What do you think?
Rate this book
The Parables of Jesus for Today
Why did Jesus teach in parables? Because some will have eyes to see and ears to hear, and others will not (see Matthew 13:10-17). That was clearly the case in His day, so how well do we really understand His many parable today? In The Parable of Jesus, Elder Gerald N. Lund shares not only the ancient context and setting in which each parable was taught, but also illuminates the language and layers found within the parables, helping us see the application for our own lives today. As we seek the divine truths often obscured by parables, the Lord can help us better understand ourselves and reveal to us eternal insights.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published October 29, 2022
36 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Gerald N. Lund
87 books751 followersGerald N. Lund received his B.A. and M.S. degrees in sociology from Brigham Young University. He served for thirty-five years in the Church Educational System, and he served as a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy from 2002 to 2008. He is a prolific and bestselling author of both fiction and nonfiction and is best known for his historical novels, including The Work and the Glory series, Fire of the Covenant, The Kingdom and the Crown series, and The Undaunted. He and his late wife, Lynn, are the parents of seven children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 6, 2023
There are a few nice insights here about the parables of Jesus. Here are some favorite quotes:
"The parables not only teach us what Jesus expects of us; they also teach us the very nature of Jesus Himself, and through Him, the nature of our Father in Heaven (p. x)."
"Which is the greater--the story or the author who writes it (p. xi)?"
"'Western readers expect a text to contain a meaning that is fully expressed and immediately understood. Eastern peoples, in general, love verbal symbolism that must be pondered and savored (p. 2).'"
"The parables were designed to (1) bring enlightenment and truth to those who seek it; and (2) yet appear to be nothing more than charming stories or similes to those who are not as prepared spiritually (p. 4)."
"It can both reveal and conceal meaning simultaneously, depending on the openness of the hearts of the listeners (p. 5)."
"'To ascertain its meaning, we must dig up the root and ascertain what it was that drew the saying out of Jesus' (Joseph Smith, p. 6)."
"He's teaching eternal principles that lead us to eternal life--the life on which the young man of great wealth had just turned his back and gone away sorrowing (p. 17)."
"The word parable means to place things side by side in a parallel structure so as to teach or illustrate a point (p. 18)."
"Why would the Lord share this parable with His disciples, and especially the Twelve? Perhaps because they themselves among those who were 'the first' to be called to the work in the early morning of that new dispensation. Their service would be long and demanding. They would leave their wives and families sometimes for years at a time (p. 22)."
"We should be grateful for any opportunity to labor in the work of the kingdom of God, wherever and whenever God sees fit to use us, and for as long as He wants us there (p. 24)."
"Some of our callings in our stakes, wards, and branches take less than an hour a month. Yet the 'salary' is the same for both (p. 26)."
"Jesus was always teaching all of His followers what true discipleship meant and how to more consistently live the principles of the gospel (p. 36)."
"The covenant that the Father and the Son have made with us is so rich in blessings, so broad in benefits, and so infinite in its joy that no matter how much we serve Them or how much good we do in this world, we cannot begin to repay Them for all that we owe to Them... And yet, sometimes in our myopic pride and arrogance we feel that our acts of obedience somehow put God in our debt (p. 42)."
"The soils are the central focus of this parable. Jesus made it clear that the soils represent the 'hearts' of men. Thus, the Lord describes four different conditions of people's hearts (p. 53)."
"'A surgeon can repair or replace a mitral valve that has lost its integrity. But no surgical procedure can be performed for loss of spiritual integrity of heart' (Russell M. Nelson, p. 59)."
"The parable teaches us to pray earnestly to strengthen our relationship with God... it teaches us how to qualify for the kingdom of heaven (p. 80)."
"The Savior told His listeners what the moral of the story was before He told the story (p. 86)."
"'In no dimension of the divine personality of Jesus Christ do we see His love any more fully expressed than in the divine tutorials given especially to His friends... He would not deny these enriching but stretching divine tutorials to any who follow Him... Perhaps these divine tutorials carry such a high priority because the more we are fully developed here, the more chores and opportunities we can be given in the world to come' (Neal A. Maxwell, p. 90)."
"He often infuriated the scribes and the Pharisees because He saw through their hypocrisy and openly condemned their pride and their wickedness (p. 97)."
"When we think about it, this last question is quite revealing about the lawyer's character. By asking who his neighbor was, he was asking, 'So who do I have to love?... Who can I not love and still be acceptable to God?' Jesus's answer was the story of the good Samaritan (p. 118)."
"'A hallmark of the Lord's true and living Church will always be an organized, directed effort to minister to individual children of God and their families' (Russell M. Nelson, p. 126)."
"'If you would have God have mercy on you, have mercy on one another' (Joseph Smith, p. 127)."
"The shepherd's care for the sheep is the main point of the parable (p. 132)."
"'The sheep is worthy of divine rescue simply because it is loved by the Good Shepherd' (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, p. 133)."
"It didn't matter how each item was lost. The effort to recover it and the joy when it was recovered were very much the same (p. 134)."
"The reminder to minister to those in need is truly one of the sweet aspects of the many parables Jesus has given us (p. 159)."
"'Blessed are ye if ye continue in my goodness, a light unto the Gentiles, and through this priesthood, a savior unto my people Israel' (Doctrine and Covenants 86:11, p. 174)."
"'Why do we need such resilient faith? Because difficult days are ahead... I am optimistic about the future. It will be filled with opportunities for each of us to progress, contribute, and take the gospel to every corner of the earth' (Russell M. Nelson, p. 182)."
"It appears that one of Jesus's purposes in sharing this parable, especially in the presence of the Pharisses, was to focus on the priorities people set in life, often with no consideration for the future consequences of their choices (p. 189)."
"The covenant is made with individuals, not an organization, and it is made between the Lord and the people, who are then organized into a formal organization... Participation in the kingdom of God is by invitation through covenant, with the expectation that individuals will join themselves to the work of the Lord through covenants (p. 202)."
"While the lamps are very important in this parable, the oil is a central focus of what Jesus was trying to teach us (p. 205)."
"'Spiritual preparation is not something which can be distributed round in a crisis, and the wise are not being selfish (p. 207).'"
"The oil in our lamps represents the enlightening influence of the Holy Ghost and all of the gifts, powers, and privileges connected with the Spirit of God (p. 208)."
"'The oil of preparedness is accumulated drop by drop in righteous living. Attendance at sacrament meetings adds oil to our lamps, drop by drop over the years. Fasting, family prayer, home teaching, control of bodily appetites, preaching the gospel, studying the scriptures--each act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to our store' (Spencer W. Kimball, p. 210)."
"One way that we add oil to our lamps is through prayer (p. 212)."
"'Can the spiritual strength that results from consistent obedience to the commandments be given to another person? Can the knowledge obtained through diligent study and pondering of the scriptures be conveyed to one who is in need? Can the peace the gospel brings to a faithful Latter-day Saint be transferred to an individual experiencing adversity or great challenge (p. 213)?"
"Jesus doesn't say why he gave the three of them different amounts, but it seems likely that he saw differing levels of ability and integrity in them and acted accordingly (p. 218)."
"The message of this parable has to do with our personal accountability to God concerning what we do in this life with the gifts and blessings that are given to each of us (p. 221)."
"1. Seek earnestly to discover the talents the Lord has given you.
2. Use your talents to build up the kingdom of God.
3. Acknowledge God's hand in your success (p. 222)."
"Jesus taught us what it is we need to do His work successfully--the Holy Ghost and all of its gifts and powers (p. 231)."
"Usually a parable draws moral lessons from things or events that are part of people's everyday life--plants and animals, people, experiences from daily living, and many other things (p. 235)."
"We see with new eyes the vast grandeur of the Father's plan and we find ourselves understanding the lessons of the parables expanding beyond our own comprehension, enlightening our minds (p. 236)."
"The parables not only teach us what Jesus expects of us; they also teach us the very nature of Jesus Himself, and through Him, the nature of our Father in Heaven (p. x)."
"Which is the greater--the story or the author who writes it (p. xi)?"
"'Western readers expect a text to contain a meaning that is fully expressed and immediately understood. Eastern peoples, in general, love verbal symbolism that must be pondered and savored (p. 2).'"
"The parables were designed to (1) bring enlightenment and truth to those who seek it; and (2) yet appear to be nothing more than charming stories or similes to those who are not as prepared spiritually (p. 4)."
"It can both reveal and conceal meaning simultaneously, depending on the openness of the hearts of the listeners (p. 5)."
"'To ascertain its meaning, we must dig up the root and ascertain what it was that drew the saying out of Jesus' (Joseph Smith, p. 6)."
"He's teaching eternal principles that lead us to eternal life--the life on which the young man of great wealth had just turned his back and gone away sorrowing (p. 17)."
"The word parable means to place things side by side in a parallel structure so as to teach or illustrate a point (p. 18)."
"Why would the Lord share this parable with His disciples, and especially the Twelve? Perhaps because they themselves among those who were 'the first' to be called to the work in the early morning of that new dispensation. Their service would be long and demanding. They would leave their wives and families sometimes for years at a time (p. 22)."
"We should be grateful for any opportunity to labor in the work of the kingdom of God, wherever and whenever God sees fit to use us, and for as long as He wants us there (p. 24)."
"Some of our callings in our stakes, wards, and branches take less than an hour a month. Yet the 'salary' is the same for both (p. 26)."
"Jesus was always teaching all of His followers what true discipleship meant and how to more consistently live the principles of the gospel (p. 36)."
"The covenant that the Father and the Son have made with us is so rich in blessings, so broad in benefits, and so infinite in its joy that no matter how much we serve Them or how much good we do in this world, we cannot begin to repay Them for all that we owe to Them... And yet, sometimes in our myopic pride and arrogance we feel that our acts of obedience somehow put God in our debt (p. 42)."
"The soils are the central focus of this parable. Jesus made it clear that the soils represent the 'hearts' of men. Thus, the Lord describes four different conditions of people's hearts (p. 53)."
"'A surgeon can repair or replace a mitral valve that has lost its integrity. But no surgical procedure can be performed for loss of spiritual integrity of heart' (Russell M. Nelson, p. 59)."
"The parable teaches us to pray earnestly to strengthen our relationship with God... it teaches us how to qualify for the kingdom of heaven (p. 80)."
"The Savior told His listeners what the moral of the story was before He told the story (p. 86)."
"'In no dimension of the divine personality of Jesus Christ do we see His love any more fully expressed than in the divine tutorials given especially to His friends... He would not deny these enriching but stretching divine tutorials to any who follow Him... Perhaps these divine tutorials carry such a high priority because the more we are fully developed here, the more chores and opportunities we can be given in the world to come' (Neal A. Maxwell, p. 90)."
"He often infuriated the scribes and the Pharisees because He saw through their hypocrisy and openly condemned their pride and their wickedness (p. 97)."
"When we think about it, this last question is quite revealing about the lawyer's character. By asking who his neighbor was, he was asking, 'So who do I have to love?... Who can I not love and still be acceptable to God?' Jesus's answer was the story of the good Samaritan (p. 118)."
"'A hallmark of the Lord's true and living Church will always be an organized, directed effort to minister to individual children of God and their families' (Russell M. Nelson, p. 126)."
"'If you would have God have mercy on you, have mercy on one another' (Joseph Smith, p. 127)."
"The shepherd's care for the sheep is the main point of the parable (p. 132)."
"'The sheep is worthy of divine rescue simply because it is loved by the Good Shepherd' (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, p. 133)."
"It didn't matter how each item was lost. The effort to recover it and the joy when it was recovered were very much the same (p. 134)."
"The reminder to minister to those in need is truly one of the sweet aspects of the many parables Jesus has given us (p. 159)."
"'Blessed are ye if ye continue in my goodness, a light unto the Gentiles, and through this priesthood, a savior unto my people Israel' (Doctrine and Covenants 86:11, p. 174)."
"'Why do we need such resilient faith? Because difficult days are ahead... I am optimistic about the future. It will be filled with opportunities for each of us to progress, contribute, and take the gospel to every corner of the earth' (Russell M. Nelson, p. 182)."
"It appears that one of Jesus's purposes in sharing this parable, especially in the presence of the Pharisses, was to focus on the priorities people set in life, often with no consideration for the future consequences of their choices (p. 189)."
"The covenant is made with individuals, not an organization, and it is made between the Lord and the people, who are then organized into a formal organization... Participation in the kingdom of God is by invitation through covenant, with the expectation that individuals will join themselves to the work of the Lord through covenants (p. 202)."
"While the lamps are very important in this parable, the oil is a central focus of what Jesus was trying to teach us (p. 205)."
"'Spiritual preparation is not something which can be distributed round in a crisis, and the wise are not being selfish (p. 207).'"
"The oil in our lamps represents the enlightening influence of the Holy Ghost and all of the gifts, powers, and privileges connected with the Spirit of God (p. 208)."
"'The oil of preparedness is accumulated drop by drop in righteous living. Attendance at sacrament meetings adds oil to our lamps, drop by drop over the years. Fasting, family prayer, home teaching, control of bodily appetites, preaching the gospel, studying the scriptures--each act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to our store' (Spencer W. Kimball, p. 210)."
"One way that we add oil to our lamps is through prayer (p. 212)."
"'Can the spiritual strength that results from consistent obedience to the commandments be given to another person? Can the knowledge obtained through diligent study and pondering of the scriptures be conveyed to one who is in need? Can the peace the gospel brings to a faithful Latter-day Saint be transferred to an individual experiencing adversity or great challenge (p. 213)?"
"Jesus doesn't say why he gave the three of them different amounts, but it seems likely that he saw differing levels of ability and integrity in them and acted accordingly (p. 218)."
"The message of this parable has to do with our personal accountability to God concerning what we do in this life with the gifts and blessings that are given to each of us (p. 221)."
"1. Seek earnestly to discover the talents the Lord has given you.
2. Use your talents to build up the kingdom of God.
3. Acknowledge God's hand in your success (p. 222)."
"Jesus taught us what it is we need to do His work successfully--the Holy Ghost and all of its gifts and powers (p. 231)."
"Usually a parable draws moral lessons from things or events that are part of people's everyday life--plants and animals, people, experiences from daily living, and many other things (p. 235)."
"We see with new eyes the vast grandeur of the Father's plan and we find ourselves understanding the lessons of the parables expanding beyond our own comprehension, enlightening our minds (p. 236)."
February 20, 2023
This was a great book that gives insight into the Parables. He gives you insight into the times and circumstances of society when Jesus gave the parables. Also different perspectives on what the parables are trying to teach. I learned a lot and feel a deeper understanding of the teachings.
December 7, 2022
I listened to the audio version of this book and also purchased the eBook so I could reference some of the quotes and content from the text. I enjoyed the dive into this collection of Jesus’ parables. The historical context, cultural explanations, overall analysis, and the spiritual implications and commentary are valuable.
This is a book I see myself referencing later as the precious parables are brought forward in my life. I desire to apply them and this book helps in doing that. Recommend!
This is a book I see myself referencing later as the precious parables are brought forward in my life. I desire to apply them and this book helps in doing that. Recommend!
December 9, 2022
This book is very well done! It is thought provoking and Gerald Lund does a phenomenal job making the parables easier to understand and apply to our lives.
January 16, 2024
In the vast world of LDS Informational non fiction books by General Authorities and other prominent LDS authors and scholars such as Gerald Lund, there is surprisingly little on the subject of the Parables of Jesus.
I know this because four years ago when we were doing Come Follow Me New Testament study for the first time in 2019 and Jesus' parables became more frequent in His teachings, it led me down a rabbit hole of my own to learn more and dive deeper into these parables. I was looking for a good resource that laid out each Parable as found in the KJV, some context as to why Jesus told this story to emphasize his teaching point and any deeper meanings behind it that I could apply to my own 21st century life almost 2,000 years later. A parable is one of the simplest forms of storytelling and what better example for an amateur writer like me to study than from The Master Storyteller.
I found little to help me in this quest so, I opened a Word document and began my own "book" which is currently up to 45 pages. I painstakingly laid out each parable as found in each of the four gospels as many are repeated and some vary in wording and phrasing, then copied from my own notes helpful quotes and insights found on the website Gospel Doctrine.com which I rely heavily on in my own study and highly recommend to everyone before moving on to the next parable. At that time in 2019, this book “The Parables of Jesus” by John W. and Jeannie S. Welch with artwork by Jorge Cocco Santangelo, Covenant Communications, 2019 had just come out which I checked out of the library and also used in my writing project.
This book would also have been a welcome edition in my personal study of Jesus' Parables back in 2019 but I was happy to check it out of the library once it became more readily available and dive in. Besides, I've always enjoyed the fictional writings of Gerald Lund ever since reading Work and the Glory for the first time in the 90's! I was happy to see this book has everything I was attempting to write myself in my own Word document Parables of Jesus project. Lund gives us the Parable in its entirety along with background context as to why the Savior included it in his conversation or public preaching and how we can apply it in our own lives.
While not all the parables (My current list is 34) are included here, Lund focuses on just 16 as they relate to some of our more modern day LDS activities and gospel principles such as Ministering and Preparing for the Lord's Second Coming. Two of Jesus' most famous Parables, "The Good Samaritan" and "The Prodigal Son" are in here along with those helpful insights I listed above.
One of my favorite parables is, not surprisingly, The Parable of the Ten Virgins. (Since I can relate and hopefully to the Wise Ones!) Lund includes this one toward the end of his book and this is a good example of what he does with the other parables he teaches us about in his book.
After giving the parable along with the background context as to why Jesus told this particular story to his audience, Lund then gives the reader his analysis, listing a side by side comparison allowing the reader an interpretation of what the symbols in this parable might mean. Finally, he gives us his application of this parable.
It is rather sobering, he says, when we consider this particular parable is specifically given to members of the church and how it applies to his final section in his book "Preparation for Christ's Coming" as the foolish virgins were not wicked, just foolish. Their sense of entitlement, their casual attitude that having spiritual oil was not really important and so failed to bring any with them or put in the work that would accrue their own personal supply like the Wise did.
How many do you know who are just "casual" members of the church? JST adds a very important lost translation/correction to this parable when the foolish are banging on the closed door, deathbed repentance, demanding equality to the food and festivities, the Bridegroom does not say, "I don't know you. Tough luck. That's why you are denied entrance." It is instead corrected to "You never knew ME." In other words, "Your own lack of spiritual preparation is why you are denied entrance. I love you but I'm sorry."
This is an excellent read, a great resource and a must have for any gospel library which I plan to add to my own. I have some new ideas now as well for my own personal writing project "The Parables of Jesus: The Master Storyteller" Word document still on file, gathering dust.
I know this because four years ago when we were doing Come Follow Me New Testament study for the first time in 2019 and Jesus' parables became more frequent in His teachings, it led me down a rabbit hole of my own to learn more and dive deeper into these parables. I was looking for a good resource that laid out each Parable as found in the KJV, some context as to why Jesus told this story to emphasize his teaching point and any deeper meanings behind it that I could apply to my own 21st century life almost 2,000 years later. A parable is one of the simplest forms of storytelling and what better example for an amateur writer like me to study than from The Master Storyteller.
I found little to help me in this quest so, I opened a Word document and began my own "book" which is currently up to 45 pages. I painstakingly laid out each parable as found in each of the four gospels as many are repeated and some vary in wording and phrasing, then copied from my own notes helpful quotes and insights found on the website Gospel Doctrine.com which I rely heavily on in my own study and highly recommend to everyone before moving on to the next parable. At that time in 2019, this book “The Parables of Jesus” by John W. and Jeannie S. Welch with artwork by Jorge Cocco Santangelo, Covenant Communications, 2019 had just come out which I checked out of the library and also used in my writing project.
This book would also have been a welcome edition in my personal study of Jesus' Parables back in 2019 but I was happy to check it out of the library once it became more readily available and dive in. Besides, I've always enjoyed the fictional writings of Gerald Lund ever since reading Work and the Glory for the first time in the 90's! I was happy to see this book has everything I was attempting to write myself in my own Word document Parables of Jesus project. Lund gives us the Parable in its entirety along with background context as to why the Savior included it in his conversation or public preaching and how we can apply it in our own lives.
While not all the parables (My current list is 34) are included here, Lund focuses on just 16 as they relate to some of our more modern day LDS activities and gospel principles such as Ministering and Preparing for the Lord's Second Coming. Two of Jesus' most famous Parables, "The Good Samaritan" and "The Prodigal Son" are in here along with those helpful insights I listed above.
One of my favorite parables is, not surprisingly, The Parable of the Ten Virgins. (Since I can relate and hopefully to the Wise Ones!) Lund includes this one toward the end of his book and this is a good example of what he does with the other parables he teaches us about in his book.
After giving the parable along with the background context as to why Jesus told this particular story to his audience, Lund then gives the reader his analysis, listing a side by side comparison allowing the reader an interpretation of what the symbols in this parable might mean. Finally, he gives us his application of this parable.
It is rather sobering, he says, when we consider this particular parable is specifically given to members of the church and how it applies to his final section in his book "Preparation for Christ's Coming" as the foolish virgins were not wicked, just foolish. Their sense of entitlement, their casual attitude that having spiritual oil was not really important and so failed to bring any with them or put in the work that would accrue their own personal supply like the Wise did.
How many do you know who are just "casual" members of the church? JST adds a very important lost translation/correction to this parable when the foolish are banging on the closed door, deathbed repentance, demanding equality to the food and festivities, the Bridegroom does not say, "I don't know you. Tough luck. That's why you are denied entrance." It is instead corrected to "You never knew ME." In other words, "Your own lack of spiritual preparation is why you are denied entrance. I love you but I'm sorry."
This is an excellent read, a great resource and a must have for any gospel library which I plan to add to my own. I have some new ideas now as well for my own personal writing project "The Parables of Jesus: The Master Storyteller" Word document still on file, gathering dust.
April 6, 2023
Brother Lund does it again. Really some great perspectives here on some of Jesus' parables. My favorite section was his treatment of the three parables in Matthew 25 and how they're closely tied together as Jesus' last lesson in what one needs to do to gain salvation. Those parables are the Ten Virgins, the Talents, and the Sheep and the Goats. He puts forth the challenge to look in the mirror when considering the parables in helping us to be better and do better. He also challenges us to treat the parables as windows to look through in looking beyond ourselves and sharpening our vision. A great read if you're looking to expand your understanding of Christ's parables.
January 29, 2023
Inspiring Insight
Gerald Lund is a master storyteller himself, and he brings that skill to bear in this study of the Master’s parables. With penetrating insight, Elder Lund probes not only the deep meanings behind the parables, but how we can use them as both a mirror in which to examine our lives and a window into the workings of God in our lives.
I was profoundly touched by the perspective shared in this book and discovered a renewed desire to reread the parables with newly opened eyes.
Outstanding book!
Gerald Lund is a master storyteller himself, and he brings that skill to bear in this study of the Master’s parables. With penetrating insight, Elder Lund probes not only the deep meanings behind the parables, but how we can use them as both a mirror in which to examine our lives and a window into the workings of God in our lives.
I was profoundly touched by the perspective shared in this book and discovered a renewed desire to reread the parables with newly opened eyes.
Outstanding book!
January 12, 2023
I'm grateful to have a physical copy of this book because I can see the need to refer to it from time to time. I recommend that the 17 chapters be read on separate occasions such as one a day or week so that time can be taken to process, reflect, and cause whatever changes need to occur in our lives.
February 11, 2023
Not new information here, but a couple of new ways to think about what these parables mean. The one that struck me the most was his explanation of the wheat and the tares. How he suggested we study this one, and interestingly, he did not share all his answers or ideas on this one. He sort of left us hanging to really figure it out for selves
April 3, 2023
Libby. Very insightful book on the Parables Of Jesus but after finishing I feel like I missed a lot and want to reread. I reread. What Precious Jewels are I. This book. I liked it second time even better than the fist. Ge talks about Mirrors and Windows. When we read the Parable we can see ourselves in the mirror of his teachings. How are we really doing. As we observe this and truly look into the mirror of our souls we can learn so much about ourselves. Then we can look out the window to Eternity to see where we are headed if we stay on the Covent Path.
May 12, 2023
This book really helped me understand some of the parables of Jesus. We’ve been reading and discussing it with friends. Discussion helps the memory. We found out that the book was narrated by someone our son knows so then I started at the beginning to listen. It’s a wealth of information and masterfully narrated.
July 4, 2023
This book was perfect to read this year because I was also studying the New Testament. I gained SO much perspective. Learning the context and setting for each parable was interesting and added so much to all the layers. I love learning about the history and politics during this time period. I will keep this book and read it each time I study the New Testament.
March 5, 2024
This was a great companion on my commute--a good way to start and end the workday. I enjoyed the structure of the book: for each parable, we got a background section, the parable from the Bible, an analysis of the parable, and then a section exploring possible applications of the parable in our lives.
September 3, 2025
I was very impressed with this book. The author makes a great effort to deeply analyze the New Testament parables, and gives some very good insight.
I listened to the audiobook version, but I was impressed enough to go back and deeply read the original text. I recommend this book to your reading bookshelf.
I listened to the audiobook version, but I was impressed enough to go back and deeply read the original text. I recommend this book to your reading bookshelf.
March 6, 2023
This is an amazing book. I love it so much and will read it again and again. It gives such clarity to what the Savior is trying to teach both to the people in his earthly ministry, and to us, today.
April 2, 2023
I've been studying the New Testament this year and wanted to learn more about the parables of Jesus. I liked how this book was organized and appreciated the insights that were shared. It has helped me try and see things on a deeper level as I read the parables.
July 16, 2023
Each parable was outlined by the context and setting, an analysis, and application. Great insights in each of these areas helped to create increased understanding of how the parables can apply to my own life. Nice companion to this year's study of the New Testament.
March 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and learned new insights into the parables of Jesus. I would like to read it again soon.
March 27, 2023
Nothing too profound in my opinion. I have found more depth and meaning when I read conference talks from Apostles or the Prophet, but it was a good overview I guess.
April 22, 2023
Gerald Lund once again brings spiritual and historical insight to illuminate the teachings of Jesus Christ. Likely a book I would read and study again.
May 5, 2023
Loved reading and learning about the parables
July 15, 2023
A very well written book on the parables of Jesus
October 30, 2023
Lund is a master teacher and a writer! So grateful that he shares his insights and wisdom from years of dedicated study.
November 12, 2023
The parables have never seemed so relevant as they do when studied through Lund's knowledge. Truly they are mirrors to our soul and windows to eternity.
November 27, 2023
Like most people he missed the deeper meaning to The Good Samaritan, but this is otherwise a very good book. I learned a lot and I found the backgrounds and insights interesting.
Read
January 1, 20245/15/2023
February 1, 2024
I always enjoy Gerald Lund books. He helps to see a scripture through new eyes and new meanings behind them.
May 1, 2024
This book is a wonderful resource for studying and better understanding the parables of Jesus.
I discussed this book as part of a bookclub study of the parables.
I discussed this book as part of a bookclub study of the parables.
June 2, 2025
This was very good. Well written and engaging. It helped me look at the parables in a different way.
June 19, 2025
I love the application sections. The Why behind it and how we can use it to improve our lives
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews