John the Baptist

John the Baptist had a hard time persuading his disciples to detach themselves from him. John knew that Jesus was the Messiah, the one who he had prepared the way for. John knew he himself was not the Messiah and wanted his disciples to follow Christ. So, in order for them to know for themselves Jesus was the true Messiah, he had them ask Christ for his identity for their own identification.

“A man did not have to utterly forsake and reject John in order to accept Jesus. But Jesus was the Son of God, and John was his prophet. There is no equal comparison between the two,” as taken from the New Testament Manuel. John knew exactly what he needed to do in this life, and that was to prepare the way for the Lord. John the Baptist had a great love for Christ, and you know this because of his service for the Savior.

John the Baptist is considered among the greatest prophets according to Joseph Smith becaue:

1. John lead and prepared the way for the Lord. No other man was given that much trust before, ever, and since then!
2. No on else had the honor of baptizing the son of Man, it was required of John to baptized Jesus.
3. He was the only one to administer the powers of Heaven on the earth, because Christ was not able to yet.

John was given so much power, and was trusted by the Father to perform such tasks on the earth.

John 3:30

“He must increase, but I must decrease”

I believe this just show the pure love John the Baptist had for Christ. John knew his place, and he knew what he was sent here to do. He loved Christ, and knew he was God’s Son, and sent on the earth to redeem the souls of men.

As we apply this scripture to our lives, I think it’s important to remember why we are sent to this earth. We’re here to be tried and tested. It is important that we remember Christ always, and for the sacrifice he made just for us. I’m grateful to know that Christ loves me, and literally died for me on the cross, so that he could create the path to return to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ again.

Learning More About the 12 Apostles

Who were the 12 Apostles?

1. Peter
2. Andrew
3. James son of Z.
4. John
5. Philip
6. Bartholmew
7. Thomas
8. Matthew
9. James son of Alphaeus &
10. Lebbaeus
11. Simon the Canaanite
12. Judas

What is an Apostle?

An Apostle is one who is called to serve as a special witness to Jesus Christ in all the world—mainly his divinity and of his bodily resurrection from the dead.

Facts about three of Christ's Apostles (choosen randomly):

Andrew was one of the earliest to be a called a disciple of Jesus Christ, and was one of the 12.

Matthew was able to see in every detail the Lord’s life the fulfillment of prophecy.

Peter was one of the three apostles present on several important occasions, such as the raising of the dead, the Sermon on the Mount, Gethsemane, and so on.

How did the teachings to His Apostles in Matthew 10:5-42 prepare them to go out and proclaim the gospel?

It seems almost as Christ was giving his apostles a pep talk. Christ’s Apostles were important to all men, for they had the power to heal, cast out devils, and teach those who wanted to hear the message of the Lord. Christ wanted his Apostles to go and preach to the people who were lost, and to come unto the Lord. Knowing that you have the power to heal people and to preach the gospel to those who have faith was a privilege to these men. It was because of Christ that these men were able to perform these miracles.

Christ did warn them, though, that there would be those who would not believe, and even hate them because they were the Apostles of Christ. However, he promised them in Matthew 10:22, “He that endureth to the end shall be saved.” For me to hear those words of being hated, I would be mortified, but knowing that I would be saved for enduring to the end would’ve given me great faith to continue on the Lord’s work. I know the Lord blesses those who remain faithful and are diligent in performing the Lord’s work. We are on this earth to be tested, and will be here for a short time. We should be more concerned about what happens to us after this life, for it is in the eternities where we will receive our reward if we are obedient.

 

What I've Learned:

What I learned from Luke 5:1-11 is to never doubt the Lord. If he tells you to do something, you do it without question. He would not do something that would make you upset, embarrass or hurt you in any way. I know the Lord knows what’s best for me, and whatever he asks of me, I need to be obedient and do what he says. He knows what is going to happen, and we should never doubt him.

The Baptism of Jesus Christ

Christ’s baptism was one of the most pivotal moments in his lifetime. If we read in the Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 31:6-11, we learn why Jesus Christ was baptized.

1. He was keeping the commandments of God
2. He was setting an example for all men
3. To show this was a necessary step. Christ was perfect in all ways, and for him to be baptized, makes it that much more important for us to be baptized.

There are a total of three people, not including Christ, who play an important role in the baptism of Jesus. John the Baptist, was one of them—who we know of course baptized Jesus. However, he was hesitant at first when Jesus asked him because he didn’t feel worthy of it, and thought that Jesus should’ve baptized him. However, as discussed before, Christ needed to set the example for all men to be baptized by emersion.

Heavenly Father was there in attendance at Jesus’ baptism, and if we read in Matthew 3:16-17, we learn that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are three separate personages in the Godhead. We know that Christ is already on the earth, and as soon as Christ came up out of the water, the voice from heaven came and said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

As for the Holy Ghost, we read in the New Testament that the Holy Ghost descended ‘like a dove.’ The dove is more a symbolism to show that the Holy Ghost was present at Jesus’ baptism. There did appear to be a dove at the baptism, but it was not the Holy Ghost. “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,” as quoted in the The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles.

I’m grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and am grateful to learn and know of the truthfulness of the gospel. I have a testimony that Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings, and am grateful to know that. I am so grateful for Christ’s example and his sacrifice for us, so that we may have the opportunity to come to earth and live, and have that chance to repent of our sins and return to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ again one day.

The Birth of Jesus Christ [Matt. 1-2; Luke 1-2]

Joseph’s Initial Decision

When Joseph first learned about Mary’s pregnancy, he wanted to go annual the espousal privately because he was scared, but still very much in love with Mary and did not want to humiliate her in anyway possible. Joseph had two options:

1)    He could’ve had her go through public trial and judgment where the result would have been Mary’s death,

2)    Or we he could have annulled the marriage privately espousal.

Joseph is Visited by the Angel of the Lord

After Joseph had made his decision, an angel appeared to him in a dream and directed that he should take Mary as his wife, and Joseph did just that. By heeding the council of the angel, you learn that Joseph was an obedient man, and trusted the Lord with his decisions. He was visited three times by the angel of the Lord. Each time the angel came down and spoke to him, he listened and obeyed the council from the Lord. Joseph was in tune with the spirit and knew not to stray from the Lord.

Joseph’s Qualities as a Parent

The qualities I find most important in Joseph as a parent is he was obedient in following the Lord. As a parent, I want to be able to listen to the Lord’s council in any major, minor, or life-threatening situation that may occur. After all, the Lord knows best.

Another quality that I admire in Joseph is his ability to recognize the spirit and his ability to stay in close contact with the Lord. It’s something I’m always striving to do, and a task that can be done if we read our scriptures, pray daily, and attend our church meetings.

Mary’s Qualities

Mary was “highly favoured” by the Lord (Luke 1:28). Mary was a woman who was faithful and obedient to the Lord (Luke 1:46), was a grateful woman, and was ready to receive council from the Lord.After Mary found out she was carrying Jesus, she was grateful for the gift of being a mother. I’ll be honest, the moment I found out I was pregnant, I was mortified. Mainly because, my husband and I were and still currently enrolled in school, and knew we both needed to continue to work in order to keep ourselves in school, housed, and fed. Moments later, after telling my husband we were expecting (who proceeded to jump up and down in excitement), I realized this is as happy time for us. We are going to be parents, and I wish my first reaction were as Mary, filled with gratitude for the opportunity to become a Mother. Although I am still scared about having a child now, I am also grateful for the opportunity the Lord has blessed us with to become parents.

Differences between the Genealogies of Matthew:1-17 & Luke 3:23-28

Matthew’s list contains the legal successors to David’s throne. This is not a genealogical list in a strict father-to-son sense, but more of a grandson, great-grandson, nephew, or other relative of the reining monarch type.

Luke’s record is the father-to-son listing that links Joseph to King David. Because Joseph and Mary were cousins, Joseph inherited from his mother, Mary, the blood of David and the right to David’s throne.

Why Christ Needed an Immortal Father and Mortal Mother?

Because Christ was the son of God, He had power over death. Christ had the option to live for eternity, and yet He chose not to. He not only suffered for our sins, He literally died for us. The reason why Christ was able to die was because He had a mortal mother. It’s amazing to know that Christ died for us because He wanted to; it was His decision to die for us so that it would be made possible for us to return to live with our Heavenly Father again. I am so grateful for His sacrifice, for His undying love, and willingness to do all that He can so that we may be happy. I love my Savior, and am very grateful for the atonement and the chance to return to live with my Father and Savior again one day.

Important Questions on the Savior’s Birth

1. Why was all the world taxed?

Answer: Luke 2:2

This was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.

2. What was the name of the city where Jesus was born?

Answer: Luke 2:4

The city was called Bethlehem.

3. Who was abiding in the field?

Answer: Luke 2:8

Shepherds were abiding in the field, watching their flock.

4. What did the Angel of the Lord say unto the shepherds?

Answer: Luke 2:9-11

Christ the Lord was born, who would bring great tidings and joy to all people.

5. What was the sign the angel gave?

Answer:  Luke 2:12

You will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

6. What did the shepherds do after the angels left?

Answer: Luke: 2:15

The shepherds went into Bethlehem to find Christ.

Possible Titles for Talks at Christmastime

Born this Day in the City of David a Saviour (Luke 2:11)

Glory to God in the Highest (Luke 2:14)

The Sign (Luke 2:12)

I Bring You Good Tidings of Great Joy (Luke 2:10)

Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11)