When the Prophet Joseph Smith heard of the severe persecution suffered by the Missouri Saints, he pled to the Lord on their behalf. As part of His response, the Savior used parables to provide the Saints counsel and comfort. This lesson will give students the opportunity to study a parable and discover its spiritual meaning.
Possible Learning Activities
Jesus Christ often taught using parables
Consider displaying common items such as school supplies, articles of clothing, or electronics. Or invite students to look at items around the classroom or items they have with them. Invite students to select an item and think of a creative way to compare it to an aspect of Heavenly Father’s plan or Jesus Christ and His gospel. For example, they might compare a cell phone to prayer, because prayer is the tool we use to communicate with Heavenly Father. Invite students to share their item and spiritual comparison with a partner or with the class.
Jesus Christ often taught by using simple stories known as parables. In these parables, Jesus compared familiar objects or situations to spiritual truths (see Guide to the Scriptures, “Parable,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
What are some examples of parables the Savior taught?
What are some spiritual truths we can learn from the Savior’s teachings in those parables?
For example, students might share the parable of the good Samaritan (see Luke 10:25–37), which teaches about loving and serving others as the Savior does. Or they might share the parable of the ten virgins (see Matthew 25:1–13), which teaches us to prepare for the Savior’s Second Coming.
To prepare students to study a parable about the redemption of Zion, consider asking students to share what they remember from recent lessons about the trials the Saints in Missouri were enduring. As needed, you could share the following summary:
During a time of severe persecution, the Savior used parables to teach Joseph Smith and the Saints about the redemption of Zion (see Doctrine and Covenants 101:43). In late 1833, mob violence led to more than 1,000 Saints being driven from Jackson County, Missouri, and more than 200 of their homes were burned. The Prophet Joseph Smith asked the Lord why the Saints had been driven out of Zion and what should be done so they could return. The Lord responded with a parable.
Studying parables
Elder David A. Bednar taught the following about learning from the Savior’s parables:
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Elder David A. Bednar
The intended meaning or message of a parable typically is not expressed explicitly. Rather, the story only conveys divine truth to a receiver in proportion to his or her faith in God, personal spiritual preparation, and willingness to learn. Thus, an individual must exercise moral agency and actively “ask, seek, and knock” [see Matthew 7:7–8; Luke 11:9–10] to discover the truths embedded in a parable. (David A. Bednar, “Put On Thy Strength, O Zion,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 92)
How does our faith in Jesus Christ influence our ability to understand His teachings?
What does our effort in studying the Savior’s words communicate to Him about our feelings for Him?
Consider providing students with the handout titled “How to Study the Savior’s Parables” to help guide them throughout this lesson.
How to Study the Savior’s Parables
Find important details. These details could include people, places, objects, actions, or events.
Make comparisons. Determine what each of the details in the parable could represent or symbolize. Contextual clues, scripture-study aids, and pondering can be helpful.
Discover valuable lessons. After making comparisons, seek help from the Holy Ghost to discover valuable lessons the Savior was teaching in the parable.
Determine personal application. Seek help from Heavenly Father and the Holy Ghost to know what you can do to personally apply the lessons you discover.
The parable of the nobleman
The following activity can help students practice the four steps for studying parables. Consider displaying the following chart or copying it on the board. Create six groups, and assign each to complete a different square on the chart. Or invite students to copy the chart in their study journals and fill it out individually.
Find important details
Read Doctrine and Covenants 101:43–62. For each grouping of verses, create a simple drawing or write a summary to illustrate the verses.
When students have finished, invite them to share what they discovered. Ensure they understand the details of the parable.
Consider completing as a class the final three steps of studying parables.
Make comparisons
What clues can help us see that the nobleman represents Jesus Christ?
What might the vineyard or the tower represent?
How might our actions sometimes be like those of the servants?
Consider inviting students to review the doctrinal mastery passage Ezekiel 3:16–17 to look for a possible comparison for the watchmen. The following context could help students make additional comparisons:
Like the servants in the parable refusing to build a tower, the Saints in Missouri had neglected to build a temple as the Lord had instructed them (see Doctrine and Covenants 57:3; 84:3–4; 97:10–12).
For the Saints in Jackson County, the servant mentioned in verse 55 represented Joseph Smith (see Doctrine and Covenants 103:21). Joseph Smith followed the Lord’s command and organized a group called Zion’s Camp to redeem the land of Zion. Zion’s Camp will be discussed in the Doctrine and Covenants 103 and 105 lessons.
Discover valuable lessons
What are some valuable lessons the Lord could be teaching through this parable?
What does this parable teach you about the attributes of Jesus Christ?
If students struggle to identify valuable lessons, consider providing one or more of the following principles. Invite students to share how the parable illustrates these truths. When we obey the Lord’s commandments, He strengthens us to withstand spiritual and physical enemies. Prophets serve as watchmen on the tower, giving us warnings from the Lord of coming dangers. Through temple work, the Savior prepares us to withstand the adversary.
Why might these lessons have been helpful for the Saints in 1833?
How have you seen evidence of one or more of these truths in your life?
Determine personal application
What are some ways you could apply this parable in our day?
Seek help from the Holy Ghost to identify one or two ways you could apply a truth that feels important to you from this parable. Write your impressions in your study journal.
Invite students to share what they learned about studying parables that they could use to enhance their personal study of the scriptures. Encourage students in their efforts to exercise faith in Jesus Christ as they personally study, ponder, and apply His teachings.