Matthew 2 and Luke 2
Matthew 2
1. What is the ultimate manifestation of God's love? It can only be the condescension of God--a son born of a mortal woman. He then allowed that Son to suffer temptations and pain, be judged of the world and slain for the sins of the world. It is the willingness of God, the Son, Jesus Christ to die for mankind.
2. What is the meaning of condescension? It implies voluntary descent, submission, and performing acts which strict justice does not require. As such Jesus suffered the infirmities that we do so that he could have mercy and compassion for us and of taking upon himself the sins, painds, transgressions, and sicknesses of men in order to satisfy the demands of justice and gain victory over death and redeeming his people.
3. How do we apply this act of condescension in our lives? If Christ can condescend to come to the earth, fulfilling the will of the Father and drawing all men unto Him, then I should surely be humble enough to submit my will to the Father, by doing my best to keep the commandments and seeking to bless others by inviting them to hear and accept the message of the gospel--to follow Jesus Christ.
4. Were all people overjoyed by the news of a King being born in their realm? We know the shepherds were as were the wise men who came later. But Herod was not pleased. He took drastic measures to protect his hegemony--his imperial dominance. He mercilessly ordered the death of all infants in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and younger.
5. What prevents us from rejoicing? It is likely a lack of understanding of the Savior's gift. Joy can only come when we have the Spirit in our lives. When we have the Spirit, we rejoice in what the Savior has done for us.
6. What must we do to have this kind of joy? We must attain saving ordinances and follow the living prophet. We need to live in accordance with certain fundamental spiritual principles: prayer, scripture study, righteous living, service to others, rejoice in our blessings and expressing gratitude. We should rejoice in the blessings available in the temple. We should remember the promises that are ours throught eh Atonement and through Christlike living. We have to make Christ the ceenter of our very being and emulate Him in our everyday lives, and look to the Savior in all things.
7. What precedes power to perform? Preparation is needed so we can better serve the Lord--to be His hands on earth.
8. What things transpired between the Savior's adolescence and His crowning achievement as Redeemer? He went through a sequence of proactive developments: dialogue in the temple--he was about His Father's business; he increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man; His baptism at the hands of John; all of the miraculous happenings leading to the undfolding of his mission to become the perfected author of eternal salvation unto all willing to be obedient and accept his gift. We must study and practice the principles so that when we speak of Christ we match the message he proclaims. We must properly apply ourselves--waxing strong in the knowledge of the truth, searching the scriptures diligently so we know the word of God. We prepare throught prayer and fasting so we can have the spirit of prophecy and the spirit of revelation. This is how we can teach with power and authority. We must work as well as ask for help in our daily efforts.
9. What do we know about Herod, the Great? He declared he was an adherent of the religion of Judah. By birth he was an Idumean, by descent an Edomite. Edomites were descendants of Esau and the Jews hated them. Herod was the most bitterly detested because he was tyrannical and merciless. He spared no one--friend or foe. If you came between him and his ambitions, he would have you murdered. He disposed of his wife and several of his sons and nearly all of the great national council, the Sanhedrin. There was revolting cruelty and unbridled oppression. The only thing that ever stayed his hand was if he was concerned he might incur the displeasure of the Roman emperor.
10. Who were the wise men? Translated from the Greek magoi, we refer to the wise men as 'magi'. The scriptures do not tell us who they were, but they were likely righteous men sent on an errand to witness the presence of the Son of God on earth.
11. Why would the wise men follow a "star in the east"? It was a star that attracted attention because of its unusual brilliance. It would have given guidance to anyone walking in its light. There was among the Jews of that day a prophecy that such a star would arise at the time of Messiah's coming, and these men who came to Jerusalem in search of that Holy One had seen and identified the star by the spirit of inspiration, (Bruce R. McConkie, Mortal Messiah)
12. What is the significance of Jesus Crhist being born in Bethlehem? Pres. Nelson has written: "Why Bethlehem? Is there symbolic significance in the meaning of the name Bethlehem, which in Hebrew means 'house of bread'? The Great Provide declared Himself to be the 'bread of life.' How appropriate it was that He, the 'bread of life,' wa to come from the 'house of bread'."
13. How were the wise men guided to find the Christ child? We know they were guided by the light of the star, but guided even more surely by the light of that Spirit which had directed their steps from the beginning. This star was a symbol of Jesus, who is called the 'star out of Jacob.' (See Num. 24:17) The scriptures declare it as "his star."
14. Why did the wise men give gold, frankincense, and myrrh as gifts? We are not told why they gave these particular gifts. However, all three had practical value and perhaps symbolic meaning for the Son of God and His earthly parents. Each was valuable and could help defray costs of the impending flight into Egypt to escape from Herod. Each gift was also symbolic. The gold symbolized kingship and royalty and was the typical gifr for kings. Frankincense was used for priesthood ordinances and for anointing priests. It also was used in burnt offerings. It would represent the Lord's priesthood and His role as the Lamb of God to be sacrificed on our behalf. Myrrh was used for medicinal purposes and was tied symbolically with embalming and burial. It can symbolize the 'bitter cup' He would drink when He suffered for our sins. It is a bitter oil.
15. In Matthew 2:12-23 what can we learn about recognizing and heeding revelation from the Lord? Here is what Biblical scholar Frederic W. Farrar wrote: "The dream which warned them of danger may very probably have fallen in with their own doubts about the cruel and crafty tyrant who had expressed a hypocritical desire to pay his homage to the Infant King; and if, as we may suppose, they imparted to Joseph any hint as to their misgivings, he too would be prepared for the warning dream which bade him fly to Eypt to save the young child rom Herod's jealousy." (Life of Christ, 57)
16. In what ways did Moses' early life parallel that of the Savior? Think about the parallels between pharaoh and Herod. Pharaoh tried to kill all the male children. Moses had to flee because his life was in danger. When the pharaoh died, Moses returned. The same thing happened to Jesus. Herod tried to kill all the children under a scertain age. Jesus had to flee because his life was in danger. When Herod died, Jesus returned.
17. What do we learn about Herod when he ordered the slaying of children in Bethlehem? The slaughter was entirely in accordance with the character and former measure of Herod. Millet observed: "Considering that Bethlehem was a small town with a population of approximately one thousand to two thousand, as well as that there was a high infant mortality rate, with an annual birthrate of about thirty, then the number of boys killed proably did not exceed twenty. 'But,' wrote Edersheim, 'the deed was none the less atrocious; and these infants may justly be regarded as the 'protpmartyrs,' the first witnesses of Christ.' Continuing, Edersheim remarked: 'The slaughter was entirely in accordance with the character and former measure of Herod. Nor do we wonder that it remained unrecorded by Josephus, sinceon other occasions also he has omitted events which to us seem important. The murder of a few infants in an insignificant village might appear scarcely worth notice in a reign stained by so much bloodshed.'"
18. What is important about the means by which God warned the wise men and Joseph? It is by the power of the Holy Ghost that a person may have his spiritual eyes opened and see things not discernible by the natural man. Inspired dreams can also be visions or revelation.
19. What do we know about Jesus' childhood in Nazareth? He grew up with his brethren and waxed strong and served under his father. He did not need to be taught by any man.
Luke 2
1. Why was the decree of the Roman emperor Augustus sent to all? The taxing was actually a means of enrolling persons for future taxation. This enrollment required the taxpayer to personally submit required information. Because both Joseph and Mary descended from King David, they were required to journey to Bethlehem, David's hometown. If Joseph also owned land in Bethlehem, he would have had to register in Bethlehem.
2. What was Mary and Joseph's relationship when they arrive in Bethlehem? They were legally married, pursuant to the angelic command and for the protection of Mary.
3. Why was Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes? There were two functions: the newborn babies would have been washed and then rubbed down with salt in the belief that the salt would harden their skin. The swaddling bands were strips used to bind the childrene when they were born. The belief was if the baby's arms were bound tightly to its sides, they would grow straight and firm. Secondly, the swaddling clothes functioned as a sign to the shepherds that they might recognize the child who is the Savior.
Symbolically the swaddling clothes represented maternal care and concern, being wanted and owned, received and embraced. They signaled the helpless state of the newborn infant, within the bounds and conditions of earthly mortality. This was an exquisite manifestation of his condescension. He became flesh as a helpless child and was swaddled like any other infant would have been.
4. Why was there no room in the inn for joseph and Mary? No one was willing to give them room. No room was Jesus' experience throughout his life--no room for his doctrines, no room for the spirit of his mission. Do we make room for him in our country or in our lives?
5. What are the purposes of the ministration of angels? From the announcement to Mary by Gabriel of the Savior's birth to the host of angels commissioned to sing on the night the baby Jesus was born, and down through the dispensations, angels have been used as God's emissaries to convey love and concern. Sometimes the messages they bring are private and at other times convey grand and significant messages to the whole world.
6. Why should we not fear spiritual messages? For every problem God has a solution. Mary was told to not fear because nothing was impossible with God. Because of the Savior's birth, life, and Atonement, there are no unsolvable problems. There are temporary tragedies and difficulties, but they are not permanent or unconquerable. We must embrace the solutions that God gives to us. The Atonement is the means to solve life's major problems. We are in the driver's seat as far as our divine destiny, but only if we follow His will. Mary provided a sterling example of this obedience--no rationalization, no delay, no grumbling--a simple, humble submission to God's will. Joseph was the same. The powers of reason may have indicated that Mary was unfaithful, Joseph did as the angel of the Lord told him.
7. Why was the angel's choice of words so important in Luke 2:11-12?
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
From Brown, Testimony of Luke, 143, we learn: "The title [Christ the Lord] is unique in scripture and, presumably, is strange to the ears of the shepherds. But the angel's term 'Saviour' properly establishes its sens. [This] divine title, conferred on the child Jesus, frames the way that Luke intends his audience to understand his Gospel account about the Savior: Jesus is both the present Christ (Messiah) and the Lord of Israel's past [the Lord God Jehovah]."
8. What was so important about Bethlehem that both Jesus and David were born there? Micah suggested it was because it was little among the thousands of Judah.
9. Why did the shepherds immediately make known what they had seen and heard? We are taught by Luke that when we are converted we should share the gospel--strengthen thy brethren. The shepherds did that.
10. Why did Mary guard theses things carefully inher heart? These were unusual spiritual experiences. We should only share these when prompted by the Holy Spirit to use them in blessing others. Marion G. Romney taught that when we share sacred things lightly, the Lord cannot trust us. These things are for our edification and we should guard them as a pearl of great price. We may not fully understand them. We must ponder these sacred things and hold onto them when discouragement, disappointment, pain, and sorrow enter our lives.
11. What does the name Jesus mean? The name Jesus is of Hebrew origin and means "Jehovah is Salvation."
12. why was Jesus presented in the temple? In Numbers 18:16 we learn the firstborn son of every household was to be 'redeemed' of the priest at the price of five shekels of the Sancutary. The earliest a son could be presented was 31 days after birth. The child must be the firstborn of his mother. The parents could not be of levited descent and the child had to be free from all bodily blemishes as would have kept them from holding the priesthood.
13. Why were sacrifices of purification required from Mary? The laws were pretty rigid. A woman was ceremonially unclean for 40 days after the birth of a boy and 80 days for a girl. Birth rendered a woman unclean--not conception. She was required to enter the temple and make the prescribed offerings-- aburnt offering of a lamb and a sin offering of a dove. If the woman was too poor, then a dove could be used to replace the lamb. In Mary's case she offered two turtledoves and this signified her family was of lowly circumstances.
14. Who was Simeon? He was upright, just, which shows he behaved well towards people, and devout means he was creful about his religious duties. He looked for the consolation of Israel meaning he was looking for the Messiah. The Holy Ghost had manifested to him he would see the Messiah before he died.
15. What do we learn from Simeon's prayer? Brown in Testimony of Luke, 155-56: "The hymn of Simeon is called Nune Dimittis ('now thou dismissest,' joins Mary and Zacharias to form an interesting pattern. In a literary sense, it stands at the end of a cycle that begins with promise (Mary's hymn) and continues with fulfillment in the birth of John (the song of Zacharias) and ends with a 'response of praise' on the lips of Simeon."
16. Why was Anna called a prophetess? She recognized the Messiah and she likewise had a received knowledge of the divine mission of Jeus through the witness of the Holy Ghost. The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy and therefore, we can properly say that when each recieved this witness they were a prophet or prophetess. Anna and Simeon both fulfilled the phrophetic duty to testify to those around them.
17. What was Jesus' childhood like? He grew up like any other boy. He had the same veil of forgetfulness we all experience when we are born. We do not remember the person we were in the spiritual realm. He grew line upon line and precept upon precept and matured in the expansion of his mind, development of faculties, and progressed in power and understanding.
18. Is there anything particular that Luke highlights about the Savior's youth? There were all kinds of apocryphal traditions written. Luke showed and interest in the life of Jesus from birth until he began his public ministry. The apocryophal traditions had likely taken hold and Luke attempted to set matters straight. The most importan question he asked was at what poin in Jesus' life was he prepared to begint he work of the Father?
19. Who was answerering questions in the temple? Read Luke 2:46.
46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
Joseph Smith translated this verse a bit differently. "And they were hearing him, and asking him questions." Knowing these religious leaders and teachers were learning from Jesus at such a young age should hep us increase our faith in Him.
20 Why was Jesus able to interact with the doctors at the temple? As a boy He had all the intelligence necessary to enable Him to rule and govern the kingdom of the Jews and could reason with the wisest and most profound doctors of law and divinity, and make their theories and practice to appear like folly compared to the wisdom He possessed.
21. Why was the Savior inclined to be in the temple? The notion of "household" in the Greco-Roman social environment was not only a designation of place but also of authority. Jesus is in the temple --the center of God's presence where he was in attendance under divine authority and engaged in teaching.
22. What godlike characteristics did Jesus develop while he was young? in wisdom, stature, in favor with God and man; he waited on the Lord for the time he was to begin his ministry. He never gave into temptation of any kind. He was protected from Satan by His knowledge of the scriptures.
1. What is the ultimate manifestation of God's love? It can only be the condescension of God--a son born of a mortal woman. He then allowed that Son to suffer temptations and pain, be judged of the world and slain for the sins of the world. It is the willingness of God, the Son, Jesus Christ to die for mankind.
2. What is the meaning of condescension? It implies voluntary descent, submission, and performing acts which strict justice does not require. As such Jesus suffered the infirmities that we do so that he could have mercy and compassion for us and of taking upon himself the sins, painds, transgressions, and sicknesses of men in order to satisfy the demands of justice and gain victory over death and redeeming his people.
3. How do we apply this act of condescension in our lives? If Christ can condescend to come to the earth, fulfilling the will of the Father and drawing all men unto Him, then I should surely be humble enough to submit my will to the Father, by doing my best to keep the commandments and seeking to bless others by inviting them to hear and accept the message of the gospel--to follow Jesus Christ.
4. Were all people overjoyed by the news of a King being born in their realm? We know the shepherds were as were the wise men who came later. But Herod was not pleased. He took drastic measures to protect his hegemony--his imperial dominance. He mercilessly ordered the death of all infants in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and younger.
5. What prevents us from rejoicing? It is likely a lack of understanding of the Savior's gift. Joy can only come when we have the Spirit in our lives. When we have the Spirit, we rejoice in what the Savior has done for us.
6. What must we do to have this kind of joy? We must attain saving ordinances and follow the living prophet. We need to live in accordance with certain fundamental spiritual principles: prayer, scripture study, righteous living, service to others, rejoice in our blessings and expressing gratitude. We should rejoice in the blessings available in the temple. We should remember the promises that are ours throught eh Atonement and through Christlike living. We have to make Christ the ceenter of our very being and emulate Him in our everyday lives, and look to the Savior in all things.
7. What precedes power to perform? Preparation is needed so we can better serve the Lord--to be His hands on earth.
8. What things transpired between the Savior's adolescence and His crowning achievement as Redeemer? He went through a sequence of proactive developments: dialogue in the temple--he was about His Father's business; he increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man; His baptism at the hands of John; all of the miraculous happenings leading to the undfolding of his mission to become the perfected author of eternal salvation unto all willing to be obedient and accept his gift. We must study and practice the principles so that when we speak of Christ we match the message he proclaims. We must properly apply ourselves--waxing strong in the knowledge of the truth, searching the scriptures diligently so we know the word of God. We prepare throught prayer and fasting so we can have the spirit of prophecy and the spirit of revelation. This is how we can teach with power and authority. We must work as well as ask for help in our daily efforts.
9. What do we know about Herod, the Great? He declared he was an adherent of the religion of Judah. By birth he was an Idumean, by descent an Edomite. Edomites were descendants of Esau and the Jews hated them. Herod was the most bitterly detested because he was tyrannical and merciless. He spared no one--friend or foe. If you came between him and his ambitions, he would have you murdered. He disposed of his wife and several of his sons and nearly all of the great national council, the Sanhedrin. There was revolting cruelty and unbridled oppression. The only thing that ever stayed his hand was if he was concerned he might incur the displeasure of the Roman emperor.
10. Who were the wise men? Translated from the Greek magoi, we refer to the wise men as 'magi'. The scriptures do not tell us who they were, but they were likely righteous men sent on an errand to witness the presence of the Son of God on earth.
11. Why would the wise men follow a "star in the east"? It was a star that attracted attention because of its unusual brilliance. It would have given guidance to anyone walking in its light. There was among the Jews of that day a prophecy that such a star would arise at the time of Messiah's coming, and these men who came to Jerusalem in search of that Holy One had seen and identified the star by the spirit of inspiration, (Bruce R. McConkie, Mortal Messiah)
12. What is the significance of Jesus Crhist being born in Bethlehem? Pres. Nelson has written: "Why Bethlehem? Is there symbolic significance in the meaning of the name Bethlehem, which in Hebrew means 'house of bread'? The Great Provide declared Himself to be the 'bread of life.' How appropriate it was that He, the 'bread of life,' wa to come from the 'house of bread'."
13. How were the wise men guided to find the Christ child? We know they were guided by the light of the star, but guided even more surely by the light of that Spirit which had directed their steps from the beginning. This star was a symbol of Jesus, who is called the 'star out of Jacob.' (See Num. 24:17) The scriptures declare it as "his star."
14. Why did the wise men give gold, frankincense, and myrrh as gifts? We are not told why they gave these particular gifts. However, all three had practical value and perhaps symbolic meaning for the Son of God and His earthly parents. Each was valuable and could help defray costs of the impending flight into Egypt to escape from Herod. Each gift was also symbolic. The gold symbolized kingship and royalty and was the typical gifr for kings. Frankincense was used for priesthood ordinances and for anointing priests. It also was used in burnt offerings. It would represent the Lord's priesthood and His role as the Lamb of God to be sacrificed on our behalf. Myrrh was used for medicinal purposes and was tied symbolically with embalming and burial. It can symbolize the 'bitter cup' He would drink when He suffered for our sins. It is a bitter oil.
15. In Matthew 2:12-23 what can we learn about recognizing and heeding revelation from the Lord? Here is what Biblical scholar Frederic W. Farrar wrote: "The dream which warned them of danger may very probably have fallen in with their own doubts about the cruel and crafty tyrant who had expressed a hypocritical desire to pay his homage to the Infant King; and if, as we may suppose, they imparted to Joseph any hint as to their misgivings, he too would be prepared for the warning dream which bade him fly to Eypt to save the young child rom Herod's jealousy." (Life of Christ, 57)
16. In what ways did Moses' early life parallel that of the Savior? Think about the parallels between pharaoh and Herod. Pharaoh tried to kill all the male children. Moses had to flee because his life was in danger. When the pharaoh died, Moses returned. The same thing happened to Jesus. Herod tried to kill all the children under a scertain age. Jesus had to flee because his life was in danger. When Herod died, Jesus returned.
17. What do we learn about Herod when he ordered the slaying of children in Bethlehem? The slaughter was entirely in accordance with the character and former measure of Herod. Millet observed: "Considering that Bethlehem was a small town with a population of approximately one thousand to two thousand, as well as that there was a high infant mortality rate, with an annual birthrate of about thirty, then the number of boys killed proably did not exceed twenty. 'But,' wrote Edersheim, 'the deed was none the less atrocious; and these infants may justly be regarded as the 'protpmartyrs,' the first witnesses of Christ.' Continuing, Edersheim remarked: 'The slaughter was entirely in accordance with the character and former measure of Herod. Nor do we wonder that it remained unrecorded by Josephus, sinceon other occasions also he has omitted events which to us seem important. The murder of a few infants in an insignificant village might appear scarcely worth notice in a reign stained by so much bloodshed.'"
18. What is important about the means by which God warned the wise men and Joseph? It is by the power of the Holy Ghost that a person may have his spiritual eyes opened and see things not discernible by the natural man. Inspired dreams can also be visions or revelation.
19. What do we know about Jesus' childhood in Nazareth? He grew up with his brethren and waxed strong and served under his father. He did not need to be taught by any man.
Luke 2
1. Why was the decree of the Roman emperor Augustus sent to all? The taxing was actually a means of enrolling persons for future taxation. This enrollment required the taxpayer to personally submit required information. Because both Joseph and Mary descended from King David, they were required to journey to Bethlehem, David's hometown. If Joseph also owned land in Bethlehem, he would have had to register in Bethlehem.
2. What was Mary and Joseph's relationship when they arrive in Bethlehem? They were legally married, pursuant to the angelic command and for the protection of Mary.
3. Why was Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes? There were two functions: the newborn babies would have been washed and then rubbed down with salt in the belief that the salt would harden their skin. The swaddling bands were strips used to bind the childrene when they were born. The belief was if the baby's arms were bound tightly to its sides, they would grow straight and firm. Secondly, the swaddling clothes functioned as a sign to the shepherds that they might recognize the child who is the Savior.
Symbolically the swaddling clothes represented maternal care and concern, being wanted and owned, received and embraced. They signaled the helpless state of the newborn infant, within the bounds and conditions of earthly mortality. This was an exquisite manifestation of his condescension. He became flesh as a helpless child and was swaddled like any other infant would have been.
4. Why was there no room in the inn for joseph and Mary? No one was willing to give them room. No room was Jesus' experience throughout his life--no room for his doctrines, no room for the spirit of his mission. Do we make room for him in our country or in our lives?
5. What are the purposes of the ministration of angels? From the announcement to Mary by Gabriel of the Savior's birth to the host of angels commissioned to sing on the night the baby Jesus was born, and down through the dispensations, angels have been used as God's emissaries to convey love and concern. Sometimes the messages they bring are private and at other times convey grand and significant messages to the whole world.
6. Why should we not fear spiritual messages? For every problem God has a solution. Mary was told to not fear because nothing was impossible with God. Because of the Savior's birth, life, and Atonement, there are no unsolvable problems. There are temporary tragedies and difficulties, but they are not permanent or unconquerable. We must embrace the solutions that God gives to us. The Atonement is the means to solve life's major problems. We are in the driver's seat as far as our divine destiny, but only if we follow His will. Mary provided a sterling example of this obedience--no rationalization, no delay, no grumbling--a simple, humble submission to God's will. Joseph was the same. The powers of reason may have indicated that Mary was unfaithful, Joseph did as the angel of the Lord told him.
7. Why was the angel's choice of words so important in Luke 2:11-12?
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
From Brown, Testimony of Luke, 143, we learn: "The title [Christ the Lord] is unique in scripture and, presumably, is strange to the ears of the shepherds. But the angel's term 'Saviour' properly establishes its sens. [This] divine title, conferred on the child Jesus, frames the way that Luke intends his audience to understand his Gospel account about the Savior: Jesus is both the present Christ (Messiah) and the Lord of Israel's past [the Lord God Jehovah]."
8. What was so important about Bethlehem that both Jesus and David were born there? Micah suggested it was because it was little among the thousands of Judah.
9. Why did the shepherds immediately make known what they had seen and heard? We are taught by Luke that when we are converted we should share the gospel--strengthen thy brethren. The shepherds did that.
10. Why did Mary guard theses things carefully inher heart? These were unusual spiritual experiences. We should only share these when prompted by the Holy Spirit to use them in blessing others. Marion G. Romney taught that when we share sacred things lightly, the Lord cannot trust us. These things are for our edification and we should guard them as a pearl of great price. We may not fully understand them. We must ponder these sacred things and hold onto them when discouragement, disappointment, pain, and sorrow enter our lives.
11. What does the name Jesus mean? The name Jesus is of Hebrew origin and means "Jehovah is Salvation."
12. why was Jesus presented in the temple? In Numbers 18:16 we learn the firstborn son of every household was to be 'redeemed' of the priest at the price of five shekels of the Sancutary. The earliest a son could be presented was 31 days after birth. The child must be the firstborn of his mother. The parents could not be of levited descent and the child had to be free from all bodily blemishes as would have kept them from holding the priesthood.
13. Why were sacrifices of purification required from Mary? The laws were pretty rigid. A woman was ceremonially unclean for 40 days after the birth of a boy and 80 days for a girl. Birth rendered a woman unclean--not conception. She was required to enter the temple and make the prescribed offerings-- aburnt offering of a lamb and a sin offering of a dove. If the woman was too poor, then a dove could be used to replace the lamb. In Mary's case she offered two turtledoves and this signified her family was of lowly circumstances.
14. Who was Simeon? He was upright, just, which shows he behaved well towards people, and devout means he was creful about his religious duties. He looked for the consolation of Israel meaning he was looking for the Messiah. The Holy Ghost had manifested to him he would see the Messiah before he died.
15. What do we learn from Simeon's prayer? Brown in Testimony of Luke, 155-56: "The hymn of Simeon is called Nune Dimittis ('now thou dismissest,' joins Mary and Zacharias to form an interesting pattern. In a literary sense, it stands at the end of a cycle that begins with promise (Mary's hymn) and continues with fulfillment in the birth of John (the song of Zacharias) and ends with a 'response of praise' on the lips of Simeon."
16. Why was Anna called a prophetess? She recognized the Messiah and she likewise had a received knowledge of the divine mission of Jeus through the witness of the Holy Ghost. The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy and therefore, we can properly say that when each recieved this witness they were a prophet or prophetess. Anna and Simeon both fulfilled the phrophetic duty to testify to those around them.
17. What was Jesus' childhood like? He grew up like any other boy. He had the same veil of forgetfulness we all experience when we are born. We do not remember the person we were in the spiritual realm. He grew line upon line and precept upon precept and matured in the expansion of his mind, development of faculties, and progressed in power and understanding.
18. Is there anything particular that Luke highlights about the Savior's youth? There were all kinds of apocryphal traditions written. Luke showed and interest in the life of Jesus from birth until he began his public ministry. The apocryophal traditions had likely taken hold and Luke attempted to set matters straight. The most importan question he asked was at what poin in Jesus' life was he prepared to begint he work of the Father?
19. Who was answerering questions in the temple? Read Luke 2:46.
46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
Joseph Smith translated this verse a bit differently. "And they were hearing him, and asking him questions." Knowing these religious leaders and teachers were learning from Jesus at such a young age should hep us increase our faith in Him.
20 Why was Jesus able to interact with the doctors at the temple? As a boy He had all the intelligence necessary to enable Him to rule and govern the kingdom of the Jews and could reason with the wisest and most profound doctors of law and divinity, and make their theories and practice to appear like folly compared to the wisdom He possessed.
21. Why was the Savior inclined to be in the temple? The notion of "household" in the Greco-Roman social environment was not only a designation of place but also of authority. Jesus is in the temple --the center of God's presence where he was in attendance under divine authority and engaged in teaching.
22. What godlike characteristics did Jesus develop while he was young? in wisdom, stature, in favor with God and man; he waited on the Lord for the time he was to begin his ministry. He never gave into temptation of any kind. He was protected from Satan by His knowledge of the scriptures.
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