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.