The Words of Christ

Matthew 13:1-23 The parable of the sower as taught in these verses I feel is fairly well known. What follows the Savior's initial instructions however is notably decisive in explaining the difference between the true disciples of Christ, and those who will casually pass by to listen, but with no intent to act on what is heard. There is much to study here, but what is curious about this passage is that I find there are distinct parallels between these fundamental teachings of Christ, and in the early recorded scriptural documents in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For example, compare Matthew 13:11 with Doctrine and Covenants 6:11-12

Matthew 25 I find myself contemplating this final chapter of the Savior's public ministry as recorded in the book of Matthew, the first of the four Gospels. As final remarks, I find it both moving and appropriate that the Savior here is recorded teaching in parables three very important concepts in relation to our final preparations for his Second Coming. In the previous chapter, the Savior had vividly detailed events leading up to His Second Coming, and now as as a parting sermon, He teaches 1) of being prepared personally and spiritually for His return, 2) of make good use of the individual blessings, gifts, talents, and abilities that each covenant member of the Kingdom of God would be given, and then finally 3) of caring for the poor and the needy.

Mark 4:1-20 Here now, the Savior explains why the words of Christ doesn't work for everyone. While the parable is given in fairly straight forward terms (it's this, that, or the other), as I've reviewed, I find within myself different types of ground at different seasons, depending upon how well I've prepared myself to receive the words of Christ. Types of Ground: Wayside - The Savior says that when the word is sown here, "Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts." ( vs. 15 )  Stony Ground - Slightly different in its reception, the word here is received immediately with gladness. However, they are not able to establish roots and so the word has a time limit and is set to expire. Here it is after the expiration of the word or seed that "when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended." ( vs. 17 ) Among Thorns - Here too, the word is also received, but it is ...