NT Come Follow Me 3

NT Come Follow Me Lesson 3

Introduction:

We Have Come to Worship Him

Are you among the humble, pure, devoted seekers of righteousness who see Jesus as your  promised Messiah? Have you received the good tidings delivered for all people that a Savior, even Christ the Lord was born for you? Luke 2:10–11

Luke 18:22 What can you do to more fully, Come Follow [Him]?

Personal Study: Jesus Christ was born in humble circumstances.

John 17:5 Jesus was a God of glory in the presence of His Father before He was born on earth.
Luke 2:1–7 He was born into mortality in very humble circumstances.

Video: The Christ Child

Personal Study: There are many witnesses of the birth of Christ.

Matthew and Luke (see below)

1 Nephi 11:13–23 Nephi sees Mary and Baby Jesus in vision.

3 Nephi 1:5–21 Samuel also saw in vision the coming of Jesus Christ; and the Lord revealed to Nephi that he would be born the next day.

Video: Shepherds Learn of the Birth of Christ; The Christ Child Is Presented at the Temple

Personal Study: Parents can receive revelation to protect their families.

Joseph’s role as guardian to Jesus was invaluable.

Matthew 2:13–23 Do you recognize the Lord speaking to you? As a parent, are you in tune to receive heaven’s directions in rearing your children? Joseph acted promptly and safe-guarded Jesus from designs he may not have been aware of. But he hearkened to the words of the Lord that He received in dreams.
Do you recognize the Lord speaking to you?

What can you do in order to receive guidance for protection?

Video: The First Christmas Spirit

Personal Study: Even as a youth, Jesus was focused on doing His Father’s will. Luke 2:40–52

Luke 2:47 Jesus soon grew to be a teacher. He is the Master Teacher. The teachers in the temple were amazed at His understanding and answers.

Smith Translation, Matthew 3:24–26 He could not be taught. He knows more than all of us.

Luke 2:49 Do you so live that others might recognize that you are about your Father’s business.

Jesus’s words about His Father’s business are a reminder that we have a mission that goes beyond what other people see as our livelihood. Jesus did not come to earth to just learn the carpentry trade. His work was as the Master Carpenter of the Universe and the souls of men. His Father’s business was to bring about the salvation and eternal life of His children. Are we learning our purpose and mission?

Personal Study: What is the Joseph Smith Translation?

1 Nephi 13:28; Moses 1:41 Because truths had been lost, the Lord commanded and inspired Joseph Smith to make an inspired revision of the Bible.

Family Study: Luke 2

Sing together “Mary’s Lullaby” or “The Nativity Song”; also Stars Were Gleaming

Family Study: The Father’s Business Luke 2:41–49

Luke 2:49 Are you about your Father’s business?
Moses 1:39 His work and His glory is to save and exalt His children.

Luke 2:41–49 Jesus was about His Father’s business.
How can you do better about serving in your Father’s business?
Make some plans to do so.

1. God’s Plan and Your Role in the Work of Salvation and Exaltation

 Luke 2:52 Set some goals to grow mentally and physically stronger, and to grow spiritually, and in your ability to communicate and get on with others.

The Savior of the World came to earth in humble circumstances.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/matt/2?lang=eng

The wise men are directed by a star to Jesus—Joseph takes the child to Egypt—Herod slays the children in Bethlehem—Jesus is taken to Nazareth to dwell.

What do I learn about worshipping and witnessing of Christ?

Wise Men (Matthew 2:1–12) What do we learn about seeking and finding the Savior from the example of the Wise Men?

Vs 2 The wise men knew that there would be a new star when Jesus was born, and they followed that star.

It is important to study the scriptures and the words of the prophets, so that we know how and where to look for Jesus and be ready for His Second Coming. How wise are you?

Vs 3-6 This wise men from afar knew and also the chief priests and scribes knew the signs and where Christ was to be born. But it appears that the wise men followed that star and the priest and scribes ignored it.

Vs 7-8 Herod didn't really care when the star appeared; what he cared to know was when Jesus had been born, so that he could kill him.

How many today are the same? They see the signs and the wonders, and they know the truth contradicts their designs, so they try to abolish it.

Vs 9-11 The wise men took gifts to the Savior; they worshiped Him and adored Him. The gifts were timely, to aid in the family's flight into Egypt; and they were symbolic of His nobility and of His death.

Vs 12 The wise men were humble and faithful. They had respect to God more than man. They safeguarded Jesus by not returning to Herod.

Vs 13-15 Jospeh was also humble and faithful. When the Lord told him to flee into Egypt, he made haste and did just that. They didn't return until after the death of Herod.

Am I faithfully hearkening to all the will of the Lord?

Vs 16 Because Herod did not know where the child Jesus was, he had all the children age two and under killed. These perfect children, innocent blood, were slain for the Lord Jesus Christ; and He was also slain for them that they might have Eternal LIfe.

Joseph was told by an angel it was time to return. He rose and came back to the land of Israel. He feared going into Judea, and he must have taken that fear to the Lord.

He was warned again of God in a dream, and He took the young family to Nazareth.

Am I taking my fears to my Father and seeking direction from Him?

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/luke/2?lang=eng

Heavenly messengers herald the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem—He is circumcised, and Simeon and Anna prophesy of His mission—At twelve years of age, He goes about His Father’s business.

What do I learn about worshipping and witnessing of Christ?

Shepherds (Luke 2:8–20)

Vs 15-20 The Shepherds heard the words with gladness, and then made haste to find and worship Jesus.

Do I receive the messengers of God with great joy and hurry to follow His bidding?

Then they testified of Jesus abroad. They glorified God.

 

Vs 19 Mary kept all these things close to her heart.

 

Simeon (Luke 2:25–35)

Vs 25-32 Simeon knew the Baby Jesus was Lord of all. He testified of Him and glorified His Father.

Vs 33-35 Simeon pronounces blessings upon Joseph and Mary and Jesus. He testified of Christ's mission to Mary and of her own mission.

Anna (Luke 2:36–38)

Vs 38 Anna, the prophetess, also recognized Jesus immediately. She testified of him to everyone who was looking for redemption.

Vs 40 Jesus was lovely in Spirit. I can't help but think that Joseph and Mary taught and treated Him with great care, as we all should do with each of our children, sons and daughters of God.

Vs 45 Am I willing to backtrack many days to find Jesus? Am I seeking Him when I am lost?

Vs 46-50 Do I listen to those who converse with the Lord and have respect to their teachings? Can we all learn from each other? Do we realize that the Father has sent us the Holy Ghost to testify of His Son, so that we may also gain understanding and be taught from on high?

Are we striving to learn and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Am I about my Father's business?

 

Vs 51-52 Jesus continued to learn and grow in Joseph and Mary's home.