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?
Sunday, March 10, 2019
Sunday, March 3, 2019
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?
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?
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
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?
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?
Sunday, February 24, 2019
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.
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.
Monday, February 18, 2019
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.
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.
Sunday, February 17, 2019
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.
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.
Saturday, February 16, 2019
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!
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!
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