Come Follow Me Matthew 3-4: Mark 1; Luke 3-5

What is something you did because of what you read in the New Testament this week? One of the themes in Matthew is that Jesus Christ fulfilled ancient prophecies. Which Old Testament prophet wrote about John the Baptist? (Isaiah taught he would-Prepare the way of the Lord. Under the law of Moses, the high priest functioned as the presiding officer of the Aaronic Priesthood and political head of the nation of Israel. However, by the time of the Savior’s ministry, the office of high priest had become corrupted. Rather than being selected by God, high priests were chosen by men such as Herod and other Roman officials. Who did God speak to instead of the high priests?(John the son of Zacharias - John the Baptist.) Talking about the Kingdom of God coming to the earth (which Matthew does 33 times), because of the Romans ruling over all of the Jewish people, they were looking for a rebellion. They wanted someone to deliver them out of that situation. John’s was not a call to armed resistance, but to repentance. There was nothing negative or controversial in what he was teaching. He baptized people. He taught people to confess their sins. He called people to repent. (and they did!) Repent in Greek means to turn back or again. Every time we pray we turn to Christ. The sign for change. He taught people that a time of judgment was coming. He taught that the One coming after him was greater than him and would baptize with the Holy Ghost. How did this prepare the way of the Lord? What can we do to “prepare … the way of the Lord” in our lives? Why did John call the Pharisees and Sadducees viper. It is the most common poisonous snake in Israel. Vipers are active at night and typically hunt by hiding and then sneaking up on their prey. When they feel threatened, vipers will coil their body, hiss, and strike at their opponents. The Pharisees and Sadducees felt threatened by John, as he drew many people away from their evil influence and false teachings. In John’s day some people believed that because they were descendants of Abraham, they were better or more loved by God than non-Israelites. John set them straight. John was really, really good at what he was sent to earth to do. He had a VERY special mission. John prepared that way. He was baptizing people from all over, and right when he finally introduced the Messiah, some of the future Twelve Apostles began following Jesus. Why? Because John had prepared them. John was so effective, and so good at proclaiming the message he needed to, that Jewish leaders were sending Pharisees and Sadducees to find out more about him. And when they came, he testified to them in a bold way. They had now also received the message from one sent from God. When opposition came, he handled it and kept moving forward. He was also humble. The scriptures mention what he wore and ate. Camel’s hair, a leather girdle, and he ate locusts and wild honey. These were typical of a common Israelite - nothing fancy or to show that he had wealth and prestige. He didn’t need it and he didn’t require it. His message didn’t need a title or esteem to give it the proper weight. He had God behind him, he didn’t need the prestige of man. After all of his tireless labor to spread the message, after all the opposition that came from the leaders in Jerusalem, after all the highs and lows… John FINALLY had that moment when he introduced Jesus Christ to those that were waiting for Him. “Behold the Lamb of God.” The moment he had prepared his whole life for had come. And what happened? All those who had been following John, turned and followed Christ. Christ chose to be baptized in the Jordan River near the Dead Sea which is 13,000 feet below sea level – the lowest spot on planet earth. “I will descend below all things. All things that are dead can come alive again.” Why was John initially reluctant to baptize the Savior? (He knew that Jesus’s position and authority were greater than his own.) Gives me comfort I’m not the only one who feels unqualified in my calling. why did Jesus say He needed to be baptized? (“To fulfil all righteousness.” MTC painting What do you think this phrase means? #1 2 Nephi 31:5–12 And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water! 6 And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in being baptized by water? 7 Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments. 8 Wherefore, after he was baptized with water the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove. 9 And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them. 10 And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father? 11 And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son. 12 And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do. Any time Heavenly Father speaks, it is to testify of the Savior. “This is my Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” He hadn’t even begun his ministry and Heavenly Father fully loved and was well pleased because of his relationship with Him and not anything that he has done. The Holy Ghost did not actually transform into a dove. Rather, the dove was a sign or symbol that the Holy Ghost had descended upon Jesus.) Joseph Smith taught:“The sign of the dove was instituted before the creation of the world, a witness for the Holy Ghost, and the devil cannot come in the sign of a dove. The Holy Ghost is a personage, and is in the form of a personage. It does not confine itself to the form of the dove, but in sign of the dove. The Holy Ghost cannot be transformed into a dove; but the sign of a dove was given to John to signify the truth of the deed, as the dove is an emblem or token of truth and innocence Elder David A. Bednar “We are commanded and instructed to so live that our fallen nature is changed through the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost. President Marion G. Romney taught that the baptism of fire by the Holy Ghost ‘converts [us] from carnality to spirituality. It cleanses, heals, and purifies the soul. … Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, and water baptism are all preliminary and prerequisite to it, but [the baptism of fire] is the consummation. To receive [this baptism of fire] is to have one’s garments washed in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ’ Elder Robert D. Hales taught:“When we understand our baptismal covenant and the gift of the Holy Ghost, it will change our lives and will establish our total allegiance to the kingdom of God. … Entering into the kingdom of God is so important that Jesus was baptized to show us ‘the straitness of the path’ “As we follow the example of Jesus, we, too, demonstrate that we will repent and be obedient in keeping the commandments of our Father in Heaven. We humble ourselves with a broken heart and a contrite spirit as we recognize our sins and seek forgiveness of our trespasses. We covenant that we are willing to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ and always remember Him. … “By choosing to be in [God’s] kingdom, we separate—not isolate—ourselves from the world. Our thoughts will be pure, our language clean. The movies and television we watch, the music we listen to, the books, magazines, and newspapers we read will be uplifting. We will choose friends who encourage our eternal goals, and we will treat others with kindness. We will shun the vices of immorality. Our Sunday activities will reflect the commandment of God to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. We will follow the example of Jesus Christ in the way we treat others. We will live to be worthy to enter the house of the Lord (2000). Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus Christ reveals the Savior’s prophetic and divine right to reign on earth. Matthew’s major themes is: Jesus Christ came to establish the kingdom of heaven on earth. Matthew refers to Jesus as “Christ” The Greek title Christ and the Hebrew title Messiah are synonymous, meaning “Anointed One.” In Old Testament times, prophets, priests, and kings were anointed to fulfill their roles and responsibilities Therefore, the term Christ helped Matthew’s readers to understand the Savior’s divine role. The anointing of prophets, priests, and kings foreshadowed the coming of Jesus Christ—the great Prophet, Priest, and King. Matthew’s audience are the Jews. He was the scriptorian (wouldn’t that be nice! I know some of you are) He was teaching the Jews who were also familiar with the ancient text. He was a tax collector. The Jews generally hated publicans and viewed them as outcasts, sinners, and even traitors to the nation of Israel.. He was one of the original 12 apostles. Mark was the first Gospel ever written. He was a teenager when he first heard Jesus preach. He was an interpreter for Peter. He learned all of the stories from Peter. He was also a companion of Paul. They often use his Mom’s house for a gathering place – such as the Last Supper. His audience was the Gentiles. He teaches at a fast-pace, emphasizing the Savior’s divinity by focusing on His works and miracles. His attention was to prove he was the Son of God acting and living among men. Mark likely wrote his account based on what he learned from the Apostle Peter. Luke was a doctor. Taught by Paul and with Paul. He may not have lived at the time of Christ, but interviewed eye witness accounts – I want that job! The scribes were considered experts in the law of Moses. When they preached they often quoted former authorities in the law. In contrast, Jesus spoke with the power and authority of His Father and as the great Jehovah who gave the law of Moses. The Savior healed Simon Peter’s mother-in-law of a fever, healed many others who were sick, and cast out many devils.-who recognized his authority [Joseph Smith] stated, ‘Wicked spirits have their bounds, limits, and laws by which they are governed’ [in History of the Church, 4:576]. So Satan and his angels are not all-powerful. … “… Satan’s efforts can be thwarted by all who come unto Christ by obedience to the covenants and ordinances of the gospel” What can we do to receive greater power to resist the devil? How did the people responded after seeing Jesus cast the unclean spirit out of the man. (His fame spread – lots of followers) How would having leprosy impact your life? Leprosy is a chronic disease that attacks skin, nerves, eyes, bones, and limbs. Left untreated, it leads to a painful death. In ancient times, it was believed that anyone who came in contact with lepers would contract the disease. To protect a community’s health and well-being, lepers were forced to live outside the town. Passing through a room would cause it to be unclean. It was called the living death. You had to stay 6 feet away unless the wind was blowing. The law required them to call out “Unclean!” to warn anyone approaching them. How did the leper have the courage to approach the Savior? The job of the priest was to – “Declare them whole or healed.” That didn’t happen.He could have had him wash 7 times, but he doesn’t. He chooses to touch him. #2 Mark 1:40And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. How did the leper show his faith in Jesus Christ? “if thou wilt” #3Mark 1:41–42 41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. 42 And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed. What impresses you about how the Savior responded to the man’s pleading? Leprosy can be likened to sin.Elder Bruce R. McConkie “Leprosy in biblical times, in addition to its desolating physical effects, was looked upon as the symbol of sin and uncleanness, signifying that as this evil disease ate away and destroyed the physical body, so sin eats away and corrupts the spiritual side of man” Mark 1:40-42And there came a sinner to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. 42 And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the sin departed from him, and he was cleansed. The law of Moses required those healed of leprosy to show themselves to a temple priest and offer a sacrifice. What did the man do after the Savior warned Him against telling others? #4Mark1:44 And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. 45 But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter. Who are the people who are ostracized in your family or friends? How can you be moved with compassion toward them. What can you do to help the Savior touch their life? Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught: “‘If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.’ … “The temptation is not in the eating. … The temptation, at least the part I wish to focus on, is to do it this way, to get his bread—his physical satisfaction, relief for his human appetite—the easy way, by abuse of power and without a willingness to wait for the right time and the right way. … “‘If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down’ from the pinnacle of this temple. … “The temptation here is even more subtle than the first. It is a temptation of the spirit, of a private hunger more real than the need for bread. Would God save him? … Why not get spiritual confirmation, obtain a loyal congregation, and answer this Imp who heckles—all with one appeal to God’s power? … “But Jesus refuses the temptation of the spirit. Denial and restraint are also part of divine preparation. … Even the Son of God must wait. The Redeemer who would never bestow cheap grace on others was not likely to ask for any himself. … “… ‘All these things will I give thee, if thou will fall down and worship me.’ “Satan … [asks], ‘What is your price? Cheap bread you resist. Tawdry Messianic drama you resist, but no man can resist this world’s wealth. Name your price.’ Satan is proceeding under his first article of faithlessness—the unequivocal belief that you can buy anything in this world for money. “Jesus will one day rule the world. He will govern every principality and power in it. He will be King of Kings and Lord of Lords. But not this way”1984). If we follow the Savior’s example, we can overcome temptation. When we fast and pray, we have greater spiritual strength to overcome temptation. Who else overcame Satan’s temptations? Joseph overcame Satan’s temptation with Potiphar’s wife. 2Nephi 4:17 O bwretched man that I am! Yea, my heart csorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities. 18 I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily abeset me. Moses after the burning bush Satan came tempting him Eve and the serpent Mists of darkness What do we learn about Christ from this story? and What do we learn about Satan? (on board) #5How can we benefit from scriptural knowledge during a time of temptation? What else could we do to help us overcome temptations? Why was it necessary for the Savior to experience temptation? Why is it important for us to understand that Jesus Christ experienced the same kinds of temptations we face today? How can we better apply the Savior’s example when facing temptation? What can we do now to be better prepared for temptation when it comes? broken, bruised, captive, poor, and blind (on the board). Ponder a time when one or more of these words may have described how you felt about yourself After Jesus returned from the wilderness, He began to preach in the synagogues in Galilee.Luke 4:32 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with apower. #6What verses can you share from these chapters that helped you feel that doctrinal power for yourself? He returned to His hometown of Nazareth. (Is not this Joseph’s Son) He stood in a synagogue and read from the book of Isaiah. What did Jesus testify of to the people of His hometown of Nazareth? Jesus is the Messiah who was sent to heal the brokenhearted and deliver those who are spiritually captive. #7 What experiences have you had that have shown you that Jesus Christ continues to heal and deliver us in our day? How did the people react to Jesus’s declaration? Jesus knew that the people in Nazareth would challenge Him to prove He was the Messiah by repeating the miracles He had performed in Capernaum. Jesus performed very few miracles in Nazareth because the people there generally lacked faith in Him. When we demonstrate our faith in Jesus Christ, we can see miracles occur. When have you been asked to do something without knowing all the reasons for doing it? (on board) Peter (Simon’s boat is empty. They are washing nets. Christ asks him to “thrust out a little from the land. He preaches to the people from the boat. When He finished He told Peter “Launch out into the deep” and catch fish. Simon says, “We have toiled all night. At thy word I will.” #8Would anyone like to share an experience in which they demonstrated their faith in divine guidance, despite not having a complete understanding. What was the result when you exercised your faith? Elder Richard G. Scott said: “This life is an experience in profound trust—trust in Jesus Christ, trust in His teachings, trust in our capacity as led by the Holy Spirit to obey those teachings for happiness now and for a purposeful, supremely happy eternal existence. To trust means to obey willingly without knowing the end from the beginning. Just as the fishermen “forsook all” to follow Jesus Christ, there are things we have to forsake to become His disciples. Peter, Andrew, James, and John straight way left their nets. #9How has your life changed as you have chosen to forsake all to follow the Savior. (continual process – not just something you do once and get baptized) Next week’s focus is on being born again.