Parables and Accounts That Teach Eternal Truths

Luke 16:1–12, 19–31; 17:11–19; 18:1–14. 

• Luke 16:1–12, the parable of the unjust steward. “The Children of This World Are in Their Generation Wiser Than the Children of Light” (pg. 124).

In this parable we learn that you should use your wealth to ensure your friends hereafter. We should be diligent, because the day in which we can use our earthly riches will pass. We are to take a lesson even from the dishonest and evil; in providing for our future.

• Luke 16:19–31, the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. “What Do We Learn About the Spirit World from the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus?” (pgs. 124–25).

In this parable we learn that in the postmortal world there is a paradise, or place of rest, and a hell, or place of torment. There was also a gulf between the two which made it impossible for social exchanges between the two prior to the resurrection of Christ. The Savior’s visit to the spirit world bridged the gulf, making it possible for the spirits in the spirit prison to receive the gospel from authorized missionaries. They are also allowed to repent and accept the gospel, with their work done vicariously in the temples.

• Luke 17:11–19, the ten lepers. “Why Were the Ten Lepers to Show Themselves to the Priests?” and “Were There Not Ten Cleansed?” (pg. 130).

Jesus told the lepers to show themselves to the priests so that they could show that they were cleansed that they may get permission to reenter society. He asked them to do so, to test their faith. When they went to do so, they were healed. Only one of the ten lepers, a Samaritan, came back to thank him.

• See also the Bible Dictionary, “Leprosy” (pg. 724).

This disease, which sometimes was contagious or infectious, was had by many “notables”. In these cases, it was given as a sign, a warning, or a punishment.

• Luke 18:1–8, the parable of the unjust judge. “Why Did the Lord Give the Parable of the Unjust Judge?” (pg. 131).

The purpose of this parable was to remind men that they need to pray always, and not faint.  

• Luke 18:9–14, the parable of the Pharisee and the publican. “Why Did the Lord Give the Parable of the Pharisee and Publican?” (pg. 131).

This parable was given for those who trusted in their self-righteousness, as an assurance of justification before God. This parable is applicable to all men, regardless of class.

The Savior Taught the Apostles about Leadership

Study John 13:1–17; Luke 22:24–30; Mark 10:43–45. Write a paragraph or two about how the application of these teachings makes leadership in the Church of Jesus Christ different from what the world usually describes as leadership.

As we read in John 13:1-17, Christ washed the feet of his disciples. We learn that “the servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.” We once again find Christ serving in Luke 22:24-30. It reads, “…but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.” In Mark 10:45 it goes on to say, “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” What we learn is that Christ was here to serve others. He ultimately gave his life so that we could gain the ability to return to our Father.  

In the world today, when we think of leadership, and the leaders that we have; we are reminded of the corruptness that can come along with that position. Just as in biblical times, in reference to the Pharisees, we find those who have let pride come in the way. They act opposite of our Savior and his example/teachings. We see CEOs and other company leaders who get paid the big bucks to oversee others that do the “dirty work”. They are in charge and are served by people who make far less money to make sure their needs are met on a personal level. It is not uncommon to find “leaders” that have been corrupted by power and on occasion get caught and receive prison sentences. Political leaders can be found to have the interest of lobbyists and others willing to give them money at the center of their heart, rather than what the people want that they are there to “serve”. All of these examples are not what Jesus taught.

2. Write a paragraph or two about a time when one of your Church leaders or someone in the scriptures served and led in the way Jesus Christ taught.

One of the more recent examples of someone who served and led in the way the Savior taught would be a former bishop that I had. I think of the countless hours that he spent ministering to the people in our area. One of the families in our area has a son who was wrongfully accused of a crime and given excessive time, so that the judge could appear in a better light. This bishop spent many hours trying to get the wrong righted, assisting this family in trying to get the son out of prison for the day to attend his father’s funeral, and countless hours lobbying for his freedom. He was involved in service projects and looking after elderly sisters in our area. Seeing to that people in our area, regardless of religious affiliation, had their needs met. This bishop is not a wealthy man, but would give of what he had (his home, time, energy, etc.) to those in need, not judging them either. Although he has since been released, he continues to advocate for those in dire need, attend court proceedings, and watching out for families in our area.

The Last Days of Jesus’ Mortal Mission - Key events that took place during the Savior’s final week of mortality.

Day 1	Jesus arrived at Jerusalem Secured a donkey and a colt, rode through the gate A great multitude placed palm branches in his way & greeted him with hosanna shout Went directly to temple, took note of what he saw Retired to Bethany for the night
Day 2	Went to the temple again in the morning Challenged the Jewish leadership Drove those who were trading and making money exchange from the outer court area Let them know temple is his house, a house of prayer Returned to Bethany in the evening
Day 3	Was challenged by the priests at the temple Related a series of parables (offending leaders of the Jews) Scribes & Pharisees challenge Him again Openly denounced them/condemned them as hypocrites From this point on He only taught the Twelve Jewish leaders consulted on how they might bring about his death Wanted it done before Passover to avoid a riot One of Jesus’ own disciples offered to betray him
Day 4	Spent outside the city (possibly @ Bethany)
Day 5	Jesus had Passover meal in a private home with Twelve Introduced new ordinance, sacrament Prophesied of his death Indicted who would betray him Offered intercessory prayer With the eleven (all but Judas) went to Gethsemane Took Peter, James, and John further into Garden Went off by himself to pray Asked for the cup to pass from him Suffered “the pain of all men” Bled from every pore Rejoined apostles Indicated betrayer at hand While speaking, armed band (led by Judas) seized him Was brought to an illegal trial that night
Day 6	Jewish leaders wanted to discredit Jesus before his people, arranged to have him charged with two crimes (blasphemy and sedition against the state) 1.Blasphemy, a capital offense, for saying he was the Son of God-unanimously convicted, but couldn’t carry out death penalty; only Roman governor could pronounce this. 2.Sedition against the state, political indictment, because he claimed to be king of Jews Pilate found Jesus guiltless of this charge, but the Jewish leaders incited the crowd to “destroy Jesus” Pilate gave in, Jesus was executed by crucifixion In the afternoon, he voluntarily gave up his spirit Before nightfall, his body was removed from the cross and buried in a sealed tomb by two disciples
Day 7 (Sabbath)	Jewish Sabbath His body remained in tomb His spirit ministered in the realm of departed spirits
Day of the Resurrection	On the first day of the week, Jesus emerged from the tomb, appearing to Mary