The last reading assignment and this reading assignment both really make me think that John the Baptist is such a great person. The Bible Dictionary entry on John the Baptist was very interesting. It pointed out that his ministry has operated in three dispensations in that he was the last prophet under the Law of Moses, the first of the New Testament prophets, and brought the Aaronic Priesthood to the dispensation of the fullness of times. This alone was incredible to think about. He had such a big role. I knew that he baptized Jesus, of course, but I had either forgotten or not realized how much he prepared the way for Jesus. Several of his disciples became Christ's disciples and he taught many people about Christ before Christ came. Beyond this, he did this all without wanting credit for any of the things he was doing. He was doing it all for Christ. In a way I was reminded of the premortal life when Jesus proposed his plan in which all of the glory would go to the Father. This type of selflessness in Christ's and John the Baptist's examples is something that I aspire to work towards.
One thing that I really noticed during this reading assignment is how much the synoptic gospels are really alike. There are several verses found word for word in all three. There are some minor differences in the amount of detail or some word choices, but they are definitely synoptic.
One difference I found was when Christ was tempted after fasting. In Luke, the order of the tempting is in a different order. I wonder if this is significant or not. Also, in Mark, it mentions that he was tempted three times, but doesn't go into detail or explain how or where he was tempted.
One personal connection that I made with the story of Christ being tempted is that when he was tempted, he responded quoting scripture. It seems so much easier when you read it like that and I think it will be easier for me in the future if I turn to the scriptures when I am tempted about something and research them to find the answers. Previously, I had mostly relied on asking others for help or praying for comfort/guidance, but I think I can really benefit by using the scriptures to respond to temptation like Christ did.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Gospels as Testimonies/Nativity and Childhood
I found it really interesting and in a way comforting that the Gospels are similar yet different in who they are written towards and cover. In reading only a few chapters in Matthew I can already see how things are worded or phrased to appeal to Jewish readers, and Luke has the insights on the role of women in covering the nativity and Elizabeth giving birth to John the Baptist. The Gospel of John seems more thought provoking and spiritual coverage than the other gospels to me. This may sound funny, but it seems more quotable in that it's verses are easy to relate to and discuss.
One thing that I think I must have known before but had forgotten was that Joseph and Mary are cousins so they have the same genealogy. I was wondering this when I was reading the verses about lineage and wondered how they could use Joseph in that line because he wasn't biologically the father of Jesus. Previously the lineage was just something I would look at to get funny Biblical names for my future children, but Christ's lineage had a lot more to it than I realized. Jesus was born into the royal line, so if the politics allowed for a free nation, Joseph would be king and Jesus would be his heir. This brings a much more profound meaning to Christ being our king or King of the Jews. This also makes me think that people have potential to be kings or queens, even if they are born into very humble circumstances. Joseph and Jesus are perfect examples of that.
I was kind of surprised while reading in Matthew about some word usage and after reading the accompanying guide, I realized that the word choice was different for a reason. Have all nativity scenes been historically incorrect? Every nativity scene I have scene has the wise men present at a stable while the little baby Jesus is in the manger. In Matthew 2:11 it says they came into "the house, they saw the young child" and worshiped him and gave him their gifts. This makes a lot of sense to me and answers other questions I have thought about for quite a while. I wondered why Herod killed the children two years old and younger. I thought that was beyond what was needed for him to get rid of this potential threat to his kingdom. He was just born, so he wasn't going to be a two year old. I also wondered how the wise men got away with not reporting back to Herod where Jesus was. I didn't think about where all of these people were located geographically together and didn't account for the long travel time that walking brings. It was a simultaneous "ah-ha!" and "Duh!" moment. Hopefully I wasn't the only one confused by these things.
One thing that I think I must have known before but had forgotten was that Joseph and Mary are cousins so they have the same genealogy. I was wondering this when I was reading the verses about lineage and wondered how they could use Joseph in that line because he wasn't biologically the father of Jesus. Previously the lineage was just something I would look at to get funny Biblical names for my future children, but Christ's lineage had a lot more to it than I realized. Jesus was born into the royal line, so if the politics allowed for a free nation, Joseph would be king and Jesus would be his heir. This brings a much more profound meaning to Christ being our king or King of the Jews. This also makes me think that people have potential to be kings or queens, even if they are born into very humble circumstances. Joseph and Jesus are perfect examples of that.
I was kind of surprised while reading in Matthew about some word usage and after reading the accompanying guide, I realized that the word choice was different for a reason. Have all nativity scenes been historically incorrect? Every nativity scene I have scene has the wise men present at a stable while the little baby Jesus is in the manger. In Matthew 2:11 it says they came into "the house, they saw the young child" and worshiped him and gave him their gifts. This makes a lot of sense to me and answers other questions I have thought about for quite a while. I wondered why Herod killed the children two years old and younger. I thought that was beyond what was needed for him to get rid of this potential threat to his kingdom. He was just born, so he wasn't going to be a two year old. I also wondered how the wise men got away with not reporting back to Herod where Jesus was. I didn't think about where all of these people were located geographically together and didn't account for the long travel time that walking brings. It was a simultaneous "ah-ha!" and "Duh!" moment. Hopefully I wasn't the only one confused by these things.
Promised Messiah/Meridian of Time
As I continue in this class I realize again and again that there is a lot of info in the New Testament that I only knew superficially. I could likely tell you the basic stories and I have retained a few insights from Sunday School lessons and Sacrament talks, but still my knowledge is definitely limited. One time that I realized this was when I was reading the Bible Dictionary entry for “Dead Sea Scrolls.” I have heard these scrolls mentioned many times before, but I never really realized how important they are in archeologically supporting the records present in the Bible. Although I know I should base my testimony of The Bible on my personal experiences and feelings, it is reassuring when there is scientific evidence in support of it too.
One question that I am still wondering about when reading Chapter 2 in “The Life and Teachings of Jesus & His Apostles” came up when I read “Under the direction of his Father, Jesus Christ created this earth. No doubt others helped him, but it was Jesus Chris, our Redeemer, who, under the direction of his Father, came down and organized matter and made this planet…” (pg. 16). Who are these others that helped him? I thought Christ alone was the creator. Did he just create everything physically, but others helped him figure out how everything would work together? If so, I thought he wouldn’t really need any help because he is of the highest intelligence greater than any other. In John 1:3 it says “All things were made by him” so that seems like he did it without help from others.
One verse that really stood out to me and made me think was John 1:17. “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” I think this is really neat because before Christ there were rules, but it wasn’t until after Christ came that the reasons behind those rules and things that evolved from those rules became evident. He brought all of the meaning to following the Gospel. He was a perfect example to us and provides everything for us via the atonement.
Another verse I liked was John 17:5 because it talks about Christ wanting to return to be with the Father and be part of the God Head once more.
Something that I had never learned about before was the meaning of Jehovah. I found it really interesting that the name Jehovah or I Am was not spoken of because the ancient Jews thought it might incur divine wrath. The Jews were angry with him because they were offended by his language, but he was actually the great I Am, so they really shouldn't have been offended.
One question that I am still wondering about when reading Chapter 2 in “The Life and Teachings of Jesus & His Apostles” came up when I read “Under the direction of his Father, Jesus Christ created this earth. No doubt others helped him, but it was Jesus Chris, our Redeemer, who, under the direction of his Father, came down and organized matter and made this planet…” (pg. 16). Who are these others that helped him? I thought Christ alone was the creator. Did he just create everything physically, but others helped him figure out how everything would work together? If so, I thought he wouldn’t really need any help because he is of the highest intelligence greater than any other. In John 1:3 it says “All things were made by him” so that seems like he did it without help from others.
One verse that really stood out to me and made me think was John 1:17. “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” I think this is really neat because before Christ there were rules, but it wasn’t until after Christ came that the reasons behind those rules and things that evolved from those rules became evident. He brought all of the meaning to following the Gospel. He was a perfect example to us and provides everything for us via the atonement.
Another verse I liked was John 17:5 because it talks about Christ wanting to return to be with the Father and be part of the God Head once more.
Something that I had never learned about before was the meaning of Jehovah. I found it really interesting that the name Jehovah or I Am was not spoken of because the ancient Jews thought it might incur divine wrath. The Jews were angry with him because they were offended by his language, but he was actually the great I Am, so they really shouldn't have been offended.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Introduction/The Jesus We Worship
Let me just start off by saying that I am really glad that I picked up the manual that goes along with this class. It is “The Life and Teachings of Jesus & His Apostles.” I can already tell that I will use this book beyond this class. It is really organized and I love the quotes in it. I starting thinking about how I could incorporate what I read today into a sacrament talk. I think it will really enrich my study of the New Testament.
Today’s reading assignment was about Jesus, who he is, and what he is to us. The first major impression that I got was the inconceivability of the creation of our galaxy. Jesus has performed many miracles, but organizing our earth, in addition to the many other worlds is, quite frankly, amazing. I don’t even have to think about the astronomical systems created beyond that to be humbled and in awe of the powerful Man that is Jesus Christ. When the guide said “how simple that must have been to a Deity to made universes” in reference to creative miracles, like turning water into wine, I realized that I tend to focus on these smaller creative miracles. This is not a bad thing, but I am glad that I was reminded today of Earth’s creation and the creation of universes and galaxies. I think today was also the first time that I really saw a strong connection between Christ creating other worlds and Moses 1:39 “For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” I think I had read this verse so much on its own that I forget to read prior and get the context of its full meaning.
Today I felt that I identified with Moses when he was transfigured and God reveals himself to Moses. Now I have not been transfigured or anything like that, but I could relate to having Satan try to tempt me. Like Moses, shortly after I have a great spiritual experience, I feel like Satan is trying to get at me even harder. It is like he realizes that I have improved myself and wants to bring me back down.
Today’s reading assignment was about Jesus, who he is, and what he is to us. The first major impression that I got was the inconceivability of the creation of our galaxy. Jesus has performed many miracles, but organizing our earth, in addition to the many other worlds is, quite frankly, amazing. I don’t even have to think about the astronomical systems created beyond that to be humbled and in awe of the powerful Man that is Jesus Christ. When the guide said “how simple that must have been to a Deity to made universes” in reference to creative miracles, like turning water into wine, I realized that I tend to focus on these smaller creative miracles. This is not a bad thing, but I am glad that I was reminded today of Earth’s creation and the creation of universes and galaxies. I think today was also the first time that I really saw a strong connection between Christ creating other worlds and Moses 1:39 “For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” I think I had read this verse so much on its own that I forget to read prior and get the context of its full meaning.
Today I felt that I identified with Moses when he was transfigured and God reveals himself to Moses. Now I have not been transfigured or anything like that, but I could relate to having Satan try to tempt me. Like Moses, shortly after I have a great spiritual experience, I feel like Satan is trying to get at me even harder. It is like he realizes that I have improved myself and wants to bring me back down.
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