JC - Chapter 26

As the Savior was in the home of Martha and Mary, Mary sat at the Savior's feet listening to him, 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 10:40 - 42)

While Martha was faithful in carrying out her traditional duties of service, Mary was intent in learning doctrine.  In my mind, both women were faithful and obedient women.  But as the "Teacher" taught -

"TO every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven..."  (Old Testament | Ecclesiastes 3:1)

This suggests to me that we need to take the opportunity to work and serve, but we are also required to stop to pray and read the scriptures and learn doctrine and the will of the Lord.

JC - Chapter 26

After finding great resistance and rejection from a Samaritan village as they apostles attempted to prepare the way for the visit of the Savior, they said to the Savior -

"...Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?"  (New Testament | Luke 9:54)

To which the Savior rebuked -

"...Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them."  (New Testament | Luke 9:55 - 56)

Many times, in our frustrations with many wicked cities, we have the same thoughts.  Obviously, there may also be citizens that will repent and turn to the Lord much like Amulek.

Later, as the Savior ordained and sent out the Seventy,

"...whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them."  (New Testament | Luke 9:5)

Even adding -

"...It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city."  (New Testament | Matthew 10:15)

Elder Talmage commented -

"If rejected in any city, they were to depart therefrom, leaving, however, their solemn testimony that the city had turned away from the kingdom of God, which had been brought to its doors, and attesting the same by ridding themselves of the dust of that place.  It was not for them to pronounce anathema or curse, but the Lord assured them that such a city would bring upon itself a fate worse than the doom of Sodom.  He reminded them that they were His servants, and therefore whoever heard or refused to hear them would be judged as having so treated Him."

It is clear that dusting off ones feet was a testimony not a curse.

JC - Chapter 25

I was touched this morning as the Savior taught in the temple, speaking to a mixture of "Pharisees, scribes, rabbis, priests, Levites, and lay people -

"I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."  (New Testament | John 8:12)

The conversation lead to the question of "Where is thy Father".  To which the Savior answered -

"...Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also."  (New Testament | John 8:19)

Then they asked again the Savior -

"...Who art thou?..."  (New Testament | John 8:25)

And the Savior again answered -

"...Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.
26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.
27 They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.
28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him."  (New Testament | John 8:25 - 29)

And then comes the great lesson on the truth will free us from sin and bondage -

"...If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
33 ¶ They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."  (New Testament | John 8:31 - 36)

JC - Chapter 25

As Jesus taught in the temple, Jewish teachers marveled -

"...How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?"  (New Testament | John 7:15)

Knowing their thoughts, the Savior responded -

"...My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him."  (New Testament | John 7:16 - 18)

Elder Talmage commented -

"His Teacher, greater even than Himself, was the Eternal Father, whose will He proclaimed. The test proposed to determine the truth of His doctrine was in every way fair, and withal simple; anyone who would earnestly seek to do the will of the Father should know of himself whether Jesus spoke truth or error.  The Master proceeded to show that a man who speaks on his own authority alone seeks to aggrandize himself. Jesus did not so; He honored His Teacher, His Father, His God, not Himself; and therefore was He free from the taint of selfish pride or unrighteousness. Moses had given them the law, and yet, as Jesus affirmed, none of them kept the law."

I believe this applies to all His leaders.

JC - Chapter 24

A thought provoking parable given by the Savior would seem to apply to everyone where the Savior taught -

"Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses."  New Testament | Matthew 18:23 - 35)

King Benjamin taught his people -

"...in the first place, he hath created you, and granted unto you your lives, for which ye are indebted unto him.
24 And secondly, he doth require that ye should do as he hath commanded you; for which if ye do, he doth immediately bless you; and therefore he hath paid you. And ye are still indebted unto him, and are, and will be, forever and ever"  (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 2:23 - 24)

Also much like the higher servant, we are always in debt because we have been extended mercy.  thus the Savior expects us to forgive others  for -

"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)

JC - Chapter 22

Three of the gospel writers mention the time that the apostles were disputing amongst themselves which would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  My initial thoughts were that these brethren had a testimony that Jesus was the prophesied Messiah.  But still were steep in the Jewish tradition that the Savior would establish his kingdom during His mortal ministry.  Thus, I believe they may have been arguing of the political positions that they might hold in this kingdom or government.

The Savior, teaching of His eternal kingdom, said -

"....If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all."  (New Testament | Mark 9:35)

"...for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great."  (New Testament | Luke 9:48)

And then calling a little child to Him, He said -

"...Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me."  (New Testament | Matthew 18:3 - 5)
It becomes clear that to become great in the kingdom of heaven, one must be humble and a servant to all.

My own thoughts are that the Savior said -

"Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my daughters."  (Book of Mormon | Ether 3:14)

Thus in the kingdom of heaven, we are become as little children being sealed together in a grand family...thus being.all of great worth to Him.

JC - Chapter 23

I forgot to blog Friday...the following were my thoughts.

Of the divine nature of man, the Savior said -

"There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
16 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear."  (New Testament | Mark 7:15 - 16)

Though we know from a physical point of view, there are things eaten that can greatly harm us.  But from a spiritual point of view, nothing from without can harm us, unless we allow it to for -

"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 7:21 - 23)

It was touched this morning by one statements.  We know that in the days of the Savior, the Jewish nation followed the Mosiac law in wordly interpretations of the laws and teachings of the prophets.  As the three apostles, Peter, James, and John witnessed the tranfiguration of the Savior -

"...there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him."  (New Testament | Mark 9:7)

This was the voice of God, our Eternal Father in Heaven (Elohim).  His commandment was "hear Him".  As much as these men were familiar with the teachings of the Prophets, the commandment from here on out was to "hear Him".  Whatever He taught -

"...whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 1:38)

JC - Chapter 22

After the apostles were accused of breaking Jewish law concerning ceremonially washing hands before eating, the Savior taught -

"Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man."  (New Testament | Matthew 15:11)

To make sure they understood -

"...his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?
13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
15 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable.
16 And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?
17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man."  (New Testament | Matthew 15:12 - 20)

The Savior is teaching that keeping his commandments is more important than following any man-made law.

JC - Chapter 21

After the feeding of the 5000, I sense the people now wanted to crown Him king such that he would continue to feed them as in the days of Moses with manna.  But the Savior taught a differing doctrine in the synagogue in Capernaum -

"...I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
36 But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.
37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
41 The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.
42 And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?
43 Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.
44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.
47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
48 I am that bread of life.
49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.
50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.
51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?
53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.
58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever."  (New Testament | John 6:35 - 58)

Of this teaching, Elder Talmage commented -

"There was little excuse for the Jews pretending to understand that our Lord meant an actual eating and drinking of His material flesh and blood. The utterances to which they objected were far more readily understood by them than they are by us on first reading; for the representation of the law and of truth in general as bread, and the acceptance thereof as a process of eating and drinking, were figures in every-day use by the rabbis of that time.  Their failure to comprehend the symbolism of Christ’s doctrine was an act of will, not the natural consequence of innocent ignorance. To eat the flesh and drink the blood of Christ was and is to believe in and accept Him as the literal Son of God and Savior of the world, and to obey His commandments. By these means only may the Spirit of God become an abiding part of man’s individual being, even as the substance of the food he eats is assimilated with the tissues of his body."

We experience this symbolism today as we partake of the sacrament.

It is interesting that at this stage in his ministry, which teachings required more than witnessing miracles, many deserted Him and followed Him no more.

JC - Chapter 20

As Elder Talmage related many of the miraculous healings performed by the Savior, he writes of where -

"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.
47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him and how she was healed immediately.
48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace."  (New Testament | Luke 8:43 - 48)

Modern revelations states -

"...to some it is given to have faith to be healed;
20 And to others it is given to have faith to heal."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 46:19 - 20)

As so stated, such faith is a gift of the Spirit.  But I also noted that even though the woman was healed, it seems apparent that nonetheless, the Savior wanted her to confess what she had done so she could be clear of all conscience.

Of this event, Elder Talmage commented -

"Observe the significant assertion, “Thy faith hath made thee whole.” Faith is of itself a principle of power; and by its presence or absence, by its fulness or paucity, even the Lord was and is influenced, and in great measure controlled, in the bestowal or withholding of blessings; for He ministers according to law, and not with caprice or uncertainty. We read that at a certain time and place Jesus “could there do no mighty work” because of the people’s unbelief.bb Modern revelation specifies that faith to be healed is one of the gifts of the Spirit, analogous to the manifestations of faith in the work of healing others through the exercise of the power of the Holy Priesthood...

That there was an actual giving of His own strength to the afflicted whom He healed is evident from the present instance. Passive belief on the part of a would-be recipient of blessing is insufficient; only when it is vitalized into active faith is it a power; so also of one who ministers in the authority given of God, mental and spiritual energy must be operative if the service is to be effective."

JC - Chapter 20

On of the more interesting stories if the New Testament is when the Savior crossed the sea of Galilee where -

"...immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
3 Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:
4 Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.
5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.
6 But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,
7 And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.
8 For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.
9 And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
10 And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.
11 Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.
12 And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.
13 And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea."  (New Testament | Mark 5:2 - 13)

I don't know if I have ever encountered one as such.  What I found also very interesting is -

"...he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.
19 Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.
20 And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel."  (New Testament | Mark 5:18 - 20)

Of this missionary zeal, Elder Talmage commented -

"The man who had been rid of the demons feared not; in his heart love and gratitude superseded all other feeling; and as Jesus returned to the boat he prayed that he might go also. But Jesus forbade, saying. “Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.” The man became a missionary, not alone in his home town but throughout Decapolis, the region of the ten cities; wherever he went he told of the marvelous change Jesus had wrought on him."

It sounds like he remained faithful.

JC - Chapter 19

The Savior taught in parable -

"...the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it."  (New Testament | Matthew 13:45 - 46)

Of such, Elder Talmage commented -

"Seekers after truth may acquire much that is good and desirable, and not find the greatest truth of all, the truth that shall save them. Yet, if they seek persistently and with right intent, if they are really in quest of pearls and not of imitations, they shall find. Men who by search and research discover the truths of the kingdom of heaven may have to abandon many of their cherished traditions, and even their theories of imperfect philosophy and “science falsely so called,” if they would possess themselves of the pearl of great price. Observe that in this parable as in that of the hidden treasure, the price of possession is one’s all. No man can become a citizen of the kingdom by partial surrender of his earlier allegiances; he must renounce everything foreign to the kingdom or he can never be numbered therein. If he willingly sacrifices all that he has, he shall find that he has enough. The cost of the hidden treasure, and of the pearl, is not a fixed amount, alike for all; it is all one has. Even the poorest may come into enduring possession; his all is a sufficient purchase price."

I like the comment "the cost of the...pearl is not a fixed amount...It is all one has.  Is this not a covenant of sacrifice and consecration?

JC - Chapter 19

Mark recorded the parable -

"So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come."  (New Testament | Mark 4:26 - 29)

Elder Talmage added the commentary -

"In this story we find effectively illustrated the fact of the vitality of the seed of truth, though the secret processes of its growth be a mystery to all save God alone. A man having planted seed must needs leave it alone. He may tend the field, removing weeds, protecting the plants as best he may, but the growth itself is dependent upon conditions and forces beyond his power to ultimately control. Though it were Paul who planted and Apollos who watered, none but God could insure the increase. The one who sowed may go about his other affairs, for the field does not demand continuous or exclusive attention; nevertheless, under the influences of sunshine and shower, of breeze and dew, the blade develops, then the ear, and in due time the full corn in the ear. When the grain is ripe the man gladly harvests his crop.

The sower in this story is the authorized preacher of the word of God; he implants the seed of the gospel in the hearts of men, knowing not what the issue shall be. Passing on to similar or other ministry elsewhere, attending to his appointed duties in other fields, he, with faith and hope, leaves with God the result of his planting. In the harvest of souls converted through his labor, he is enriched and made to rejoice.  This parable was probably directed more particularly to the apostles and the most devoted of the other disciples, rather than to the multitude at large; the lesson is one for teachers, for workers in the Lord’s fields, for the chosen sowers and reapers. It is of perennial value, as truly applicable today as when first spoken. Let the seed be sown, even though the sower be straightway called to other fields or other duties; in the gladsome harvest he shall find his recompense."

This parable and commentary provides a great deal of counsel for priesthood leaders.

JC - Chapter 18

To many of the people that were following Him, of whom many thought the Messiah would deliver them from political bondage, the Savior said -

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."  (New Testament | Matthew 11:28 - 30)

It always seems to be about the individual.  I find it interesting that in order to find rest, one must take His yoke upon us or in other words, do His work.  I like the words of Elder Talmage -

"He invited them from drudgery to pleasant service; from the well-nigh unbearable burdens of ecclesiastical exactions and traditional formalism, to the liberty of truly spiritual worship; from slavery to freedom; but they would not. The gospel He offered them was the embodiment of liberty, but not of license; it entailed obedience and submission; but even if such could be likened unto a yoke, what was its burden in comparison with the incubus under which they groaned?"

JC - Chapter 18

I was touched this morning as Jesus taught in Capernaum.  Mark notes -

"...they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes."  (New Testament | Mark 1:22)

Obviously, the Savior received His authority and doctrine from the Father.  He did not teach as the scribes who studied and taught the interpretations of men. 

Today, we sustain the members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators.  They have been given  their power and authority from the Savior throught restoration of the priesthood.  They are not as many preachers of our day that are like the scribes, receiving their qualification and instructions from men through seminaries.  Anyone that will listen to them in the upcoming General Conference in October will find that these brethrne speak as one that have authority.

 

JC - Chapter 17

In modern times, the Lord revealed -

"And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 52:14)

As the Savior taught a appropriate pattern of prayer to his disciples, He said -

"After this manner therefore pray ye..."  (New Testament | Matthew 6:9)

And then He taught -

"...Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kindom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen."  (New Testament | Matthew 6:9 - 13)

He would teach later -

"Therefore ye must always pray unto the Father in my name..."  (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 18:19)

In my mind, the scriptures and modern day priesthood leadership provides great patterns for direction and instruction.

JC - Chapter 17

At His sermon on the mount, the Savior taught His disciples -

"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."  New Testament | Matthew 5:13)

Of such, Elder Talmage writes -

"The Master next proceeded to instruct with particular directness those upon whom would devolve the responsibility of the ministry as His commissioned representatives. “Ye are the salt of the earth,” said He. Salt is the great preservative; as such it has had practical use since very ancient times. Salt was prescribed as an essential addition to every meat offering under the Mosaic law.  Long before the time of Christ, the use of salt had been accorded a symbolism of fidelity, hospitality, and covenant.  To be of use salt must be pure; to be of any saving virtue as salt, it must be salt indeed, and not the product of chemical alteration or of earthy admixture, whereby its saltiness or “savor” would be lost;  and, as worthless stuff, it would be fit only to be thrown away. Against such change of faith, against such admixture with the sophistries, so-called philosophies, and heresies of the times, the disciples were especially warned."

JC - Chapter 16

Luke records that -

"...it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
13 ¶ And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
14 Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,
15 Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphæus, and Simon called Zelotes,
16 And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor."  (New Testament | Luke 6:12 - 16)

Mark would record that -

"...he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach..."  (New Testament | Mark 3:14)

Obviously, from his disciples or followers that believed, the Savior set apart and ordained twelve with special power and responsibilities.  I note that He did this under guidance and inspiration as He prayed "all night".  The apostleship brought with it a special responsibility and witness of the Savior.  It was this set apart quorum that was taught and trained and that would lead His Church after the Savior departed.  This quorum is evidence of the Lord's intention to lead His Church...a sign of the true Church.

Talmage wrote -

"Discipleship is general; any follower of a man or devotee to a principle may be called a disciple, The Holy Apostleship is an office and calling belonging to the Higher or Melchizedek Priesthood, at once exalted and specific, comprising as a distinguishing function that of personal and special witness to the divinity of Jesus Christ as the one and only Redeemer and Savior of mankind. The apostleship is an individual bestowal, and as such is conferred only through ordination. That the Twelve did constitute a council or “quorum” having authority in the Church established by Jesus Christ is shown by their ministrations after the Lord’s Resurrection and ascension. Their first official act was that of filling the vacancy in their organization occasioned by the apostasy and death of Judas Iscariot; and in connection with this procedure, the presiding apostle, Peter, set forth the essential qualifications of the one who would be chosen and ordained, which comprised such knowledge of Jesus, His life, death, and Resurrection, as would make the new apostle one with the Eleven as special witnesses of the Lord’s work.

The ordination of the Twelve Apostles marked the inauguration of an advanced epoch in the earthly ministry of Jesus, an epoch characterized by the organization of a body of men invested with the authority of the Holy Priesthood, upon whom would rest, more particularly after the Lord’s departure, the duty and responsibility of continuing the work He had begun, and of building up the Church established by Him.

The word “apostle” is an Anglicized form derived from the Greek apostolos, meaning literally “one who is sent,” and connoting an envoy or official messenger, who speaks and acts by the authority of one superior to himself. In this sense Paul afterward applied the title to Christ as one specially sent and commissioned of the Father.

The Lord’s purpose in choosing and ordaining the Twelve is thus enunciated by Mark: “And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils.”  For a season following their ordination the apostles remained with Jesus, being specially trained and instructed by Him for the work then before them; afterward they were specifically charged and sent forth to preach and to administer in the authority of their priesthood, as shall be hereafter considered."