Come Follow Me- Lesson 3
Luke 2; Matthew 2
Luke 2:1–7
Jesus Christ was born in humble circumstances.
What do you notice about the humble circumstances of His birth?
My Thoughts:
There is a lot around the nativity story that I continue to learn each time I dig into it. Some items I will bring up intros lesson.
Prophecies had been given around His birth and the Lord used the current government to make them come true, thus the Tax being ordered. Otherwise no way would Joseph travel with his very pregnant wife.
Try to identify a detail or insight in this story that you hadn’t noticed before. What do you learn about the Savior from the circumstances of His birth?
Last year my wife shared the following with me as we were discussing one day. I thought to share it here. I had never thought of this before
nbradfor<https://www.instagram.com/nbradfor/>I decided for the month of Dec I wanted to focus on learning more about the life of Jesus Christ. I came across a wonderful plan from @leslie_kawai<https://www.instagram.com/leslie_kawai/> where she has created a 30 day study guide to "Walk with Christ". I am on day 6 and am loving this study. Today in particular was to study the birth of Christ. What I learned today has really touched my heart. When we learn of Christ's birth we know that he was wrapped in swaddling bands. Honestly I never gave much thought as to what that was (it I'm being really honest, I just assumed it was something that they just had in hand). Today I learned that swaddling bands were special bands embroidered with symbols specific to the family lineage and used to wrap a bride and grooms hands under a wedding canopy. Then those swaddling bands were put away for use when the first son is born. What this tells me is that Mary lovingly prepared these bands and knowing she would likely give birth while they were away from home made sure to bring them on the trip to Bethlehem. They obviously couldn't take much on their journey but she made sure to take what was needed to care for her newborn child, the Savior Jesus Christ. What an example Mary is of being prepared for the arrival of the Lord. How can I be like Mary and be prepared for that day when the Lord comes again?
How do these insights affect your feelings toward Him?
My Thoughts;
First and foremost it is amazing to me that the Lord who created all things and was the rightful King and ruler chose to be born in the most humble of circumstances.
What Others have said:
Gerald N. Lund
"Bethlehem. The city of David. Ancient homeland of Israel's greatest king. In Hebrew it is called Beth Lechem. Literally, Beth Lechem means 'The House of Bread.' How perfect that He who was to take the throne of David and become Israel's ultimate king should come to earth in the city of His illustrious ancestor! How fitting that He who would be known as the 'Bread of Life' should enter mortality in the tiny village called 'The House of Bread.' (See John 6:35.)" (Jesus Christ, Key to the Plan of Salvation [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1991], 12 - 13.)
"Elder James E. Talmage explained: 'Had Judah been a free and independent nation, ruled by her rightful sovereign, Joseph the carpenter would have been her crowned king; and his lawful successor to the throne would have been Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews' (Jesus the Christ [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1948], p. 87)." (Robert J. Matthews, Behold the Messiah [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1994], 78-79.)
Gerald N. Lund
"If, as we believe, it was April and not December, then it was very likely Passover season in Jerusalem. This could explain the reason Joseph took Mary on the rigorous, sixty- mile journey to Judea when she was in the final month of her pregnancy. The Roman 'taxing' mentioned by Luke was more accurately a census or enrollment. Each family head had to register and give an accounting of their property so that taxes could be levied. But while there was considerable flexibility in timing allowed to meet this requirement, if it was Passover season, that would allow them to meet two responsibilities. The Mosaic Law required that every adult male bring his sacrifices before the Lord (i.e., to the temple) each year at Passover. (See Exodus 23:14-19.) So by choosing this time of year, Joseph could fulfill both requirements." (A Celebration of Christmas: A Collection of Stories, Poems, Essays, and Traditions by Favorite LDS Authors [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1988], 36.)
Luke 2:7 there was no room for them in the inn
Bruce R. McConkie
"It was the traveling hosts of Judah generally, not just an innkeeper or an isolated few persons, who withheld shelter from Joseph and Mary. Though her state was apparent, the other travelers-lacking in courtesy, compassion, and refinement-would not give way so she could be cared for more conveniently and commodiously. This rude rejection was but prelude to the coming day when these same people and their children after them would reject to their eternal sorrow the Lord who that night began mortality under the most lowly circumstances." (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1965-1973], 1: 91.)
Howard W. Hunter
"On that night in Bethlehem there was no room for him in the inn and this was not the only time during the thirty-three years of his sojourn in mortality that there was no room for him. Herod sent soldiers to Bethlehem to slay the children. There was no room for Jesus in the domain of Herod so his parents took him to Egypt. During his ministry there were many who made no room for his teachings-no room for the gospel he taught. There was no room for his miracles, for his blessings, no room for the divine truths he spoke, no room for his love or faith. He said to them, 'The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head' (Matthew 8:20).
"Even in our day, although two thousand years have passed, there are many who say the same thing that was said on that night in Bethlehem. 'There is no room, no room' (see Luke 2:7). We make room for the gifts, but sometimes no room is made for the giver. We have room for the commercialism of Christmas and even pleasure-seeking on the Sabbath day, but there are times when there is not room for worship. Our thoughts are filled with other things-there is no room." (The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter, edited by Clyde J. Williams [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1997], 42.)
Neal A. Maxwell
"Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus!" ("Settle This in Your Hearts," Ensign, Nov. 1992, 66)
Luke 2:8–38; Matthew 2:1–12
There are many witnesses of the birth of Christ.
As you explore their stories, what do you learn about ways to worship and witness Christ?
Shepherds (Luke 2:8-20)
My Thoughts:at the time shepherds were not the high class of people. They were not thought of like we do now I think.
Yet prophets in the Old Testament were Shepards: Moses, Abraham, David, Issac to name a few.
The coming Messiah was said to be a shepherd.
These shepherds were special. We know they were guarding and in charge of the Temple flocks. So as a lamb was born they would wrap it in swaddling clothes to protect it from getting marks or hurt since they were destained to sacrificed on the temple alters. In a way they were temple workers.
Once they were told of the birth of Christ they went quickly. They knew where to find Him. They knew the signs of His birth and what the angel had told them. They left without thought of getting in trouble or maybe even losing their life for abandoning their job. Once they saw Him they spread the word and told all that they could. We should be of the same mind.
What Others have said
Bruce D. Porter
"The fields surrounding Bethlehem were home to numerous flocks of sheep, and the month of April was a traditional birthing season for the ewes of the flock, with lambs born almost every night. In their awkward role of midwives to the animals, the shepherds would have stayed up most of the night laboring beneath the crystal sky of the desert plateau; hence, the angels who heralded his birth would not have needed to wake them.
"The boy child who arrived that birthing season was known as 'the Lamb of God.' It is a title of deep significance, for he arrived with the lambs and would someday be 'brought as a lamb to the slaughter' (Isa. 53:7). Yet paradoxically, he was also the Good Shepherd, one who cares for the lambs....He was the greatest, who made himself least; the heavenly Shepherd who became a lamb...
"The shepherds to whom the angels appeared were the keepers of the temple flocks, a conjecture based on an ancient Jewish tradition that the Messiah would be revealed from Migdal Eder, 'the tower of the flock.' The Jewish interpretive text of the Mishnah suggests that this could mean none other than the special flocks consecrated to the temple. If this is so, then lambs born years later into those same flocks may have been among those offered in the temple at the time of Christ's Passover sacrifice on the cross. Whether this is so or not, it is certainly the case that his atoning sacrifice was portended even in his birth. An ancient Hebrew tradition held that the Messiah would be born on the Passover. And from astronomical calculation we know that April 6 in the meridian of time was indeed the day of the Passover Feast, that sacred Jewish commemoration of Israel's salvation from the destroying angel that meant death for the firstborn sons of Egypt. It was a salvation granted to each Israelite family that sacrificed a lamb and smeared its blood on the wooden doorposts of their dwelling." (Bruce D. Porter, The King of Kings, 21, 23 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the New Testament: The Four Gospels, by Pinegar, Bassett, and Earl, p. 20-21)
David O. McKay
"The shepherds did not say, 'I wonder if this be true.' They did not say, 'Let us go and see if this thing be true'; they said, 'Let us go and see this thing which is come to pass which the Lord hath made known unto us'-an assurance that God had revealed his Son, that the angels had given to the world the message that he who should be King of kings and Lord of lords had come as a mere babe in the humblest part of that little Judean town.
"What would you give-you who may not have that assurance-to have in your hearts that same confidence that Christ is born, that Christ lives, that God had heralded his birth by angels in heaven? All doubt would be banished, all worry concerning our purpose here in life would cease. That is what such a testimony means." (Man May Know for Himself: Teachings of President David O. McKay, compiled by Clare Middlemiss [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1967], 466.)
James Talmage
"'It will be observed that the testimonies concerning the birth of the Messiah are from two extremes, the lowly shepherds in the Judean field, and the learned magi from the far east. We cannot think this is the result of mere chance, but that in it may be discerned the purpose and wisdom of God...there were classes of people among the Jews whom these lowly shepherd witnesses could not reach, and had they been able to reach them, the story of the angel's visit, and the concourse of angels singing the magnificent song of Peace on earth, good will to men would doubtless have been accounted an idle tale of superstitious folk, deceived by their own over-wrought imaginations or idle dreams. Hence God raised up another class of witnesses-the wise men from the east-witnesses that could enter the royal palace of proud King Herod and boldly ask: Where is he that is born king of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.'" (quoted in Jesus the Christ, 108-109)
Why Shepherds Were Invited to Witness Christ's Birth—and Not Somebody Else
by Eric D. Huntsman excerpted from "Good Tidings of Great Joy: An Advent Celebration of the Savior's Birth"
Most model nativities feature this classic display: Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the wise men, and the shepherds.
Some may know the wise men were followers of Christ who presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to symbolize Jesus’s kingship, divinity, and His suffering and death.
But what was the significance of the shepherds at the Nativity? Why were shepherds, of all the people, invited to see Christ following His birth? The answer might be more significant than you think.
The following excerpt by Eric D. Huntsman from Good Tidings of Great Joy: An Advent Celebration of the Savior's Birth explains:
It is clearly significant that the announcement came first to shepherds. Though Matthew relates that the news is conveyed later to the wise men—no doubt representing the privileged and educated—via the means of astronomical phenomenon, the lowly shepherds in Luke were informed by direct revelation immediately after Jesus’ birth. There is a tendency to romanticize the shepherds, making them in our imagination good, gentle, humble figures. In actuality, shepherds at the time were often looked upon as unclean and outside the law, sometimes even as dishonest, because they often grazed their flocks on other people’s lands.
In this case, they fit well with Luke’s emphasis elsewhere in his Gospel, where Jesus declares he has come not to the righteous but to the outcasts and sinners. Others have noted, however, that many of the flocks near Bethlehem, which is only six miles from Jerusalem, were intended for temple sacrifices, in which case one sees an entirely different symbolism. Jesus came as the Lamb of God, to die for the sins of the world, and it was perhaps to the keepers of temple flocks that his birth was first announced. A particular site, Migdal Eder, or “the Tower of the Flock,” is noted in connection with these sacred flocks. Mentioned in Genesis 35:21, it is also mentioned in Micah 4:8 as part of a larger oracle which includes the prophecy in Micah 5:2 that the Messiah will come from Bethlehem (see Chapter 4: King of Israel).
Luke describes the angel who appeared to the shepherds as simply being “the angel of the Lord” (Luke 2:9). Matthew also uses this title when he describes Joseph’s first visionary dream (Matthew 1:20). In both cases there is an echo of a common divine messenger who represents the Lord so powerfully and directly that he, or his words, are often interchanged with God himself. The sense then is that the message the angel delivers is directly from God, which is reinforced by Luke’s description that “the glory of the Lord shone round about them.” As in the Old Testament, glory is a visible manifestation of God’s power and radiance, sometimes even representing his presence. In view of this, the shepherds are understandably afraid, which proves to be the first step in the commissioning or annunciation pattern we have already seen with Zacharias and Mary (see Chapter 2: Promised Savior).
In the second step of this pattern, the messenger tells the frightened recipient—in this case recipients—not to be afraid. The announcement that follows is one of the most well-known passages in the Christmas story, one that summarizes the joy and gladness of this sacred event: “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people” (Luke 2:10). The single Greek verb euangelizomai yields the entire phrase “I bring you good tidings,” and it shares the same stem as euangellion, meaning “good news” or “the gospel.” While the birth of the True King was certainly good news, the good tidings that would bring joy to all people is ultimately found in what Jesus would later do—suffer, die, and rise again—making the good news that of salvation.
In line with this, the angel of the Lord continues, “For unto you is born this day . . . a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). While the idea that God is a savior who rescues his people is certainly present in Hebrew prophecy, the Greek word for “savior” (sōtēr) had particular political implications in the context of a Roman-governed state, suggesting the political or temporal benefits that a worldly ruler provided his subjects. This is the same context in which Luke places the Nativity by beginning it with a reference to Augustus. For Luke, however, the source of salvation, peace, and prosperity is not the Roman emperor but the Anointed One promised by God. Then, by equating this Christ with “the Lord,” Luke further identifies the baby as the divine Jehovah, since the Greek kyrios and Hebrew adonai (“lord”) were both substitutes for the divine name YHWH.
Despite the majestic identity of the baby, the angel gives the shepherds what seems like an incongruous sign: “And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12). The swaddling in itself was not likely to be the sign that the shepherds would recognize, because swaddling was a sign of parental concern and care for a newborn. Rather, finding a newborn child in a feeding trough would be the sign unusual enough that the shepherds would know they had found the correct baby.
Yet before the shepherds can hurry to Bethlehem to find a child swaddled in a manger, the angel who had been speaking to them is joined by an angelic choir praising God—much as they had when they “shouted for joy” at the creation (Job 38:7). Their song constitutes the briefest—but no doubt best-known (perhaps because it is the briefest)—of the four canticles in Luke’s Infancy Narrative. Known as the Gloria in Excelsis from its traditional title in Latin, it has entered the liturgy of several churches as well as the music of countless songs. While textual evidence suggests several possible renderings of the song (see “Peace on Earth—to Whom?” page 83), the version well-known from the King James Version of the Bible is: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14). The lack of a verb in each phrase of the song suggests a Semitic original that Luke or his source translated into Greek. In addition to being a simple declaration, it is possible that the missing verb “to be” is intended to be imperative or jussive (commanding) in force, meaning that it is a prayer that glory be to God and peace be on earth.
The expression “in the highest” in English can be taken to be an expression of degree, suggesting that the angels were giving God the highest praise, but in Greek the prepositional phrase en hypsistois is more likely to be locational, describing where the glory should be found. Hypsistois can be either masculine or neuter plural, so there is the possibility that the glory is to be found “among the highest ones,” perhaps meaning among angels or other divine beings, though the most likely meaning is that the glory should be in the highest places, meaning in the heavens. This finds an important echo later in Luke’s account of Christ’s Triumphal Entry, when those who welcome Jesus as he approaches Jerusalem prior to his Passion cry out, “Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest” (Luke 19:38; emphasis added). Thus the hosts of heaven at Jesus’ birth and the multitude on earth before his Passion form antiphonal choruses bracketing Christ’s mission, the angels praying for peace on earth and the crowds praying for peace in heaven.
Yet both groups ascribe all glory to God in the highest heavens, even as the premortal Christ himself pledged all glory from his mission to God his Father (Moses 4:2). The result of Jesus’ saving mission would be peace on the earth—peace in individual hearts, within families and friendships, and between groups and nations. But ultimately the mission of this precious baby would be to reestablish peace between God and his children, reconciling us through the atoning death of his Only Begotten Son and bringing us true joy (see Romans 5:8–11).
Simeon(Luke 2:25-35)
My Thoughts:
Another Temple worker, a righteous man who lived close to the spirit. This is proof to me that the Lord knows us and will fulfill His promises to us if we live up to our part. The promise to him could be likened to a patriarchal blessing I think and shows us that ours too will come true IF…
What others have said
Dallin H. Oaks
"Apostles have the calling and ordination to be special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world (see D&C 107:23), but the duty to witness and testify of Christ at all times and in all places applies to every member of the Church who has received the testimony of the Holy Ghost.
"The book of Luke records two examples of this. In obedience to the law of Moses, Joseph and Mary brought the infant Jesus to the temple at Jerusalem after forty days, to present him to the Lord. There, two aged and spiritual temple workers received a witness of his identity and testified of him. Simeon, who had known by revelation from the Holy Ghost that he should not taste of death until he had seen the Messiah, took the infant in his arms and testified to his divine mission. (See Luke 2:25-35.) Anna, whom the scripture called 'a prophetess' (Luke 2:36), recognized the Messiah 'and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem' (Luke 2:38).
"Anna and Simeon were eyewitnesses to the infant, but, just like the Apostles, their knowledge of his divine mission came through the witness of the Holy Ghost. 'The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.' (Rev. 19:10.) Therefore, we can properly say that when each received this witness, Simeon was a prophet and Anna was a prophetess. Each then fulfilled the prophetic duty to testify to those around them. As Peter said 'To [Christ] give all the prophets witness.' (Acts 10:43.) This was what Moses meant when he expressed the wish 'that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!' (Num. 11:29.)" (Dallin H. Oaks, "Witnesses of Christ," Ensign, Nov. 1990, 30)
Anna (Luke 2:35-38)
My Thoughts:
Much like Simeon we have another Temple worker. In fact she never left the temple. This also means to me that the Lord is mindful his widows. Blessings come regardless of station as long as we are living worthy of the spirit.
Both Male and Female were granted the chance to know the Christ and to be some of the first to testify of Him and His mission.
What Others have said:
Wise Men (Matt 2:1-12)
My Thoughts:
We know they came after the birth. IF they had been there then the offering Joseph and Mary would give at the temple would not have been the “cheapest” offering since they would have had gold etc. They came and saw the young child. Their gifts I believe were able to help Joseph and Mary flee into Egypt at a moments notice and stay there until they were told it was safe.
From Shepherds to rich knowledgable men the Holy Ghost called them to be witness’s to the birth and arrival of the Messiah.
They received revelation from the spirit on how to proceed. They were witness’s and then went other way.
What Others have said:
Robert J. Matthews
"The concept of the worldwide mission and activity of Jesus, as God of all mankind, gives us some insight into the role of the wise men spoken of in Matthew chapter 2. Their mission was unique. They could not be ordinary men. They were no doubt special emissaries, prophets, if you will, coming from a land east of Palestine, to carry back to their own people a firsthand, personal knowledge of the birth of their Lord, Jesus Christ. They were spiritual men, with a mission, who knew what they were looking for. They were indeed wise men from the East-not astrologers or magicians, but prophets or seers, which is the wisest class of all men. And theirs was the greatest of all quests, as they sought the Son of God, the fount of all wisdom." (Robert J. Matthews, The Book of Mormon: The Keystone Scripture, edited by Paul R. Cheesman, p. 27.)
Bruce R. McConkie
"To suppose they were members of the apostate religious cult of the Magi of ancient Media and Persia is probably false. Rather, it would appear they were true prophets, righteous persons like Simeon, Anna, and the shepherds, to whom Deity revealed that the promised Messiah had been born among men. Obviously they were in possession of ancient prophecies telling of the rise of a new star at his birth. That they did receive revelation for their personal guidance is seen from the inspired dream in which they were warned not to return to Herod after they had found and worshiped the Son of Mary." (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 1:103.)
Some thoughts on Herod:
Matt 2:3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled
The historian Josephus recorded the malice, paranoia, and carnage that characterized the reign of Herod the Great. In order to understand why Herod was so threatened by the news of this infant requires some background.
Herod the Great was a descendant of the Maccabean family which had broken the yoke of Syrian oppression in the year 166 BC. Years of infighting had made him suspicious of his own family members both before and after taking the throne in about 34 BC. It was only by killing those who were a threat to his power, that Herod was able to retain his kingdom. His power-hungry paranoia seemed to have no end, nor did his cruelty to those who were a threat to him. He "never left off avenging and punishing every day those that had chosen to be of the party of his enemies" (Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, Book XV, 1:1) Accordingly, Herod had his brother-in-law, his uncle, his mother-in-law, and her father killed. Once, he even considered murdering Cleopatra. In his paranoia, he became suspicious of those who had been his most intimate friends and therefore had them killed. Based on false rumors, he had his once-beloved wife killed. He later regretted this rash decision, spending the rest of his life mourning her loss. Yet, he never learned his lesson, executing all around him until "there were...none at all left of the kindred of Hyrcanus [his mother-in-law's father]; and the kingdom was entirely in Herod's power, and there was nobody remaining of such dignity as could put a stop to [him]." (Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, Book XV, 7:10)
Of his sons, Herod was perpetually suspicious. Concerned that one of his sons was guilty of sedition, he had his son's friends tortured in order to extract information from them. This torture resulted not in confession but in the death of many of the young men. (Ibid, Book XVI, 8:4). Josephus writes, "he was...overrun with suspicion and hatred against all about him...in order to his preservation, he continued to suspect those that were guiltless: nor did he set any bounds to himself; but supposing that those who stayed with him had the most power to hurt him, they were to him very frightful." This mentality lead to mental illness with paranoid delusions, "because he could trust nobody, he was sorely punished by the expectation of further misery; for he often fancied in his imagination, that his son had fallen upon him, or stood by him with a sword in his hand; and thus was his mind night and day intent upon this thing, and revolved it over and over...And this was the sad condition Herod was now in." (Ibid, Book XVI, 8:5) Predictably, Herod had three of his own sons killed: Alexander, Aristobulus, and Antipater.
Bruce R. McConkie
"When did the wise men come to Jerusalem and Bethlehem, and how old was the child Jesus when they bowed before him?...It is worthy of note that the wise men found Jesus in a house, not a stable, inn, or temporary abiding place; that he is called a 'young child,' not a baby, a total of seven times in the course of fourteen consecutive verses; that Matthew makes two pointed references to the diligent nature of Herod's inquiry as to the actual time of the birth; and that a child is two years of age until the time of his third birthday. Now assuming that Herod would order the massacre of all young children in the general age bracket involved, still the presumption arises that a number of months or even one or two years may have elapsed before the arrival of the eastern visitors." (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary,1:107)
"It will be observed that the testimonies concerning the birth of the Messiah are from two extremes, the lowly shepherds in the Judean field, and the learned magi from the far east. We cannot think this is the result of mere chance, but that in it may be discerned the purpose and wisdom of God...God had raised up to Himself witnesses among the people to testify that Messiah was born, that the hope of Israel was fulfilled. But there were classes of people among the Jews whom these lowly shepherd witnesses could not reach...Hence God raised up another class of witnesses-the 'wise men from the east'-witnesses that could enter the royal palace of proud King Herod and boldly ask: 'Where is he that is born king of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him'; a testimony that startled Herod and troubled all Jerusalem. So that indeed God raised up witnesses for Himself to meet all classes and conditions of men-the testimony of angels for the poor and the lowly; the testimony of wise men for the haughty king and proud priests of Judea. So that of the things concerning the birth of Messiah, no less than of the things of His death and resurrection from the dead, His disciples could say, 'these things were not done in a corner.'" (Men's MIA Manual, 1897-8, as taken from Jesus the Christ, p. 102)
James E. Talmage
"It is worthy of note that we have no record of these men from the east offering gifts to Herod in his palace; they did, however, impart of their treasure to the lowly Infant, in whom they recognized the King they had come to seek. The tendency to ascribe significance to even trifling details mentioned in scripture, and particularly as regards the life of Christ, has led to many fanciful suggestions concerning the gold and frankincense and myrrh specified in this incident. Some have supposed a half-hidden symbolism therein-gold a tribute to His royal estate, frankincense an offering in recognition of His priesthood, and myrrh for His burial. The sacred record offers no basis for such conjecture. Myrrh and frankincense are aromatic resins derived from plants indigenous to eastern lands, and they have been used from very early times in medicine and in the preparation of perfumes and incense mixtures. They were presumably among the natural productions of the lands from which the magi came, though probably even there they were costly and highly esteemed. Such, together with gold, which is of value among all nations, were most appropriate as gifts for a king." (Jesus the Christ, p. 101)
Matthew 2:13–23
Parents can receive revelation to protect their families.
What can you do to receive such guidance in the future?
Today more than ever parents need to be in tune to receive revelation on behave of themselves and their families.
It goes back to the simple answers;
Study your scriptures DAILY
Pray personal and family DAILY
Follow the spirit promptings EVERYTIME
Goes back to my life statement OFR
Obey the commandments so you can have the spirit
Follow the promptings as you get them so you can get more.
Retain your honor. Only you and God know if your honor is intact. Keep it intact.
Luke 2:40–52
Even as a youth, Jesus was focused on doing His Father’s will.
What do you learn from these verses about the Savior as a young man?
He knew from a young age what He was called to do. He learned line upon line just like us but at a much easier level and rate I think.
He knew he had to not only be about His Fathers business but also be subject to His earthly parents. He could have been very rude and condescending to Joseph and Mary yet He was not.
HE trusted in the Fathers timing I think.
What Others have said:
Bible Dictionary
"By custom, a Jewish boy at the age of 12 was taken to Jerusalem at one of the feasts and tested by the doctors of the law in the temple as to his knowledge of the duties and privileges to which he had been admitted. In passing this test, he was regarded as taking upon himself the yoke of the law. Thus Jesus, according to custom, was at the temple at age 12." (Source: Bible Dictionary, LDS edition of the King James Bible, p. 660.)
Kent P. Jackson and Robert L. Millet
"Luke records that at the age of twelve, Jesus, perhaps what would now be called a bar mitzvah, a 'son of the commandment' and a man in his own right, accompanied his parents into the holy city for the Feast of the Passover. It was expected that those men who resided within a reasonable distance of Jerusalem would go to the city to celebrate three sacred occasions: the feasts of Passover ('feast of unleavened bread,' in the spring of the year), Pentecost (the feast of 'first fruits,' fifty days after Passover), and Tabernacles (the 'feast of booths,' held during the fall of the year). Frequently large caravans of Israelites would travel together to enjoy the social benefits occasioned by the pilgrimages, as well as to protect themselves from marauding bands of robbers. It was at the end of a week of feasting and celebration following Passover that Mary and Joseph discovered, after a full day's journey from Jerusalem, that their twelve-year-old was missing. 'And it came to pass, after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors [the scribes, the experts on the law], and they were hearing him, and asking him questions. And all who heard him were astonished at his understanding, and answers.' (JST, Luke 2:46-47, emphasis added.) Already we see in the mind and soul of the young Messiah the spiritual depth and infinite wisdom that would characterize his ministry. Even as a boy he demonstrated the originality and freshness and animation that comes only through one who is imbued with the powers of his Eternal Father. Indeed, Jesus 'taught them as one having authority from God, and not as having authority from the scribes.' (JST, Matt. 7:37.)" (Kent P. Jackson and Robert L. Millet, eds., Studies in Scripture, Vol. 5: The Gospels [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1986], 154 - 155.)
Neal A. Maxwell
"In the Joseph Smith translation of these verses, we learn that the learned doctors 'were hearing [Jesus], and asking him questions.' (JST Luke 2:46-47.) Still later in His ministry, it is no wonder that those who sought to interrogate Him finally reached the point where no man 'durst ask him any question.' (Mark 12:34.) Had He been merely a brilliant mortal-taught solely by mere mortals, however bright-such contemporaries could have expected to engage Him and to interrogate Him successfully. However, Jesus received special tutoring. He told some, 'The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.' (John 5:19.)" (Plain and Precious Things [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1983], 41.)
Joseph Smith
"When still a boy He had all the intelligence necessary to enable Him to rule and govern the kingdom of the Jews, and could reason with the wisest and most profound doctors of law and divinity, and make their theories and practice to appear like folly compared with the wisdom He possessed; but He was a boy only, and lacked physical strength even to defend His own person; and was subject to cold, to hunger and to death." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 392 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the New Testament: The Four Gospels, by Pinegar, Bassett, and Earl, p. 33)
James E. Talmage
"In such simplicity is the normal, natural development of the Boy Jesus made clear. He came among men to experience all the natural conditions of mortality; He was born as truly a dependent, helpless babe as is any other child; His infancy was in all common features as the infancy of others; His boyhood was actual boyhood, His development was as necessary and as real as that of all children. Over His mind had fallen the veil of forgetfulness common to all who are born to earth, by which the remembrance of primeval existence is shut off. The Child grew, and with growth there came to Him expansion of mind, development of faculties, and progression in power and understanding. His advancement was from one grace to another, not from gracelessness to grace; from good to greater good, not from evil to good, from favor with God to greater favor, not from estrangement because of sin to reconciliation through repentance and propitiation." (Jesus the Christ¸ 105)
James E. Talmage
"'How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?'
"Let us not say that there was unkind rebuke or unfilial reproof in the answer of this most dutiful of sons to His mother. His reply was to Mary a reminder of what she seems to have forgotten for the moment-the facts in the matter of her Son's paternity. She had used the words 'thy father and I'; and her Son's response had brought anew to her mind the truth that Joseph was not the Boy's father. She appears to have been astonished that One so young should so thoroughly understand His position with respect to herself. He had made plain to her the inadvertent inaccuracy of her words; His Father had not been seeking Him; for was He not even at that moment in His Father's house, and particularly engaged in His Father's business, the very work to which His Father had appointed Him?
"He had in no wise intimated a doubt as to Mary's maternal relationship to Himself; though He had indisputably shown that He recognized as His Father, not Joseph of Nazareth, but the God of Heaven. Both Mary and Joseph failed to comprehend the full import of His words." (Jesus the Christ, 108)
Henry B. Eyring
"Might this be a good lesson and example for those of us who have perhaps exceeded our own parents in terms of educational opportunities and other worldly advantages but still owe them so much for so much that is most precious?
"At the time Jesus was baptized He knew who He was, and yet He willingly submitted to proper priesthood authority and discipline (see Matt. 3:13-15)." (On Becoming a Disciple Scholar [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1995], 57.)
James E. Talmage
"Concerning the home life of Joseph and his family in Nazareth, the scriptural record makes but brief mention. The silence with which the early period of the life of Jesus is treated by the inspired historians is impressive; while the fanciful accounts written in later years by unauthorized hands are full of fictitious detail, much of which is positively revolting in its puerile inconsistency...With hallowed silence do the inspired scribes honor the boyhood of their Lord; he who seeks to invent circumstances and to invest the life of Christ with fictitious additions, dishonors Him." (Jesus the Christ, 104)
How are young people you know trying to be “about [their] Father’s business”? (Luke 2:49).
My Thoughts:
The youth today are amazing. I tell them that they are more spiritual prepared for life since they were able to spend more time than us old folks learning at the feet of Heavenly Father and Mother. I have seen some be the most spiritual than some adults. I have also seen some fall faster than ever before and be lost. That ids the chance that they take being the great ones prepared for today. Satan knows them and has saved his best trips just for them.
We have a special group of youth in our ward that for the past 2-3 years have decided to give a gift to their Savior each December by going to the temple every day that it is open in Dec to do Baptisms. This group started with a few families but grows each year. They are true examples of how to be disciples.
What Others have Said:
M Russell Ballard
I am concerned about what I see happening with some of our Young people. Satan would have you dress, talk, and behave in unnatural and destructive ways in your relationship with the opposite sex. The adversary is having a heyday distorting attitudes about gender and roles and about families and individual worth. He is the author of mass confusion about the value, role, contribution, and unique nature of women and men. Today’s popular culture, which is preached by every form of media from the silver screen to the Internet, celebrates the sexy, saucy, socially aggressive woman and man. These distortions are seeping into the thinking of some of our own young people.
M Russell Ballard Yesterday, Today, and Forever pg 86
How have youth and children helped you gain a deeper understanding of the gospel?
Their quick wit and willingness to follow the Savior and teachings of the prophet are an inspiration to me.
What else do you learn from the example of Jesus’s childhood in Luke 2:40–52 and in Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 3:24–26
See comments above
What is the Joseph Smith Translation?
Bible Dictionary
Joseph Smith Translation (JST)
A revision or translation of the King James Version of the Bible begun by the Prophet Joseph Smith in June 1830. He was divinely commissioned to make the translation and regarded it as “a branch of his calling” as a prophet. Although the major portion of the work was completed by July 1833, he continued to make modifications while preparing a manuscript for the press until his death in 1844, and it is possible that some additional modifications would have been made had he lived to publish the entire work. Some parts of the translation were published during his lifetime.
The translation process was a learning experience for the Prophet, and several sections of the Doctrine and Covenants (and also other revelations that are not published in the Doctrine and Covenants) were received in direct consequence of the work (D&C 76–77; 91). Also, specific instruction pertaining to the translation is given in D&C 37:1; 45:60–61; 76:15–18; 90:13; 94:10; 104:58; 124:89. The book of Moses and the 24th chapter of Matthew (JS—M), contained in the Pearl of Great Price, are actual excerpts from the JST. Many excerpts from the JST are also given in the appendix and footnotes in the edition of the KJV that accompanies this dictionary. The JST to some extent assists in restoring the plain and precious things that have been lost from the Bible (see 1 Ne. 13–14).
Although not the official Bible of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the JST offers many interesting insights and is an invaluable aid to biblical interpretation and understanding. It is a most fruitful source of useful information for the student of the scriptures. It is likewise a witness for the divine calling and ministry of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Family Home Evening
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