NT Come Follow Me -Individual-2019-January 7–13

Come Follow Me Individual lesson 2

Matthew 1, Luke 1

Who were Matthew and Luke?

New Testament: Student Study guide, (2003), 9–38

Who Was Matthew?

Matthew was a publican, or tax collector, for the Roman government (see Matthew 9:9). He left his profession to follow the Savior and became one of the original Twelve Apostles. He was also known as Levi (see Mark 2:14). For more information about Matthew, see “Matthew” in the Bible Dictionary (p. 729).

Why Did Matthew Write This Book?

If the prophecies of the Old Testament and the events in the life of Jesus Christ were compared to links in two separate chains, Matthew’s testimony could be considered a link that joins the two together. Matthew quoted the Old Testament more than any other New Testament writer. The first verses of Matthew show the coming of Jesus as a continuation of the Old Testament story. As you read, you will find that Matthew continually emphasized that Jesus fulfilled the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament 

 In addition to showing how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah, Matthew taught how Jesus Christ gave a law that was greater than the law of Moses practiced by the Jews in the Old Testament (see Matthew 5–7; especially note Matthew 5:21–22, 27–28, 31–32, 38–42). Matthew also told more stories than Mark, Luke, or John about how the leaders of the Jews rejected Jesus in spite of the many testimonies that He was their Messiah. This emphasis on Jesus being the fulfillment of Old Testament law and prophecy seems to indicate that Matthew had a Jewish audience in mind when he wrote and that he wanted them to know that Jesus was their Messiah.

Only in Matthew

Although many of the teachings and stories of Jesus appear in more than one of the Gospels, the following are found only in Matthew:

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Some of the details surrounding Jesus’ birth, such as the story of Joseph’s dream and decision to marry Mary (see Matthew 1:18–20), the visit of the wise men (see Matthew 2:1–13), and going to Egypt to avoid Herod and the killing of the children (see Matthew 2:14–18)

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The complete Sermon on the Mount (see Matthew 5–7)

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Ten parables not in the other Gospels

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 The resurrection and appearance of Saints after the Resurrection of the Savior (see Matthew 27:52–53)

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Some often quoted and important sayings of Jesus, such as, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28)

Who Was Luke?

Luke was a Greek physician, a doctor who wrote this gospel and the book of Acts. Luke was not a Jew, but was well educated in his Greek culture. He was probably not an eyewitness to the Savior’s earthly ministry but learned about Jesus from the Apostle Paul and other missionaries. He went on many missionary journeys with Paul (see Acts 16:10; 2 Timothy 4:11) and witnessed the growth of the Church among the Gentiles

Why Was This Book Written?

Luke wrote this testimony so his friend Theophilus, probably also a Greek convert, would know the truth about Jesus Christ. Evidently there were numerous other accounts of what Jesus said and did, some true and some not true. It seems Luke had a non-Jewish audience in mind, since he gives the meaning of mny Hebrew words and tells several stories of Jesus’ dealings with non-Jews.

How Is This Book Different from Matthew and Mark?

Matthew’s gospel was written to show the Jews that Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies of the promised Messiah (see the introduction to the book of Matthew on p. 9). Mark showed Jesus as the powerful Son of God who performed many miracles, the greatest being the Atonement (see the introduction to the book of Mark on p. 39). As a Gentile, Luke had a unique perspective on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Luke’s testimony is the longest of the Gospels. It contains much information not mentioned by the other gospel writers. He understood that the gospel was for all people, not just the Jews, and he emphasized that Jesus suffered and died for all of Heavenly Father’s children.

Only in Luke

The following are some of the teachings found only in Luke:

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Gabriel’s visits to Zacharias and Mary (see Luke 1:5–20, 26–38)

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Details of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem (see Luke 2:1–20)

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The testimonies of Simeon and Anna (see Luke 2:21–38)

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The twelve-year-old Jesus at the temple (see Luke 2:40–52)

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The parables found in Luke 10–19 

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The calling of the seventy (see Luke 10:1–16)

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Christ bleeding from every pore in Gethsemane (see Luke 22:44)

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Jesus telling the thief on the cross that he would be with Him in paradise (see Luke 23:39–43)

 

Who Are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John?

By Janet Thomas

Church Magazines

A doctor, a fisherman, a tax collector, and another who was just a teenager when he heard the Savior speak, they wrote some of the most famous books in existence. 

We recognize their names immediately. Their names are attached to the first four books of the New Testament. And most important of all, their writings are almost all we have describing the mortal life of Jesus Christ and the things He said.

The first four books of the New Testament are called the Gospels. It’s easy to imagine why these books were written and why they have always been so important. Can you imagine how exciting it would have been for people who were just learning about the Savior to have someone read to them the things He said and did? These books have always been precious.

Matthew and John were two of the original Twelve Apostles. They were with the Savior often as He taught. But who were Mark and Luke, and how did they come to write about the Savior’s life and ministry?

Here are a few things scholars know about the four men who wrote their testimonies of the Savior.1

Matthew

Matthew was a publican, or tax collector, before he was called as one of the Lord’s Apostles. Because of that profession, we can guess that he was well educated and knew how to read and write, probably in several languages, including Greek. He also knew arithmetic. He saw and heard many wonderful things while with the Savior, and it is likely he wrote down some of the sayings of the Savior as notes or in a journal. Later, these notes would have helped him when he wrote what he remembered about the teachings of Jesus.

In his book, Matthew often stresses that Jesus Christ is the Messiah and came to fulfill the Old Testament prophecies. Matthew wrote specifically to the Jews, who were familiar with those prophecies.

Matthew was a man who could have moved comfortably in political circles, and his book mentions things that someone in his position would know. For example, his account of the Resurrection tells that those assigned to guard the Savior’s tomb saw two angels roll back the stone that covered the door of the tomb. They told their superiors what had happened, so the soldiers were offered large sums of money to say that the Lord’s followers had crept in and carried His body away. This lie was then spread among the Jews. (See Matthew 28:2–15.) Matthew must have been informed about the bribery. The book of Matthew is the only place this interesting bit of information is told.

Luke

Luke is an interesting writer because he did not know Jesus Christ personally. He became a follower after the Lord’s death, when Paul taught him the gospel. Luke had been a physician, but he left that profession to travel with Paul. He had the opportunity to talk with many of the Apostles as well as others who were eyewitnesses to special events or moments in the Lord’s life. In the first few verses of his book, Luke says that he is going to write the things that eyewitnesses and other teachers of the gospel had to say about the Savior. Apparently he had the opportunity to talk to many who were present when the Savior taught or performed miracles.

One of the most amazing stories Luke wrote about was the birth of the Savior. Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles says that Luke probably got his information about Jesus’s birth from Mary herself.

Who were the other people Luke interviewed about Jesus Christ? The list would have been long. Many of the people who knew the Savior would still have been alive and would have remembered such important times in their lives. Paul mentions that about 500 people saw the Savior after His Resurrection and that most of them were still alive when he was writing to the Corinthians (see 1 Corinthians 15:6).

Four Separate Books

Right after the Lord’s death and Resurrection and for many years afterward, each of the books written by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John was a separate item, written on a separate scroll and copied over and over. The individual books weren’t put together into the New Testament until several hundred years after they were written. This explains John’s warning in Revelation 22:18: “If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.” Some people have interpreted this to mean that no other scriptures could be revealed after the book of Revelation, which in modern times is the last book of the Bible. But John was most likely warning people not to add anything to his writing only in the book of Revelation.

Eventually the four Gospels were joined with other valuable writings such as the letters that Paul and others wrote. Other original Apostles also wrote things that were copied repeatedly. Remnants of these writings survive, but it is difficult to determine which are authentic. When the New Testament was gathered into a single book, these writings were not included.

Why did the Savior need to be born of a mortal mother and an immortal Father?

My Thoughts: Christ had to be part mortal she would truly understand what we would go through. He had to know physical pain, hurt , emotion so the atonement could be truly universal. He also needed to be part God to have the ability to endure the atonement. I also think it is partly due so that he could truly say He suffered for us willingly even though He had the power and ability to change it all with just a thought.

Matt 1:18-25 Luke 1:28-35

Bruce R. McConkie

"The commentaries of the world talk about the virgin birth as being 'pious fiction.' No one, they say, could have been born in that way; it was something which Matthew assumed, and so it became a tradition in the early Church. This matter of the genealogy, this matter of the birth of our Lord, is at the heart and core of Christendom. Thanks be to God that by the opening of the heavens and by revelation in our day we have gained an understanding of what is involved. As a result we can put the atoning sacrifice in its proper position and relationship to all things...Whose son is he? He is the firstborn spirit child of God, our Heavenly Father." ("Who Shall Declare His Generation?" BYU Studies, vol. 16 (1975-1976), Number 4 - Summer 1976, p. 555.)

Bruce R. McConkie

"Just as Jesus is literally the son of Mary, so he is the personal and literal offspring of God the Eternal Father, who himself is an exalted personage having a tangible body of flesh and bones...Matthew's statement, 'she was found with child of the Holy Ghost,' properly translated should say, 'she was found with child by the power of the Holy Ghost.'" (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 1:82.)

Ezra Taft Benson

"The most fundamental doctrine of true Christianity is the divine birth of the child Jesus. This doctrine is not generally comprehended by the world. The paternity of Jesus Christ is one of the 'mysteries of godliness' comprehended only by the spiritually-minded.

"The apostle Matthew recorded: 'Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.' (Matthew 1:18.)

"Luke rendered a plainer meaning to the divine conception. He quoted the angel Gabriel's words to Mary: 'The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy [being] which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.' (Luke 1:35; italics added.)

"Some six hundred years before Jesus was born, an ancient prophet had a vision. He saw Mary and described her as 'a virgin, most beautiful and fair above all other virgins.' He then saw her 'carried away in the Spirit . . . for the space of a time.' When she returned, she was 'bearing a child in her arms . . . even the Son of the Eternal Father.' (Book of Mormon, 1 Ne. 11:15; 1 Ne. 11:19-21.)

"Thus the testimonies of appointed witnesses leave no question as to the paternity of Jesus Christ. God was the Father of Jesus' mortal tabernacle, and Mary, a mortal woman, was His mother. He is therefore the only person born who rightfully deserves the title 'the Only Begotten Son of God.'

"From the time of Christ's heaven-heralded birth, heresies have crept into Christianity intended to dilute or undermine the pure doctrines of the gospel. These heresies, by and large, are sponsored by the philosophies of men and, in many instances, advocated by so-called Christian scholars. Their intent is to make Christianity more palatable, more reasonable, and so they attempt to humanize Jesus and give natural explanations to those things which are divine.

"An example is Jesus' birth. The so-called scholars seek to convince us that the divine birth of Christ as proclaimed in the New Testament was not divine at all and that Mary was not a virgin at the time of Jesus' conception. They would have us believe that Joseph, the foster-father of Jesus, was His physical father, and that therefore Jesus was human in all attributes and characteristics. They appear generous in their praise of Him when they say that He was a great moral philosopher, perhaps even the greatest. But the import of their effort is to repudiate the divine Sonship of Jesus, for on that doctrine rest all other claims of Christianity.

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints proclaims that Jesus Christ is the Son of God in the most literal sense. The body in which He performed His mission in the flesh was sired by that same Holy Being we worship as God, our Eternal Father. Jesus was not the son of Joseph, nor was He begotten by the Holy Ghost. He is the Son of the Eternal Father!" (Come unto Christ [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1983], 2-4.)

Elder Eldred G. Smith

"Jesus Christ was the literal Son of God the Father by his spirit body and also by his physical body. The difference between Christ and us is that he had the same Father for his spirit body that he had for his physical body. But He had a mortal mother on earth. The scriptures say that she was overshadowed by the Holy Ghost. (See Luke 1:35.) Of course there had to be some means of making this possible while she was still in mortality. Further details are not necessary, but Christ himself declared all his life that he was the Son of God, and he meant it. That is the reason He had power to break the bonds of death and bring about the resurrection. It was not because He was crucified on the cross. Many people have been crucified on a cross. There were two crucified on crosses at the sides of him, but they did not have the power to be resurrected. But Christ had the power to be resurrected." (March 10, 1964, BYU Speeches of the Year, 1964, p. 8)

Luke 1:5-25, 57-80

Bruce R. McConkie

"Twice each year, in April and October, the priests of the course of Abia, named for Abijah, traveled from their village homes to the House of the Lord in Jerusalem, there to take their week-long turns at performing those sacred rites and ordinances which for fifteen hundred years had been the center of Israel's worship. One of these priests, Zacharias, whose wife, Elisabeth, was both barren and past the childbearing age, dwelt in a village in the hill country of Judea, believed to be Hebron. It was the very locale where Abraham had lived with Sarah, who also was both barren and past the childbearing age when the Lord himself saw fit to tell the Father of the Faithful that his beloved Sarah would conceive and bear Isaac, through whom the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant would continue.

"It was October, the autumn of the year, when Zacharias left his beloved Elisabeth-both of them being in the autumn of their lives-to travel the some twenty lonely miles to Jerusalem. At least it was the custom to leave family members at home, for the priests dwelt in the temple itself during their week-long ministry. But perhaps he went with other priests of his course, and if so, as was common among them in that era of great expectation, they would have discussed the Consolation of Israel who was to come and deliver his people...With his fellow priests, he then drew lots, as was the custom, so that each of the sons of Aaron serving that week might be assigned his duties. There was one service, favored above all others, that a priest to whose lot it fell might perform but once in a lifetime. It was the burning of incense on the altar of incense in the Holy Place, near the Holy of Holies where the very presence of Jehovah came on occasion. And, lo, this time the lot fell to Zacharias; he was chosen of the Lord to perform the great mediatorial service in which the smoke of the incense, ascending to heaven, would symbolize the prayers of all Israel ascending to the divine throne. That Zacharias was to be the central figure in the temple, through this service, all the assembled worshippers knew; and that heaven itself was to respond with divine approval shining forth, they would soon learn." (The Mortal Messiah: From Bethlehem to Calvary, 4 vols. [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1979-1981], 1: 306-307.)

Neal A. Maxwell

"Faith in God includes faith in His timing. Frankly, some of us have some difficulty with this significant dimension of faith. We clearly prefer our own time to His 'own due time.'

"...Patience stretches our capacity to bide our time while both wondering and sustaining. This vital elasticity will be especially needed as part of maintaining faith in God's timing in the last days, during which 'all things must come to pass in their time' (D&C 64:32)." (That Ye May Believe [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1992], 51-53.)

How did Zacharias and Elisabeth remain faithful?

My Thoughts: Even though they did not have the prayers answered nor were they blessed with what they thought would make them a model family in the Church, they were denied, yet they were still active and faithful. How many of us stop being active in the gospel simply because our prayers don’t seem to be answered.

What other messages might the Lord have for you in this story?

Have faith in His timing in all things. Life often doesn’t turn out like you plan but if you trust the Lord it turns out how it should and you are better for it.

The faithful willingly submit to God’s will.

Luke 1:26-38

"As we begin reading their story, we learn immediately that Joseph and Mary are 'espoused' (Matt. 1:18). Espousal among the Hebrews was significantly more binding than are our engagements today. The couple entered into it by written agreement and considered it the formal beginning of the marriage itself. While the couple might not actually live together for as much as a year after the betrothal-a time designed to allow the bride to prepare her dowry-the espousal was as legally binding as the formal marriage." (Gerald N. Lund, Selected Writings of Gerald N. Lund: Gospel Scholars Series [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1999], 136)

On Mary:

Bruce R. McConkie

"As there is only one Christ, so there is only one Mary. And as the Father chose the most noble and righteous of all his spirit sons to come into mortality as his Only Begotten in the flesh, so we may confidently conclude that he selected the most worthy and spiritually talented of all his spirit daughters to be the mortal mother of his Eternal Son." (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary. 3 vols. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1965-73, 1:85.)

Russell M. Nelson

"I applaud the efforts of Latter-day Saints throughout the world who willingly serve in building the kingdom of God. Likewise, I respect those who quietly do their duty though deepening trials come their way. And I admire those who strive to be more worthy by overcoming a personal fault or who work to achieve a difficult goal.

"I feel impressed to counsel those engaged in personal challenges to do right. In particular, my heart reaches out to those who feel discouraged by the magnitude of their struggle. Many shoulder heavy burdens of righteous responsibility which, on occasion, seem so difficult to bear. I have heard those challenges termed impossible.

"As a medical doctor, I have known the face of adversity. I have seen much of death and dying, suffering and sorrow. I also remember the plight of students overwhelmed by their studies and of those striving to learn a foreign language. And I recall the fatigue and frustration felt by young parents with children in need. Amidst circumstances seemingly impossible, I have also experienced the joyous relief that comes when one's understanding is deepened by scriptural insight.

"...Isaiah had made this prophetic utterance: 'The Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.' (Isa 7:14)

"When Mary was notified of her sacred responsibility, the announcing angel reassured, 'For with God nothing shall be impossible.'

"...We are children of the noble birthright, who must carry on in spite of our foredetermined status to be broadly outnumbered and widely opposed. Challenges lie ahead for the Church and for each member divinely charged toward self-improvement and service.

"How is it possible to achieve the 'impossible'? Learn and obey the teachings of God. From the holy scriptures, heaven-sent lift will be found for heaven-sent duties." (Perfection Pending, and Other Favorite Discourses [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1998], 105-108.)

Neal A. Maxwell

"The marvelous, spiritually submissive Mary likewise expressed it (true submissiveness) in few words. Though filled with wonderment about the miraculous impending birth of Jesus, she said, 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word' ("luke 1:38Luke 1:38).

"Her words can guide us when we too are puzzled by what is impending or unfolding in our lives. When we cannot explain all that is happening to us or around us, we can adopt Nephi's position: 'I know that [God] loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things' (1 Nephi 11:17)." (Sermons Not Spoken [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1985], 8-9.)

Thomas S. Monson

"In our selection of heroes, let us nominate also heroines...I speak of Mary of Nazareth, espoused to Joseph, destined to become the mother of the only truly perfect man to walk the earth. Her acceptance of this sacred and historic role is a hallmark of humility. 'And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.' (Luke 1:38.) Surely Mary qualifies.

"Could we ask, What makes of these men heroes and these women heroines? I answer: Unwavering trust in an all-wise Heavenly Father and an abiding testimony concerning the mission of a divine Savior. This knowledge is like a golden thread woven through the tapestry of their lives." (Be Your Best Self [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1979], 40.)

Chieko N. Okazaki

"Mary's example teaches us much about giving the answer of faith when things happen that we don't understand, about trusting in the Lord when things happen that try us and challenge our faith, about having confidence in his goodness at seasons of loss and sorrow.

"We are so used to thinking of the annunciation as the beginning of the joyous celebration of Christmas that we focus on Mary's joy, which I'm sure she felt, and on the great gladness of the Savior's birth. We are not used to thinking of this season as a time of loss for Mary. But it was a loss. She was a righteous young woman, but she was bound to lose her reputation among her family and friends and those who knew her in Nazareth. What else could they think, when they saw her pregnant, but that she had been unchaste? The last line in the annunciation is, 'And the angel departed from her' (v. 38). In other words, the angel didn't take the rabbi aside for a quiet chat about this very special young woman he had in town. He didn't whisper to the chief merchants that Mary was going to be remembered till the end of time, while their names would barely survive their own generation. The angel was not there at the well when Mary went for water, after she came back from visiting Elisabeth, her body already rounded with a sixth-month pregnancy. He didn't explain to the other women, shocked and scandalized and whispering to each other behind their hands, that Mary was the chosen vessel of the Lord. Nobody explained to the girls younger than Mary that she was the living embodiment of faith.

"Furthermore, Mary didn't explain it either. She obviously didn't explain it even to Joseph, because Joseph was the one person to whom the angel did come, to tell him that his faith in Mary was not misplaced. So, yes, I think we have to admit that despite the joy this was also a season of loss and mourning." (Disciples [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1998], 165 - 166.)

The angel’s words to Mary	Message for me
“The Lord is with thee” (verse 28).	The Lord is aware of my situation and struggles.
	His timing is always right. What He requires is always right

Mary’s reactions	Message for me
“How shall this be?” (verse 34).	It’s OK to ask questions when I don’t understand.
	As you ask questions you need to be ready to follow the answer no matter what.

As you read about Joseph’s righteous example in Matthew 1:18–25, what do you learn about accepting God’s will? What could you learn from Zacharias’s and Elisabeth’s experiences?

They were active and fulfilled their duty with faith even when their prayers and desires were not answered

What do you learn about Jesus Christ from Mary’s statements? What additional insights do you gain about the blessings that the Savior offers by comparing these verses with Hannah’s words in 1 Samuel 2:1–10 and with Jesus’s Beatitudes in Matthew 5:4–12? What does the Spirit teach you as you ponder these insights?

Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Family Home Evening

Matthew 1:1–17

James E. Talmage

"Two genealogical records purporting to give the lineage of Jesus are found in the New Testament, one in the first chapter of Matthew, the other in the third chapter of Luke. These records present several apparent discrepancies, but such have been satisfactorily reconciled by the research of specialists in Jewish genealogy. No detailed analysis of the matter will be attempted here; but it should be borne in mind that the consensus of judgment on the part of investigators is that Matthew's account is that of the royal lineage, establishing the order of sequence among the legal successors to the throne of David, while the account given by Luke is a personal pedigree, demonstrating descent from David without adherence to the line of legal succession to the throne through primogeniture or nearness of kin. Luke's record is regarded by many, however, as the pedigree of Mary, while Matthew's is accepted as that of Joseph. The all important fact to be remembered is that the Child...would be born in the royal line. A personal genealogy of Joseph was essentially that of Mary also, for they were cousins." (Jesus the Christ, p. 81)

Bruce R. McConkie

"...Matthew proceeds to outline what appears to be the ancestry of the Lord, but we can't quite figure out how it fits in with other scriptural passages, at least in the form it has come to us. Luke gives another account that does not agree with that in the book of Matthew. We suppose it may be that one of them is a kingly, royal genealogy, intended to indicate his position and place as the one to sit upon the throne of his father David; the other is possibly a genealogy either of Mary or Joseph-we can't be sure." ("Who Shall Declare His Generation?" BYU Studies, vol. 16 (1975-1976), Number 4 - Summer 1976, p. 555.)

Neal A. Maxwell

"We can wait, as we must, to learn later whether ... Matthew's or Luke's account of Jesus' Davidic descent is correct. (See Matt. 1; Luke 3.) Meanwhile, the Father has, on several occasions, given us Jesus' crucial genealogy: 'This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!'" (Ensign, November 1984, p. 11.)

"Matthew placed great stress upon the King and his kingdom. Messiah is a royal title, and Jesus' royal/messianic status was critically important to Matthew. The genealogy of Jesus given in Matthew (1:1-17) is the Lord's royal line. Matthew laid out the genealogy in such a manner as to divide the forty-two generations into three sections of fourteen (from Abraham to David, from David to Babylonian captivity, and from exile to Jesus). For Matthew, the very number fourteen has royal significance. How so? The name David in Hebrew consists of three Hebrew consonants, each having numerical equivalents. Thus: Dahlet (d =4) + Vav (v =6) + Dahlet (d =4) =14." (Robert L. Millet, Studies in Scripture, Vol. 5: The Gospels, edited by Kent P. Jackson and Robert L. Millet, p. 33)

JST Matt 2:1 Now, as it is written, the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise

"In the preparation of his Gospel, Matthew would no doubt have drawn upon his own reminiscences and notes, as well as other extant oral or written sources. After providing the genealogy of Jesus Christ, Matthew records (1:18): 'Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise . . .' The Matthean infancy narrative follows. Joseph Smith's translation of the same verse (JST, Matt. 2:1) reads: 'Now, as it is written, the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise . . .' This prophetic alteration of the King James text seems to point toward the possibility of a written source available to the apostle that predates his own Gospel." (Robert L. Millet, Studies in Scripture, Vol. 5: The Gospels, edited by Kent P. Jackson and Robert L. Millet, p. 33)

Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:13,30

"All righteous prayers are answered, but in the due time of the Lord. There may be some delay until his time is due, as a man well-stricken in years learned when Gabriel appeared to him and said: 'Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard.' (Luke 1:13.) Though the answer was much-delayed, the prayer was answered in God's time. This experience says much about God's need and his timing." (Keith H. Meservy, Studies in Scripture, Vol. 5: The Gospels, ed. by Kent P. Jackson and Robert L. Millet, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1986], 349.)

Neal A. Maxwell

"Faith in God includes faith in His timing. Frankly, some of us have some difficulty with this significant dimension of faith. We clearly prefer our own time to His 'own due time.'

"...Patience stretches our capacity to bide our time while both wondering and sustaining. This vital elasticity will be especially needed as part of maintaining faith in God's timing in the last days, during which 'all things must come to pass in their time' (D&C 64:32)." (That Ye May Believe [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1992], 51-53.)

Quick thoughts on Angel Gabriel

Joseph Smith taught that the angel Gabriel who came to Mary and Joseph was the prophet Noah in life. I have often wondered why him? Why was he chosen to deliver the message of history?
My Thoughts:
It was his assignment to do so.
Also who better? This shows a loving Father in Heaven and His Son caring for his prophets.
Noah more than any other prophet could have been thought a failure. He was first tasked to cry repentance to the people but they would not listen.
He was then tasked with watching the entire population of the earth be wiped out, "save 8 souls"

Who better to bring the message that the time had come for He who would defeat death and sin was about to be born. Who better than he who saw everyone be destroy because of their narrow minded ness.
Just a thought.