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THE PARABLES OF JESUS

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International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Oct 21, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 40.

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THE PARABLES OF JESUS.

Lesson. V.—The Parable of the Rich Man, and Other Parables.

(Sabbath, October 30.)
1. On a certain occasion what question was presented to Jesus by one of the company who had gathered around him?
“And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.” Luke 12:13.
2. How did Jesus answer him?
“And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?” Verse 14.
3. What warning did he then give to all?
“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness; for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Verse 15.
4. Why should not men be too anxious to gain wealth? Same verse.
5. Who did Jesus then take as a subject of a parable?
“And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully.” Verse 16.
6. What perplexed this man?
“And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?” Verse 17.
7. What did he decide to do?
“And he said, This will I do; I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.” Verse 18.
8. How did he congratulate himself upon his wealth and prosperity?
“And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.” Verse 19.
9. Upon what was he evidently counting?—Upon many years to come.
10. How was he disappointed?
“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee; then whose shall these things be, which thou hast provided?” Verse 20.
11. What question does God ask the foolish rich man? Same verse.
12. What conclusion does Jesus draw from the parable?
“So is he that layeth up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” Verse 21.
13. How may such a man become rich toward God?
“Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven; and come and follow me.” Matt. 19:21.
14. What special instruction did Jesus give his disciples?
“And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.” Luke 12:22.
15. Why is it not best to take too much thought for food and clothing?
“The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.” Verse 23.
16. How does Jesus illustrate the care which God has over his children?
“Consider the ravens; for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them; how much more are ye better than the fowls?” Verse 24.
17. What question did Jesus ask in order to show how vain is all our thought and anxiety without the help and providence of God?
“And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?” Verse 25.
18. How did he set home this lesson?
“If ye then be not able to do that which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?” Verse 26.
19. What did he next say for the purpose of inspiring implicit trust in God?
“Consider the lilies how they grow; they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” Verse 27.
20. By what question did he deepen the impression of the truth he had taught?
“If then God so clothe the grass, which is to-day in the field, and to-morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?” Verse 28.
21. What direct admonition did he then give them?
“And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.” Verse 29.
22. Why is it entirely safe to follow this precept?
“For all these things do the nations of the world seek after; and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.” Verse 30.
23. What should be made the chief object in life?
“But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Verse 31.
24. What assurance with reference to temporal wants is given to those who follow this precept? Same verse.
25. Why should the children of God dismiss all fear?
“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Verse 32.
26. How may this happy state be secured?
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear; because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18.
27. Of what is love the fruit?
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.” Gal. 5:22.
28. How is the Spirit of God to be secured?
“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children; how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” Luke 11:13.