Joyce's Insight for Section 1

Joyce’s Insights of New Testament Institute Manual: Section 1 The Great Jehovah Comes to Earth


1. “And by the word of my power have I created them which is mine Only Begotten Son, who is full of grace and truth.” (Moses 1:32). Words from a mouth are powerful; they can criticize, ostracize, deflate, annoy or anger. On the other hand, it can uplift, encourage, or inspire individuals, groups, and even nations. From the verse above, we learn that Christ used His words to create worlds without number, the entire universe and galaxies and everything in it; He used it to forgive, heal, strengthen, and saved us. There were no derogatory words from His mouth, only chastisements if needed; no wallowing in self-pity, only humble submissiveness to the will of the Lord even during the greatest trial of His life. He is the only perfect person ever to walk the earth; hence, worthy to be our Exemplar. May we choose to use our words wisely: to help and uplift our loved ones and all those around us. May we use it abundantly to show gratitude to God for the countless blessings we received. May we use it to pray and bless others especially when offended. May we use our mouth to share the gospel freely like our Savior who gave His life for it. Most important of all, may we have the courage to say, “Lord, I would follow thee.”

2. What does it mean when the Lord says, “…but all things are numbered unto me, for they are mine and I know them. “And as one earth shall pass away, and the heavens thereof even so shall another come; and there is no end to my works, neither to my words” (Moses 1:2–3, 32–33, 35, 37–38)?

Search the Scriptures…looking for something…for gospel gem. The Lord has said, search, and ye shall find. I hope we can trust in His words and take the time to look for insights that the gospel brings.

3. Light travels 186,000 miles per sec.
1 light year = distance light travels in 1 year
In Reuben Clark’s time, Astronomers can see 100 million galaxies. Then in 1975, we know of 16 billion galaxies. What about now? Our galaxy is about 100,000 light year in diameter, so can you imagine countless numbers of galaxies created? That’s why the Lord said that our world is created because there is space there.

4. We were told that Jesus created “worlds without number” (Moses 1:33), yet the Savior created them with excellent workmanship and is mindful of them…even the fall of a sparrow. Can you fathom the great love our Savior and Heavenly Father has for each one of us despite the great immensity of the universe?

5. Jesus fed five thousand people with two loaves and five fishes “and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full” (Matt 14:20). Notice that the Savior did not waste anything but collected the leftovers. Hence, when we do our very best, the Lord will magnify and bless us abundantly—we’ll gain more than we first started—that’s the miracle of Christ. Our lives will forever change for the better when we come unto Him.

6. According to J. Reuben Clark the cursing of the barren fig tree is a simple principle “that he who does not do the things which his Creator fitted him to do stands in danger of a reprimand. You cannot be barren with the intelligence, the talents, which God has given you.” (manual p.11). The Saints are meant to be a light on a hill to be an example to others and be of service to others, sharing the restored gospel; hence, the trust and privilege to be under the covenant or have the restored gospel in this last dispensation. I hope we can all come out of our own selfish grime and trials to shine forth and fulfill our mission as Nephi, Brother of Jared, Isaiah, and many others did in spite of our seemingly impossible circumstances and remain true and faithful.
7. Christ who knew all things and created all things, willingly submit to false accusations, fatigue, temptations, persecutions, having His innocence violated many times over, yet willingly submit to them. Why? The answer is because He really knew His purpose, His mission, the reason for coming to this earth—to be the Exemplar, the perfect sacrificial lamb to redeem us and bring us all back to God; thus, he did not yield because He knew that He is our Only hope; there is no one else who can help us.

8. Note how the world received Jesus, the creator who created “worlds without end,” the Savior of mankind. Yet, we let him be born in a manger for “there was no room in the inn” (Luke 2:7). We have no time for him in our busy lives. Then we let our loving Savior suffer for us alone in Gethsemane (like the Apostles succumb to human frailties and fell asleep) by our refusal to make any effort to repent, to try to overcome our sins and temptations, and let him bleed greater drops of blood for our personal sins. Then we nail Him on the cross between two thieves—a Godhead—we crucified our God by denying Him like Peter becoming a hypocrite. The world did not know the Savior; some knew yet chose to persecute or allow others to do so by our indifferent attitude—we did not keep the commandments; hence, our bad examples caused others to follow suit). What about me? Can I stand for Christ “at all times and in all things and in all places” (Mosiah 18:9) even when I am alone? 1 John 2:3-5 states, “And thereby, we do know that we know him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” We cannot be a hypocrite, we cannot profess to be a Christian yet Christ is far from our thoughts and hearts. We need to know our Savior—to come and follow Him, keep His commandments and truly know Him as our personal Savior.

Some Thoughts about the Plan of Salvation

We lived with our Heavenly Father for eons long before we are born to this earth. By that time, we existed as spirits without physical bodies. Therefore, we are limited and cannot become like our Heavenly Father. Our Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to become like him so on one occasion, a council was held and the Plan was proposed. Lucifer, son of the morning, step forward. “Here am I,” he said. “Send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind.” Everyone? Could that be possible? “One soul shall not be lost,” he boasted; then he added the condition for such a feat. “Surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor.” (See Moses 4:1.)

What my reaction was to such terrible audacity I cannot help but wonder. And what thoughts filled my heart when our Eldest Brother stepped forward with marked contrast in attitude and bearing. “Father, thy will be done,” he said. And the condition for this? “The glory be thine forever.” (See Moses 4:2.)

We chose to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. By doing so we are blessed to come to the earth to obtain physical bodies and exercise our moral agency to show our Heavenly Father that we’ll follow His Plan (Abraham 3:22).

God Is Our Loving Heavenly Father

God is our Heavenly Father. We are His children. He has a body of flesh and bone that is glorified and perfected. He loves us. He weeps with us when we suffer and rejoices when we do what is right. He wants to communicate with us, and we can communicate with Him through sincere prayer. He has given us this experience on the earth so we can learn and grow. We can show our love for Him through our choices and our obedience to His commandments. Heavenly Father has provided us, His children, with a way to be successful in this life and to return to live in His presence. However, we must be pure and clean through obedience in order to do so. Disobedience moves us away from Him. Central to our Father’s plan is Jesus Christ’s Atonement. The Atonement included His suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane as well as His suffering and death on the cross. Through the Atonement we can be freed from the burden of our sins and develop faith and strength to face our trials.

Pre-Earth Life: God’s Purpose and Plan for Us

Many people wonder, “Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where are we going?” The plan of salvation gives us the answers to these questions. God is the Father of our spirits. We are literally His children, and He loves us. We lived as spirit children of our Father in Heaven before we were born on this earth. We were not, however, like our Heavenly Father, nor could we ever become like Him and enjoy all the blessings that He enjoys without the experience of living in mortality with a physical body.

God’s whole purpose—His work and His glory—is to enable each of us to enjoy all His blessings. He has provided a perfect plan to accomplish His purpose. We understood and accepted this plan before we came to the earth. In the scriptures God’s plan is called a merciful plan, the plan of happiness, the plan of redemption, and the plan of salvation. Jesus Christ is central to God’s plan. Through His Atonement, Jesus Christ fulfilled His Father’s purpose and made it possible for each of us to enjoy immortality and eternal life. Satan, or the devil, is an enemy to God’s plan.

Agency, or the ability to choose, is one of God’s greatest gifts to His children. Our eternal progression depends on how we use this gift. We must choose whether to follow Jesus Christ or follow Satan. We are physically separated from God during life on earth, but He wants every one of His children to find peace in this life and a fulness of joy in His presence after this life. He wants us to become like Him.

The Creation

Under the direction of the Father, Jesus Christ created the earth as a place for us to live and gain experience. In order to progress and become like God, each of us had to obtain a body and be tested during a time of probation on the earth. While on the earth we are out of God’s physical presence. We do not remember our pre-earth life. We must walk by faith rather than by sight.

Agency and the Fall of Adam and Eve

Adam and Eve were the first of God’s children to come to the earth. God created Adam and Eve and placed them in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve were created in God’s image, with bodies of flesh and bones. While Adam and Eve were in the garden, they were still in God’s presence and could have lived forever. They lived in innocence, and God provided for their needs. In the Garden of Eden, God gave Adam and Eve their agency. He commanded them not to eat the forbidden fruit, or the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Obeying this commandment meant that they could remain in the garden, but they could not progress by experiencing opposition in mortality. They could not know joy because they could not experience sorrow and pain. Satan tempted Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, and they chose to do so. This was part of God’s plan. Because of this choice, they were cast from the garden and out of God’s physical presence. This event is called the Fall. Separation from God’s presence is spiritual death. Adam and Eve became mortal—subject to physical death, or separation of the body and spirit. They could now experience disease and all types of suffering. They had moral agency or the ability to choose between good and evil. This made it possible for them to learn and progress. It also made it possible for them to make wrong choices and to sin. In addition, they could now have children, so the rest of God’s spirit children could come to earth, obtain physical bodies, and be tested. Only in this way could God’s children progress and become like Him.

Our Life on Earth

Life on earth is an opportunity and a blessing. Our purpose in this life is to have joy and prepare to return to God’s presence. In mortality we live in a condition where we are subject to both physical and spiritual death. God has a perfect, glorified, immortal body of flesh and bones. To become like God and return to His presence, we too must have a perfect, immortal body of flesh and bones. However, because of the Fall of Adam and Eve, every person on earth has an imperfect, mortal body and will eventually die. If not for the Savior Jesus Christ, death would end all hope for a future existence with Heavenly Father.

Along with physical death, sin is a major obstacle that keeps us from becoming like our Father in Heaven and returning to His presence. In our mortal condition we often yield to temptation, break God’s commandments, and sin. During our life on earth each of us makes mistakes. Although it sometimes appears otherwise, sin always leads to unhappiness. Sin causes feelings of guilt and shame. Because of our sins, we are unable to return to live with Heavenly Father unless we are first forgiven and cleansed.

While we are in mortality, we have experiences that bring us happiness. We also have experiences that bring us pain and sorrow, some of which is caused by the sinful acts of others. These experiences provide us opportunities to learn and to grow, to distinguish good from evil, and to make choices. God influences us to do good; Satan tempts us to commit sin. As with physical death, we cannot overcome the effects of sin by ourselves.We are helpless without the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

When first teaching this doctrine, do not teach everything you know about it. Explain very simply that God chose two of His children, Adam and Eve, to become the first parents on earth. After their transgression they were subject to both sin and death. By themselves they could not return to live with Heavenly Father. The Lord spoke to Adam and taught him the plan of salvation and redemption through the Lord Jesus Christ. By following that plan, Adam and his family could have joy in this life and return to live with God (see Alma 18:36; 22:12–14).bout the Fall

The Atonement

Before the world was organized, our Heavenly Father chose Jesus Christ to be our Savior and Redeemer. The atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ made it possible for us to overcome the effects of the Fall. All of the prophets since the world began have testified of Jesus Christ as our Redeemer. We will all suffer physical death, but Jesus Christ overcame the obstacle of physical death for us. When He died on the cross, His spirit became separated from His body. On the third day, His spirit and His body were reunited eternally, never to be separated again. He appeared to many people, showing them that He had an immortal body of flesh and bone. The reuniting of body and spirit is called resurrection and is a gift promised to each of us. Because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we will all be resurrected regardless of whether we have done good or evil in this life. We will have a perfect, immortal body of flesh and bones that will never again be subject to disease, pain, or death. The resurrection makes it possible to return to God’s presence to be judged but does not guarantee that we will be able to live in His presence. To receive that blessing, we must also be cleansed from sin. God sent His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to overcome the obstacle of sin in addition to the obstacle of physical death. We are not responsible for the Fall of Adam and Eve, but we are responsible for our own sins. God cannot look on sin with any degree of allowance, and sin prevents us from living in His presence. Only through the Savior’s grace and mercy can we become clean from sin so that we can live with God again. This is possible through exercising faith in Jesus Christ, repenting, being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.

To fulfill the plan of salvation, Christ paid the penalty for our sins. He alone was able to do that. He was called and prepared in pre-earth life. He was the literal Son of God in the flesh. He was sinless and completely obedient to His Father. Though tempted, He never gave in to temptation. When the Father asked His Beloved Son to pay the price of the world’s sins, Jesus was prepared and willing. The Atonement included His suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane and His suffering and death on the cross, and it ended with His Resurrection. Though He suffered beyond comprehension—so much so that He bled from every pore and asked whether it were possible that this burden be lifted from Him—He submitted to the Father’s will in a supreme expression of love for His Father

and for us. This triumph of Jesus Christ over spiritual death by His suffering and over physical death by His Resurrection is called the Atonement.

Christ promises to forgive our sins on the condition that we accept Him by exercising faith in Him, repenting, receiving baptism by immersion, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, and striving faithfully to keep His commandments to the end of our lives. Through continuing repentance, we may obtain forgiveness and be cleansed of our sins by the power of the Holy Ghost. We are relieved of the burden of guilt and shame, and through Jesus Christ we become worthy to return to the presence of God. As we rely on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, He can help us endure our trials, sicknesses, and pain. We can be filled with joy, peace, and consolation. All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

In paying the penalty for our sins, Jesus did not, however, eliminate our personal responsibility. We must show that we accept Him and that we will follow His commandments.

Only through the gift of the Atonement can we return to live with God.

Quoted from Preach My Gospel p. 49-p. 52

Joyce’s Insights of New Testament Institute Manual: “I Am The Way” Chapter 1

Nov. 9/2008

Joyce’s Insights of New Testament Institute Manual: “I Am The Way” Chapter 1

1. Christ is “the source of our comfort, the inspiration of our life, the author of our salvation. If we want to know our relationship to God, we go to Jesus Christ.” (Manual, pp. 5) When we want to receive inspiration, we go to Christ as he is the source and he is the bridge for us to return to Heavenly Father physically (through Jesus’ gift of resurrection which is a gift for all men good or bad) and spiritually (through faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, and keeping all of God’s commandments). Through our Savior’s atonement, we can then come to know God.
2. (1-1) Yo live an “ideal life” we need to follow the Savior’s example especially when great trials are heap upon us, we should be more determined and steadfast in keeping God’s commandments.
3. (1-2) If we finished all of the 28 chapters, we will be able to finish the entire 4 gospels (life of Jesus) in about two months given one chapter every two days! That’s a great gift to celebrate this holiday season of Thanksgiving and ChristmasJ
4. It is significant to note that the readings systematically cover the chronological happenings of our Savor’s mortal life on the earth.
5. Elder Ezra Taft Benson taught:

“To learn of Christ necessitates the study of the scriptures and the testimonies of those who know him. We come to know him through prayer and the inspiration and revelation that God has promised to those who keep his commandments.” (CR, Oct. 1972, p. 53.)

We can really know Christ not by just reading and hearing the testimonies but it always has the component of prayer whereby you are required to ask and you will receive an answer to your sincere, faithful prayers (Matt. 7: 7, Luke 11: 9, 3 Ne. 27: 29, D&C 4: 7). By doing our best in keeping God’s commandments, we ensure that the Holy Spirit can come into our hearts to testify of the reality of Jesus for it is only true the Spirit that one can gain a real testimony of the Savior.

6. (1-4) Matthew’s main focus is “on how the life of Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy” and so on.
7. Mark “presents a picture of Jesus that is moving, full of action, and stresses the miraculous power of the Master.”
8. Luke seems to be writing to Romans and paints a compassionate picture of Christ. Luke’s emphasis is ‘on forgiveness and love, pointing out through parables unique to his gospel (such as the Prodigal Son) that the sinner can find rest and peace in Jesus….He alone tells of the visit of the angel to Zacharias and of Elisabeth, the mother of John the Baptist; he alone tells of the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and of the actual birth of Jesus.”
9. John’s gospel bears testimony of Christ. Indeed, to by the mouth of two or three witnesses, Christ’s words shall be established.
10. (1-8) Historically, I learned that after the deceased King Herod who tried to kill the baby Jesus, the Israelite kingdom was divided into three parts ruled by Pontius Pilate who is a Roman procurator and King Herod’s two sons-- Herod Philip and Herod Antipas.
11. All in all, from this chapter, I learned that there is no other way to God…only in and through our Savior. May we so humble ourselves and truly seek Him with all our hearts and when we do all we can learn about Jesus, pray sincerely and keep His commandments, then God will keep His promise to send the Holy Spirit into our opened hearts and testify of His Son. We need to do our best to show God our sincerity and faith, then at the Lord’s own time, we will truly come to know Jesus and feel the joy the gospel bringsJ

Chapter 4 Behold The Lamb of God

“BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD”

OPENING EVENTS IN JESUS’ MINISTRY	Matthew	Mark	Luke	John
Wilderness of Judea John the Forerunner	3:1–12	1:1–8	3:1–18
Near Bethabara, Judea Baptism of Jesus	3:13–17	1:9–11	3:21–23
Wilderness of Judea Jesus Communes with God; Is Tempted Afterward	4:1–11	1:12, 13	4:1–13
Bethabara, Judea John Testifies That Jesus Is the Christ				1:14–34
Bethabara, Perea and Bethsaida, Tetrarchy of Philip Calling of Andrew, Simon, Philip and Nathanael				1:35–51
Cana, Galilee Miracle of Wine at the Wedding Feast				2:1–11
Jesus Goes to Capernaum				2:12

THEME

John the Baptist held the keys of Elias as the forerunner of the Lord and was a witness to His faithfulness to the Father in all things.

INTRODUCTION When the time arrived for Jesus to come to earth in the flesh, it was also time for the birth of one of the greatest prophets who ever lived—John the Baptist. Who can determine the importance and eternal significance of John’s mission in preparing the way for the Son of God? His task was not easy, for the covenant people of the Lord were in a state of apostasy. Little wonder he was described as a “voice . . . crying in the wilderness.” (Luke 3:4.) But John fulfilled his mission in a manner that would cause Jesus to say of him, “Among those that are born of woman there is not a greater prophet. . . .” (Luke 7:28.) Truly John is an example to us of what a witness of Christ should be. To John, the forerunner, came Jesus, the Son of God, to be baptized. Of this occasion, Jesus said, “For thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.” (Matthew 3:15.) This lesson will consider this important event and also the subsequent temptations which Satan used in an effort to thwart the mission of the Savior. Before proceeding, read all the scriptural references in the reading block.

INTERPRETIVE COMMENTARY

(4-1) Matthew 3:1. How Important Was the Mission of John the Baptist?

“Few prophets rank with John the Baptist. Among other things, his ministry was foretold by Lehi (1 Ne. 10:7–10), Nephi (1 Ne. 11:27; 2 Ne. 31:4–18), and Isaiah (Isa. 40:3); Gabriel came down from the courts of glory to announce John’s coming birth (Luke 1:5–44); he was the last legal administrator, holding keys and authority under the Mosaic dispensation (D. & C. 84:26–28); his mission was to prepare the way before, baptize, and acclaim the divine Sonship of Christ (John 1); and in modern times, on the 15th of May, 1829, he returned to earth as a resurrected being to confer the Aaronic Priesthood upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. ([Joseph Smith—History 1:66–75]; D. & C. 13.)” (McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 393.)

(4-2) Matthew 3:1–3. How Was John an Elias?

When the angel came to Zacharias in the temple to foretell the birth of John, a promise was given, that he would prepare the way of the Lord “. . . in the spirit and power of Elias. . . .” (Luke 1:17.)

Though John was not actually named Elias, his mission was accomplished through the “spirit and power of Elias.” Joseph Smith explained it as follows:

“. . . for the spirit of Elias was a going before to prepare the way for the greater, which was the case with John the Baptist. He came crying through the wilderness, ‘Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’ And they were informed, if they could receive it, it was the spirit of Elias; and John was very particular to tell the people, he was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

“He told the people that his mission was to preach repentance and baptize with water; but it was He that should come after him that should baptize with fire and the Holy Ghost.

“If he had been an impostor, he might have gone to work beyond his bounds, and undertook to have performed ordinances which did not belong to that office and calling, under the spirit of Elias.

“The spirit of Elias is to prepare the way for a greater revelation of God, which is the Priesthood of Elias, or the Priesthood that Aaron was ordained unto. And when God sends a man into the world to prepare for a greater work, holding the keys of the power of Elias, it was called the doctrine of Elias, even from the early ages of the world.

“John’s mission was limited to preaching and baptizing; but what he did was legal; and when Jesus Christ came to any of John’s disciples, He baptized them with fire and the Holy Ghost.” (Teachings, pp. 335–36.)

Though John’s mission was short and his message was simple, the unselfish, fearless manner in which he carried out his work as an “Elias” brought from Jesus the solemn expression that there had not been “a greater prophet than John the Baptist.” (Luke 7:28. Italics added.)

(4-3) Matthew 3:9. What Did John Mean by Saying That God Was Able to Raise Up Children unto Abraham from the Stones?

“. . . Judaism held that the posterity of Abraham had an assured place in the kingdom of the expected Messiah, and that no proselyte from among the Gentiles could possibly attain the rank and distinction of which the ‘children’ were sure. John’s forceful assertion that God could raise up, from the stones on the river bank, children to Abraham, meant to those who heard that even the lowest of the human family might be preferred before themselves unless they repented and reformed.” (Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p. 123.)

(4-4) Matthew 3:16. What Is the Significance of the Holy Ghost Descending “like a Dove”?

“All four gospel authors record that the Spirit descended ‘like a dove’; Luke adds that he also came in ‘bodily shape’; and the Book of Mormon accounts say he came ‘in the form of a dove.’ (1 Ne. 11:27; 2 Ne. 31:8.) Joseph Smith said that John ‘led the Son of God into the waters of baptism, and had the privilege of beholding the Holy Ghost descend in the form of a dove, or rather in the sign of the dove, in witness of that administration.’

“Then the Prophet gives this explanation: ‘The sign of the dove was instituted before the creation of the world, a witness for the Holy Ghost, and the devil cannot come in the sign of a dove. The Holy Ghost is a personage, and is in the form of a personage. It does not confine itself to the form of the dove, but in sign of the dove. The Holy Ghost cannot be transformed into a dove; but the sign of a dove was given to John to signify the truth of the deed, as the dove is an emblem or token of truth and innocence.” (Smith, Teachings, pp. 275–76. Italics added.) It thus appears that John witnessed the sign of the dove, that he saw the Holy Ghost descend in the ‘bodily shape’ of the personage that he is, and that the descent was ‘like a dove.’” (McConkie, DNTC, 1:123–24.)

(4-5) Matthew 4:1. Did Jesus Go into the Wilderness to Be Tempted?

Compare the Inspired Version account of these verses with the King James.

“Then Jesus was led up of the spirit, into the wilderness, to be with God.

“And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, and had communed with God, he was afterwards an hungered, and was left to be tempted of the devil.” (Matthew 4:1, 2, Inspired Version. Italics added.)

“Jesus did not go into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil; righteous men do not seek out temptation. He went ‘to be with God.’ Probably he was visited by the Father; without question he received transcendent spiritual manifestations. The temptations came after he ‘had communed with God,’ ‘after forty days.’ The same was true in the case of Moses. He communed with God, saw the visions of eternity, and was then left unto himself to be tempted of the devil. After resisting temptation he again communed with Deity, gaining further light and revelation.” (McConkie, DNTC, 1:128; see also Mosiah 3:7.)

(4-6) Matthew 4:5, 8. Did the Devil Really Transport Jesus Up to a Pinnacle of the Temple and Later Show Him the Kingdoms of the World?

The Prophet Joseph Smith adds this insight:

“Then Jesus was taken up into the holy city, and the Spirit setteth him on the pinnacle of the temple.

“Then the devil came unto him and said, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down, for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee, and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

“And again, Jesus was in the Spirit, and it taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them.

“And the devil came unto him again, and said, All these things will I give unto thee, If thou wilt fall down and worship me.” (Matthew 4:5, 6, 7, 9, Inspired Version. Italics added.)

(4-7) John 1:18. What About John’s Statement “No Man Hath Seen God at Any Time”?

Of course there have been prophets who beheld Deity. Joseph Smith taught, however, that the Father manifests himself only in order to bear record of Jesus:

“And no man hath seen God at any time, except he hath borne record of the Son; for except it is through him no man can be saved.” (John 1:19, Inspired Version.)

Notice also how John further clarifies his own statement in John 6:46.

(4-8) John 1:42. Why Was It Significant That Simon Was Given Another Name?

Christ told Simon he would be called Cephas, or Peter, meaning a stone.

“Destined to stand as President of the Church of Jesus Christ and to exercise the keys of the kingdom in their fulness, Peter was to be a prophet, seer, and revelator. (D&C 81:2.) Foreshadowing this later call, Jesus here confers a new name upon his chief disciple, the name Cephas which means a seer or a stone.

“Added significance will soon be given this designation when, in promising him the keys of the kingdom, our Lord will tell Peter that the gates of hell shall never prevail against the rock of revelation, or in other words against seership. (Matt. 16:18.)” (McConkie, DNTC, 1:132–33.)

(4-9) John 1:47–49. What Was Nathanael’s Experience “Under the Fig Tree”?

“Jesus here exercises his powers of seership. From the fragmentary account preserved in the scripture it is apparent that Nathanael had undergone some surpassing spiritual experience while praying, or meditating, or worshiping under a fig tree. The Lord and giver of all things spiritual, though absent in body, had been present with Nathanael in spirit; and the guileless Israelite, seeing this manifestation of seership, was led to accept Jesus as the Messiah.” (McConkie, DNTC, 1:134.)

(4-10) John 2:4. Did Jesus Willingly Respond to His Mother’s Request for Help at the Wedding Feast?

“Jesus said unto her, Woman, what wilt thou have me to do for thee? that will I do; for mine hour is not yet come.” (John 2:4, Inspired Version. Italics added.)

(4-11) John 2:4. What of Jesus’ Addressing His Mother as “Woman”?

“. . . The noun of address, ‘Woman,’ as applied by a son to his mother may sound to our ears somewhat harsh, if not disrespectful; but its use was really an expression of opposite import. To every son the mother ought to be preeminently the woman of women; she is the one woman in the world to whom the son owes his earthly existence; and though the title ‘Mother’ belongs to every woman who has earned the honors of maternity, yet to no child is there more than one woman whom by natural right he can address by that title of respectful acknowledgment. When, in the last dread scenes of His mortal existence, Christ hung in dying agony upon the cross, He looked down upon the weeping Mary, His mother, and commended her to the care of the beloved apostle John, with the words: ‘Woman, behold thy son!’ Can it be thought that in this supreme moment, our Lord’s concern for the mother from whom He was about to be separated by death was associated with any emotion other than that of honor, tenderness and love?” (Talmage, Jesus the Christ, pp. 144–45.)

(4-12) John 2:6. How Much Constitutes a “Firkin”?

A firkin is about nine gallons. Thus each of the six water-pots contained around 18 to 27 gallons of water, with the result that Jesus then created between 100 to 150 gallons of wine—a miracle showing that the wedding celebration was quite large.

POINTS TO PONDER

JESUS WAS TOTALLY OBEDIENT TO THE WILL OF HIS FATHER

Jesus Christ is a perfect example of what your attitude should be toward the commandments of our Heavenly Father. Consider for a moment the baptism of Jesus. Why was Jesus baptized when he was without sin? Read 2 Nephi 31:5–10. What does this teach you about Jesus? What symbolic significance do you see in Jesus’ baptism with regard to his burial and resurrection? What significance does this have for you?

THE ADVERSARY TESTED JESUS AND SOUGHT TO THWART HIS MISSION

(4-13) The Three Temptations Jesus Faced Are a Pattern for All Temptations

“Now, nearly every temptation that comes to you and me comes in one of those forms. Classify them, and you will find that under one of those three nearly every given temptation that makes you and me spotted, ever so little maybe, comes to us as (1) a temptation of the appetite; (2) a yielding to the pride and fashion and vanity of those alienated from the things of God; or (3) a gratifying of the passion, or a desire for the riches of the world, or power among men.” (David O. McKay in CR, Oct. 1911, p. 59.)

It was after the Savior had made his special covenants with the Father through baptism that the tempter confronted him. But why should such strong temptations beset the Lord after his baptism? And if the Lord received his most severe trials after he was firmly committed to the kingdom of God, what about other men of greatness? Did their trials also increase? Why would this be allowed to happen? For an answer, consider what took place as the Lord prepared for his ministry. First, there was a deep sense of his sacred responsibility. Secondly, he received revelation and instruction from his Father. Thirdly, he was challenged by trials and temptations and through them proved his loyalty. Finally, because of them he developed strength to overcome all obstacles and proceeded in his ministry with increased light and revelation. Now consider some of the experiences which befell the Prophet Joseph Smith. As you read keep in mind the four points listed above. Read Joseph Smith—History 1:8–19. If the Savior and the Prophet went through trials and temptations after they were firmly committed to the Church, what about you? Read thoughtfully President Lee’s statement in reading 4-14.

(4-14) All Will Be Tested

“As I have labored among the brethren here and have studied the history of past dispensations, I have become aware that the Lord has given tests all down through time as to this matter of loyalty to the leadership of the Church. I go back into the scriptures and follow along in such stories as David’s loyalty when the king was trying to take his life. He wouldn’t defile the anointed of the Lord even when he could have taken his life. I have listened to the classic stories in this dispensation about how Brigham Young was tested, how Heber C. Kimball was tested, John Taylor and Willard Richards in Carthage Jail, Zion’s Camp that received a great test, and from that number were chosen the first General Authorities in this dispensation. There were others who didn’t pass the test of loyalty, and they fell from their places.

“I have been in a position since I came into the Council of the Twelve to observe some things among my brethren, and I want to say to you: Every man my junior in the Council of the Twelve, I have seen submitted as though by Providence, to these same tests of loyalty, and I wondered sometimes whether they were going to pass the tests. The reason they are here today is because they did, and our Father has honored them. . . .

“And so God has honored them, and it is my conviction that every man who will be called to a high place in this Church will have to pass these tests not devised by human hands, by which our Father numbers them as a united group of leaders willing to follow the prophets of the Living God and be loyal and true as witnesses and exemplars of the truths they teach.” (Harold B. Lee in CR, Apr. 1950, p. 101. Italics added.)

Does this mean that there will be tests, trials, and temptations in your future? Yes! But do not fear. What was the result of overcoming the trials and temptations for the Savior and for the Prophet? Can you see that not only did they prove loyal to their stewardship but also they grew in spiritual power, light, and closeness to God? Can you see that as you become committed to the kingdom, you will have the opportunity to grow also, into a brilliant, scintillating child of God? Further, do you understand that through your covenant you will be supported by the Spirit in your trials? Look at the reassurance Alma gives in Alma 36:3–5, 27. Do not look for temptation and trials, for they will come on their own, but determine to resist and overcome them as they do, that you may receive of the joy of the Lord.

(4-15) We Should Not Even Accommodate Temptation

“The importance of not accommodating temptation in the least degree is underlined by the Savior’s example. Did not he recognize the danger when he was on the mountain with his fallen brother, Lucifer, being sorely tempted by that master tempter? He could have opened the door and flirted with danger by saying, ‘All right, Satan, I’ll listen to your proposition. I need not succumb, I need not yield, I need not accept—but I’ll listen.’

“Christ did not so rationalize. He positively and promptly closed the discussion, and commanded: ‘Get thee hence, Satan,’ meaning, likely, ‘Get out of my sight—get out of my presence—I will not listen—I will have nothing to do with you.’ Then, we read, ‘the devil leaveth him.’” (Kimball, Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 216.)

AM I WILLING “TO DO THE WILL OF MY FATHER”?

There is no way to account for the way Jesus kept his covenants except through that grand purpose which he expresses in the touching passages below.Read and cross-reference the following scriptures:

John 4:33, 34	Jesus’ greatest satisfaction
John 6:38	Jesus’ grand purpose in coming
3 Nephi 11:11 and 3 Nephi 27:13, 14	What it cost Jesus to do the Father’s will
Luke 22:42–44
D&C 19:16–19

Jesus loved his Father. His devotion was unlimited. His poise, majesty, and flawless actions among men arose from his total submissiveness to the will of his Father. The mighty Shepherd among men was also the willing Lamb of God.

Though we can perhaps only begin to fathom the feelings that Jesus had for his Father, we should remember that his Father is also our Father in heaven. We can make the grand purpose of our lives the same as our Savior’s grand purpose. Each of us can resolve “to do the will of my Father.”

You may want to react to the following questions:

What do I see in the way Jesus approached his relationship with his Father that can help me? What specific things could I do to better keep my covenants and improve my relationship with my Father?

Chapter 3 The Son of The Eternal Father

“THE SON OF THE ETERNAL FATHER”

BIRTH AND YOUTH OF THE MESSIAH	Matthew	Mark	Luke	John
Jerusalem, Judea Revelation to Zacharias Regarding the Birth of John			1:5–25
Nazareth, Galilee Gabriel Reveals to Mary That She Is to Be the Mother of the Savior			1:26–38
Hill Country of Judea Mary Visits Elisabeth			1:39–56
John Is Born			1:57–80
Nazareth, Galilee Revelation of Joseph Regarding the Birth of Jesus	1:18–25
Bethlehem, Judea (Nisan/6 April) The Nativity of Jesus			2:1–20
The Genealogies of Jesus	1:1–17		3:23–38
Jerusalem, Judea Jesus Is Blessed and Circumcised			2:21–38
Bethlehem, Judea Visit of Wise Men—Flight to Egypt	2:1–18
Return from Egypt to Nazareth	2:19–23		2:39, 40
Jerusalem, Judea (Nisan) Young Jesus in the Temple			2:41–50
Nazareth, Galilee Boyhood and Maturity of the Savior			2:51, 52

THEME

It is important that we know that Jesus Christ is literally the Son of the Eternal Father and that he had to overcome the trials and vicissitudes of mortal life.

INTRODUCTION Jesus is Jehovah. He was the God of the Old Testament. He was born as a spirit son in premortality, the first so born. He grew in grace and power there until he stood as one “like unto God.” (Abraham 3:24.) He sustained the Father’s will and defended the Father’s plan. He was and is the Word, the Messenger of salvation, who was with God before the foundations of this world were laid (John 1:1, 14; D&C 93:7–9), and who was foreordained there to be the Lamb, the great and last sacrifice, the Redeemer and Savior of men. Jehovah, Jesus, the Lamb appointed to atone before the foundation of the world (see Smith, Teachings, p. 181), was born into the world. He descended from his “throne divine” to walk among men. And his life among men began in a stable in an obscure Palestinian village, about two thousand years ago. The story of Christ’s birth and youth includes references to many events. The references in the following reading block and the lesson material will enable you to inquire deeply into the divine sonship of Christ, and his early years. Before proceeding, read all the scriptural references in the reading block.

INTERPRETIVE COMMENTARY

(3-1) Luke 2:1–20. A Decree from Caesar Augustus

Rome ruled much of the Mediterranean world at the time of Christ’s birth. Augustus was a capable and energetic ruler, and he spent his reign (31 B.C. to A.D. 14) establishing a certain tradition of lawfulness and honesty in the Roman bureaucracy, reorganizing the provincial governments and working at financial reform. His reign was marked by a degree of order.

Augustus ordered a general taxing of the Roman Empire in 1 B.C. This “taxing” was actually a registering of persons, as Elder James E. Talmage has explained:

“The taxing herein referred to may properly be understood as an enrollment, or a registration, whereby a census of Roman subjects would be secured, upon which as a basis the taxation of the different peoples would be determined. This particular census was the second of three such general registrations recorded by historians as occurring at intervals of about twenty years. Had the census been taken by the usual Roman method, each person would have been enrolled at the town of his residence; but the Jewish custom, for which the Roman law had respect, necessitated registration at the cities or towns claimed by the respective families as their ancestral homes.” (Jesus the Christ, pp. 91–92.)

(3-2) Matthew 1:17, Luke 3:23–28. Jesus Descended from Kings

There are two genealogies in the four Gospels. Matthew’s account lists the legal successors to David’s throne. It is not necessarily a genealogical list in a strict father-to-son sense, for, as is true in many kingly histories, the eldest surviving heir may be a grandson, a great-grandson, or even a nephew or other relative of the reigning monarch. Luke’s record, however, is a father-to-son listing linking Joseph to King David. Of course, Jesus was not Joseph’s son, but Joseph’s genealogy is essentially Mary’s genealogy, for they were cousins; Jesus inherited from his mother, Mary, the blood of David and therefore the right to David’s throne. Jesus was born in the royal line, and as Elder James E. Talmage has explained, “Had Judah been a free and independent nation, ruled by her rightful sovereign, Joseph the carpenter would have been her crowned king; and his lawful successor to the throne would have been Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” (Jesus the Christ, p. 87; see also pp. 83–86, 89–90; McConkie, DNTC, 1:94–95.)

(3-3) Matthew 1:18–25. Mary Was Espoused to Joseph

Mary was espoused to Joseph. They were not married but were promised to each other under the strictest terms. Mary was virtually regarded as the wife of Joseph, and unfaithfulness on her part during the espousal period was punishable by death (Deuteronomy 22:23, 24). During the espousal period, the bride-elect lived with her family or friends, and all communication between herself and her promised husband was carried on through a friend. When Joseph learned of Mary’s prospective maternity and knew he was not the father, he had two alternatives: (1) he could demand that Mary submit to a public trial and judgment, which even at that late point in Jewish history may have resulted in Mary’s death; or (2) he could privately sever the espousal contract before witnesses. Joseph obviously chose the most merciful of the two alternatives. He could have reacted selfishly and with bitterness when he learned that Mary was expecting, and it is a profound witness to Joseph’s character that he chose to annul the espousal privately. Of this, Elder James E. Talmage has written:

“Joseph was a just man, a strict observer of the law, yet no harsh extremist; moreover he loved Mary and would save her all unnecessary humiliation, whatever might be his own sorrow and suffering. For Mary’s sake he dreaded the thought of publicity; and therefore determined to have the espousal annulled with such privacy as the law allowed.” (Jesus the Christ, p. 84.) It may be that the Lord designed such an experience to test Joseph, and if that be the case, Joseph proved faithful. After Joseph had made his decision, then the angel visited him and directed that he should proceed and take Mary as his wife. Mary’s high station was known before she was born (Mosiah 3:8; Alma 7:10; 1 Nephi 11:15, 18–21; Isaiah 7:14), and Joseph no doubt was foreordained to the honored station that he held, for the Prophet Joseph Smith taught that “every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of heaven before this world was.” (Teachings, p. 365. Italics added.) Surely Joseph was a noble soul in premortality to be blessed with the signal honor of coming to earth and acting as the legal guardian of the Son of the Eternal Father in the flesh.

(3-4) Luke 2:1–2. Jesus Was Born in Bethlehem, April 6, 1 B.C.

Joseph and Mary did not live in Bethlehem at the time of Christ’s birth. Rather, they lived in Nazareth (see map). But obedient to the dictum of prophecy, circumstances transpired that brought them to Bethlehem for the birth of Christ. (See Micah 5:2.)

After summarizing the opinions of various scholars in the matter of Christ’s birthday, Elder James E. Talmage compares their conclusions with modern revelation and then affirms: “We believe that Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem of Judea, April 6, B.C. 1.” (Jesus the Christ, p. 104.) Of this President Harold B. Lee declared:

“This is the annual conference of the Church. April 6, 1973, is a particularly significant date because it commemorates not only the anniversary of the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in this dispensation, but also the anniversary of the birth of the Savior, our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. [Quoted D&C 20:1]” (CR, Apr. 1973, p. 4.)

The following chart, which is based on our present calendar, may be helpful in understanding the birthday of the Lord.

(3-5) Matthew 2:13–23. Jesus and John Escape Herod’s Wrath

[click for scalable version]

The wise men, familiar with the prophecies that foretold the birth of Christ, and recognizing the signs that had been given, came into Jerusalem saying: “Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:1, 2.) Herod, thinking that the promised Messiah would be a threat to his kingdom, sent soldiers to destroy every child two years old and under in Bethlehem. But an angel had warned Joseph and he had taken Mary and the child Jesus to Egypt.

The wise men arrived in Jerusalem when Jesus was a young child. They were directed by Herod’s court to Bethlehem. “And when they were come into the house [Jesus was no longer in a stable], they saw the young child [no longer a babe] . . . and fell down, and worshipped him.” (Matthew 2:11.) Then the wise men, because an angel warned them not to return to Herod, departed into their own country by another way. When Herod saw that the wise men did not return, he sent his soldiers to kill every child “two years old and under.” (Matthew 2:7, 16.)

John the Baptist was a small child, just six months older than Jesus, who also lived with his parents in the vicinity of Bethlehem when Herod gave out the order to murder the babies. John escaped murder by the selfless courage of his father, Zacharias. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught:

“When Herod’s edict went forth to destroy the young children, John was about six months older than Jesus, and came under this hellish edict, and Zacharias caused his mother to take him into the mountains, where he was raised on locusts and wild honey. When his father refused to disclose his hiding place, and being the officiating high priest at the Temple that year, was slain by Herod’s order, between the porch and the altar, as Jesus said.” (Teachings, p. 261. Compare Matthew 23:35.)

Zacharias died, then, to save his son; he died a noble martyr, perhaps the first of the Christian era.

POINTS TO PONDER

Now that you have considered the circumstances surrounding His birth, take a moment to reflect deeply on these questions which Jesus asked the Pharisees: “What think ye of Christ? whose son is he?” (Matthew 22:42.) And as you reflect on these questions, remember Jesus’ own counsel to those who seek an answer: “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3.) And as the Prophet Joseph Smith stated: “If any man does not know God, and inquires what kind of being he is,—if he will search diligently his own heart—if the declaration of Jesus and the apostles be true, he will realize that he has not eternal life; for there can be eternal life on no other principle.” (Teachings, p. 344.)

JESUS IS LITERALLY THE SON OF THE ETERNAL FATHER

(3-6) Because God Was His Father, Jesus Had Power Over Life and Death

When Gabriel came to Mary with the announcement that she would be the mother of the Lord, Mary was troubled. She had not as yet consummated her marriage to Joseph. She was sure of her virgin condition, and her question to Gabriel was as if she had said: “How can I be the mother of a son when I am yet unmarried?” The angel’s explanation to Mary is the clearest explanation of the fatherhood of God and the divine sonship of Christ available in holy writ. Gabriel declares: “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35.) This statement, clear enough as it stands, does not say Jesus was the son of the Holy Ghost, but he was the Son of God the Father. As Elder Bruce R. McConkie has explained, Jesus was the “‘Son of the Highest’ (Luke 1:32), and ‘the Highest’ is the first member of the godhead, not the third.” (DNTC, 1:83.)

Because Christ was the son of an immortal Father and a mortal mother, he had the capacity to live eternally if he chose, but also the ability to die. Elder James E. Talmage has written:

“That Child to be born of Mary was begotten of Elohim, the Eternal Father, not in violation of natural law but in accordance with a higher manifestation thereof; and, the offspring from that association of supreme sanctity, celestial Sireship, and pure though mortal maternity, was of right to be called the ‘Son of the Highest.’ In His nature would be combined the powers of Godhood with the capacity and possibilities of mortality; and this through the ordinary operation of the fundamental law of heredity declared of God, demonstrated by science, and admitted by philosophy, that living beings shall propagate—after their kind. The Child Jesus was to inherit the physical, mental and spiritual traits, tendencies, and powers that characterized His parents—one immortal and glorified—God, the other human—woman.” (Jesus the Christ, p. 81.)

Jesus, then, had the powers of life and the ability to die. He had greater power than any man. (See Smith, Teachings, 181.) To further understand the significance of the divine sonship, complete the following exercise:

Who Was the Father of Jesus?

Recount some of the testimonies that demonstrate that Jesus is the Only Begotten Son of God, the Father, in the flesh. Note these verses: Luke 1:30–35; 1 Nephi 11:18–21; and Mosiah 3:8. Who was the father of Jesus? What did Jesus inherit from his Father that he could not have inherited from his legal guardian, Joseph? You may have heard people try to justify their own weaknesses by saying, “Of course Jesus could live a perfect life because his Father was God. Look at the advantages he had that I don’t have.” Those who rationalize like this seem to forget that wherever there is a greater blessing there is a greater trial. The greatest Spirit in the premortal world could be tested only by submitting to greater trial.

(3-7) Jesus Had to Overcome the Veil

When Jesus was born, “the veil of forgetfulness common to all who are born to earth, by which the remembrance of primeval existence is shut off” was cast over him. (Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p. 111.) In the premortal world, Jesus had stood as “one like unto God” (Abraham 3:24), “more intelligent than they all” (Abraham 3:19), meaning all the other created spirits. But although his capacity was greater than that of any other, and he was designated to become the Only Begotten Son, still he was meek and humble; and he condescended to have a veil cast over him and to have the knowledge of his glory and power in premortality blocked from his mind at birth.

President Joseph Fielding Smith further explained:

“Without a doubt, Jesus came into the world subject to the same condition as was required of each of us—he forgot everything, and he had to grow from grace to grace. His forgetting, or having his former knowledge taken away, would be requisite just as it is in the case of each of us, to complete the present temporal existence.” (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:33. Italics added.)

Can you see that although Jesus was the greatest spirit to come to the earth, he also had greater trials than anyone in the earth? It is improper to suppose that Jesus was not tested and tempted equal to his great capacity. The fact that he was sinless and that he resisted every temptation does not make it any less a fact that he was subject to temptations. He knows how difficult temptations are, because he experienced bitter temptations; but he resisted them all. Read what King Benjamin taught in Mosiah 3:7. Jesus suffered temptations far beyond what men could endure; he confronted the powers of evil and won. But because he had to resist temptations, he understands the effort man must make to resist temptation. Again, as Paul said: “For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.” (Hebrews 2:18; 4:15.) Jesus was perfectly obedient, and because he was, “he received all power, both in heaven and on earth.” (D&C 93:17. Emphasis added.) But Jesus did not receive this great power and glory all at once. He received it piecemeal, step by step, degree by degree, “line upon line, precept upon precept” (D&C 128:21) until he received a fulness of the glory of the Father (see D&C 93:11–17).

(3-8) As a Child, Jesus Sought to Learn from His Father

In the Inspired Version, the Prophet added the following verses to the recorded account of the Savior’s youth.

“And it came to pass that Jesus grew up with his brethren, and waxed strong, and waited upon the Lord for the time of his ministry to come.

“And he served under his father, and he spake not as other men, neither could he be taught; for he needed not that any man should teach him.

“And after many years, the hour of his ministry drew nigh.” (Matthew 3:24–26, Inspired Version.)

Although the word father in this passage perhaps refers to Joseph, yet the content of the passage certainly shows that Jesus was taught by his real father, God the Father.

It is, however, possible that Jesus attended the Jewish synagogues and was taught in the learning of the Jews by the rabbis. If so, much of what Jesus heard would have been a perversion of truth, for Judaism was in a state of apostasy. His most significant education, therefore, came through the Spirit from his Heavenly Father. Jesus testified of himself: “I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.” (John 8:28.) And again: “The Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.” (John 12:49.) Who taught Jesus what he knew? His Father, God the Father, taught him. That he was taught by wiser than mortal men is evident, and that he learned his lessons well, for the Prophet Joseph Smith said of him:

“When still a boy, He had all the intelligence necessary to enable Him to rule and govern the kingdom of the Jews, and could reason with the wisest and most profound doctors of law and divinity, and make their theories and practice to appear like folly compared with the wisdom He possessed; but He was a boy only, and lacked physical strength even to defend His own person; and was subject to cold, to hunger, and to death.” (Teachings, p. 392.)

What must you do to acquire power and glory? The Prophet Joseph Smith explained: “You have got to learn how to be Gods yourselves, and to be kings and priests to God, the same as all Gods have done before you, namely by going from one small degree to another, and from a small capacity to a great one; from grace to grace . . . until you . . . are able to dwell in everlasting burnings, and to sit in glory, as do those who sit enthroned in everlasting power.” (Teachings, pp. 346–47.) To get a degree or level of glory, or grace, a man must obey the laws upon which that particular level of glory is predicated, and if he is more diligent and obedient than another, he will have that much more advantage in the world to come. (See D&C 130:18–21.) President Harold B. Lee explained: “The most important of all the commandments of God is that one that you’re having the most difficulty keeping today. If it’s one of dishonesty, if it’s one of unchastity, if it’s one of falsifying, not telling the truth, today is the day for you to work on that until you’ve been able to conquer that weakness. Then you start on the next one that’s most difficult for you to keep.” (Church News, 5 May 1973, p. 3.) Thus, a man must take his temptations in their turn and conquer them. This is what Jesus did, step by step, degree to greater degree, grace by grace, and this is what Jesus would have you do. Now what difference will it make for you? Could you, if you were called to stand before him now, testify as did Peter of old? “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” (Matthew 16:16.) You can know that he is the Son of God if you do his will. (See John 7:17.) As Jesus himself said: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life. . . .” (John 10:27, 28.)

Why I Decided to Aceept This Challenge to Study the New Testament

Back in Fall semester 2001, I was studying @ BYU-Hawaii. Not long after the school started, September 11 terrorist attack happened and on that day, I had a strong urge to serve a full-time mission. During the preparation process, I went to the Laie, Hawaii temple almost on a daily basis to learn more about the Plan of Salvation and about Jesus Christ. I still remembered vividly when I looked at a mural that depicted Jesus' charge to his disciples to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"(Matthew 28:19) I felt as if Savior is spoken to me personally as well. Besides, it seems to me that I can feel the prints of the nails in his hands and on his feet. Jesus Christ is my beloved Savior and friend. I hope by studying the New Testament, I will know more about Him, and become more like Him and a better disciple of him.

Joyce's Insights from NT's Introduction

Joyce’s Insights of New Testament Institute Manual: Introduction

1. My goal in studying the New Testament is to be able to testify as Apostle Peter did, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of a living God.” (Matt. 16:16) To be able to testify of the Savor, we need to first know Him so that we can testify of Him effectively through our words, thoughts, examples, and actions. Peter testified that Jesus is the Son of a LIVING God. God lives! He is literally the Father of our spirit body; therefore, we are truly His beloved spirit daughter or son as Paul testified to the Romans, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” (Romans 8:16-17). If God is a living God, He is alive and definitely speaks to us today; miracles do happened to those who have faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. As Latter-day Saints, we believe that Jesus is the Only Begotten Son of God. Elohim (our Heavenly Father) and Jesus Christ are two separate beings but united in one purpose and heart---to help us gain eternal life. Eternal life is defined by the Savior as, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)

2. It is important to take the time to carefully and thoroughly study and ponder the New Testament (NT) so that we can allow the Spirit to have a place in our hearts to teach and inspire us and bring us nearer to God; thus, being “filled spiritually”. The Holy Spirit is another personage of the Godhead (God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost are three separate individuals but are one in heart and purpose) and it is important to have a witness or testimony of Christ and His gospel from the Holy Spirit because a modern-day prophet, President Joseph Fielding Smith taught:

When a man has the manifestation of the Holy Ghost, it leaves an indelible impression on his soul, one that is not easily erased. It is Spirit speaking to spirit, and it comes with convincing force. A manifestation of an angel, or even the Son of God himself, would impress the eye and mind, and eventually become dimmed, but the impressions of the Holy Ghost sink deeper into the soul and are more difficult to erase.

(Anwsers to Gospel Questions, 2:151)

3. “Combined with sincere prayer, scripture study can become the source of personal revelation and an avenue to increased spiritual power in your daily life” (Manual pp. 1) These are the conditions to find out if the reality of Jesus Christ—through sincere prayer & scripture study which will let the Holy Spirit testify or reveal to us the truth of all things ( John 16:13) and give us daily spiritual power. What a sure promise for God does not lie! Try it out with us with a sincere, prayerful heart…study the New Testament with us and you’ll come to realize the reality of this profound admonition with a spiritual promise.

4. Why do we use the King James’ version of the Bible? Because it has been the Official Bible since the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints even though the translation may not be perfect, “…“. . . none of these [other] translations surpasses the King James version of the English Bible in beauty of language and spiritual connotation, and probably in faithful adherence to the text available to translators” (Widtsoe, Evidences and Reconciliations, p. 120; qtd in Manual pp.2) However, Joseph Smith did try to translate the Bible before his martyrdom. He called his translation as “The Inspired Version” some of which “have been cited in current church instructional materials or may be cited in future church instructional materials” (Manual pp.3)

5. To know the Savior is to do His will (John 7:16-17) and keep his commandments (1 John 2:3-5). Simple promise yet profound when one actually experienced it for it’ll purify and change our hearts forever.

6. The challenge issued to us in Introduction:

With these scriptures in mind, your study can be profitable to you.

7. Make the scriptures your main study in this course, using the manual as a supplement.

8. Combine your study with sincere and frequent prayer.

9. Strive to keep the commandments of God.

Good luck and may the “force” (Holy Spirit) testify to our souls to come unto Christ, receive his blessings and be perfected unto him. As The Book of Mormon’s Moroni 10: 32-33 admonished us:

Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.

I am so excited to begin this spiritual journey with Esther. Thank you, Esther, for this wonderful journey.