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# 123 -- Come, Follow Me Week # 19 May 13–19 -- Matthew
19–20; Mark 10; Luke 18 -- “What Lack I Yet?”
Just so you know I am only human. I am very forgetful ☹ I
found this one on one of my Zip drives. I am sorry, I didn’t even realize that
this lesson was missing☹
Someone should have said something! I would have written it again😊
So here it is many moons later. It’s better late than never --- right? Thank
you for being so forgiving😊
Dear
Family and Friends
I
am wondering about a question from this week’s Come, Follow Me lesson in the
manual for Individuals and Families. If you could ask the Savior a question,
what would that question be? Do you remember the story about a certain rich
young man who came to Jesus with a very important question in his life? This was his first meeting with the Savior. His
question was: ‘What good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?”
16 And, behold, one came and said unto him,
Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
This
next part comes directly from the manual Come, Follow Me for Individuals and
Families:
The Savior’s response
showed both appreciation for the good things the young man had already done and
loving encouragement to do more. When we ponder the possibility of eternal
life, we may similarly wonder if there’s more we should be doing. When we ask,
in our own way, “What lack I yet?” (Matthew
19:20),
20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I
kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
the Lord can give us
answers that are just as personal as His response to the rich young man. Whatever
the Lord asks us to do, acting on His answer will always require that we trust
Him more than our own righteousness (see Luke
18:9–14)
9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I
thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners,
unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up
so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying,
God be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house
justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the
kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
22 Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the
kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore
repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved.
Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained
of God.
·
Ever increasingly, is the world’s views on marriage diverging
from eternal truth. To remind and help each one of us learn about God’s views
on marriage, let’s read Matthew
19:3–9 together and make a list of the truths we find in these
verses regarding marriage.
·
3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and
saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
·
4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read,
that he which made them at the
beginning made them male and female,
·
5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father
and mother, and shall cleave to
his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
·
6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What
therefore God hath joined together,
let not man put asunder.
·
7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give
a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?
·
8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away
your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.
·
9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it before fornication,
and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit
adultery.
·
Here’s a challenge for more learning -- you might also list
additional truths you can find in the following verses: Genesis 1:27–28; 1 Corinthians 11:11; Doctrine and Covenants 42:22; 49:15–17; 131:1–4; 132:19; and Moses 3:18, 21–24.
·
How are these truths
reinforced in “The Family: A Proclamation to
the World”? (Ensign or Liahona, Nov.
2010, 129).
What can we each do to feel better prepared to explain or defend
the Lord’s teachings on marriage? You may want to make a list of some questions
you have heard about the Church’s teachings regarding marriage. If you are not
a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you might want to
study ‘The Family: A Proclamation to the World” at the above link. Look for
statements that teach about marriage that can answer the questions on your
list. Also, you could learn more about the plan of salvation to help you to
answer your questions. You can find information on the plan of salvation here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/ldsorg/content/english/manual/missionary/pdf/36950_the-plan-of-salvation-eng.pdf?lang=eng
This
next part comes directly from the manual Come. Follow Me for Individuals and
Families:
Ideas for Personal Scripture Study
Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained
of God.
This interchange between the Savior and the Pharisees is
one of the few recorded instances in which the Savior taught specifically about
marriage. After reading Matthew 19:1–9and Mark 10:1–12,
make a list of several statements that you feel summarize the Lord’s views on
marriage. Then study “Marriage” in
Gospel Topics, topics.lds.org, and add more statements
to your list as you discover them. How does your knowledge of the Father’s plan
of salvation help you understand why marriage between a man and a woman is
ordained of God?
On the topic of marriage,
read with me the following quote from Elder Robert D. Hales: “None of
us marry perfection; we marry potential” (“Meeting
the Challenges of Today’s World,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov.
2015, 46). https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2015/10/meeting-the-challenges-of-todays-world?lang=eng
Now I
want you to think of a married couple whom you admire. What qualities does this
couple have? What qualities would you (If you are not married) or your family
members want in a spouse, and what qualities do they want to develop in order
to be a good spouse?
Also consider what
statements you could use from President Russell M. Nelson’s message “Celestial
Marriage” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 92–95) https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2008/10/celestial-marriage?lang=eng
to help inspire you or your family members to seek a celestial
marriage.
This
next part comes directly from the manual Come. Follow Me for Individuals and
Families: Eternal
marriage is part of God’s plan.
You may know people who disagree with or oppose the Lord’s
standards regarding marriage. For a helpful depiction of how to have a
respectful conversation with them, see the video “Everyday Example: When
Beliefs Are Questioned” (LDS.org). https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media-library/video/2016-01-0020-respecting-our-differences-while-defending-religious-freedom?lang=eng
Everyone can receive the blessing of eternal
life, no matter when they accept the gospel.
Can you relate to the experience of any of the laborers in
the vineyard? What lessons do you find for yourself in this passage? Elder
Jeffrey R. Holland’s message “The Laborers in the Vineyard” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 31–33)
might help you see new ways to apply this parable. What additional promptings
does the Spirit give to you? https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2012/04/the-laborers-in-the-vineyard?lang=eng
Eternal life is available to all—no matter
how early or late we accept the gospel.
These questions were
asked of us in our class. What would help the members of your family and/or
friends to apply the principles in the parable of the laborers in the vineyard?
You might have your family members and/or friends prepare a dramatization of
the parable to present to the rest of the family and/or friends. After the
presentation, the people portraying the laborers could share how they felt
about the payment they received and why. What does this parable suggest about
the kingdom of heaven? What additional insights do you and your members and/or
friends gain about this parable from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s
message “The
Laborers in the Vineyard”? (Ensign or Liahona, May
2012, 31–33).
This
next part comes directly from the manual Come. Follow Me for Individuals and
Families: Matthew 19:3–9; Mark 10:2–12
Did Jesus teach that divorce is never
acceptable or that divorced people should not remarry?
In an address on divorce, Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught
that Heavenly Father intends for the marriage relationship to be eternal.
However, God also understands that “because of the hardness of [our] hearts” (Matthew 19:8),
8 He saith unto them, Moses because
of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not
so.
including the poor choices and selfishness of one or both
spouses, divorce is sometimes necessary.
Elder Oaks explained that the Lord “permits divorced
persons to marry again without the stain of immorality specified in the higher
law. Unless a divorced member has committed serious transgressions, he or she
can become eligible for a temple recommend under the same worthiness standards
that apply to other members” (“Divorce,” Ensign or Liahona, May
2007, 70). https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2007/05/divorce?lang=eng
See also “Divorce,” Gospel Topics, topics.lds.org. Matthew 19:16–22; Mark 10:17–22; Luke 18:18–23 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/divorce?lang=eng
This
next part comes directly from the manual Come. Follow Me for Individuals and
Families: Matthew 19:16–22; Mark 10:17–22; Luke 18:18–23
If I ask the Lord, He will teach me what I
need to do to inherit eternal life.
The account of the rich young man can give pause even to
the faithful, lifelong disciple. As you read Mark 10:17–22, what evidence do you find of the
young man’s faithfulness and sincerity?
17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one
running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do
that I may inherit eternal life?
19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these
have I observed from my youth.
21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him,
One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in
heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved:
for he had great possessions.
23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith
unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the
kingdom of God!
24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But
Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them
that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a
needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among
themselves, Who then can be saved?
27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible,
but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
Like the rich young man, we are all imperfect and
incomplete, so as disciples we must ask, “What lack I yet?”—and
we should ask it throughout our lives. Notice that the answer is given out of
love from the One who beholds us for who we truly are (see Mark 10:21).
21 Then
Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go
thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in
heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
What can you do to prepare to ask the Lord what you lack—and
to accept His answer?
See also Larry R. Lawrence, “What Lack I Yet?” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 33–35;
S. Mark Palmer, “Then Jesus Beholding Him Loved
Him,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017,
114–16.
The Savior will guide us closer to Him as we
ask for His help.
Another question asked of
us in class. What can you do help your family members and friends to identify
and apply principles in the story of the rich young man? Our teacher said that
one approach might be to ask them to read Mark
10:17–27 and then to have them consider whether they have ever felt
like the rich young man.
Then he said we should ask them the following
questions: What has helped them to follow the Savior’s counsel even when it’s
difficult? Can anyone in the class share an experience in which he or she
asked, “What lack I yet?” (Matthew
19:20) and received a personalized prompting to improve? What
difference did it make in his or her life?
We should trust God’s mercy, not our own
righteousness.
The
Savior’s parable comparing a Pharisee’s prayer with a publican’s can help you
highlight the attitude that the Lord asks of those who seek to follow Him. To
help your family members and friends to apply this parable to our day, you
could invite them to rewrite the Pharisee’s prayer in a way that uses modern
details but expresses the same attitudes. They could do the same with the
publican’s prayer and then share what they wrote.
How
can these verses inspire your family and friends to remain humble, as the
publican was? Perhaps the following statement regarding these verses by Elder
Dale G. Renlund could help:
“The message for us is clear: a repenting
sinner draws closer to God than does the self-righteous person who condemns
that sinner” (“Our Good Shepherd,” Ensignor Liahona, May 2017, 31).
Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Family Home Evening
As you read the
scriptures with your family, the Spirit can help you know what principles to
emphasize and discuss in order to meet the needs of your family. Here are some
suggestions:
Would your family benefit from discussing God’s teachings
about marriage and family? If so, you could read “The Family: A Proclamation to
the World” (Ensign or Liahona,Nov. 2010, 129).
How do the teachings in the proclamation help clear up confusion and falsehoods
in the world’s messages regarding marriage and families?
What is the difference between having riches and trusting inriches?
(see Mark 10:23–24). As you read verse 27, you may want to point out the
Joseph Smith Translation: “With men that
trust in riches, it is
impossible; but not impossible
with men who trust in God and leave all for my sake, for with such all thesethings are possible”
(in Mark 10:27, footnote a).
To illustrate the principles in Matthew 20:1–16, you might set up a simple
competition, such as a short race, and promise that the winner will get a
prize. After everyone has completed the competition, award everyone the same
prize, starting with the person who finished last and ending with the person
who finished first. What does this teach us about who receives the blessings of
eternal life in Heavenly Father’s plan?
What is the meaning of the phrase “whosoever will be chief
among you, let him be your servant”? (Matthew 20:27). How did Jesus Christ exemplify
this principle? How can we follow His example in our family, our ward or
branch, and our neighborhood?
What do we learn about
prayer from the two parables in these verses?
This
is your challenge for this next week: for you and your family members and
friends to study Matthew 21–23; Mark 11–12; Luke 19–20; and John 12, with this question in mind: “What would you do if
you had only one week to live?” I have
pondered this very question many times since my diagnosis with stage four
breast cancer, but truthfully anyone of us could be done with our mortal
sojourn at any given moment in time😊
These
are the chapters that reveal what the Savior did in the last week of His life.
Here we are again my dear Family and Friends at the end
of our lesson. I hope that I have shared something that has inspired you to
make a change in your life, to study harder, to find out more information about
what we studied today😊 I think maybe I have mentioned before
that I feel often that I am trying really hard to become an eternal family of one
– which is quite impossible for me to
accomplish alone. You need to have a
spouse and be married in the temple and then be sealed to your family members
to have an eternal family.
Anyway, I am single and none of my family members are
active members in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – so I am on
my own – I don’t honestly think that any of my children or my grandchildren
will become active in the church anytime soon so I have to put my trust in the
Lord. I will live my best and leave the rest to Him -- is this making any
sense? You can learn more about what an eternal family is here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1996/10/the-eternal-family?lang=eng
Well, I believe that if I am doing the best that I can to
live the gospel of Jesus Christ, keep the commandments, follow the teachings of
Jesus Christ and the living prophets, attend my church meetings, magnify my
callings, keep the covenants I have made and
the ordinances that I have entered into, and be temple worthy and attend
the temple as often as I can. You know – live my life in the way that my
Heavenly Father wants me to; I believe He will help me gain my eternal family
== I am holding on to this hope! 😊
Be sure to remember who you are, you are each a son or
daughter of a loving Heavenly Father. I hope and pray that you will continue to
study the New Testament with me, keep the commandments, keep praying, keep
learning – there is always so much more to learn😊 don’t
forget to share what you are learning with your family and friends. Be braver
than I am and have a family home evening with your neighbors. Have great fun
learning and sharing😊 Until my next post, please make it a
great week!!
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