Living the Parables: Applying Christ’s Teachings to Our Lives

by Hank Smith, Kathryn Jenkins

As the world’s greatest teacher, Jesus Christ used His skills as a storyteller to teach and inspire His followers. The parables of Christ contain a wealth of guidance, but the deeper meaning of His words can sometimes be difficult to decipher. Now, best-selling authors Hank Smith and Kathryn Jenkins—known and loved for their ability to approach gospel topics in a clear, light, and understandable way—take a careful look at the finer points of the Savior’s stories. They uncover the profound spiritual lessons hidden within and illustrate practical and accessible application for our day. In Living the Applying Christ’s Teachings to Our Lives, readers are presented with commentary from generations of Church leaders and religious scholars, as well as modern-day interpretations of the underlying significance of each account. This volume will inspire followers of Christ to draw on the power of His Atonement by embracing a deeper understanding of His parables.

Genres: Nonfiction, Lds, Religion

179 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2019

About the author

Hank Smith enjoys teaching in the Religious Education Department at BYU and is a favorite speaker for Especially for Youth, Best of Especially for Youth, and BYU Education Week.

Hank and his wife, Sara, were both born and raised in St. George, Utah. They are the parents of one daughter and four sons. Brother Smith enjoys running marathons and eating lots and lots of ice cream (which is why he runs marathons). More than anything else, he loves being at home spending all day with his wife and children.

You can follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hanksmithcds

Reviews

[Amanda]

I loved the insights into the parables. I will definitely read it again.

[Allison]

I listened to this as one of several audio books during a cross country drive. I loved it! Now I need a hard copy to study and mark up.

[Shauna]

This book is AMAZING! The authors take a look at each of the parables and then explain how they can be applied to our lives right now. Truly inspiring!

I love this quote from the Introduction:
"Your problems are real. Your tears are real. Your heartache is real. You face things that nobody on the earth can truly understand. The parables of Jesus Christ will help you with your problems. They can bring the solutions and the peace you are seeking. The Savior never did anything on a whim or by accident. His use of parables was intentional and reasoned."

Grab a copy of this book and study the parables. Through them the Savior can help heal all your troubles, heartaches, and pain.

[Abby]

This was a really good overview of the New Testament parables with some interesting insights into what they could mean. It’s a book I could see myself coming back to again and again to draw out further insights and enhance my scripture study and understanding.

[Elizabeth Ricks]

This is a good explanation of many of the most famous parables. It is geared toward teens, which made it really fun for me to read.

[Kasi]

Loved the content. Some of the jokes were not necessarily fitting the book setting.

[LMoody]

Such a great read with many beautiful insights about Christ's parables.

[Brooks Bentley]

Really inspiring and helpful to understand the Savior’s parables.

[Ellie LeCompte]

I love this! I have learned so much meaning behind the parables of Christ and have pondered so much about them these past months. Would love to read again later!

[Lindy Schwendiman]

Loved having a book listing our Christ’s parables. Adding some scholar interpretations and insights. A great spiritual read.

[Sadie]

Loved this book - it explained the parables in a way that really helped me understand the principles behind Christ’s teachings, but it did not over-simply anything. Smith stays doctrinally sound with no “opinions” on what the parables could mean. Instead, he gives detailed and helpful historical background and modern-LDS context to more fully understand the New Testament.

This book has helped a lot as I am teaching the New Testament in seminary. I read it from beginning to end but have also gone back to study specific chapters (which stand on their own) when I have a lesson that correlates with it.

The author is way too cheesy for my taste :)