John 3

The teachings of the Savior to -

"...a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews..." (New Testament | John 3:1)

Provides the gospel reader with some of the most profound and complete doctrine of the plan of salvation. Among other things, he recalls the works of Moses, the very prophet from which the very Mosaic law they professed to believe, saying

"...as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life." (New Testament | John 3:14 - 15)

And then the Savior taught the very core of the gospel plan -

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." (New Testament | John 3:16 - 17)

In other words as Amulek taught -

"...that the Lord surely should come to redeem his people, but that he should not come to redeem them in their sins, but to redeem them from their sins." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 5:10)

There have been some political opinions discussed recently whether there is a heaven or hell. In these teachings of the Savior, I believe He is teaching Nicodemus the qualifications to receive of His fulness or in other words, enter the Celestial Kingdom explaining -

"He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (New Testament | John 3:18)

"condemned already" suggests that He will not save them in their sins. And then the Savior explains the doctrine of condemnation, or damnation teaching -

"...this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." (New Testament | John 3:19 - 21)

"Should not perish, but have everlasting life" is one the "doeth" truth and cometh to the light.

John 2

As John writes of the marriage feast in Cana, the details of the event seem vague. Daniel H. Ludlow provides some additional incite -

"Mary seemed to be the hostess at the marriage party, the one in charge, the one responsible for the entertainment of the guests. It was she who recognized the need for more wine, who sought to replenish the supply, who directed the servants to follow whatever instructions Jesus gave. Considering the customs of the day, it is a virtual certainty that one of Mary's children was being married.

Jesus also had a close personal interest in and connection with the marriage and the subsequent festivities which attended it. He and apparently at least five of his disciples (John, Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathanael) were "called" to attend. Since the shortage of wine occurred near the close of the festivities, and since these commonly lasted from seven to fourteen days, it is apparent that Jesus' party was remaining for the entire celebration. Seemingly, also, he had some personal responsibility for entertaining the guests and felt an obligation to supply them with added refreshments." (Companion to Your Study of the New Testament: The Four Gospels, Daniel H. Ludlow)

With Ludlow's comments, the conditions of this event make more sense. In fact, it reminds me of many of the weddings of our day when mothers are integrally involved. With that understanding, the words of the Savior to His mother make a little bit more sense -

"...Woman, what wilt thou have me do for thee? that will I do; for mine hour is not yet come." (JST)

In that day "Woman" was the greatest title of respect, or in other words "woman of women" where today we would use the term "Mother". What is interesting is Mary's instruction to the servants -

"...Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it." (New Testament | John 2:5)

It is at time John records the miracle of changing water to wine. And not just a little bit but probably about 100 to 150 gallons of water to wine (Life and Teachings of Jesus and the Apostles,Church Educational System). John calls this the -

"...beginning of miracles did Jesus..." (New Testament | John 2:11)

Some call it the first miracle. But I believe this is the first miracle that John witnessed. It is obvious by His mother's instructions to the servants, that He had performed miracles before of which she had witnessed.

John 1

The Jews looked forward to the comingof the Messiah and were more than familiar with the prophecy of Isaih of -

"The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God." (Old Testament | Isaiah 40:3)

As well as the prophecies of Malachi -

"...I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me...
(Old Testament | Malachi 3:1)

The scribes and Pharisees were also aware of these prophecies so when they heard of one that professed to be a prophet, they sent priests and levites to inquire of John the Baptist -

"...Who art thou?
20 And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.
21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No." (New Testament | John 1:19 - 21)

So again they asked him -

"Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?" (New Testament | John 1:22)

With all the understanding of his foreordained mission, John the Baptist declared -

"I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias." (New Testament | John 1:23)

John's mission was to do just that, to not only prepare the way but to be the one that was to testify that Jesus was the Son of God. And thus he wrote -

"...I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God..." (New Testament | John 1:34)

John was to preach and teach as a prophet of God to bring many to believe and then declaring to those that had believed and followed him of the Savior -

"Behold the Lamb of God!" (New Testament | John 1:36)

Luke 24

As the Savior was about to ascend to heaven, Luke records words of the Savior that no other gospel writer recorded in that that He instructed -

"...behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." (New Testament | Luke 24:49)

So in obedience, the apostles -

"...returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God." (New Testament | Luke 24:52 - 53)

Luke does not record all that transpired in their return to Jerusalem or of their worship in the temple in their preparation to preach the gospel to all nations. In modern day, the Lord commanded the same to those that were to embark to preach the gospel -

The commanded the early saints of our day -

"...for this cause I gave unto you the commandment that ye should go to the Ohio; and there I will give unto you my law; and there you shall be endowed with power from on high..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 38:32)

For it would there that -

"... ye are to be taught from on high. Sanctify yourselves and ye shall be endowed with power, that ye may give even as I have spoken." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 43:16)

Not long after, the Lord provided even more instruction on the matter -

"...I gave unto you a commandment that you should build a house, in the which house I design to endow those whom I have chosen with power from on high..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 95:8)

It was in His holy house that this endowment of knowledge and power would be so manifest and endowed so that -

"That they themselves may be prepared, and that my people may be taught more perfectly, and have experience, and know more perfectly concerning their duty, and the things which I require at their hands.
11 And this cannot be brought to pass until mine elders are endowed with power from on high." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 105:10 - 11)

Knowing this, we receive greater incite of Luke's writings as the Lord explains in modern-day revelation -

"For this is the promise of the Father unto you; therefore I command you to tarry, even as mine apostles at Jerusalem." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 95:9)

Or in other words, tarry until you are endowed with power.

Luke 23

As the Savior approached Jerusalem in His final week, as -

"...he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it," (New Testament | Luke 19:41)

This weeping was not necesarily about the city, but about it's inhabitants, as he said -

"...If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,
44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation." (New Testament | Luke 19:42 - 44)

For He had said sometime earlier -

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!" (New Testament | Luke 13:34)

The Savior understood the prophecies as well as the events that would transpire for this people that would cruxify their Lord. I was touched by the words of the Savior after having suffered in Gethsemane, all evening and morning at the hands of the Jewish leaders and Roman soldiers, and now in a most weakened state while enroute to Calvary, still manages to look with compassion upon the lamenting Jewish woman, saying to them -

"...Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.
29 For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.
30 Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.
31 For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?" (New Testament | Luke 23:28 - 31)

Upon reading such a statement, one cannot help but ask - "what manner of man is this?" The events so prophecied did come to pass with -

"...the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet..." (New Testament | Matthew 24:15)

Luke 22

The Savior of the world, the Messiah, even the Son of God that possessed power to heal so many instructs Peter one the evening of the last supper -

"...Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat..." (New Testament | Luke 22:31)

But it is what the Savior follows with that really touched me -

"But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not..." (New Testament | Luke 22:32)

In just these few word, the Savior teaches us more about the plan of salvation and our relationship with Him and our Father in Heaven as He declares that He had prayed for Peter. What a marvelous thing to think the Savior, with power and authority to heal the physical sicknesses of man would still pray unto the Father on our behalf.

It would also suggest that even though God can heal, He also allows our agency to grow and develop. In a real sense, God will force no man to heaven. He allows us the agency to develop faith in Him. That is the plan.

Luke 21

Luke also recorded the questions of His disciples -

"...Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?" (New Testament | Luke 21:7)

After prophecying of the events to come, the Savior taught and -

"...spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;
30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.
31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand." (New Testament | Luke 21:29 - 31)

Very similar to the prophecies during his mortal ministry, the Lord again prophesied of similar coming events is modern day (see D&C 88). At the conclusion of the most recent general conference of the Church, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland summarized -

"Brothers and sisters, in general conference we offer our testimonies in conjunction with other testimonies that will come, because one way or another God will have His voice heard. “I sent you out to testify and warn the people,” the Lord has said to His prophets. 15

“[And] after your testimony cometh the testimony of earthquakes, … of thunderings, … lightnings, and … tempests, and the voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds. …

“And angels shall … [cry] with a loud voice, sounding the trump of God.” 16

Now, these mortal angels who come to this pulpit have, each in his or her own way, sounded “the trump of God.” Every sermon given is always, by definition, both a testimony of love and a warning, even as nature herself will testify with love and a warning in the last days." (April 2011 General Conference,An Ensign to the Nations, Jeffrey R. Holland Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)

These same warnings are given today by those we sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators.

Luke 20

It must have been frustrating for the differing and prideful Jewish religous leaders as the Savior taught "with authority" in the temple for -

"...the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people...And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor." (New Testament | Luke 20:19 - 20)

It was the Sadducees that challenged the Savior on His teachings of the resurrection as they plotted with a strategy of Mosaic law that -

"...If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother." (New Testament | Luke 20:28)

They then proposed a question where not only a husband did die, but seven husbands died and then asked -

"Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife." (New Testament | Luke 20:33)

The Savior recognized their intent that this questioning wasn't about marraige. but if there is a resurrection. So instead of teaching the full doctrine of eternal marraige, in a sense, casting pearls before swine, he summarized that for those of the world -

"...The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:
35 But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage..." (New Testament | Luke 20:34 - 35)

More investigation in the doctrine of celestial marraige will reveal that -

"...if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood; and it shall be said unto them—Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection; and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths—then shall it be written in the Lamb's Book of Life, that he shall commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, and if ye abide in my covenant, and commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world; and they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 132:19)

Luke 19

In that His disciples -

"...thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear." (New Testament | Luke 19:11)

...or in other words, this kingdom would rule all nations with the Messiah as King, the Savior taught a parable to explain what was going to happen, teaching that -

"A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return." (New Testament | Luke 19:12)

This was a clear prophecy of what was to come. In this parable, the nobleman had ten servants, while also noting that all his "citizens" hated him and would that the noble would not "reign" over them. As he departed, he gave each servant a pound with the charge to "Occupy" or do business with untill he returned.

One servant was able to increase his pound ten fold, another 5 fold, while one did nothing or "no business" with his pound. To those who did magnify their possession, the noblemen, as he returned with a the kingdom that he had received -

"Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities." (New Testament | Luke 19:17)

Which suggests that the nobleman gave a portion of his kingdom he had acauired to the servant. He did proportionately the same with the servant that magnified to 5 pounds. But of the one that did nothing -

"...he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds." (New Testament | Luke 19:24)

and those that stood by were surprised noting -

"...Lord, he hath ten pounds...) (New Testament | Luke 19:25)

or in other words, he already has ten pounds. That would suggest in my mind, that the pounds were never returned to the nobleman but was added to including reigning over cities -

"For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him." (New Testament | Luke 19:26)

I can't help but related this parable to the Oath and Covenant of the priesthood. Of those who have received this Oath and Covenant of the priesthood in our day, have been given the charge to "Occupy" or do His business with this gift, or in other words -

"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)

Recieve much the same promise wherein it is covenanted to the point that -

"...all that my Father hath shall be given unto him." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:38)

Luke 18

As the Savior was teaching His disciples -

"...he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others..." (New Testament | Luke 18:9)

What was seemed to be the emphasis of this parable was of those that "trusted in themselves". Trust in oneselve is not faith and is a philosophy of man or this world. The Savior continued -

"...Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner." (New Testament | Luke 18:10 - 13)

I noticed that a Parisee prayed "with himself". In my mind, praying to oneself, is trying to justify oneself, to build oneself up inorder to be have self-esteem and confidence. This philosophy is of the world. It is what those that think themselves wise and prudent teach and believe. But that is not what the Savior taught. He taught faith in Jesus Christ, humility, meekness, and trust in the Lord. The Lord concluded this parable of the publican -

"I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." (New Testament | Luke 18:14)

Such doctrine the Savior taught several times during His ministry.

Luke 17

I find it interesting that at one point in time, Luke records -

"...the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith." (New Testament | Luke 17:5)

My thoughts are that they probably were saying "please help increase our faith" or "Lord, how do we increase our faith?". The Lord then told them a simple parable -

"...which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?
8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?
9 Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not." (New Testament | Luke 17:7 - 9)

In my mind, the illustration suggests that the servant should fufill all his duties and responsibilities before the blessings or faith flows. The Savior continued -

"So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do." (New Testament | Luke 17:10)

King Benjamin taught much the same principle -

"I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another—I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants.
22 And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 2:21 - 22)

Faith then increases as do our duty and keep the commandments. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught -

"When faith comes it brings its train of attendants with it—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, gifts, wisdom, knowledge, miracles, healings, tongues, interpretation of tongues, etc. All these appear when faith appears on the earth, and disappear when it disappears from the earth; for these are the effects of faith, and always have, and always will, attend it. For where faith is, there will the knowledge of God be also, with all things which pertain thereto—revelations, visions, and dreams, as well as every necessary thing, in order that the possessors of faith may be perfected, and obtain salvation." (Lectures on Faith, pp. 70-71.)

Luke 16

As the Savior told the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, I've wondered if these individuals were real life individuals in that the Savior called the beggar by name. I can't help but think that these two individuals had passed on the Savior, being privy and knowing of the events that had since transpired, related those events to the proud Pharisees. What is significant and of such a truth is that the rich man, being captive, pleaded -

"...I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment." (New Testament | Luke 16:27 - 28)

Knowing the truth of the matter, the Savior reflects the answer to the rich man -

"...They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them." (New Testament | Luke 16:29)

This is the pattern that is the plan to salvation in this life. But the rich man reasoned -

"...if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent." (New Testament | Luke 16:30)

Many assume this would be true, but the response was -

"...If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead." (New Testament | Luke 16:31)

The truth of this statement was demonstrated as the Savior himself rose from the dead but yet they would not believe.

Recently, brethren we sustain as Prophets, Seers, and Revelators spoke over a two-day conference. It is again interesting that much of the world would not hear even though it was ever available to them.

Luke 15

As the Savior associated with publicans and sinners -

"...the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them." (New Testament | Luke 15:2)

The Savior then proceeded to teach three parables regarding the joy that comes from a repentant soul. One that seemed to innocently lose their way, one that seemed to be lost or caused to be lost by others, and last, one that intentionally fell away. In being found, or having repented, the Savior expressed the joy of the return of any lost soul. But there is even a greater lesson taught as the brother of one that intentionly fell away, who -

"...was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him." (New Testament | Luke 15:25 - 28)

You can sense his jealousy and dissatisfaction and the Son confessed to his father -

"...Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf." (New Testament | Luke 15:29 - 30)

Jealousy does breed love, happiness, and joy. His father explained this saying -

"...Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found." (New Testament | Luke 15:31 - 32)

Though there was great joy with the return of a penitent son, he still had lost the blessings that the elder son still acquired by being continually obedient. We should ever remember -

"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)

The elder son did not lose anything but did gain a repentant brother.

Luke 14

Luke seems to be the only writer that shares the parable of the Savior suggesting to one of the Chief Pharisees -

"When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;
9 And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room." (New Testament | Luke 14:8 - 9)

Instead the Savior counsels -

"...when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee." (New Testament | Luke 14:10)

During His mortal ministry , the Savior continually teaches that humility is what is required to serve in His kingdom, not pride.

"For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." (New Testament | Luke 14:11)

This counsel seems to ring more to my ears because of my weaknesses. I need to remind myself that -

"Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (New Testament | Matthew 18:4)

In his doctrinal commentary of the New Testament, Elder Bruce R. McConkie commented -

"In a sense, Jesus here summarizes the whole plan and purpose of this mortal probation. It is to test men and see whether they will seek for worldly things—wealth, learning, honors, power—or whether they will flee from pride, humble themselves before God, and walk before him with an eye single to his glory. Without this basic Christian virtue of humility there is neither spiritual progression here nor eternal life hereafter. With it men are able to gain every godly attribute in this life and to qualify for full salvation in the mansions on high. "Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand and give thee answer to thy prayers."" (D. C. 112:10.) (DNTC 1:500.)

Luke 13

As we consider some the significant tragedies of our day, we can look at some events in the Savior's day where some individuals -

"...told him of the Galilæans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices." (New Testament | Luke 13:1)

It seems that these individuals were suggesting that these Galileans must have been sinners for God to allow this tragedy. To which the Savior answered -

"...Suppose ye that these Galilæans were sinners above all the Galilæans, because they suffered such things?
3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (New Testament | Luke 13:2 - 3)

Again it seems this continued extended to another tragic event where the Savior again taught -

"..eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (New Testament | Luke 13:4 - 5)

I believe the Savior is teaching two principles. First, that God allows tragic events to take place on their own natural occurences or circumstances and also as a result of the decisions of other men. It hads to be so -

"For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so...righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 2:11)

In other words, how would we know happiness without sorrow, or pleasure without pain. The second is that disobedience to the commandments will always bring pain, suffering, and in an eternal sense, spiritual death for -

"...wickedness never was happiness." (Book of Mormon | Alma 41:10)

For the wicked will suffer for their sins for -

"...if they would not repent they must suffer even as I..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 19:17)

Elder Bruce R. McConkie commented -

"Does God send accidents, violent death, and other calamities upon individual men to punish them for their sins? Apparently there were those among Jesus' hearers who thought so. Accordingly, we find the Master expressly saying that those subject to the misfortunes here involved were not greater sinners than their fellows whose lives were spared.

True it is, as a general principle, that God sends disasters, calamities, plagues, and suffering upon the rebellious, and that he preserves and protects those who love and serve him. Such indeed were the very promises given to Israel—obedience would net them the preserving and protecting care of the Lord, disobedience would bring death, destruction, desolation, disaster, war, and a host of evils upon them. (Deut. 28; 30.)

But to say that particular individuals slain in war, killed in accidents, smitten with disease, stricken by plagues, or shorn of their property by natural calamities, have been singled out from among their fellows as especially deserving of such supposed retribution is wholly unwarranted. It is not man's prerogative to conclude in individual cases of suffering or accident that such has befallen a person as a just retribution for an ungodly course. (DNTC 1:475.)

Luke 12

As an illustration, the Savior said -

"...that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.
40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not." (New Testament | Luke 12:39 - 40)

Less than two weeks ago, my vehicle was broken into during the later morning hours at my office in broad daylight and many personal valuable items were stolen - very little of value to a theif. But nonetheless, this parable seems to ring very true. It is interesting that Peter responded with the question -

"...Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?" (New Testament | Luke 12:41)

In the Joseph Smith translation of the Bible, the Savior responded -

"...I speak unto those whom the Lord shall make rulers over his household, to give his children their portion of meat in due season.

And they said, Who then is that faithful and wise servant?

And the Lord said unto them, It is that servant who watcheth, to impart his portion of meat in due season." (JST)

It seems to me the Savior is saying to both, the leaders and the saints. Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote -

"Inserted in the Inspired Version [JST] by revelation, these sayings of Jesus give a new and added concept to the teaching that men should watch, pray, and be ready for the Second Coming; they outline a concept which is not elsewhere set forth with the clarity and plainness here recorded. Interestingly, Dummelow came close to the very truth Jesus is here teaching when he speculated, as above quoted, that "Christ's return from the marriage feast . . . may mean his judgment of each individual soul at death."

All of the Lord's ministers, all of the members of his Church, and for that matter all men everywhere ('What I say unto one, I say unto all'), are counseled to await with righteous readiness the coming of the Lord. However, most men will die before he comes, and only those then living will rejoice or tremble, as the case may be, at his personal presence. But all who did prepare will be rewarded as though they had lived when he came, while the wicked will be "cut asunder" and appointed their "portion with the hypocrites" as surely as though they lived in the very day of dread and vengeance.

Thus, in effect, the Lord comes in every watch of the night, on every occasion when men are called to face death and judgment. The phrase, "He hath already come, as it is written of him," pointedly inserted in verse 42, is a witness that even then he ministered among mortal men and that they were judged by their acceptance or rejection of him." (DNTC 1:676-77.)

Luke 11

To the lawyers of His day, or those that interpreted what would consider, God given law, the Savior said -

"Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge..." (New Testament | Luke 11:52)

The Prophet Joseph Smith added -

"...For you have taken away the key of knowledge, the fulness of the scriptures..." (JST)

These lawyers were supposedly the wise and prudent. But in prayer the Savior said -

"O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight." (New Testament | Luke 10:21)

Hiddent things are mysteries as defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary -

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

Without revelation, the wise and prudent of the world do not come to know religious truth. The key of knowledge then is revelation from the Holy Ghost. Revelation from the Holy Ghost only come by worthiness, faithfulness, and obedience to the commandments. For it is through -

:...this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God.
20 Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:19 - 20)

Luke 10

The Savior seemed to have a special relationship with sisters Martha and Mary for as -

"...he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." (New Testament | Luke 10:38 - 42)

In this experience, Martha seemed to be more focused on the traditional and I will suggest necessary responsibilities of housekeeping and service while yet her sister, Mary seemed to be more adept to being taught in spiritual things. I don't interpret Martha's reaction to one that felt overworked, but one that was concerned that Mary was not about doing a traditional role. I sense the Savior was not rebuking Martha in here sense of responsibility, but was teaching that there needs to be a balance in her life which includes the "one thing is needful" which is the "good part" of spiritual instruction.

Women in the Church must learn that one does not necessarily have priority over the other, but there needs to be a balance. Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote this event -

"Mary and Martha were both faithful, devoted disciples of Jesus. Both knew he was the Son of God, Martha, in particular, so testifying when he raised their brother Lazarus from the dead. (John 11.) It appears that these sisters were on friendly, even intimate, terms with Jesus, that he visited them in Bethany from time to time, and that it was the privilege of Martha, at least to offer him the hospitality of her home.

Here we see Jesus dining in Martha's home. According to the social amenities of the day, Mary should have been assisting her sister in the serving and other details of the meal; instead, she sat at Jesus' feet feasting herself on the spiritual food which fell from his lips. From Martha's housewifely complaint and Jesus' mild reproof, we learn the principle that, though temporal food is essential to life, once a reasonable amount has been acquired, then spiritual matters should take precedence. Bread is essential to life, but man is not to live by bread alone. Food, clothing, and shelter are essential to mortal existence, but once these have been gained in reasonable degree, there is only "one thing" needful—and that is to partake of the spiritual food spread on the gospel table." (DNTC 1:472-73.)

Luke 9

Luke records like Mark of John's inquiry -

"...Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us." (New Testament | Luke 9:49)

I would have to assume that John was thinking that this authority and power was only reserved for the twelve Apostles. But the Savior answered -

"...Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us." (New Testament | Luke 9:50)

One cannot help but wonder who was the one casting out devils. Was he a baptized member of the Church? Did he hold priesthood authority to do so? In the next chapter of Luke we read that -

"...the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come." (New Testament | Luke 10:1)

"Other seventy" would suggest that a previous seventy had been called and sent - even a first quorum of seventy. One would have to assume that the first seventy were given the same charge as other seventy, to -

"...heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you." (New Testament | Luke 10:9)

We learn later that this quorum of -

"...seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name." (New Testament | Luke 10:17)

One would then have to assume that the one, saw of John, casting out devils was one of the first seventy called and given authority of the Savior.