Parables
And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
Matthew 13:10-11
Some of the Savior’s most memorable teachings were in the form of simple stories called parables. These were more than just interesting anecdotes about ordinary objects or events. They contained profound truths about the kingdom of God for those who were spiritually prepared.
What role do our eyes, ears, and hearts play in receiving the word of God? What are ways that we close our eyes, ears, and hearts to the word of God?
The thing I like most about parables is that each read new things are found. This is true of scriptures and arguably good books in general. Each time through I am in a different place and mindset of life. This is why reading the scriptures over again even though it is the same words again is a good thing. Besides it takes more than once hearing/reading the same thing to really learn it, and then regular reviews are needed to retain it.
Wheat and Tares
But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
Matthew 13:29-30
...the wheat and tares will grow together until the end of the world. This teaches us that we live with both good and evil around us, and we must be careful to choose the right.
Unlike wheat and tares I can change throughout my life. As I make good choices I become wheat, and bad... tares. Which am I right now?
"Wheat choice" vs "tare choice"
I need to remember this each time I make a choice.
Sabbath Day
And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.
The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?
And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?
Luke 13:14-16
Understanding the true spirit of the sabbath is critical. While there are times the sabbath may not be the "traditional" day it is important that even when this happens I find a way to honor the sabbath for what it is, God's day.
Prophets
And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence >hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?
And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.
Matthew 13:54-57
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!
Luke 13:34
People are still human. They will make mistakes and are not perfect. Do not write them off and what they have done as a result of those mistakes. It is the whole and intent that matters most.
There are stories from Joseph Smith's time of members being offended and leaving the church after seeing him play with children or show anything but the most serious nature.
Faith
...Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.
Luke 8:50
Replace she with you!
