The Art of the Comparison: Understanding Parables in Our Mission Prep

Brothers and sisters, if you’ve ever felt like the Spirit is whispering a truth to you—a profound principle of the Gospel—but the words feel too big, too abstract to explain to a sincere investigator, you know the feeling. It’s like trying to bottle lightning.

When I was first getting my bearings in the field, I remember feeling overwhelmed by the weight of the doctrine. I wanted to recite scripture after scripture, but sometimes, the truth needed a little more… *color*. It needed a story.

It’s amazing what the Savior Himself taught us through. We were listening to a lesson recently about the parables in Matthew 13, and it really struck me how intentional Jesus was. He didn't just tell stories; He used them as precise, powerful teaching devices.

What Exactly *Is* a Parable?

To boil it down simply, a parable is fundamentally a comparison. The word itself means 'to place alongside.' In the context of the Gospel, it means placing two or more things—often the material, visible world—right next to an unseen, spiritual truth. The goal isn't just to tell a nice story; it's to use the story to illuminate the deeper, eternal idea behind it.

Think about it: Who doesn't remember the Prodigal Son? It’s so impactful! It’s a story about a son, a father, a journey, and a homecoming. But the *real* lesson—the spiritual truth—is about repentance, unconditional love, and the Father's waiting arms. The story is the vehicle; the truth is the destination.

Why Did Jesus Use This Method?

The lesson highlighted that Jesus used parables for a dual purpose. First, it was the perfect way to teach His disciples—the ones who were ready to receive the keys. They had the key, and the parable was the lockbox. Second, and this is key for us as disciples, it was a way to reveal the Kingdom's things to those who were prepared to hear them, while simultaneously keeping the deepest mysteries from those who were rejecting the message.

This concept is gold for our work today. As we become internet missionaries, we aren't always standing in a pulpit. Sometimes, the most powerful teaching tool we have is drawing a parallel between something mundane—a job, a relationship struggle, a local issue—and a universal gospel principle. We are always comparing the visible to the invisible.

This isn't just academic knowledge for us returned missionaries; it’s a mission prep skill we need to hone. When you’re in missionary discussions, or when you’re teaching a family in your living room, don't just quote scripture; try to build a bridge from their reality to the doctrine.

I highly recommend checking out this video to see the context Mike Mazzalongo provided on this topic. It really fleshes out the mechanics of how these stories work.

A Little Skill Builder for Our Own Work

As we continue to learn how to apply these principles, I want to challenge you this week. Next time you are studying scripture—whether it’s in a Book Club setting or just reviewing your notes—don't just ask, "What does this mean?" Instead, ask, "What real-life comparison can I make to help someone *see* this truth?"

If you want to dive deeper into the mechanics of revelation and doctrine, I’ve been digging into some of the material on Iron Rod, and it’s fantastic. If you’re looking for structured learning, the Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook is a treasure trove for seeing how others are making these connections!

If you’re feeling rusty on how to handle tough questions about doctrine, I suggest booking a session with Davee. He’s brilliant at walking you through the hard questions an investigator might ask, turning potential stumbling blocks into moments of profound clarity.

Keep pressing forward, disciples. Remember that every member can be an internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Let’s keep building up the Kingdom together.

— A fellow disciple who loves the work