A New Commandment- John 13:34-35

How can others know if we are disciples of Jesus Christ? (John 13:34-35)
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

As I read these scriptures, the principle I thought of was that if we love one another, we will radiate the light of Christ and others will know Him. This reminded me of a story that one of the Sisters in Relief Society shared this past Sunday. 

She said that when her son was in kindergarten, some thirty years ago, there were three other children who were members of the Church, along with him, in their class. The teacher was not a member, but she could see how these children were different and how happy they were- she could see His light illuminating from them. There was something there, something more that these children had and, she wanted to know more, so she began looking into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She soon became a member. It was because of their love for one another, that she was converted. They brought her to Jesus Christ, simply by loving one another.

As a disciple of Jesus Christ, how might one respond in the following situations, in accordance with this "new commandment"given us? (John 13:34-35) 

• Someone you know is ridiculed or made fun of because of the way he or she dresses. As a disciple of the Savior, I would ask why they feel they should judge someone for the way they dress. I would then provide comfort that explain that it is not what we are wearing but who we are that matters. Elder Oaks of the Seventy, once said,"The real person is the one who will stand before the all-knowing Lord on Judgment Day. The Lord will see quickly into our hearts and discern who we really are.” (Apr 2003) 

• You see a new person at church. As a disciple of Jesus Christ, I would approach the new person and make them feel welcome and see if there was anything that they needed or that I could do to help them feel more comfortable. I would make sure they knew who to contact should they need anything and give them my contact information. One of the many things I love about the Church is that, no matter where you are, you can attend Sacrament Meeting and the other Sunday meetings and will always feel welcomed- always feel that you are home. 

Do people know that I am a disciple of Jesus Christ by the way I treat them?

I sure hope so! As do the small children I had mentioned earlier, I believe that we do radiate the light of Christ and that people can tell that we are disciples of our Savior. That may not know exactly what that light is that they see, but they know that we love them as Christ loves us all. I hope that as I serve others, they feel His love through me. 

Children's Hymn: "Love One Another" (Hymn 308)

As I have loved you,

Love one another.

This new commandment:

Love one another.

By this shall men know

Ye are my disciples,

If ye have love

One to another

There is a family member I have in mind, whom I will show the kind of love the Savior would show over the coming week (and for weeks to come). Below is a short list of the things I can do to show this love for them:

• Pray for them
• Show compassion
• Show them understanding
• Show them kindness
• Be patient
• Serve them
• And, most importantly…love them

Preparing for the Savior's Second Coming- Mark 13; Luke 21:5-38; Joseph Smith-Matthew

We do not know when the Savior will return, but we do know that He will return. When that day comes, we must be prepared to meet Him; we must be righteous; and, we must be His faithful disciples.

"Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man" (Luke 21:36)

How will we know of Jesus' Second Coming?

As Jesus sat with His disciples on the mount of Olives, they asked Him what they should do in preparation of His return. He told them of false prophets and of those who would be posing as the returned Christ. He also told of those who would persecute those who believed in Him. And He shared that no one, not even He knew when this day would be, except for the Father. (Matthew 24:36) 

As we read these scriptures and of the signs that He gave the disciples, we can feel comfort in knowing, "Behold, I have foretold you all things.” (Mark 13:23)

"Take heed lest any man deceive you" (Mark 13:5)
"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" (Mark 13:9)
"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" (Mark 13:35)
"And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch" (Mark 13:37)

How do we prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ?

To prepare for the Second Coming, we must make sure that we are in a "holy place" spiritually and virtuously. (D&C 87:8)  We must be faithful, true to our covenants, righteous in our thoughts and in our actions. We must be witnesses of our Savior and our Father in Heaven, hold fast to our beliefs. And, we mustn't procrastinate, for we do not know when this day will come. We must always be ready for His return.

"And again shall the abomination of desolation, spoken of by 
Daniel the prophet, be fulfilled” (JS-M 1:32) 

"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” (JS-M 1:37)
"And what I say unto one, I say unto all men; watch, therefore, for you know not at what hour your Lord doth come” (JS-M 1:46)

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” (JS-M 1:50)
"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” (D&C 33:17)
"And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins. (v56) 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” (v57) (D&C 45:56–57)

Last Week of the Savior's Mortal Ministry

The First Day- Jesus arrives at Jerusalem.  He asks His disciples to bring Him a donkey and a colt and and entered the city. There were palm branches laid before Him and He was greeted with shouts of "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 straight to the temple and noted what He saw there.  He then went to Bethany with the twelve and rested for the evening. (Mark 11:11)

The Second Day- Jesus arose the next morning and went to the temple to cleanse the temple of the vendors who were trading goods and making money exchange which was sanctioned by the Jewish religions leaders.  By doing so, Jesus was challenging their leadership. As he removed the vendors from the temple grounds, 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). That night, he retired in Bethany.

The Third Day- Jesus’ activities the previous day did raise the ire of the Jewish religious leadership and they were not going to let it slide. When He came to the temple on the third day, they asked, “By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?” (Matthew 21:23) Jesus responded, reciting two parables that increased their frustrations. Again, the scribes and Pharisees challenged him, and he in turn, boldly called them hypocrites. From that time on, he only taught the Twelve Apostles.

This led the Jewish leaders to believe they’d won that initial battle and they discussed how they would bring about his death. Because of his popularity amongst the people, they wanted to move quickly to avoid rioting, as Passover was near. They also wanted to avoid a confrontation when they arrested Him. Unbeknownst to them they would have help here, as one close to Jesus would betray Him.

The Forth Day- Of course, Jesus knew of the plot. and spent the forth day away from the city, perhaps in Bethany.  There is no record of this day.

The Fifth Day- On the fifth day, Jesus had planned to have the Passover meal with the Twelve Apostles. He then introduced the ordinance of the Sacrament  and prophesied of His death. He also disclosed that one among them would betray Him. After dinner and the intercessory prayer, Jesus and the eleven remaining Apostles, (Judas had left). went outside, into the garden of Gethsemane. He took Peter, James, and John further into the garden with him, and then went off by himself to pray. (Matthew 26:36-39)

The Savior pled, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matthew 26:39) The cup did not pass and He suffered the "pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him.” (D&C 18:11), and he suffered pain that caused Him to "bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit” (D&C19:18).

Shortly after rejoining the Apostles, he returned to the Apostles, was arrested without resisting, by an armed group of men, led by His betrayer, Judas.  He was then taken to an illegal trial set by the Jewish leaders.

The Sixth Day- Now, it was not good enough to put Jesus to death, the Jewish leaders wanted to “discredit” him publicly, in front of His followers. They had a hard time finding charges against him. Finally, they came up with two.  First, they wanted to charge him with blasphemy, because he said he was the Son of God. (Matthew 26:57-66)  Blasphemy was a capital offense under Jewish law.  This would discredit Jesus, but only the Roman governor could pronounce a death penalty, so they needed a political indictment against Him. So, secondly, they sought sedition or treason against the Roman state, for Jesus had said he was “king of the jews.” Although the Roman Governor,  Pilate found him not guilty, he gave in to the crowd’s pleas to crucify Jesus. (Matthew 27:24-26)

Jesus was crucified that day. The following day marked the beginning of Passover, at sundown, and it was also the Sabbath, so His body was removed from the cross the following day, and laid to rest in a sealed tomb. 

The Seventh Day, the Sabbath- On the Sabbath, Jesus’ body remained in the tomb, but his Spirit was ministering to the spirits who had gone before. (1 Peter 3:18-20)

Day of the Resurrection- On this most significant Sunday in history, Jesus Christ, our beloved Savior, arose from the tomb! "But 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)

Earthly and Heavenly Rewards (Matthew 19:16-30; 20:1-16)

As I pondered this weeks’ lesson choice, and thought about our “Earthly and Heavenly Rewards,” our eternal goal of spending eternity with our families, and the Sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for us so that we might be able to do so. Because the Savior sacrificed everything for us, we must be willing to give all we have for Him. As we read the parable of the young man who wants to know how he can gain eternal life, we are taught that putting wealth and riches before God, will keep us out of His kingdom. 

What indications can you find that suggest why the young man decided not to follow the Savior? How does Matthew 6:19–24 help explain his choice?

As we read these scriptures, we see a young man who believed in our Savior and wanted to know what he needed to do to gain eternal life. (Matthew 19:16). Jesus told him, very simply that He must keep the commandments set forth by Heavenly Father (Matthew 19:17).  Having done so all his life, the young man felt he still was missing something and asked, "All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?” (Matthew 19:20). To which Jesus responded, "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.” (Matthew 19:21)  Hearing this, the young man was disheartened because he had many worldly possessions. He was torn between the treasures of this world and the treasures of our Heavenly Father’s kingdom and chose the treasures of this world.

What blessings did the Savior promise to those who make sacrifices to follow Him?

"Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?” (Matthew 19:27) In response, the Savior promised, "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.”(Matthew 19:28) He went on, "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.” (Matthew 19:29)

Based on the Savior’s response to Peter, how can this help me put the Lord first in my life?

When I read this parable, I am reminded that what we have here, (worldly possessions and wealth), in this mortal life, are temporary. We cannot take them with us and they really have no value. What does have value is the love we have for our Savior, for our family, and our commitment to the covenants we’ve made with our Heavenly Father.  When we choose to follow the Savior and take upon us His name, we promise to follow Him and to share the gospel. In return, we are promised eternal life with our families. 

What rewards come to those who serve in the Lord’s kingdom? (Matthew 20:1-16) 

Complete the chart below, filling in the blanks with information you find in Matthew 20: 

In the parable about serving in the Lord's kingdom, the kingdom is compared to a vineyard. Laborers are hired to work in this vineyard and are offered a certain wage, but the laborers are hired at different times throughout the day. (See chart below)

The hour the laborers were hired	How much the man agreed to pay	Hours worked	How much they were actually paid
Early morning	A penny a day	12 Hrs	A penny
Third hour	A penny a day	9 Hrs	A penny
Sixth hour	A penny a day	6 Hrs	A penny
Ninth hour	A penny a day	3 Hrs	A penny
Eleventh hour	A penny a day	1 Hr	A penny

What do we learn from this parable about serving in the Lord’s kingdom? We all have work to do while we are here in this mortal body. All who have faith in God; who follow and serve Him; who live by His commandments, will receive the same blessings as promised, as payment for our service to Him.

What message of comfort can this parable have for converts to the Church?As a recent convert to the Church (Two years next week), this brings me comfort in knowing that although it took me sometime to find my way back into the fold, back to the path, I am still loved and will receive the same blessings and promises as those who have known Him for all their lives. 

What would you tell someone who feels it is unfair for each of the laborers to be paid equally?When each of the laborers agreed to the work, they were promised a certain wage, which is what they received. Thus, it is fair, it is exactly what was promised. We each have service and work to do, and we will all gain eternal life in the kingdom of God. Though tasks may not be the same, we all seek the same eternal reward.

The Lord Appointed Other Seventy Also (Luke 10:1-24)

Having been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for a short time, (it will be two years in November), I knew little about the Seventy, and was interested in finding out more about this calling in the early Church and today. In my post this week, you will see that the callings are still very similar and little, has changed. Those in the Seventy are called to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who want to listen.

What counsel and instruction did the Lord give to the seventy?

"The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)

There were many to teach and Jesus needed others to share in His teachings. When Jesus chose the seventy and sent them out in pairs to preach the gospel, he offered advice on who to visit, where to go and how to conduct themselves. He advised them to travel lightly, “Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes,” and to bring peace and the Spirit into the homes  they visited.  He also told them to spend time with those whom they visited. He said they should accept the gifts of food and drink if offered.  He instructed them to heal the sick and let them know of the blessings of the Father’s kingdom. And, He let them know that they would be protected always.  (Luke 10:1-24)

How does Luke 10:1-2, 8-9, 17-20, support the Sixth Article of Faith?

"We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.” (Article of Faith 1:6)

Because Jesus Christ still heads His Church, we follow the same guidelines He set forth when He established The Church of Jesus Christ. It is still organized as it was in the beginning. Jesus knew there was much to do and many to teach, so he called the seventy and sent them "two by two" to preach the gospel. Today,  the Seventy and our missionaries, have that same calling. They are sent forth “as lambs among wolves” (Luke 10:3), to find those who are willing to listen. They are sent to serve others and to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

How do the Scriptures show the existence of this office in the priesthood?
Today, the quorums of the Seventy are much as they were in the early days of the Church. In Luke 10:1, we’d read that the other seventy been called to go out and preach the Gospel.  Today, the Seventy “are... called to preach the gospel, and to be especial witnesses unto the Gentiles and in all the world.” (D&C 107:25) They are also "to act in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the Twelve or the traveling high council, in building up the church and regulating all the affairs of the same in all nations..” (D&C 107:34). And, just as in the early days, we know that there are still many to teach. As those numbers increase, and the Church grows, so too shall the seventy, "And also other seventy, until seven times seventy, if the labor in the vineyard of necessity requires it.” (D&C107:96)

After studying these scriptures this week, I've seen that the organization of the Church has not changed much since the early days, and the calling of the Seventy is much needed, as it was in the times when Jesus walked with the disciples, and established His Church. There are still many who seek the gospel and we still have much work to do.

The Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9)

This week, I will talk about the events that occurred when Jesus took Peter, James and John with him up to the Mount of Transfiguration. These events are of significance importance in establishing the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth. This happened about a week after Peter had been told that he would receive the keys of the kingdom of heaven, (Matthew 16:19). As promised, Jesus, with Moses and Elias presented the priesthood keys to Peter, James and John.

What significant events occurred on the Mount of Transfiguration?
• Jesus took Peter, James and John with him high on the mountain There He was transfigured, "... his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light" (Matthew 17:1-2)
• The transfigured prophets, Moses and Elias appeared and were conversing with the Savior. (Matthew 17:3) In this passage, Moses and Elias, bestowed Peter, James and John with the priesthood keys- Moses, giving them the keys of the gathering of Israel; and Elias, the keys of the sealing power. (Institute Student Manual, pp. 103)
• The Father spoke and proclaimed Jesus Christ as "my beloved son in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him". (Matthew 17:5, 2 Peter 1:16-18) As was witnessed at Jesus’ baptism, we have further testimony that the Father and Son are two separate beings.
• Jesus conversed with Moses and Elias about his death and resurrection (Luke 9:31)
• In the last day, the earth will be transfigured as Jesus was transfigured on the mount. (D&C 63:21) 

In the Bible Dictionary, we read: “The event is important in many ways: Necessary priesthood authority was conferred upon Peter, James, and John; the significance of the Savior’s work was emphasized; and the unity of various dispensations and the close relationship of Jesus and His prophets was demonstrated. Few events in the Bible equal it in importance."

In what ways would this experience have prepared the three Apostles for the responsibilities they would soon have as leaders of the Church?  The experiences on the mount prepared Peter, James and John for their responsibilities by showing them the significance of their mission as leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ. They’d witnessed the Father’s voice, confirming that Jesus was His beloved Son, and that they should follow Him. Through the transfiguration of Jesus, they experienced the relationship Jesus had with Moses and Elias in that and future dispensations, and the importance in completing the work that was to be done. Upon receiving priesthood keys, they would be able to continue Jesus’ work her on earth.

In doing further research, I found an article in which Larry E. Dahl, associate professor of Church history and doctrine, BYU, states, "Moses, Elijah, John the Baptist, and perhaps others appeared to Peter, James, and John on the Mount of Transfiguration, where the “keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 16:19) were conferred upon them. There is evidence that they also were endowed with power from on high and instructed in the affairs of the kingdom of God." (Ensign, "Who appeared to Peter, James, and John on the Mount of Transfiguration? What was the purpose of their appearance?" Apr 1983)

Walking on the Sea (Matthew 14:22-33)

As I was reading these scriptures, I couldn't help thinking about the faith we have in our Savior.  Are there times in your life when your faith has been tested? I know I've had those times in my life, and I also know that my faith is what brought me through those times. This weeks' blog post focuses on when Peter's faith was tested when he saw Jesus walking on the sea towards he and the other Apostles. I love these scriptures and seeing the love that Jesus shows Peter when Peter calls out to the Lord to save him.

What was the reaction of the Apostles when they first saw the Savior walking on the water toward them.  When the Apostles first saw Jesus "walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit: and they cried out for fear.” (Matthew 14:26) But Jesus called to them and told them to be happy and to be not afraid, for it was He who walked towards them. (Matthew 14:27)  

What did Peter’s response indicate about him? Peter’s response showed us that he was still doubtful that it was the Lord. I think Peter may have felt that he was being misguided or that this could have been Satan trying to lure or tempt him into thinking this was Jesus, so he needed reassurance.

Why did Peter begin to sink? (Matthew 14:30) There are many times in our lives when fear may cause our faith to waver and I think this was one of those times when Peter let his fear cause his faith to falter just enough that he began to sink.

What did Peter do when he began to sink? When Peter felt himself sinking, he grasped hold of his faith, and he called out to the Lord to save Him. 

"And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”   When Jesus hears one of his brothers or sisters call to him in need, his response is immediate.  He does not hesitate to help those who faithfully follow Him.

 Because Peter dedicated his life to serving the Lord, his faith in Christ was unfailing. (D&C 88:67)

How can this same principle be applied to my life to assist me in walking over the storms of life? Although there was a brief moment when fear caused his faith to falter, he knew that Jesus would not let him sink into the water. It is the same with us.  When we dedicate our lives to our Savior and live by His commandments, we have faith in knowing that He will always be there to protect and guide us.  We have His light to guide us always. No matter what storms life brings us, and no matter the fear that comes with this storms, we must keep our faith that He will always be there to give us His hand and keep us from sinking. Through our faith, when we call to Him in need, He will immediately stretch forth His hand and be there for us.