Parables

1. In your own words write a definition of a parable. A parable is a way of teaching in which you draw comparisons to inspire a deeper level of study and thought, so as to provide a higher level of significant understanding.

2. Next to each of the following questions write the name of the parable that best answers that question.

What describes the future growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints? Parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44-46)

Why does the Church send out so many missionaries? Parable of the mustard seed and the leaven (Matthew 47-50)

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? Parable of the treasure and the pearl of great price. (Matthew 13:44-46)

Why are some members of the Church willing to sacrifice so much worldly wealth and recognition in order to maintain membership in the Church? Parable of the treasure and the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44-46)

Why do some Church members choose to leave the Church? Parable of the tares (Matthew 13:24-30)

3. Considering the parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44-46), what sacrficies 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? I would be willing to sacrifice my time, talents and finances if necessary for obtaining the treasure of the gospel. I like to think I would be willing to sacrifice all for the sake of the gospel. When thinking of sacrifices others have made for the sake of the gospel, I think of my grandparents who gave up their entire previous lives to join the church and move out west to be near Saints. They gave up their previous habits and traditions. They eventually moved to Canada and being the first members in the area established the gospel. Now there are two strong wards in my home town.

What does the net represent in the parable of the net cast into the sea? (Matthew 13:47) I think that the net represents missionaries and that it is their calling to bring forth those of every kind into the gospel. As members of the church we strive to share the gospel with everyone we know.

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? Matthew  (13-48-50) To be gathered into the net is to be gathered into the church. To learn and become members of the church and accept the gospel. I think the gathering of the good into vessels is the action of baptism. Those who are “good” or worthy to be baptized will be accepted, but until those who are not worthy repent and change their lives they can’t be accepted into the waters of baptism.