A Beloved Disciple in the Savior's Bosom

"Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved" (John 13:23).

The Hebrew word for bosom cheyq includes the arms as well as the breast and suggests an embrace. The Hebrew root means to enclose. The beloved disciple receives an embrace from the Savior. John does not name himself here as is often the case. That's because this is not meant to be an experience unique to John. Rather it's something we all may someday experience through gospel ordinances.

Remember, the Lord has just washed the feet of His disciples. He then poses the question: "Know ye what I have done to you?" I strongly feel this is much more than merely setting an example of serving one another (although it's a good start). These ordinances of the gospel allow us to feel the love of our Savior Jesus Christ.


PERSONAL APPLICATION: Through gospel ordinances "I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love" (2 Nephi 1:15).

John 7: "Out of His Belly"

The Savior takes advantage of the two biggest ceremonies of The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot): the water libation on the altar creating a river of water running down the steps of the temple and the golden candelabra lighting the streets of Jerusalem.

He stands and declares, "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water" (John 7:38). The Greek word for belly here is koilia and is the same word used in John 3 for womb. Lost in the translation is the fact that the pronoun his is reflexive and refers to the previous pronoun me. Thus, it's likely the Savior's belly (or womb) and not the believer spoken of. 

This image of watery Spirit clarified in the next verse, running out of the Savior's belly, or womb, is a clear representation of spiritual rebirth, or being born of the Spirit. The detailed explanation can be found in the Book of Mormon:

"And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you" (Mosiah 5:7).


PERSONAL APPLICATION:  A Christ-centered life will allow each of us to become a spiritually begotten son or daughter of God.

John 5: Fun With Equations

The Pool of Bethesda story in John 5 is loaded with symbols. I'll let you do the math. You can read the story and plug in the equations. Here are some equations.

1. Bethesda equals "house of mercy."

2. The number five (as in five porches) also equals mercy. Remember when Joseph meets his brothers in Egypt, Benjamin's meal is five times greater than the others and he gets five changes of raiment (Gen. 43:34, 45:22).

3. The "moving of the water" equals Jehovah creating the world as “the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters” (Gen. 1:2). 

4. Miracles in John always equal the Greek word “semeion” meaning a sign or token. They are signs of who the Savior really is. 

5. Thirty eight years (as in the length of the man's infirmity who is lying by the pool) equals the duration of the children of Israel wandering in the wilderness (see Deuteronomy 2:14). This number usually gets rounded to 40 but accurate math will help in solving this equation. 38 years also equals the span of the Prophet Joseph Smith's mortal life.

6. Wandering in the wilderness equals wandering in mortal life. You can visit Alma 37:42-45 for an example of this. You can get lost in either place.

7. Your chances of beating your neighbor to the healing waters DOES NOT equate to mercy. Rather, it's more like Survivor with the fastest and most athletic team winning the prize.

8. Acts violating the Sabbath (like taking up your bed and carrying it) equal the death penalty. Yes, the Savior asks this man to commit a capital offense. (See Exodus 35:2).

After solving the equation you may ask yourself the following questions:

Really, who is it lying by the pool?

Where does my faith lie? (Or who do I trust?).

Do I courageously accept His invitation to "Come follow me?"

Do I follow promptings from the Spirit even when it doesn't seem to make sense.

Where would I be without my Savior?

The Samaritan Story: His Grace and Second Coming

"And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee" (Luke 10:35).

The Savior promises He will come again, and then gives the host a blank check, showing His Atonement transcends and covers all costs. It's infinite! When He comes again He will well compensate those who choose to follow Him for "His reward is with Him (Isaiah 40:10).


PERSONAL APPLICATION: His grace is always sufficient. 

The Samaritan Story: The Atonement

"And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him" (Luke 10:34).

We recognize Him as our Savior from the Messianic prophecy in Isaiah: "He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted" (Isaiah 61:1). The healing balm is oil, pressed from the great oil press of Gethsemane--a name originating from two Hebrew words, gath (meaning a press) and shemen (meaning oil). The wine is a sacramental offering of His blood.

And He set him on "his own beast," representing His mortal body in Gethsemane and on the cross. I believe that one by one, each of us entered through the veil of His flesh (see Hebrews 10:20) as He "carried our sorrows" (Isaiah 53:4).

Then He brought the man to an inn, His Church, where he would get needed care.


PERSONAL APPLICATION:  My Savior Jesus Christ knows the weakness of my flesh. As a recovering alcoholic and addict, His grace has carried me through rough times and with His help I can overcome all things. 

The Samaritan Story: Luke 10:33

"But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him" (Luke 10:33).

We can know as we make our journey in life that Jesus can come to our aid. The "certain" Samaritan is a type of Jesus Christ. The Samaritans were part Israelite and part Gentile. In Old Testament times the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Ava, Hamath, and other places and repopulated Samaria (see 2 Kings 17:24). But not all of the original Samaritans left the area and those who stayed behind intermarried with these outsiders, so the Samaritans became a mixture.

Jesus was also of mixed lineage in a unique way. His father was God the Father and His mother was Mary. He inherited mortality from His mother and immortality from His Father. The Jews despised the Samaritans and Jesus "came unto his own, and his own received him not" (John 1:11).

The Samaritan in the parable comes right to the place where the man lay and had compassion on him. The Greek word for compassion (splagchnizomai) means to be torn in the gut. Indeed, His bowels are filled with mercy (see Alma 7:12).



PERSONAL APPLICATION: I never have to be alone.

The Samaritan Story: Luke 10:31-32

"And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

"And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side" (Luke 10:31-32).

This was a certain priest indeed. It would be the high priest of the Aaronic order, and he will come to make his offering annually on Yom Kippur, or Day of Atonement. He will enter into the Holy of Holies all alone as a foreshadowing of the Savior's Atonement in Gethsemane (See Leviticus 16:17). And "likewise the Levite, when he was at the place," meaning the holy place or temple. The priest will make an atonement for all the congregation of Israel.

But let's not get too critical of what looks like apathy on the surface. The priest is doing the best he can on this symbolic day. Yet he can only imagine and guess at your infirmities, trials, and pains. He sees your difficulties and mine from the other side of the street, and passes by on the other side.

PERSONAL APPLICATION: Even when others don't understand my daily trials, my Savior Jesus Christ knows and understands perfectly.

The Samaritan Story: Luke 10:30

"And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead" (Luke 10:30).

On one symbolic level, the "certain man" was Adam. His name means man or mankind. Since it's Adam, who is a type for all mankind, it's all of us on this journey from Jerusalem to Jericho, a descent of 3,300 feet.

And in case we didn't see that this was about the Fall, the text reminds us that he "fell" among thieves. The thieves are Satan and his followers. Satan doesn't want our gold, precious goods, or money. He wants to take something else.

The phrase "stripped him of his raiment" is summarized in one Greek word "ekduo," which means to sink out of a garment or be divested of sacred clothing. It's about covenant making. It's the opposite of the Greek word "enduo" where we get the English word endowment. Enduo means to sink into a garment or be invested in sacred clothing. That's what Satan and his followers want to strip you of.

After the Fall and Satan departs, you and I are left in a fallen world and comparatively with our first estate, we are left wounded and "half dead." Yes, we are still physically alive, at least for our mortal existence, but we are spiritually dead by being shut out of the presence of God (see Moses 5:4).

PERSONAL APPLICATION: Since I am subject to the Fall I cannot merit anything of myself (see Alma 22:14).

The Hygienic Cure

This week's study from "Come Follow Me" led me to ponder and view two of the Savior's miracles in a new light. There is a common thread in the healing of the paralytic and the woman with the issue of blood.

He addresses both of them as His children in a sense by calling the paralytic "son" and the woman "daughter" (Matthew 9:2; Mark 5:34). This can only happen in a literal sense as we make and keep covenants and become "spiritually begotten" and "born of Him" (see Mosiah 5:7).

This verse in the Book of Mormon brings up the second aspect of these two miracles as it speaks of a "change of heart" through "faith on His name."

They have to break down the roof in order to get this man in close proximity to the Savior. And certainly this man is a prime candidate for a physical healing. Then Jesus says, "Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee" (Matt. 9:2). In previous readings I always thought this is not what the crowd came for! But through the Spirit, I just wanted this time to be a fly on the wall and listen to the paralytic's prayer that morning. Maybe it went something like, "Please Lord, I can deal with my disability, but this guilt is eating me alive!" We really don't know. The scriptures don't tell us.

We are given better insight into the woman with the issue of blood. She had been battling this problem for 12 years. She thinks if she can just get close enough to touch the border or "wing" of the prayer shawl hanging over His shoulders, then she might be healed. Ironically, the tassels hanging from this piece of apparel would be tied in knots to represent the 613 tenants of the Law of Moses--a list way too long to keep with perfection.

The Savior says, "Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague" (Mark 5:34).

Here we encounter a rather sloppy King James translation. The first "whole" and the second "whole" (no, this isn't golf) are not the same. The first "whole" is the Greek word "sozo" and it means to save. This should be translated as "thy faith hath saved thee." The second "whole" is the Greek word "hygies," where we get the English word "hygiene" or good health. It probably should read, "My daughter, your faith has saved you. Go your way and be of good health."


PERSONAL APPLICATIONS:

1. Are my personal prayers getting through the roof?

2. Is my faith diminished when I don't get what I ask for in my morning laundry list?

3. Am I seeking real salvation and a change of heart or just good hygiene?

Matthew 6: "Consider the Lilies of the Field"

The Savior speaks of the growth and raiment of "the lilies of the field." The word raiment is translated from "endyma" where we get the word "endowment." Jesus said, "And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these" (Matthew 6:28-29).

Could the Lord be speaking of Solomon's Temple and its lily work on the tops of the pillars in the porch of the temple, and the "molten sea" with lilies around the brim? (1 Kings 7:22-26). The symbolism of lilies here seems to be associated with covenant making.

A certain website gives some insight into these beautiful flowers.

"History, mythology, literature, poetry and the world of art are rife with stories and images that speak of the beauty and majesty of the elegant white flowers. Dating back to Biblical lore, the lily is mentioned numerous times in the Bible. One of the most famous Biblical references is in the Sermon on the Mount, when Christ told his listeners: "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they toil not, neither do they spin; and yet..... Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."

"Often called the "white-robed apostles of hope," lilies were found growing in the Garden of Gethsemane after Christ's agony. Tradition has it that the beautiful white lilies sprung up where drops of Christ's sweat fell to the ground in his final hours of sorrow and deep distress." (https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/publications/lily/lily.html).


PERSONAL APPLICATION: What can I do to more fully honor baptismal and temple covenants so the grace of the Atonement of Jesus Christ can flow into my life, allowing me to grow?

Matthew 6: The Robe and the Raiment

Jesus invites His disciples to "take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on" (Matthew 6:25). The Greek word for "put on" is enduo, where we get the English word "endowment." Then He mentions raiment twice in the next few verses, which is translated from the Greek word endyma, also related.

When He likens being clothed to the grass of the field and the white-robed lilies, and then says, "Shall he not much more clothe you?" I think He is being serious. Paul would later observe, "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27). Again, "put on" is enduo, which means to invest with clothing. Endyma is the outer garment, or robe, and becomes a symbol of His righteousness.

His invitation is "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). The robe becomes a symbol.

In the Book of Mormon, Lehi would say to his son Jacob, "Wherefore, I know that thou art redeemed, because of the righteousness of thy Redeemer" (2 Nephi 2:3). And Jacob would later speak of "being clothed with purity, yea, even with the robe of righteousness" (2 Nephi 9:14).

Really He has quite a bit invested in you and me! After all, it's His skin on the line (see Hebrews 10:20 and Genesis 3:21. Note "skins" here in the original Hebrew is singular).


PERSONAL APPLICATION: Is it my first priority to seek after the righteousness only He can give me? Or am I chasing after my own agenda?

Am I Playing For Second Place?

As I read the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, it's time again for one of those heart checkups. Good thing we have a living prophet who also doubles as a heart surgeon! But as I ponder the Beatitudes and all the "Blessed are's," I must admit that being hungry, thirsty, persecuted, poor, and sometimes even meek, were never on my bucket list. Then the Savior approaches His teaching from another angle in Luke 6: "But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation." Ouch!! That WAS on my bucket list.

Last time I watched the NCAA Basketball Tournament (which I have to admit has been a few years), the consolation game was NOT what the athletes were playing for.

Another verse might be helpful here:

"So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see" (Revelation 3:16-18).

PERSONAL APPLICATION: While in my comfort zone of mediocrity I never see my lack. But when I see that spiritually I am poor, wretched, miserable, and blind, I can see my need for my Savior Jesus Christ, allowing His grace to come into my life.

John 2: Women As Partners With the Savior

There are four female references in John chapters 2 and 4. The "beloved disciple" (John) likes to address people (including himself) generically. So at the marriage in Cana "the mother of Jesus" (aka Mary) was there. This generalization becomes a type for all mothers or potential mothers, just like John's reference to himself means that you and I can be beloved disciples, "leaning on Jesus' bosom" (John 13:23) like he did.

The reply of Jesus, "Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come," might sound a bit disrespectful on the surface, but this response too is a type for ALL women, and implies when His hour is come, there will be many women present and participating! (see Matt. 27:55).

A clue may be in those six stone waterpots "after the manner of the purifying of the Jews" (John 2:6). These waterpots were used in the sacrifice of the red heifer in Numbers 19. The ashes of the heifer, a symbol of virginity, were combined with elements of the Atonement of Jesus Christ--namely scarlet (representing the robe given Him), hyssop (used to give Him vinegar during the crucifixion), and cedarwood (likely the cross). Then running water (living water) was put into the stone pots, and what would come out of the pots was used to ritually purify unclean things. The fact that a female animal was the purifying agent, as opposed to other male sacrificial animals, like the paschal lambs, is interesting. The pots could be considered purifying vessels and recalls the reference to Mary as "a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel" (Alma 7:10).

What do the waterpots produce? In Numbers 19, they yield the "waters of separation" that could purity something ritually unclean. In John 2, they yield wine, representing the blood of our Savior Jesus Christ, who purifies us from all sin and uncleanness.

The story of blood, water, and Spirit continues in John 4 with a Samaritan woman at Jacob's Well, who is also there to "draw water."

Personal Applications: 

1. Are my garments being cleansed daily to become spotless, pure, and white? (Alma 5:24).

2. I should listen to my wife who predicted our new stake president.

John 2: Water to Wine

There are seven miracles in the Gospel of John. The Greek word for miracles in John is always "semeion," which means sign or token. In the Synoptic Gospels, miracle is usually the Greek word "dynamis," where we get the English word "dynamite." It is used to emphasize power (as in the case of the woman with the issue of blood in Luke 8 where it is translated as "virtue"). So in John the seven miracles are seven signs bearing pure testimony of who the Savior really is.

Water, in this case, symbolizes spirit or divinity. Water's flowing, transparent, and refreshing qualities make it a perfect symbol for spirit. Wine in the Old Testament was used in the meat offerings (should be translated as "meal offerings") and drink offerings. (see Lev. 23:13) and symbolized blood.

In this case, the miracle of water to wine represents Jehovah as the Father of the Plan (Logos) and His condescension to become Jesus Christ (the Son--see Ether 3:14 where Jesus calls Himself the Father and the Son). Water as spirit element converting to wine as a symbol of blood is a testimony of Jehovah coming to earth as Jesus Christ so His "bowels can be filled with mercy according to the flesh" (Alma 7:12). Or in John's words, "the Word made flesh" (John 1:14).

Personal application: I can overcome my sins, pains, addictions, heartaches, disappointment, and anything else through the grace, mercy, and merits of Jesus Christ.

Beloved Disciple (John 1): The Logos Song

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). 

The Greek word for "Word" in this passage is "logos," and is the origin of English words such as biology, ecology, psychology, and all words ending in "logy." It is also the origin of the word logic. The essence of "logos" is the foundation of all reason. It is the study, logic, and meaning behind our existence. 

"A Greek philosopher named Heraclitus first used the term Logos around 600 B.C. to designate the divine reason or plan which coordinates a changing universe." (Strong's Bible Concordance)

As I study this, my favorite Gospel, I often reflect on how life would be without my Savior, Jesus Christ. Would my life make any sense? How would I survive a mortal and mundane experience? How do I trust His plan even when "the darkness comprehends it not?" (John 1:5)

Trusting in Him is the logical thing to do!