Earthly and Heavenly Rewards (Matthew 19:16-30; 20:1-16)

As I pondered this weeks’ lesson choice, and thought about our “Earthly and Heavenly Rewards,” our eternal goal of spending eternity with our families, and the Sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for us so that we might be able to do so. Because the Savior sacrificed everything for us, we must be willing to give all we have for Him. As we read the parable of the young man who wants to know how he can gain eternal life, we are taught that putting wealth and riches before God, will keep us out of His kingdom. 

What indications can you find that suggest why the young man decided not to follow the Savior? How does Matthew 6:19–24 help explain his choice?

As we read these scriptures, we see a young man who believed in our Savior and wanted to know what he needed to do to gain eternal life. (Matthew 19:16). Jesus told him, very simply that He must keep the commandments set forth by Heavenly Father (Matthew 19:17).  Having done so all his life, the young man felt he still was missing something and asked, "All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?” (Matthew 19:20). To which Jesus responded, "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” (Matthew 19:21)  Hearing this, the young man was disheartened because he had many worldly possessions. He was torn between the treasures of this world and the treasures of our Heavenly Father’s kingdom and chose the treasures of this world.

What blessings did the Savior promise to those who make sacrifices to follow Him?

"Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?” (Matthew 19:27) In response, the Savior promised, "That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”(Matthew 19:28) He went on, "And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” (Matthew 19:29)

Based on the Savior’s response to Peter, how can this help me put the Lord first in my life?

When I read this parable, I am reminded that what we have here, (worldly possessions and wealth), in this mortal life, are temporary. We cannot take them with us and they really have no value. What does have value is the love we have for our Savior, for our family, and our commitment to the covenants we’ve made with our Heavenly Father.  When we choose to follow the Savior and take upon us His name, we promise to follow Him and to share the gospel. In return, we are promised eternal life with our families. 

What rewards come to those who serve in the Lord’s kingdom? (Matthew 20:1-16) 

Complete the chart below, filling in the blanks with information you find in Matthew 20: 

In the parable about serving in the Lord's kingdom, the kingdom is compared to a vineyard. Laborers are hired to work in this vineyard and are offered a certain wage, but the laborers are hired at different times throughout the day. (See chart below)

The hour the laborers were hired	How much the man agreed to pay	Hours worked	How much they were actually paid
Early morning	A penny a day	12 Hrs	A penny
Third hour	A penny a day	9 Hrs	A penny
Sixth hour	A penny a day	6 Hrs	A penny
Ninth hour	A penny a day	3 Hrs	A penny
Eleventh hour	A penny a day	1 Hr	A penny

What do we learn from this parable about serving in the Lord’s kingdom? We all have work to do while we are here in this mortal body. All who have faith in God; who follow and serve Him; who live by His commandments, will receive the same blessings as promised, as payment for our service to Him.

What message of comfort can this parable have for converts to the Church?As a recent convert to the Church (Two years next week), this brings me comfort in knowing that although it took me sometime to find my way back into the fold, back to the path, I am still loved and will receive the same blessings and promises as those who have known Him for all their lives. 

What would you tell someone who feels it is unfair for each of the laborers to be paid equally?When each of the laborers agreed to the work, they were promised a certain wage, which is what they received. Thus, it is fair, it is exactly what was promised. We each have service and work to do, and we will all gain eternal life in the kingdom of God. Though tasks may not be the same, we all seek the same eternal reward.