Saint John Chapter Seven Review

The Gospel According to St John: John Chapter Seven: Please open the following link to read chapter seven: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/7?lang=eng

The worldy, or even most of us as humans, seek recognition. If we do something great, or seemingly great in our own eyes, we want to make it known; we seek validation; we desire praise.

Not so with Jesus. He only sought, and still seeks, to do His Father’s will.

So when His disciples urged Him to make Himself known to the world, He answered, “My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready” (vs. 6).

Because the Jews hated Jesus and sought to kill Him (see vs. 1), and because even his own family didn’t yet believe in Him, or they found shame in Him (see vs. 5), He did not go to the Feast of Tabernacles openly, sending His disciples only while He remained in Galilee (vs. 1-9).

“But when his brethren were gone up, then went He also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret” (vs. 10). Jesus did not want to enter with fanfare, but quietly.

Though Jesus had not been taught as the scribes and Pharisees, yet He knew His Father’s doctrine. How is being taught by the Spirit of more value to us than merely obtaining a secular education?

Jesus only sought His Father’s glory. Verses 15-18:

Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught. And the Jews marvelled, saying,

“How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?”

Jesus answered them, and said,

“My doctrine is not mine, but His that sent me. If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.”

The people saw His wisdom, witnessed His miracles, felt something special; but still there were those who chose not to believe. Just like today.

Jesus explained that those who chose to believe in Him would later be given the Gift of the Holy Ghost. It would be given after He was gloried (see vs. 38-39).

Some then counted Jesus as the Prophet, others as the Christ, and still others said that no one worthy of any notice would ever come out of Galilee. Nicodemus spoke up in favor of their law and of Jesus (see vs. 40-53).

Saint John Chapter Six Review

The Gospel According to St John: John Chapter Six: Please open the following link to read chapter six: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/6?lang=eng

Great multitudes followed Jesus because of the miracles He performed.

Jesus blessed and broke food, lds.org

They following Jesus and His disciples into a mountain. Jesus asked a question of his disciples, not because He needed His disciples answer, or because He didn’t know what to do. Jesus knew that He could feed the multitude. He asked His disciples the question to prove them or test their faith (see vs. 6).

Philip stated the obvious. They did not have enough money to buy food for the multitude (see vs. 7).

Andrew pointed out that a boy had a small amount of food, but not nearly enough to feed a great multitude (see vs. 8-9).

Then Jesus performed the miracle of feeding the five thousand, with twelve baskets full of fragments remaining after everyone had eaten (see vs. 10-13).

The multitude believed on Jesus, because they saw a miracle that day, that He was the promised Messiah. But they did not understand His mission. They wanted to make Him a king (see vs. 14-15).

Jesus’s disciples left for Capernaum before Jesus did. The sea rose boisterously because of the wind. Then Jesus came to them walking on the water. He calmed the sea and calmed their fears when He said, “It is I; be not afraid.” The were then glad to receive Jesus into the ship, and they immediately reached their destination (see vs. 16-21).

Interestingly, the people whom Jesus had taught knew that He hadn’t entered the ship with His disciples; but since they couldn’t find him, they got into their ships and headed for Capernaum to look for Him (see vs. 22-24).

The exchange between Jesus and the multitude who sought Him is very telling. They asked, “Rabbi, when camest thou hither?” To which He responded, “Ye seek me, not because ye desire to keep my sayings, neither because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loves and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting lie, which the Son of man shall give you: for Him hath the Father sealed” (vs 25-27, JST).

For what purpose do we seek Jesus? What are our reasons for following Him? We should interview ourselves now, before we bear the chastisment of His interview in the coming day.

They asked Jesus a good question. “What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?” His response: “This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent” (vs. 28-29).

But then they showed their lack of faith which resulted from their own wickedness and yet carnal state, asking, “What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? What dost thou work” (vs. 30)?

Jesus taught the multitude that He is The Bread of Life. Jesus came to do His Father’s will. Because He did so, He will inherit eternal life. His Father’s will is that Jesus save us all. If we believe on Jesus and seek His face, we will also be lifted up by Him in the resurrection of the just at the last day (see vs. 31-40).

Of course, there were those who were offended in that day when Jesus told them that He is The Bread of Life and The Living Water; and there are those who are offended today. But we know that the manna that was fed to the Israelites in the wilderness, or the bread that Jesus fed to the multitudes as recorded in this chapter did not have lasting power to give life eternally. But Jesus did and does.

Do we trust more in earthly treasures or heavenly ones? If we have our daily portion of physical food, is that enough for us?

Many foresook Jesus when He told them that they must eat His flesh and drink His blood. How important is it that we partake of the sacrament, The Lord’s Supper, that we have this communion with God? We can only understand spiritual things through the gift and power of the Holy Ghost. Hopefully, we will not turn away from Him in offense, because He has offered us everything if we accept His gift. Hopefully, we can be like Peter and say, “Lord to whom shall we go? And we believe and are sure that thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (vs. 41-69).

Saint John Chapter Four Review

The Gospel According to St John: John Chapter Four: Please open the following link to read chapter four: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/4?lang=eng 

(Image source:clcfremont.org)

At this point in John’s record, Jesus’s disciples were baptizing more people than John’s. As the Pharisees became aware of this, it further put Jesus’s safety in danger.

As Jesus traveled through Samaria, he encountered the Woman at the Well (Jacob’s Well). Surely Jesus is the One who renews us and gives us life. He is as a well of water that will never run dry (See vs. 6-15).

Jesus knows all of us. He knew the woman’s history. It doesn’t matter so much where we’ve been as where we decide to travel now. It doesn’t matter so much where we worship as how we worship. “True worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth” (vs. 23). It doesn’t matter so much who we are currently as who He is and whom He can help us become. Jesus declared to the woman that He is the Christ (See vs. 16-26).

At this point, Jesus’s disciples came on the scene. They’d returned from buying food. The woman left to bring back an audience (See vs. 27-30).

The disciples bade Jesus to eat. Just as He had told the woman that He is the Water of Life, He then told His disciples that He is the Bread of Life. Our we not all spiritually fed when we do God’s will? He indeed is the Bread of Life. (See vs.31-34).

Jesus came to do His Father’s work. What is God’s work? “For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). Jesus’s disciples are also called to this work: to bring souls unto Him and to extend to them an invitation to partake of salvation and exaltation (See vs. 34-38).

Many Samaritans believed on Jesus because of the woman’s testimony. They then listened to Jesus and gained a personal conviction that Jesus is the Christ (See vs. 39-42).

Jesus returned to Galilee (See vs. 43-45).

Jesus healed a nobleman’s son. This father wanted Jesus to come with him to his son to heal Him, but Jesus required that the man exercise faith to believe his son would be healed without witnessing the miracle (See vs. 46-54). How important is it for us to be believing without seeing? Do we trust that God’s words will come to pass, in His time and in His way? Do we exercise our faith in Jesus Christ and in His mission to heal and to save us?

Saint John 2 Reflections

The Gospel According to St John: John Chapter Two: Please open the following link to read chapter two: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/2?lang=eng

A family member’s wedding was held in Cana of Galilee. Mary was the hostess. Jesus and His disciples were in attendance at the wedding.

When they ran out of wine, Jesus provided new wine. The governor said that it was the best wine, not understanding how they’d have such good wine at the end of the festivities.

This was the first of Jesus’s recorded miracles. We can ask why Jesus performed this miracle. Was it because of His love for His mother? Was it to make the guests more comfortable? Was it just because He could? Or was it because family weddings are important events? Or maybe some other reason? Needless to say, no one else has done this when they’ve ran out of refreshments at their own weddings.

After the wedding, Jesus went to Capernaum with His family and His disciples for a short time.

After that, Jesus went to Jerusalem for the Passover. Here He cleansed the temple of the buyers and the sellers, and He said, “Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandize” (vs. 16). Jehovah had taught the Jews not to exact usury of their brethren, and here He truly was upset that they were seeking gain (from those who may have traveled great distances) in selling animals to be used as sacrifice.

The Jews questioned Jesus’s authority to do those things which He did. They asked, “What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things (vs. 18)? Jesus answered that He was the resurrection, when He said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (vs. 19).

Many believed in Him because of the miracles; but when the miracles ceased, they stopped believing.

If we have felt Jesus’s love and power, will we stop believing when things don’t go just as we want them to go? Or will we turn to Him, praise Him, and still seek to do His will?

Jesus can elevate us if we take hold of His hand. Put your hand in the hand of The Man from Galilee.

(let-it-rain-daniel-r-free-photo)

“Put Your Hand In The Hand” was written by Mac Lellan, Gene.

Chorus:
Put your hand in the hand of the man who stilled the waters
Put your hand in the hand of the man who calmed the sea
Take a look at yourself and you can look at the others differently
By puttin’ your hand in the hand of the man from Galilee

Every time I look into the Holy Book, I wanna tremble
When I read about the part where a carpenter cleared the temple
For the buyers and the sellers were no different fellers
Than what I confess to be
And it causes me shame to know I’m not the gal (guy) that I should be

Chorus–

Mama taught me how to pray before I reached the age of seven
And when I’m down on my knees, that’s when I’m close to heaven
Daddy lived his life for eight kids and wife, you do what you must do
But he showed me enough of what it takes to get you through

Chorus–x3

Songwriters
Mac Lellan, Gene

Saint John 1 Reflections

The Gospel According to St John: John Chapter One: Please open the following link to read chapter one: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/1?lang=eng

In verses 1 through 14, John testifies of Jesus Christ’s divinity:

Jesus is the Word of God;

Jesus created all things;

Jesus gave us life;

Jesus is the Light that is in all things;

His Light is in us.

In verse six, John the Beloved tells us that John the Baptist came as a forerunner and witness of Jesus Christ. In verse nine, we read that Jesus is the true Light and all of us are born with the Light of Christ. In verse ten, we find out the Jesus created the world, came to the world, and He was not recognized as the Creator. Verses twelve and thirteen are very comforting, because here we come to understand that if we will believe on Jesus Christ and receive Him as our Lord and Savior, He will give us power to become the sons and daughters of God and gain an everlasting inheritance with Him. We need to be born again unto God by accepting the gospel and doing His will. We do this through our faith in Jesus Christ, repentance of our sins, baptism by immersion by proper priesthood authority, and then receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begottenof the Father,) full of grace and truth” (vs. 14).

The Joseph Smith Translation of John Chapter One provides even more clarity to these insights. You can read that account here: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/jst/jst-john/1

John further testifies of Jesus in verses 15-18:

Jesus was before all of us;

He is the First Born of all of Heavenly Father’s spirit children;

He is like unto God the Father.

In verse nineteen we find that John gave the aforementioned witness to those messengers of the priests and Levites (and Pharisees) whom the Jews sent from Jerusalem to inquire of John, “Who art thou?”

And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, “I am not the Christ” (vs. 20).

He said, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias” (vs. 23).

The Pharisees went on to ask why John baptized in the name of Christ. John used this opportunity to testify of Him. “I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose” (vs. 26-27).

The very next day, Jesus Himself came to John to be baptized. When John saw Jesus approaching, He said, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is He of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me” (vs. 29-30).

John was told prior to this that he would receive a sign as a witness of the Savior. And he bore record, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon Him” (vs. 32). Then John bore record that Jesus is the Son of God (vs. 34). “Behold the Lamb of God” (vs 36)!

John pointed his disciples to Jesus. Andrew had been a disciple of John. When John told him that Jesus was the Son of God, Andrew then followed Jesus. Andrew introduced Peter to Jesus. Later Peter became Jesus’s senior apostle. May believed and were called to follow Jesus.

Many believe and are called to follow Jesus still. If we search the scriptures, we will find the testimonies of many prophets besides John. They have introduced us to Jesus. Have we heard His voice, believed in Him, and accepted His call to “Come, Follow Me?”

“And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of Him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That He lives!

“For we saw Him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that He is the Only Begotten of the Father—

“That by Him, and through Him, and of Him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon; Doctrine and Covenants 76:22-24).

How does your understanding of Jesus as Lord and Savior influence you from day to day?

St Mark 11 Reflections

The Gospel According to St Mark: Mark Chapter Eleven: Read here: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/mark/11?lang=eng

Jesus’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem: Read Mark 11:1-11:

‘And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, And saith unto them,

“Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.”

‘And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him.

‘And certain of them that stood there said unto them,

“What do ye, loosing the colt?”

‘And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go.

‘And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him. And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying,

“Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.”

‘And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.’

Jesus Cursed the Fig Tree: Read Mark 11:12-14.

The next morning, Jesus was hungry, and He saw a fig tree with leaves that appeared to have fruit; but when he reached it, he saw only leaves and no figs. It wasn’t time for the fruit to bear yet, but it looked like a tree that has fruit. Jesus cursed it for its hypocrisy. The elders, scribes, and Pharisees, as leaders of the people, made a pretense or a show of the law, but they also did not bear righteous fruit. “Wherefore by their fruits shall ye know them” (Matt 7:20).

“No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever” (vs. 14).

Jesus Cleansed the Temple: Read Mark 11:15-18.

Jesus had just given a lesson on hypocrisy, and then He came to His Father’s house and found things contrary to the reverence and dignity the temple should hold. People were making the temple a place of merchandise, for profit. Knowing that there would be many traveling from afar to offer sacrifice, these people were selling the animals at exorbitant prices to gain profit from fellow worshipers. Of course, Jesus was not pleased.

‘And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And he taught, saying unto them,

“Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.”

‘And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine’ (vs. 15-18).

Don’t we see the same pattern today? Many leaders would rather have people of integrity silenced rather than to have their evil craft exposed. They have their supporters and the media who spread false reports, calling evil good and good evil; and when persons of character speak up, they are mocked, taunted, ridiculed, and punished whenever possible. Any little thread of dirt will be energetically found, even if it is distorted, to bring evidence against someone with pure intent. If that same energy were put to mending evil ways, it would be a much better use.

‘And when even was come, he went out of the city’ (vs. 19).

Fig Tree was Found Dead Following Day: Read Mark 11:20-22:

‘And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him,

“Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.”

‘And Jesus answering saith unto them,

“Have faith in God.”’

Do we have faith that those things which are evil and set up to destroy will pass away? We should. God is all-powerful, and His ways are just and righteous, and His promises are sure.

Pray with Faith: Read Mark 11:21-26:

‘And Jesus answering saith unto them,

“Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them”’ (vs. 21-24).

When we are on the Lord’s errand, we should have faith that we can accomplish those things He desires us to do. And if it is necessary, and we are following His Spirit, we can ask for whatsoever is necessary to help us and protect us in His service.

“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses” (vs. 25-26).

To be forgiven, we must yield our hearts unto God. Our hearts can only be pure if we are seeking to be like Him. So to be forgiven, we must also forgive.

Jesus’s Authority Questioned: Read Mark 11:27-33.

It is interesting how men still think that they have more authority than God. The Supreme Court is truly not supreme. Only God is Supreme, and He has all power and all authority, and He has given all things unto His Son.

He who gave us agency and power to reason, has given us the ability to search out truth and to find Him through the Spirit of the Holy Ghost. But those who believe that they have great wisdom, through their many degrees and much speaking, often boast their self-sufficiency. They have outgrown religion and the need to worship some unknown being (who can be known to those who diligently seek Him, see Jeremiah 29:13). So their wisdom becomes foolishness. But to be learned is good if we hearken to God’s counsels (See 2 Nephi 9:28-29).

‘And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders, And say unto him,

“By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?”

‘And Jesus answered and said unto them,

“I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.

“The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.” 

‘And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him? But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed. And they answered and said unto Jesus,

“We cannot tell.”

‘And Jesus answering saith unto them,

“Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things” (vs. 27-33).

Do we question Jesus’s authority? Do we question the authority of His prophets? Do we question the authority of those called of God?

St Mark 10 Reflections

The Gospel According to St Mark: Mark Chapter Ten: Read here: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/mark/10?lang=eng

The Savior Speaks on Marriage and Divorce: Read Mark 10: 1-12:

Even in that day, and also in Moses’s day, divorce was a problem. “For the hardness of your hearts,” the Lord said, “Moses allowed you to write a bill of divorcement.”

“For the hardness of your hearts.” Isn’t that the reason people still divorce today? If we enter into marriage, shouldn’t we do so because we love the other person and want to make him or her happy? Don’t we covenant to love, honor, and cherish one another?

If we forget that covenant, if we are not as vigilant in nourishing our relationship with our spouse, as we are our relationship with the Lord, our hearts will be hardened and our love diminished. We are commanded to love our spouses even as the Lord loved the Church and gave His life for it (see Ephesians 5:25). We are commanded to love the Lord with all our heart (see Matthew 22:37); we are also commanded to love our spouse with all our heart.

“Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else” (Doctrine and Covenants 42:22).

What does it mean to cleave unto our spouses? What does it mean to be one flesh? Aren’t we to be one in unity and purpose? Aren’t we to share our intimate selves, bodily and spiritually, only with each other, and not outside our marriage covenant? If we are adulterous, isn’t that a mockery of the commandment to be one flesh, because we care not for the well-being of the other person or our spouse, but only our self-gratification.

‘And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judæa by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again. And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him’ a question ( vs. 1-2).

Jesus so wanted to teach the people; and the Pharisees also wanted to interrupt Him. They didn’t want Him to gain any more followers.

 ‘And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him,

“Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife?”

tempting him.

And he answered and said unto them,

“What did Moses command you?”

‘And they said,

“Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.”

‘And Jesus answered and said unto them,

“For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”

‘And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter. And he saith unto them,

“Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery”’ (vs. 2-16).

Jesus Loves and Blesses Little Children: Read Mark 10:13-16.

Isn’t it interesting that this passage follows the passage on marriage? What does that mean for us?

‘And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them,

“Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.”

‘And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them’ (vs. 13-16).

Will We Allow Worldly Wealth to Keep Us from Heaven: Read Mark 10: 17-27.

Here we again read of the young man that wants to inherit eternal life. He said he had kept the commandments from his youth up.

‘Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him,

“One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.”

‘And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions’ (vs. 21-22).

What do we hold onto that makes it difficult for us to take up the cross and follow Jesus? We can only let go of that thing as we turn to Him in faith, trusting Him; and, we should begin now.

“With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible” (vs. 27).

“With men that trust in riches, it is impossible; but not impossible with men who trust in God and leave all for my sake, for with such all these things are possible (JST Mark 10:26).

‘Then Peter began to say unto him,

“Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.”

‘And Jesus answered and said,

“Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

“But many that are first shall be last; and the last first” (vs. 28-31).

“But there are many who make themselves first, that shall be last, and the last first. This he said, rebuking Peter (JST Mark 10:30-31).

Was Jesus displeased with Peter’s statement? Was it boastful? Had Peter not yet left all to follow Jesus? Don’t all of us hold on to certain weaknesses or favorite shortcomings? Change is difficult.

Jesus beheld the young man with love. He’d kept so many essential commandments for His youth up. When Jesus asks a little more of us, or the Spirit prompts us to do a little better, do we listen? Do we follow? Or are we afraid to let go of our past and present selves, and step further into the light? Do we turn away sorrowfully? Do we grieve the Spirit?

Jesus Again Tells of His Death and Resurrection: Read Mark 10:32-34.

His disciples were both amazed and afraid. Do these emotions keep us from understanding?

‘And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him, Saying,

“Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles: And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again” (vs. 32-34).

Who Will Be Greatest: Read Mark 10:35-44:

Here we again read the account of James and John desiring to sit on Jesus’s right hand and His left hand in His glory (see vs. 37). It was improper of them to ask for such a thing. Jesus said,

“But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared” (vs. 40).

Jesus used this situation as a springboard to teach all of the apostles an important truth. He didn’t want the ten to feel displeased with the other two (see vs. 41).

‘But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them,

“Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (vs. 42-45).

Jesus Healed Blind Bartimæus: Read Mark 10:46-52:

‘And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimæus, the son of Timæus, sat by the highway side begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say,

“Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.”

‘And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal,

“Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.”

‘And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him,

“Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.”

‘And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. And Jesus answered and said unto him,

“What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?”

‘The blind man said unto him,

“Lord, that I might receive my sight.”

‘And Jesus said unto him,

“Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole.”

‘And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.’

The Lord is pleased when we call after Him. He loves us all, and He will not turn away those who humbly seek Him.

St Mark 8 Reflections

The Gospel According to St Mark: Mark Chapter Eight: Read here: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/mark/8?lang=eng

Jesus Fed the Multitude of 4,000: Read Mark 8:1-9.

‘In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them,

“I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat: And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far”’ (Mark 8:1-3)

Do we also have compassion for one another? When we have a responsibility or a stewardship over others, do we make sure that we tend to their needs and wants lovingly? If we don’t consider ourselves our brother’s keeper, or are we at least our brother’s brother? Do we love our neighbors as ourselves? When others come to us for advice or validation, do we offer thoughtful assistance, or do we send them away empty to faint by the wayside?

Leaven of the Pharisees: Read Mark 8:10-21.

Pharisees Came Seeking a Sign:

‘And straightway he entered into a ship with his disciples, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha. And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him’ (vs. 10-11).

Jesus has told us,

“A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign” (Matt 16:4).

Could it be that these Pharisees were guilty of adultery? They truly had adulterated the Law of Moses; that’s for certain.

‘And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith,

“Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.”

‘And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side’ (vs. 12-13).

Jesus was traveling about to teach doctrine and share goodness, to lift people and build faith. The Pharisees were seeking signs, which is contrary practicing faith; so Jesus departed from that place.

When Jesus said to His disciples,

“Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod,”

they believed that it was because they had forgotten to take bread with them.

‘When Jesus knew it, he saith unto them,

“Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened? Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember? … How is it that ye do not understand” (vs. 15-21).

Jesus Healed a Blind Man: Mark 22-26:

‘And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him. And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.

‘And he looked up, and said,

“I see men as trees, walking.”

‘After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.

‘And he sent him away to his house, saying,

“Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.”’

It is interesting how Jesus chose to heal this man in increments. Although Jesus has all power to do those things which He desires to do, He helped this man to practice faith before His sight was restored.

As we listen to truths, do we have a clear understanding all at once, or our we like the blind man seeing just in part, and desiring more guidance? Could it be that when we are honest, confessing that we do not understand everything, yet desiring to see, that the Lord is more willing to unfold things to our view? The Pharisees who said they could see, remained blind.

Whom Do Men Say that I am: Read Mark 8:27-30:

‘And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Cæsarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them,

“Whom do men say that I am?”

‘And they answered,

“John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.”

‘And he saith unto them,

“But whom say ye that I am?”

‘And Peter answereth and saith unto him,

“Thou art the Christ.”

‘And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.’

The Apostles mission to testify of Christ came after His resurrection.

Jesus Teaches Apostles Concerning His Mission: Read Mark 8:31-38:

‘And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

‘And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.

‘But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying,

“Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.”

‘And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them,

“Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

“Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”’

As mortals, we sometimes view death as ultimately the worst thing that could happen; but, it is not. Staying true to our missions, our testimonies, and our Heavenly Father is more important that preserving our mortal life. We only find eternal life when we are willing to lose ourselves in His service. Jesus was entirely willing to follow His Father’s will even unto death. The Apostles were then willing to do the same. So must we be. In having the faith to do so, we also demonstrate our faith in Christ’s resurrection and His ability to lift us up again to live forever.

“Wherefore, fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full” (Doctrine and Covenants 101:36).

St Mark 7 Reflections

The Gospel According to St Mark: Mark Chapter Seven: Read here: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/mark/7?lang=eng

The scribes and Pharisees came from Jerusalem to watch Jesus (see Mark 7:1).

They didn’t just wait for Jesus to be in their proximity; they hunted him out so that they could “watch” him.

Tradtion of the Elders in Washing: Read Mark 7:1-16.

The tradition of washing hands, pots, cups, and tables is a good tradition to keep one physically healthy and to not spread disease. It is a tradition of men. Following God’s commandments is far more important than observing the traditions of men. The leaders of the Jewish people had twisted the Law of Moses into making their own traditions of more importance than the commandments of God.

‘Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him,

“Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?”

‘He answered and said unto them,

“Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.”

‘And he said unto them,

“Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition… Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered.”’ (vs. 5-9, 13).

‘And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them,

“Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand: There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him, which is food: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear”’ (vs. 14-16, JST)

Explanation for the Parable: Read Mark 17-23:

‘And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.

‘And he saith unto them,

“Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?”

‘And he said,

“That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.”’

Are we ever guilty of judging people because their customs are different than ours? Do we judge people solely by their outward appearance, the cleanliness of their skin and clothing? Do we not know that the Lord is more concerned with who we are on the inside? We must be careful to not be whited walls that are covering many evil thoughts and actions.

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness” (Matt 23:27).

Jesus Healed Syrophenician’s Daughter: Read Mark 7: 24-30:

‘And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid. (JST—and would that no man should come unto him. But he could not deny them; for he had compassion upon all men.)

For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet: The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. But Jesus said unto her,

“Let the children of the kingdom first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.” (JST italicized)

‘And she answered and said unto him,

“Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children’s crumbs.”

‘And he said unto her,

“For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.”

‘And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed.’

Even though Jesus’s mission was to the Jewish people, He loves all people. He will never deny the faithful; and this woman was faithful. She was not offended in knowing that the Savior’s mission was not to the Greek people first, but she was persistent in her petition and unwavering in her faith and humility.

Jesus Healed Deaf Man with Speech Impediment: Read Mark 7:31-37:

‘And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis. And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him. And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue; And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him,

“Ephphatha,”

‘that is, Be opened.’

‘And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.

‘And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it; And were beyond measure astonished, saying,

“He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.”’

Though it is difficult not to share great news abroad, sometimes we are asked to give thanks in private. Can we learn to be quietly grateful when we are asked to do so?

‘And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.

‘And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it; And were beyond measure astonished, saying,

“He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.”’

Though it is difficult not to share great news abroad, sometimes we are asked to give thanks in private. Can we learn to be quietly grateful when we are asked to do so?

St Mark 6 Reflections

The Gospel According to St Mark: Mark Chapter Six: Read here: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/mark/6?lang=eng

‘And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying,

“From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us?”

‘And they were offended at him.

‘But Jesus said unto them,

“A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.”

‘And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching’ (Mark 6:1-6).

Because they knew Jesus as a boy, and because they knew Joseph and Mary and all of their children, they would not accept that Jesus could be doing the miracles they witnessed. They wouldn’t believe that He was God’s Anointed. So Jesus couldn’t share much with the people there, but taught and healed more in the surrounding villages.

Do we sometimes not accept people because we know their background? Do we sometimes reject leaders because they are familiar to us? Would we also not have accepted prophets who grew up among us? Would we not have accepted the Christ? It’s hard to say. But are we humble enough to ask God about those He has called to lead us, so that we know for ourselves. Are we humble enough to ask God if Jesus Christ is His Son and our Redeemer?

Jesus Sent out the Twelve Apostles, two by two, to serve missions: Read Mark 6:7-13:

‘And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. And he said unto them,

“In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.”

‘And they went out, and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.’

Jesus established the order for missionary work, wherein the apostles went out two by two to teach the gospel, administer in the ordinances thereof, and offer relief, healing, and salvation to the people. The Apostles had the authority to do these works in Jesus’s name. 

Herod Mistakes Jesus for John the Baptist, thinking he’s risen from the dead: Read Mark 6:14-29.

Herod had John beheaded. When he hears the works that Jesus is doing, he thinks John has been brought back to life. Others think that Jesus is Elias, or another prophet, or as one of the prophets.

The Apostles Report on their Assignments: Read Mark 6:30-32:

‘And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. And he said unto them,

“Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while”:

‘for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.’

The Lord new the value of having solitary time, down time, a time to rest and regroup, a time for prayer and rejuvenation, a time to be fed by the Spirit.

When ‘the people saw them departing, and many knew him, [they] ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him. And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

‘And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said,

“This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed: Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat.”

‘He answered and said unto them,

“Give ye them to eat.”

‘And they say unto him,

“Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?”

‘He saith unto them,

“How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.”

‘And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass. And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.

‘And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.

‘And they did all eat, and were filled. And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes. And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men (vs. 33-44).

It is amazing to think of the crowds of people running over the land to get to the place where the ship would dock. Jesus had compassion on them, and He taught them all day. They were such a willing congregation; quite a contrast from His own village. Then He again miraculously fed the multitude, because He didn’t want to send them away weak and hungry to faint on their way home.

How can we feed others both spiritually and physically? Do physical needs need to be met before people can grasp spiritual things? Is eating together itself an act of communion that binds us?

The apostles departed by ship while Jesus sent the multitude away. Then ‘He departed into a mountain to pray’ (vs. 45-46).

‘And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.

‘But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them,

“Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.”

‘And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened’ (vs. 47-52).

Even with all the miracles the disciples witnessed daily, they still were in awe and wondered. Wouldn’t you? Here was a man walking on water, who not only told them not to fear, but also calmed the storm. If their hearts were hardened, would the storm have humbled them?

I love the last few verses, because the people of Gennesaret see the ship approaching, and right away they know it’s Jesus, And they ‘ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.

‘And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole’ (vs. 53-56).

Are we looking for Jesus? These verses say they knew Him. (And so did the people He’d fed earlier.) Do we know Him? Do we know He can heal us? Are we bringing others unto Christ so they can be healed as well?