29 Oct 2012 Monday
The Gospel According to St Luke
Author:
1. Luke was a physician and was called to be a “messenger of Jesus Christ”.
2. Luke was a Gentile (non-Jewish) by birth. His writings show he was well educated in Greek culture and language.
3. Luke was not an eyewitness to the events of the Savior’s life but became well acquainted with the life and teachings of the Savior through those who were.
4. Luke was Paul’s companion at various times. He traveled with the Apostle during his second and third missionary journeys. When Paul was imprisoned at Rome for the second time, Luke remained even after all others deserted him.
5. Luke was also the author of the book of Acts, which is a companion volume to his Gospel.
Audience:
Luke wanted the Gentiles to come to the same knowledge of the truth that he had. His testimony was addressed to Theophilus, who may have been a high-ranking Roman official. Luke presented information that would help every reader understand and believe the good news about the Redeemer.
Luke 1:1-4
Historical Background:
Luke was written before Acts, probably between A.D. 59–79.
Unique Features:
Besides being the longest book in the New Testament, Luke adds the unique perspective of one who was not a Jew to the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ life.
“Matthew presents Christ as King, Mark presents Him as Servant, John presents Him as the Son of God, and Luke presents Him as the Son of man, the human-divine [part mortal] One. . . . In agreement with his purpose, Luke narrates those events that demonstrate the humanity of Christ. The divine genealogy is traced to Adam. A detailed account of Christ’s mother and of His infancy and childhood is presented. The parables included by Luke have a human touch. Although Luke beautifully sets forth the humanity of the divine One he carefully shields His deity and kingship”.
The Gospel of Luke includes much material not found in the other Gospels. This material often focuses on women, the poor, and the lower class. Luke’s testimony, therefore, provides a message of hope to all people through the life and atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This emphasis is also consistent with the book of Acts, which is primarily concerned with the mission to the Gentiles.
Theme:
Luke 19:10 is a good summary of Luke’s theme that:
“the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Luke’s testimony is that Jesus was the promised Messiah and is the Savior of all.
Only in Luke:
The following are some of the teachings found only in Luke:
• Gabriel’s visits to Zacharias and Mary (see Luke 1:5–20, 26–38)
• Details of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem (see Luke 2:1–20)
• The testimonies of Simeon and Anna (see Luke 2:21–38)
• The twelve-year-old Jesus at the temple (see Luke 2:40–52)
• The parables (found in Luke 10–19)
• The calling of the seventy (see Luke 10:1–16)
• Christ bleeding from every pore in Gethsemane (see Luke 22:44)
• Jesus telling the thief on the cross that he would
be with Him in paradise (see Luke 23:39–43)
Introduction
“For generations, enlightened mankind anxiously sought the fulfillment of prophecies uttered by righteous men inspired of Almighty God. . . .
“Then came that night of nights when the angel of the Lord came upon shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock, with the pronouncement: ‘For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.’ (Luke 2:8–11.) . . .
“With the birth of the babe in Bethlehem, there emerged a great endowment—a power stronger than weapons, a wealth more lasting than the coins of Caesar. This child was to be the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Promised Messiah, even Jesus Christ the Son of God.
“Born in a stable, cradled in a manger, he came forth from heaven to live on earth as mortal man and to establish the kingdom of God” (Thomas S. Monson, in Conference Report, Oct. 1965, 141). The testimony of Luke opens with a detailed account of the events that surrounded Christ’s birth.
Luke 1
If you could receive any announcement today, what would you like it to be?
Jesus Christ, John the Baptist, Mary, and many others were foreordained in the premortal life to fulfill certain missions on earth.
What clues do these verses give as to why they were the ones to receive these special announcements? Luke 1:5–17, 26–31
Elder Bruce R. McConkie said:
“Our Lord’s mother, Mary, like Christ, was chosen and foreordained in preexistence for the part she was destined to play in the great plan of salvation. Hers was the commission to provide a temporal body for the Lord Omnipotent, to nurture and cherish him in infancy and youth, and to aid him in preparing for that great mission which he alone could perform. Certainly she was one of the noblest and greatest of all the spirit offspring of the Father” (Mormon Doctrine, 471).
“Though many of the Jews in the meridian of time were in a state of direful and awful apostasy, such darkness of mind and spirit was not universal. It did not envelope the whole nation. Elizabeth and Zacharias were righteous saints. Both were lineal descendants of Aaron, and Zacharias held the office of priest in the Aaronic Priesthood”. (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 1:78)
• What do we learn about Mary, Zacharias, and Elisabeth from these statements?
Zacharias’s wife, Elisabeth, was barren (infertile) and Mary was a virgin.
• How do these circumstances add to the significance of these births?
• Do you know of anyone who was born under seemingly miraculous circumstances?
• What thoughts or feelings have your parents shared with you about how sacred
and special it is to bring a child into the world?
From Luke 1:38–55, 67–79
(Descriptions of peace, joy, and hope that Mary and Zacharias expressed.)
• How do you imagine you might feel when you become a parent?
• How might such feelings be more intense because these two children were to be Jesus and John the Baptist?
• What do these verses teach about the faith of Mary and Zacharias?
• What lessons can you learn from them to help your faith grow?
HOMEWORK: Read Luke
30 Oct 2012 Tuesday
• What do you like about mirrors?
• What do you dislike?
• How concerned are you about the way you look?
• What do you do to try to change your looks?
• How important is your outward appearance compared to your personality and inner traits?
• What might result from having some of those people serve as your role models?
Some of the best role models are found in the scriptures.
Luke 7:28
Elder Bruce R. McConkie said:
“Few prophets rank with John the Baptist. Among other things, his ministry was foretold by Lehi, Nephi, and Isaiah; Gabriel came down from the courts of glory to announce John’s coming birth; he was the last legal administrator, holding keys and authority under the Mosaic dispensation; his mission was to prepare the way before, baptize, and acclaim the divine Sonship of Christ; and in modern times, on the 15th of May, 1829, he returned to earth as a resurrected being to confer the Aaronic Priesthood upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery.” (Mormon Doctrine, 393)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie said about Mary:
“As the Father chose the most noble and righteous of all his spirit sons to come into mortality as his Only Begotten in the flesh, so we may confidently conclude that he selected the most worthy and spiritually talented of all his spirit daughters to be the mortal mother of his Eternal Son”.
(Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 1:85)
Even when Jesus’ parents did not know where He was,
He was always doing the will of His Father in Heaven.
Have you ever been lost?
Describe your feelings when you realized you were lost.
Imagine being a parent whose child is lost.
• How do you think a parent might feel?
• Do you think you would be more or less worried if your child were lost in your
neighborhood or while you were on a trip far from home?
Luke 2:40–45
• How do you imagine Mary and Joseph felt when they discovered Jesus was lost?
• Where would your own parents probably go looking for you if you were lost?
• What does the place where you can usually be found reveal about the type of
person you are?
Luke 2:46
• Where did Joseph and Mary find Jesus?
D&C 109:12–13
• Why is the temple still a good place to “search for Jesus”?
• What does being found in the temple reveal about the type of person Jesus Christ
was, even when He was just twelve years old?
D&C 101:22
Luke 2
• According to Luke 2, how good a son was Jesus?
• What evidence is there that His parents trusted Him?
Look up and read the Joseph Smith Translation of Luke 2:46.
• What do these verses add to our understanding of the Savior?
• What evidence is there that Jesus already knew who He was?
A statement about Jesus by the Prophet Joseph Smith:
“When still a boy He had all the intelligence necessary to enable Him to rule and govern the kingdom of the Jews, and could reason with the wisest and most profound doctors of law and divinity, and make their theories and practice to appear like folly compared with the wisdom He possessed; but He was a boy only, and lacked physical strength even to defend His own person; and was subject to cold, to hunger and to death”.
(Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 392)
31 Oct 2012 Wednesday
Luke 4
Where is the Savior?
What is He was doing?
What do you think the people with Him were feeling?
What do you like most about the picture?
In what city did these things happen? (see v. 16)
What was the relationship between the Savior and these people?
What is “the book of the prophet Esaias”?
Refer to footnote 18a to learn what passage Christ was reading.
Isaiah’s words were understood by the Jews to be Messianic, they prophesied of a Savior who would come.
Luke 4:22–24
• How did the people respond to the Savior’s declaration that He was the promised Messiah?
• Why do you think they rejected His testimony?
• Why might it be hard to accept a person you grew up with as a chosen leader?
• How could this apply to us today?
What are some …
Characteristics of the prophet that are typical of other men.
Characteristics that are unique to him and his calling.
The prophet is in many ways like other men.
• How does this make it difficult for some people to accept his words?
• Does the ease or difficulty of what the prophet asks make a difference in how we listen to him? Why?
Doctrine and Covenants 1:38
How does this verse applies to our local leaders (parents, bishop, stake president)?
“Members of the Church . . . those of enduring faith . . . willingly accept the supremacy of God and rely upon the scriptures and counsel of His servants, the leaders of the Church. These leaders of the Church are men with human frailties, and are imperfect in their wisdom and judgment. Perfection in men is not found on the earth. But almost without exception these leaders sincerely, humbly, and prayerfully render great and dedicated Christian service to the best of their ability. More important, they hold a divine warrant and commission through which great and eternal blessings come to those who sustain and follow them. They are God’s servants”.
(Elder James E. Faust in Conference Report, Oct. 1985, 8; or Ensign, Nov. 1985, 8)
• In Luke 4:25–32, What blessing did the people lose because of their reaction to the Savior’s teaching?
(The Savior left their midst.)
• Why were the people of Nazareth upset when the Savior compared them to Israel in the time of the widow of Sarepta and of Naaman the leper?
The story of the widow of Sarepta (Zarephath) in 1 Kings 17:
The story of Naaman the Leper in 2 Kings 5:1–14:
The following explanation by Elder Bruce R. McConkie will help us understand why the Savior cited these stories:
“How aptly Jesus chose his illustrations! Both of these ancient prophets, dishonored by their own, conferred great blessings upon foreigners. So it was with the Nazarenes; others, not they, had seen his great works”. (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 1:162)
• In what ways do we stand in jeopardy of losing the Lord’s blessings if we do not accept the Savior or His servants?
• Why won’t our membership in the Lord’s Church help us if we do not keep His commandments?
This account, which is found only in Luke, is an important part of Luke’s testimony that Jesus Christ is the Savior of all mankind.
HOMEWORK: Luke 5 & 6
01 Nov 2012 Thursday
Luke 7
John the Baptist was a great prophet and the forerunner for Jesus Christ. He stressed that people should worship the Savior, not him.
President Thomas S. Monson succeeded Gordon B. Hinckley as President of the Church on February 3, 2008. Do you remember President Hinckley? His Funeral?
Imagine that during his funeral service a nonmember acquaintance whispers to you:
“Isn’t it tragic that the leader of your church has passed away?”
How would you respond?
“Yes it was tragic, but isn’t it wonderful that He rose again after the third day!”
Jesus is the leader of His Church.
Those who are called to serve in the Church should never take glory or honor away from Jesus Christ.
The Savior set the example by showing us how to give appropriate glory and honor.
Moses 4:1–2
How was Satan’s desire for glory different from that of the Son?
Luke 7:17–23 refers to the time when John was imprisoned:
• Who did John send his disciples to see?
• What seems to be the reason John wanted them to go to Jesus?
• What effect did Jesus’ miracles have on John’s disciples?
“The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles” Commentary for Matthew 11:2-3
Did John doubt the Jesus was the Messiah?
• How does this help you understand John’s motive in sending the disciples?
• How do you feel about John, knowing that he wanted his followers to become disciples of Jesus Christ?
• What can we learn from John’s example?
The Savior praised John and testified of his mission in Luke 7:24–30.
In spite of the greatness of John and Jesus, many of the people still rejected them.
Elder Bruce R. McConkie paraphrased the Savior’s message to the people in Luke 7:31–35 this way:
“You are like fickle children playing games; when you hold a mock wedding, your playmates refuse to dance; when you change the game to a funeral procession, your playmates refuse to mourn. In like manner you are only playing at religion. As cross and capricious children you reject John because he came with the strictness of the Nazarites, and ye reject me because I display the warm human demeanor that makes for pleasant social [interaction]”.
(in Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 1:263)
Elder Hans B. Ringger of the Seventy testified:
“The foundation and guiding light for all our decisions is the gospel of Jesus Christ and His message to the world. The teachings of Christ must be embedded in our desire to choose the right and in our wish to find happiness. His righteous life must be reflected in our own actions”. (in Conference Report, Apr. 1990, 31; or Ensign, May 1990, 25)
05 Nov 2012 Monday
In Luke 10–13 the Lord taught people that their lives should reflect righteousness. He helped them see how important it was that their hearts be clean, their motives pure, and their service sincere. The Lord summarized this doctrine in these famous words: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself”. (Luke 10:27)
Luke 10
• Why is missionary work an important service?
• According to verses 17-20, what blessings came to the seventy as a result of their service?
• According to verses 25–27, which of the two great commandments have to do with service?
• According to verse 28, what feelings come to those who serve?
• Why do you think service is such an important principle of the gospel?
The Savior identified whom we should serve when He gave the parable of the good Samaritan.
“Let us examine what really took place here:
(comments by President N. Eldon Tanner, who was a member of the First Presidency)
“First, the Samaritan ‘had compassion.’ He had the urge to help, for he felt sympathetic to the wounded man’s problem. This kindly affection is brought forth in the heart of anyone who has been touched by the Spirit of the Lord. These empathetic feelings should be felt by each of us toward one another. Indeed, the Savior said that covenant Israel should be known and distinguished by the love they show one for the other.” (See John 13:35.)
“Second, the Samaritan ‘went to him.’ He did not wait to be approached by the one in need, but rather perceived the need and stepped forth without being asked to do so. In that great hymn ‘A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief’ (Hymns, no. 153), so loved by the Prophet Joseph, we sense that the high reward promised by the Savior came not just because acts of kindness were performed, but also because they were done spontaneously, consistently, and selflessly.
“Third, the Samaritan ‘bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine.’ He provided medical attention and refreshed the sufferer’s thirst. This immediate relief may well have saved the man’s life.
“Fourth, the Samaritan ‘set him on his own beast’— that is, he provided transportation and ‘brought him to an inn,’ a place of rest and care. By providing this appropriate accommodation he ensured the proper conditions for healing to take place.
“Fifth, the Samaritan ‘took care of him.’ Notice that during the critical stages of healing, the Samaritan did not turn the care of the wounded man over to others, but sacrificed of his own time and energy to perform this healing service himself. In a time when it is so easy to leave things to someone else, it is important to have so powerful an example as this good Samaritan.”
“Sixth, the Samaritan ‘on the morrow . . . took out two pence, and gave them to the host.’ He took of his own money, not someone else’s, and paid for the services he could not render himself. He thus consecrated of his means for the care of the poor and the needy.
“Seventh, the Samaritan, needing to continue earning his own living, told the innkeeper to ‘take care of him.’ In this way he enlisted others . . . to help and to
continue the care.
“Eighth, the Samaritan then promised that ‘whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.’ Here the ultimate in compassion is shown! He puts no limit on the extent to which he will help. And, perhaps even more significant, he does not drop it there and forget it, but commits himself to return and ensure that all that could be done has been done”.
(in Conference Report, Oct. 1977, 119–20; or Ensign, Nov. 1977, 91–92)
Samaritans (From the Bible Dictionary):
The title is used to describe the people who inhabited Samaria after the captivity of the northern kingdom of Israel. They were the descendants of foreign colonists placed there by kings of Assyria and Babylonia; Israelites who escaped at the time of the captivity. The population was therefore partly Israelite and partly gentile. Their religion was also of a mixed character, though they claimed, as worshippers of Jehovah, to have a share in the rebuilding of the temple at Jerusalem. This claim not being allowed, they became, as the books of Ezra and Nehemiah show, bitter opponents of the Jews, and started a rival temple of their own on Mount Gerizim. When Nehemiah ejected from Jerusalem a grandson of the high priest Eliashib on account of his marriage with a heathen woman, he took refuge with the Samaritans, taking with him a copy of the Pentateuch, and according to Josephus became high priest at Gerizim. There are several references in the N.T. to the antagonism between the Jews and Samaritans; but the people of Samaria were included among those to whom the apostles were directed to preach the gospel, and a very successful work was done there by Philip.
• How did the Jews feel toward the Samaritans?
• How does knowing that add to the power of this parable?
Bishop H. David Burton, Presiding Bishop of the Church stated:
“Good Samaritanism is contagious. Providing in the Lord’s way humbles the rich, exalts the poor, and sanctifies both. The giver helps those in need by sharing what he has received. . . . As the receiver rises to his full potential, he then is able to reach out to help others.
“Good Samaritanism starts in the home as parents teach children by example and precept. . . . May we be generous with our time and liberal in our contributions for the care of those who suffer. May we commit to the principles of Good Samaritanism and be ever mindful of the need to ‘go, and do thou likewise.’”
(in Conference Report, Apr. 1997, 106, 108; or Ensign, May 1997, 76)
Imagine the Savior comes to your home for a short visit.
• How would you prepare for Him?
• What would you do or say during His visit?
• What would you change before He arrived?
Compare what Martha and Mary did. (Luke 10:38–42)
• What was “that good part” that Mary chose?
• What can we learn from what Jesus said to Martha?
“This scripture reminds every Martha, male and female, that we should not be so occupied with what is routine and temporal that we fail to cherish those opportunities that are unique and spiritual”.
(Dallin H. Oaks in Conference Report, Oct. 1985, 76; or Ensign, Nov. 1985, 61)
“There was no reproof of Martha’s desire to provide well; nor any sanction of possible neglect on Mary’s part. We must suppose that Mary had been a willing helper before the Master’s arrival; but now that He had come, she chose to remain with Him. Had she been culpably neglectful of her duty, Jesus would not have commended her course. He desired not well served meals and material comforts only, but the company of the sisters, and above all their receptive attention to what He had to say. He had more to give them than they could possibly provide for Him. Jesus loved the two sisters and their brother as well. Both these women were devoted to Jesus, and each expressed herself in her own way. Martha was of a practical turn, concerned in material service; she was by nature hospitable and self-denying. Mary, contemplative and more spiritually inclined, showed her devotion through the service of companionship and appreciation”.
(Elder James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ, 433)
Live in such a way that the Savior’s Spirit can be with us daily.
Find time each day for prayer, scripture study, and quiet pondering.
HOMEWORK: Luke 5, 6, 8 & 9
06 Nov 2012 Tuesday
Luke 11
• Why do we have an opening prayer?
• Why do we need the things that were prayed for?
• What should we pray for? What should we not pray for?
Luke 11:1
• Why is the phrase “teach us to pray” important?
Luke 11:2–4
• What did the Savior say was important to pray for?
• What do we ask for that is similar to praying for “daily bread”?
• How often should we pray for forgiveness?
• Why is praying to be delivered from temptation vital in the society in which we live?
• Are there any other elements of prayer you have been taught that are not recorded in these verses?
Luke 11:5–13 JST
Look to the Lord for answers about how to keep your prayers appropriate and how to make them more meaningful.
“My beloved brothers and sisters and friends, I bear earnest and solemn witness to you that the Lord does communicate with us as individuals. Never, never fall victim to the heinous thought that He does not care for you, that He does not know you. That is a satanic lie, one designed to destroy you”.
(Elder L. Edward Brown, a member of the Seventy, in Conference Report, Apr. 1997, 109; or Ensign, May 1997, 78)
• Which is more important, the outside or what is inside?
• What was deceptive about the filthy gift?
• How are some people like this?
Luke 12:1
• What word in this verse best describes the filthy gift? (Hypocrisy)
• What is the definition of “hypocrite”? (see Bible Dictionary)
• How is a hypocrite different from a person who tries to do right but makes mistakes because of weaknesses? …
Luke 11:37–39, 46
A hypocrite finds fault with others and doesn’t repent.
• How is a hypocrite different from a person who tries to do right but makes mistakes because of weaknesses? …
Luke 11:42–44
A hypocrite seeks to have the praise of the world rather than to serve God.
Luke 11:53–54
Luke 12:54–57
Luke 13:14–16
A hypocrite twists the commandments to find fault with those who are doing good.
Luke 12
True discipleship requires a willingness to school our feelings so that our personal desires are the same
as the Savior’s desires for us.
Some Characteristics of True Discipleship
The Savior’s teachings in Luke 12 can be categorized into things we must do and things we must avoid doing to become true disciples of Jesus Christ. The following are some characteristics of true discipleship:
Avoid hypocrisy (see Luke 12:1–3). Hypocrisy is pretending to do or believe one thing when in reality you do or believe something else.
Place faith in God rather than man (see Luke 12:4–9). The powers of man are limited, while God has all power. We should therefore have faith in the watchful care of our Heavenly Father, because He sees all things (see v. 7; JST, Luke 10:9–12).
Some Characteristics of True Discipleship
Do not covet the treasures of the earth (see Luke 12:13–34). Jesus taught that disciples should avoid covetousness. The parable in verses 16–20 illustrates this point. Elder James E. Talmage said of the rich man in this parable:
“His plans for the proper care of his fruits and goods were not of themselves evil, though he might have considered better ways of distributing his surplus, as for the relief of the needy. His sin was two-fold; first, he regarded his great store chiefly as the means of securing personal ease and sensuous indulgence; secondly, in his material prosperity he failed to acknowledge God, and even counted the years as his own. In the hour of his selfish jubilation he was smitten”.
(Jesus the Christ, 439)
Prepare for the Lord’s Second Coming (see Luke 12:35–59; JST, Luke 12:41–57). Those who are wise watch for the Savior’s return.
• Luke 12:1–12, Luke 12:13–21, Luke 12:22–31, Luke 12:32–40, Luke 12:41–48
• What do these verses teach about being a disciple of Jesus?
• Why might it be difficult for us to follow this teaching?
• Who do you know who sets a good example of following these teachings?
• What blessings do you believe come to disciples who practice these teachings?
07 Nov 2012 Wednesday
Luke 13-14
• Which of the following would you most like to have front row seats for:
the championship game of your favorite sport,
a concert featuring your favorite band,
a professional symphony performance,
an awards night for famous movie stars, or
a royal wedding?
• What is most appealing to you about the thought of attending that event?
• What benefits might you receive from attending?
Luke 14:1
• What is the setting?
• What do you think the atmosphere was like?
• What do you think the other guests thought and felt?
• If you had also been there as a guest, how might you have benefitted from these teachings of the Savior?
• Where can we have a similar experience today?
In Luke 14:7–11:
• What did the Savior say about those who wanted to take the most honorable seats?
• What are some modern “seats” or places where people try to be seen?
Luke 14:11
• What does verse 11 teach us about humility?
Jesus was applying an ancient proverb Solomon gave to the people of his day (see Proverbs 25:6–7). Christ taught how life is like a wedding feast during which decisions must be made. While in the proverb the proper choice was the “lowest room,” in life the proper choice is to be humble. In verse 11, Jesus summarized the whole purpose of mortality as a test to see if people will flee from pride and serve Him humbly.
Quote by President Gordon B. Hinckley:
“People ask me frequently what is my favorite verse of scripture. I have many and this is one of them, ‘Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers’ (D&C 112:10). What a promise to those who walk without arrogance, to those who walk without conceit, to those who walk without egotism, to those who walk humbly. ‘Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers.’ What a solid and wonderful promise that is” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [1997], 265).
From Luke 14:12–24:
• In what ways is the “great supper” in this parable like the gospel?
• What distracts some people from “feasting with the Lord”?
• What are some typical excuses you hear from people who don’t want to accept gospel teachings?
• How do you feel about the Savior’s challenge that we gather the poor, maimed, halt, and blind?
• Who are these people, and where do we find them?
Interpretation by Elder James E. Talmage:
“The covenant people, Israel, were the specially invited guests. They had been bidden long enough aforetime, and by their own profession as the Lord’s own had agreed to be partakers of the feast. When all was ready, on the appointed day, they were severally summoned by the Messenger who had been sent by the Father; He was even then in their midst. But the cares of riches, the allurement of material things, and the pleasures of social and domestic life had engrossed them; and they prayed to be excused or irreverently declared they could not or would not come. Then the gladsome invitation was to be carried to the Gentiles, who were looked upon as spiritually poor, maimed, halt, and blind. And later, even the pagans beyond the walls, strangers in the gates of the holy city, would be bidden to the supper. These, surprised at the unexpected summons, would hesitate, until by gentle urging and effective assurance that they were really included among the bidden guests, they would feel themselves constrained or compelled to come. The possibility of some of the discourteous ones arriving later, after they had attended to their more absorbing affairs, is indicated in the Lord’s closing words: ‘For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.’” (Jesus the Christ, 452)
One group came when they were invited, but another group didn’t come until they were compelled. (see v. 23)
Why is it better to come when you are invited rather than when you are compelled”?
Alma 32:13–16
08 Nov 2012 Thursday
Luke 15
Think of something you lost that was valuable to you.
• How hard did you try to find it?
• What kinds of feelings do you have when you lose something valuable?
• Have you or a member of your family ever been lost?
• How are your feelings for a lost person different from your feelings for lost things?
• Which is worse, to be lost physically or spiritually? Why?
Luke 15:1–3
• To what groups of people did Jesus teach these parables? publicans and sinners
• In what ways could each be considered “lost”?
• Do you know anyone who might be considered “spiritually lost”?
• What are some of the reasons people reject the gospel?
• How can a Latter-day Saint can become spiritually lost without leaving the Church?
Regarding the parables in Luke 15:4, 8, 11–13, why were each of the things in these parables was lost? …
Statement by President David O. McKay, then a member of the First Presidency:
“How did [the lamb in the parable of the lost sheep] get lost? He was not rebellious. If you follow the comparison, the lamb was seeking its livelihood in a perfectly legitimate manner, but either stupidly, perhaps unconsciously, it followed the enticement of the field, the prospect of better grass until it got out beyond the fold and was lost.
“So we have those in the Church, young men and young women, who wander away from the fold in perfectly legitimate ways. They are seeking success, success in business, success in their professions, and before long they become disinterested in Church and finally disconnected from the fold; they have lost track of what true success is, perhaps stupidly, perhaps unconsciously, in some cases, perhaps willingly. They are blind to what constitutes true success. . . .
“In [the case of the parable of the lost coin] the thing lost was not in itself responsible. The one who had been trusted with that coin had, through carelessness or neglect, mislaid it or dropped it. There is a difference . . . which I think applies to us tonight. Our charge is not only coins, but living souls of children, youth, and adults. . . . Someone may be wandering because of the careless remark of a girl of her age in [the young women’s program], . . . and the president . . . lets her go, fails to follow her next Tuesday night and invite her to come. Another may be lost because of the . . . indifference of the Sunday School teacher who is satisfied with the fifteen people there that morning, instead of thinking of the fifteen who are wandering because of neglect. . . .
“The third parable is the prodigal son, the ‘younger son,’ we are told, so he was immature in his judgment. He was irking under the restraint, and he rather resented the father’s careful guiding eye. He evidently longed for so-called freedom, wanted, so to speak, to try his wings. So he said, ‘Father, give me my portion, and I will go.’ The father gave him his portion, and out the lad went.
“Here is a case of volition, here is choice, deliberate choice. Here is, in a way, rebellion against authority. And what did he do? He spent his means in riotous living, he wasted his portion with harlots. That is the way they are lost.
“Youth who start out to indulge their appetites and passions are on the downward road to apostasy as sure as the sun rises in the east. I do not confine it to youth; any man or woman who starts out on that road of intemperance, of dissolute living will separate himself or herself from the fold as inevitably as darkness follows the day. . . .
“In such cases there is little we can do but warn and plead until the recreant, as the prodigal son, at last ‘comes to himself.’” (David O. McKay, in Conference Report, Apr. 1945, 120–23).
What reasons does President McKay give in this statement for people becoming lost?
How are people lost today for the same reasons?
Regardless of the reason someone strays, Elder James E. Talmage taught:
“Joy . . . abounds in heaven over the recovery of a soul once numbered among the lost, whether that soul be best symbolized by a sheep that had wandered afar, a coin that had dropped out of sight through the custodian’s neglect, or a son who would deliberately sever himself from home and heaven. There is no justification for the inference that a repentant sinner is to be given precedence over a righteous soul who had resisted sin. . . . Unqualifiedly offensive as is sin, the sinner is yet precious in the Father’s eyes, because of the possibility of his repentance and return to righteousness. The loss of a soul is a very real and a very great loss to God. He is pained and grieved thereby, for it is His will that not one should perish”. (Jesus the Christ, 461)
How does the Lord want us to feel toward those who are lost?
What can we do to help those in our school, ward, or family who are spiritually lost?
Insight by Elder Bruce D. Porter, a member of the Seventy:
“The parable of the prodigal son is a parable of us all. It reminds us that we are, in some measure, prodigal sons and daughters of our Father in Heaven. For, as the Apostle Paul wrote, ‘all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God’ (Romans 3:23).
“Like the errant son of the Savior’s parable, we have come to ‘a far country’ (Luke 15:13) separated from our premortal home. Like the prodigal, we share in a divine inheritance, but by our sins we squander a portion thereof and experience a ‘mighty famine’ (v. 14) of spirit. Like him, we learn through painful experience that worldly pleasures and pursuits are of no more worth than the husks of corn that swine eat. We yearn to be reconciled with our Father and return to His home. . . .
“In the parable of the prodigal son, only the eldest son remains true to his father; in his own words, ‘Neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment’ (Luke 15:29). Similarly, in the plan of salvation the Firstborn of the Father is sinless and without spot. Yet there is a vital difference. In the parable, the eldest son is jealous of the attention paid to the returning prodigal. In the plan of salvation, however, the Eldest Son makes possible the return of the prodigals.
“The Father sends Him forth to redeem His sons and daughters from bondage. The Eldest is filled with compassion. ‘I will save them out of all their dwellingplaces, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them’ (Ezekiel 37:23). He journeys the long distance to find and bring home the prodigal ones. And there He finds us weary, hungry, and downtrodden. He feeds us and gives us drink. He lives among us and shares our burdens. Then, in a final act of supreme love, the Eldest Son takes of His own wealth and, one by one, He ransoms us. In order to pay the fulness of our debt, He is compelled to sacrifice His own fortune, yea, all that He has, every whit.
“There are those who refuse the proffered ransom. Chained by pride, they prefer bondage to repentance. But those who accept of His offering and forsake their errant ways receive healing at His hands and liberty as His gift. These He leads back to the Father with songs of everlasting joy”
(in Conference Report, Sept.–Oct. 1995, 16; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 15).
Consider these questions as you study the scriptures:
What Is Your Responsibility As a Disciple of Christ to Help Your Brothers and Sisters?
The Lost Sheep (those who stray)
• Do you have friends who are straying from the Church?
• What could you be doing to help keep them in the fold?
The Lost Coin (those who are neglected)
• Are there members of the Church who need your attention or could profit from
your consideration?
• What can you do to befriend people at church meetings and on other occasions?
• Do you give more than casual time and effort to your church assignments and the
people you are called to lead and serve?
The Prodigal Son (those who willfully disobey the commandments)
• How quick are you to befriend sinners returning to the fold?
• Do you find it easy to gossip about them, or do you have a sincere love for them?
Luke 16
Think about:
• Which of your hobbies, interests, or activities do you spend the most time on?
• How many total hours do you think you have spent on it during your life?
• Why do you spend so much time on this talent or hobby?
• What kinds of blessings have you received as a result of dedicating so much time to it?
• Has it helped you draw closer to God in any way?
• Are there ways it has drawn you away from God?
In the parable of the unjust steward:
• What did the steward in this parable spend his time doing when he learned he might lose his position?
• Even though the steward was unjust, how did the rich man speak to him? (verse 8)
• What do you think the unjust steward did that was worthy of this praise?
• In what ways could the “children of this world” be considered wiser than the “children of light”?
Commentary for Luke 16:8 in The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles:
On first reading, the parable of the Unjust Steward would seem to be an endorsement for malfeasance in office. Careful study will show, however, that it was given to teach the care with which the saints of God should approach the task of preparing for their eternal future. Knowing that he had but a short time left in his appointed post, the steward wisely tried to secure his future by winning some friends.
“it is not the steward’s dishonesty that was extolled; his prudence and foresight were commended, however; for while he misapplied his master’s substance, he gave relief to the debtors; and in so doing he did not exceed his legal powers, for he was still steward though he was morally guilty of malfeasance. The lesson may be summed up in this wise: Make such use of your wealth as shall insure you friends hereafter. Be diligent; for the day in which you can use your earthly riches will soon pass. Take a lesson from even the dishonest and the evil; if they are so prudent as to provide for the only future they think of, how much more should you, who believe in an eternal future, provide therefor!” (Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p.464)
Malfeasance: the performance by a public official of an act that is legally unjustified,
harmful, or contrary to law; wrongdoing
Luke 16:10–12
What does this parable teach about God’s feelings toward those who are faithful in completing their tasks?
When we devote our efforts toward a worthwhile goal, God is able to use the services of those of us who can be trusted to further His work.
Luke 16:13–14
Matthew 22:35–38
• Where should our devotions be centered?
• How did the Pharisees respond to the Savior’s teaching?
Luke 16:15
• What reasons does this verse give for their attitude?
Review your activities.
How can you use your talents to help build the kingdom of God and serve others?
What is the value of wealth and possessions after we die?
If we serve God instead of mammon (worldliness), our reward will be eternal.
Make no mistake: time spent at hobbies, developing talents, being involved in leisure activities, and so forth is not always time wasted. We all need a righteous balance in their lives.
12 Nov 2012 Monday
After death everyone enters the spirit world, where the wicked are in hell (spirit prison) and the righteous are in paradise.
Jesus Christ’s Atonement bridges the gulf between spirit prison and paradise.
We sometimes classify or group people based on common characteristics.
• What are some other characteristics that we could use to group members of the class?
(Age, height, hair color, hobbies or interests.)
• What kinds of groups exist in your school?
• Who decides which groups you fit into?
The scriptures often classify people into two groups: the wicked and the righteous.
Who are the wicked? Who are the righteous?
• Who decides who is classified as righteous?
• In what ways do the wicked separate themselves from the righteous?
Luke 16
In the parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man in Luke 16:19–31:
• What symbols did Jesus use to teach about wickedness and righteousness?
• What important doctrine is taught in verses 22–26 regarding the wicked and the righteous after they die? (They are in separate places in the spirit world.)
• What did the rich man want Lazarus to do for him?
• Why do you think he wanted his family to hear the gospel?
• What details of this parable show that the rich man finally understood that our actions in this life affect what happens to us in the next life?
What does “Abraham’s bosom” in verse 22 refer to? …
Alma 40:11–12
When the righteous die they are received into paradise.
What does “hell” in verse 23 refer to? …
Alma 40:13–14
The unrighteous are cast into outer darkness, which is another name for spirit prison.
Luke 16:26
• Is there any way to bridge the gulf between paradise and spirit prison?
1 Peter 3:18–19
What did Christ do for the spirits in prison?
Christ’s Atonement bridges the gap between paradise and spirit prison.
Because of Christ’s Atonement, everyone is given an opportunity to hear the gospel message.
Those who don’t receive the chance on earth will have the opportunity to hear the gospel in the spirit world and receive the ordinances of salvation by proxy so they can join the righteous in paradise.
For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life
is the day for men to perform their labors.
And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of
you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life,
then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed.
Alma 34:32–34
• What group will not be able to repent and hear the gospel in the next life?
• If the Atonement bridges the gap between the wicked and the righteous in the spirit world, can it bridge the gap between them during mortality? How?
Luke 17
Which of the following best describes their use of thank-you notes:
I write them the day I receive a gift, I usually procrastinate writing them, I feel guilty but usually do nothing, I don’t feel the need to write them.
• How does it feel when someone else expresses gratitude to you?
• What are some of the kindest gestures of thanks you have received?
And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. Luke 17:11–14
• What is leprosy?
(The word leprosy in the Bible probably describes a number of skin diseases that may or may not include modern leprosy.)
• Why would it have been difficult to be a leper?
(Besides having to endure the symptoms of their disease, lepers were considered ritually unclean under the law of Moses. They had to live away from others, wear special clothing, and shout a warning to all that they were unclean so that no one would accidentally touch them. See Leviticus 13:44–46.)
• Think of yourselves in the place of the lepers in verses 13–14.
What would you feel if this happened to you?
Luke 17: 15–19
• How important is it to show gratitude to the Lord for our blessings?
President David O. McKay said:
“Gratitude is deeper than thanks. Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts”
(“The Meaning of Thanksgiving,” Improvement Era, Nov. 1964, 914).
• What does this teaching add to your understanding of the Savior’s experience with the lepers?
• Do you think it is possible that the nine lepers felt thankfulness but didn’t show it? Why?
• What evidence is there that the one leper felt gratitude?
• Why do you think it is significant that the leper who showed gratitude was a Samaritan?
(Samaritans were considered unworthy by many Jews, but the Lord accepts righteous gifts of all His children.)
Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things.
And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments. Doctrine and Covenants 59:7, 21.
• What did the Savior teach about ingratitude?
• All the lepers were “cleansed” (v. 14), but what special blessing came to the grateful one in verse 19?
(He was made “whole.” The word whole in this verse comes from a Greek word that can also be translated “saved.”)
• What does the fact that the grateful leper was made whole teach about the relationship between faith and gratitude?
Think about when the Savior’s power healed or blessed you.
• How is His influence in your life similar to His influence on these lepers?
• In what ways are we like the nine lepers?
Elder Spencer W. Kimball, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve said:
“Ingratitude is a distressing sin which kindles the Lord’s anger. (See D&C 59:21.) . . .
“When the Savior healed the ten lepers and only one thanked him, he pointed out the nine ingrates as a lesson to all when he said, ‘Were there not ten cleansed?’ (Luke 17:17.)
Adults as well as the youth are often guilty, being disobedient and unthankful to their Heavenly Father who gives them all. Many fail to show their gratitude through service, through family prayers, through the payment of their tithes, and in numerous other ways God has a right to expect” (The Miracle of Forgiveness, 58–59).
Challenge:
Prayerfully consider whether you show God enough gratitude.
Offer a prayer sometime in which you only express gratitude without asking for any blessings.
Luke 18
Regarding the excitement associated with Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem during the final week of His mortal life. Elder Bruce R. McConkie reflected on this scene with these words:
“‘Behold,’ O Jerusalem, the Holy City, for ‘thy King cometh unto thee.’ He cometh from Bethany on the east, where but yesterday he sat at meat with Lazarus, whom he raised from death; where in the house of Simon the leper, his beloved Mary anointed his royal head and poured costly spikenard on his kingly feet—all in token of his burial, which is to be later this week.
“Hail him as your King; heed his words, for ‘he is just, and having salvation.’ Accept him as the Just One, your Deliverer—from death, hell, the devil, and endless torment. Know that all who believe in him shall be saved; he is your Savior; salvation comes by him; he is the resurrection and the life, as he said”. (Mortal Messiah, 3:338)
13 Nov 2012 Tuesday
Regarding the excitement associated with Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem during the final week of His mortal life, Elder Bruce R. McConkie reflected on this scene with these words:
“‘Behold,’ O Jerusalem, the Holy City, for ‘thy King cometh unto thee.’ He cometh from Bethany on the east, where but yesterday he sat at meat with Lazarus, whom he raised from death; where in the house of Simon the leper, his beloved Mary anointed his royal head and poured costly spikenard on his kingly feet—all in token of his burial, which is to be later this week.
“Hail him as your King; heed his words, for ‘he is just, and having salvation.’ Accept him as the Just One, your Deliverer—from death, hell, the devil, and endless torment. Know that all who believe in him shall be saved; he is your Savior; salvation comes by him; he is the resurrection and the life, as he said”. (Mortal Messiah, 3:338)
Luke 19
The Gospel writers included several examples of people earnestly seeking the Savior.
(For example: Matthew 2:1–2; 5:1; 8:1–2; Mark 1:35–37; 5:24–28; Luke 2:15–16; 7:1–4.)
• Why do you think people were so anxious to be near Jesus?
• What are other scriptural examples of people who sought to be near the Master?
• What do these examples have in common?
• What blessings did Jesus Christ offer those who came to Him?
• What blessings have people received in our day by making similar sacrifices?
• What actions in our lives show we are seeking the Savior today?
Zacchaeus was short and needed to climb a tree in order to see Jesus.
• What other efforts did Zacchaeus make to be prepared to meet the Savior? (v. 8)
• What blessing did he receive because of his efforts? (vv. 9–10)
Doctrine and Covenants 93:1
Name five requirements that will enable us to come unto Christ.
1. Forsake sins
2. Come to Him
3. Call on His name
4. Obey His voice
5. Keep His commandments
• Which of these things did Zacchaeus do?
• Are you capable of doing these same things?
• What can keep us from coming to the Savior?
Luke 19:12–15
Who or what do you think the following parts of the parable could represent?
• the nobleman
• the servants
• the pounds
• the citizens
• the nobleman’s return
Elder Bruce R. McConkie’s interpretation of this parable:
“Christ is the nobleman; the far off country is heaven; the kingdom there to be given him is ‘all power . . . in heaven and in earth’; and his promised return is the glorious Second Coming, when the literal and visible kingdom shall be set up on earth. The ten servants are the members of the Church to whom he has given physical, mental, and spiritual capacities (pounds) to be used in his service. Those designated as ‘citizens’ are the other people in the world, those who are subject to him because he is the God of the whole earth, but who have not accepted his gospel and come into his fold as servants. The servants are commanded to labor in the vineyard on their Lord’s errand until he returns. . . .
“When the nobleman returns to judge the world, he will reward his servants in accordance with their works. All shall not receive the same status in the mansions which are prepared; there are degrees of glory. Some will rule ten cities, others five, and those who were slothful shall be disinherited entirely.
“Unused faculties are lost; rightly used abilities can be increased until perfection is attained. ‘Unto every servant who is diligent shall be given great reward; and from him who is slothful shall be taken away even the light, abilities, and faculties which he had.’” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary 1:572–73)
Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow. And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) For I say unto you, That unto every one awhich hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me. Luke 19:16–27
• What do these verses teach about how we should fulfill our duties?
• What rewards did the nobleman give those servants who were profitable?
• How do those rewards compare with the work done by the servants?
2 Nephi 28:30
Doctrine and Covenants 60:2–3
What do these passages teach about what God expects of those who serve Him?
Luke 19:11
• What misconception did the people have about the Messiah’s first coming?
Commentary on Luke 19:11–28 from “The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles” (p. 131)
• In what ways could this parable help the people in Christ’s time who thought His first coming would be in glory?
• What misconceptions do people have today about Christ’s Second Coming?
• How could the truths taught in this parable help correct those false ideas?
• What can we do to fulfill God’s expectations and become faithful servants?
Rather than being overly concerned about when Christ will come again, we should concentrate on being wise servants and keeping the covenants and commandments we have received from Him.
Luke 23:6-12
Luke 24:12
Luke 24:36-39 SCRIPTURE MASTERY
What do you think is the most glorious message ever given?
“The resurrection of Jesus is the most glorious of all messages to mankind”
(Bible Dictionary, “resurrection,” 761)
• When are some times that you think about the Resurrection?
• What about the Resurrection is most appealing to you?
• What questions do you have about the Resurrection?
Jesus Christ lives and that because of Him each of us will be resurrected.
2 Nephi 2:8
3 Nephi 11:12–15
Homework: Luke 20 – 24
14 Nov 2012 Wednesday
15 Nov 2012 Thursday