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.

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

John the Baptist had spent his life preparing the way for Jesus Christ, and teaching others about Christ, and then baptized Jesus as He began His ministry.  This weeks’ blog post focuses on John stepping aside as Jesus expands his ministry; and how John encourages those who are questioning their faith, or seeking answers to find them in Jesus.

What did the two disciples of John the Baptist ask Jesus Christ?  
John had sent his two disciples to find Jesus. Upon seeing Jesus, the two disciples of John the Baptist asked if He was the Messiah who had been prophesied, or if they should look for another. "Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?” (Matthew 11:3)

The Savior told them to go back to John and tell what they saw and heard. Had I been one of these men, what would I have taken back to John?

• That Jesus had healed those who showed faith in Him and cleansed them of their sins. He healed the blind and deaf, the lame, and He cleansed the lepers and restored life to the dead. 
• That Jesus teaches to the poor and whomever opens their hearts and ears and listen.
• That Jesus is the Messiah, and he blesses those who follow Him and listen to His Word, and that I will follow Him.

Why did John send the his disciples to find Jesus? “Did John Doubt That Jesus Was the Messiah?” 
John had no doubt who Jesus was when sent his two disciples to seek Him.  When one first reads these scriptures, it may seem that John’s faith may have been faltering, but he was actually sending these men out to see for themselves and to follow Him. John had asked them to find out what Jesus had been up to, but it was not for his personal inquiry but for theirs; to help them gain a testimony of the Jesus.  Robert J Matthews explains it well, "John knew, as no one else knew, who Jesus was, and he had known it for a long time. He had had revelation from heaven to this effect: he had seen with his eyes, he had heard with his ears, and he had the testimony of the Holy Ghost. … The most satisfactory answer seems to be that John sent his disciples to question Jesus about his identity so that they themselves would at long last realize the truth of what John had been testifying” (A Burning Light: The Life and Ministry of John the Baptist [1972], 92).

What did the Savior say about John the Baptist?
"Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (Matthew 11:11, Luke 7:28)

In these scriptures, we can see and feel the love and admiration that Jesus had for John.  

Why was John the Baptist considered among the greatest prophets?
From the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith:

“First. He was entrusted with a divine mission of preparing the way before the face of the Lord. Whoever had such a trust committed to him before or since? No man.

“Secondly. He was entrusted with the important mission, and it was required at his hands, to baptize the Son of Man. Whoever had the honor of doing that? Whoever had so great a privilege and glory? Whoever led the Son of God into the waters of baptism, and had the privilege of beholding the Holy Ghost descend in the form of a dove, or rather in the sign of the dove, in witness of that administration? The sign of the dove was instituted before the creation of the world, a witness for the Holy Ghost, and the devil cannot come in the sign of a dove. The Holy Ghost is a personage, and is in the form of a personage. It does not confine itself to the form of the dove, but in sign of the dove. The Holy Ghost cannot be transformed into a dove; but 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.

“Thirdly. John, at that time, was the only legal administrator in the affairs of the kingdom there was then on the earth, and holding the keys of power. The Jews had to obey his instructions or be damned, by their own law; and Christ Himself fulfilled all righteousness in becoming obedient to the law which He had given to Moses on the mount, and thereby magnified it and made it honorable, instead of destroying it. The son of Zacharias wrested the keys, the kingdom, the power, the glory from theJews, by the holy anointing and decree of heaven, and these three reasons constitute him the greatest prophet born of a woman.

(Smith, Teachings, pp. 275-76)

 "He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30 ) What did John the Baptist mean, in this scripture, about his attitude toward the Savior? 

John the Baptist loved the Savior and had spent his life preparing the way for Him to come and teach His people. It was now time for John to humble himself and step back and let the Jesus’ ministry flourish. John’s love and service would continue as always and he would still serve in every capacity, but he knew it was time for the Lord to lead His people.

As I read this scripture, I am reminded that, although we are all full-time missionaries, we do not have all the answers. Each day, I pray to Heavenly Father that my light will bring those who are searching for truth and for what may be missing in their lives, to me so I can share the happiness I’ve found in having the Gospel in my life. I know, when I do find those who are seeking to know more, I won’t have all the answers, and I know that it will be time to introduce them to the missionaries or others who can teach them.  

L02: Choice 3- The Calling of the Twelve Apostles (Matthew 10; Mark 3:13-35; Luke 5:1-11)

I often wonder about those who Jesus Christ called as His Apostles, those who would be nearest to Him and who would bear witness to Him.  What would it take to be an Apostle of the Lord?  What sacrifices would one make to follow Him and give their lives to His ministry? Can you imagine the strength of character it would take?

In this week's blog, I will talk about Jesus' Apostles, their dedication to the Savior and I can use their faith and dedication as an example in my own life. 

Who were the original Twelve Apostles? (Matthew 10:1-4 and Mark 3:13-19)

Jesus chose as his Apostles: Peter, Andrew, his brother; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew: Thomas, and Matthew, the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot. 

Of these Apostles, I'd like to share some notes about three of them. After reading the accompanying scriptures, I ask that you ponder about the meaning of these events:

Peter: When Jesus asked the disciples who they thought He was, Peter knew that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God, and he knew this through revelation (Matthew 16:13) 
James:James was present with Peter and John during Jesus' transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8)
John: We may assume that John is the unnamed disciple of the Baptist mentioned in John 1:40

What is the definition of an Apostle? 

The bible dictionary defines Apostles as “one sent forth.” Our Savior chose and ordained his Apostles to go forth and bear witness to Him and share the Gospel.  Today, the Apostles are chosen through inspiration by the Prophet and ordained in the Melchizedek Priesthood by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles by the laying on of hands. As in the time of our Savior, the Apostles are sent forth throughout the world to represent Him and bear witness to Him.  (Encyclopedia of Mormonism [1992], 1:59-60)

How did the Savior's teachings to HIs Apostles prepare them to be sent out to proclaim the Gospel? (Matthew 10:5-42)

As Jesus prepared His Apostles to go forth and teach, He warned them and He comforted them.  They were sent forth as “sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). He warned them of nonbelievers and those who would persecute.  Yet, He told them not to worry about how they would defend themselves, as the Spirit shall speak the words for them (Matthew 10:19-20). He warned them that they would be hated because they bore witness to the Savior but that they who endured would be saved (Matthew 10:22). He also told them that if they were prosecuted in one city, to flee to the next. 

In reading these scriptures, I can’t help but be reminded of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the early pioneers as they went forth to bear witness to the restored Church of Christ and how they were persecuted, but continued on.  How they endured to the end, and how they never denied Him.  One of my favorite verses from this passage is, “He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me” (Matthew 10:40)

How did Peter, James and John respond when Jesus called them to service? (Luke 5:1-11)

Peter, although he had exhausted his resources, had faith in the Lord and obeyed His command. Peter was blessed by his actions and was so humbled, He felt himself unworthy to be in the presence of the Lord

James & John, seeing this miracle and being asked to follow Jesus along with Peter, did not hesitate, and followed the Savior.

How can their actions and examples be applied in my own life?

Two years ago, I made a similar decision when I chose to take upon myself the name of Jesus Christ, was baptized by my husband and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  From that day forth, I chose to follow the Lord and to bear witness to Him. We, as a family, live our life for Him and seek to find and help others know the joy we have found in making the Gospel a part of who we are.