Luke 8

Luke also recounts the story of -

"...a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,
44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.
45 And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
46 And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me." (New Testament | Luke 8:43 - 46)

The Prophet Joseph Smith related a similar experience. On March 14, 1843, wrote in his journal-

"Elder Jedediah M. Grant enquired of me the cause of my turning pale and losing strength last night while blessing children. I told him that I saw Lucifer would exert his influence to destroy the children that I was blessing, and I strove with all the faith and spirit that I had to seal upon them a blessing that would secure their lives upon the earth; and so much virtue went out of me into the children, that I became weak, from which I have not yet recovered; and I referred to the case of the woman touching the hem of the garment of Jesus. The virtue referred to is the spirit of life; and a man who exercises great faith in administering to the sick, blessing little children, or confirming, is liable to become weakened." (TPJS, pp. 280-81.)

Interesting that virtue can be defined by the "spirit of life".

Luke 7

Paul taught of repentance -

"Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death." (New Testament | 2 Corinthians 7:9 - 10)

And with this godly sorrow -

"...ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter." (New Testament | 2 Corinthians 7:11)

Luke tells of -

"...a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment." (New Testament | Luke 7:37 - 38)

In a sanctimonious manner the Pharisee questioned -

"...This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner." (New Testament | Luke 7:39)

The Savior answered in parable and then challenged him -

"...Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little."
(New Testament | Luke 7:44 - 47)

"Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation"

Luke 6

By modern day revelation, we learn -

"There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—
21 And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 130:20 - 21)

Like Matthew's record of the beautitudes,Luke also records many gospel principles upon which we will be blessed or begin to develop or acquire the attributes of godliness. As we obey each principle or commandment, we are promised those blessings associated with obedience to that principle.

A contrary or negative approach could also be made. When one does not follow or obey a commandment of principle, he or she is not blessed with associated blessings in for -

"...he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great." (New Testament | Luke 6:49)

Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote -

"Opposite every blessing stands a curse; obedience brings the blessing, disobedience the curse. All men shall gain either the one or the other; there is no such thing as neutrality. Either men believe in Christ or they do not; either they obey his laws or they do not. All of the Beatitudes could be rewritten in the negative form to show the woes that result from taking a course opposite to that counseled by Jesus." (DNTC 1:217.)

Luke 5

Matthew records -

"...Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
22 And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him." (New Testament | Matthew 4:18 - 22)

Mark seems to record the same event as Jesus -

"...walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.
18 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him." (New Testament | Mark 1:16 - 18)

But John writes a little different story of may have been there first meeting with the Savior -

"...the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;
36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!
37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
39 He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.
40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.
41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona..." (New Testament | John 1:35 - 42)

Luke records what seems to be another event as the Savior -

"...saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.
3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.
4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.
7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:
10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.
11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him." (New Testament | Luke 5:2 - 11)

As I have read the records of Matthew and Mark in the past, the impression I received was Peter, James and John immediately "forsook all" or everything in their lives and from that day on followed the Savior. One thing that seemed strange to me was that I would assume Peter, James, and John were probably married and had children. That would seem very irresponsible to "forsake all" from then on.

I am beginning to believe that these brethren did forsake what they were doing to follow the Savior as they were called for a period or a particular mission but then would return after a breif ministry to provide and support their family. I've wondered if with each of these events that the Savior called them each time for short season as He embarked on another particular ministry. Much like in the Church where we are called for a season of service and then released. And after each release another call would typically be extended.

Luke 4

Being in Nazareth, the Savior went in to the synagogue and stood and read from the words of Isaiah -

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord." (New Testament | Luke 4:18 - 19)

I'm sure those in the synagogue were more than familiar than this great prophecy concerning the coming of the Messiah. What must have been a great shock to them though, was after sitting with all attention on Him waiting for some comment, the Savior then pronounced -

"...This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." (New Testament | Luke 4:21)

It was here that the Savior declared to His own neighbors - I am the Messiah. I've wondered what I would have done or said had I been present. But in all these words, the Savior understood more what was meant by "to preach deliverance to the captives" or those that passed on that were in prison or hell waiting for deliverance. A more complete understanding of this verse is made clear in the 76th and 138th sections fo the Doctrine and Covenants. Of this statement, Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote -

"Isaiah says, "to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound." (Isa. 61:1.) Reference is here made, not to the freeing of mortal men from any imprisonment, but to the ministry of freedom and pardon which was prepared for the departed dead. Jesus' mission was not alone to those then living; he was also to carry the gospel, the glad tidings of salvation, to the spirits in prison. Those who had been "gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit," those who had been "shut up in the prison," were, "after many days," to be visited by him who held the key for their release. (Isa. 24:22.)

While his crucified body lay in the tomb, Jesus "went and preached unto the spirits in prison" (1 Pet. 3:18-20; 4:6), announcing in their hearing that through baptism for the dead and other vicarious ordinances he had provided the means "which would enable us to redeem them out of their prison; for the prisoners shall go free." (D. C. 128:19-25.) (DNTC 1:161.)

Luke 3

In my last two blogs, I noted that as Luke began his record, he specifically tells the reader that its contents came -

"...as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses..." (New Testament | Luke 1:2)

Luke's record seems to be different from some of the other gospel writers in that he included events that were delivered to him by eyewitnesses. We see another of the events with the baptism of the Savior. It is apparent that eyewitnesses either in writing or as they witnesses told him -

"...it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased." (New Testament | Luke 3:21 - 22)

Whether Luke was there as an eyewitness or another of the disciples, I have no idea. But I do sense that there was one present there that saw the heavens open and saw the Holy Ghost descent upon the Savior. And then also heard and understood a voice from heaven. For those that believe the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost never did talk to this eyewitness as Luke must have.

Luke 2

Yesterday, I noticed that as Luke began his record, he noted that -

"...as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things..." (New Testament | Luke 1:1)

"...Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses..." (New Testament | Luke 1:2)

Obviously, Mary, the mother of Jesus, was an eyewitness of the events of the early days of the Savior's life. Luke specifically noted that with the events that surrounded the birth of the Savior that -

"...Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." (New Testament | Luke 2:19)

Later with the events that transpired at the temple as Mary and Joseph brought the babe to be presented to the Lord Luke specifically notes with after the prophecies of Simeon and Anna that -

"...Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things..." (New Testament | Luke 2:33)

And years later as the youthful Jesus "tarried behind in Jerusalem", His parents -

"...found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers." (New Testament | Luke 2:46 - 47)

Again Luke provides some very personal insight that would only come from the parents as -

"...they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?
50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them." (New Testament | Luke 2:48 - 50)

Again, Luke records that -

"...his mother kept all these sayings in her heart." (New Testament | Luke 2:51)

As we learn of the prophecies of Mary to Elizabeth, as we learn of the details of the events of His birth, and as we learn of these events of His youth, this information woould only most likely come from Mary. None of the other gospel writers mentioned any of these events. I would suspect from Luke's introduction to his record that all this history came directly from Mary, the most obvious resource - either by direct interview, but also as I believe, most likely in some sort of personal journal of Mary.

Luke 1

As Luke testifies that he is one of the believers and one -

"...having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first..." (New Testament | Luke 1:3)

...explains the resources from which his record is substantiated writing -

"Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
2 Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word..." (New Testament | Luke 1:1 - 2)

It interpret that to mean that not only does his record rely upon his own experience, but "written" testimonies or in a sense, affidavits from those wwho were also eyewitnesses as well as the Savior's ministers.

One of the greatest testimonies that I would believe was a handwritten testimony was that of the inspired words of Mary to Elizabeth -

"...My soul doth magnify the Lord,
47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever."

What a marvelous testimony from not only an "eyewitness", but as a key player in the great plan of redemption.

(New Testament | Luke 1:46 - 55)

Mark 15

At the cruxificion of the Savior, Mark paints an interesting picture in that -

"There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;
41 (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem." (New Testament | Mark 15:40 - 41)

And even at His burial -

"...Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid." (New Testament | Mark 15:47)

Matthew also records -

"And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
56 Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children." (New Testament | Matthew 27:55 - 56)

I was touched by the fact that Mark and Matthew both thought it important enough to record in their records the nature and compassion of women. Women seem to have a greater capacity for compassion, love, and service.

Mark 14

In the moment of His greatest agony, the Savior teaches us a great lesson as His -

"...soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death..." (New Testament | Mark 14:34)

Isaiah prophesied that the Savior would be -

"...a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief." (Old Testament | Isaiah 53:3)

In His sorrow and grief, He teaches by example in that He -

"...prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.
36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me..." (New Testament | Mark 14:35 - 36)

We are taught that in our own trials and tribulations, we are to prayerfully plead with the Father, acknowledging by faith that He has all power, requesting that which we feel are the righteous desires of our hearts. But also, in great faith, confess -

"...nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt." (New Testament | Mark 14:36)

My may not necessarily understand the meaning of all things, but we do know He loves us, therefore, we must hope that His will is brought to pass, not our own. Could there be a more touching plea demonstrated by the Savior. Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote -

"...in the garden of Gethsemane Jesus bore "the agony and sorrow of the whole world. Sorrow is the child of sin, and as he took upon himself the sins of the world, he thereby bore the weight of the world's sorrows." (DNTC 1:775)

Mark 13

In the last week of His life, the Savior taught His disciples -

"Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:
29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors." (New Testament | Mark 13:28 - 29)

Considering that parable, some of the signs that the branch is putting forth leaves is -

"...when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.
8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles..." (New Testament | Mark 13:7 - 8)

As of today, consider the wars or rumours of wars and protests in the middle east. Consider the recent earthquakes in Haiti, Chile, New Zealand, and now this past week in Japan. Even as prophesied in latter days -

"...the testimony of the voice of thunderings, and the voice of lightnings, and the voice of tempests, and the voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:90)

The Lord taught of the last days -

"...these are the beginnings of sorrows." (New Testament | Mark 13:8)

Therefore, we are warned -

"Take ye heed, watch and pray..." (New Testament | Mark 13:33)

Mark 12

Again, the Savior teaches his disapproval of pride and hypocrites saying -

"...Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,
39 And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:
40 Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation." (New Testament | Mark 12:38 - 40)

Somewhat related is the pride and hypocrisy of men to be seen of the world, when it comes to ministering to the poor and needy for as -

"...Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.
42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:
44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living." (New Testament | Mark 12:41 - 44)

I see this type of attitude from politicians that claim compassion as they tax others and give to the less fortunate or oppressed. It is not charity or compassion when you give other peoples money. It is only charity and compassion as you give of oneself. James E. Talmage wrote -

"In the accounts kept by the recording angels, figured out according to the arithmetic of heaven, entries are made in terms of quality rather than of quantity, and values are determined on the basis of capability and intent. The rich gave much yet kept back more; the widow's gift was her all. It was not the smallness of her offering that made it especially acceptable, but the spirit of sacrifice and devout intent with which she gave. On the books of the heavenly accountants that widow's contribution was entered as a munificent gift, surpassing in worth the largess of kings. "For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not." [2 Cor. 8:12.] (JTC, pp. 561-62.)

Mark 11

On more than one occasion, the Savior denounced hypocrisy. It was -

"...when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:
13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet." (New Testament | Mark 11:12 - 13)

To which the Savior responded -

"No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever." (New Testament | Mark 11:14)

Some have wondered why the Savior would curse what was supposedly a beautiful tree. It is clear the tree appeared to be a fruit bearing tree but was not. Who knows if the tree had or would ever bear fruit. I think the Savior again was teaching the nature of hypocrisy. The tree represented that which it did not do. To such, the same cure applies.

Mark 10

You can sense that even after several previous teachings of the Savior on the matter, there was still an attitude of pride, pecking order, or even who was more important to the Savior. There even seemed to be some dispute amongst the disciples to which -

"...Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all." (New Testament | Mark 10:42 - 44)

To make the point, He continued -

"For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." (New Testament | Mark 10:45)

Previously, the Lord had even rebuked Peter on the matter teaching -

"...there are many who make themselves first, that shall be last, and the last first." (New Testament:Mark 10:31)

Elder Bruce R. McConkie commented -

"In spite of the rebuke but shortly before given Peter, that "there are many who make themselves first, that shall be last, and the last first" (I. V. Mark 10:30); and in apparent open disregard of the teaching just given in the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard, that all servants worthy of exaltation would be rewarded alike, each receiving his "penny" appointed—James and John, aided by their mother, now entreat Jesus for a promise that they will rank next to him in his eternal kingdom.

Tolerant of their human weaknesses, for they as yet have not gained the full and glorious vision of the gospel, Jesus thereupon teaches them how greatness in God's kingdom is gained. It is not the position occupied, but the service rendered; not the office held, but the call magnified; not the rank enjoyed, but the labors performed; not the pre-eminent station attained, but the spiritual diligence exhibited; not where one sits with reference to the King, but the love and obedience shown forth to him. (DNTC 1:565.)

Mark 9

Recently, I have blogged on the faith necessary for one to be healed or to perform miracles. We learn another lesson as -

"...one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;
18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not." (New Testament | Mark 9:17 - 18)

"And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming." (New Testament | Mark 9:20)

But as this story unfolds, the Savior -

"...asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.
22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us." (New Testament | Mark 9:21 - 22)

Then the Savior said to the father -

"...If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth."
(New Testament | Mark 9:23)

What we learn here is that faith can also be demonstrated by others for miracles to be performed. Elder James E. Talmage wrote -

"The supplication of the agonized father for the benefit of his sorely afflicted son—"Have compassion on us, and help us" (Mark 9:22)—shows that he made the boy's case his own. In this we are reminded of the Canaanite woman who implored Jesus to have mercy on her, though her daughter was the afflicted one [Matt. 15:22]. In these cases, faith was exercised in behalf of the sufferers by others; and the same is true of the centurion who pleaded for his servant and whose faith was specially commended by Jesus [Matt. 8:5-10]; of Jairus whose daughter lay dead [Luke 8:41-42, 49-50; and of many who brought their helpless kindred or friends to Christ and pleaded for them. . . . Faith to be healed is as truly a gift of God as is faith to heal; and , as the instances cited prove, faith may be exercised with effect in behalf of others. In connection with the ordinance of administering to the afflicted, by anointing with oil and the laying on of hands, as authoritatively established in the restored Church of Jesus Christ, the elders officiating should encourage the faith of all believers present, that such be exerted in behalf of the sufferer. In the case of infants and of persons who are unconscious, it is plainly useless to look for active manifestation of faith on their part, and the supporting faith of kindred and friends is all the more requisite." (JTC, p. 395)

Mark 8

Last Wednesday and Thursday, I blogged on the evidence that faith is required to perform miracles. As I read this morning, Mark related that as the Savior -

"...cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him." (New Testament | Mark 8:22)

What is interesting is the manner in which the Savior did minister to him, for -

"...he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town..." (New Testament | Mark 8:23)

The question would seem to arise, why would he lead him out of town? My thoughts are that maybe the Savior just needed to talk with this blind man, maybe in a manner that the man would develop faith in him. And then Mark tells that the Savior -

"...spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought." (New Testament | Mark 8:23)

Again, maybe a method to continue develop the man's faith. What is interesting is that after the Savior inquired of what he saw, the blind man -

"...looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking." (New Testament | Mark 8:24)

It seems evident that the blind man was not fully healed, but partly healed. In my mind, would not this strengthen the man's faith. And then the Savior -

"...put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly." (New Testament | Mark 8:25)

This is the only instance that I am aware of where the Savior seemed to heal in stages. There is no question that the Savior had all power to heal, but I wonder if it had more to do with the blind man's faith in that his faith grew sufficiently in stages.

This may help those that hold the priesthood better understand what may be necessary in the blessing and healing of the sick.

Mark 7

Nephi said that -

"...I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 19:23)

These were my thought this morning as the Savior was confronted by the scribes and Pharisees on the traditions of their day or the "traditions of the elders". In answer to these accusations, the Savior responded -

"...Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." (New Testament | Mark 7:6 - 7)

In our day, it is the political correct speech and actions of men in what we call tolerance. Thus many teach the doctrines and commandments of men -
"Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye." (New Testament | Mark 7:13)

The Savior then taught His disciples -

"...That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man." (New Testament | Mark 7:20 - 23)

I believe there are many in our day, just as the scribes and Pharisees, in an effort to gain and maintain power, do the same by "teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" thus succumbing to the carnal desires of man and increasing their unrighteous source of power.

Mark 6

In follow up to my blog yesterday, Mark even more substantiates the eternal law that faith is required -

"For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them..." (Book of Mormon | Ether 12:12)

We see this doctrine as Jesus taught the people -

"...in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house." (New Testament | Mark 6:4)

These people knew He and His family from His youth. This made it even more difficult for them to have faith in Him saying -

"...From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?
3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him." (New Testament | Mark 6:2 - 3)

Thus they lacked or demonstrated any faith in him. Thus the Savior -

"...could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief..." (New Testament | Mark 6:5 - 6)

Another testimony to this doctrine taught by Moroni.

Mark 5

If the people of several generations ago were to see the technology of today, I'm sure they would think what was going on was somewhat magical or unbelievable. The physical laws of this earth have always been in place, it is just that we have better come to understand them and use them. These physical laws seemed to be fixed and unchanging.

One of the theories of physics is the law of conservation. That energy is conserved and never lost. In other words, energy transforms itself into differing types of energy.

There also appears to be eternal laws in spiritual matters also. As the Savior was thronged by a mass of people -

"...a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,
26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole." (New Testament | Mark 5:25 - 28)

As she touched his garment, she was healed. What is interesting is the Savior sensed, -

"...immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him..." (New Testament | Mark 5:30)

...or in other words, some sort of power or energy had gone out of him. It is clear that the garment was not the source of healing but the source was in Him. After confessing what she had done, the Savior said to the woman -

...Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole..." (New Testament | Mark 5:34)

Within this brief experience, even though we do no know the meaning or have a knowledge of all things, we recognize some simple spiritual laws. First, that sufficient faith is required to receive spiritual blessings, power, or spiritual energy. Nephi asked -

"...how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him?" (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 7:12)

"...For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them..." (Book of Mormon | Ether 12:12)

Is it any wonder, that Paul taught -

"But without faith it is impossible to please him..." (New Testament | Hebrews 11:6)

Faith is an eternal law to receive the blessings and miracles of God. But even with faith, there also appears that there must also be an Eternal power or energy that allows the miracles of blessing.

Mark 4

To His believing disciples, the Savior taught -

"...Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables..." (New Testament | Mark 4:11)

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines mystery as -

"...a religious truth that one can know only by revelation and cannot fully understand..,"

I believe one can fully understand if the truth is received by revelation. This concept is the very core concept of the Church - to progressively receive revelation of that which be mysteries or truth. On this subject, Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote -

"Though Jesus used parables to hide the full meaning of his teachings from the Jews, yet those rebellious hearers could have understood if they had sought the light, and their failure to believe and understand rose to condemn them. Jesus here tells them, in effect, that gospel light does not burst upon men in full noonday splendor, but that it arises in their hearts gradually, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. "He that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day." (D. C. 50:24.) Eventually the faithful, having continued to grow in light and truth, shall have all things revealed to them and shall know all things. (D. C. 76:5-10; 93:26-28; 101:32-34; 121:26-29.) (DNTC 1:291.)