To receive credit for this course, students are required to:
Attend at least 75% of classes held
Read at least 75% of the assigned readings
Complete one of the four learning experiences:
Keep a study journal.
Record responses to all of the questions and activities in the class preparation material.
Write responses to three essay questions.
Design and complete a learning project related to the course content.
Course Objective: Students will learn the doctrine and principles of the parables of Jesus Christ that are unique to each of the New Testament Gospels and the modern-day application of these parables.
Matthew 13:13–15; Mark 4:12, 33–34; Luke 8:10; Bible Dictionary, “Parables.”
“Parables of the Master,” Ensign, July 2007, 40–43.
“The parable conveys to the hearer religious truth exactly in proportion to his faith and intelligence. … Only he who seeks finds” (Bible Dictionary, “Parables”).
New Testament Student Manual (Church Educational System manual, 2018), 43–44.
Unless we strive to deepen and nourish our testimonies, we may lack the strength necessary to endure tribulations, persecutions, and temptations (see Matthew 13:20–21; Luke 8:13).
The cares of the world can distract us from focusing on the Lord and choke our faith and testimony (see Matthew 13:22).
As we open our hearts to the word of God and receive it, we will become converted to the Savior and bring forth good works (see Matthew 13:23).
New Testament Student Manual, 45–46.
The Lord will gather the righteous during the last days and destroy the wicked at His coming (see Matthew 13:38–43).
New Testament Student Manual, 46.
The restored Church of Jesus Christ will grow from a small beginning to fill the whole earth (see Matthew 13:31–33).
New Testament Student Manual, 47.
Because the blessings of the gospel are of eternal value, they are worth any sacrifice (see Matthew 13:44–46).
New Testament Student Manual, 44.
M. Russell Ballard, “The Truth of God Shall Go Forth,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 81–84.
God will gather all types of His children into His Church (see Matthew 13:47–50).
New Testament Student Manual, 59–60.
Jesus Christ has paid an immeasurable price so that we can be forgiven of our sins (see Matthew 18:23–27).
If we want the Lord to forgive us, then we must forgive others (see Matthew 18:28–35).
New Testament Student Manual, 63–64.
Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Laborers in the Vineyard,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 31–33.
God gives eternal life to all who choose to make and keep sacred covenants with Him (see Matthew 20:1–10).
If we choose to be envious of Heavenly Father’s blessings to others, we may lose blessings He desires to give us (see Matthew 20:11–16).
New Testament Student Manual, 65.
David A. Bednar, “The Atonement and the Journey of Mortality,” Ensign, Apr. 2012, 40–47.
To enter the kingdom of God, we must obey our Heavenly Father and repent of our sins rather than only saying or pretending that we obey Him (see Matthew 21:28–32).
New Testament Student Manual, 66.
David A. Bednar, Put On Thy Strength, O Zion, October General Conference 2022.
Our actions reveal the degree to which we truly accept Jesus Christ as the Son of God (see Matthew 22:1–14).
No one knows the day and hour of the Lord’s Second Coming, but as we watch for and recognize the signs of the times, we can know the season is near (see Matthew 24:32–34).
New Testament Student Manual, 78–79.
Dallin H. Oaks, “Preparation for the Second Coming,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 7–10.
“The Parable of the Ten Virgins,” Ensign, Mar. 2009, 48–49.
We cannot borrow spiritual preparation and strength from others (see Matthew 25:8–9).
We prepare to meet the Savior by increasing our testimony and conversion through daily righteousness (see Matthew 25:1–13).
To be ready for the Lord’s Second Coming and to be worthy to remain in His presence, we must come to know Him (see Matthew 25:12).
New Testament Student Manual, 78–79.
Dallin H. Oaks, “Preparation for the Second Coming,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 7–10.
“The Parable of the Ten Virgins,” Ensign, Mar. 2009, 48–49.
We cannot borrow spiritual preparation and strength from others (see Matthew 25:8–9).
We prepare to meet the Savior by increasing our testimony and conversion through daily righteousness (see Matthew 25:1–13).
To be ready for the Lord’s Second Coming and to be worthy to remain in His presence, we must come to know Him (see Matthew 25:12).
New Testament Student Manual, 79.
Ronald A. Rasband, “Parables of Jesus: The Parable of the Talents,” Ensign, Aug. 2003, 32–35.
If we faithfully use the gifts and abilities the Lord has given us, then we can fulfill our divine potential and receive eternal life (see Matthew 25:19–21).
The Lord will bless us if we faithfully use the gifts and abilities He has given us, regardless of how many we have or what they may be (see Matthew 25:22–23).
If we do not develop and use our spiritual gifts for good, then we will lose them (see Matthew 25:24–29).
New Testament Student Manual, 108.
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “It Works Wonderfully!” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 20–23.
Only God can grant the blessing of spiritual growth, but we must do our part to nurture it (see Mark 4:26–29).