Living the Parables

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 Parables: 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: Religion, Lds, Nonfiction, Inspirational, Christian, Audiobook, Book Club

232 pages, Paperback

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

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be a rich resource that deepened my understanding and study of the New Testament and strengthened my testimony of Jesus Christ. I was fortunate to hear Hank Smith speak at a conference in Southern California last year, and I was impressed by his down-to-earth personality, charming humor, and message of positivity, strength and empowerment through the gospel. When I saw this book I knew that it would be one with a narrative that would hold my interest and I was not disappointed! It is easy to read and quickly made me feel the importance of the Bible in our lives and the messages Christ has for us. I appreciated the bit of history that was shared in the beginning of the book about each of the Gospels themselves, and also the chapter that explains what parables are, why Christ used them, and how to interpret and apply the parables. Following are five sections that share the parables by theme, each with their own chapter. I haven't completed the entire book yet because I find myself captivated and not wanting to rush through it! I'm loving the insights, the questions, the references from prophets, apostles, and scholars, and the encouragement from the author to use the lessons learned. Highly recommend!!!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main genres for this one is Nonfiction & Christian. It covers the parables in the New Testament. This author is a youth speaker. My girls liked hearing him when they were in their teens. And I think adults should keep that in mind while reading this because it often felt like he was addressing a younger crowd. And by reading some of the reviews, some have been bothered by this. While that is also not my thing, I did appreciate the author's insights on the parables. And I appreciated the biblical history that went along with them. It helped with the explanations. My favorites were the parables of the sower and the 10 virgins. So 4 stars.

[Shiloah · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author came across too light-hearted and condescending for my tastes. I chose not to finish.

[Rachel DeVaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read other books by Hank Smith, so I was looking forward to reading this one. The author states in his introduction: "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 of by accident." The author wrote this book in hopes of giving readers insight into the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), why Jesus spoke in parables, and how they can help us today.

Chapters in this book include; What are Parables and why did Jesus use them?, Loss and Redemption: What was lost is found, Love Forgiveness and Repentance: Three things everyone needs... to name a few.

Very easy to read and very well written with lots of references from the scriptures and from our Apostles and Prophets teachings. This book is a WONDERFUL reference tool-I highly recommend getting it! I enjoyed the chapter about Love, forgiveness and repentance since I need to work on those qualities the most.

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Club 2020/21
I really enjoyed this book and the different interpretations of the parables that were presented. I gained a better insight into the Jewish customs at the time and a better understanding of the parables.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not sure I always liked the style of the writing, but I am giving it four stars because it did cause me to stop and ponder on the parables and consider their many faceted meanings.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and the in depth look into the parables. Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:

“Parents can’t force their children to live the gospel. Trying to force the seed to grow will do more damage than good. In the language of the parable, the growth of the plant, beginning with the planting and continuing until the harvest, proceeds according to its own laws and by its own inherent power as governed by God. We do our best to do our part and leave the Lords part to him. We can’t always see what’s happening, and it doesn’t depend on us.” Page 40

If you have a child or student with a hard heart, this parable might help you understand that person. This type of person’s heart is too hard to receive any gospel message right now. If you are the teacher in the situation, you are not to blame. Instead of trying to plant the gospel message repeatedly and ending up being frustrated, work on softening the heart of the individual. What soften hearts? Love. Service. Kindness.” Page 47

“Some young people are amusing themselves to death, spiritual death“… As we spend hours in front of the television, phone, or computer, we are slowly wilting on our way to a dead testimony. If you were to take a humble and honest account of your time and energy, what would you say are your biggest weeds?“ Page 52

The best thing you can do is be an example of someone who leads your own life, makes time for the Lord, and has the fruits of happiness and peace. Page 54

**You can weed your life. You can decide who is in charge and what is going to get your precious time and energy. You are the child of heavenly parents. They have complete self-control. They aren’t controlled by any temptation or distraction. You will be happier and have more inner peace as you seek to master yourself as they have. Be sure to be patient with yourself in this process. Page 55


“One scripture study session might be the cause of dramatic change. One conversation can change a life. One heartfelt letter can restore a friend. One hug or one sincere apology can restore kind feelings. These are small acts, but out of them can grow large changes that bless lives far beyond the original parties. When Alma taught that, “ by small and simple things are great things brought to pass,” he was teaching an unchanging truth about how God works in our lives and how we can impact one another. Don’t lose faith in doing the small things.”-64

A Catholic priest asked a shepherd if it was realistic that the shepherd would leave 99 sheep and go in search of one that was lost. Here is the shepherds answer: “yes and when he returns the one to the fold, the other sheep realize that he will do the same for each of them, and as a result, they more tightly bond with the shepherd has won the trust.” Page 69

Prodigal son-
perhaps the Savior is telling us that certain souls only learn the hard way. You can preach and give advice, but some people seem to learn only through painful experiences.“ Page 84

Well the prodigal was out a great way off his father saw him and ran to him. Consider what that means. His father saw him while he was yet a great way off. You don’t just happen to recognize someone you were not expecting or hoping to see you when they are a great way off. Another words this father was watching for his boy. He didn’t just happen to see his son out of the corner of his eye while he was busy doing something else. He had never stopped waiting and watching.… With the lost sheep you go out and look. With the lost coin, you search. With the prodigal, you wait.” Page 86

Story of Julio Diaz in NYC approached by a teen with a knife on subway demanding his wallet. He gave it to him and as teen left he called out “you forgot something”. Gives him his coat and says he should keep warm if he’ll be out all night robbing people. They ended up having dinner together at diner and at the end he asked the teen to pay using his wallet. He gave him his wallet back and then Diaz asked if he could buy his knife and paid him $20 for it.
“At the final day the Savior will not ask about the nature of our callings. He will not inquire about our material possessions or fame. Do you ask if we minister to the sick, get food and drink to the hungry, visited those in prison, or gave sucker to the week. When we reach out to assist the least of heavenly father’s children, we do it onto him. That is the essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Joseph b wirthlin page 121

The two sons-
what are your sins our sense of commission or sins of omission, talk to the Lord about them. Acknowledge you need to do better in your private prayers. Ask for his help to do better. The spirit will prompt you to be completely open with the Lord about your life. Don’t purposely forget to pray or avoid certain topics in your prayers.… As elder Jeffrey R Holland powerfully taught, “to you is extended the peace and renewal of repentance available through the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. In such serious matters the path of repentance is not easily begun nor painlessly traveled. But the savior of the world will walk that essential journey with you. He Will strengthen you when you waver. He will be your light when it seems most dark. He will take your hand and be your hope when hope seems all you have left. His compassion and mercy, with all their cleansing and healing power, are freely given to all who truly wish complete forgiveness and will take the steps that lead to it.” Page 141

The barren fig tree-Just like the fig tree that needed more time, we can have more time. It isn’t too late for you or those you love. It will never be too late as long as the savior is involved. Even when everyone might think too much time has passed or someone is too far gone, Christ can raise the dead, whether someone is physically dead or spiritually dead. As President Russell M Nelson taught, “hope is linked to repentance. You can change. You can come unto Christ and be perfected in him(Moroni 10:32).” Page 148

The empty house-
If you haven’t filled your space with righteous goodness, that sin waltzes right back in. If you haven’t replaced unrighteous habits with righteous habits, there is room in your life for your unrighteous habits to return.” 170

10 virgins-
They have a lamp, but no oil. They are publicly religious, but not privately spiritual. Page 182


“There is a danger in the word someday when what it means is “not this day. “Someday I will repent.“ “Someday I will forgive him.“ “Someday I will speak to my friend about the church.“ “Someday I will start to pay tithing.“ “Someday I will return to the temple.“ “Someday…“ The Scriptures make the danger of delay clear. it is that we may discover that we have run out of time.“ Henry b eyring pg 183

“We need to invest in a private relationship with the Lord. We need to become close friends with him.“ 184

The Unjust steward-
“Becoming like the Savior means we don’t procrastinate preparation, but we act right now.“ Page 182

Talents-

“ the third servant then came trembling before his master. He had already heard what the others had reported and knew that he could not give a similar report… In modern revelation the Lord affirmed the principles in this parable: “but with Some I am not well pleased, for they hide the talent which I have given into them, because of the fear of man… thou shalt not idle away thy time, neither shalt thou bury the talent that it may not be known. (Doctrine and covenants 60:2, 13)- elder rasband

“Talents are not given to be buried and then to be dug up and offered back unimproved, wreaking with the smell of earth and dulled by the corrosion of disuse. The unused talent was justly taken from him who had counted it as of so little worth, and was given to One, who although possessing much, would use the additional gift to his own profit, to the betterment of his fellows, and to the glory of his Lord.” Elder Talmage page 197

**“Everything God gives us so we can use those things to serve him by serving others. If we want it to be well with us in the last day, the day of reckoning, when we Face Him, just as those servants face their master, we need to be able to say that we used our skills, talents, gifts, money, fame, or prestige to bless his children and further his kingdom. To demonstrate our love for him, we must help the people around us.”198

“I feel the judgment for sin is not always cut and dried as some of us seem to think… I feel that the Lord also recognizes differences in intent and circumstances… When he does judge us, I feel he will take all things into consideration: our genetic and chemical make up, our mental state, our intellectual capacity, the teachings we have received, the traditions of our fathers, our health, and so forth.” M Russell Ballard page 199

The beam in the eye-

“Instead of pointing out the weaknesses and sins of others, focus on your own. Instead of pointing out flaws in others, of which they are probably already well aware, set an example of humility by acknowledging your own imperfections and trying to improve.“

“None of us is perfect. I know of no one who would profess to be so. And yet for some reason, despite our own imperfections, we have a tendency to point out those of others. We make judgments concerning their actions or in actions. There’s really no way we can know the heart, the intentions, or the circumstances of someone who might say or do something we find reason to criticize. That’s the commandment: “judge not.“ Thomas S Monson page 207

Laborers in the vineyard-
All paid the same, those who worked one hour or all day. He paid the ones who he hired last, first. The ones who’d worked all day saw that these guys were getting paid the same amount they would get.
The landowner innocent says, you were happy with our deal this morning. You kept your end of the deal, and I kept mine. What is the problem? Are you really upset because I was kind to those other men?212

this parable is about overcoming the natural man’s obsession with comparison and competition.
For some reason, the workers who have been working all day saw the lives of those who started work later in the day as easier than theirs. They saw their own lives as the most difficult of all the workers, but were they? Could the lives of the workers who arrived later be the most difficult? The first hour workers had to deal with strenuous physical labor, but they had the guarantee of payment. The last hour workers had to deal with the emotional stress of not knowing where their children’s next meal was going to come from. Which is worse? Page 214

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is literally one of the best books I’ve ever read. I listened to it on my commute last week and I LOVED it. It seriously helped me gain a better perspective on the parables. I also felt motivated to change some things in my life.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s so easy to see why Hank Smith is a popular speaker for youth. The way he writes this book is refreshing. It’s interesting and there are little jokes throughout it.

I love the way Hank Smith took each of Christ’s parables from the New Testament and explained them. We’ve been reading these as a family this year as well as in Sunday School as part of the new Come Follow Me curriculum. And some of them are so confusing! Reading the author’s explanations helped them make sense and almost jump off the pages for me. I almost felt like I needed to have my scriptures open and add notes about what some of the things could mean.

I also loved the introductory materials in this one. The author makes sure the reader knows who each of the Gospel writers were, who their audience for their book was and a little about them. It just helped me put their books more into context.

I know I’ll be using this book the next time we read the New Testament! And maybe even sooner when someone asks a question about a confusing parable.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got so much out of this book. Things I appreciated:
1. the explanations of so many aspects of Jesus’ time that deepened my understanding of the parables
2. The inclusion of many other biblical scholars’ insights
3. More than one interpretation of what the elements and lesson of each parable could be
4. Application examples
5. A modest amount of humor (this book is much less...lighthearted than some of Smith’s talks for youth, which are also good, but geared to an audience that may need a bit more entertainment)
It was so inspiring, educational, and understandable that I really want to share it with the rest of my family. I hope to incorporate it, maybe a parable a week, into our family studies on Sundays.

[Jodi Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read! Another great book Hank!

[Tiffany Smart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible. I am Hank Smith’s #1 fan. (Listen to the audiobook if you can, so good!)

[Kori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource on parables! I listened to the audiobook, which was great, but found myself wishing I was able to highlight and cross reference in my scriptures to help me remember all the great nuggets of information.

[Brenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Underlying connections in the parable(s) are often hidden to listeners who are not spiritually prepared to receive them." pg 53

The Sower
The cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. Matthew 13:22

"Like the weeds in the parable, his phone was taking all his time and energy.... What did he do? He took an ax to the weed! It was beautiful. He started by handing his phone to his wife when he arrived home from work, saying, 'Don't give this back to me until morning.' He read books with his young children or threw a football with his teenage son...He took control and made his phone his servant instead of allowing it to be his master. He weeded his life, and now he gives his time and energy to what really matters to him." pg 91-92

The Wheat and the Tares
So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. Matthew 13:27-30

"This parable helps us answer the question of why the Lord doesn't seem to be doing anything about all the wickedness in the world... Why do some people who have knowingly rejected the Lord and the gospel seem to be prospering? But the Lord is just. There will come a day of judgment for every single soul who has ever lived on the earth." pg 100

The Mustard Seed
The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field. Matthew 13:31

"Just like the small Restoration is growing into something mighty, your small acts of kindness and goodness have an enormous impact. one scripture study session might be the cause of dramatic change. One conversation can change a life. One heartfelt letter can restore a friend. One hug or sincere apology can restore kind feelings. These are small acts, but out of them can grow large changes that bless lives far beyond the original parties. When Alma taught that "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass," he was teaching an unchanging truth about how God works in our lives and how we can impact one another. Don't lose faith in doing the small things." pg 106

The Lost Sheep
What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? Luke 15:4

"I am the lost sheep. You are the lost sheep. 'All we like sheep have gone astray.' (Isaiah 53:6) The times of feeling lost are not always times when we have wandered from the straight and narrow path. Not at all. We may be precisely where the Lord would have us be... Some are lost because they are weary. It's easy to feel overwhelmed. With all the pressures and demands on our time and the stress we face each day, it's little wonder we get tired. Many feel discouraged because they have not measured up to their potential. Others simply feel too weak to contribute. And so, as the flock moves on, gradually, almost imperceptibly, some fall behind." pg. 118-119 (Elder Bruce C. Hafen)

"Though he has a hundred sheep, a considerable flock, yet he will not lose that one, but he goes after it, and shows abundance of care, both in finding it and bringing it home. He follows it, inquiring after it, and looking for it, until he finds it. Though he finds it weary, and perhaps worried and worn away with its wandering, and not able to bear being driven home, yet he does not leave it to perish. Instead, He lays it on His shoulders, and, with a great deal of tenderness and labor, brings it to the fold. God sends his Son to seek and save that which was lost." pg. 120 (Matthew Henry)

"The sheep is worthy of divine rescue simply because it is loved by the Good Shepherd... He will find you. He will rescue you. He will lift you up and place you on His shoulders. He will carry you home." pg. 121 (Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

The Good Samaritan
And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Luke 10:30

"This could be the story of the Fall of man. Mankind leaves the presence of God (Jerusalem) to go to earth (Jericho)... Notice that the Savior says the thieves wounded the man and left him 'half dead.' The wounds represent sin. Sin is painful. It leaves emotional, spiritual, and even physical wounds and scars. The Fall of Adam brought two types of death into the world: physical death and spiritual death. 'Half dead' could represent the spiritual death, the separation from God that comes as a result of sin." pg. 168-167

"What does the Samaritan (The Savior) do next for the man (mankind, you and me)? He bound up (covenants) the man 's wounds (sins), pouring in oil and wine (the Atonement). Oil could represent Gethsemane (which means "the oil press"), and wine could represent the sacrament, or Christ's blood, which was shed for us. The Atonement can heal all sin.
"Next the Samaritan 'set him on his own beast.' Isaiah prophesied that the Savior would bear 'our griefs' and carry 'our sorrows.' The Samaritan then took the man to 'an inn' and took care of him through the night. The next morning he told the innkeeper, 'Take care of him; and whatsoever though spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.' Could the inn mentioned by the Savior be the Church? He brings people wounded by sin to the Church and asks the innkeepres (you and me) to take care of them. When the Samaritan (Christ) says when he 'comes again' he'll repay us, could he be referring to the Second Coming?
"Thus the parable of the good Samaritan isn't necessarily just about loving your neighbor." It is a representation of the plan of salvation--the Fall and redemption of mankind." pg. 170

The Sheep and the Goats
And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats Matthew 25:32

"He has explained it in a way no one can mistake: the way we treat 'the least' is the way we regard the Savior. In essence, there are only two people in this world: you and Jesus. How did you treat Jesus in traffic this morning? How did you treat Jesus in the long line at the grocery store? How did you treat Jesus when you were at home today?" pg. 193

"At the final day the Savior will not ask about the nature of our callings. He will not inquire about our material possessions or fame. He will ask if e ministered to the sick, gave food and drink to the hungry, visited those in prison, or gave succor to the weak. When we reach out to assist the least of Heavenly Father's children , we do it unto Him. That is the essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ." pg. 195 (Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin)

Two Debtors
And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. Luke 7:44-47

"Some have thought this means that those who sin more (five hundred pence) can be forgiven of more, which means they'll love Jesus more. So I need to sin more in order to love Jesus more? That doesn't really fit with Jesus' other teachings ('If ye love me, keep my commandments' [John 14:15]).
"So if the amounts of money (five hundred versus fifty pence) aren't referring to amount of sin, to what are they referring? They could be referring to how the two people saw their own sins. The woman saw herself as a sinner, but Simon seems to think pretty highly of himself. Those who see themselves as sinners in need of a Savior will love Jesus more. The numbers may also be a reference to the amount of repenting each person has done. We all have need to repent daily. Those who repent more love Jesus more, and those who love Jesus more will repent more. The amount of time we devote to repenting is an indication of how much we love the Lord. Likewise, if we want to develop a deep love for the Lord, we should spend our time repenting." pg. 207

The Unforgiving Servant
Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. Matthew 18:23-24

"Ten thousand talents was no small debt... If that laborer worked three hundred days a year, then, he would need to work for about thirty-three years to earn one talent....it would take him more than 300,000 years to earn ten thousand talents." pg. 209

"One very important disclaimer: forgiving someone does not mean you must return to a harmful situation. Jesus had boundaries. Don't seek out the offender or seek to make him suffer, but never allow someone to hurt you and then use the Savior as a tool to try to manipulate you to allow him back into your life." pg. 218

"Forgiveness means that problems of the past no longer dictate our destinies, and we can focus on the future with God's love in our hearts." pg. 220 (Elder David E. Sorensen)

"Ask God to provide new things in your lives, new things to focus on. That doesn't take the place of what is lost. But it can give us a hope and a future." pg 221 (Terri Roberts)

The Empty House
When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.

"The prodigal son's former life will call to him. He has to take the initiative to fill his life with the work of his father. Fill your life with so many good things that you literally don't have time to sin. If you're just returning to the Church, fill your life with it--spend time with those who will keep you faithful, listen to general conference talks, serve in your calling, and so on. When your former life comes calling you can say, ' I'm so sorry, there is just no room in my life for that anymore.'" pg. 273

The Ten Virgins
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. Matthew 25:1

"The Lord cares much more about our private spirituality than our public righteousness." pg. 289

"The Second Coming is not a day of choosing, it is a day to find out what you have chosen." pg 292 (C.S. Lewis)

The Beam in the Eye
And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Matthew 7:3

"Matthew said we don't consider the beam in our own eye, while Luke said we don't perceive the beam that is in our own eye. Even if the difference is simply a translation error, there is an important lesson for us. We don't want to consider some of our sins and weaknesses--meaning we know about them, we just don't want to do anything about them. In other cases, we don't perceive some of our weaknesses and sins--meaning we don't see them in ourselves. If we are humble, the Lord can help us have the courage to consider our own problems and the personal revelation to see things about ourselves we don't presently perceive." pg. 324

The Laborers in the Vineyard
For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. Matthew 20:1

"There is no dream that in the unfolding of time and eternity cannot yet be realized. Even if you feel you are the lost and last laborer of the eleventh hour, the Lord of the vineyard still stands beckoning... His concern is for the faith at which you finally arrive, not the hour of the day in which you got there."pg. 335 (Jeffery R. Holland)

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Introduction to parables I didn't even know existed in the Bible, as well as new insights to ones I've known my whole life! Very good book!

[Olea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book with insights on the parables of Christ! Love the humor and cultural comparison added by author!

[Kevin R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provided me with some new insights in the parables of Jesus in the New Testament, and for that reason I enjoyed it. I think my favorite explanation in the entire book was about the parable of the Sower, with the seed falling onto different soils. Pg. 47 of the book is specifically what stood out to me:

It is useless to try to continually planting the Gospel seed into hard hearts. It just isn’t going to happen! Instead, the focus should be to soften the heart (improve the soil) through genuine love and kindness. The author points out that if we are only kind in hopes that the person will change through our kindness, then our motives are impure.

My main qualm with the book is that occasionally the author's humor was distracting from the message (he did say in the introduction that his second purpose was to make the reader laugh). Sometimes he succeeded, but other times it seemed out of place and distracting. If it weren't for this, I probably would have given it a higher rating. The teachings and insights are certainly very good.

[Jaron Dunford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Notes/Highlights:

It is a miracle that we have the Bible’s powerful doctrine, principles, poetry, and stories. But most of all, it is a wonderful miracle that we have the account of the life, ministry, and words of Jesus, which was protected through the Dark Ages and through the conflicts of countless generations so that we may have it today.

There's no way any writer could have captured every detail of the ministry of Jesus: in his parting verse John pointed out that should they be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. How relevant, then, that three of the four gospel writers spent precious space on the parables. It shows the importance they consider those stories.

“The lost sheep are not just the people who don’t come to church. … The lost sheep is a mother who goes down into the valley of the dark shadows to bring forth children. The lost sheep is a young person, far away from home and faced with loneliness and temptation. The lost sheep is a person who has just lost a critically needed job; a business person in financial distress; a new missionary in a foreign culture; a man just called to be bishop; a married couple who are misunderstanding each other; a grandmother whose children are forgetting her. I am the lost sheep. You are the lost sheep. ‘All we like sheep have gone astray.’ The times of feeling lost are not always times when we have wandered from the straight and narrow path. Not at all. We may be precisely where the Lord would have us be”

Some are lost because they are different. They feel as though they don't belong. They may look, act, think and speak differently than those around them and that causes them to assume they don't fit in. They conclude that they are not needed. Some are lost because they are weary. It's easy to feel overwhelmed. With all the pressures and demands on our time and the stress we face each day, it's little wonder we get tired. Many feel discouraged because they have not measured up to their potential. Others simply feel too weak to contribute. And so, as the flock moves on, gradually, almost imperceptibly, some fall behind.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent high to mid level overview of the nature of parables and each individual parable of Jesus Christ. This is an excellent resource, in companion with scripture itself, for individual study, family discussions, and teaching preparation. The authors make no attempt to exhaust every possible nuance of the parables but rather do an excellent job of authentically introducing the parables and commonly connected observations in a way that will inspire the reader to engage more vigorously in their own study and seeking of personal inspiration, revelation, and understanding.

For many folks, the upfront explanation of the differences between fable, allegory, parable, and other forms is worth picking the book up. I greatly appreciate the authors approachable and non-condescending style as they linked arms with the reader for this wonderful review of the parables of Christ.

Dive in and enjoy!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the Living the Parables to be such a timely read as it went along with my study of the New Testament. It is definitely a book to keep on hand and to refer back to. I appreciated the side explanations about things like why foot washing was so important in Jesus' day and the information about the writers of the Four Gospels. There were some jokes and humor (which I think Hank Smith is known for) that at times was a bit much for me, but on the whole I enjoyed the presentation. I liked the inclusion of historical and modern tidbits, along with quotes from prophets and apostles that helped me understand the why of many of the parables.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started this book I had some skepticism about the author's tone thinking he might be too lighthearted about sacred matters. But as I read, those worries proved to be largely unfounded. I appreciated the author's attempt to place notions in an understandable and sometimes more current context and provide his thoughts into how a parable might be able to be applied while also encouraging the reader to read and ponder over the parables in their own and see what other insights they can glean.

Highly recommended!

[Wanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a discussion of the Parables found in the four gospels of the New Testament. The author is easy to listen to and is well versed on the scriptures and the history of the times. This helps him to explain some of the details the ordinary reader might miss. I found it enlightening. Once in a while he inserted undocumented opinion as to what was going on. I like purely scripture based explanations and not "gospel according to ...." . However, this didn't happen often. He was usually spot on.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good resource to understand the parables better. There was also some interesting information at the beginning of the book about the gospels; who wrote what, when, who their main audience was, etc. Mr. Smith's breezy, jocular, style was offputting to me, but the analysis and thoughts about the parables were sound and thought-provoking enough to entice me past the 'funny' asides/comments that were sometimes thrown in for comic effect. If he were presenting this as a talk I could see adding these, but in written book form I could have done without them.

[Adam Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the detail and context of each parable. I was able to gain a different look and understanding than I had before. My biggest takeaway is a message of Jesus asking us to turn to him at any time in our lives and to follow him. We can’t compare our own progress, errors, talents, sins, gifts, etc with anyone else because it doesn’t matter. All that he asks is that we bring our best selves and give that to him. Great job Hank!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this audio book and absolutely loved it! I am a big fan of Hank Smith’s easy style and simple but applicable explanations. He gives a little history on Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and then goes through all (?) the different parables giving possible meaning and explanations. I was so impressed and learned a lot about these parables. And perhaps more importantly how to dig just a little deeper when examining the scriptures and what they might be teaching us.

[Jamille Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing that I found about myself is that if I want to claim to be a Christian, then I need to understand what that means. This book was amazing! There are so many parables that I've never even heard of and this was a real eye opener. I've learned so much from this book about my Savior and how He sees me. The parables are amazing and if you want to learn about Christ and to "come unto Him" we need to be willing to change and do as His teachings suggest. This was such and excellent book.

[Rose Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hank has the amazing ability to make scripture real and applicable to our lives today. Hes also very good at talking about the deep an serious topics that are hard to talk about. Great book, I didn't mind the humor. I know it might be annoying to a lot of adults but I think it makes this book good for all ages. I don't feel like his humor was inappropriate at all.

[Brenda Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great read! I learned so much and found it so helpful in my study of the New Testament. I felt like I was back in high school in Brother Smith’s seminary class when I had him for New Testament and enjoyed the fun commentary, but it didn’t overshadow the spiritual importance of the parables.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading the various interpretations of the parables. After a while they all kind of blend together. But I would definitely come back to this book as a reference to specifically study a parable.

I particularly enjoyed the beginning of the book giving a history of each of the authors of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much to discover in Christ’s parables of the New Testament. Hank Smith shares some of what he’s discovered and the ways we can apply it to our lives as we strive to become a disciple of Christ.
Smith’s gift for humor makes for an enjoyable read, yet never detracts from the gospel principles shared.