The Savior’s Suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane

What words or phrases do we have that describe the Savior's suffering?

(Matthew 26:38) (Mark 14:34) “My soul is exceeding sorrowful (Greek: deeply grieved), even unto death”

(Luke 22:44) And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

What additional insight do we have about the Savior’s suffering in Gethsemane?

(Mosiah 3:7) And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people.

(Alma 7:11-13) And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities. Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

(Doctrine and Covenants 19:16-19) For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink— Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.

(The institute student manual commentary, “To What Extent Was the Atonement Completed in the Garden of Gethsemane?” pg. 173) “It seems, that in addition to the fearful suffering incident to crucifixion, the agony of Gethsemane had recurred, intensified beyond human power to endure. In that bitterest hour the dying Christ was alone, alone in most terrible reality. That the supreme sacrifice of the Son might be consummated in all its fullness, the Father seems to have withdrawn the support of His immediate Presence, leaving to the Savior of men the glory of complete victory over the forces of sin and death.” (Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p. 661.) When the Savior exclaimed in triumph, "It is finished” (John 19:30), he knew his atoning sacrifice had been accepted by the Father. (See John 19:28.) “Sweet and welcome as would have been the relief of death in any of the earlier stages of His suffering from Gethsemane to the cross, He lived until all things were accomplished as had been appointed.” (Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p. 662.)

(The institute student manual commentary for Luke 22:44, “And Being in an Agony, He Prayed More Earnestly” pgs.173-74) “How perfect the example is! Though he were the Son of God, yet even he, having been strengthened by an angelic ministrant, prays with increased faith; even he grows in grace and ascends to higher heights of spiritual unity with the Father. How well Paul wrote of this hour: ‘In the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.’ (Heb. 5:7-9.)” (McConkie, DNTC, 1:776.) But what was it that caused the Savior’s intense agony? “Jesus had to take away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. . . . And as He in His own person bore the sins of all, and atoned for them by the sacrifice of Himself, so there came upon Him the weight and agony of ages and generations, the indescribable agony consequent upon this great sacrificial atonement wherein He bore the sins of the world, and suffered in His own person the consequences of an eternal law of God broken by men. Hence His profound grief, His indescribable anguish, His overpowering torture, all experienced in the submission to the eternal fiat of Jehovah and the requirements of an inexorable law. “The suffering of the Son of God was not simply the suffering of personal death; for in assuming the position that He did in making an atonement for the sins of the world He bore the weight, the responsibility, and the burden of the sins of all men, which, to us, is incomprehensible. . . . “Groaning beneath this concentrated load, this intense, incomprehensible pressure, this terrible exaction of Divine Justice, from which feeble humanity shrank, and through the agony thus experienced sweating great drops of blood, He was led to exclaim, ‘Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me.’ He had wrestled with the superincumbent load in the wilderness, He had struggled against the powers of darkness that had been let loose upon him there; placed below all things, His mind surcharged with agony and pain, lonely and apparently helpless and forsaken, in his agony the blood oozed from His pores.” (Taylor, The Mediation and Atonement, pp. 149-50.)

(The institute student manual commentary for Luke 22:44, “And His Sweat Was As It Were Great Drops of Blood Falling Down to the Ground” pg. 174) “Christ's agony in the garden is unfathomable by the finite mind, both as to intensity and cause. The thought that He suffered through fear of death is untenable. Death to Him was preliminary to resurrection and triumphal return to the Father from whom He had come, and to a state of glory even beyond what He had before possessed; and, moreover, it is within His power to lay down His life voluntarily. He struggled and groaned under a burden such as no other being who has lived on earth might even conceive as possible. It was not physical pain, nor mental anguish alone, that caused Him to suffer such torture as to produce an extrusion of blood from every pore; but a spiritual agony of Soul Such as only God was capable of experiencing. No other man, however great his powers of physical or mental endurance, could have suffered so; for his human organism would have succumbed, and syncope would have produced unconsciousness and welcome oblivion. In that hour of anguish Christ met and overcame all the horrors that Satan, ‘the prince of this world’ could inflict. The frightful struggle incident to the temptations immediately following the Lord‘s baptism was surpassed and overshadowed by this supreme contest with the powers of evil. “In some manner, actual and terribly real though to man incomprehensible, the Savior took upon Himself the burden ofthe sins of mankind from Adam to the end of the world.” [Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p. 613.)

how does the meaning of Gethsemane add insight to what the Savior experienced there?

“Gethsemane.—The name means ‘oil-press’ and probably has reference to a mill maintained at the place for the extraction of oil from the olives there cultivated. John refers to the spot as a garden, from which designation we may regard it as an enclosed space of private ownership. That it was a place frequented by Jesus when He sought retirement for prayer, or opportunity for confidential converse with the disciples, is indicated by the same writer (John 18:1, 2).” (Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p. 620.)

What had the Lord taught the Apostles who accompanied Him in Gethsemane?

(Matthew 26:41) Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

What does His example teach about how to be obedient even when “the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak”?

Through this they learned that because “the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak,” they needed to “watch and pray” so they would “enter not into temptation.”
(Doctrine and Covenants 10:5) Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work.

What motivated the Savior to “drink the bitter cup?

It was love for all of us, and love for God and His plan of redemption.

(Mosiah 15:7) Yea, even so he shall be led, crucified, and slain, the flesh becoming subject even unto death, the will of the Son being swallowed up in the will of the Father.

(3 Nephi 11:11) And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.

(Doctrine and Covenants 19:19) Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.

As the Savior prayed to God, what did He ask for?

(Matthew 26:39) And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

(Mark 14:36) And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

(Luke 22:42) Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

What does it require to submit one’s will to the Father in this way, no matter how painful or difficult the outcome might be?

We have to remember that Heavenly Father loves us and that His plan may not be what we want, but what He wants for us. It can be hard to see. Our challenge is to submit our will to His.

Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. Humble, earnest, and persistent prayer enables us to recognize and align ourselves with the will of our Heavenly Father. And in this the Savior provided the perfect example as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, “saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. … And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly” (Elder David A. Bednar, April 2008)

I invite you to leave a comment if you feel inspired to do so.

Three Parables of Preparation

Matthew 25 is a continuation of the Savior’s teaching on the Mount of Olives. The three parables in Matthew 25 each teach how to be prepared to meet the Lord when He comes again.

Matthew 25	Parable	Main Message
Verses 1–13	Ten virgins	Prepare spiritually for the Second Coming.
Verses 14–30	Talents	We are accountable to the Lord for what we have done with spiritual gifts. He will reward us for developing those gifts.
Verses 31–46	Sheep and goats	The Lord will judge each of us. Those who have faithfully served their fellowman will sit on “his right hand.”

Matthew 25:1-13. What Is the Meaning of the Parable of the Ten Virgins?

Harold B. Lee (1899-1973) talked about this in Conference Report, Oct, 1951.
“The purpose of this lesson was to impress upon those called to the ministry and upon his followers and upon the world that there should be an unceasing watchfulness and preparation for the day which he had predicted when the Lord would come again in judgment upon the earth.
"The bridegroom of the parable was the Master, the Savior of mankind. The marriage feast symbolized the second coming of the Savior to receive his Church unto himself. The virgins were those who were professed believers in Christ, because they were expectantly waiting for the coming of the bridegroom to the marriage feast, or they were connected with the Church and the events which were to transpire with reference to it.
“That this parable did refer particularly to the believers in Christ with a warning to them is further indicated by what the Lord has told us in modern revelation in which he said: “ ‘These are the things that ye must look for; . . . even in the day of the coming of the Son of Man.
“ ‘And until that hour there will be foolish virgins among the wise; and at that hour cometh an entire separation of the righteous and the wicked. (D. & C. 63:53-54.)' [This] undoubtedly mean [s] a separation of the wicked from the righteous among the professing believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.
“The Lord defines the wise virgins of his parable in still another revelation in which he said,
“ ‘For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—veri1y I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day. (Ibid., 45: 57.)‘
“Here is clearly indicated a truth we must all recognize, that among the people of God, the believers in the Savior of the world, there are those who are wise and keep the commandments, and yet there are those who are foolish, who are disobedient, and who neglect their duties."

What are the similitudes in this parable and what can we learn?

The “bridegroom” in this parable represents the Savior (see Matthew 9:15; John 3:28–29), and His arrival with the wedding procession represents His Second Coming. The tarrying of the bridegroom teaches that the Lord has His own timetable for His Second Coming.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks spoke about the ten virgins who had been invited to join the wedding party: “The ten virgins obviously represent members of Christ’s Church, for all were invited to the wedding feast and all knew what was required to be admitted when the bridegroom came. But only half were ready when he came” (“Preparation for the Second Coming,” 8).
The oil in this parable represents spiritual preparation. In reference to the parable of the ten virgins, the Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith:
“And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins.
“For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.
“And the earth shall be given unto them for an inheritance” (D&C 45:56–58; see also D&C 63:54).

President Spencer W. Kimball (1899–1985) discussed what the oil symbolizes and why it cannot be shared with those who are foolish:
“The kind of oil that is needed to illuminate the way and light up the darkness is not shareable. How can one share obedience to the principle of tithing; a mind at peace from righteous living; an accumulation of knowledge? How can one share faith or testimony? How can one share attitudes or chastity, or the experience of a mission? How can one share temple privileges? Each must obtain that kind of oil for himself. . . .
“In the parable, oil can be purchased at the market. In our lives the oil of preparedness is accumulated drop by drop in righteous living. Attendance at sacrament meetings adds oil to our lamps, drop by drop over the years. Fasting, family prayer, home teaching, control of bodily appetites, preaching the gospel, studying the scriptures—each act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to our store. Deeds of kindness, payment of offerings and tithes, chaste thoughts and actions, marriage in the covenant for eternity—these, too, contribute importantly to the oil with which we can at midnight refuel our exhausted lamps” (Faith Precedes the Miracle [1972], 255–56).

Elder Lynn G. Robbins of the Seventy made this observation about why the unwise virgins found the door closed and why they were denied entrance: “The closed door is a poignant reminder that ‘this life is the day for men to perform their labors’ (Alma 34:32). . . . The fact that the five foolish virgins knocked, expecting to enter the marriage supper, indicates one of two things: (1) they thought they could prepare themselves after the Bridegroom came, or (2) knowing that they at first had not been prepared to enter, they were hoping for mercy. Either way, the door was shut” (“Oil in Our Lamps,” Ensign, June 2007, 47).

President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency warned: “There is a danger in the word someday when what it means is ‘not this day.’ ‘Someday I will repent.’ ‘Someday I will forgive him.’ ‘Someday I will speak to my friend about the Church.’ ‘Someday I will start to pay tithing.’ ‘Someday I will return to the temple.’ ‘Someday . . .’ The scriptures make the danger of delay clear. It is that we may discover that we have run out of time” (“This Day,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 89).

(Doctrine and Covenants 45:56-57) And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins. For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.

An Explanation for the Parable of the Entrusted Talents.

Joseph Smith gave us these words: “You know, brethren, that when the Master in the Saviors parable of the stewards called his servants before him he gave them several talents to improve on while he should tarry abroad for a little season, and when he returned he called for an accounting. So it is now. Our Master is absent only for a little season, and at the end of it He will call each to render an account; and where the five talents were bestowed, ten will be required; and he that has made no improvement will be cast out as an unprofitable servant, while the faithful will enjoy everlasting honors. Therefore we earnestly implore the grace of our Father to rest upon you, through Jesus Christ His Son, that you may not faint in the hour of temptation, nor be overcome in the time of persecution.” (Smith, Teachings, p. 68.)

In the Savior’s time, a “talent” was a unit of weight and also a large sum of money. In modern usage, the word “talent,” as used in this parable, has come to represent any spiritual gift or any skill or ability given to us by God, and the parable teaches that we are responsible to use these gifts wisely and profitably. The Second Coming is represented by the arrival, “after a long time,” of a master who had entrusted his servants with talents (Matthew 25:19). The servant who doubled his two talents received the same commendation as the one who doubled his five talents (see Matthew 25:21, 23); each was expected to try to improve on what he had been given. Thus, in the end, only the servant who did nothing with his talent was rejected by his master. President James E. Faust (1920–2007) of the First Presidency explained that the Lord will hold all people accountable for what they do with their talents:
“Some of us are too content with what we may already be doing. We stand back in the ‘eat, drink, and be merry’ mode when opportunities for growth and development abound. We miss opportunities to build up the kingdom of God because we have the passive notion that someone else will take care of it. The Lord tells us that He will give more to those who are willing. They will be magnified in their efforts. . . . But to those who say, ‘We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have’ [2 Nephi 28:30].
“The Lord entrusts all of His servants, including every priesthood holder, with spiritual talents. . . . While we are not all equal in experience, aptitude, and strength, we have different opportunities to employ these spiritual gifts, and we will all be accountable for the use of the gifts and opportunities given to us” (“I Believe I Can, I Knew I Could,” Ensign, Nov. 2002, 50).

How can we overcome our fears and develop and use the talents given to us from the Lord?

(2 Timothy 1:7) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
(Proverbs 3:5-6) Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
(Doctrine and Covenants 3:7-8) For, behold, you should not have feared man more than God. Although men set at naught the counsels of God, and despise his words— Yet you should have been faithful; and he would have extended his arm and supported you against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of trouble.
(Doctrine and Covenants 6:33-37) Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward. Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail. Behold, I do not condemn you; go your ways and sin no more; perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you. Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not. Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen.

The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats.

In the Savior’s time, sheep and goats typically grazed together, but they were separated at the end of the day. In this parable, the separating of the sheep and goats represents the Judgment that will occur at the Savior’s Coming. The righteous will receive a place at the King’s right (representing a place of honor and power), and the unrighteous will be assigned to the King’s left (representing disfavor). This judgment will largely be based on how well individuals have shown their love for God by caring for others (see Matthew 25:34–46; see also Matthew 22:35–40). As in the two previous parables in Matthew 25, the righteous are prepared because of what they have done, while the unrighteous are unprepared because of what they have neglected to do.
Referring to the parable of the sheep and the goats, Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin testified: “At the final day the Savior will not ask about the nature of our callings. He will not inquire about our material possessions or fame. He will ask if we ministered to the sick, gave food and drink to the hungry, visited those in prison, or gave succor to the weak [see Matthew 25:31–40]. When we reach out to assist the least of Heavenly Father’s children, we do it unto Him [see Matthew 24:40]. That is the essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ” (“The Great Commandment,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 30).

What permitted “the sheep” to receive their reward at the King’s right hand?

(Matthew 25:34-36) Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

What difference does the way we treat others make to the Lord?

(Matthew 25:40) Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Summary of these three parables.

Matthew 25 examines the procedure and preparation required to enter into Heaven. We see what happens to foolish or lazy followers of Christ. The wise virgins were prepared. The good servants worked diligently while the master was away. It is not enough to profess our love for Him, but by our actions will we be judged. The Savior is very specific about what actions are required as well. We must use our God given talents in His service. The goats only had a ritual observance of their faith. The sheep acted in charity and love. What we do, we do it unto Him. It is not to gain the reward but out of love for Him that we turn our hearts to the least of us.

I invite you to leave a comment if you feel inspired to do so.

Preparing for the Savior’s Second Coming

How will we know when the end days are coming? The thirteenth chapter of the Book of Mark gives us signs to look for. Below I have highlighted them to make it easy.

1 And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!
2 And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,
4 Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?
5 And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:
6 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
7 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.
8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.
10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.
13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judæa flee to the mountains:
15 And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house:
16 And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.
17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
18 And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.
19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.
20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:
22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.
24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,
25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.
26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
28 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:
29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.
30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.
31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
34 For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.


How can we be prepared for the Savior’s Second Coming?

Doctrine and Covenants 87:8 Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold, it cometh quickly, saith the Lord. Amen.

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:30 And again, because iniquity shall abound, the love of men shall wax cold; but he that shall not be overcome, the same shall be saved.

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:37 And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived, for the Son of Man shall come, and he shall send his angels before him with the great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together the remainder of his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:46–50 And what I say unto one, I say unto all men; watch, therefore, for you know not at what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to have been broken up, but would have been ready. Therefore be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh. Who, then, is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing; and verily I say unto you, he shall make him ruler over all his goods.

Doctrine and Covenants 33:17 Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom—

Doctrine and Covenants 45:56–57 And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins. For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.


Jesus instructs us repeatedly to "take heed" and to "watch". We need to know the signs before they happen and to look for them. Additionally, we need to pray, maintain our faith, do not be deceived, and we will be saved. I hope this makes it easy for you to know about this important topic.

I invite you to leave a comment if you feel inspired to do so.

The Last Week of the Savior's Mortal Ministry

Within this week Jesus makes a significant shift in His actions. He switches from teachings for the people to direct confrontation with the Jewish religious leaders. He uses that opportunity to clarify the greatest commandments from God, in essence delivering God's instruction in its simplest form. He had long predicted His own death and now it came to pass. His courage and faith is beyond measure. First He would be tortured and then crucified. For all of us, this becomes the most significant event in history.

1st day
Jesus arrived at Jerusalem. He secured a donkey and a colt, and rode through the city gates into Jerusalem. A “very great multitude” who knew him to be “the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee" placed palm branches in his way and greeted him with a hosanna shout: “Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest." (Matthew 21:9.) He went directly to the temple, and according to Mark, took note of what he saw and retired to Bethany for the night (Mark 11:11).
2nd day
Early the next morning Jesus went again to the temple and made a decisive thrust calculated to challenge the Jewish religious leadership. He drove from the outer court area of the temple those who were trading and making money exchange from foreign currency. The money exchange was apparently sanctioned by the Jewish leaders; and by preventing the merchandizing, Jesus was in effect challenging their leadership. The issue was clear: Was the temple to be a place of worship of God or of pursuit of gain? As he cleared the temple courts, he said, “It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” (Matthew 21:13.) Again that evening Jesus returned to Bethany.
3rd day
Jesus‘ wrath in the temple raised the issue of authority, and the priests were not about to let the incident pass. As Jesus came to the temple the next day, the priests challenged him: “By what authority doest thou these things? And who gave thee this authority?” (Matthew 21:23.) Jesus responded by relating a series of parables that offended the religious leaders of the Jews. The scribes and Pharisees challenged Him again; Jesus openly denounced them and condemned them as hypocrites. From this point on, Jesus did not teach the public, but only the Twelve. Perceiving that Jesus had gained the upper hand in their confrontations, the Jewish leaders consulted again how they might bring about Jesus’ death. They would have to move quickly before the Passover to avoid a riot, however, since Jesus had become very popular with the Jewish people. How to bring about an arrest without provoking crowd reaction was the problem. An unexpected turn of events that took place abetted their plot. One of Jesus‘ own disciples offered to betray him.
4th day
Jesus well knew of the plot. The fourth day was spent outside the city, perhaps at Bethany. The record of the gospel writers is silent on the proceedings of this day.
5th day
Jesus had arranged to commemorate the Passover meal in a home privately reserved for him and the Twelve. Following the Passover meal, Jesus introduced a new ordinance, the sacrament, which presaged his atoning sacrifice. He then prophesied of his death and indicated who would betray him. After some instructions, Jesus offered his great intercessory prayer. Then, with the eleven [Judas had left), Jesus led them outside the walls to a familiar spot - Gethsemane. Then taking Peter, James, and John with him, he went further into the Garden where he then left those three and went off by himself to pray. (See Matthew 26: 36-39.) There he pled with his Heavenly Father to “let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matthew 26:39.) The cup did not pass and Jesus suffered “the pain of all men” (D&C 18:11], an agony so excruciating that it caused him to bleed at every pore (D&C 19:18). Some time later he rejoined his apostles and indicated that his betrayer was at hand. While he spoke, an armed band led by Judas approached Jesus to seize him. Without resistance Jesus submitted. Jesus was brought to an illegal trial that night.
6th day
The Jewish leaders now faced another problem. They were not content that Jesus should be put to death; they also wanted to discredit him before his own people. To do this, the leaders arranged to have Jesus charged with two crimes. The first was blasphemy, a capital offense under Jewish law. He was unanimously convicted of this charge solely on the evidence that he had said that he was the Son of God. (See Matthew 26:5?-66.) Such a conviction would discredit Jesus before the Jews, but the rulers knew well that they could not carry out the death penalty; only the Roman governor could pronounce this. Therefore, they had to find political indictment against Jesus. The surest means of securing this was the charge of sedition against the state, for he had claimed to be a “king of the Jews.“ Though Pilate’s examination found Jesus guiltless of the charge, the Jewish leaders had incited the crowd to “destroy Jesus.” (Matthew 27:20.) Fearing a demonstration, Pilate gave in to the clamor to crucify Jesus, and the death sentence was pronounced. And so Jesus was executed by the brutal Roman practice of crucifixion. Later that afternoon he voluntarily gave up his spirit. The next day, which began at sundown, was the Passover, and the Jewish leaders abhorred the idea that a man should remain on a cross on the Sabbath, particularly the paschal Sabbath. Before nightfall, Jesus’ body was removed from the cross and buried in a sealed tomb by two revering disciples.
7th day (Sabbath)
This was the Jewish Sabbath. Jesus body remained in the tomb, but in spirit he ministered in the realm of departed spirits. (See 1 Peter 3:18-20.)
Day of the Resurrection
Had the gospel ended with Jesus’ burial, there would be no gospel story, no “good news.” The great message of these testators is that Jesus was risen and was seen again by many witnesses. On the first day of the week, the most memorable Sunday in history, Jesus Christ emerged alive from the tomb, and appeared before Mary. The testimony of these witnesses constitutes the gospel story, the “good news” “These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” (John 20:31.)

I invite you to leave a comment if you feel inspired to do so.

Earthly and Heavenly Rewards

There are requirements for obtaining our Heavenly rewards. There are also sacrifices. For many, sacrificing earthly rewards is too much. Are you able to make this sacrifice?

From
Matthew Chapter 19
16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
21 Jesus said unto him, 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.
22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

This young man was willing to do, and had been doing everything required. He was not however, willing to make a sacrifice where his earthly wealth was concerned. There is no gray area where this sacrifice is concerned. You either do it or you don't. It is clear and exact, rich people do not enter into Heaven.

23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Remember the phrase 'you can't take it with you'. What good will wealth do you after you are dead? There is one thing that you can take with you however, and that is your saved soul. The Savior promises blessings to those who make sacrifices to follow Him.

27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, 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.
29 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.
30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

Many of the blessings given to His followers are stated in different scriptures but it seems there is much more than is known presently.

From
Matthew Chapter 20
1 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.
5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?
7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

The hour the laborers were hired	How much the man agreed to pay	Hours worked	How much they were actually paid
1st hour	one penny	12 hours	one penny
3rd hour	one penny	9 hours	one penny
6th hour	one penny	6 hours	one penny
9th hour	one penny	3 hours	one penny
11th hour	one penny	1 hour	one penny

What is it that we learn from this parable about serving in the Lord’s kingdom? It is very simple. If we serve then we receive the reward. The reward is not less or greater for having served all your life. The reward is there for a recent convert, the same as anyone else. This is an example of ultimate equality. Remember what Jesus has repeatedly pointed out. It is not your station in life that matters. That position in fact is usually a hindrance. "the last shall be first, and the first last" "a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven"

I invite you to leave a comment if you feel inspired to do so.

Being a Disciple of Jesus Christ

This time I will take a look at what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and what the Savior taught about counting the costs of following Him.

Scripture	Teaching
Luke 10:38-42	The things of this world are temporary. What is important is that we focus on the guidance of Christ.
Luke 11:1-13	There is structure and meaning in the elements of our prayers. We honor God and acknowledge before anything else that it is his will that must take precedence. We are to ask for those things we are most in need of, our sustenance, our forgiveness, and guidance in our lives.
Luke 12:13-40	We are to be careful not to fall into the trap of covetousness. Happiness and comfort do not come from wealth or worldly things.
Luke 13:23-24	The requirements for entering the Kingdom of God are strict and clearly defined. There are many that falsely believe they are eligible.
Luke 14:16-33	The kingdom of Heaven will be filled more likely with the disadvantaged of this world than those of wealth, power and stature.

We can learn from these scripture passages that to be a disciple of Christ is not easy. There is emphasis on giving up worldly concerns and many will fail to do what is required. I think it is important to revisit these teachings and remind ourselves of where our priorities should be.

I invite you to leave a comment if you feel inspired to do so.

The Healing of the Man Born Blind

To be spiritually blind is to live in darkness, moral darkness actually. This darkness is a result of not believing in Christ. The spiritually blind person rejects the things of God and claims they are foolishness. It is however he who is the fool. His blindness is the handicap of his soul. In John chapter 9, An interesting exchange occurs between some Pharisees and a man recently healed of his blindness by Christ. In the verses, it is clear that the man who can now see grows in his awareness, and eventually sees that Christ is the Savior. The Pharisees on the other hand, continue to doubt and argue among themselves. Their hearts harden as they hear of the truth. The former blind man relates his tale over and over, first saying that he was healed by a man named Jesus, then later describing him as a prophet, later still he declares him a man of God. finally he knows that Christ is the Son of God and believes and worships Him. In our own lives, as we testify of Him, our own spiritual sight will grow, our own understanding will enhance and our belief strengthened. Notice the comparisons below.

John 9:39 And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound. That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see. (Newton 1772)

	Pharisees	Blind Man	Parents
Spiritual Blindness	John 9:16 Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. John 9:18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight. John 9:19 And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see? John 9:24 Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. John 9:26 Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes? John 9:28 Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses’ disciples. John 9:29 We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is. John 9:34 They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.		John 9:20 His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: John 9:21 But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. John 9:22 These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. John 9:23 Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.
Spiritual Sight		John 9:15 Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see. John 9:17 They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet. John 9:25 He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. John 9:27 He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples? John 9:30 The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. John 9:32 Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. John 9:33 If this man were not of God, he could do nothing. John 9:35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? John 9:36 He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? John 9:37 And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. John 9:38 And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.

I invite you to leave a comment if you feel inspired to do so.

The Feeding of the Multitudes

The desert referred to in Matthew 14 can be compared to the world in which we live. The multitude are seeking Christ within the world which offers nothing of substance. Unbelievers will see the provisions for feeding them as slight and of no consequence. Christ's bread however, proves more than enough for everyone. His compassion was directed to their bodies as well as their souls. We should do likewise as we emulate him in our own conduct. It is not enough to proselytize for the salvation of people, but our concern needs to extend to the physical welfare of others as well. We should note that when the disciples suggested that the people depart in order to find their sustenance, Jesus told them that there was no need for that. Here is an instruction to look to Him for what we need. His disciples continue to have problems believing in the power He posseses and don't feel that the loves and fishes are enough. Jesus says bring them to me. We should always offer what we have to Him. It is His mission to look after us and He does. Notice the good that He accomplishes with what is given to Him and the giver is rewarded with surplus. The multitude is not just fed but filled. The people were not just given a morsel of His goodness but supplied with as much of His grace as they sought.

	Matthew 14:14-21	Matthew 15:32-38
How many people were present?	In verse 14, the number is described as a great mulitude. We learn in verse 21 that the number of thise who had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.	In verse 32, the people are referred to as a multitude. We learn in verse we learn they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.
What did they need?	The term written is victuals.	the people had nothing to eat and were fasting.
What were they able to offer in an effort to meet that need?	Five loaves and two fishes.	Seven loaves and a few little fishes.
What words or phrases describe the Savior’s feeling toward the multitudes in their time of need?	The Savior as always is the embodiment of campassion. He desires that all may be fed and filled. He does not wish for them to be sent away for he is healing, teaching, and providing for them what they desire. His actions are pure love and is concerned only for them.
What words or phrases describe what the Savior was able to provide for the multitudes?	He is the great provider. We have here an example of His taking care of the temporal as well as their spiritual needs. This is more than a meal. It is Christ giving the multitude what thay are really seeking from Him. the truth, the way, and the life.

We are all sinners and therefore incapable of our own salvation. It is only through the saving Grace of Christ's redemption that the possibility for our returning to God exists. It is only by putting our faith in Him will we be fed the gift of life eternal.

I invite you to leave a comment if you feel inspired to do so.

John the Baptist

This week I take a look at John the Baptist and how he would relate to Jesus Christ in his last days. Take a look and see if you agree with me or not.

Matthew 11:2-3 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?

Luke 7:19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

It may not be clear why John sent his two disciples, whether for his own sake or for theirs. We know that John had a strong testimony, after all he had personally witnessed the Spirit of God descending on Jesus at his baptism, and heard the Lord’s voice proclaiming Him the Son of God. John had testified to others many times that Jesus was the Lamb of God. Maybe John’s faith had waivered as he lay in prison asking himself why he was not delivered. Maybe he knew that his time was short and his disciples needed to shift their attention and develop a proper testimony of Christ instead, or in other words the trip and questions were for their benefit. I tend to think it was the latter. Jesus’ response was designed as a means to remove any doubt about who He was. Therefore as they witnessed for themselves and returned to testify of it, they would be growing their own faith where it belonged. If I were to imagine myself as one of John’s disciples returning to tell him the reply, I can see the experience being one of transformation. As I would tell him about how the Savior healed the sick, raised the dead, and preached the Gospel, these things would become a part of me. Soon both Jesus and John would be gone and this strengthening of my testimony and first experience of proclaiming Him the true Savior would be like a beginning of a life as a missionary. I believe that was what John had in mind.

Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

After sending John’s disciples back to them with His answer. Jesus turned to the people and explained the question for their benefit. Knowing that many had looked to find out if John was the one to follow, He clarified why John was indeed a greater prophet among those born of women. John had been filled with the Holy Ghost while still in the womb, had begun administering baptism, had preached true and righteous doctrine, and was the forerunner of Christ. Jesus then proclaimed himself even greater. John preached repentance but only Christ could redeem men’s souls. Salvation could only come through Him.

John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

John knew full well that what he had been about his entire life was coming to an end. He had cried repentance and pointed to the one in whom people should turn to. Everlasting life could only be had through faith in the Christ. John was completing his purpose and the mission of the Savior had begun. From this point forward the emphasis for mankind would be the building up of the Kingdom of God that all might be saved. If we are to take away any instructions from this for our own lives it would be to focus forward. What we were about before should decrease as our faith in Jesus and doing His work should increase. Christ’s disciples gave us an example as they set their former lives behind them and spread the Gospel to as many hearts that would listen.

If you have a thought you would like to share, I invite you to leave a comment below.

Miracles are Evidence of Faith and God's Power

This week I compare some of God's miracles and look for the differences and similarities. The first thing I notice is that there are many different kinds of people, from those with ailments to a lofty centurion. What they all have in common is faith. Note that Jesus said to the diseased woman "thy faith hath made thee whole." All of these examples are of Jesus responding to their faith. What can be taken from this is that He will respond to our faith as well. Miracles come in all shapes and sizes. It was probably important that He provide some impressive ones in order to make a point. He only had so much time to get His message across and this was all new to those people at the time. This week has been one of miracles for me. Not of the magnitude as found in these scriptures but meaningful nonetheless. I can testify that He is our Savior and does know what is in our hearts, just as He knew what was in the hearts of these people. If we have faith and do as we are commanded, miracles are available to us as well.

Reference	Miracles of the Lord	Who Demonstrated Faith
Matthew 8:1-4	1 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. 2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.	A leper
Matthew 8:5-13	5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. 11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.	A centurion
Matthew 8:14-15	14 And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever. 15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.	Peter's wife's mother
Matthew 8:16	16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:	Many that were possessed with devils
Matthew 8:23-27	23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. 24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. 25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!	His disciples
Matthew 8:28-34	28 And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. 29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? 30 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. 31 So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. 32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters. 33 And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. 34 And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.	Two possessed with devils
Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-34	20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: 21 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. 22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. 25 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, 26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, 27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. 28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. 29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? 31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? 32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. 33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. 34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.	A diseased woman
Matthew 9:27-31	27 And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. 28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. 29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. 30 And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. 31 But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.	Two blind men
Mark 2:1-12	1 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. 2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. 3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. 4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. 6 But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, 7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? 8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? 9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? 10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) 11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. 12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.	One sick of the palsy

I invite you to leave a comment if you feel inspired to do so.

Meeting the Lamb of God

In John 1:29, 36 The title used by John for Jesus Christ is "The lamb of God." For thousands of years, people who believed in the Lord had offered up sacrifices in the similitude of the future sacrifice of Jesus Christ. To those with "ears to hear," John was proclaiming that Jesus Christ would be the final offering made on their behalf.

The table below lists individuals who came in contact with Jesus Christ as found in John 1:35-51 and Matthew 4: 17-25.

Name	How They Learned about Jesus Christ	What They Did After They Met Jesus Christ
John	John was told that he would be able to know the Messiah "Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost."	John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him, and this is the Son of God.
Andrew	Andrew, being a disciple of John the Baptist would have learned of Jesus Christ from him.	Andrew immediately recognizes Jesus Christ as the Messiah and itroduces his brother to Him.
Simon, aka Simon Peter, aka Peter	Simon is introduced to Jesus Christ personally by his brother Andrew, though it seems he had already been hearing the testimony of John the Baptist	Simon bacame an apostle as well as the "stone" that Jesus proclaimed him to be.
Philip	Jesus went forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.	Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
Nathanael	Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.	Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

From this chart I can notice that both Andrew and Philip take a similar course of action upon meeting with Jesus Christ. They each seek another to share what they have learned. This principle should be obvious to all. We are to do the same with the knowledge of Him that we gain. I have never been a missionary nor is it my practice to seek out others with which to share the gospel. Frankly I don't feel qualified. That is not to say I have ever denied Him, I haven't. There have been times when the topic has come up and I have proclaimed my faith but that is as far as it has gone. This seems sad as I admit this openly but I intend to improve. I do have goals like anyone else and one is to be a missionary someday. I have a few other things that are taking precedence right now, and should I conquer those obstacles, I will be able to do so.
I invite you to leave a comment if you feel inspired to do so.

Comparing myself with others who learned of the birth of Jesus Christ

I thought it might be interesting to compare what I know about the Savior, how I learned it, and what I am doing with this knowledge, to people mentioned in scripture who learned of him.

I learned about the Savior from missionaries. I don't know a lot, but I know that He loves all of mankind and is the example for us to follow. With this knowledge, I strive to be as much like Him as possible.

Who	How they learned about the Savior	What they knew about the Savior	What they did with their knowledge
Elisabeth (Luke 1:39-45)	When Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, her baby (John) leaped in her womb, and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost	I don't really know but I imagine that most people knew of certain prophecies concerning His coming	Elisabeth prophesies that Mary is the mother of the Lord
Shepherds (Luke 2:8-18)	An angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and the angel said unto them, unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord	ditto	When they had seen it for themselves, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child
Simeon (Luke 2:25-35)	It was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Simeon was led by the Spirit into the temple where he saw the child	ditto	Simeon blessed God and prophesies about the Savior
Anna (Luke 2: 36-38)	Anna witnesses Simeon's reaction	Anna was a prophetess and likely knew more than most people about the Savior	Anna gives thanks along with Simeon, and speks of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem
Wise Men (Matthew 2:1-12)	The Wise Men saw the star in the east and knew it meant that Christ was born.	Being Wise Men, they were aware of the words of the prophets concerning His coming. How much more than that they knew I do not know	The Wise Men sought and found the child where they worshiped Him,  presented Him with gifts, and being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country
Herod (Matthew 2:1-18)	Herod was informed by the Wise Men	It is unclear to me how much he may have known before being visited by the Wise Men, but afterwards he consults with chief priests and scribes to learn about Him	Herod at first is afraid and trembles, he then seeks information and enacts a plan to kill the child
Chief Priests (Matthew 2:1-6)	It is not clear that they learn about the birth of the Savior from Herod but they might have suspected it through the question asked of them	Being Chief Priests, they would know as much as anyone about the Savior	No information is provided
Nephites (3 Nephi 1:12-22)	The Nephites saw the sign come to pass indicating the birth of the Savior	They knew what the prophets had told them	They fell to the earth in fear because of their iniquity and their unbelief. Most of them did convert

I am not a scripture scholar and so would appreciate anything you could add by posting a comment. What are your thoughts?