Jesus said to His apostles, "He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me." Living apostles post to social media regularly. When we follow them and pay attention to their words, we honor the Savior who sent them.
“As One Having Authority”
Jesus "taught...as one having authority." What does that mean? His study of the scriptures had brought Him close to God, and His power as a teacher came from that closeness. Ammon and his brothers also "taught with power and authority" as did Abinadi.
The Discussion on the Mount
Jesus taught the principles in the Sermon on the Mount in a variety of settings and to a variety of audiences. He adapted His delivery to each audience. We can follow His example by slowing down and paying attention to our listeners while we teach.
How Did Jesus Fulfill the Law?
Jesus fulfilled the law in three ways: (1) by completing His mission, rendering the religious observances of the law of Moses obsolete, (2) by fulfilling scriptural prophecies, and (3) by clarifying the meaning and purpose of God's commandments.
Poor in Spirit
The Greek word ptóchos (πτωχός) means literally one who crouches or cowers. God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him. Are we spiritually poor but unaware of it? Have we not yet become ptóchos, crouching and seeking help from Him?
Salt
Jesus said, "Ye are the salt of the earth." Here are three lessons from this analogy: (1) A little bit of goodness goes a long way" (2) Don't just fit in. Be true to your discipleship, even if it makes you stick out. (3) Keep focusing on eternity. It will help everyone around you be more resilient.
Peacemaking
Many of our efforts to make peace involve the people closest to us. We can work with confidence to calm anxieties and heal divisions within our families and among our friends. We can focus on the positive, love generously, and live mercifully.
Perfect
Mistakes are a feature of mortal life. That may be why Jesus reserved the designation of "perfect" for Himself until after His death and resurrection. We need to be patient with ourselves when we make mistakes, learn from them, and move on.
Bread
We all respond regularly to physical hunger, but we may not be as aware of our spiritual hunger. Moses taught that we don't live by bread alone, and Jesus quoted that teaching when Satan tempted Him. We need to nourish our spirits as we do our bodies.
Baptized with Fire
John the Baptist described the effect of the Holy Ghost with a striking metaphor: I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. Matthew 3:11; see also Luke 3:16 As far as I know, that is the only place... Continue Reading →
Book of Mormon Study Notes 