Resurrected Christ with arms outstretched stands above a throng of people of all races and times, some prone, some standing. The people on the right side of Christ are in the attitude of worship. The people on the left side of Christ are in anguish. Scenes of ruin are in the foreground and background. The Washington D.C. temple is pictured in the upper left corner.
The Savior taught the parable of the talents and the parable of the sheep and the goats to help His disciples know how to be ready for His Second Coming. This lesson can help you identify truths from these parables and help you prepare for the Savior’s Second Coming.
Recall a few of the Savior’s parables. The following images may help you remember some you have already studied this year.
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Mustard seeds
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Stack of old silver coins.
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shell sand pearl
What teachings can you remember from these parables?
How have the teachings you have learned this year from parables helped you?
How confident do you feel in your ability to learn about the Savior through His parables?
Review how to understand parables
It might be helpful to review suggestions for how to understand parables. Earlier this year, you learned four steps for understanding parables. If you did not study them or need help remembering what they are, consider referring to the lesson “Matthew 13.”
Write the following headings in your study journal. Leave space between each heading to record findings and insights.
Find important details.
Make spiritual comparisons.
Discover valuable lessons.
Determine personal application.
As you continue this lesson, you will apply these four principles to the parables found in Matthew 25:14–46 .
Find important details
As the Savior taught about the Second Coming and Judgment, He shared parables to highlight what we can do to be prepared for His return. Select and study one of the following parables the Savior gave, looking for important details.
The parable of the talents
Read Matthew 25:14–30, or watch “The Parable of the Talents” (3:03), available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
The following information may be helpful as you study this parable:
A “talent” refers to a very large sum of money in ancient times. In this parable, it can symbolize “something of great value,” such as the gospel or blessings, gifts, abilities, and opportunities the Lord gives us (see Guide to the Scriptures, “ Talent,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
The term “usury” can refer to simply charging interest on a loan or can imply an unduly high interest rate (see Bible Dictionary, “ Usury ”).
The lord symbolizes Jesus Christ.
The servants represent each of us.
Draw a picture that illustrates this parable.
The parable of the sheep and the goats
Read Matthew 25:31–46, or watch “Ye Have Done It unto Me” (3:14), available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
The following information may be helpful to know as you study this parable:
The “right hand”: In ancient times, being seated at the right hand of the king, or next to the king on his right side, was the most honorable position at a feast.
Draw a picture that illustrates this parable.
Make spiritual comparisons, and discover valuable lessons
Use the following questions to help you identify lessons the Savior taught through His parables. Be as specific as possible.
What truths or lessons did you learn as you studied this parable?
How would knowing and living these truths help us prepare for the Savior’s Second Coming? Why do you think the Savior taught these truths?
In what ways is the Lord both merciful and just?
How can you feel the Savior’s love in the truths He taught through this parable?
How does knowing these truths impact your desire to prepare to meet the Savior at His Second Coming?
Determine personal application
1. Do either activity 1 or 2 on your own and then complete activity 3 in your study journal. Be aware of impressions from the Holy Ghost about what you can do to prepare to meet the Savior.
If you studied the parable of the talents, make a list of abilities and blessings the Lord has given you. If possible, identify some of those blessings by reaching out to people you know or by reading your patriarchal blessing, if you have one. Think of how the Lord might want you to use these abilities and blessings.
If you studied the parable of the sheep and the goats, think about what it could mean in your circumstance to offer food, drink, clothing, and companionship to someone. Think about the people you usually see, and identify someone who you feel the Lord wants you to help. Write down how you could help that person come closer to Him.
Share a truth you learned in this lesson from the Savior’s parables, and explain how you could implement that principle in your daily actions.
Optional: Want to Learn More?
What if someone receives more or less than I receive?
Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stated:
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Official portrait of Elder Quentin L. Cook. Called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on 6 October 2007.
The growth in our own talents is the best measure of personal progress. … Comparing blessings is almost certain to drive out joy. We cannot be grateful and envious at the same time. If we truly want to have the Spirit of the Lord and experience joy and happiness, we should rejoice in our blessings and be grateful.
(Quentin L. Cook, “Rejoice!,” Ensign, Nov. 1996, 29–30)
What actions will the Savior judge us by?
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917–2008) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stated:
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Last official portrait of Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, 2004. Died December 1, 2008.
At the final day the Savior will not ask about the nature of our callings. He will not inquire about our material possessions or fame. He will ask if we ministered to the sick, gave food and drink to the hungry, visited those in prison, or gave succor to the weak [see Matthew 25:31–40]. When we reach out to assist the least of Heavenly Father’s children, we do it unto Him [see Matthew 25:40]. That is the essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
What does the Lord expect us to do with what He gives us?
Elder Stanley G. Ellis of the Quorum of the Seventy shared insights regarding the parable of the talents:
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Official Portrait of Elder Stanley G. Ellis. Photographed in March 2017.
The servant who received five and returned ten, as well as the one who took two and returned four, were declared good and faithful servants. But what caught my attention was the servant who received one, took care of it, and returned it safely back to his lord. I was surprised by the response of the master: “Thou wicked and slothful servant, … take therefore the talent from him, … and cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness”! (See Matthew 25:14–30.)
This seemed to be a harsh reaction to one who seemed to be trying to take care of what he was given. But the Spirit taught me this truth—the Lord expects a difference!
(Stanley G. Ellis, “He Trusts Us!,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2006, 52)
Elder Ellis suggested we can make this “difference” in our lives by abiding in the Lord (see John 15:5), doing our spiritual duties, and following the Spirit and our Church leaders.
