"They that be whole need not a physician," said Jesus, "but they that are sick." Then He added, "I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" (Matthew 9:12-13, Mark 2:17, Luke 5:31-32). The prophet Mormon used the same metaphor to explain to his son Moroni why small children do not need to be baptized: Listen to the... Continue Reading →
He Who Liveth
Today is Easter Sunday, when Christians all over the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, His triumph over death. "I am he who liveth," said the Savior when He appeared to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon in the Kirtland Temple on April 3, 1836 (Doctrine and Covenants 110:4). The Come Follow Me lesson manual... Continue Reading →
“The People That Walked in Darkness” – 2 Nephi 19:2
Even when we are surrounded by darkness, we can be filled with light. The ancient prophet Micah wrote, "Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me" (Micah 7:8). And King David affirmed, "The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness" (Psalm 18:28). Isaiah prophesied that the coming... Continue Reading →
Son of God
It is ironic that we believe in an all-powerful Being called "the Son of God." Book of Mormon prophets repeatedly emphasize this irony as they discuss the birth of Jesus Christ. Just before describing an expansive vision he experienced, Nephi introduces the term "the Son of God" for the first time, explaining that the term... Continue Reading →
The Star
Why is a star such a powerful symbol for the birth of the Savior? Stars represent us. The Lord referred to stars to illustrate for the vast number of descendants he would have. "Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy... Continue Reading →
Shepherds
King David declared, "The Lord is my shepherd" (Psalm 23:1). Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd" (John 10:11), and He enlisted the help of His disciples in watching over His sheep. After His death and resurrection, three times in a row, He directed His senior apostle, Peter, "Feed my sheep" (John 21:15-17). Who are... Continue Reading →
How to “Come unto Christ”
Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me.Doctrine and Covenants 88:63 The phrase "come unto Christ" only appears three times in the Book of Mormon. Jacob tells us that he labored diligently to persuade his people to come unto Christ (Jacob 1:7). Amaleki ends the small plates of Nephi with... Continue Reading →
“Even as I Am” – 3 Nephi 27:27
After specifying the name of the church and summarizing the core principles of the gospel for His twelve disciples, the Savior explained what He expected from them as leaders. "Ye know the things that ye must do in my church," He said; "for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also... Continue Reading →
“He Did Heal Them Every One” – 3 Nephi 17:9
After telling the people at the temple in Bountiful that it was time for Him to go, Jesus "cast his eyes round about again on the multitude, and beheld they were in tears, and did look steadfastly upon him as if they would ask him to tarry a little longer with them" (3 Nephi 17:5).... Continue Reading →
“Behold, I Am Jesus Christ” – 3 Nephi 9:15-18, 11:10-11
The way you introduce yourself says a lot about what is important to you and about your relationship with your audience. After the Savior's death in Jerusalem, He introduced Himself twice to a group of people on the American continent: while they sat in darkness and heard His voice, and again when He visited them... Continue Reading →
