John the Baptist's Role

Matthew 11:1–19; Luke 7:18–35. John the Baptist

1.       Read Matthew 11:1–19 and Luke 7:18–35. What did the two disciples of John the Baptist ask Jesus Christ? The Savior told them to go back to John and tell what they saw and heard. After reading these accounts, explain three things you would have told John if you had been with those two men.

The disciples of John asked Christ if he was the “one” who should come or if they should be looking for another. (Apparently they were asking him if he was the Savior).  I think the first thing I would have told John was that we should not be ashamed (or offended as Christ said) of Christ or his Gospel, but rather embrace it and show it to the world.  I would reassure John that Christ testified that John was the one prophets foretold would come before the Savior and prepare the way.  Finally I would speak of how I felt (implying the spirit) in Christ’s presence while he was yet preaching and performing great miracles among the people. 

2.       Read the institute student manual commentary for Matthew 11:2–3, “Did John Doubt That Jesus Was the Messiah?” (pg. 66). Explain why John wanted his disciples to go to Jesus Christ.

John did not doubt that Jesus was the Messiah.  He had a sure knowledge that came from revelation and visitations of angels.  John had an issue with his disciples not wanting to leave him and follow Christ.  John sent his disciples to Christ to help strengthen the testimony of the disciples in Christ.  John needed to persuade them that Jesus was the messiah

3.       Read the institute student manual commentary for Matthew 11:11, “No Greater Prophet than John the Baptist” (pg. 66). What did the Savior say about John the Baptist in Matthew 11:11 and Luke 7:28? Provide three reasons given by Joseph Smith why John the Baptist is considered among the greatest prophets.

Our Savior said that John the Baptist was the greatest of any born among women, but that the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than him.  John was entrusted with the responsibility of preparing the way for the Savior.  He was also the one who had the job of baptizing the Messiah.  Lastly, John held the rights and keys to the kingdom by being born in the blood lineage that he was born into.

4.       What does John 3:30 suggest about John the Baptist and his attitude toward the Savior? Briefly describe how we could apply a similar attitude in our own lives.

I think this shows John’s full understanding of who the savior was and what his mission was.  John was the prophet that prepared the way for the Savior and he had to amass a large following.  Therefore in this verse it shows not only his understanding, but his humility and willingness to give up whatever power or following he had accumulated.  John had faith knew the Savior needed to fulfill his work.

Apostleship

What is an Apostle and who were the originals?

A search of the scriptures shows these men as the originally called apostles:

Peter (Simon), Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Lebaeus (Thadaeus), Simon (Canaanite), Judas Iscariot

I looked up a few of them in the bible dictionary and found these interesting facts:

James & John:  I never caught that the Savior called these two “the sons of thunder” in Mark 3:17.  How cool is that?  I would take that as a nickname from the Savior.

Bartholomew: He is also possibly Nathanael, who is spoken of as being an apostle.  His name means, “God has given”.

Thomas: His name means “twin”, which is the Greek word Didymus.

An Apostle is one who is sent forth.  The calling of an Apostle is to be a special witness of Jesus Christ.  Twelve of these constitute an administrative council in the ministry.  This council is equal in authority to the first presidency.

The Savior gave the Apostles instructions before he sent them out to preach.  The Savior gave them specific direction on whom to preach to.  He instructed them to freely use their priesthood power to bless and serve others.  He gave specific instructions to help them focus on the spiritual matters and not temporal matters.  Knowing that the work of Apostleship would be dangerous, he told them to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves”.  He taught them to rely on the Spirit.  He taught them to be bold and fearless.

It was a magnificent event when Peter, James & John were called by the Savior.  I thought Peter’s reaction was a sign of humility.  He immediately expressed his weak immortal state, which could be perceived as the first fruits of repentance.  He and James and John then immediately left all and followed the Savior.  I think this incident was much more than just a miracle for the eyes.  The spirit of the Lord must have been very strong for them to make such a drastic decision.  I think I could be more like them by doing all that is asked of me by the servants of our Father in Heaven.  I think my devotion could be better shown by living the Gospel principles fully.  I also think that the more in tune with the spirit I am, the better I will recognize when the Lord is calling for my service.

Born of the Water and of the Spirit

John Chapter 3

We Must Be Born Again

The Savior declared that we must be “born again” (John 3:3). Review John 3:1–8; Mosiah 5:7. Then respond in writing to the following questions and instructions:

1.       What is the difference between “seeing” the kingdom of God and “entering” the kingdom of God?

“Seeing” refers to being ready for, or being able to see the signs of the Lords coming.  D&C 56:18 clarifies this meaning.  The verse states that only the pure in hear, whose hearts are broken, and whose spirits are contrite shall “see” the kingdom of God coming.  “Seeing” is the precursor for entering.  It is the spiritual change that has to occur before you can physically enter the kingdom.  I believe entering is just that.  We shall enter into the kingdom of God with our perfect bodies after being spiritually reborn.

2.       What did Jesus Christ teach Nicodemus that he must do to enter the kingdom of God?

Jesus taught Nicodemus that he needed to change.  He needed to be spiritually reborn.  Nicodemus needed to change from his carnal fallen state to a state of righteousness.  Implied in the statement was that Nicodemus needed to repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Ghost in order to facilitate this change.

3.       What does it mean to be “born of water?”

Being “born of water” is to be baptized. 

4.       Read Moses 6:59 and list ways that baptism is a symbol of rebirth. Read Romans 6:4 and list how baptism can be a symbol of death.

We believe in baptism by immersion.  This means that one is fully immersed into water and raised back out.  This process symbolizes a death when immersed, and a rebirth when pulled back out.  We came into this life having been born in water in blood.  Therefore, baptism of water is as though we are being reborn, except this time it is a spiritual rebirth and not a physical one.  This process also is symbolic of washing away sins to be clean, and essentially start anew.

5.       What does it mean to be “born of the Spirit?”

Being “born of the Spirit” means to receive the Holy Ghost.  The Holy Ghost has cleansing and sanctifying effect on us.  It has been compared to being baptized by fire.  The Holy Ghost purifies us.

6.       What natural element does the Lord compare with the Spirit? Why is it an effective comparison?

The Lord compares the Spirit to the wind.  He seems to imply that the wind is somewhat of a mystery and that we do not fully comprehend how it works, or why it blows a certain way.  But, if we are born of the spirit we will feel it and hear it and know that it (the wind) is there.  Just like the wind, the spirit can have a great influence and many people in many different areas.

Review John 3:14–17, 35–36. Write a paragraph that describes who the Father loves, what He has done to show his love for his children and for Jesus Christ, what the purpose of the Savior was, and what blessings will come to those who accept the Son.

Our Father in Heaven loves the entire world.  He loves us so much that he has sent us help in the form of his Only Begotten Son.  This help was not sent to condemn us of our mistakes that we will inevitably make, but to save us from those mistakes.  This help is contingent on us believing in and following the Only Begotten Son, our Savior.  Not only does he love us enough to send us help, but if we follow his Son we are then blessed.  One of the greatest blessings God has in store for us is everlasting life.

I think each of the principles discussed in the verses and questions above requires much studying to fully comprehend.  I think my answers scratch the surface on many of the principles.  I have realized that full understanding of these principles requires the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Many of Christ’s teachings are done through symbolism and parables.  This requires each of us to put forth effort to comprehend the teachings.  Putting forth effort requires us to have faith.

How do you know the Savior?

Luke 1:39–45; 2:8–38; Matthew 2:1–18. Others Who Learned of the Birth of Jesus Christ

1.    Fill in the chart below as you study the scriptures indicated:

Who	How they learned about the Savior	What they knew about the Savior	What they did with their knowledge
Elisabeth (Luke 1:39-45)	She learned that Mary carried the savior, when her baby leaped in her womb upon Mary’s visit	She knew that Mary’s baby was her Lord.	She blessed Mary and blessed the fruit of her womb
Shepherds (Luke 2:8-18)	An angel appeared to them and told them of the Saviors birth.	He would be wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger	They went with haste to see the baby and then made it known abroad what they were told concerning the child
Simeon (Luke 2:25-35)	The Holy Ghost told him he would not see death before seeing the Christ. Christ entered the temple and the Holy Ghost prompted him.	Christ was to bring salvation.  Christ was a light to lighten the gentiles.	He blessed Mary and told her that her son would be part of the rise and fall of many in Israel.
Anna (Luke 2:36-38)	She knew because of the Holy Ghost as she served God with fasting and prayers	She knew that he was going to bring redemption	She spoke of him to all in Jerusalem
Wise Men (Matthew 2:1-12)	They studied astrology and saw the new star that told of his birth	He was King of the Jews, and should be born in Judea.  He was to be a governor to rule Israel	Went to the child with gifts and rejoiced.  They did not go back to Herod.
Herod (Matthew 2:1-18)	He was told by the three wise men.	He was King of the Jews, and should be born in Judea.  He was to be a governor to rule Israel. He was under 2 years old.	Slew all of the children in Bethlehem
Chief Priests (Matthew 2:1-6)	They learned by the writings of the prophets	That he was the Christ and he was to be born in Bethlehem of Judea.	They told Herod, so Herod could use the information to kill the Christ child.
Nephites (3 Nephi 1:12-22)	Signs of his coming- no darkness for a night & a star appeared.	The Son of God must shortly be born.	They fell to the earth.  They believed and were converted unto the lord

2.    Write a response to the question: What do I know about the Savior, how have ​I learned it, and what am I doing with what I know?

I know that the Savior is my friend, and that he loves me.  I know that he suffered for my sins and will be the Savior of the world.  I know that he is God’s only begotten son.  That he came to earth to fulfill the will of the Father and that he did so will giving all the glory to the Father.  I have learned this through study of the scriptures and prayer.  I also have learned this through hearing others testimonies.  I always try to be an example to others.  I live the gospel and understand that I represent my Savior.  I also try and share this knowledge of what I know and have learned to those who are close to me.

King David

Choice 2: 2 Samuel 1-10. David Anointed King

Search 2 Samuel 1-10 and make a list of King David’s accomplishments.

·         King David’s Accomplishments

1.       Slayes the killer of Saul and Jonathan

2.       Anointed King over house of Judah

3.       Defeated Abner and his followers

4.       Brings justice to two men who slew a righteous man

5.       All Israel anoints him king

6.       He takes Jerusalem

7.       He conquers the Philistines.

8.       He defeats many nations

9.       The Lord is with him

10.   Pays tribute and respect to the house of Saul

11.   Defeats Ammonites and Syrians

Read 1 Chronicles 22:7-8 and the Institute Student Manual commentary for 2 Samuel 7:1-17, “Why Was David Not Allowed to Build the Temple?” (pgs. 289-90). Write your explanation of why the Lord did not want David to build a temple.

·         The Lord did not give David specific reasons as to why he could not build a house of the Lord.  In fact, it is mentioned that David had good intentions for building the house.  The Lord did tell David that he could not build the temple because he had made too many wars and shed too much blood.  I am not sure why that would be a factor.  David eventually had his son Solomon build the temple.  Maybe the Lord needed this to be for Solomon’s sake.

Read 2 Samuel 7:12-17 and write one or two sentences describing how you would feel if you were in a situation similar to David’s. Write one or two sentences describing how 2 Samuel 7:16 is a Messianic prophecy. Then read 2 Samuel 7:18-29 and summarize David’s response to the Lord’s message to him.

·         David is denied permission from the Lord to build a temple.  It almost seems as though the Lord was upset that David wanted to build a permanent house without the Lord giving approval on the location and time at which it should be built.  I think, if I were David, I would feel chastened at the Lords response.  The Lord praises David and tells him he has been blessed, but says he will establish his house after David has died.  The fact that David had to hear this from Nathan makes me think that David was not totally in tune with the Lord and that maybe his desire to build a temple was blinding him to what the Lord was trying to tell him.

·         The Lord tells David that his house and kingdom shall be established forever.  We know that Christ came through the lineage of David.  Being established forever probably has reference to our Savior and his power and glory.  

·         David responds to the Lord with thanks and asks that the Lord do as he has said.

Sampson-The Nazarite

Choice 1: Judges 13-16. “The Woman Bare a Son, and Called His Name Samson”

1. Study Judges 13-16 looking for both the possible greatness of Samson and his failings. Fill in the chart below, indicating Samson’s blessings and his sins.

Promises and Blessings	Sins
Blessed at birth	Took wife of the uncircumcised philistines
Will deliver Israel from Philistines	Anger and retaliation
Spirit of the Lord moved him	Was with a Harlot
No razor to touch his head	Trusts evil women
Slays a lion, then ate meat and honey from it
Lord miraculously provides water	Slew 30 men
Blessed with strength one last time to kill 3,000 philistines.	Slays a thousand men

1. After completing the chart above, write one or two paragraphs explaining why you think some people with so much potential make such bad decisions.

Here is one of my favorite quotes, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” (Abraham Lincoln).  I think our potential or power can sometimes blind us.  It can make us believe we are more than just the dust of the earth, and we can begin to either forget or ease God out of our lives.  We all know the pride cycle.  When we have success we forget our God.  With power and potential comes the trial of humility.

1. Read Judges 13:5; Numbers 6:1-9 and the Institute Student Manual commentary for Judges 13:5, “What Is a Nazarite?” (pg. 259). Make a list of the requirements for a Nazarite. From Judges 14-16 write a statement that describes which of his vows Samson broke.

What does it mean to be a Nazarite:

• They shall make a vow with the Lord
• No razor shall come on their head
• Must not drink wine, strong drink, vinegar of wine, vinegar of strong drink or liquor of grapes
• Must not eat moist or dried grapes
• Must not eat anything of the vine tree, from the kernels to the husk
• Must not come at a dead body
• Must not be unclean for father, mother, brother or sister at their death
• Must be holy unto the Lord
• If they kill anyone they must shave their head

The Nazarite was a special calling.  It almost seems similar to that of a nun or priest who have devoted their life to God.  Sampson was to separate himself from others “by a special vow of self-dedication to Jehovah”. (Old Testament manual)  Of all these requirements, Sampson broke many of them.  Instead of separating himself, he marries a Philistine.  Sampson killed several people.  He was immoral by being with a harlot and was deceived by devious women.

1. Using the account of Samson’s life, write a paragraph about how you could avoid yielding to temptation in your own life.

The story of Sampson, and Delilah deceiving him, makes me think of how persistent satan is.  Just because you have resisted him a couple times, or even a thousand times, he is still going to try and tempt you so that you will fall.  And he will do it in a way so as to target your weakest links.  For Sampson this was a lust for women.  This is why it is so important that we continually build our spiritual strength, just like our physical muscles, we need to use it or we will lose it.  

Choose you This Day…...

Choice 1: Joshua 7-24. “Choose You This Day Whom Ye Will Serve”

1. Read Joshua 10:12-14 and the Institute Student Manual commentary for Joshua 10:12-14,“Did the Sun Really Stand Still in the Heavens?” (pg. 240). Did the sun really stand still in the heavens? Write a paragraph how you could explain these verses to someone who says he or she won’t believe the Bible because of this obvious contradiction with science.

I think anyone who argues this issues probably does not believe in God.  God has all power over the universe.  If he wanted to make the sun revolve around the earth, he could.  Remember that just because you are a prophet, it does not mean that you know everything there is to know.  Besides, Joshua made a statement about what appeared to be happening when one looks outside, not what was actually happening. When we wake up and got to sleep why do we say, “The sun is coming up”, or “The sun is going down”.  The sun is not going up and down!  This is a false statement, therefore we must all be uneducated and unable to understand science.  Why don't we say, “The earth has rotated this morning”.  That would be absurd.  Hence the statement made was about what seemed to be happening to the naked eye, not what was scientifically happening.  

I also think this is a great verse to show the importance of the Book of Mormon in clarifying gospel principles and various aspects of the Bible.  The Lord has given us more of his word, why would you reject it.  

1. Read the chapter summaries of Joshua 7-22. Make two lists—one that identifies Israel’s successes and another that identifies Israel’s failures.

Israel’s Successes	Israel’s Failures
Ambushes and eventually defeats Ai	Defeated by People of Ai
Builds an Altar	Joshua complains
Israel takes Gibeonites as servants	Achan & house destroyed because of disobedience
Israel  defeats Amorites and other cities.	Gibeonites trick Israel into a treaty
The Lord Fought for Israel
Israel conquers whole land
Israel conquers 2 east kings and 31 west
Confirmed inheritance of Reuben, Gad, 1/2 of Manasseh
Land divided up and inheritance given
Drive out remaining canaanites
Tabernacle of Congregation set up
The Lord Fulfills all his promises and gives Israel rest
Israel builds an altar of testimony.

1. Read Joshua 23-24 and the Institute Student Manual commentary for Joshua 24:1-28, “Choose You This Day Whom Ye Will Serve” (pg. 242). What do you think was the major theme of Joshua’s final address to his people? Based on the lists you created from Joshua 7-22, write a paragraph that explains why Joshua chose to deliver his final address on this particular topic.

I think he final address mostly pointed to obedience.  Coupled with obedience is the idea that you have to be on the Lords side in order to accomplish it.  So, so he wanted Israel to choose the Lord and be obedient to him.  He reminded them several times that it was only due to their obedience that the Lord fought their battles and they prevailed over their enemies.  Reading through the chapter headings I noticed that Israel had many successes, but failures came also.  Those failures were all attributed to disobedience.  It is not hard to see the blessings that came to Israel as a result of their obedience.  Obedience brings happiness, peace and a freedom from many of the problems plaguing the world.  A prophet has much responsibility.  I think giving this last speech was his way of making his last effort to encourage his people to pursue righteousness.