As He hung on the cross, Jesus told His mother and the apostle John to "behold" one another. Later, He told a group of Nephites and Lamanites to "behold" their children. When we behold someone, we understand them better and can serve and support them.
Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19: “It Is Finished” (June 19-25)
The Savior demonstrated extraordinary poise as He appeared before Annas, Caiaphas, Pilate, and Herod. As He hung on the cross, He spoke words of kindness and mercy. The cross itself provides powerful imagery symbolizing His love and His ability to save us
Not Shrinking
In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was determined not to shrink from His responsibility to suffer for our sins. We can follow His example by not "shrinking" or holding back from the hard things that God has asked us to do.
“None of Them Is Lost”
Jesus's mission is to save everyone who is willing to be saved.He told the men who arrested Him to let the apostles go, thus fulfilling His promise to the Father to lose none. We can follow His example by helping everyone belong and flourish.
What Is Truth? What Is True?
Pilate asked, "What is truth?" Sherem expressed similar doubt: "No man knoweth...of things to come." But Jacob testified, "The Spirit speaketh the truth," and added, "These things are manifested unto us plainly." Disciples of Jesus seek and embrace truth.
“Put Up Again Thy Sword”
When Peter tried to defend Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus taught him an important truth: "All they that take the sword shall perish with the sword." Peace and patience can be far more persuasive than contention and hostility.
The Spirit Is Willing
When Peter and the other apostles disappointed Jesus, He acknowledged their good desires. "The spirit is willing," He said, "but the flesh is weak." We can follow His example by giving people credit for their positive desires even when they disappoint us.
“That He May Sift You”
Satan, our adversary, tries to separate us. Jesus called it "sifting us as wheat." He urged all of us to thwart Satan's efforts by remaining faithful to God, strengthening one another, and being patient and kind to one another.
Luke 22; John 18: “Not My Will, but Thine, Be Done” (June 12-18)
Here are some lessons I have learned from Jesus's words and actions in the garden of Gethsemane: 1. We must be willing to say, "Not my will, but thine be done." 2. We must be willing drink bitter cups when necessary. 3. We should watch and pray always.
“I Will Not Abandon You as Orphans”
I was recently reflecting on John 14:18 and as I dug into other translations, I was captivated with the variety of terms used for “comfortless”. Considering the different translations together added depth of understanding and a new appreciation for this passage. King James Version: I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. New... Continue Reading →