Mark 2

Years ago, as I began my business, there was a questions whether my business was properly licensed. I had read the licensing regulation, and felt that I was in compliance as I interpreted the code. As I met with whom was the director in that day, I presented my opinion of interpretation. I will never forget the response from the director as he responded that my interpretation was not what the code meant or intended. As I tended to challenge his response, he bassically said - "Listen, I wrote the regulation, Okay".

I see much the same logic as the scribes and Pharisees questioned the Savior as -

"...there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,
7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?" (New Testament | Mark 2:6 - 7)

And perceiving their thoughts, the Savior said -

"...Why reason ye these things in your hearts?
9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?
10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion." (New Testament | Mark 2:8 - 12)

It seemed much the same to me where the Savior's response was, "Listen, I am the law giver, Okay".

Just another thought. With current events of our day, I've witnessed that as man or organizations begin to lose power, they rebel, protest, commit violence or threat, lie, and any resources to keep their position of power. This seemed the case in the Savior's day with the scribes and Pharisees. The end result was increased threats and hatred. Which in the Saviors day, led to His cruxificion. I can almost hear the Lord saying -

"...this thing ought not to be..." (Book of Mormon | Moroni 8:24)

The Lord has taught to those of priesthood power -

"No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;
42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—" (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 121:41 - 42)

The result of this type of true administration, as demonstrated by the Savior, results in -

"...thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 121:46)

Mark 1

Mark began his record -

"THE beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God..." (New Testament | Mark 1:1)

In my mind, this does not suggest the beginning of the preaching of the gospel for the gospel was had in the days of Adam. But it is the beginning of the mortal ministry and atonement that fulfills the gospel plan. In modern day, the Lord declared -

"...this is my gospel—repentance and baptism by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which showeth all things, and teacheth the peaceable things of the kingdom." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 39:6)

In preface to that commandment, the Savior made it clear the conditions of His gospel -

"...verily, verily, I say unto you, he that receiveth my gospel receiveth me; and he that receiveth not my gospel receiveth not me." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 39:5)

But there is another aspect with the meaning "beginning" as testified by Mark. He went on to describe the baptism by water, and the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost of the Savior which would again suggest that this is the beginning of His gospel - repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost. This is the gate. There is much more -

"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 31:20)

Beginning would only suggest initial saving ordinances where there are others to adminstered based upon faithfulness.

Matthew 28

From the days of Cain and Able, as we see Satan and Cain plotting secret combinations for gain, we see this great wickedness amongst the scribes and priests of Jesus's day. It was all about power and secret works. Even though these men requested on more than one occasion a sign or in other words, did seek after signs, when the greatest of all signs were given, in blindness they plotted against it. Jesus testified more than once that He would rise on the third day. Even to make sure they would maintain their wicked power -


"...the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.
64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
65 Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can." (New Testament | Matthew 27:62 - 65)

So they did. And even then when -

"...some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done." (New Testament | Matthew 28:11)

The wickedly -

"...assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
14 And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day." (New Testament | Matthew 28:12 - 15)

It is clear that they are no less wicked than Cain as he declared -

"...Truly I am Mahan, the master of this great secret, that I may murder and get gain. Wherefore Cain was called Master Mahan, and he gloried in his wickedness." (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 5:31)

Matthew 27

As the Savior close our His mortal life, He said with -

JST Matt. 27:54 ... a loud voice, saying, Father, it is finished, thy will is done, yielded up the ghost." (New Testament:Matthew 27:50)

I find it significant that Matthew recorded at that moment -

"...behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom..." (New Testament | Matthew 27:51)

...suggesting in my mind, the veil which had protected the view or entry into the symbolic Holy of Holies was now open to all mankind to see. I believe this is symbolic that the atonement had now open the door to all to enter the Kingdom of Heaven by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel. Paul taught of -

"...the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all..." (New Testament | Hebrews 9:3)

Of which -

"Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh..." (New Testament | Hebrews 10:19 - 20)

Matthew 26

The translation of Matthew's record of the introduction of the sacrament was that -

"...Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." (New Testament | Matthew 26:26 - 28)

The Prophet Joseph Smith's translation seems to make more sense -

"...Jesus took bread and brake it, and blessed it, and gave to his disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is in remembrance of my body which I give a ransom for you.
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it.
For this is in remembrance of my blood of the new testament, which is shed for as many as shall believe on my name, for the remission of their sins.
And I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall observe to do the things which ye have seen me do, and bear record of me even unto the end." (JST; italics added.)

Some religions believe the translated words of Matthew are literal. But it makes more sense as the purpose is that of remembrance that His body was given as a ransom and His blook for the remission of sins.

Matthew 25

In reading the parable of the talents, I particularly noticed that the talents were distributed -

"...every man according to his several ability..." (New Testament | Matthew 25:15)

To the servant that was given less than the first, it did not matter. To him the Lord declared as the first -

"...Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things..." (New Testament | Matthew 25:23)

It is obvious that all men were not born equal. This past weekend I spoke in stake conference. Much of this chapter falls in line with the subject I spoke on. So I decided that I will blog those thoughts this morning -

Stake Conference General Session
February 2011

I have had some concern as I prepared my thoughts for this morning but I have continued to feel impressed that this is what the Lord would have me address. My hope is to be sensitive and bring peace and understanding, not discourage or offend.

Therefore, I plead for the Spirit to be with each of us in this conference this morning, and in such a manner to fulfill that prophecy of Isaiah -

"Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; ...[and] they shall see eye to eye..." (Old Testament | Isaiah 52:8)

In times past, I have mentioned my eldest daughter Analese. Analese would be consider by society as handicapped or one with special needs. From birth, Analese brought with her obvious developmental and behavioral challenges. It was apparent from birth that it seemed as if some wires had been crossed. In an effort to be brief, she was unlike typical children, in that she was slow in her development, she would sleep very little at night but would take intermittent cat naps during the day, and probably the most significant was the she would outwardly rebel with nurturing and kindness, usually by becoming upset, emotional, and destructive.

As time went on, Terri and I began to realize that she seemed to function much better in a very structured setting. A setting that required one-on-one supervision, a great deal of attention, with limited emotional or nurturing kindness.

I can't help but ask, what mother, by her inherent nature, can restrain nurturing and love for her child, and replace it with non-emotional structure and objectiveness. And in doing so, neglect the other siblings in an effort to appease the required attention of the one. This was the condition in our household for many years. As a result, I acknowledge the Terri took the majority of the burden and abuse.

When Analese was around 10 or 11 years old, we were fortunate in that Analese was accepted into a special new program at Primary Children's Hospital where doctors from a full range of disciplines collaborated in a full-time analysis of children with special needs and behaviors, all in an effort to evaluate, determine, and provide corrective recommendations for the child. As we were introduced to the program director, we were told that this evaluation and possible corrections generally took about a week, very seldom more than two weeks, and never more than three.

I must confess that during that first week that our daughter was away from home, our family was able for the first time experience what it was like to have a normal family life. A week later we returned expecting the doctors to report that there was little wrong with my daughter and that maybe, with a little more patience and love as parents, everything could be easily corrected.

As we met in the director's office, the first thing the director said, to our surpries was: "There is no way that your daughter can live and function in a normal family environment. " And then he commented that he didn't have any idea how we had done it for all these years. I will never forget the tears that flowed from Terri's eyes as years of guilt and feelings of inadequacy had now somewhat been justified.

Avoiding too much detail, I will summarize that after my daughter had remained under evaluation for the entire three weeks, the doctors were unable to provide definitive conclusions of her conditions.

Not long afterward, we made a difficult decision to place our daughter in a more structured setting outside the home which over the years has proven to have been the best decision for her development. She has never been happier.

When she turned about 18 years old, with the advancement of technology and genetic research, it was discovered she was born with a rare genetic disorder. A newly recognized syndrome named after the founding doctors, Smith-Magenis syndrome. As the symptoms related to this syndrome have become more understood, we have commented many times that our daughter could be the poster child. She fits almost every symptom to the "t". She is one in a million - well statistically, one in 25,000. We now know that she cannot help who she is, and in many ways, how she behaves. All because she is missing a short little genetic arm on the 17 chromosome.

I share this personal experience with you for a reason. Shortly after I had been called into the stake presidency, President Brewster asked that President White and I join him as we interviewed each of the high councilors with their wives. I thought I knew these high councilors very well in that I had served with them on the council for the previous four years. It was during these interviews that each high councilor and his wife opened up and shared some significant challenges or trial that was going on in their lives varying, from health issues to economical challenges, as well as family matters. In each case, I must confess I was surprised and overcome with compassion.

Though I thought I had been dealt some difficult cards. Each of these brethren and their wives also had been dealt some very difficult cards. I remember, as I heard of each of these challenges - quietly saying to myself, "I choose mine, thank you".

When my children were growing up, when they were frustrated with what they thought were supposed parental injustices, they would typically complain - "that's not fair!". My response was always, "life's not fair". They hated that answer. But even so, it was true. Life is not fair nor has it ever been.

In fact, the unfairness of life is part of God's plan for His children. The Lord himself seems to take full responsibility and blame for life's unfairness as He told Moroni -

"...I give unto men weakness..." (Book of Mormon | Ether 12:27)

...suggesting that he acknowledges there is unfairness, and He is the giver of such weaknesses.

I believe term "weakness" may come in many forms - weakness in abilities, attractions, addictions, limitations, susceptibilities, living conditions, and syndromes. Even differences from what some may consider to be normal may be considered by some, a weakness. I also believe weaknesses associated with this life may also come in the form of accidents, sicknesses, diseases, trials and tribulations, and even death.

That very statement that "...I give unto men weakness..." suggests that not only is there an overall plan of salvation, but there is also an individualized plan of salvation for every person. Lehi taught that in this great plan of salvation -

"...there is an opposition in all things..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 2:11)

Not only is there opposition but for the success of the plan that -

"...it must needs be, that there is an opposition..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 2:11)

Or in other words, in God's plan for the salvation if His children, everything must have its opposites -

Therefore there must be those that are rich and those that are poor, some are short and others tall, some supposedly smarter than others, some woman that wear size 2 and others that wear size 14, some individuals may seem more attractive than others, even those that have hair and those that are losing their hair. There are those that are healthy and those that are infirmed, others that experience differing attractions, and those that may be susceptible to addictions.

In His plan it is as if in a real sense, each of us, much like Adam, have also partaken of the fruit of the Tree of knowledge of good and evil in that we also have come to know and experience, good from evil, and this ever present opposition in all things. Is it any wonder the Lord wisely warned -

"I will greatly multiply thy sorrow..." (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 4:22)

The Lord explains to Moroni why His plan was designed so, why everything has its opposites, and why He gave men their weaknesses, so -

"...that they may be humble..." (Book of Mormon | Ether 12:27)

For it is in our humility that we choose to come unto Him. But in our weaknesses, we must understand that if God gave men their weaknesses, then such weaknesses cannot in themselves be sinful. The very nature that we have weaknesses does not make us evil. It is what we do with our weaknesses that determines whether we sin or not. Of a man that had been born with the weakness of blindness, the disciples asked the Savior -

"... Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." (New Testament | John 9:2 - 3)

Elder George Q. Morris related that -

"The Prophet Joseph Smith one time said, when someone had remarked that somebody had affliction because of his sins, that it is an unhallowed statement to make - [for] afflictions come to all. . . ." (George Q. Morris, CR, October 1958, pp. 70-72.)

Again we need to come to understand that weaknesses come from God for the purpose "that the works of God should be made manifest", and with that begin to come to grips with the fact, that such God given weaknesses are not necessarily fair. Again, if all was fair, there would be no opposition in all things.

But even so, God's commandments though are consistent and universal to all for he said that even in our weaknesses -

"we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them" (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 3:25)

"...for the Lord covenanteth with none save it be with them that repent and believe in his Son, who is the Holy One of Israel." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 30:2)

Sometimes weaknesses, or differences, or "oppositions" so to speak, may have been given to special individuals, not necessarily for their own growth and salvation, but for the growth and benefit of others with whom they associate as may be the case with my daughter.

With these weaknesses, if we are obedient to His commandments, or in other words, as the Lord said -

"...if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." (Book of Mormon | Ether 12:27)

Suggesting that we may not necessarily have the capacity on our own to make such weaknesses strong. He tells us if we humble ourselves, "He" will make weak things become strong. And even in His promise to make weak things strong, I don't believe He is necessarily suggesting that "being made strong" means that such weaknesses will go away. I believe He is saying that our ability to deal with and master the weakness increases within us.

or in other words -

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (New Testament | 1 Corinthians 10:13)

In this past recent General Conference, President Boyd K. Packer specifically addressed the addiction to pornography as well as same gender attraction in the which he said -

"Some suppose that they were preset and cannot overcome what they feel are inborn temptations toward the impure and unnatural. Not so!" (Boyd K. Packer, Cleansing the Inner Vessel, General Conference - Oct 2010)

Some have thought that statement to be controversial. That Elder Packer was suggesting that humans do not come preset with weaknesses or differences. I want you to know that I sustain President Packer as a prophet, seer, and revelator.

I hope I am not misinterpreting his teaching, but I don't believe he was suggesting that we are not born with any weaknesses or differences. My daughter came preset with a genetic weakness.

Nor do I believe that he is suggesting that "to overcome" necessarily means to completely change or reverse ourselves temporally, physically or genetically. I believe he was teaching that we all have the capacity to overcome or master our weaknesses and differences by obeying God's commandments.

If you approach a recovered alcoholic, he will tell you he is and will always be an alcoholic but has come to master and overcome his addiction or weakness. The Lord told his disciples -

"In your patience possess ye your souls." (New Testament | Luke 21:19)

The scriptural footnote suggests possess means "master" or in other words, in patience we master our souls.

In my mind, self-mastery or as President Packer suggested "to overcome" means to learn to master or control oneself. It does not necessarily mean to me, complete reversal or correction.

There are some weaknesses that may be harder to master and control than others suggesting that -
"...this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." (New Testament | Matthew 17:21)
There are some that would claim that because of my nature or my God given weaknesses, God's commandments do not necessarily apply to me or maybe to one of my family members. It just isn't fair. That's true - it is not fair. But even in all its unfairness the Lord still has made it clear -

"...I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 1:31)

When parents defends such, I am reminded of the words of the Savior -

"... he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." (New Testament | Matthew 10:37)

My daughter came with preset genetic characteristics. Even though she still possesses natural desires and attractions, she will never marry. Because of that, Terri and I will never have grandchildren from her. Surely that is not fair - but again, it is life and life is not fair. Yet I can testify that I know it is right and all will be right in the end!

In all our weaknesses, we must follow the admonition of the Savior to check ourselves, that is to "take up our cross" as He explained-
JST Matt. 16:26 "...for a man to take up his cross, is to deny himself all ungodliness, and every worldly lust, and keep my commandments." (New Testament:Matthew 16:24)
We are taught that -

"...men are, that they might have joy." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 2:25)

But we are also taught -

"... for in this world your joy is not full..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 101:36)

Our hope in this life is to experience in some small measure His gift of joy. That gift comes only through self-mastery and obedience to the commandments.

"Therefore, care not for the body, neither the life of the body; but care for the soul, and for the life of the soul.
38 And seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 101:37 - 38)

That is, have patience in this life, keep His commandments, and you shall have eternal life or God's life with a fullness of Joy.

With the permission of my wife Terri, she received counsel in her patriarchal blessing that reads –

“…you must ever remember that you live in an imperfect world with imperfect people. Should they disappoint you, do not be discouraged…”

What wonderful counsel. That advise would be appropriate in everyone’s patriarchal blessings. Over the years, I have wondered if that counsel was more in reference to me than anyone else.

There have been times when Terri has been frustrated such that I've heard her quietly, whispering under her breath, reminding herself. -

"Imperfect people, imperfect world, imperfect people, imperfect world."

Since the Lord Himself planned and created this imperfect world with imperfect people, we should be very careful in judging what we may consider to be the imperfect people in this imperfect world. The Lord said -

"For of him unto whom much is given much is required..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 82:3)

That being said, the opposite must then hold true - unto whom less is given, less is required. It is not up to us to judge. We must be patient and tolerant in the weaknesses of others. Like Nephi, we must also come to -

"... know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, [we] do not know [or understand] the meaning of all things." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 11:17)

With my daughter, Analese, we have learned over the years that the key to successful Christmas morning of opening gifts is more a function of quantity, than quality.

With her, it has always been a fast progression of opening present after presents with little space in between to reflect much excitement or gratitude. It was a few years ago, as she opened a small gift from her mother she stopped and emotionally broke down into tears for a surprising extended period of time. It was then she retrieved from a small box, a new CTR ring. One that Terri had found to replace one that she had lost sometime before. To tell you the truth, I was surprised and in disbelief with her reaction. I don't think I had ever seen her demonstrate this type of emotion.

I must confess that that Christmas morning, she was not the one that was handicapped. It was my own judgment that was handicapped for I would have never guessed or even expected that she would ever react in such a manner.

The Lord has said -

"All truth is independent in that sphere in which God has placed it, to act for itself..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 93:30)

That is, to act within their sphere or capacity of our own God given weaknesses. I believe that when we get to the other side, what we may think now is black and white may be a lot different when all facts and conditions are known. We need to leave judgment to the Lord.

For -

"...I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 137:9)

…in other words, according to their capacity, their God given weaknesses, and the desires of their hearts. The Savior's commandment to all us is simply -

"...love one another; as I have loved you..." (New Testament | John 13:34)

Just as he explained to the prophet Hosea -

"For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice..." (Old Testament | Hosea 6:6)

...suggesting that to Him, love and mercy is much a greater law than keeping religious ceremonies and sacrifices.

While in Liberty Jail, afflicted because of the weaknesses men, the Lord lovingly said to the Prophet Joseph -

"My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;
8 And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 121:7 - 8)

Which then lead to the counsel -

"...know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 122:7)

As we may at times become discouraged in our earthly weaknesses and challenges, may we recall one of God's greatest questions -

"The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?" (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 122:8)

Matthew 24

Speaking of the last days with all manner of temptations, destructions, and even false teachers (the philosophy of man), the Lord said even -

"...insomuch, that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant." (Pearl of Great Price | JS-Matthew 1:22)

"According to the covenant", I believe would suggest those that have made sacred covenants are thus elected to promised blessings. To such he did not counsel but commanded -

"...see that ye be not troubled..." (Pearl of Great Price | JS-Matthew 1:23)

We do not become troubled as we head the counsel -

"...whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived..." (Pearl of Great Price | JS-Matthew 1:37)

For -

"...my words shall not pass away, but all shall be fulfilled." (Pearl of Great Price | JS-Matthew 1:35)

Recently, the Church has been issued a new handbook 2 of instructions available to the entire Church. Not only have we been commanded to "treasure" up the scriptures, but I believe we are to "treasure up [His] word" in this handbook of instructions. In doing so, we shall not be deceeived.

Matthew 24

Describing the last days, the Savior told His disciples -

"...he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." (New Testament | Matthew 24:31)

And -

"Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left." (New Testament | Matthew 24:40 - 41)

The Lord used the modern parable of the wheat and tares to describe this event saying of our day, even -

"...the angels are crying unto the Lord day and night, who are ready and waiting to be sent forth to reap down the fields..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 86:5)

And they -

"...shall first gather out the wheat from among the tares, and after the gathering of the wheat, behold and lo, the tares are bound in bundles, and the field remaineth to be burned." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 86:7)

My thoughts this morning is in regards to the binding of the tares in bundles. In my mind, the Lord is suggesting the tares are already bound in bundles, suggesting to me that the tares on their own have bundled themselves with other tares. In other words, we choose whom we want to associate with and live like. We may choose to follow and bundle ourselves with a false leader with false principles or philosophies. We may choose to be bundled with addictions or wickedness. I believe we choose the bundle. As Lehi taught of -

"...the awful chains by which ye are bound, which are the chains which bind the children of men, that they are carried away captive down to the eternal gulf of misery and woe." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 1:13)

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that -

"...the angels are to have something to do in this great work, for they are the reapers. As, therefore, the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so shall it be in the end of the world; that is, as the servants of God go forth warning the nations, both priests and people, and as they harden their hearts and reject the light of truth, these first being delivered over to the buffetings of Satan, and the law and the testimony being closed up, as it was in the case of the Jews, they are left in darkness, and delivered over unto the day of burning; thus being bound up by their creeds, and their bands being made strong by their priests, are prepared for the fulfillment of the saying of the Savior—"The Son of Man shall send forth His angels, and gather out of His Kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity, and shall cast them into a furnace of fire, there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth." We understand that the work of gathering together of the wheat into barns, or garners, is to take place while the tares are being bound over, and preparing for the day of burning; that after the day of burnings, the righteous shall shine forth like the sun, in the Kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear." (TPJS, pp. 100-101)

Matthew 23

I was touched with the closing remarks of the Savior to the Jewish leaders at the temple -

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" (New Testament | Matthew 23:37)

It seemed as of the Savior knew that He had done all to help them understand the prophecies and the whole purpose and meaning of life and now, in His own house, He could do or say nothing else to change their minds, desires, or lead them to repentance. Knowing what was yet to come, I find it interesting what the Savior said next -

"Behold, your house is left unto you desolate." (New Testament | Matthew 23:38)

It was now there house. He would claim it no more. The temple was no longer a House of the Lord.

Matthew 23

In the final stages of the Savior's life's mission, He condemns what He calls "hypocrites", saying -

"...do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not." (New Testament | Matthew 23:3)

In the language of our day, it seems that hypocrites lack in integrity and honesty, while all theirs works are that of selfishness. Some of the Savior's teachings on the matter include -

"...they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers." (New Testament | Matthew 23:4)

"...all their works they do for to be seen of men..." (New Testament | Matthew 23:5)

"...[they] love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues..." (New Testament | Matthew 23:6)

"...ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in." (New Testament | Matthew 23:13)

"...ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer..." (New Testament | Matthew 23:14)

"...ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith..." (New Testament | Matthew 23:23)

"Ye...strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel." (New Testament | Matthew 23:24)

"...ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess." (New Testament | Matthew 23:25)

And even -

"...ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity." (New Testament | Matthew 23:28)

It is very clear how the Lord feels about hypocrites. He makes it clear what His doctrine is -

"...all ye are brethren." (New Testament | Matthew 23:8)

"...he that is greatest among you shall be your servant." (New Testament | Matthew 23:11)

This doctrine is what all should strive for.

Matthew 22

It was the Saducees -

"...which say that there is no resurrection..." (New Testament | Matthew 22:23)

...on this occasion, in order to "tempt" or test the Savior, much like the Pharisees in order to turn the people and leaders against him, laid out a scenario of a woman that married seven men, then asked the Savior -

"Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her." (New Testament | Matthew 22:28)

To which the Savior answered -

"Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.
30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven." (New Testament | Matthew 22:29 - 30)

Many have taken that single statement to justify their belief that marraige and family does not continue in the eternal worlds. But the Lord had already taught with proper keys and authority -

"...Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven..." (New Testament | Matthew 18:18)

and with such keys and authority -

"...What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." (New Testament | Matthew 19:6)

The Saducees were not interested in the doctrine of eternal marraige, they were only interested in justifying their belief that there be no resurrection. So the Lord, in reference to them, realizing they did not understand what it meant by keys and authority or in other words, wht "God had joined together", related only the principle of marraige that applied to them for He answered them, that in their case -

"...in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven." (New Testament | Matthew 22:30)

This same principle is taught in modern revelation -

"...if a man marry him a wife in the world, and he marry her not by me nor by my word, and he covenant with her so long as he is in the world and she with him, their covenant and marriage are not of force when they are dead, and when they are out of the world; therefore, they are not bound by any law when they are out of the world.
16 Therefore, when they are out of the world they neither marry nor are given in marriage; but are appointed angels in heaven, which angels are ministering servants, to minister for those who are worthy of a far more, and an exceeding, and an eternal weight of glory." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 132:15 - 16)

Matthew 22

Alma taught the people of Zarahemla -

"...there can no man be saved except his garments are washed white; yea, his garments must be purified until they are cleansed from all stain, through the blood of him of whom it has been spoken by our fathers, who should come to redeem his people from their sins." (Book of Mormon | Alma 5:21)

I believe our garments or our so called "robes of righteousness" takes place as we make and keep sacred covenants of baptism and in the temple. We sense this same teaching as the Savior gave the parable of the King's son saying -

"...when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless." (New Testament | Matthew 22:11 - 12)

What do I believe the wedding garment to be in this parable? Nothing but robes of righteousness. This seems logical as -

"...said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (New Testament | Matthew 22:13)

We are not only invited to the feast but are expected to come prepared dressed in the wedding garment or holiness.

Matthew 21

As the Savior entered Jerusalem riding upon, as prophesied, as ass, Matthew records -

"..the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest." (New Testament | Matthew 21:9)

It was the word "Hosanna" being said to the Savior caught me attention this morning. According to Daniel H. Ludlow -

"Hosanna" is a transliteration of a Hebrew word with the essential meaning of "grant us salvation." Other possible meanings are "save now," "save, we pray," and "save, we beseech thee."

As we dedicate modern temples, the very meaning, as we shout "Hosanna", is a plea to "save, we beseech thee".

Matthew 20

We read that at one point in their service -

"...came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" (New Testament | Matthew 18:1)

I seems apparent to me that these faithful brethren will contemplating position and power in the afterlife which I sense is based upon that they were one of the first to follow the Savior and have remained faithful and diligent - sounds logical. But position and power was never to be part of the gospel of Jesus Christ or the kingdom of God as it is in the world. To explain this, the Lord gave the parable of the laborers in the vineyard. The parable substantiates the very oath and covenant of the priesthood wherein the Lord taught -

"For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:33)

"...receiveth my Father's kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him.
39 And this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:38 - 39)

It doesn't matter when one obtains this priesthood and magnifies it, the promised blessings are the same to all. As God's children, we should be happy and joyful when one receives these blessings whether we were the first or the last.

To emphasize that position or length of service has nothing to do with it, the Lord taught his apostles -

"...whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." (New Testament | Matthew 20:26 - 28)

Matthew 19

After a young man approached the Savior with the question -

"...All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?" (New Testament | Matthew 19:20)

...we learn that there is lessor and greater covenants and commandments as the Lord seems to introduce the law of sacrifice and consecration -

"If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me." (New Testament | Matthew 19:21)

This was a hard thing for this young man as it is for many. But it was upon witnessing this experience -

"When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?" (New Testament | Matthew 19:25)

To which the Lord answered -

"...With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." (New Testament | Matthew 19:26)

The Prophet Joseph Smith summed this up with -

"We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel." (Pearl of Great Price | Articles of Faith 1:3)

Matthew 18

To his disciples that Lord taught two principles that at first may seem a little bit at odds with each other -

"...if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire." (New Testament | Matthew 18:8 - 9)

And -

"...Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven." (New Testament | Matthew 18:21 - 22)

One response seems to be to the individual or in our personal relationships. The Lord later taught -

"I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 64:10)

But the other seemed to be a response to the disciples in the administration of the Church. The Lord also taught his priesthood leaders -

"...him that repenteth not of his sins, and confesseth them not, ye shall bring before the church, and do with him as the scripture saith unto you, either by commandment or by revelation.
13 And this ye shall do that God may be glorified—not because ye forgive not, having not compassion, but that ye may be justified in the eyes of the law, that ye may not offend him who is your lawgiver—
14 Verily I say, for this cause ye shall do these things." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 64:12 - 14)

I believe this is what the Savior was referring to using the analogy of the body for the Church. Bruce R. McConkie wrote -

"Iniquity within the Church and kingdom of God on earth cannot be condoned; unrepentant members of the Church must be cast out, even though their severance from the body of the saints is as grievous an operation as cutting off a hand or foot or plucking out an eye. False doctrines and evil practices originating with those outside the Church are easily identified, both because of their nature and their source. But the same doctrines and practices when espoused and promulgated by those within the fold of Christ, who are presumed to be in harmony with the truth, may more easily lead the unwary astray. Indeed, one of the major factors contributing to the great apostasy in the early part of the Christian Era was the failure to cut off the dead, decaying, and corrupt branches of the gospel tree. (DNTC 1:419)