Leadership in the Lord's way

Choice 4: John 13:1–17; Luke 22:24–30; Mark 10:43–45. The Savior Taught the Apostles about Leadership

1.     Study John 13:1–17; Luke 22:24–30; Mark 10:43–45. Write a paragraph or two about how the application of these teachings makes leadership in the Church of Jesus Christ different from what the world usually describes as leadership.

2.     Write a paragraph or two about a time when one of your Church leaders or someone in the scriptures served and led in the way Jesus Christ taught.

Leadership skills the Savior teaches both directly and indirectly 

John 13:1-17

·       He loved whom He served – “he loved them unto the end.” John 13:1

·       He knew His Father in Heaven and His purpose – “Jesus know that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God.” John 13:2

·       He served all people including His disciples, “…he poureth water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.” John 13:5

·       He perceived and was aware of the situation –“For he knew who should betray him;” John 13:11

·       He lead by example –“For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” John 13:15

·       He was humble –“Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his Lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.” John 13:16

·       He taught truth – “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” John 13:17

Luke 22:24-30

·      The Savior taught that great leadership is not exercising authority, but to minister to people. Serve others and assist those in need. Leadership is in the doing and not in authority or title.

Mark 10:43-45

·      The Savior is the greatest of leadership examples. He “is ordained of God and sent forth, the same is appointed to be the greatest, notwithstanding he is the least and the servant of all.” D&C 50:26

·      All things are subject to Him –D&C 50:27

·      We are to lead as the Savior leads and minister to each other. Mark 10:43

Just this past Sunday, a young man gave a talk before he left for his mission. It was a great talk and after he spoke our Bishop called Justin back up to stand beside him at the pulpit. The Bishop shared his love for Justin and praised him for preparing to serve the Lord. With his arm around Justin he shared an experience they had together earlier on in the week. Bishop Anderson was called to give a blessing to a member in need at the hospital. He wanted to take Justin with him to help him prepare to use the priesthood. Justin was ready to go and listened to the Bishop give instruction on the way to the hospital. This was Justin’s first time giving a blessing so our Bishop was teaching Him and ensured Justin that he was going to be there with him. He told Justin to share what came to his heart. As the Bishop described the sacredness of this experience, I was touched by the love our Bishop had for Justin and for the desire he had to teach him. Our Bishop served right along with Justin. To me this experience today reminded me of the Savior. The Lord, Jesus Christ, loves us. He is with us to teach us and serve with us. Just as Bishop Anderson put his arm around Justin, so the Lord comforts us as we go about doing His work. Our Bishop wasn’t concerned if Justin would say the right thing he had faith in Justin and most importantly in the Lord. I’m grateful for the example of leadership Bishop Anderson is to me. More than once he has encouraged, warned, taught and served us just as the Savior would do if he were here.

Prepare, Watch and Take Heed - The Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ

When I prepare a meal for a special dinner, a lot of time and thought goes into it. I picture myself with my family and try to envision what we will be eating and how to make that time enjoyable and memorable. Compare this type of preparing to how I prepare for the Savior Second Coming and I know I can make some improvements. I have learned what it means to watch and take heed. I want to be prepared each day and live my best and to do this I need to watch, pray and take heed!

Choice 2: Mark 13; Luke 21: 5-38; Joseph Smith – Matthew. Preparing for the Savior’s Second Coming

Review Mark 13:5, 9,23,33,35,37 and identify the words take heed and watch in each verse. List at least three things from this chapter that believers could watch for in order to be prepared to meet the Lord.

1.) In verse 5, it says to “take heed” what does that mean? In the dictionary it says that to “heed” means to pay attention or give attention. We are warned by the Savior himself to, “Take heed lest any man deceive you:” In the time we live there are many deceivers and soothsayers. We should give attention to what is happening around us and beware that Satan desires that we be deceived.

2.) In verse 22 the Lord warns us that there will be false Christs and false prophets that will rise up and show signs and wonders “to seduce” us and deceive us. In verse 23, the Lord again says, “take heed” (pay attention) “I have foretold you all things.” We should be familiar with what the Lord has warned us about and His servants have given us counsel on how to prepare for the Second Coming. By listening to inspired prophecy, we will be protected for deceit and be prepared.

3.) In verses 33,35, and 37 the Lord uses the word “watch.” I wanted to get a clear understanding of what the word watch means. The dictionary gives this meaning:

To look at (someone or something) for an amount of time and pay attention to what is happening.

Give attention.

To care for (someone or something) for a period of time in order to make sure that nothing bad or unwanted happens.

These definitions give greater insight to the word watch.

If we are to watch perhaps we could be watching the Lord learning His ways and following Him. By watching and learning of Him we are preparing for His coming and can watch for His return.

We can give attention to the state of the world and know that we are in the Last Days and prepare.

We can “care for” our testimonies, nourish them, and share them with others. By doing so we share the message of Jesus Christ and help prepare others for His return.

Explain in writing any other additional truths that are taught in the following references about how to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Doctrine & Covenants 87:8 – Christ is the light and life of the world. He gives light.

Joseph Smith – Matthew 1:32 – All Prophecies will be fulfilled.

Joseph Smith – Matthew 1:37- Study the scriptures. Know them. Read, study and ponder them to feel the spirit and hear the Lord’s voice. The elect will be gathered.

Joseph Smith – Matthew 1:46-50 – The Lord speaks to all. Be watchful, look to the Savior’s example and follow Him, be found doing the will of the Lord. Be ready. The Lord’s coming will come to pass in a time “we think not.”

Doctrine & Covenants 45:56-57 – Jesus Christ testifies that those who are “wise” have “received the truth”, “taken the Holy Spirit for their guide”, “and have not been deceived” As believers, we can be watchful by following this path.

The Last Week of the Savior's Life

It was an insightful experience to read about the Savior's last week of His life. Though a difficult week it was He willingly went through it all for each of us. Because of His last week, the Atonement was performed and He died, overcame death and gave each of us hope for eternal life.

The Assignment I chose was Choice #1 - Read the information in the institute student manual about “The Last Days of Jesus’ Mortal Mission” The fill in the chart with key events that took place during the Savior’s final week of mortality.

Day 1

Jesus arrived in Jerusalem and rode through the city gates into Jerusalem. This is known as the Triumphal Entry, people praised Him in shouts of “Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.” (Matthew 21:9) He went directly to the temple and stayed in Bethany.

Day 2

Again early in the morning Jesus went to the Temple. This is where the money exchangers were thrust out of the Temple and this act challenge the Jewish leadership authority since they were the ones that allowed money exchangers in the Temple. The Temple was to be a house of prayer, “It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” (Matthew 21:13) Jesus again returned to Bethany.

Day 3

The priests were not happy with their authority being challenged so when Jesus returned to the Temple the priests challenged him and asked where He received His authority. The Savior responded through parables and again the scribes and Pharisees challenged Him. “Jesus openly denounced them and condemned them as hypocrites.” New Testament Student manual

From this time forward the Lord did not teach the public, only the twelve apostles. The Jewish leadership was scheming a way to kill Jesus while weighing in on how they would do this without disrupting the public. Judas, one of Jesus’ disciples, offered to betray Him.

Day 4

Jesus knew Judas would betray Him and of the entire plot. Not much is known of what happened on this day.

Day 5

Jesus commemorates the Passover in a private home and this is where He institutes the Sacrament. Jesus instructs the twelve. He offers the Intercessory prayer and takes the eleven disciples (Judas left) to the outside walls of Gethsemane. He takes Peter, James and John a little further and asks them to wait for Him. Jesus Christ atones for all of Mankind.

After some time Jesus returns to His disciples and says his betrayer is at hand and Judas returns to the group with band of armed men. Jesus went with them peacefully.

An illegal trial was held that night.

Day 6

Jesus was charged with Blasphemy under the Jewish law because He claimed He was the Son of God. He was also charge under a political indictment and punish under Roman law. Pilate gave in to the crowd shouting to destroy Jesus and He was sentenced to death by crucifixion.

The Savior, Jesus Christ, voluntarily gave up His spirit. Before nightfall His body was removed from the cross and buried in a tomb.

Day 7

The Jewish Sabbath and Jesus’ body lay in the tomb but His spirit was ministering to those who died and were in the spirit world.

Day of Resurrection

This is the day of hope where Christ appears to Mary. He promised He would overcome death and He did.

“These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” John 20:31

Learning Eternal Truths from the Parables

 Luke 16:1-12; 19-31; 17:11-19; 18:1-14 Parables and Accounts that Teach Eternal Truths

There are certain parables that I have studied in my life that really stand out to me. This week I had the privilege to study parables the that were less familiar to me. The principles didn't stand out to me right away so I needed to read the student manual, words of the prophets to gain greater insight and learn what the Lord wanted me to know.

This week the assignment was to study the parables and accounts with the accompanying commentary from the institute student manual and describe what we feel is the major principle the Lord wants us to understand from each of the parables.

Luke 16: 1-12 The Parable of the Unjust Steward

Calgary Alberta Temple

This parable discusses the importance of preparing for our eternal future. We may put great effort towards the type of life we live here in our mortal life, yet how much do we prepare for our life afterward where we want to live with our Heavenly Father and our families forever? This parable teaches the importance to prepare for eternal life. If we want eternal life, then we need to prepare for eternal life while on earth. The New Testament teacher’s manual states, “If we are wise, we will make provision for our eternal future.”

           “This parable does not encourage us to be dishonest or to cheat others in any way; rather, it                   encourages us to prepare for our eternal future with the same energy and effort as this steward             prepared for his temporal future. If even an unscrupulous steward will prepare for his future, 
             the Saints should be willing to prepare for eternity.” New Testament Teacher Manual

Luke 16:19-31 The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

What do we learn about the Spirit World from this parable?

In the parable “Abraham’s bosom” refers to paradise and “hell” is spirit prison. Before the death of Christ, there was no way for spirits to move from “one place or condition to the other.” New Testament manual

Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, Jesus makes it possible for those in spirit prison to be taught the gospel of Jesus Christ and repent. The Atonement bridges the gap between spirit prison and paradise. Those who accept the gospel of Jesus Christ and repent may be permitted into paradise. The Savior has atoned for all and removes those trapped in spiritual darkness to receive the fullness of the gospel and live with Him again. “Our circumstances in the next life depend upon how we receive the Lord and His servants in this life.” New Testament Manual

If we accept the gospel of Jesus Christ, receive the Lord’s servants, keep God’s commandments and use the Atonement in our life, then we will be able to live with God again.

President Joseph F. Smith (1838–1918) clarified that before spirits can be released from spirit prison, they must hear the gospel and accept it and the saving ordinances must be performed for them: “In relation to the deliverance of spirits from their prison house, of course, we believe that can only be done after the gospel has been preached to them in the spirit, and they have accepted the same, and the work necessary to their redemption by the living be done for them” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith [1998], 413–14).

Luke 17:11-19, Parable of the Ten Lepers

Why were the Ten Lepers to show themselves to the Priests? And Were not Ten Cleansed?

The 10 lepers saw the Savior and asked for mercy. Jesus told them to go show themselves to the priests. They did as they were asked to do and were cleansed because of their obedience. However, only one of the lepers that were cleansed returned to the Lord to give thanks and because of the lepers faith and gratitude was made whole. Bishop Batemen comments on the difference between the thankful leper and the unthankful lepers.

“Although all ten lepers in this account were “cleansed,” only the Samaritan man who returned was made “whole” (Luke 17:14, 19). Bishop Merrill J. Bateman, while serving as Presiding Bishop, taught: “In becoming a whole person, the grateful leper was healed inside as well as on the outside. That day nine lepers were healed skin deep, but only one had the faith to be made whole” (“The Power to Heal from Within,” Ensign, May 1995, 14).”

If we are thankful in all things, then the Lord will bless us and we will become whole.

Luke 18:1-8 The Parable of the Unjust Judge

Why did the Lord give the parable of the unjust judge?

The Lord gives us the parable of the unjust judge to teach us to never stop praying and to “pray and not to faint.”

“The Greek word translated as “to faint” means to become discouraged or weary or to tire of something. In the parable, praying without giving up is represented by a widow who repeatedly appeals to a judge to remedy an injustice. There have been times when I feel tired and I casually forget to say my prayers. The Lord teaches us in this parable to be diligent in our prayers. If we are going through difficult times do not give up praying. Show the Lord you can endure and pray through it.

I found Elder Holland’s  quote below comforting:

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught: “When lonely, cold, hard times come, we have to endure, we have to continue, we have to persist. That was the Savior’s message in the parable of the importuning widow. … Keep knocking on that door. Keep pleading. In the meantime, know that God hears your cries and knows your distress. He is your Father, and you are His child” (“Lessons from Liberty Jail,” Ensign, Sept. 2009, 30). Perseverance is rooted in the foundational gospel principles of faith and hope. Perseverance reflects our faith that our actions will bring the Lord’s blessings into our lives.”

Luke 18:9-14 The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican

Why did the Lord give the parable of the Pharisee and the publican?

The Lord gives this parable to us to show the importance of living in humility. The Pharisee trusted in himself and in his own feeling of himself. The publican felt like a sinner. The Pharisee spoke of himself often. This parable show us to rely upon the Lord and not our own abilities and attitudes. This parable is a warning for us to humble ourselves and watch how we feel about others.

“The Savior stated the moral of the parable in terms of pride and humility: “For every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 18:14; see also D&C 52:15).” New Testament Student Manual

“Could there be greater contrast in the prayers of the two men? The Pharisee stood apart because he believed he was better than other men, whom he considered as common. The publican stood apart also, but it was because he felt himself unworthy. The Pharisee thought of no one other than himself and regarded everyone else a sinner, whereas the publican thought of everyone else as righteous as compared with himself, a sinner. The Pharisee asked nothing of God, but relied upon his own self-righteousness. The publican appealed to God for mercy and forgiveness of his sins.

“Continuing the story, Jesus then said: ‘I tell you, this man,’ referring to the publican, the despised tax collector, ‘went down to his house justified, rather than the other.’ (Luke 18:14.) In other words, the Lord said he was absolved, forgiven, or vindicated. …

“Humility is an attribute of godliness possessed by true Saints. It is easy to understand why a proud man fails. He is content to rely upon himself only. … The proud man shuts himself off from God, and when he does he no longer lives in the light. …

“… History bears record that those who have exalted themselves have been abased, but the humble have been exalted. On every busy street there are Pharisees and publicans. It may be that one of them bears our name” (“The Pharisee and the Publican,” Ensign, May 1984, 65–66).