Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints follow a curriculum called “Come, Follow Me” for gospel study in church classes, with their families, and as individuals. In 2023, I’m using this curriculum to structure my study of the Book of Mormon, even though the assigned text this year is the New Testament. Here’s how that works:
- I follow the schedule given in the manual “Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023.”
- Each Sunday, I write an overview post, summarizing the reading, sharing some of my insights into that week’s assignment, and sharing relevant Book of Mormon passages and blog posts.
- Monday through Saturday, I will write a post each day about themes from that week’s reading.
Here is a list of the weekly posts I’ve written so far. To read my weekly posts from prior years, go to the following links:
- Come Follow Me 2022 (Old Testament)
- Come Follow Me 2021 (Doctrine and Covenants)
- Come Follow Me 2020 (Book of Mormon)
Weekly Overview Posts
Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 5-6: “Be Not Afraid” (March 27-April 2)
From the miracle at Bethesda, we learn that we must be willing to be healed. From the miracle of the Loaves and the Fishes, we learn that Jesus can nourish our souls. From the miracle of walking on the water, we learn to trust Him and not be afraid.
Matthew 13; Luke 8, 13: “Who Hath Ears to Hear, Let Him Hear” (March 20-26)
A parable compares something familiar with something intangible. Some of Jesus’ parables compare farming with spiritual growth. Many of His parables teach the meaning of the kingdom of heaven. Parables require effort from us. We must have “ears to hear.”
Matthew 11-12, Luke 11: “I Will Give You Rest” (March 13-19)
Christ’s burden is light. When we focus on the heart of the gospel, we treat others with mercy and avoid overburdening them. We serve others without giving up on them. We recognize signs without demanding them. And we prioritize reality over appearances.
Matthew 9–10; Mark 5; Luke 9: “These Twelve Jesus Sent Forth” (March 6-12)
1. Apostles are messengers sent from Christ. The way we receive them reflects the way we would receive Him. 2. We are healed and saved by His grace as we exercise faith in Him. 3. Believing does not require naïveté. It requires a positive focus and hope.
Matthew 8; Mark 2-4; Luke 7: “Thy Faith Hath Saved Thee” (February 27-March 5)
Jesus healed many people during His earthly ministry to demonstrate that He can heal us all. He saw sinners as people to be healed, not to be condemned. Just as He calmed the storm, we need to learn to be still and trust Him.
Matthew 6-7: ““He Taught Them as One Having Authority” (February 20-26)
The second part of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6) focuses on prioritizing heavenly rewards. The third part (Matthew 7) provides guidelines for judging wisely. Jesus also provided an example of a good prayer, called the Lord’s Prayer.
Matthew 5; Luke 6: “Blessed Are Ye” (February 13-19)
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches that apparent signs of weakness can actually be sources of strength. He urges us to light the world. He also shows us how to internalize the law rather than merely comply with it.
John 2-4: “Ye Must Be Born Again” (February 6-12)
Some of Jesus’ most profound teachings had an audience of one. He taught Nicodemus that we must be born again and that His coming demonstrated God’s love. He taught the Samaritan woman that He provides living water and that we must worship with our heart.
Matthew 4; Luke 4-5: “The Spirit of the Lord Is Upon Me” (January 30-February 5)
We can overcome temptation by following the Savior’s example: studying the word of God, fasting, and spending time alone. We can follow His example of service by contributing to the health and freedom—physical, emotional, and spiritual—of others.
Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3: “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord” (January 23-29)
Three reasons why baptism was an appropriate way for the Savior to begin His ministry: 1. Baptism is an inherently humble and submissive action. 2. Baptism is a public declaration of belief. 3. Baptism by immersion symbolizes our total commitment to God.
John 1: “We Have Found the Messiah” (January 16-22)
Four messages from John 1: 1. Jesus created the world. 2. Jesus is the light of the world. 3. He is full of grace, and He helps us grow “grace for grace.” 4. He is the Lamb of God.
Matthew 2; Luke 2: “We Have Come to Worship Him” (January 9-15)
“Even the Wise Men of the Earth Must Follow Divine Direction,” by J. Leo Fairbanks Both Matthew and Luke emphasize the importance of the birth of Jesus Christ by talking about people who worshipped Him as a small child. Here are some lessons I’ve learned from these events, with relevant blog…
Matthew 1; Luke 1: “Be It Unto Me According to Thy Word” (January 2-8)
“Blessed Art Thou among Women,” by Walter Rane As the birth of Jesus Christ approached, angelic messengers visited several people, including Zacharias, Mary, and Joseph. In all three cases, the message included the words, “Fear not.” (See Luke 1:13, Luke 1:30, Matthew 1:20.) Zacharias’s wife Elizabeth, who was Mary’s cousin, also…
We Are Responsible for Our Own Learning (December 26-January 1)
As we prepare to study the New Testament in 2023, this week we’re reviewing how to acquire spiritual knowledge. Jesus expected His disciples to take ownership of their own learning process. “Whom do men say that I am?” He asked on one occasion. After hearing their answers, He asked the more…
Book of Mormon Study Notes 