Parables

Matthew 13: 24-48. The Lord Often Taught with Parables

- In the Bible Dictionary we can read about “Parables”. Here is a simplified version of what a parable is.

     

A story that is intended to teach a moral or spiritual lesson. In scriptural terms, Christ used parables to teach truths to those who had enough faith to hear. Those who were not ready to learn didn't find meaning and understanding in parables.

- Read the following parables: parable of the tares (Matthew 13:24-30); parables of the mustard seed and the leaven (Matthew 13:47-50); parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44-46); parable of the gospel net (Matthew 13:47-50). Each of the following questions can be paired with one of these parables.

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

            The mustard seed

Why does the Church send out so many missionaries?
            Net

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?

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

            Treasure and pearl of great price

Why do some Church members choose to leave the Church?
            Wheat and tares

- 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?
     Money
     Career
     Friends
     Immorality
     Things contrary to the Word of Wisdom
     Time

- 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 thought of two different meanings for the parable of the net. The first one has to do with bringing people into the church. We send out missionaries and cast that net. They find all kinds of people, some who are ready to convert, and those who are not ready to accept the gospel. Those who are ready are brought into the vessel, or converted. Those who are not, are cast back and will be caught another time.

     I also thought of it in terms of the second coming. The net is the gospel of Jesus Christ. All those who accept it and are righteous are gathered into that net. They are brought into the vessel and find safety and security within the gospel. Those who are wicked and make no place for the gospel are cast away. They have no place with Christ and they will be lost at the time He comes again.