After healing a man who was born blind, Jesus taught the Pharisees about spiritual blindness. Unlike physical blindness, spiritual blindness is often willful, caused by trying to prove what we want to believe instead of accepting evidence at face value.
Veritas Liberabit Vos
Truth makes us free for at least two reasons. First, when we don't acknowledge our sins, we are unable to overcome them. Second, increased knowledge brings increased power. God wants to give us more knowledge, so that we can be more free.
Rivers of Living Water
Jesus testified that He is the source of "living water," which is the love of God. When we come to Him, He not only quenches our thirst, He also makes it possible for us to share that living water with others.
Knowing and Doing
Some things we can learn by observation, but others are learned only by personal experience. Jesus taught, "If any man will do [God's] will, he shall know of the doctrine." Discipleship requires practice. We learn by doing.
“Neither Do I Condemn Thee”
Jesus didn't come to condemn us. He came to save us. He expressed confidence in the woman who had committed adultery, saying, "Go and sin no more." He believed that she could change, and in response, she "glorified God...and believed on his name."
A Great Division
Jesus wants us to have peace, but there were divisions among the people who saw and heard Him. Sometimes our words provoke division. Sometimes winning an argument is more important to us than the topic. We should heal divisions, not exacerbate them.
John 7-10: “I Am the Good Shepherd” (April 24-30)
Jesus is the Lord Omnipotent, the Light and the Life of the world, and our Advocate and Redeemer. Yet during His mortal life, many people rejected Him and accused Him of having a devil. But He modeled patient leadership, calling Himself the Good Shepherd.
How to Love a Samaritan
We tend to develop rivalries with people similar to us. The Jews and the Samaritans, like the Nephites and the Lamanites, had much more in common than the things which divided them. Here are some ways to build bridges with our "Samaritans."
That Good Part
Martha was frustrated because her sister Mary was listening to Jesus while she was busy working. Jesus encouraged her to rethink the importance of Mary's decision. We can all review how we are spending our time and make necessary adjustments.
Their Angels
Jesus warned us not to despise children, because "their angels do always behold the face of God." Who are these angels? Nephi, Jacob, and Alma all had angels minister to them. We also may receive heavenly help from angels whom we do not see.