The Healing of the Man Born Blind

1. Create a chart with three columns and label them “Pharisees,” “Blind Man,” and “Parents.” Record words or phrases from John 9:13–38 under each category that show the spiritual blindness or spiritual sight of the Pharisees, the blind man, and the parents.

Pharisees Spiritually Blind

             "this man is not of God because he keepeth not the sabbath day" (John 9:16)
             "Did not believe concerning him" (John 9:18)
             "How doth he now see?" (John 9:19)
             "Give God the praise: we know this man is a sinner" (John 9:24)
             "Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses disciples" (John 9:28)
             "As far this fellow we know not from whence he is" (John 9:29)

Pharisees Spiritual Sight

            "How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles" (John 9:16)
            "We know God spake unto Moses" (John 9:29)

Blind Man Spiritually Blind  

            "A man that is called Jesus." (John 9:11)

Blind Man Spiritual Sight 

          "He is a prophet" (John 9:17)
          "Wherefore would ye hear it again? Will ye also be his disciples?" (John 9:27)
          "If this man were not of God he could do nothing." (John 9:33)
          "Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? (John 9:36)
          "And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him." (John 9:38) 

Parents Spiritually Blind

          "But by what means he now seeth we know not" (John 9:21)
          "They feared the Jews; for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess 
            he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue." (John 9:22)

2. Physical blindness is often thought of as a difficult handicap in this life. Similarly, how can spiritual blindness be a handicap? 
    
Spiritual blindness is a handicap because it can cripple the soul. It can paralyze the heart until it is unable to feel, see or hear the words of God. Pride sets in and vicious cycle begins which continues until one can become so lost that the hope of coming back becomes smaller and smaller. It's quite painful to watch and yet very real.  

3. How did the healed man’s testimony grow as he continued to share it? (Notice the terms he used to refer to the Savior in John 9:11, 17, 33, 38.)

In verse 11 he calls Him "...a man named Jesus," then in 17 he refers to Jesus as a prophet. In John 9:33 the blind man says, "If this man were not of God, he could do nothing." Implying He was set from God. Then in verse 38 is where he professes his belief in the Savior saying, "Lord, I believe." The passage ends with, "And he worshipped him" (John 9:38).

4. How has your testimony grown as you have shared it?

(John 9:38). My Testimony becomes stronger when I bare it because the spirit is able to re-manifest the truthfulness of the words in which I am sharing. Which in turn deepens my conviction. Studying and learning the principles and putting them into practice also strengthens my testimony which is my favorite way of sharing my testimony; by example.

Walking on the Sea

 

 Matthew 14:22–33

Today I chose to write about the miracle of Jesus walking on the Sea. But also the miracle of Peter walking as well. What a beautiful story it is and the beautiful comforting words for all of us who will, are, or have walked through stormy seas.  

1.        Review Matthew 14:22–33. Identify in writing what the reaction of the Apostles was when they first saw the Savior walking on the water toward them.

The reaction of the Apostles when they first saw the Savior walking on the water was fear. They thought He was a spirit. The scriptures say, “they cried out for fear.

2.        What did Peter’s response indicate about him?

It shows that Peter had a lot of Faith in the Savior. That He knew that he would be safe. He already had a testimony that the Savior was the Son of God, the great Jehovah.

3.        According to Matthew 14:30, why did Peter begin to sink?

His Faith started to falter when he took his eyes off the Savior and started to look instead to the “boisterous” wind. This made him afraid and showed his human weaknesses (Matt 14:30).

4.        What did Peter do when he began to sink? What word in the verses describes the expediency or the timing when Jesus responded to Peter’s request?

Verse 30 says, “he cried, saying, Lord, save me.” He knew only Christ was able to save him in is deepest time of need. Jesus responded to Peter the scripture says “immediately.” He “Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him” (Matt 14:31).

5.        Read Doctrine and Covenants 88:67. Write a paragraph describing what principle from this verse relates to what Peter did to successfully walk on the water. How can this same principle be applied to your life to assist you in walking over the storms of life?

This scripture in Doctrine and Covenants says, “And if your eye be singe to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.” Peter was able to walk on water because his eyes were single to the glory of Christ. However he also started to sink because he took looked somewhere else. If he would have continued to gaze that the Lord, maybe he would not have started to sink. We can learn a lot from this story and relate it to our own lives. We all have storms and will need to face them. But it is how we face them that will decide if we sink or walk with the Lord. He is the way. If we have our “eye single to our Saviors glory” we will be safe. However if we start to fail the beautiful words in the scripture Matthew 14:30, can indeed be our plea, “Lord, save me.” and the comforting phrase of Matthew 14:31, “immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him.”  The Lord will save us from the storms of this life. We must trust in this promise. 

The Lord Often Taught with Parable

Matthew 13: 24-48 

1.        In the Bible Dictionary read the first three paragraphs under the entry “Parables” (pp. 740-41). In your own words, write a definition of a parable.

 A parable is a story that teaches a lesson. In the case of the Saviors parables they revealed the mysteries or secrets to the Kingdom of God.

2.  Read the following parables: parable of the tares (Matthew 13:24-30); parables of the mustard seed and the leaven (Matthew 13:31-33); parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44-46); parable of the gospel net (Matthew 13:47-50). Next to each of the following questions write the name of the parable that best answers that question.

·             What describes the future growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

(Matthew 13:31-33)

·                     Why does the Church send out so many missionaries?

(Matthew 13:47-50)

·                     How do you explain the remarkable growth of the Church, considering that it is fairly new compared to most world religions and started small in the American frontier?

(Matthew 13:31-33)

·                     Why are some members of the Church willing to sacrifice so much worldly wealth and recognition in order to maintain membership in the Church?

(Matthew 13:44-46)

·                     Why do some Church members choose to leave the Church?

(Matthew 13:24-30)

3.    Write answers to the following questions:

•        Considering the parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (see Matthew 13:44-46), what sacrifices would you be willing to make to obtain the treasure of the gospel? What sacrifices have you or those you know already made for the gospel?

       I feel like moving to Mexico was a large sacrifice. I don’t get to see my family very often. I struggle learning the language and fitting in with the cultural. I am unable to get good health care which as stopped our progress in having children. Because infertility treatments are unavailable to us. Which makes me questions Gods plan for us. But I know I am supposed to be here so if I don’t have the opportunity to have children in this life then I know it is according to Gods plan. It’s hard to say that because I feel like I am obeying one commandment which is preventing me to obey another.

•                What does the net represent in the parable of the net cast into the sea? (See Matthew 13:47). What does it mean to be gathered into the net? What is represented by the action of gathering the good into vessels and casting the bad away? (See Matthew 13:48-50).

I think the net represents our missionary force or the word of God catching the fish who are receptive to the word. Gathering into the net means gathering those who will come. Gathering into the stakes of Zion. Gathering the elect. Gathering in the good and casting out the bad means bringing in those who what to learn and know God. Those who don’t cast themselves away. But we must never stop casting out the net because we never know when a fish might be ready. 

The Calling of the Twelve Apostle

Choice 3: Matthew 10; Mark 3:13-35; Luke 5:1-11

1.          Review Matthew 10:1-4 and Mark 3:13-19 and highlight the names of
the original Twelve Apostles. Look up the names of three Apostles in
the Bible Dictionary and write one sentence describing something you
learned about each one you selected.

     

Andrew- He was one of the earliest Apostles called. He was a follower of John the Baptist.  

        Matthew- He had a wide knowledge of the Old Testament scripture, and was able to see in the scriptures being fulfilled in the Saviors live. He wrote for the Jewish persons in Palestine.

        John- He did not die he was allowed to remain on the earth until The Lord’s second coming. Before is calling he was a fisherman and lived comfortable.

     

2.          Read Acts 4:33; Doctrine and Covenants 107:23; and the entry for "Apostle" in the Bible Dictionary (p. 612). Then, write a definition for what an Apostle is.

         Apostles have a great and powerful testimony of the Resurrected Jesus Christ.  They are special witnesses of Jesus Christ. The bible dictionary says the words apostle means “One sent forth.” It goes on to say, “They are sent forth to represent him after his ascension into heaven.” (Bible Dictionary, pg. 612)

3.          Describe in writing how the Savior's teachings to His Apostles in Matthew 10:5-42 prepared them to be sent out to proclaim the gospel.

         He teaches them to not worry about the material things but that God will provide that as it is needed. But that they should go and give service like they themselves have been served. If people or a house accept you give it your peace, or (your blessing). Be wise yet harmless. The spirit of God is what speaks through you. That which kills the spirit is worse than that which the body. If we receive the apostles than we receive the Lord, if we receive the Lord we will receive the apostles.

     

​4.          Read Luke 5:1-11. Explain in writing what you learn from the responses made by Peter, James, and John to the Savior's call. How could you apply their actions and examples in your own life?

       

They heard the words of Jesus and realized with this words that he was a spiritual very wise man calling Christ Master and trusting Him enough to cast their nets down again. Then when witnessing the miracle it says that Peter falling to his knees at Jesus feet said, “Depart from me; for I am a sinful man,” Then his wording changed he called the Savior “Lord.”  The scriptures go on to say that “they forsook all, and followed him.”

I can apply this to my life by the fact that God has a work and a mission for me to do. I can go about my own way and live far beneath my potential for I can do as the Lord desires and follow Him completely by submitting my will to His and becoming the person I was created to become through the Savior. 

Water to Wine and Cleansing the Temple

John 2: 1-22

• What impressed you the most about the miracle found in John 2:1-11?

The part which impressed me the most in the miracle of turning the water to wine, was the wine being referred to as a "good wine" and was therefore considered the best of the evening. It makes me ponder what the Savior has in store for us. Indeed compared to any other worldly offering; that which our Lord Jesus Christ has to offer is sweeter, more beautiful, and lovely than anything out there. Truly our Savior is the greatest offering of all.

• How does the modern revelation help to understanding why Jesus Christ would refer to Him mother as "women"? (I reworded this question a little bit)

Both the institute manual and an article in the March 2015, Ensign addresses this topic of why Jesus would call his mother, "women." Sadly the Modern English language has turned the word women which is a compound of "whom and man," (Websters Dictionary, 1828) into a derogatory remark.  This was not always the case and I am attaching part of the article from the March addition so you can read more. It is a beautiful article. 

     "In response, Jesus Christ said, “Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not           yet come” (John 2:4). In Joseph Smith’s inspired rendering of this verse, the Savior asks         Mary what she wants Him to do and promises to do it. The title woman may sound harsh       and disrespectful to a modern reader; however, its use here by the Savior was likely                 meant to convey the opposite meaning. One scholar explains, “‘Woman,’ or, rather,                 ‘Lady,’ is in Greek a title of respect, used even in addressing queens.”6 It was as though           He said to His mother, “My lady, whatsoever you ask of me in faith, I will grant it unto             you.” This account shows that the Savior was interested in the routine pressures that               women faced. Jesus Christ honored His mother by offering to help her with her burdens         and responsibilities." The Savior's Respect for Women

•  In what ways are Jesus Christ’s actions in John 2:13-16 symbolic of what he desires of each of us?

The student manual stresses the importance of being worthy to enter the temple. That we must answer truthful the questions asked to us by our bishop and stake president. A quote in the manual by Elder Richard G. Scott stood out to me, it says, “That interview is not a test to be passed but an important step to confirm that you have the maturity and spirituality to receive the supernal ordinances and make and keep the edifying covenants offered in the house of the Lord.” (“Receive the Temple Blessings,” Ensign, May 1999, 25)

A couple of other idea my husband and I thought of were,

1.  We should not contaminate our lives with things of the world, wealth before God, secular education over spiritual education, popularity replacing service and so forth.
2.  We should live our true religion and not just go through the motions, those people at the temple that day were in the right place, but did not have the right spirit and attitude of worship.
3. We should not contaminate our bodies with bad substances like drugs, alcohol, pornography, unhealthy foods, violent movies or video games.  

This assignment was a really nice one. I like sharing my assignments with my family and friends. I hope it inspires them and helps them in some way.  I invite you all to find these articles in Ensign, they will bless and inspire you. 

The Premortal and Mortal Savior

John 1:1-14 and 17:1-5

1. I am to list five truths I found about premortal life of Jesus Christ and five truths I found about His mortal life.

Premortal Life
1. Christ is referred to as the Word, Light and Life.
2. Christ is the light that "lighteth every man" we call this the (light of Christ)
3. Christ created the world and all things.
4. Christ was in the beginning with God.
5. God sent Jesus Christ.

Mortal Life
1. Jesus Christ finished the work that God had for Him to do.
2. Jesus Christ shines in darkness
3. Jesus Christ came to His own people and many did not receive Him.
4. The Savior knew He glorified God because He did all His Father asked of Him.
5. God gave the Savior power over all flesh (He is our Judge)


2. I am to understand better the titles given to the Savior and what they mean

1. Christ- The name Christ means the anointed. According to Websters Dictionary of 1828 anointed means "set apart." So Christ means one set apart.

2. Messiah-  The bible dictionary says, "Messiah is the Aramaic meaning for anointed." It continues to say, "Used as the title of an office, it denotes the King and Deliverer whose coming the Jews were eagerly expecting."

3. Jehovah- The bible dictionary says, "Jehovah is the covenant or proper name of the God of Israel." The "Unchangeable One" "the eternal I AM."  Websters Dictionary of 1828 says, "This is a name peculiarly appropriate to the eternal Spirit, the unchangeable God, who describes himself thus, I am that I am." Exodus 3:14."

4. Immanuel- The bible dictionary says that Immanuel mean "God with us."  What a beautiful title it is also a truth because Christ was indeed a God and He walked among us.

5. The Word- The Student Manual says that "The Word" bears witness of the premortal existence of Jesus Christ. That His mission of Salvation began in the premortal world.

My Testimony of What I Learned 

It was a nice experience to study in more in depth the Savior and His Premortal and Mortal titles and truths. I find it also quite interesting that premortal is underlined as a misspelled word. It just reminds me of how blessed I am to know that there was in fact a premortal life. That we existed before just as the scriptures clearly state that the Savior did. If he was with God before the world was then wouldn't it make sense that we were as well. The title of our Savior are inspiring as they themselves testify of His greatness and mission here on this earth. Our Savoir lives, I testify of this knowledge in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Wow It Has Been a Long Time

It has been a very long time since I blogged but I have an assignment and it gave me the option of blogging my answers and found knowledge. Therefore I will see if I continue doing it here or if I create a new one. For the sake of saving time when it comes to creating a new blog I will post here. And we will see what happens in the future.