When I think about the garden of Gethsemane, I am very grateful. When I think about the crucifixion, I am very saddened. When I think about the resurrection, I am amazed. This is when I really am reminded that Christ is part of the Godhead. I am reminded of his divine nature. He has the ability to allow himself to suffer a physical death and he has the power to be risen again.
When Christ is in the garden of Gethsemane, I imagine him kneeling in prayer, being humble and submissive. When I think of Christ on the cross I see him extremely worn out, with an abused and broken body. When I think of the resurrected Christ I just see a perfect, powerful being. This is the same type of being I imagine Christ to be today. This is the Christ that I trust and try to follow to become more like.
I find it interesting that Christ does not have Mary touch him. I think this again shows that Mary had a spiritual relationship with Christ. Rather than caring for him physically, financially, etc., she cared for him through her personal relationship with him.
Something that I have always though about are the scars in the Savior's hands and feet from the crucifixion. I thought we were supposed to have perfect bodies when we are resurrected. However, it totally makes sense that Christ would have it that we remember the crucifixion and what he did for us by dying for us. Also, it proves to others that he was the being that was crucified. There wasn't a body switched or anything like that. In a lot of visual depictions of Christ after he was resurrected, he has his palms showing the viewer. I think this might be significant. It looks like he is open to embrace the viewer. It is a very welcoming and peaceful position.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Trial and Crucifixion
Pilate's political past was something that I was not familiar with until studying the student manual. I kind of thought that he was a pretty good guy, but in order to please the people he allowed for Christ to be crucified. However, the stuff he was responsible for before that point do not provide him with a good history of behavior. Also, I did not know that the washing of Pilate's hands was a ritualistic ceremony. I thought it was just a symbolic act.
The physical idea of crucifixion is such a gruesome one to me. It is beyond me that people had to die that way for the crimes they committed. However, Christ didn't even commit a crime, or even a sin, and he experienced the cruel and unusual death of crucifixion. I am not entirely interested in the details of the torture involved in the events just prior to crucifixion. Instead, the words spoken by Christ on the cross seem more important to me. They show the essence of his being and his message. I imagine I would be pretty angry if I were being punished for a crime I was not guilty of. I would want revenge on those that arrested me. I would feel anger towards them. Of course, this is the natural man type thing to do. Instead of this, Christ forgives and has concern for others on the cross. This really shows how he was not focused on himself, but on serving and helping others.
The physical idea of crucifixion is such a gruesome one to me. It is beyond me that people had to die that way for the crimes they committed. However, Christ didn't even commit a crime, or even a sin, and he experienced the cruel and unusual death of crucifixion. I am not entirely interested in the details of the torture involved in the events just prior to crucifixion. Instead, the words spoken by Christ on the cross seem more important to me. They show the essence of his being and his message. I imagine I would be pretty angry if I were being punished for a crime I was not guilty of. I would want revenge on those that arrested me. I would feel anger towards them. Of course, this is the natural man type thing to do. Instead of this, Christ forgives and has concern for others on the cross. This really shows how he was not focused on himself, but on serving and helping others.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Gethsemane
The Atonement is the most profound gospel subject to me. I am incredibly humbled and extremely grateful for what the Atonement covers. It has such a simple application, but such an abundant all-encompassing range. It sometimes makes my head hurt to think about. I think that I will never fully understand the vastness of The Atonement, but that is okay. What I do know is that I love my savior. I know that he knows exactly what I am going through at any point in my life. He knows my physical pains, he knows my emotions, he knows my temptations, he knows EVERYTHING. If he suffered for the sins of just one person, that would be amazing on its own. When you start to think about all of the people that The Atonement covers, it is truly mind blowing. When I read the verses of sacrament hymns, I tear up a little bit. I forget where I am, what is going on in my life, and my problems. I have a personal moment. It is like a huge amplification of that feeling when a stranger does something randomly super nice for you. It is so comforting. These hymns have gotten me though the hardest times of my life.
I am eternally grateful that Christ suffered for my sins in the garden of Gethsemane. Even though he had intense suffering, when I think about him in the garden that night, I want to smile. I know that it is because of The Atonement and this suffering that I will get to see him again. That makes me so happy.
I am eternally grateful that Christ suffered for my sins in the garden of Gethsemane. Even though he had intense suffering, when I think about him in the garden that night, I want to smile. I know that it is because of The Atonement and this suffering that I will get to see him again. That makes me so happy.
The Last Supper
When Christ says "Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me" to the Apostles all of them say "is it I?" This is interesting to me. In my mind, because I know that Judas is the one to betray Jesus, I always think of Judas as a sort of slimy, untrustworthy guy. However, he was an Apostle appointed by CHRIST. He obviously had to seem like a pretty awesome guy. This means that all of the Apostles had no idea which Apostle was going to be the one to betray Christ.
In John 14, it talks a little about doing greater works than what Jesus did on the Earth. The study manual helped me understand that he was referring to works in the eternities. This is where what he did on Earth has real meaning that is where they should look to behold his glory.
Also in John 14, the gift of the Holy Ghost is discussed. It seems kind of funny that while Christ was with them the Apostles didn't have the Holy Ghost. However, if you think about it, they didn't really need the Holy Ghost. They could get guidance from Jesus Christ, the son of God. They had one member of the Godhead, so they didn't need the Holy Ghost. Once they did not have the constant companionship of Christ, they had need for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. That is why they received the Holy Ghost later on.
In John 14, it talks a little about doing greater works than what Jesus did on the Earth. The study manual helped me understand that he was referring to works in the eternities. This is where what he did on Earth has real meaning that is where they should look to behold his glory.
Also in John 14, the gift of the Holy Ghost is discussed. It seems kind of funny that while Christ was with them the Apostles didn't have the Holy Ghost. However, if you think about it, they didn't really need the Holy Ghost. They could get guidance from Jesus Christ, the son of God. They had one member of the Godhead, so they didn't need the Holy Ghost. Once they did not have the constant companionship of Christ, they had need for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. That is why they received the Holy Ghost later on.
Olivet Discourse and Parable of 10 Virgins
The parable of the 10 virgins obviously is talking about being prepared for the second coming of Christ. During this study of the parable, I noticed a small detail that stuck out to me. Is is that the wise virgins were guided by the Holy Spirit. If we take the Holy Spirit to be our guide in our lives, we will not be deceived. We will be drawn closer to God and be ready for the second coming. Another small detail I really noticed was that there was a complete separation between the two groups at the hour when the bridegroom arrived. There are two distinct groups. There are those who had oil, those who were ready for the bridegroom, and those without, those who did not plan ahead. There is no in between.
Beyond the parable, we must prepare for the actual second coming of Christ. There are certain signs of the times that will warn us that we must make final preparations. Several of these have already been fulfilled, so this is definitely something we need to think about. It is more than a hypothetical possibility that is nice to think about. It is something we actually need to prepare for.
The sure fire way to be prepared when Christ comes again is to always be prepared. I want to repent for things that I need to repent for sooner than later. If people keep putting off repentance, it likely might not happen before the time when it all will count.
Beyond the parable, we must prepare for the actual second coming of Christ. There are certain signs of the times that will warn us that we must make final preparations. Several of these have already been fulfilled, so this is definitely something we need to think about. It is more than a hypothetical possibility that is nice to think about. It is something we actually need to prepare for.
The sure fire way to be prepared when Christ comes again is to always be prepared. I want to repent for things that I need to repent for sooner than later. If people keep putting off repentance, it likely might not happen before the time when it all will count.
The Triumphal Entry
The fact that Christ cried over Jerusalem struck me as significant. The study guide clarifies that it is the people of Jerusalem that Christ wept over. It was the contention between religious sects that prevented them from seeing the truth in the gospel that Christ taught. It seems like several common gospel problems are at work in this instance. First of all, each sects has pride. They think they are better than each of the other sects. If they had concentrated on themselves I think they would have seen that Christ's message was a higher law and they could truly become more righteous. Secondly, contention really causes the spirit to not be heard. I know this from personal experience. Weather it be contention about religion, or any type of contention, the peaceful presence of the spirit cannot dwell with a spirit of contention. It is easy to see why this is upsetting to Christ. He brought such an important message and the people of Jerusalem are busy fighting over who is more holy.
When people welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem, they were told that Christ was the Messiah. They were so excited to finally be released from the corrupt rule they had been under. They thought that he would get rid of the Roman rule and be a great military and social leader and reformer. Of course, Jesus was capable of being this, he is omnipotent, but he had a more important change to bring about. He came to release them from religious corruption instead. There were some truths in the religions practiced, but through hypocrisy of religious leaders, worldly motivations, and dead religious forms being used, the religious state of Jerusalem was in poor shape. I think this serves as a great example of what we should prioritize in our lives. Even if our economic, political, social being is not the best, if we are doing well spiritually, it will all be okay.
When people welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem, they were told that Christ was the Messiah. They were so excited to finally be released from the corrupt rule they had been under. They thought that he would get rid of the Roman rule and be a great military and social leader and reformer. Of course, Jesus was capable of being this, he is omnipotent, but he had a more important change to bring about. He came to release them from religious corruption instead. There were some truths in the religions practiced, but through hypocrisy of religious leaders, worldly motivations, and dead religious forms being used, the religious state of Jerusalem was in poor shape. I think this serves as a great example of what we should prioritize in our lives. Even if our economic, political, social being is not the best, if we are doing well spiritually, it will all be okay.
Overview of Last Week
A fairly large amount of the material in the four gospels is about the last week of the Savior's life. Almost half of John is the last week, and almost all of that is the last 24 hours of the Savior's life. Since the last week is emphasized so much, it must mean that it is very important.
Leading up to this point in Christ's life, Jesus healed Lazarus. This greatly motivated those who were plotting against Jesus to really take action. They sought to destroy him and also any evidence of his Messiahship and miracles. They wanted to kill Lazarus since he was proof that Christ was miraculous. I think that Jesus waiting until he had trained his Apostles to do such a bold miracle as raising Lazarus from the dead. He had brought the gospel to the Earth and established the framework of the church, so now he could fulfill his other purpose and perform The Atonement. Christ knew what was going to happen and he prepared for it so the gospel could continue even after his death. He was ready to die for our sins via The Atonement. It is so apparent that he is ready that he goes to Jerusalem. He could have avoided his crucifixion by hiding out in the middle of nowhere, but he had to go to Jerusalem to fulfill the mission that he was sent to Earth by Heavenly Father to accomplish.
The fourth day of Christ's last week was spend outside of Jerusalem, but what happened on this day is not discussed in the Gospels. This is interesting to me. I wonder if it was just a day of planning, if anything significant happened, and where exactly Christ spent this day. I hope this information is available after this life. I am curious!
Leading up to this point in Christ's life, Jesus healed Lazarus. This greatly motivated those who were plotting against Jesus to really take action. They sought to destroy him and also any evidence of his Messiahship and miracles. They wanted to kill Lazarus since he was proof that Christ was miraculous. I think that Jesus waiting until he had trained his Apostles to do such a bold miracle as raising Lazarus from the dead. He had brought the gospel to the Earth and established the framework of the church, so now he could fulfill his other purpose and perform The Atonement. Christ knew what was going to happen and he prepared for it so the gospel could continue even after his death. He was ready to die for our sins via The Atonement. It is so apparent that he is ready that he goes to Jerusalem. He could have avoided his crucifixion by hiding out in the middle of nowhere, but he had to go to Jerusalem to fulfill the mission that he was sent to Earth by Heavenly Father to accomplish.
The fourth day of Christ's last week was spend outside of Jerusalem, but what happened on this day is not discussed in the Gospels. This is interesting to me. I wonder if it was just a day of planning, if anything significant happened, and where exactly Christ spent this day. I hope this information is available after this life. I am curious!
Parables, Lazarus Raised
One of the most novel concepts I have read about and heard about in this class was the concept of Christ bridging the gulf between Spiritual Paradise and Spiritual Prison. I have known for a long time that missionary work goes on in the spirit world, but I thought that was pretty much always the case. As I learned about the gulf being bridged, I had this intense feeling of gratitude. It was a cool experience. Not only did Christ die for the remission of our sins, but for the missionary work in the spirit world. People sharing the gospel is a simple joy for me, so for me to thing about the gospel being shared in the spirit world, it means that I have great increase in this joy.
One detail about the story of the raising of Lazarus that I didn't really realize was that Christ did not immediately leave for Bethany. He LET Lazarus die. He definitely could have healed Lazarus. I mean, he is omnipotent! I think the purpose of letting Lazarus die was to perform an even bigger miracle. Raising someone from the dead in undeniably a miracle. Healing a sickness could possibly have some confounding factors. It seems silly that some people could doubt Christ being the Messiah when he heals so many people, but raising Lazarus would be much more profound.
One thing that I have been very interested in while studying the New Testament is how there are small details in the stories that are part of the stories because of cultures. Hellenistic cultural influence and Jewish traditions are things that I am not familiar with, so I don't think I would ever realize why certain details are included. For example, Lazarus' body was laying in the tomb for four days. Upon initial reading, I wouldn't really think this was for a any reason, just a random number. I thought maybe that was just how long Christ took to get there. However, it is cool that Christ waited until Lazarus was dead four days because Jews believed that the spirit of the dad hung around for three days. After four days, Lazarus was really really dead. I always remember these random little facts, often more often than major events in a story.
One detail about the story of the raising of Lazarus that I didn't really realize was that Christ did not immediately leave for Bethany. He LET Lazarus die. He definitely could have healed Lazarus. I mean, he is omnipotent! I think the purpose of letting Lazarus die was to perform an even bigger miracle. Raising someone from the dead in undeniably a miracle. Healing a sickness could possibly have some confounding factors. It seems silly that some people could doubt Christ being the Messiah when he heals so many people, but raising Lazarus would be much more profound.
One thing that I have been very interested in while studying the New Testament is how there are small details in the stories that are part of the stories because of cultures. Hellenistic cultural influence and Jewish traditions are things that I am not familiar with, so I don't think I would ever realize why certain details are included. For example, Lazarus' body was laying in the tomb for four days. Upon initial reading, I wouldn't really think this was for a any reason, just a random number. I thought maybe that was just how long Christ took to get there. However, it is cool that Christ waited until Lazarus was dead four days because Jews believed that the spirit of the dad hung around for three days. After four days, Lazarus was really really dead. I always remember these random little facts, often more often than major events in a story.
Judean/Perean Ministry
Something that Christ emphasized in his Judean/Perean Ministry was hypocrisy. When people fall away from the church gradually I haven noticed that many of them still have respect for the church and/or a desire to eventually live the gospel again. I think this can be achieved through ward fellowship, missionary efforts, and other means. It is sad when they fall away, but it doesn't seem as hopeless as some cases. These other cases are when people seem to be strong in the gospel and then all of a sudden turn their back on the gospel. I think this can often happen because of two reasons. First, the person can be very offended by another person's words or actions. Second, they have been struggling with something and come to a breaking point. I think both of these things can be tied to hypocrisy. In the case of being offended, I think people can feel judged by others and since nobody is perfect, they don't have the right to judge them. They perceive others to be hypocrites. In the case of reaching a breaking point, I think some people can maintain an appearance that everything is okay, but they are struggling with some things. These things could be some type of sin or a weak point in their testimony. I think all members of the church can relate to this type of situation in some way. Recognizing these problems is the key in avoiding a breaking point though, so one must be humble enough and willing to seek Priesthood guidance to work on improving oneself and one's testimony. When I see people that seemed like strong members abruptly turn away from the church, I think they have not been sensitive to these weaknesses brewing and increasing. When these people are not in the church, there is an angry resentment that I notice and I don't like that one bit. It is such spiritual darkness and I think they are the ones that continue to attack the church in an effort to validate their decision to fall away from the church. These situations make me sad.
I really hope that I remain sensitive to my spiritual weaknesses and continue to work on them so I can become a better member of the church and more Christlike. I do not want to be a hypocrite. I know that through communication with Priesthood leaders, scripture study, and developing strong relationships in the church, I can remain centered on the gospel and improve.
I really hope that I remain sensitive to my spiritual weaknesses and continue to work on them so I can become a better member of the church and more Christlike. I do not want to be a hypocrite. I know that through communication with Priesthood leaders, scripture study, and developing strong relationships in the church, I can remain centered on the gospel and improve.
Visits Martha & Mary
Mary and Martha's relationships and service to Christ are interesting. In the student manual I really like this piece of a quote: "He had more to give them [Mary and Martha] than they could possibly provide for him." They both loved the Savior and wished to serve him in their full capacity anyways. However, they did so in different ways. Martha was more about providing Christ with living accommodations than Mary. When I am reading about this, I for some reason thought about Home Teaching and service to other members of one's ward. If someone you home teach or know in the ward has to have surgery or is unable to provide meals for their family for some reason, people will often step up and cook meals for them. They might even do this for some extended period of time. Obviously, this is a great service and the people receiving the service can feel that they are thought about and loved. Now when we think about Mary's service to the Savior, it is a slightly different approach. Mary concentrated more on developing a relationship with Him. She showed appreciation for everything he did, and for the gospel he preached. Mary was a companion to Christ. Now back to relating this to Home Teaching and service within the ward. We can watch out for each other physically, but Mary's service encompasses this and more. By truly being a friend to those we Home Teach and others that are in our ward family, we can provide a higher service, a more spiritual service. These are our spiritual brothers and sisters, so why shouldn't we provide them with spiritual service? I haven't always been the best home teacher, but when I have been consistent, I have had great experiences. Additionally, when I have had good home teachers, it has made an impact in my life. I am motivated to be a better person because I know someone cares about how I am doing spiritually, other than the Bishop. My current home teacher always says hi to me and shows incredible genuine interest in my well being. He also offers physical service, but I am impacted more by his compassionate companionship. I am often not very good at expressing gratitude for things like this, but someday I hope to tell him how much his spiritual service has impressed me.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Later Judean Ministry
The idea of "the light of Christ" is a cool one to me. I imagine a pitch black area with one source of bright light. It seems incomprehensible that anyone would consciously choose to not follow the light. That gets me thinking, I really think that people that have experienced will always have some sort of belief. For example, those figures involved in the restoration that had seen visions and then later fell away from the church. There is no way they can fully dismiss the light even when they turn and go to head towards pitch black spiritual darkness. For some reason it was super easy for me to visualize "The light of Christ enables mankind to clearly choose between the kingdom of God or spiritual darkness.
In John, Chapter 8, it talks about "the truth shall make you free." When I think about this pretty well known phrase, I think it means that when you have the gospel, which is the truth, in your life, you are free from uncertainty. You have confidence. You are free of doubt. This totally makes sense in other forms of truth too. Through studying the gospel, and concentrating on daily gospel habits, we can know more of the truth and feel more and more confident in what we know. I know from personal experience, when I make time to have meaningful prayers and study the scriptures daily, I felt much more confident in the gospel and my beliefs. I don't think it was that I knew more information, but I had a peaceful feeling of confidence about what I knew.
In John, Chapter 8, it talks about "the truth shall make you free." When I think about this pretty well known phrase, I think it means that when you have the gospel, which is the truth, in your life, you are free from uncertainty. You have confidence. You are free of doubt. This totally makes sense in other forms of truth too. Through studying the gospel, and concentrating on daily gospel habits, we can know more of the truth and feel more and more confident in what we know. I know from personal experience, when I make time to have meaningful prayers and study the scriptures daily, I felt much more confident in the gospel and my beliefs. I don't think it was that I knew more information, but I had a peaceful feeling of confidence about what I knew.
Mount of Transfiguration
On the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter, James, and John received the priesthood keys. It is really neat to me to think that these restored keys are present in the church today. Just like we have the First Presidency today, Peter, James, and John were the First Presidency of the church that Jesus established. Sometimes I wonder how other churches lost this type of organization of their churches.
Of these priesthood keys, the sealing power is most exciting to me. The idea that what we have sealed here on Earth is valid in heaven is awesome. It really provides purpose to what we are doing here on Earth. It especially resonates with temple ordinances and temple work. If these keys were not restored, we couldn't have eternal marriages, we couldn't do baptisms for the dead. Actually, I don't think baptisms would really matter that much. As I think about finding an eternal companion, I sometimes think "could I spend the rest of my life with this person?" Really, I should think way beyond that scope. That is intimidating right now, but I am sure that when I do find someone for me the eternal relationship we will be sealed together in will be comforting. I wont be alone forever.
The other thing that stuck out to me was the concept of my priesthood line of authority. Every time it is brought up in Elders Quorum, I feel a special spirit. It makes me kind of giddy. How cool is it that I can trace my priesthood all the way back to Christ, and it doesn't even that that many steps. Thinking of this reminds me that I have divine potential. Otherwise, how could something like the priesthood get passed down to me. It is a big self-esteem boost! I also am humbled that I would be trusted with the priesthood.
Of these priesthood keys, the sealing power is most exciting to me. The idea that what we have sealed here on Earth is valid in heaven is awesome. It really provides purpose to what we are doing here on Earth. It especially resonates with temple ordinances and temple work. If these keys were not restored, we couldn't have eternal marriages, we couldn't do baptisms for the dead. Actually, I don't think baptisms would really matter that much. As I think about finding an eternal companion, I sometimes think "could I spend the rest of my life with this person?" Really, I should think way beyond that scope. That is intimidating right now, but I am sure that when I do find someone for me the eternal relationship we will be sealed together in will be comforting. I wont be alone forever.
The other thing that stuck out to me was the concept of my priesthood line of authority. Every time it is brought up in Elders Quorum, I feel a special spirit. It makes me kind of giddy. How cool is it that I can trace my priesthood all the way back to Christ, and it doesn't even that that many steps. Thinking of this reminds me that I have divine potential. Otherwise, how could something like the priesthood get passed down to me. It is a big self-esteem boost! I also am humbled that I would be trusted with the priesthood.
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