Choice 2: Matthew 25. Three Parables of Preparation

1. The Parable of the Ten Virgins.

•     Who does the bridegroom represent?

The bridegroom represents the Savior.

•     Who did President Harold B. Lee say the virgins represent?

According to President Harold B. Lee the virgins represent “those who were professed believers in Christ.”

•     What does the wedding represent?

The wedding represents the represents the kingdom of God.

•     Why did the bridegroom come at “midnight,” while the wedding guests “slumbered and slept”? How does this apply to our waiting for the Savior’s Second Coming?

The bridegroom came at an hour when no one was expecting it, only those virgins who were already prepared where able to make it to the wedding. This is the same way it will be for us. No one knows when the Savior will come; it is only our job to make sure we are ready for whenever that will be.

•     What did five of the virgins do that was foolish (See Matthew 25:3)? How might a Church member today make the same error as the foolish virgins? What would the consequences be?

The five foolish virgins took their lamps but no oil with them. A foolish virgin today might be a member of the church who just goes through the motions; they are holding the lamp that comes with being a member but have not taken the time and effort to fill it with a testimony. The oil is what gives a lamp purpose. Just like the virgins in the parable the consequence is to not be ready at the Second Coming.

•     What should we learn from the actions of the five wise virgins?

The wise on the other hand were prepared even though they didn’t know when the bridegroom was coming. They brought vessels of oil just in case. No one expected his coming to be at midnight and probably thought he was coming earlier but the virgins still brought extra. We can’t take any chances and think we know what we need; we can only do our best to be ready.

•     Keeping in mind that the oil in the parable represents spiritual preparation for the Second Coming, what are some ways we can add “oil” to our “lamps?” What does Doctrine and Covenants 45:56–57 teach about ways to add oil to our lamps?

We add oil to our lamps by reading our scriptures, saying our prayers, and following God’s commandments. D&C 45:57 says that the wise are those that have received truth and use the Holy Ghost as their guide.

2. The Parable of the Talents.

•     Although a talent was a sum of money in New Testament times (see talent under “Weights and Measures” in the Bible Dictionary, pg. 789), it can also represent all that the Lord has given us. List the rewards each of the three men received in the parable of the talents and explain why each man received that reward. What mattered more than the number of talents or gifts each received?

The two that added to their talents were made rulers whereas the servant who hid his talent had his ownership taken away. It didn’t matter the number of talents added upon because the servants were meerly showing their responsibility and willingness to do what their lord said.

•     What reason did the third man give for hiding his talent?

The third man said he went and hid his talent because he was afraid.

•     What teachings in 2 Timothy 1:7; Proverbs 3:5–6; Doctrine and Covenants 3:7–8; 6:33–37 can help us overcome our fears and to develop and use the talents given to us from the Lord?

From those scriptures I learned that even though you may not understand why you are being asked to do something, we must trust in the Lord and follow his commandments. If we do, we will be blessed.

•       Outline a plan whereby you can better develop and use two of the gifts the Lord has given to you.

1. I’ve been playing piano for a lot of years but most often I try to keep it hidden at church because I’m not very good at accompanying hymns. I would like to start practicing hymns every day so that I feel more comfortable volunteering my talents.

2. I’ve always had a sort of talents for listening to others. I love listening to what others have to say and it always helps me to better understand them. I hope to enhance and use this gift on my mission as I try to understand and relate to the people I get to teach.

3. The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats.

•     What difference does the way we treat others make to the Lord?

Matthew 25:40 says, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” The way we treat our fellow men is how we treat the Lord.

•     List the six actions found in Matthew 25:35–36 that permitted “the sheep” to receive their reward at the King’s right hand. What are some spiritual or physical needs people have around you that are similar to those listed in the parable?

1. Gave food to the hungry

2. Gave drink to those who were thirsty

3. Took in strangers

4. Clothed the naked

5. Visited the sick

6. Went to those in prison

There are people all around us who suffer from these very same things; they may be of either a physical or spiritual manner. Some of us are hungering and thirsting for the gospel, some feel alone and like strangers who need a friend, whatever it may be we have an opportunity to give and what we have and help those around us.

•     How will following the principles of this parable about preparation for the Second Coming help someone prepare for that event?

Well these parables help us prepare for that event because it shows us things we can do in our own life. It also allows us to help others prepare as well as we share our knowledge.