Yesterday and today mark the anniversary of some of Jesus Christ’s most profound teachings (though admittedly all His teachings are profound). It was as if He wanted to give us as much wisdom as possible—help us as much as possible—while still in the flesh. And the best part? His teachings are relevant today. Here are some lessons to be learned from His teachings:

Parables

Matthew 21:

• The Two Sons: It is better to repent when you sin, then to live some lofty, self-righteous life thinking you never sin when in fact you do. How many times do you think, even the darkest corners of your mind, “Well at least I don’t do what so and so does!” when in fact your pride is the greater sin?
• The Wicked Husbandmen: This parable was directed at the Pharisees and Sadducees, but we can find a take away. Maybe “Don’t let greed blind you.”

Matthew 22:

• The Marriage of the King’s Son: Are we being called to an amazing feast in which we refuse to partake? In other words, do we refuse to feast upon the words of Christ, do we refuse to let the bread and water of life, given to us through the Christ’s atonement, sustain us?

Matthew 24:

• The Fig Tree: Know the signs of the times. (Hint: pretty much everything that’s happening now has been prophesied thousands of years ago.)

Matthew 25:

• The Ten Virgins: Be prepared.
• The Talents: Be prepared.
• The Sheep and the Goats: Be prepared

Teachings

Matthew 21:

• Jesus cursed the fig tree: What’s our point if we do no good?

Matthew 22:

• Paying tribute to God and Caesar: There’s a place for loyalty to God and government in this life.
• Loving the Lord is the most important commandment. If we do that, we’ll do everything else because of love.

Matthew 24:

• The Second Coming is going to be serious. Like, serious calamities, serious destruction, serious everything. Be prepared.

And more. These chapters are full of pretty much everything you need to know to be a better person and lead a better life. Start with one of the lessons, perhaps the first parable in Matthew 21. Start with being non-judgmental; take care of your own sins, and don’t assume you’re better than others. Start small, and use the Savior’s words to improve yourself.

Choose Joy.

—A