Penasquitos Stake Institute

Study Guide

 

1. Read Luke 18:9-10, Bible Dictionary entries "Pharisees," and "Publicans." To whom did Jesus speak the parable of the Pharisee and the publican? From the Bible dictionary, what does the name "Pharisee" denote? What characterized the Pharisees? Who were the publicans?

 

 

2. Read Luke 18:11-12. For what reason was the Pharisee offering up prayer? List elements of the Pharisee's prayer.

 

 

3. Read Luke 18:13. For what reason was the publican praying? List elements of the publican's prayer.

 

 

4. Read Luke 18:14. According to the Savior, which of the two prayers were most effective? Why?

 

 

5. Read Luke 13:1-5. Is there any indication that misfortune or trials in this life are always the result of sin, or that people who die an untimely death do so because they are sinners?

 

 

6. Read Luke 13:6-7. Why did the certain man in this parable want to cut down his fig tree?

 

 

7. Read Luke 13:8-9. How was the certain man answered by the dresser of his vineyard? Why? Who might the man and his vine dresser represent?

 

 

Bonus: Read the Bible Dictionary entry, "Fig Tree." What or who might the fig tree represent?

 

 

EXTRA BONUS: Read Isaiah 5:1-7. List similarities between the parable of the barren fig tree and Isaiah's Song of the Vineyard.