Lesson Table of Contents A Kingdom, Which Shall Never Be Destroyed

Unto You Is Born … a Saviour  

 

"Lesson 3: “Unto You Is Born … a Saviour”," New Testament Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual, (2002)
Purpose

To encourage class members to rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ and follow the example he set in his youth, “[increasing] in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52).

Additional reading: Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 3:24–26; 1 Nephi 11:1–23; Helaman 14:1–8; 3 Nephi 1:4–21; 27:13–16; Doctrine and Covenants 93:11–20.
3. 3.

“Luke II,” a six-minute segment from New Testament Video Presentations (53914).
2. b.

Christmas season has past!

What do you do as an individual at christmas rime to personalize the story of the saviors birth?

What do you do as a family instill the story of the saviors birth?

When you hear the account of the Savior's birth what feelings do you have?

When you hear the account of the Savior's life, death, atonement, and resurrection what feelings do you have?

Scripture Discussion and Application

As you teach the following scripture passages, help class members understand why we should rejoice in the Savior’s birth. Discuss ways to follow the example he set in his youth.


Let's set the mood! & Read the story of Jesus Christ birth.

Read and discuss Luke 2:1–7

1 AND it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world [IV: "his empire" or the roman empire] should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. [ What are your thoughts when you consider the words that all went to be taxed? Do you think that it was a lot like today - Most likely a time of great hustle and bustle - much like today...everyone going in so many different directions, and yet all were going to miss a miracle]
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; [ Hebrew mans "house of Bread". According to the Anchor Bible the original Canaanite name for the town was "BitLahmi" or "house of the God Lahmu". So it appears as if the Jews altered the names from its previous idolatrous Canaanite name a more suitable one: from house of an idolatrous God to house of the God of Israel.] (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, [ What was the signifigance of the firstborn son? according to the law he would be entitled to a double portion of all that the Father has. So if Jesus' father was God - then his birthright and blessings would come from the God the Father - and what would a double portion of that blessing be? All that his father has (the same blessing that we are entitled too plus those things that he made with his own hands under the direction of the Father.] and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, [no special treatment here - he was wrapped just as any little child would be] and laid him in a manger; [ Any thoughts on the symbolsm of being laid in a manager? interesting symbolism here for an old farm boy. The manager is the place were the cattle gather to be feed. Since he is the bread of life - we should gather to him to be feed as well.] because there was no room for them in the inn.


What were the circumstances of Jesus’ birth? (See Luke 2:7.)

How did the circumstances of his birth set the tone for his mortal ministry and his atoning sacrifice?

In what ways do people today refuse to make room for the Savior in their lives?

What can/should we do to make room for him in our lives?

 

Let's look at a first hand account and see how the Savior himself described his mission to the Nephites.

3 Nephi 27:13–16

13 Behold I have given unto you my gospel, ['good news' or 'glad tidings', And the Good news is: 1) Jesus has done the will of the Father  - “that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me” (v13))] and this is the gospel which I have given unto you— [1] that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me.

14 And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men [2] even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil—
15 And for this cause have I been lifted up; therefore, according to the power of the Father I will draw all men unto me, that they may be judged according to their works.
16 And it shall come to pass, that [3] whoso repenteth and is baptized in my name shall be filled; and if he endureth to the end, behold, him will I hold guiltless before my Father at that day when I shall stand to judge the world.

 

Verse 13 says he came to do the will of his father - What were the assignments that Heavenly Father gave Jesus Christ?
1) He is the Creator see D&C 38:1-3

1 THUS saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, the Great I AM, Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the same which looked upon the wide expanse of eternity, [the Lord surveyed it, mapped it out, he comprehended it, he knew what it could become "He framed it by faith" Lectures On Faith] and all the seraphic hosts of heaven, [he knew us as spirit children of our father in heaven] before the world was made;
2 The same which knoweth all things, for all things are present before mine eyes;
3 I am the same which spake, [commanded the elements and the elements obey the voice of the creator – everything on this earth obeys his voice What about us do we?] and the world was made, [This is not his first time see Moses 1:33 “Worlds without number see Psalm 8:1-3] and all things came by me.


2) Teach the plan of salvation and set an example in all things John 1:1

1 aIN the beginning was the Word, and the Word [upper case so it denotes a title for the savior.] was with God, and the Word was God. [means that he was with God in that he fully comprehended the entire plan of salvation which the father had. He comprehended Grace, mercy, justice, the law of sanctification, the law of justification and there relationship to the atonement. . Because he understood it he was in a position to reveal it to others, others who would be known as prophets our tutors here on earth] [Inspired Version:1 In the beginning was the gospel preached through the son. And the gospel was the word, and the word was with the son, and the son was with God, and the son was of God.]

What does that verse mean to you about the Savior? he fully comprehended the entire plan of salvation which the father had. He comprehended Grace, mercy, justice, the law of sanctification, the law of justification and there relationship to the atonement. . Because he understood it he was in a position to reveal it to others, others who would be known as prophets our tutors here on earth


3) Work out the Atonement I Peter 1:19-20, D&C 19:15-19

1 Peter 1:19-20

19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, [ Jesus was the ONE selected to work out the atonement. Have you ever thought about your relationship with the Savior before this life? Do you think it was because of that relationship that you chose to follow him? I suppose that knowing the Savior in the pre-existance was one of the reasons why we agreed to follow the plan. We raised our hand to the square because of our fore knowledge that Jesus would complete his end of the agreement. We knew that were all others might fail, he would not. See Gen 3:15; Exodus 17: ] but was manifest in these last times for you,

D&C 19:15-19

15 Therefore I command you [Greg] to repent—repent, lest I smite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be sore—how sore you know not, [this is the son of God saying this. I think I have known something of pain in my life, pain so bad that I wished that I could die, as I could not take it any more. Here God says it is worst than that…I do not want to find out.] how exquisite [elaborate or perfected execution – so whatever the process is be certain that when you come out the other end YOU WILL BE CLEANSED] you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not.
16 For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if [they condition that makes it so we do not have to suffer] they would repent;
17 But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; [see Moses 7:56]
18 Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, [1) Tractor fire] and to bleed at every pore, [ 2) James Talmage in Jesus the Christ said “a mortal cannot handle this – we would black out”] and to suffer both body and spirit— [suffering was not just the flesh but the spirit as well] and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink— [to pull back – he was worried that he would be able to accomplish the atonement]
19 Nevertheless, [deep divine determination, Jesus was perfect because he was determined to be perfect. Remember he asked the father if there was any other way and the father said there was no other way] glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.


4) Commense work for the dead Moses 7:38; Luke 16, Isaiah 61:1

Moses 7:38 But behold, these which thine eyes are upon shall perish in the floods; and behold, I will shut them up; [the doors to the prison will not open until Christ goes to the world of spirits] a prison [see Luke 16:26] have I prepared for them.

Isiah 61:1 1 THE Spirit of the Lord bGOD is upon me; [Christ] because the LORD hath anointed [deals with his calling or mission  What was he anointed to do?] me [Christ] to preach good tidings unto the meek; ; [1) first thing he was anointed to do – the meek are those that are submissive and humble ] he hath sent me to bind [heal those that accept the gospel covenants are bound up and healed] up the brokenhearted, [the repentant and contrite  this was accomplished by the atonement] to proclaim liberty to the captives, [2)  How does he proclaim liberty? Well for starters they have to understand what the gospel message is before they can accept it  ] and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; [3)  see D&C 138:12- ]


5) He is our Judge John 5:22

John 5:22,30

22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the son: [see vs 30 ]

30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge:[Elder Groburg said that this may well be the toughest assignment the Saviour will have. Why? because his heart is so tender and sweet, he loves us so much. He would not go to the work that he has gone to for us unless he really cared about us. He does not want to lose us, but he will have to be just � that will be hard. John 17:24] and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

 

 

 

Angels and many others rejoice at Jesus’ birth.

Discuss Luke 2:8–39. Invite class members to read selected verses aloud. Display some of the pictures listed in the “Preparation” section.

Who do the angels appear too?

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, [ interesting to note the OT presents religious leaders as shepherds - note that the angel does not go to the spiritual shepherds - but goes to real shepherds. Why? because the real shepherds are the only ones that would be receptive to the message. The religious leaders were given under the direction of the King. Also of note that the connection is also with David of Bethlehem who was a shepherd.] keeping watch over their flock by night.

Why the real shepards and not the spiritual shepards?

If you are using the video presentation “Luke II,” show it now.

* •

What did the angels say as they announced Jesus’ birth? (See Luke 2:13–14.)

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

How has Jesus glorified the Father?

How has he brought peace and goodwill to all people and to you personally?

How can we show our gratitude to God for the gift of his son?

What did the shepherds do after they saw the newborn Savior? (See Luke 2:17–18.)

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. [ they appear to have told quite a few people about it - but it doesn't appear that the others have done much more that just talk about it ]
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

Any symbolism in this for us?

Have you ever thought - If I were one of those shepard would I have left my flock to go see him - or would I have been too busy?

 

What did Mary do after Jesus’ birth and the visit of the shepherds? (See Luke 2:19.)

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered [ Greek translation is "parleyed" or "tossed about" . So as Mary deliberated over what had happened over the past year she became to understand more completely the import, and mission of the child to which she had just given birth. ] them in her heart.

What does this reveal about Mary?

Why is it important to take time to cherish and ponder sacred experiences?

 

How had Simeon and Anna been prepared to see the child Jesus? (See Luke 2:25–26, 37.)

25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, [He is noted as being a devout Jew] waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. [ or he was living the kind of life that allowed him to be directed by the spirit.]
26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. [ He was promised through revelation that he would see the Savior before he left this mortal existance. ]
37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, [a score is 20 so she is 84 years old] which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

 

How Simeon and Anna respond when they saw him & What can we learn about the Savior from their prophecies? (See Luke 2:27–35, 38.)

27 And he [ Simeon ] came by the Spirit into the temple: [ He had been lead to the temple that day by the spirit ] and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
35 (Yea, a sword [ IV:"spear" alluding to John 19:34? ] shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

 

Wise men come to worship the child Jesus. Herod seeks to kill him.

Matt 2

Why did the “wise men from the east” seek Jesus? (See Matthew 2:1–2.)

1 NOW when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

2 Saying, 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. [The wise men, familiar with the prophecies that foretold the birth of Christ, and recognizing the signs that had been given, came into Jerusalem and asked this of Herod, Herod thinking that the promised Messiah would be a threat to his kingdom, sent soldiers to destroy every child two years old and under in Bethlehem. But an angel had warned Joseph and he had taken Mary and the child Jesus to Egypt.

The wise men arrived in Jerusalem when Jesus was a young child. They were directed by Herod’s court to Bethlehem. “And when they were come into the house [Jesus was no longer in a stable], they saw the young child [no longer a babe] . . . and fell down, and worshipped him.” (Matthew 2:11.) Then the wise men, because an angel warned them not to return to Herod, departed into their own country by another way. When Herod saw that the wise men did not return, he sent his soldiers to kill every child “two years old and under.” (Matthew 2:7, 16.)

John the Baptist was a small child, just six months older than Jesus, who also lived with his parents in the vicinity of Bethlehem when Herod gave out the order to murder the babies. John escaped murder by the selfless courage of his father, Zacharias. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: “When Herod’s edict went forth to destroy the young children, John was about six months older than Jesus, and came under this hellish edict, and Zacharias caused his mother to take him into the mountains, where he was raised on locusts and wild honey. When his father refused to disclose his hiding place, and being the officiating high priest at the Temple that year, was slain by Herod’s order, between the porch and the altar, as Jesus said.” (Teachings, p. 261. Compare Matthew 23:35.) Zacharias died, then, to save his son; he died a noble martyr, perhaps the first of the Christian era.]

3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

 

What did they do when they found him? Matt 2:11

11 ¶ And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child [ Jesus - So some time had passed during their travels ] with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

when they finally reached Jesus, he was a “young child,” not a newborn baby.

New discoveries in light of the wise men...New book! Anyone read it?

Why did Herod want to find Jesus? (See Matthew 2:3–6, 13. He was troubled, and he wanted to kill Jesus.)

3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, [ Why was Herod and all of Israel troubled? According to prophecy, Jesus would rule Israel. See vs 5 & 6 How would you feel if today they said that we were going to have a new ruler over America? ] and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

 

How was Jesus protected from Herod? (See Matthew 2:13–15.)

13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, [ from the Greek word "egeiro" meaning "get up" ] and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
14 When he arose, [ he immediately got up and did as he was told. Good example here - don't wait but get going. He left that very night did not wait for better conditions, day light whatever he just did!] he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

Any symbolism here for us?

 

Matt 2:13-15

13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, [ from the Greek word "egeiro" meaning "get up" ] and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
14 When he arose, [ so what does Joseph do? he immediately got up and did aas he was told. Good example here - don't wait but get going. He left that very night did not wait for better conditions, day light whatever he just did! Who is the Lord working through? Have you ever thought of the signifigance of the fact that Heavenly Father is working through Joseph? ] he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:

15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

 

How does Joseph know when to return from Egypt? (See Matthew 2:19–23.)

Matt 2:19-23

19 ¶ But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph [ interesting to note here that all Joseph ever sees is angels in dreams yet Mary and Zacharias both receive angels in plain site; The Lord communicates in different ways with different children, either way he still gets his point across, either way it is revelation ] in Egypt,
20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life.
21 And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene. [What was the source that Matthew was quoting from? There was some ancient scripture held by the Jews, which is now unknown.]

Why do you think Joseph was able to receive this guidance from God?

What can today’s fathers and mothers do to be able to receive revelation concerning their families?

How has God helped you as you have sought his guidance for your family?

Guided by the Father, Jesus prepares in his youth for his ministry.

 

The setting Luke 2:41–42

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

Every year Joseph and Mary and other faithful Jews celebrated the Feast of the Passover in Jerusalem. As was customary, Jesus accompanied them when he reached the age of 12.

Passover - is a predominantly Jewish holy day and festival. It commemorates the story of the Exodus, in which the ancient Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt. Passover begins on the 15th day of the month of Nisan, which is spring in the Northern Hemisphere, and is celebrated for seven or eight days. It is one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays.

In the narrative of the Exodus, the Bible tells that God helped the Children of Israel escape slavery in Egypt by inflicting ten plagues upon the Egyptians before Pharaoh would release his Israelite slaves. The Israelites were instructed to mark the doorposts of their homes with the blood of a spring lamb and, upon seeing this, the spirit of the Lord passed over these homes, hence the term "passover".[1] When Pharaoh freed the Israelites, it is said that they left in such a hurry that they could not wait for bread to rise. In commemoration, for the duration of Passover no leavened bread is eaten, for which reason it is called "The Festival of the Unleavened Bread".[2] Matzo (flat unleavened bread) is the primary symbol of the holiday.

 

Luke 2:43–45

 

43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, [ or caravan. The AB ststes "The reason for a traveling-party of pilgrims going from Galilee to Jerusalem was the need to pass through inhospitable Samaritian territory or to avoid attacks by highway robbers (See Luke 10:30)] went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

so what just happened?

After celebrating the Passover in Jerusalem, Mary and Joseph had begun their journey back to Nazareth when they realized that 12-year-old Jesus was not with them

And Where do they finally find him? (See Luke 2:46,47.)
46 And it came to pass, that after three days [ v44 one day out, one day to return back and then found him after looking around the city on the third day ] they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. [ It sounds like he was giving the the first discussion. He was not just giving pat answers to questions that the wise men were testing him with but he was leading the discussion, listening and questioning, answering and challenging them.]

The Joseph Smith Translation of Luke 2:46 says that the men in the temple “were hearing him [Jesus], and asking him questions.” What does this reveal about Jesus’ youth and training?

47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. [ Who taught Jesus what he knew? His Father, God the Father, taught him. That he was taught by wiser than mortal men is evident, and that he learned his lessons well, for the Prophet Joseph Smith said of him: “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, p. 392.)]

 

How did Jesus respond to Mary’s concern when she said to him, “Thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing” (See Luke 2:49.)

49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s [ What did Jesus mean by that? a clear statement to Mary that he has begun to understand his purpose - and knows full well who his father is - and it is NOT Joseph.] business? [ the word "business" was not found in the Greek version. Most modern translations render it as "house" keeping it all in context as he is in the temple. ]

What does this tell us about young Jesus’ understanding of his foreordained mission?

Luke 2:50

50 And they understood not [ Who is the they here? Joseph and Mary What do you think is mean by they understood him not? one could suppose that Mary and Joseph still had not comprehended the mission of the Messiah - maybe they were tainted by tradition to believe that when the Messiah come with so much power it is only reasonable to think that everyone would want to worship him, and then there is the question you would ask yourself why this child to us? a little doubt in themselves maybe. But it would not take much of a stretch to think that they too might expect a physical Messiah- King. sometimes after time our visions tend to fade a little - that's why it is important to wriet them done. reason why patriarchial blessings are written down?] the saying which he spake unto them.

 

As a youth, how did Jesus treat Mary and Joseph? (See Luke 2:51.
51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: [ although he knew who he was, and his mission; he was obedient to his earthly parents; he was sensitive to their needs. Probable just like most of your children right? What child is this? ] but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

Any symbolism here for us?

 

Read Luke 2:52

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, [ he grew up - the mortal process of getting bigger] and in favour with God [ What did he do to find favor with God? ] and man. [ What did he do to find favor with man? ]

How did he gain his wisdom? D&C 93:11-17

What can we learn from Doctrine and Covenants 93:11–17 about the Savior’s development as a youth? (In his preparation to be our Redeemer, Jesus did not receive all the necessary intelligence, power, wisdom, and glory at once. He received these things “grace for grace,” a little at a time.)

D&C 93:11-17

11 And I, John, bear record that I beheld his glory, as the glory of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, even the Spirit of truth, which came and dwelt in the flesh, and dwelt among us.
12 And I, John, saw that he received not of the fulness at the first, [ What does this mean? Why was it important that the Saviour did not just have all of the knowledge and power extended to him all at once? ] but received grace for grace;
13 And he received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness; [ What blessings are arrived from the process of grace to grace? I think there is a saying that sacrifice brings forth the blessings - Joseph Smith learned line up on line also - that is just the way it is. Do we ever want to cheat the process - and just have it all given to us? ]
14 And thus he was called the son of God, because he received not of the fulness at the first.
15 And I, John, bear record, and lo, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove, and sat upon him, and there came a voice out of heaven saying: This is my beloved son.
16 And I, John, bear record that he [ Jesus ] received a fulness of the glory of the Father;
17 And he [ Jesus ] received all power, [ at this point we can assume that Jesus was committed the full set of keys required to being the son of God in the flesh. So we can then imply that prior to this event Jesus did not have the complete and full authority. ] both in heaven and on earth, and the glory of the Father was with him, for he dwelt in him.

 

How does this truth apply to us? (See D&C 93:18–20.)

18 And it shall come to pass, that if you are faithful you shall receive the fulness of the record of John.
19 I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to worship, and know what you worship, that you may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fulness.
20 For if you keep my commandments you shall receive of his fulness, and be glorified in me as I am in the Father; therefore, I say unto you, you shall receive grace for grace.

 

 

Closing thoughts for you to ponder:

Would you; do you have room for him in the inn? If not what can you do to make room for him?

If you would have been one of the shepards - would your life have been so busy that you would have stayed with the flock instead of leaving to go see the savior?

What can you do today to begin the changes?