蕭昶欣/英文/CFM/5月6-12日
1As you read Luke 12–17 and John 11, prayerfully seek what Heavenly Father wants you to know and do.
2Your study of these chapters can open your heart to messages meant just for you.
3In most situations, 99 out of 100 would be considered excellent—but not when such numbers stand for beloved children of God (see D&C 18:10).
4In that case, even one soul merits a thorough, desperate search “until [we] find it” (Luke 15:4), as the Savior taught in the parable of the lost sheep.
5Then the rejoicing can begin, for “joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance” (Luke 15:7).
6If that seems unfair, it’s helpful to remember that, in truth, there are none who “need no repentance.”
7We all need rescuing.
8And we all can participate in the rescue, rejoicing together over every soul who is saved (see D&C 18:15–16).
9Why would God say “Thou fool” to a hardworking, successful man who had built great barns and filled them with the fruits of his labors? (see Luke 12:16–21).
10In these chapters in Luke, the Savior teaches several parables that can help us lift our sights beyond the worldly to the eternal.
11Some of these parables are listed here.
12How would you summarize the message of each?
13What do you think the Lord is telling you?
14The foolish rich man (Luke 12:13–21)
15The great supper (Luke 14:12–24)
16The prodigal son (Luke 15:11–32)
17The unjust steward (Luke 16:1–12)
18The rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31)
19See also Matthew 6:19–34; 2 Nephi 9:30; Doctrine and Covenants 25:10.
20Have you ever wondered how Heavenly Father feels about those who have sinned or are otherwise “lost”?
21The Pharisees and scribes criticized Jesus for even associating with such people.
22In response, Jesus told three parables, found in Luke 15—the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son.
23As you read these parables, consider making a list of similarities and differences between them.
24For example, you could look for what was lost and why, how it was found, and how people reacted when it was found.
25What messages did Jesus have for those who are “lost”—including those who don’t think they are lost?
26What messages did He have for people who seek those who are lost?
27Of course, it is always better not to become lost.
28Regarding Luke 15:7, Elder James E. Talmage wrote, “There is no justification for the inference that a repentant sinner is to be given precedence over a righteous soul who had resisted sin” (Jesus the Christ [1916], 461).
29However, all of us sin and need rescuing, and the comforting message of the Savior’s parables is that each of us can repent and return to righteousness, for God desires that not one soul should perish.
30See also Doctrine and Covenants 18:10–16; Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Other Prodigal,” Ensign, May 2002, 62–64.
31The Lost Piece of Silver, by James Tissot
32Elder James E. Talmage explained one lesson we can learn from the parable: “Be diligent; for the day in which you can use your earthly riches will soon pass.
33Take a lesson from even the dishonest and the evil; if they are so prudent as to provide for the only future they think of, how much more should you, who believe in an eternal future, provide therefor!
34If you have not learned wisdom and prudence in the use of ‘unrighteous mammon,’ how can you be trusted with the more enduring riches?” (Jesus the Christ, 464).
35If you had been one of the ten lepers, do you think you would have returned to thank the Savior?
36What additional blessings did the thankful leper receive because he gave thanks?
37How does expressing gratitude affect you spiritually?
38It might benefit you to start writing what you are grateful for in a journal, as President Henry B. Eyring described in his message “O Remember, Remember” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 66–69).
39The miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead was a powerful and irrefutable testimony that Jesus was truly the Son of God and the promised Messiah.
40What words, phrases, or details in John 11:1–46 strengthen your faith that Jesus Christ is “the resurrection, and the life”?
41How does this knowledge influence your life and your choices?
42As you read the scriptures with your family, the Spirit can help you know what principles to emphasize and discuss in order to meet the needs of your family.
43Here are some suggestions:
44Do your family members understand what it feels like to lose something—or to be lost?
45Talking about their experiences could start a discussion about the parables of the lost sheep and lost coin.
46Or you could play a game in which someone hides and other family members try to find him or her.
47How does this activity help us understand these parables?
48How can we be like the father in this story when we have loved ones who are lost?
49What can we learn from the older son’s experience that can help us be more Christlike?
50In what ways is the father in this parable like our Heavenly Father?
51To help family members apply the account of the ten lepers, you could invite them to write secret notes of gratitude and put them throughout the house.
52You could also sing together “Count Your Blessings,” Hymns, no. 241, and discuss the blessings your family has received.
53Family members could watch the video “Lazarus Is Raised from the Dead” (LDS.org) and share their testimonies of Jesus Christ.
54For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.
55Use stories and examples to teach gospel principles.
56The Savior often taught about gospel principles by using stories and parables.
57Think of examples and stories from your own life that can make a gospel principle come alive for your family (see Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 22).