Primary 116 - The Samaritan and the Servant


Class,

Today we will review two parables. One is on service and the other forgiveness. The Lord taught in stories with layered meanings called parables. The first was given when the Savior was asked who is my neighbor? The second was an answer to the Apostle's question, when do I stop forgiving?

We want to emphasize the importance of both. First the story goes a man was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. While he was traveling he got mugged and lost everything. A priest passed by and did nothing. A Levite came by and again did nothing. Finally the third man was a supposed enemy and when he came by he took compassion and loaded the man on his beast, took him to town and paid two months lodgings and offered even more when he came back. Why did he do this? The two groups of people hated each other. The question was asked of the trickster lawyer, who was this man's neighbor? Was it those closely related who looked at the guy and said to them selves "it's too bad for that guy" or was it the man who stopped and helped?

All to often we say at times that the poor and unfortunate did their trial to themselves. King Benjamin warned us not to do that as we were all needing because of our sins.

The second story, ta debtor owned a ton of money and when he pleaded and begged for mercy swearing that he would pay the whole thing, the king forgave him of the whole debt... The WHOLE debt. Then later that day, the forgiven man, had his fellow servant arrested and jailed for a couple of pence. The king, upon hearing this had the forgiven man arrested and jailed for his forgiven debt, because he had no compassion for a small debt.

We are going to endure many things and as the scriptures say, hope to endure all things. Those that wrong us should be forgiven as the Lord seems to forgive us too. He cannot forgive those that cannot forgive those that hang on to others debt. We need to forgive everyone, every time. That doesn't mean take punishment over and over if it can be avoided. It does mean when the pain is over, we forgive, and if the feeling comes back forgive again. It's not easy but it is well worth it.

This week we encourage you to reflect on the Sabbath and the stories. Be good to those that hurt you and forgive them too.

Again we love you and hope the love of the Savior for you too.

Challenges 
1) Read Matthew 18; Luke 10
2) What can we do to serve those in need? Take time this week to think and pray to have your heart and mind opened to see those who need help. Record your thoughts and experiences throughout the week.

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