Principles from Parables: Week 7

Study the following parables and accounts along with accompanying commentary from the institute student manual. Describe in writing what you feel is the major principle the Lord wants us to understand.

1. Luke 16:1-12, the parable of unjust steward. “The Children of This World Are in Their Generation Wiser Than the Children of The Light." (Pg. 124)

            The lesson or principle to take from this parable is, if I am spending my time, money, energy and all worldly things in this life the way the Lord would be proud, then I will be blessed with spiritual things that will bless me for the eternities.

2. 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?” (124-125)

            The lesson or principle to take from this parable could be, if I take what I learn and use it for good, spiritual knowledge and allowing for my spiritual progression, and then I will have the opportunity to teach others on the other side.

3. Luke 17:11-19, the ten lepers. “Why were the ten lepers to show themselves to the priests?” and “were there not ten cleansed?” (130) See also Bible Dictionary, “Leprosy” (724).

            Faith is something I have really been focusing on this semester. I notice it a lot more when I read and try to find applicable things to apply the faith prinicples I learn. One from this parable is this, if I have faith in what the Lord says to me, then He will have the power to heal and save me.

4. Luke 18:1-8, the parable of the unjust judge. “Why did the Lord give the parable of the judge?” (pg. 131).

            A principle I took from this parable is, if I am honest in all that I do, and treat my Heavenly Father like a true Father figure in my life, then He will hear and answer all of my prayers.

5. Luke 18:9-14, the parable of the Pharisee and the publican. “Why did the Lord give the parable of the Pharisee and the publican?” (pg. 131).

            An interesting principle I thought of while reading these verses, and instruction was that judgment is wrong in every stage of life. It is not our place to judge anyone in any circumstance, mostly because it is not our place to do so, but also because that is the Lord’s job, and he is the only one who should have that power.