New Testament Lesson #17 Mark 10:17–30; 12: 41–44; Luke
12:13–21; 14:15–33; 16:1–12
“What Shall I Do that I May
Inherit Eternal Life”
Introduction
Although the underlying theme of these scriptures is, seemingly, riches
and possessions, the message could be interpreted as “what are we prepared to
sacrifice in order to become wholly committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Neal A. Maxwell said, “Though possessed of other fine attributes, we may still
lack . . . one quality. Such was the case with the righteous young man who
knelt sincerely at Jesus’ feet. Lacking one thing, he went away sorrowing and
unsubmissive when a particularized challenge was given. . . . With honest,
individualized introspection, each of us could name what we yet lack. . . . It
is so easy to be halfhearted, but this only produces half the growth, half the
blessings, and just half a life, really, with more bud than blossom. A
superficial view of this life, therefore, will not do, . . . Required, in
particular, is meekness of mind which recognizes God’s perfect love of us and
His omniscience. By acknowledging these reassuring realities and accepting that
God desires our full development and true happiness, we are readied even as the
learning experiences come. Such meekness requires genuine intellectual honesty,
owning up to the learning experiences of the past and listening to Holy Ghost
as he preaches to us from the pulpit of memory.”[1]
Mark 10:17–30
The story of the rich young man is very familiar. By addressing the
Savior as “good master” perhaps something was implied here that we do not
understand because the Savior turned it around emphasizing that he should
follow what he already knew from revelation in the scriptures. Was this an
earnest enquiry or a self-promoting one? The clue appears to be in verse 21
“then Jesus beholding him loved him.” Knowing what was in his heart, the Savior
let him know what his weakness was and how he could make it a strength. Question: What are the weaknesses that we
need to turn into strengths? Neal A. Maxwell, “It is not an easy thing,
however, to be shown one’s weaknesses, as these are regularly demonstrated by
life’s circumstances. Nevertheless, this is part of coming unto Christ, and it
is a vital, if painful, part of God’s plan of happiness. Besides, as Elder
Henry B. Eyring has wisely observed, “If you want praise more than instruction,
you may get neither” (“To Choose and Keep a Mentor,” Addresses Delivered at
the 1993 Annual University Conference, Brigham Young University [1993],
42).”[2]
Mark 12:41–44—The Poor Widow’s Mites
Again, a very familiar story, and although it would again seem to be
about riches, like the story of the rich young man, it would appear to address
the level of sacrifice we are willing to make in order to become true disciples.
Are we fully committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ? If not, what is holding
us back? Question: Obviously there is a
difference between cloistering ourselves away in a monastery or convent to
spend our lives in contemplation of the divine and be disciples of Christ in
the world. What makes our lives one of discipleship?
In some ways, the story of the widow and her mites is a simile of the
Savior. He gave His all for us.
Luke 12:13–21
13–15: This exchange seems humorous—reminds us of children “ Dad, make him
stop bugging me” but in these few verses the Lord gives important teachings
against covetousness. Question: What
forms can covetousness take? Elder Holland said, “Most “thou shalt not”
commandments are meant to keep us from hurting others, but I am convinced the
commandment not to covet is meant to keep us from hurting ourselves.”[3] Question: What do you think he meant by
that.
16–21
This exchange led into the parable of the foolish rich man. The dialog
with himself is humorous, but it perhaps hits close to home. Mankind’s ability
to reason sets us apart from the animal kingdom, but all too often that
reasoning leads to self-justification—arguing our way into the wrong path. Question: Why do many people set their
hearts on worldly wealth even though they know it is only temporary? How can we
determine whether we are too concerned with material possessions? How can we be
more generous with our material wealth and other blessings, such as time and
talents?
Luke 14:15–33
The Parable of the Great Supper
Jesus is at the home of a chief of the Pharisees, invited for dinner.
One cannot but feel that the invitation carried with it a thinly veiled menace.
The Pharisees wanted more ammunition before condemning Him to death. But, as
always, Jesus’s commanding presence puts Him in the forefront and allows Him to
teach us and them. Jesus has just given a sermon on humility and service which
plainly made His hearers uncomfortable. One of them says, “Blessed is he that
shall eat bread in the kingdom of God” (v. 15). The implication is that he, one
of the elite, will be in the Kingdom of God after the last judgment—well cared
for—not the poor, lame, halt, and blind the Savior has been urging His
followers to serve. The Savior then mentally thunders a reply to this misconception
with the parable. Question: Who are
those who were called and made pitiful excuses not to come to the feast? Who
are the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind? The law of
sacrifice and the law of consecration are consecutive. We must be practiced in
living the first before we can truly embark on living the second.
Regarding vs. 26, Talmage explained, “So now to the eager multitude
Jesus applied a test of sincerity. He would have only genuine disciples, not
enthusiasts of a day, ready to desert His cause when effort and sacrifice were
most needed. Thus did He sift the people: . . . Literal hatred toward one’s
family was not specified as a condition of discipleship; indeed a man who indulges
hatred or any other evil passion is a subject for repentance and reformation.
The preeminence of duty toward God over personal or family demands on the part
of one who had assumed the obligations of a disciple was the precept.”[4]
Luke 16: 1–12
The Parable of the Unjust Steward
This is a difficult passage because on the face of it, it looks like
Jesus is commending the steward for basically cheating his master in order to
make sure that he will be welcomed in the houses of the master’s debtors. Jesus
calls the steward “wise . . . for the children of this world are in their
generation wiser than the children of light” (vs. 8). But in reality, He is pointing out that all our resources, be they financial, physical, or spiritual, come from Him and we are only stewards. We need to be both wise and good with the blessings that Lord has bestowed upon us.
James E. Talmage said: “By ‘mammon of unrighteousness’ we may understand
material wealth or worldly things. While far inferior to the treasures of
heaven, money or that which it represents may be the means of accomplishing
good, and of furthering the purposes of God. Our Lord’s admonition was to
utilize ‘mammon’ in good works, while it lasted, for some day it shall fail,
and only the results achieved through its use shall endure. If the wicked
steward, when cast out from his master’s house because of unworthiness, might
hope to be received into the homes of those whom he had favored, how much more
confidently may they who are genuinely devoted to the right hope to be received
into the everlasting mansions of God! Such seems to be part of the lesson.”[5]
Question: How good are we at being
stewards over the Lord’s resources?
Bible videos:
The Widow’s Mites
Seek Ye the Kingdom of God
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