1. Define parables in your own words
A parable is a story or a fable that is used to teach or
obscure truth by using characters and objects that carry a hidden, symbolic
meaning. Parables have only one true interpretation—the interpretation intended
at the time that they were given—but can have broad application to a number of
life’s situations and problems.
2. From a group of parables, match the appropriate parable
to the question about the Church
What describes the future growth of The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints? (parable of the mustard seed – Matthew 13:31-32)
Why does the Church send out so many missionaries? (parable
of the tares – Matthew 13:24-30)
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 leaven – Matthew 13:33)
Why are some members of the Church willing to sacrifice so
much worldly wealth and recognition in order to maintain membership in the Church?
(parables of the treasure and of the pearl of great price – Matthew 13:44-46)
Why do some Church members choose to leave the Church? (I
can only guess that the author intended for the answer to be the parable of the
fishing net, but I don’t really see the connection – Matthew 13:47-50)
***quick commentary—I
think that the reader of these questions and answers would be wise to consider
that they are an application of the parables Christ gave, but not necessarily
the interpretation of those parables (see part 1). We have no record of which I
am aware of the Savior saying that his parables had the meanings that are being
assigned to them here. If anyone knows of such a record, feel free to let me
know. I just wanted to make clear that in my opinion, these questions and
answers should be viewed initially as a possible application, not a
hard-and-fast interpretation. What the reader believes as to the parables’
accuracy is their prerogative.***
3. Answer the following questions:
Considering the parables of the treasure and the pearl of
great price, what sacrifices would you be willing to make to obtain the
treasure of the gospel? I think the answer to this question depends on the
understanding of the gospel the person being asked has. If you understand how much
the gospel can do and has done for you, I think you would give anything and
everything to have it, but the less you have learned when it comes to that
question, the less important it is to you. I think I am still not fully sure
about how much I value the gospel, but I know that the best answer is that I
would give anything and everything for it. I hope I can reach a spiritual
understanding and have a spiritual witness of the truth of the gospel such that
I can say that wholeheartedly and with conviction.
What sacrifices have you or those you know already made for
the gospel?
I grew up as a member of the Church, so I haven’t had to
make any more sacrifice than anyone else (paying my tithing, keeping the
Sabbath day holy, etc.), and I can’t think of anyone I know personally who has
had to sacrifice a lot for the gospel (I also grew up in Rexburg, which is a
town dominated by Mormon culture.
What does the net represent in the parable of the net cast
into the sea?
The scriptures say it represents the kingdom of Heaven.
What does it mean to be gathered into the net?
I suppose it means to be a part of the kingdom of Heaven. If
that’s something we can do on Earth, I think that would imply being informed of
the truthfulness of the gospel and following its teachings. Those things are
often accompanied by membership in an organization that recommends (and in some
cases, requires for membership) adherence to those principles.
What is represented by the action of gathering the good into
vessels and casting the bad away?
I’m not sure. It’s my personal opinion, though, that people
generally tend to filter themselves into groups that match their interests. If
someone doesn’t like the gospel or Christ or religion, then they don’t
participate in any of those things. I guess only God has the right to say who
is bad and who isn’t as far as who falls into which group.
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