mended those in hell would be taught
and have the opportunity to receive the gospel and ordinances performed
vicariously. The last part teaches us that people living on earth that reject
the gospel, the scriptures, and prophets do not miraculously become believers
if they are visited by heavenly beings. Lazarus asked that his relatives receive visitation
so they could be scared into repentance. He is told that it won’t work. Those
that reject what is in front of them will reject heavenly help also.
The Parable of the Ten Lepers
This parable has several lessons to learn. The first is to be obedient.
When Jesus told the lepers to go show themselves to the priest as law required,
it teaches us to follow His instructions given through the scriptures and
modern day prophets. After walking a ways the lepers realized they were healed,
only one returned to give thanks. Gratitude is important daily. We must be
grateful to God for all that He provides, all that we are, and we must learn to
be grateful to each other. We show gratitude by the way we speak, act, and
serve. Another lesson from this parable to acceptance of all people. The one
returning leper was a Samaritan and they were enemies of the Jews. Jesus did
not withhold his healing and after his crucifixion his gospel was sent to all.
The Parable of the Unjust Judge
This parable suggests that we should not weary of praying, regardless
of the time it takes to receive answer to our prayers. We are cautioned in the
student manual explanation to not compare God with the unjust judge. Heavenly Father
is not unjust and does not answer our prayers when we become annoying. We are
encouraged to continue to pray always and not become weary in prayer.
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican
This parable warns us against puffing ourselves up with pride and treating others as if they are below us. The Pharisee was prideful in himself as he extolled his virtues in his vocal prayer. The publicans were disliked by the Pharisees, but they recognized their faults. This publican begged for mercy as a sinner in his prayer. We are all sinners and must come to the Lord with broken hearts and contrite spirits.
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