NT Come Follow Me 21

NT Come Follow Me Lesson 21

I read the chapters of scriptures before the lesson this time, because that’s what the manual suggested.

Introduction:

“Behold, Thy King Cometh”

The fig tree seemed to be hypocritical. It looked like it would have fruit, but did not. In the same way the Pharisees taught the law, but they didn’t keep it. The two most important commandments are to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves. They complicated things (beyond recognition).

John 12:24 Jesus died and lives again for me so that His gospel now has full effect in my life. What will you do to bring forth better fruit?

Personal Study: The Lord judges not by the outward appearance but by the desires of the heart.

Jesus knew Zacchaeus’s heart. He knows your heart too. Are you going to great lengths to seek Jesus and to see Him? Do you know the places where you can find Him? Will you climb trees and mountains to be with Him? Will you serve in the temple so that others can receive the blessings of seeing and being with Him?

Zacchaeus had faith. He sought Jesus, and he kept the law of Moses. Because His heart was right, and because He had faith in Jesus Christ, not only did Jesus dine with Him, but salvation was brought to His house. Are you opening your door to Jesus, so that salvation can be found in your house?

Personal Study: Jesus condemns hypocrisy.

Hypocrisy is a more weighty sin that those made in ignorance. If we know what we should be doing, we should do it.

Hypocrite

Personal Study: Jesus Christ is my King.

When Jesus arrived at Jerusalem just days before He accomplished His Atonement, those who recognized Him as their King showed their devotion by anointing Him, putting clothes and palm branches along His path into Jerusalem, and shouting praises. Consider how the following resources can deepen your understanding of these events, which began the last week of the Savior’s life.

2 Kings 9:1–6, 13 The anointing of a king in Old Testament times. (Just recently, King Charles of England was anointed as king.)

Zechariah 9:9 The prophecy of Jesus’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.
Hosanna Please save us! The people were acknowledging Jesus as the King who could save them. We use this word in the Hosanna Shout when our temples are dedicated.

Revelation 7:9–12 Jesus will come to earth again. He will be King of Kings and Lord of Lords, to rule and reign forever.

How can you honor and receive the Savior as your Lord and King?

Hosanna and Hallelujah—The Living Jesus Christ: The Heart of Restoration and Easter

Video: The Lord’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

Personal Study: The two great commandments are to love God and love others as myself.

Matthew 22:34–40 The first two great commandments can help you simplify and focus your discipleship.

Most sins stem from selfishness, and when we work on loving God, and realize His love for us and for all our brothers and sisters, and love also ourselves and our fellowmen, we will become less self-centered and more obedient to the Lord’s will for us.

We are commandment to Love God with all that we have and are. How does it help you to realize that He has always loved you this way? How does it help you to realize that He loves every one of His children that way? How does His plan impact your life every day? He sent His Son for you out of love. His Son gave His life for you out of love.

What will you choose to do to show greater love and respect to your Heavenly Father, His Son, and the Holy Ghost? What will you choose to do to show greater love for yourself and all of your brothers and sisters?

Family Study: The Temple is a place of worship.

Matthew 21:12–14 How does Jesus feel about the temple? How do you feel about the temple? What things can you get rid of to make your home a temple?

I Love to See the Temple

Family Study: Two sons called to their father’s work.

Matthew 21:28–32 Our Father is pleased when we make and keep covenants. Sometimes we cay we’ll do something and then don’t do it; other times, we aren’t ready to commit to something, but then step up and do it. The Lord is please when we repent and do what He asks of us.

Family Study: We is our allegiance?

The Pharisees wanted to trap Jesus by asking if we should keep the laws of the land or only God’s laws. In today’s world, as in the world back then, we are required to pay taxes in the countries in which we live. We need to render the dues that we owe where we owe them.

Matthew 22:20 It was Caesar’s image and superscription.
Matthew 22:21 Render to Caesar the things of Caesar and to God the things of God.

In putting God first in your life, what are you rendering, or giving back, to Him?

Mosiah 5:8 You have covenanted to be obedient to God throughout your entire life.

Alma 5:14 Have you been born of God? Have your received His image in your countenance? Have you experienced a mighty change of heart? (Can you feel so now?)

Family Study: Show love for the Savior.

John 12:1–8 Mary adored Jesus and sat at His feet. She anointed His feet, in preparation for His burial.

Do you adore Jesus? Do you also worship at His feet?

Family Study: Will you follow Jesus no matter the cost?

John 12:42–43 Some of the Pharisees and religious leaders were afraid to follow Jesus because they did not want to be kicked out of the synagogues and lose their places.

Daniel 1:3–20 Daniel and his companions kept the food laws the Lord had given to Israel. As a result they were blessed. There are similar modern day stories of Latter-day Saints who serve in the military who kept the Word of Wisdom, even when they might have been severely reprimanded for doing so.

Daniel 3 Nebuchadnezzar creates a golden image and commands all men to worship it—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego refuse and are cast into the fiery furnace—They are preserved and come out unharmed.

Daniel 6 Darius makes Daniel the first of his presidents—Daniel worships the Lord in defiance of a decree of Darius—He is cast into the den of lions—His faith saves him, and Darius decrees that all people are to revere the God of Daniel.

John 7:45–53 Nicodemus defended Jesus before the chief priests and rulers.

John 9:1–38 The blind man that Jesus healed accepted him as a prophet and then as the Son of God. His parents also would not speak ill of Jesus. They did what was right even though they would be kicked out of the synagogue for doing so.

Mosiah 17:1–4 Alma recognized that Abinidi was a prophet who spoke the truth. He defended him and lost his position among King Noah’s priests. He fled and taught many people the gospel of Jesus Christ; and He served Him until the end of his life.

We believe in freedom of religion and have respect to the beliefs of others.

Rejoice, the Lord Is King!

https://site.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/matt/21?lang=eng

Jesus rides in triumph into Jerusalem—He cleanses the temple, curses the fig tree, and discusses authority—He gives the parables of the two sons and the wicked husbandmen.

Vs 5 All things were foretold, and then Jesus came a fulfilled the prophesies.

Vs 6-9 All things were foretold, and then Jesus came a fulfilled the prophesies.

Vs 10-11 Galileans had accepted Jesus as a prophet. Was Jerusalem harder?

Vs 12-13 He cleansed the temple.

Vs 14 He healed the blind and the lame.

Vs 15-16 Children, who are pure, knew that He was the Christ. They recognized Him.

Vs 22 We can have access to more power than we know, if we but have fiath in Jesus Christ, and pray to the Father in His name.

Vs 23-46 The arrogance of the chief priests and elders is something we all have to watch out for. Jesus had authority from God His Father.

Do we ever think that we are the only ones, that others who are seeking to do righteous works are not also directed by the Holy Ghost? Do we question the rights of others who go about doing good, as though good works should be limited only to a visible few?

 

Jesus answered their question, with a question of His own. Did they believe that John's authority was divine. They could not honestly answer that; just like they couldn't honestly admit that Jesus's works were good, and that He was the Son of God.

He further taught them in parables: Which son did the will of his father, the one that said I won't go, but repented and went to work in the vineyard? or the one that said I'll go, but didn't?

 

Then he told them about how His Father has always sent prophets to carry His message. And the leaders in Israel have treated them spitefully and shamefully. They stoned and killed them. Then when God sent His Son, the killed Him also, for envy, pride, and hate; and because their deeds were evil.

 

https://site.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/matt/22?lang=eng   

Jesus gives the parable of the marriage of the king’s son—Pay tribute to Cæsar and to God—Worldly marriages endure in this life only—The first commandment is to love the Lord—Jesus asks, What think ye of Christ?

Vs 8-10 So many have been called to follow the prophets and come unto Christ. Some have been too busy. Some haven't cared to. Some have delayed. Today, the gathering is for everyone. Will you make haste to go to the wedding of the Lord?

Vs 21 In this life we may be subject to kings, presidents, rulers or magistrates. We whould be law-abiding citizens.

Vs 30-32 If we die with the sealing power of eternal marriage, then we may live in that covenant forever.

Vs 37-40 Pay attention to this. Every sin that can possibly be committed, we can avoid if we keep these two commandments.

https://site.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/matt/23?lang=eng

Jesus pronounces woes upon the scribes and Pharisees—They will be held responsible for killing the prophets—They will not escape the damnation of hell.

Vs 1-2 Jesus warned the people that the scribes and Pharisees knew and taught the law, but they didn't keep it. He told them, do as they say, but don't follow their example; because, they don't apply the teachings in their lives.

Vs 8-12 Don't set up the teacher as greater than the learner, but be all together brethren. Don't teach in lectures in Christ's church, but in discussions. Learn from one another and serve one another. Only Jesus is our Master. And only God is our Father.

Vs 13-15 This is how I feel about apostates who reject Christ and His gospel and diligently seek to thwart anyone from progressing on the covenant path.

Vs 23-24 Justice, mercy, and faith are important aspects and principles of discipleship. When we pay more attention to inconsequential matters than to the meat of the law, we are straining at a gnat and swallowing a camel.

Vs 25-28 Do not live a double standard or a double life. Don't like shiney and pure on the outside and be deceptive and filthy inside. Repent and allow the Savior to clean you from the inside out.

Vs 37-39 Heavenly Father and Jesus keep giving the House of Israel a chance to repent. Again, we are being gathered. Learn to accept God's love and to acknowledge and follow His prophets. They will lead you to Christ, who will lead you back to the Father.

This is so interesting: "How often would I have gathered thy children together....and ye would not!" There are parents who have had the gospel ordinances, the doctrine of Christ, but they would not allow their children to be gathered.

https://site.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/mark/11?lang=eng

Jesus rides into Jerusalem amid shouts of hosanna—He curses a fig tree, drives the money changers from the temple, and confounds the scribes on the matter of authority.

Vs 7-11 The triumphal entry!

Vs 15-17 What is the significance of them trying to carry vessels through the temple? Were they collecting money in the temple?

Vs 22-24 Learn to trust in God and to pray for the things that He wants in your life, and then trust that you are worthy to receive them.

Vs 25-26 Have faith enough to be forgiving and to repent and ask for forgiveness. Take Jesus's example and forgive those who have wronged you.

Vs 28-30 When someone is trying to trap you, be more clever, like Jesus is. You can be respectful, but turn things around. You don't need to justify yourself. God will do that. Be stil land be quiet.

Here he asked a question and then He taught. As the Son of God, He has authority from his Father.

https://site.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/luke/19?lang=eng

Jesus came to save souls—He gives the parable of the pounds—He rides in triumph into Jerusalem, weeps over the city, and cleanses the temple again.

Vs 5-10 Zacchaeus had faith. He climbed a tree just so he could see Jesus. He was faithful and generous. He tried to live the law of love. The Lord recognized this and gave him as an example of Abraham’s seed. He was privileged to host the Lord at His house, and salvation was offered to Him.

Vs 12-27 Jesus has entrusted us as His undershepherds as He Himself went where none of us could go to pay for the salvation of us all. He has given to each of us gifts and talents in order to build His kingdom and serve His children. And He will return. How am I doing with the talents He has given me and the part He has asked me to do? Do I want Him to rule over me and save me? Do I hide away what He has shared with me and not invite others to partake of His goodness? Do I think that what He has given me should not be added upon by my personal efforts? What accounting will I be capable of making?

Vs 30-36 Triumphal entry

Vs 27-40 The praise and worship must have been beautiful to hear and to behold.

Vs 41 Jesus wept over the city; he sorrowed for the children of those who had taken their people into spiritual captivity.

Vs 42 He could have given them peace, but they refused it.

Vs 43-44 Do we recognize the time of our visitation? Are we offering that invitation to others?

Vs 45-48 He cleansed His Father’s house.

https://site.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/luke/20?lang=eng

The chief priests oppose Jesus—He gives the parable of the wicked husbandmen—Render unto Cæsar and God that which is theirs—Jesus teaches the law of marriage.

Vs 8 Do we recognize the prophets by the words that they speak and the works that they do? Do we recognize them through the power of the Holy Ghost? Do we recognize them because our works are also works of righteousness?

Do we accept the servants that the Lord sends to teach and gather us?

Vs 9-16 Accept the prophets and reverence the Lord.

Vs 17-18 Jesus Christine is indeed the Chief Cornerstone. This verses remind me of my sister Kathy saying we really can't break the commandments. The remain in force, but we can break ourselves by not observing them.

Vs 19-20 How do you respond when you are pricked with guilt? Do you repent and gain peace, or do you seek ways to remove whatever and whomever reminds you that you are in the wrong?

Vs 25 Jesus knew their designs, just like He knows yours. Make yourself right before the Lord, be faithful to covenants, and acknowledge your freedoms and blessings.

Vs 33-38 Jesus avoided another trap. They were in denial over the question of the resurrection, moreso than over marriage. And so Jesus's testimony is that they would all rise from the dead.

Modern day revelation restores the doctrine of sealing ordinances.

 

https://site.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/john/12?lang=eng

Mary anoints Jesus’ feet—His triumphal entry into Jerusalem is recounted—He foretells His death—To receive Christ is to receive the Father.

Vs 2 Martha was always serving! What a powerful example of womanhood.

Vs 3 Mary was always at the Lord's feet, listening to Him and comforting Him. What a powerful example of true love.

Vs 7 Mary's good work towards Jesus helped Him prepare for his upcoming death.

Vs 9-11 People came out of curosity to see if Lazarus was really alive. The chief priests plotted to maybe kill Lazarus to thwart people from believing on Jesus and following Him.

More an more, I am finding that many of them were anit-Christ.

 

Vs 12-15 The Triumphal Entry!

Vs 16-18 In hindsight, the disciples saw the whole picture and the fulfillment of prophesies. Lazarus being raised from the dead was a help to them in preparing for and understanding the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Vs 19-26 The news of Jesus began to spread throughout surrounding countries. But His death and resurrection were necessary for the gospel of Jesus Christ to be preached in its fulness. The fulness is that He is resurrected and that if we follow Him, we can also come forth in a glorious resurrection to become like Him and to be with Him.

Vs 27-36 The news of Jesus began to spread throughout surrounding countries. But His death and resurrection were necessary for the gospel of Jesus Christ to be preached in its fulness. The fulness is that He is resurrected and that if we follow Him, we can also come forth in a glorious resurrection to become like Him and to be with Him.

Vs 37-38 He did do many miracles, but some chose to close their eyes and their hearts.

Vs 42-43 Some of the chief rulers believed on Jesus, but they did not have the faith to confess Him.

Don't love the praise of men more than the favor of God.

Vs 44-50 If we believe on Jesus, then we believe on God our Heavenly Father, and that He sent His Son to save the world from sin.