Parables of Jesus: The Parable of the Talents (REAL LDS / Mormon)

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[Paragon Defender]

Parables of Jesus: The Parable of the Talents

 

 

 

By Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Of the Seventy

Ronald A. Rasband, "Parables of Jesus: The Parable of the Talents", Ensign, Aug. 2003, 32–35

 

 

What parent has not looked into the eyes of a newborn infant and wondered in amazement about the child’s future? What parent has not asked questions such as “What kind of life will my child have? For what purposes has this child come to earth now? What must I do as a parent to help this infant fulfill those purposes?”

Every one of us has been blessed with many marvelous capabilities, and one of the great objectives of our journey through mortality is to improve upon them. The Savior powerfully taught this lesson in His parable of the talents. ¹

Good and Faithful Servants

A few days before His Crucifixion, Jesus took His disciples to a place on the Mount of Olives overlooking the city of Jerusalem (see Matt. 24:1, 3) and gave what is known as the Olivet discourse. The sermon is contained in Matthew 24 [Matt. 24] and 25 [Matt. 25] (see also D&C 45:16–75; JS—M 1:5–55).

The quiet and panoramic setting was wonderfully suitable for the Savior to teach His disciples of the destruction of Jerusalem and the signs of His Second Coming. As He spoke, His words distressed the disciples. Jesus tried to comfort them, saying, “Be not troubled, for, when all these things shall come to pass, ye may know that the promises which have been made unto you shall be fulfilled” (D&C 45:35).

As a part of this sermon Jesus gave several parables. In the Prophet Joseph Smith’s inspired translation of the Bible, the Prophet made it clear that these parables refer to the last days (see Joseph Smith Translation, Matt. 25:1).

Jesus told the story of a master who gave each of his three servants a sum of money. The amounts were set according to each servant’s previously demonstrated capabilities. The man then left for a long time. When he returned, he asked each of these servants to report what he had done with the money.

The first two servants revealed they had doubled his investment. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord,” was the master’s reply (Matt. 25:21; see also Matt. 25:23).

The Other Servant

The third servant then came trembling before his master. He had already heard what the others had reported and knew that he could not give a similar report. “I was afraid,” the servant said, “and went and hid thy talent in the earth” (Matt. 25:25). The master was upset. “Thou wicked and slothful servant,” he said. Then he commanded, “Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents” (Matt. 25:26, 28).

The Savior then gave the interpretation of the parable: Those who obtain other talents receive more talents in abundance. But those who do not obtain other talents shall lose even the talents they had initially (see Matt. 25:28–29).

Obtaining Other Talents

Every person comes to earth as a unique individual. Similar threads may run in families, but each of us has a tapestry all our own. Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles wrote: “Each person in this life is endowed with those talents and capacities which his pre-earth life entitle him to receive. Some by obedience to law acquired one talent and some another.” ²

The Lord made it clear that it is not good enough for us simply to return to Him the talents He has given us. We are to improve upon and add to our talents. He has promised that if we multiply our talents we will receive eternal joy.

In modern revelation the Lord affirmed the principles in this parable: “But with some I am not well pleased, for … they hide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear of man. … Thou shalt not idle away thy time, neither shalt thou bury thy talent that it may not be known” (D&C 60:2, 13).

Three Principles

Applying the teachings of the parable of the talents has been a challenge and a blessing in my life. The following principles have been a great help to me in my efforts with this process.

Seek earnestly to discover the talents the Lord has given you. The talents God has given us first become apparent in the interests we pursue. If you are wondering about your talents, make a list of the things you like to do. Include all the activities you enjoy from different dimensions of your life—spiritual, musical, dramatic, academic, athletic, and so on. Study and ponder your patriarchal blessing for insights and inspiration. Consult family members, trusted friends, teachers, and leaders; others often can see in us what we find difficult to see in ourselves.

I remember a wonderful Primary teacher who frequently invited me to read the scriptures in front of the class. She told me what a nice reading voice I had and how well I read. What she said and the way she encouraged me helped me gain confidence and realize a talent from the Lord at an early age.

As a 19-year-old missionary, I yearned to know if I had been blessed with any helpful missionary-related talents. I felt a great desire to know how I could magnify whatever gifts I had so that I could be a more effective servant of the Lord. As I studied the scriptures and my patriarchal blessing, prayed fervently, and had various missionary experiences, several of my talents were made known to me.

Use your talents to build up the kingdom of God. Our first priority in helping others is our family. Parents are in a unique and powerful position to encourage and support their children in developing their talents. We also have many opportunities to help others identify their talents. I am grateful for the many people who have helped me add to my talents. The successes in life of those we assist, sponsor, mentor, and lift as they pursue their own talents can bring us great joy and satisfaction.

Focusing on serving the Savior can guide us toward making proper decisions in our daily lives. This perspective prepares us to do whatever the Lord may ask of us at any time. President Gordon B. Hinckley exemplifies this important attitude: “My talents may not be great, but I can use them to bless the lives of others. I can be one who does his work with pride in that which comes from his hand and mind.” ³

Acknowledge God’s hand in your success. We must never forget or stop acknowledging that all talents and abilities come from God. Some were given to us before our birth, while others have been acquired as we have developed. But in both cases, they are gifts from a benevolent Heavenly Father, whose gracious blessings are also the means for improving our talents and obtaining others. The Lord has said, “And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things” (D&C 59:21).

I am thankful for the knowledge He has given us—that we are His children and that we are to magnify and multiply our talents to our fullest potential. I know that if we will work hard and do our best, using our talents to bless others and build the kingdom of God, we will be brought back into His presence and hear Him say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matt. 25:21).

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ReverendJames]

Well the Yashua of the Book of Mormon has nothing in common with the Yashua of the Bible. Your own words condemn you. I ask you again. Who Is Yashua? You are telling me, and the people who read this thread that the Yashua of the Bible is the same one who is described in the Book of Mormon?????????

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

***Will Jesus Christ’s Earthly reign be from.....?****

Many,many years ago I visited a mormon church in Farmington, NM. The lesson that day was the return of Jesus.

The teacher said when Jesus returned the LDS would all return to Jackson County, Missouri.

[SouthernClaire]

57I beheld that the faithful elders of this dispensation, when they depart from mortal life, continue their labors in the preaching of the gospel of repentance and redemption, through the sacrifice of the Only Begotten Son of God, among those who are in darkness and under the bondage of sin in the great world of the spirits of the dead.

58The dead who repent will be redeemed, through obedience to the ordinances of the house of God,

59And after they have paid the penalty of their transgressions, and are washed clean, shall receive a reward according to their works, for they are heirs of salvation.

60Thus was the avision of the redemption of the dead revealed to me, and I bear record, and I know that this record is true, through the blessing of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, even so. Amen.

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I am sorry to say that the site caused more questions rather than giving me an answer, PD. Do the LDS ... do they die and preach salvation to the dead? Is that what the above is saying? Is that in the Bible?

Again, thanks for any answers.

My Best,

SC

[ReverendJames]

You mean this guy:

A created being: the elder brother of Lucifer

Common (one of many gods) and, in some ways, of minor important in the larger Mormon cosmology

Conceived by a physical sex act between God the Father (Adam or Elohim) and Mary, thus not through a true virgin birth

Once sinful and imperfect

Earned his own salvation (exaltation, godhood)

A married polygamist?

This guy, right? Your Book of Mormon Jesus. Yep. Now again I ask you, who do you say Yashua is. IN YOUR OWN WORDS, not referring me to some Mormon LDS web site. YOU!

[ReverendJames]

And too, yes I can read. I have read or rather gagged my way through the following LDS literature as part of my comparative religions education: The Book of Mormon, The Pearl of Great Price, Doctrine and Covenants, Jesus the Christ by Talmadge, The History Of The Latter Day Saints by the LDS church. The history of Joseph Smith Jr, biography. How in God’s name can anyone still be a member of the LDS church is mind boggling.

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

****There is only one Jesus Christ that is in both the Holy Bible and Book of Mormon. ****

Have you forgotton one? Just as credible as Joseph Smith’s mormon Jesus.

1. A royal prince of India, Ravanna of Orissa in the south, was at the Jewish feast.
2. Ravanna was a man of wealth; and he was just, and with a band of Brahmic priests sought wisdom in the West.
3. When Jesus stood among the Jewish priests and read and spoke, Ravanna heard and was amazed.
4. And when he asked who Jesus was, from whence he came and what he was, chief Hillel said,
5. We call this child the Day Star from on high, for he has come to bring to men a light, the light of life; to lighten up the way of men and to redeem his people, Israel.
*****
(cut to the chase)
15. And then he asked that he might be the patron of the child; might take him to the East where he could learn the wisdom of the Brahms.
16. And Jesus longed to go that he might learn; and after many days his parents gave consent.
17. Then, with proud heart, Ravanna with his train, began the journey towards the rising sun; and after many days they crossed the Sind, and reached the province of Orissa, and the palace of the prince.
18. The Brahmic priests were glad to welcome home the prince; with favour they received the Jewish boy.
19. And Jesus was accepted as a pupil in the temple Jagannath; and here learned the Vedas and the Manic laws.
20. The Brahmic masters wondered at the clear conceptions of the child, and often were amazed when he explained to them the meaning of the laws.

As you can see Jesus tall tails are a dime a dozen. ONLY ONE is the true Jesus, THE BIBLICAL ONE!

[Paragon Defender]

You have been given the answer. I will not play your game. Nice try though!

[ReverendJames]

It is because you are a hypocrite. You can’t defend your own religion and people here have seen through your deception and counterfeit Christian religion. You sir are a fake.

[Paragon Defender]

You have good questions and seem honest in your inquiries.

I would recommend going to http://mormon.org/ and clicking on “chat online” in the top right corner.

No serious or spirit guided discussion could possibly happen in this forum.

Please let me know how it goes. You can send me a direct message through this board.

[Godzilla]

Whats the matter pd - you can’t answer these questions on your own? Some NONtestimony from you.

[Paragon Defender]

It is because you are a hypocrite.

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Not at all

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You can’t defend your own religion

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I am doing it constantly on these boards in the way I choose to. It is your choice what to do or not wit the information provided.

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and people here have seen through your deception

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Sorry nope. I have not been deceitful on here ever.

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and counterfeit Christian religion.

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Nope. The most Christian of all to be quite honest. Christ’s Church would be don’t you think?

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You sir are a fake.

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ummm nope I am quite real. Are you one of those fancy IBM computers that plays Jeopardy?

[Veritas01]

if adam is the mormon god - what god was talking to adam in the garden of eden

[aMorePerfectUnion]

“Sorry nope. I have not been deceitful on here ever.”

I testify I have seen you post falsehoods and slanderous things
MANY times, as I have testified on other threads.

In addition to my testimony of your false posts, others have
stepped forward to testify of your posting falsehoods and
slanderous statements.

Your denial is yet one more false statement.

ampu

[Elsie]

The teacher said when Jesus returned the LDS would all return to Jackson County, Missouri.

The Articles of Faith
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

 

1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.
3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
   We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
10. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may
11. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
12. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

Joseph Smith

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[Elsie]

Sorry nope. I have not been deceitful on here ever.

[ReverendJames]

Your religion is fake and you are unable to defend it. Whenever you try you have to use Christian theology to do it. You can’t defend it with Mormon theology. Therefore you’re a fake just like Mormonism.

[Elsie]

How DARE you say such HATEFUL things to a loving Brother of mine!

—MormonDude(Even if they ARE true!)

[Elsie]

I once spent a whole afternoon, in the NYC library, trying to find some little known fact about MORMONism in their VAST array of stacks.

It wasn't until I was leaving at closing time, discouraged by not being able to find what I wished, that I saw the sign:

"If you need help finding something,
ask any of our Librarians.
They are more than willing to help you."