1. Date Lesson 17: What Shall I Do That I May Inherit Eternal Life? 2. Moms love to have fun with their kids 3. Moms love when their kids talk to them 4. Moms are good listeners 5. Moms are always busy 6. Mom likes to spend time with Dad 7. Moms always know everything going on in their kids' lives 8. It was Mom: A Mothers Day Tribute to Moms 9. To Every Mother 10. Date Lesson 17: What Shall I Do That I May Inherit Eternal Life? 11. Wait for it! 12. Sometimes we make mistakes similar to the monkeys. When we obtain something appealing (chocolate chip), we may be unwilling to let it go even if keeping it might cause us to lose something better. This lesson is about some things we may have to sacrifice in order to receive the greatest blessing: eternal life with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. 13. 1. Trusting in riches can keep a person out of the kingdom of God. Mark 10:1721 The Lord asked him to give up all his possessions How does the Saviors instruction to the rich young man apply to us? President Joseph F. Smith said: The difficulty with the young man [was that] he had great possessions, and he preferred to rely upon his wealth rather than forsake all and follow Christ. No man can obtain the gift of eternal life unless he is willing to sacrifice all earthly things in order to obtain it (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 261). President Smith also taught: God is not a respecter of persons. The rich man may enter into the kingdom of heaven as freely as the poor, if he will bring his heart and affections into subjection to the law of God and to the principle of truth; if he will place his affections upon God, his heart upon the truth, and his soul upon the accomplishment of Gods purposes, and not fix his affections and his hopes upon the things of the world (Gospel Doctrine, 26061). Mark 12:4144. What was the widow willing to do that the rich young man was not? She was willing to give all she had for the kingdom of God.) How can we develop an attitude like the poor widows? 14. 3. The parable of the rich man and Lazarus Performed by YOU! After the rich man died, what did he ask Father Abraham to do for his brethren? (See Luke 16:2728.) How did Abraham respond? (See Luke 16:2931.) What does this teach us about listening to the prophet? What does this parable teach us about the importance of caring for the poor? (See D&C 104:18.) 15. LUKE 16:19-31 NARRATOR: 19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich mans table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abrahams bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. RICH MAN: Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. ABRAHAM: Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. RICH MAN: I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my fathers house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. ABRAHAM: They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. RICH MAN: Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. ABRAHAM: If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. 16. Luke 16:19-31 19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich mans table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abrahams bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my fathers house: 28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. 17. 2. Seek heavenly, rather than earthly, treasures. Read and discuss Luke 12:1321. In a world that often places great value on material possessions, how can we remember that our worth as individuals is not determined by how much we own? (See Luke 12:15.) What blessings are more important than material possessions? (See Luke 12:3134; D&C 6:7 for some examples.) How had the man in the parable of the rich fool been blessed? (See Luke 12:16.) What did he decide to do with his excess? (See Luke 12:18.) What did his actions demonstrate? (See Luke 12:1921. His heart was set on his riches.) What might he have done with his abundance if he had been seeking heavenly, rather than earthly, treasures? (See Mosiah 4:26; D&C 52:40.) 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? (You may want to encourage class members to give more thought to these questions outside of class, by themselves or with family members.) 18. 3. Followers of Christ must be willing to forsake all to be true disciples. Read and discuss selected verses from Luke 14:1533. Interpreting the parable of the great supper, Elder James E. Talmage taught that the invited guests represented the covenant people, or house of Israel. When the servant (Jesus) asked them to come to the feast (accept the gospel), they made excuses and refused to come (Jesus the Christ, 3rd ed. [1916], 452). Why didnt the Israelites come to the feast? Who are the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind who did come to the feast? (Luke 14:21). Jesus taught that his disciples must be willing to sacrifice anything that he asks of them (Luke 14:2633). What are some things early disciples were asked to sacrifice? What are some things disciples today are asked to sacrifice? What has the Lord asked you to sacrifice? How have you been blessed for making these sacrifices? 19. 4. Seek spiritual wealth with enthusiasm and energy. Luke 16:112. (The Unjust Steward) Elder James E. Talmage explained that the Lord used this parable to show the contrast between the care, thoughtfulness, and devotion of men engaged in the money-making affairs of earth, and the half hearted ways of many who are professedly striving after spiritual riches. The Lord was not suggesting that we should emulate the evil practices of the unjust servant, but that we should seek spiritual wealth with the same eagerness and effort that the servant displayed in seeking material wealth. Elder Talmage continued, Worldly-minded men do not neglect provision for their future years, and often are sinfully eager to amass plenty; while the children of light, or those who believe spiritual wealth to be above all earthly possessions, are less energetic, prudent, or wise (Jesus the Christ, 463). Compare the amount of time, thought, and energy you devote to accumulating money and possessions with the amount of time, thought, and energy you devote to seeking spiritual treasures. How can we become more dedicated and enthusiastic in seeking spiritual treasures? 20. True charity What can we learn from Luke 14:1214 about how to serve? We should not serve with the goal of getting something in return, and we should not limit our service to those who will repay or even thank us. What should be our motives for serving? How does true charity help us grow closer to the Lord? 21. Conclusion To receive eternal life, we must be willing to put away the things of the world and serve the Lord with all our heart, might, mind, and strength. Lets be grateful for earthly blessings but strive to view them in the proper perspective.