Three Parables of Preparation

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

Who does the bridegroom represent?

Jesus Christ

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

The virgins were professed believers in Christ, because they were expectantly waiting for the coming of Christ, or they were connected with the Church and the events that were to become known with reference to it.

What does the wedding represent?

It represents the Second Coming of Christ

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?

Nobody knows when Christ is coming again, not even the Savior himself. Only the Father knows, that is why we must be prepared at all times.

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 5 foolish virgins did not take any oil with them. This represents those who are not prepared for the second coming, and those who are not prepared will be deceived by false prophets, and will be cast down to hell.

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

To always have a strong testimony in the gospel of Christ. If we do we will not be deceived by false prophets and be saved.

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 D&C 45:56-57 teach about ways to add oil to our lamps?

If we continue to follow what has been taught in our primary days (attend church meetings, reading the scriptures, prayer, studying conference talks) this will help add the “oil to our lamps.” Those that do add oil to our lamps have the Holy Ghost with them as their guide and will not be deceived.

The Parable of the Talents

Although a talent was a sum of money in New Testament times, 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 servant who received five talents received eternal life, and became ruler. The same reward was given to the servant with two talents. The servant with one talent got his talent taken away and was sent to outer darkness. What mattered more was whether or not each man developed and used their talent to serve others.

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

He was afraid to share his talent, and feared man more than the Lord.

What teachings in 2 Timothy 1:7; Proverbs 3:5-6; D&C 3:7-8; 6:33-37 can help us overcome our fears to develop and use the talents give to us from the Lord?

We are told not to fear man for serving the Lord. If we are need of help, we shouldn’t be afraid to ask for it, for he is always there to help us. If we do not fear man and serve others, we will be blessed with eternal life.

The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats

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

It makes a great deal of difference, for if we do what is asked and serve those around us, we will have eternal life. But if we do not do what is asked, and are unwilling to serve, he will be sent to “everlasting punishment” (Matthew 25:45).

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?

• Hungered-he was fed
• Thirsty-they gave him drink
• Stranger-took him in
• Naked-he was clothed
• Sick-they visited him
• Prison-they came unto him.

Feeding the homeless, and visiting the sick are the most common needs people need. There are homeless shelters that help provide for the poor, and when others are sick, people visit them and see if they are need of anything. The Relief Society is one of the ways I can think of that help those who need it.