SECTION 3
THE SECOND YEAR OF JESUS’ PUBLIC MINISTRY

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LESSONS

7. The Calling of the Twelve

8. Be Ye Therefore Perfect

9. Whomsoever Shall Do the Will of My Father

10. He Spake Many Things unto Them in Parables

11. He That Receiveth Whomsoever I Send Receiveth Me

A Brief Summary of the First Year of the Savior’s Ministry

The first year of the Savior’s public ministry was opened by the dramatic event of the cleansing of the temple. Significant interviews with Nicodemus and the woman of Samaria followed, in which Jesus declared his identity and important doctrines for entrance into his kingdom. This period is referred to by scholars as his early Judean ministry.

This was followed by what is usually called his Galilean ministry, which included his visit to Nazareth, which is in the northern province of Galilee. Rejected there after the declaration of his messiahship to his townsmen, Jesus turned toward the cities that surrounded the Sea of Galilee. Peter, James, John, and Andrew were called to follow him. This period marked the beginning of Jesus’ miracles and his preaching to the Jews.

An Overview of the Second Year

The second year opened as Jesus came down from Galilee to attend the feast of the Passover at Jerusalem. While there he healed a man on the Sabbath day. So reactionary were the Jewish leaders to a healing on the Sabbath that they sought to kill Jesus (John 5:16). You will read in this section how Jesus answered charges concerning the violation of the Sabbath and how he established his credentials before them.

The plot against Jesus caused him to withdraw again to Galilee, where he called and ordained twelve men, whom he designated as apostles. This ended the first of three phases of his Galilean ministry.

Highlights of the Second Phase of the Galilean Ministry

Some of the highlights of the second phase of the Galilean ministry are as follows:

1. Jesus’ instructions to his disciples and to the Twelve (the Sermon on the Mount).
2. Further miracles in which the Twelve learned about the power of the priesthood. Among these miracles are two in which the dead were called to life again.
3. Mounting opposition against Jesus, causing him to use another teaching method—parables. These were sometimes designed to conceal his message from the unbelievers. You will receive some help in interpreting these parables and applying them to our time and circumstances.
4. Jesus’ second rejection at his hometown, Nazareth!
5. The sending forth of the Twelve with a special commission, and their return and report.

Some Notable Places and Events During This Phase of the Galilean Ministry

Some of the places and events mentioned by the Gospel writers in this section are these:

Bethsaida, where Jesus retired with his apostles following their return from their missions (Luke 9:10, 11).

Capernaum, where, among others, the following miracles occurred: the centurion’s servant healed; Jairus’s daughter raised from the dead; a woman with an issue of blood healed.

Gadara (Gergesa), where Jesus healed a man afflicted with evil spirits, which then entered into a herd of swine (Mark 5:1–21).

Nain, where Jesus raised the widow’s son from the dead (Luke 7:11–17).

Nazareth, where Jesus was rejected a second time (Mark 6:1–6).

The introductory map illustrates these cities and their relationship to one another.

With this overview, turn now to the events of this portion of our Lord’s ministry.

7
THE CALLING OF THE TWELVE

THEME

Apostles are special witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ.

INTERPRETIVE COMMENTARY

(7-1) John 5:31–34. What Did Jesus Say Concerning His Mission and the Witness Others Bore of Him?

Compare the following passages of scripture in the Inspired Version with John 5:31–34, 36–38 of the King James Version:

“32 Therefore if I bear witness of myself, yet my witness is true.

“33 For I am not alone, there is another who beareth witness of me, and I know that the testimony which he giveth of me is true.

“34 Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness also unto the truth.

“35 And he received not his testimony of man, but of God, and ye yourselves say that he is a prophet, therefore ye ought to receive his testimony. These things I say that ye might be saved. . . .

“37 But I have a greater witness than the testimony of John; for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.

“38 And the Father himself who sent me, hath borne witness of me. And verily I testify unto you, that ye have never heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape;

“39 For ye have not his word abiding in you; and him whom he hath sent, ye believe not.” (John 5:32–35, 37–39, Inspired Version.)

(7-2) John 5:39. What Does It Mean to “Search the Scriptures”?

“Since we cannot ‘live by [the words which] proceedeth forth from the mouth of God’ unless we know what they are, it is imperative that we study them. This the Lord has directed us to do.

“As the Jews disputed with Jesus because he said that God was his Father, he pointedly responded: ‘Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.’ (John 5:39.)

“In the Lord’s preface to his Book of Commandments, he said: ‘Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.’ (D&C 1:37.)

“We are under divine instruction to ‘teach the principles of [the] gospel, which are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon.’ (D&C 42:12.) This we cannot do unless we know what they are.” (Marion G. Romney in CR, Apr. 1973, p. 117.)

(7-3) Luke 6:9. “Is It Lawful on the Sabbath Days to Do Good, or to Do Evil?”

“Whether at home or in church, your thoughts and your conduct should be always in harmony with the spirit and purpose of the Sabbath. Places of amusement and recreation, while at proper times may serve a needed end, are not conducive of spiritual growth and such places will not keep you ‘unspotted from the world’ but will rather deny you the ‘fullness of the earth’ promised to those who comply with the law of the Sabbath. You who make the violation of the Sabbath a habit, by your failure to ‘keep it holy,’ are losing a soul full of joy in return for a thimble full of pleasure. You are giving too much attention to your physical desires at the expense of your spiritual health. The Sabbath breaker shows early the signs of his weakening in the faith by neglecting his daily family prayers, by fault-finding, by failing to pay his tithes and his offerings, and such a one whose mind begins to be darkened because of spiritual starvation soon begins also to have doubts and fears that make him unfit for spiritual learning or advancement in righteousness. These are the signs of spiritual decay and spiritual sickness that may only be cured by proper spiritual feeding.” (Lee, Decisions for Successful Living, pp. 147–48.)

(7-4) What Is the Distinction Between a Disciple and an Apostle?

“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.” (Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p. 227. Italics added.)

(7-5) Matthew 10:1. From Whom Did the Twelve Apostles Receive Their Special Endowment of Power?

“At the commencement of His ministry, the Master chose twelve men whom he separated from the rest by the name, Apostles. These were to be special witnesses of the sanctity of His life, and of His divine mission, and to be responsible for transmitting to the latest posterity, a genuine account of His doctrines, and principles, and ordinances essential to the salvation of the human soul. . . .

“True servants in the Kingdom of God, when properly authorized, received an endowment of holy power except for which their ministry would be as the ‘tinkling of brass and the sounding of cymbals.’ This heavenly endowment to His chosen Twelve, came as a result of three sacred experiences. First, they were baptized of water, maybe by John the Baptist, or possibly as the only ones He did baptize, by the Master, himself, for John records that He and His disciples were in Judea ‘and there He tarried with them and baptized.’ (John 3:22) Then He ‘breathed on them and said unto them, receive ye the Holy Ghost,’ (John 20:22) which in all likelihood was the confirmation and the commission to receive the Holy Ghost, or the baptism of the Spirit, by the laying on of hands for that was the procedure followed thereafter by His disciples. . . .

“The third of the remarkable spiritual experiences to which the disciples were privileged is thus described by the Master, himself: ‘Ye have not chosen me but I have chosen you and ordained you,—that whatsoever ye should ask the Father in my name He may give it you.’ (John 15:16) Try to imagine if you can, being ‘called’ by the Master and ‘ordained’ under His hands. That these ordinations resulted in an endowment of power from on high as well as giving authority to act officially as the Lord’s representatives, is well attested by the miraculous events that followed, which made of them, ‘men different’ because of that divine commission.

“Not alone were these special apostolic witnesses to receive and enjoy these heavenly gifts. They were commissioned to transmit them by ordinations to others who had received the witness of the divine mission of the risen Lord.” (Harold B. Lee in CR, Apr. 1955, pp. 18–19.)

(7-6) Luke 6:13. What Is an Apostle?

One of the most important things to know about apostles is that they are called to be witnesses of the Savior. This witness may come in several ways. (See item 9-8.) Of this Elder Harold B. Lee has said:

“May I impose to bear my own testimony. I was visiting with one of the missionaries some years ago when two missionaries came to me with what seemed to be a very difficult question, to them. A young Methodist minister had laughed at them when they had said that apostles were necessary today in order for the true church to be upon the earth. And they said the minister said: ‘Do you realize that when they met to choose one to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Judas, that they said it had to be one who companied with them and had been a witness of all things pertaining to the mission and resurrection of the Lord? How can you say you have apostles, if that be the measure of an apostle?’ And so these young men said, ‘What shall we answer?’ I said to them: ‘Go back and ask your minister friend two questions. First, how did the Apostle Paul gain what was necessary to be called an apostle? He didn’t know the Lord; had no personal acquaintance. He hadn’t accompanied the apostles. He hadn’t been a witness of the ministry, nor the resurrection of the Lord. How did he gain his testimony sufficient to be an apostle? Now the second question you ask him: How does he know that all who are today apostles have not likewise received that witness?’ I bear witness to you that those who hold the apostolic calling may, and do know of the reality of the mission of the Lord.” (“Born of the Spirit,” Address to Seminary and Institute Faculty, 26 June 1962.)

(7-7) What Do We Know About the Names of the Original Quorum of the Twelve?

The chart on page 54 summarizes New Testament statements about the names of the original twelve apostles. (Except where noted, this information is taken from Matthew 10:1–4, Mark 3:16–19, Luke 6:14–16, Acts 1:13, and John 21:2.)

POINTS TO PONDER

THE SPECIAL CALLING OF MEMBERS OF THE QUORUM OF THE TWELVE

APOSTLES ARE CHOSEN BY THE LORD

(7-8) Apostles Are Called by Revelation

An example which illustrates how apostles are called today is taken from the life of President Joseph Fielding Smith:

“For an hour or more the Church Presidency and Council of Twelve Apostles, meeting in the Salt Lake Temple in April, 1910, had discussed various men as possibilities to fill the vacancy in the council occasioned by the death of President John R. Winder on March 27, and the subsequent advancement of Apostle John Henry Smith to the presidency. But to every name suggested there was some exception taken. It seemed impossible to reach any unanimity of feeling in the matter. Finally President Joseph F. Smith retired to a room by himself and knelt in prayer for guidance. When he returned he somewhat hesitantly asked the 13 other brethren whether they would be willing to consider his son Joseph Fielding Smith Jr. for the position. He was reluctant to suggest it, he said, because . . . Church members, he feared, would be disgruntled to have another of his sons appointed as a general authority. Nevertheless he felt inspired to offer Joseph’s name for their consideration. The other men seemed immediately receptive to the suggestion and sustained President Smith in it. . . .

Years later Heber J. Grant, who by then was president of the Church and who was present in the council meeting in the temple the day Joseph was chosen in 1910, assured a group of the correctness of the decision: It was at a Smith family reunion. President Grant pointed to Joseph Fielding and said, ‘That man was called by direct revelation of God. I am a witness to that fact.’” (Smith and Stewart, The Life of Joseph Fielding Smith, pp. 174, 177.)

THOSE WHO FOLLOW THE COUNCIL OF THE TWELVE WILL BE BLESSED AND SUSTAINED BY THE LORD

(7-9) The Lord Guides His Saints Through the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve

“May I now say—very plainly and very emphatically—that we have the holy priesthood and that the keys of the kingdom of God are here. They are found only in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. . . .

“Now, brethren, I think there is one thing which we should have exceedingly clear in our minds. Neither the President of the Church, nor the First Presidency, nor the united voice of the First Presidency and the Twelve will ever lead the Saints astray or send forth counsel to the world that is contrary to the mind and will of the Lord.” (Joseph Fielding Smith in CR, Apr. 1972, p. 99.)

8
“BE YE THEREFORE PERFECT”

THEME

Perfection is an ultimate goal that can be achieved as we draw upon the power of Christ.

INTERPRETIVE COMMENTARY

(8-1) To Whom Was the Sermon Given?

It was given to members of Christ’s church. In the opening verses of a parallel sermon delivered to the Nephites in America, the Lord is clearly addressing this sermon to members of the church. Cross-reference Matthew 5:1 with 3 Nephi 12:1–3.

As you study this sermon, you should remember that “some portions of this comprehensive address were expressly directed to the disciples, who had been or would be called to the apostleship and in consequence be required to renounce all their worldly interests for the labors of the ministry; other parts were and are of general application.” (Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p. 230. Italics added.)

(8-2) Clarifications Concerning the Sermon on the Mount

“One of the problems which sectarian gospel harmonists cannot resolve with certainty is whether Matthew’s account of the Sermon on the Mount and Luke’s version of the Sermon on the Plain are records of the same or of different sermons. It is clear that the Sermon on the Plain, as given by Luke, was delivered immediately following the selection and ordination of the Twelve. Those who maintain that two different sermons are involved assert that Matthew is recounting an occurrence prior to the call of the Twelve, and also that he is assembling from many different sermons some of Jesus’ greatest ethical teachings, so that by presenting them as one continuous sermon a better concept of our Lord’s teachings may be had.

“Actually Matthew does not tell of the call and ordination of the Twelve. He merely names them when he records the instructions which Jesus gave at the time they were sent forth to preach and heal the sick. (Matt. 10.) Further, with some major additions, corrections, and improvements, the Sermon on the Mount as preserved by Matthew was given over again by Christ to the Nephites (3 Ne. 12; 13; 14), showing that the material recorded in Matt. 5; 6; 7 is all one continuous discourse. The Nephite version was given after the call of the Nephite Twelve, and portions of the sermon are addressed expressly to those apostolic ministers rather than to the multitude in general. (3 Ne. 13:25.) In Matthew’s account, as found in the Inspired Version, the Prophet adds a considerable amount of material that applies to those called to the Twelve rather than to people in general. (I.V. Matt. 5:3–4; 6:25–27; 7:6–17.)” (McConkie, DNTC, 1:213–14.)

(8-3) Matthew 5:29, 30. “If Thy Right Hand Offend Thee, Cut It Off”

“. . . When the Lord spoke of parts of the body, it is evident that he had in mind close friends or relatives who endeavored to lead us from the path of rectitude and humble obedience to the divine commandments we receive from the Lord.

“If any friend or relative endeavors to lead a person away from the commandments, it is better to dispense with his friendship and association rather than to follow him in evil practices to destruction. This use of comparison or illustration was as common in ancient days as it is in the present age. We should not, in reading these ancient expressions in the New Testament, take such a statement as this referred to in the words of the Savior recorded by Mark in the literal interpretation. When properly understood it becomes a very impressive figure of speech.” (Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, 5:79.)

(8-4) Matthew 6:1–4. How Can One Give Alms in Righteousness?

“Almsgiving is the contribution of free gifts to relieve the poor; the spirit that attends such a course is of God and finds its highest manifestation in the organized charitable enterprises of his earthly kingdom. . . . In modern times the major portion of the almsgiving of the saints is administered through the great Church Welfare Plan.” (McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, pp. 30–31.)

(8-5) Matthew 6:5–15. How Does One Pray in Secret?

“. . . go where you can be alone, go where you can think, go where you can kneel, go where you can speak out loud to him. The bedroom, the bathroom, or the closet will do. Now, picture him in your mind’s eye. Think to whom you are speaking, control your thoughts—don’t let them wander, address him as your Father and your friend. Now tell him things you really feel to tell him—not trite phrases that have little meaning, but have a sincere, heartfelt conversation with him. Confide in him, ask him for forgiveness, plead with him, enjoy him, thank him, express your love to him, and then listen for his answers. Listening is an essential part of praying. Answers from the Lord come quietly—ever so quietly. In fact, few hear his answers audibly with their ears. We must be listening so carefully or we will never recognize them. Most answers from the Lord are felt in our heart as a warm comfortable expression, or they may come as thoughts to our mind. They come to those who are prepared and who are patient.” (H. Burke Peterson, “Adversity and Prayer,” Ensign, Jan. 1974, p. 19.)

(8-6) Matthew 6:19–23. What Are Treasures in Heaven?

“Treasures in heaven are the character, perfections, and attributes which men acquire by obedience to law. Thus, those who gain such attributes of godliness as knowledge, faith, justice, judgment, mercy, and truth, will find these same attributes restored to them again in immortality. (Alma 41:13–15.) ‘Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.’ (D&C 130:18.) The greatest treasure it is possible to inherit in heaven consists in gaining the continuation of the family unit in the highest heaven of the celestial world.” (McConkie, DNTC, 1:239–40.)

(8-7) Matthew 6:24. What Is Mammon?

“Mammon is an Aramaic word for riches. Thus Jesus is saying, ‘Ye cannot serve God and riches, or worldliness, which always results from the love of money.’” (McConkie, DNTC, 1:240.)

(8-8) Matthew 6:25–34. Should Members of the Church Really Take No Thought for Temporal Concerns?

“This portion of the Sermon on the Mount was delivered to the apostles and such of the disciples as were called to forsake their temporal pursuits and carry the message of salvation to the world. There is not now and never has been a call to the saints generally to ‘sell that ye have’ (Luke 12:33), give alms to the poor, and then to take no thought for the temporal needs of the present or future. Rather, as part of their mortal probation, the true followers of the Master are expected by him to provide for themselves and their families. (D&C 75.)

“However, a special rule applies to those who are called to go into the world without purse or scrip and preach the gospel. For the time and season of their missionary service they are to have no concern about business enterprises or temporal pursuits. They are to be free of the encumbering obligations that always attend those who manage temporal affairs. Their whole attention and all of their strength and talents are to be centered on the work of the ministry, and they have the Father’s promise that he will look after their daily needs.” (McConkie, DNTC, 1:243.)

(8-9) Matthew 7:1. Must True Disciples Follow the Injunction “Judge Not”?

The element of judging and discerning is a necessary part of life. Joseph Smith’s inspired revision of the Bible provides some guidelines in this regard.

“Now these are the words which Jesus taught his disciples that they should say unto the people.

“Judge not unrighteously, that ye be not judged; but judge righteous judgment.” (Matthew 7:1, 2, Inspired Version.)

See also Luke 6:37.

Some forms of judgment, however, must be rendered only by the Lord. President N. Eldon Tanner, using the calling of David (1 Samuel 16:7) as an example, said:

“The reason, therefore, that we cannot judge is obvious. We cannot see what is in the heart. We do not know motives, although we impute motives to every action we see. They may be pure while we think they are improper.

“It is not possible to judge another fairly unless you know his desires, his faith, and his goals. Because of a different environment, unequal opportunity, and many other things, people are not in the same position. One may start at the top and the other at the bottom, and they may meet as they are going in opposite directions. Someone has said that it is not where you are but the direction in which you are going that counts; not how close you are to failure or success but which way you are headed. How can we, with all our weaknesses and frailties, dare to arrogate to ourselves the position of a judge? At best, man can judge only what he sees; he cannot judge the heart or the intention, or begin to judge the potential of his neighbor.

“When we try to judge people, which we should not do, we have a great tendency to look for and take pride in finding weaknesses and faults, such as vanity, dishonesty, immorality, and intrigue. As a result, we see only the worst side of those being judged.” (“Judge Not, That Ye Be Not Judged,” Ensign, July 1972, p. 35.)

(8-10) Matthew 7:13, 14. “Enter Ye in at the Strait Gate.”

“The course leading to eternal life is both strait and straight. It is straight because it has an invariable direction—always it is the same. There are no diversions, crooked paths, or tangents leading to the kingdom of God. It is strait because it is narrow and restricted, a course where full obedience to the full law is required. Straightness has reference to direction, straitness to width. The gate is strait; the path is both strait and straight.” (McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 769.)

POINTS TO PONDER

THE ULTIMATE GOAL FOR LATTER-DAY SAINTS IS TO BECOME LIKE GOD THE FATHER

(8-11) The Doctrine of Becoming like God Has Been Taught by Prophets

“We have been promised by the Lord that if we know how to worship, and know what we worship, we may come unto the Father in his name, and in due time receive of his fulness. We have the promise that if we keep his commandments, we shall receive of his fulness and be glorified in him as he is in the Father. [See D&C 93:11–20, 26–28.]

“This is a doctrine which delighted President Snow, as it does all of us. Early in his ministry he received by direct, personal revelation the knowledge that (in the Prophet Joseph Smith’s language), ‘God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens,’ and that men ‘have got to learn how to be Gods . . . the same as all Gods have done before. . . .’ [Teachings, pp. 345–46.]

“After this doctrine had been taught by the Prophet, President Snow felt free to teach it also, and he summarized it in one of the best known couplets in the Church in these words:

“‘As man now is, God once was;

As God now is, man may be.’”

(Address by Joseph Fielding Smith at Snow College, 14 May 1971, pp. 1–8.)

WE CAN BEGIN THE CLIMB TO PERFECTION HERE AND NOW, ONE STEP AT A TIME

(8-12) Perfection Is Compared to Climbing a Ladder

“When you climb up a ladder, you must begin at the bottom, and ascend step by step, until you arrive at the top; and so it is with the principles of the gospel—you must begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the principles of exaltation. But it will be a great while after you have passed through the veil before you will have learned them. It is not all to be comprehended in this world; it will be a great work to learn our salvation and exaltation even beyond the grave.” (Smith, HC, 6:306–7.)

(8-13) Faithfulness to the Commandments Is the Key to Growth

“How can the saints receive of his fulness and be equal with the Lord and not be as he is, that is, gods?

“The Father has promised through the Son that all that he has shall be given to those who are obedient to his commandments. They shall increase in knowledge, wisdom, and power, going from grace to grace, until the fulness of the perfect day shall burst upon them. They shall, through the glory and blessing of the Almighty, become creators. All power, and dominion, and might shall be given to them, and they shall be the only ones upon whom this great blessing shall be bestowed. . . .” (Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 2:36.)

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT TEACHES US WHAT WE MUST DO IN ORDER TO DRAW UPON THE POWER OF CHRIST IN OUR QUEST FOR PERFECTION

(8-14) The Sermon on the Mount Is Our Constitution for Perfection

“In that matchless Sermon on the Mount, Jesus has given us eight distinct ways by which we might receive this kind of joy. Each of his declarations is begun by the word ‘Blessed.’ Blessedness is defined as being higher than happiness. ‘Happiness comes from without and is dependent on circumstances; blessedness is an inward fountain of joy in the soul itself, which no outward circumstances can seriously affect.’ (Dummelow’s Commentary) These declarations of the Master are known in the literature of the Christian world as the Beatitudes and have been referred to by Bible commentators as the preparation necessary for entrance into the kingdom of heaven. For the purposes of this discussion may I speak of them as something more than that as they are applied to you and me. They embody in fact THE CONSTITUTION FOR A PERFECT LIFE.” (Lee, Decisions for Successful Living, p. 56.)

9
“WHOSOEVER SHALL DO THE WILL OF THE FATHER”

THEME

Through obedience to the commandments, we choose Christ as our Father and become his sons and his daughters.

INTERPRETIVE COMMENTARY

(9-1) Matthew 11:2, 3. Did John Doubt That Jesus Was the Messiah?

“The question often arises why John would send his disciples to ask such a question of Jesus. Many have wondered if it was possible that John himself was not sure of Christ’s identity and divine calling. However, we must remember that John’s last recorded testimony was to his disciples when they were concerned about the growing popularity of Jesus. John reminded them that he himself was not the Messiah, and that they should leave him and follow Jesus. That was several months prior to the present event under discussion. It appears that one of the difficulties experienced by John was successfully persuading his disciples to forsake him and become the disciples of Jesus Christ, of whom he had borne witness. Now, months after the baptism of Jesus and after John’s repeated efforts to persuade them, John found some of his disciples still reluctant to detach themselves from him and to follow their true Master. It seems most consistent to identify John’s motive in sending the two disciples to Jesus as one of persuasion for them, rather than of reassurance for himself. The question they were to put to Jesus was for their edification, not for his own. John knew, as no one else knew, who Jesus was, and he had known it for a long time. He had had revelation from heaven to this effect: he had seen with his eyes, he had heard with his ears, and he had the testimony of the Holy Ghost. He even had received the ministry of angels while in the prison. The most satisfactory answer seems to be that John sent his disciples to question Jesus about his identity so that they themselves would at long last realize the truth of what John had been testifying for these many months. This approach seems consistent with John’s sure knowledge of the Redeemer, his known testimony to his disciples, and the natural reluctance of his disciples to leave him.

“Perhaps a point should be made here that there was not an antagonism between Jesus and John. A man did not have to utterly forsake and reject John in order to accept Jesus. But Jesus was the Son of God, and John was his prophet. There is no equal comparison between the two, and John did not want any mistaken notions among his own associates about the relative stations of himself and his Master.” (Matthews, A Burning Light: The Life and Ministry of John the Baptist, p. 92.)

(9-2) Matthew 11:11. No Greater Prophet than John the Baptist

“How is it that John was considered one of the greatest prophets? His miracles could not have constituted his greatness.

“First. He was entrusted with a divine mission of preparing the way before the face of the Lord. Whoever had such a trust committed to him before or since? No man.

“Secondly. He was entrusted with the important mission, and it was required at his hands, to baptize the Son of Man. Whoever had the honor of doing that? Whoever had so great a privilege and glory?

“Thirdly. John, at that time, was the only legal administrator in the affairs of the kingdom there was then on the earth, and holding the keys of power. The Jews had to obey his instructions or be damned, by their own law; and Christ Himself fulfilled all righteousness in becoming obedient to the law which he had given to Moses on the mount, and thereby magnified it and made it honorable, instead of destroying it. The son of Zacharias wrested the keys, the kingdom, the power, the glory from the Jews, by the holy anointing and decree of heaven, and these three reasons constitute him the greatest prophet born of a woman.” (Smith, Teachings, pp. 275–76.)

(9-3) Matthew 11:11. Who Was Considered to Be “Least in the Kingdom”?

“Whom did Jesus have reference to as being the least? Jesus was looked upon as having the least claim in God’s kingdom, and [seemingly] was least entitled to their credulity as a prophet; as though He had said—‘He that is considered the least among you is greater than John—that is I myself.’” (Smith, Teachings, p. 276.)

(9-4) Matthew 11:20–24. Is There Such a Place as Hell?

“The Church does teach that there is a place called hell. Of course we do not believe that all those who do not receive the gospel will eventually be cast into hell. We do not believe that hell is a place where the wicked are being burned forever. The Lord has prepared a place, however, for all those who are to be eternally punished for the violation of his laws. . . .

“A place where those who cannot be redeemed and who are called sons of Perdition will go into outer darkness. This is the real hell where those who once knew the truth and had the testimony of it and then turned away and blasphemed the name of Jesus Christ, will go. These are they who have sinned against the Holy Ghost. For them there is no forgiveness, and the Lord said he had prepared a place for them. (D&C 76:31–37; 88:32–33.)

“All those who enter the telestial kingdom, which will be a place, as each of these kingdoms will be, will be punished for their sins. Satan for a time will have dominion over them until they have paid the price of their sinning, before they can enter into that telestial kingdom.

“This earth will become a celestial kingdom when it is sanctified. Those who enter the terrestrial kingdom will have to go to some other sphere which will be prepared for them. Those who enter the telestial kingdom, likewise will have to go to some earth which is prepared for them, and there will be another place which is hell where the devil and those who are punished to go with him will dwell. Of course, those who enter the telestial kingdom, and those who enter the terrestrial kingdom will have the eternal punishment which will come to them in knowing that they might, if they had kept the commandments of the Lord, have returned to his presence as his sons and his daughters. This will be a torment to them, and in that sense it will be hell.” (Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, 2:208–10.)

(9-5) Matthew 12:30. “He That Is Not with Me Is Against Me”

“As he went about in his ministry, Jesus was met with varied reactions. There were some who gladly accepted him, followed him wherever he went and tried to live his teachings. There were some who were indifferent, and then there were others who openly opposed him. So the people of that day had before them a clear working example of the law of opposition in all things. On the one hand was Jesus preaching the way of life; on the other were the Scribes and the Pharisees who fought him at every step. Then there were the indifferent ones. Can we say that they were for the Lord or against him, or were they merely, as we say, indifferent? I call to your mind that the indifferent ones did not keep the commandments, and by their indifference they encouraged others to be indifferent, and as the others became indifferent, they also refused to obey the commandments of the Lord their God.

“These indifferent ones built up a barrier against the Christ, and as they spread the example of disobedience they became a hindrance to him in his work, and for that reason the Lord said:

“He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. (Matt. 12:30.)” (Mark E. Petersen in CR, Apr. 1945, pp. 41–42.)

(9-6) Matthew 12:31. What Is the Condition for Forgiveness?

“Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men who receive me and repent; but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven unto men.” (Matthew 12:26, Inspired Version.)

(9-7) Matthew 12:31. What Is the Sin Against the Holy Ghost?

To sin against the Holy Ghost, a person must reject knowledge that he has received from the Holy Ghost. As the Prophet Joseph Smith wrote: “He has got to say that the sun does not shine while he sees it. . . .” (Teachings, p. 358.) Elder Joseph Fielding Smith wrote the following statement about the certainty of knowledge revealed by the Spirit and the seriousness of denying it:

“The testimony of the Spirit is so great, and the impressions and revelations of divine truth so forcefully revealed that there comes to the recipient a conviction of the truth that he cannot forget. Therefore, when a person once enlightened by the Spirit so that he receives knowledge that Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten Son of God in the flesh, then turns away and fights the Lord and his work, he does so against the light and testimony he has received by the power of God. Therefore, he has resigned himself to evil knowingly. Therefore Jesus said there is no forgiveness for such a person.

“The testimony of the Holy Ghost is the strongest testimony that a man can receive.” (Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, 4:92.)

(9-8) Matthew 12:32. What Is the Difference Between Rejecting Jesus and Denying the Holy Ghost?

“A man who has not received the gift of the Holy Ghost and therefore who has never ‘tasted of the heavenly gift,’ may be guilty of blasphemy against Jesus Christ and be forgiven on his repentance, but so great is the testimony through the gift of the Holy Ghost, should he turn against the Lord and fight his work, there is no forgiveness. The shedding of innocent blood is not confined to taking lives of the innocent, but is also included in seeking to destroy the word of God, and putting Christ to open shame. Those who have known the truth and then fight against the authorized servants of Jesus Christ also fight against him, for they who fight against his servants also do it unto him, and thus are guilty of his blood.” (Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, 1:63–64.)

POINTS TO PONDER

SATAN BECOMES THE FATHER OF THOSE WHO REJECT JESUS CHRIST

“Whosoever Shall Do the Will of My Father”

If you had walked from Nazareth
   Behind the older son,
Would you have testified of him,
   The Lord’s anointed one?
Or would you have said to Him,
    “I have no need of thee,
“For I can walk through heaven’s gate
   Because of family!
“Your mother is the same as mine,
   Our brethren, see them, three!
“Now what can be in you divine
   That isn’t here in me?”
Proud head, bow down! For He is Lord,
   And perfect; without sin.
The man who bore, by Mary, you,
   Was not a sire to Him.
Brothers in flesh can lay no claim
   To have their faults forgiven,
But must obey, as all the same,
   To enter into heaven.
The water, blood, and Holy Ghost
   May purge your heart, and change,
Then you’ll not just a brother be,
   But son to Him who reigns!

(Used by permission.)

THROUGH OBEDIENCE TO THE COMMANDMENTS, WE CHOOSE CHRIST AS OUR FATHER

(9-9) We Can Become Members of the Family of Jesus Christ

“This [the idea that we may become members of the family of Christ] is a special family relationship reserved for the faithful. It is over, above, and in addition to the fact that all men are the spirit children of the Eternal Father. . . . This is a glorious and wondrous doctrine. We are the sons and daughters of the living God, the children of the great Jehovah, the adopted offspring of the Lord Jesus Christ. We bear the name of Christ. We are members of his family. He is our father.” (McConkie, “The Ten Commandments of a Peculiar People,” Speeches of the Year, 1975, p. 30.)

10
“HE SPAKE MANY THINGS UNTO THEM IN PARABLES”

THEME

The parables of Jesus offer a special message to those who are spiritually in tune.

INTERPRETIVE COMMENTARY

(10-1) Matthew 8:28–34. Why does the Man Speak with Such Confusion: “My Name Is Legion, for We Are Many”?

“The fact of the man’s dual consciousness or multi-personality is here apparent. So complete was his possession by wicked spirits that he could no longer distinguish between his individual personality and theirs.” (Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p. 311.)

(10-2) The Significance of the Healings Performed by Jesus

“As performed by Jesus, healings followed this pattern: (1) They came because of the faith of the people among whom he ministered; (2) To the Jewish mind they were and should have been convincing evidence of the divine mission of the Lord of heaven who walked among them; (3) As acts of mercy and compassion, they were of inestimable benefit and blessing to the suffering and diseased of the day; and (4) Their occurrences came in accordance with the Messianic utterances of inspired men of former ages. To King Benjamin, for instance, a holy angel in telling of Jesus’ mortal ministry had said, he ‘shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases.’ (Mosiah 3:5.)” (McConkie, DNTC, 1:158–59.)

(10-3) What Is a Key to Understanding the Parables?

“I have a key by which I understand the scriptures. I enquire, what was the question which drew out the answer, or caused Jesus to utter the parable?” (Smith, Teachings, pp. 276–77.)

(10-4) What Single Prophetic Message Is Developed by the Parables in Matthew 13?

“I shall now proceed to make some remarks from the sayings of the Savior, recorded in the 13th chapter of His Gospel according to St. Matthew, which, in my mind, afforded us as clear an understanding upon the important subject of the gathering, as anything recorded in the Bible.” (Smith, Teachings, p. 94. Italics added.)

(Note: The gathering process, whereby the scattered descendants of Israel are gradually contacted in the nations of the earth and permitted to receive all the benefits of the gospel, is presently in progress. The keys to pursue and complete this great project were restored by Moses when he appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple [D&C 110:11]. The gathering will not be complete until all the tribes of Israel are finally situated in their own lands of inheritance [Jeremiah 16:14, 15]. The parables of Matthew 13 plot out the major steps and elements of this gathering process, starting with the planting of the gospel seed in the meridian of time [parable of the Sower], and culminating in the final severing of the wicked from the righteous [parable of the Net].)

(10-5) Matthew 13:3–8. What Was a Major Purpose of the Parable of the Sower?

“This parable was spoken to demonstrate the effects that are produced by the preaching of the word; and we believe that it has an allusion directly, to the commencement, or the setting up of the Kingdom in that age. . . .” (Smith, Teachings, p. 97. Italics added.)

(10-6) Matthew 13:9–17. Why Do Some Receive the Words of the Savior and Others Do Not?

“. . . the condemnation which rested upon the multitude that received not His saying, was because they were not willing to see with their eyes, and hear with their ears; not because they could not, and were not privileged to see and hear, but because their hearts were full of iniquity and abominations; ‘as your fathers did, so do ye.’ . . .

“We draw the conclusion, then, that the very reason why the multitude, or the world, as they were designated by the Savior, did not receive an explanation upon His parables, was because of unbelief. To you, He says (speaking to His disciples) it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. And why? Because of the faith and confidence they had in Him.” (Smith, Teachings, pp. 96–97. Italics added.)

(10-7) Matthew 13:25. What are Tares?

“The writer of the article ‘Tares’ in Smith’s Dictionary says: ‘Critics and expositors are agreed that the Greek plural zizania, A. V. “tares,” of the parable (Matt. 13:25) denotes the weed called “bearded darnel” (Lolium temulentum), a widely-distributed grass, and the only species of the order that has deleterious properties. The bearded darnel before it comes into ear is very similar in appearance to wheat, and the roots of the two are often intertwined; hence the command that the “tares” should be left till the harvest, lest while men plucked up the tares “they should root up also the wheat with them.” This darnel is easily distinguishable from the wheat and barley when headed out, but when both are less developed, “the closest scrutiny will often fail to detect it. Even the farmers, who in this country generally weed their fields, do not attempt to separate the one from the other. . . . The taste is bitter, and, when eaten separately, or even when diffused in ordinary bread, it causes dizziness, and often acts as a violent emetic.”’ The secondary quotation is from Thompson’s The Land and the Book, ii. 111, 112. It has been asserted that the darnel is a degenerated kind of wheat; and attempts have been made to give additional significance to our Lord’s instructive parable by injecting this thought; there is no scientific warrant for the strained conception, however, and earnest students will not be misled thereby.” (Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p. 301.)

(10-8) Matthew 13:30. Which Is Gathered First, the Wheat or the Tares?

Matthew 13:30 indicates that tares are collected first, but note the Inspired Version:

“Let both grow together until the harvest, and in the time of harvest, I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the wheat into my barn; and the tares are bound in bundles to be burned.” (Matthew 13:29, Inspired Version; see also D&C 86:7.)

(10-9) Matthew 13:29, 30, 38. Do the Tares Represent Wickedness Outside the Church or Among Church Members Themselves?

“Now we learn by this parable, not only the setting up of the Kingdom in the days of the Savior, which is represented by the good seed, which produced fruit, but also the corruptions of the Church, which are represented by the tares, which were sown by the enemy, which His disciples would fain have plucked up, or cleansed the Church of, if their views had been favored by the Savior. But He, knowing all things, says, Not so. As much as to say, your views are not correct, the Church is in its infancy, and if you take this rash step, you will destroy the wheat, or the Church, with the tares; therefore it is better to let them grow together until the harvest, or the end of the world, which means the destruction of the wicked. . . .” (Smith, Teachings, pp. 97–98. Italics added.)

You may also want to carefully study D&C 86:1–7, where the Lord makes use of this parable again in our day and gives further keys of understanding.

(10-10) Matthew 13:31. The Mustard Tree

“It should be known that the mustard plant attains in Palestine a larger growth than in more northerly climes. The lesson of the parable is easy to read. The seed is a living entity. When rightly planted it absorbs and assimilates the nutritive matters of soil and atmosphere, grows, and in time is capable of affording lodgment and food to the birds. So the seed of truth is vital, living, and capable of such development as to furnish spiritual food and shelter to all who come seeking. In both conceptions, the plant at maturity produces seed in abundance, and so from a single grain a whole field may be covered.” (Talmage, Jesus the Christ, 291.)

(10-11) Matthew 13:31, 32. To What Stage of the Gathering Does the Parable of the Mustard Seed Refer?

“And again, another parable put He forth unto them, having an allusion to the Kingdom that should be set up, just previous to or at the time of the harvest, which reads as follows—‘The Kingdom of Heaven is like a grain of mustard seed. . . .’ Now we can discover plainly that this figure is given to represent the Church as it shall come forth in the last days.

“Let us take the Book of Mormon, which a man took and hid in his field, securing it by his faith, to spring up in the last days, or in due time; let us behold it coming forth out of the ground, which is indeed accounted the least of all seeds, but behold it branching forth, yea, even towering, with lofty branches, and God-like majesty, until it, like the mustard seed, becomes the greatest of all herbs. And it is truth, and it has sprouted and come forth out of the earth, and righteousness begins to look down from heaven, and God is sending down His powers, gifts and angels, to lodge in the branches thereof.” (Smith, Teachings, p. 98.)

(10-12) Matthew 13:31, 32. What Is Represented by the “Birds of the Air” Which Come Down to Lodge in the Branches of the Mustard Tree?

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a grain of mustard seed. The mustard seed is small, but brings forth a large tree, and the fowls lodge in the branches. The fowls are the angels. Thus angels come down, combine together to gather their children, and gather them. We cannot be made perfect without them, nor they without us; when these things are done, the Son of Man will descend, the Ancient of Days sit; we may come to an innumerable company of angels, have communion with and receive instruction from them.” (Smith, Teachings, p. 159.)

(10-13) Matthew 13:33. The Parable of the Three Measures of Meal

“It may be understood that the Church of the Latter-day Saints has taken its rise from a little leaven that was put into three witnesses. Behold, how much this is like the parable! It is fast leavening the lump, and will soon leaven the whole.” (Smith, Teachings, p. 100.)

(10-14) Matthew 13:52. The Pattern of a Householder Bringing Forth Things Old and New

“For the works of this example, see the Book of Mormon coming forth out of the treasure of the heart. Also the covenants given to the Latter-day Saints, also the translation of the Bible—thus bringing forth out of the heart things new and old, thus answering to three measures of meal undergoing the purifying touch by a revelation of Jesus Christ, and the ministering of angels, who have already commenced this work in the last days, which will answer to the leaven which leavened the whole lump.” (Smith, Teachings, p. 102.)

(10-15) Matthew 13:54–58. What Was the Significance of the Second Rejection at Nazareth?

“These Nazarenes were witnesses against themselves, they had absolute knowledge that their fellow townsman excelled in wisdom and performed miraculous works beyond man’s power; yet they rejected him.

“According to the eternal laws which Jesus himself ordained in eternity, miracles are the fruit of faith. Where there is faith, there will be signs, miracles, and gifts of the Spirit. Where there is no faith, these things cannot occur.” (McConkie, DNTC, 1:322.)

POINTS TO PONDER

THE PURPOSE OF PARABLES

(10-16) Those Who Have Ears to Hear Will Hear

“Our Lord used parables on frequent occasions during his ministry to teach gospel truths. His purpose, however, in telling these short stories was not to present the truths of his gospel in plainness so that all his hearers would understand. Rather it was so to phrase and hide the doctrine involved that only the spiritually literate would understand it, while those whose understandings were darkened would remain in darkness. . . . The difference in receptiveness to the truth of the Jews, among whom our Lord ministered in mortality, and the Nephites, to whom he went after his resurrection, is nowhere better shown than in the fact that he gave at least 40 parables to the Jews, but he taught the Nephites, not in parables, but in plainness.” (McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, pp. 553–54.)

THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER SYMBOLIZES THOSE WHO ARE PREPARED FOR THE WORD VERSUS THOSE WHO ARE NOT

Let us now examine one parable in order to discover the interpretation thereof. Jesus indicated that there are two general results when the gospel is preached. What are they? Read Matthew 7:24–27. Note how the parable of the Sower represents these two possibilities: Disobedience Those who hear these sayings of mine and do them not. (Matthew 7:26) 1. Wayside soil 2. Stony places 3. Among thorns Obedience Those who hear these sayings of mine and do them. (Matthew 7:24) 4a. Good ground (fruitful, 30-fold) 4b. Good ground (fruitful, 60-fold) 4c. Good ground (fruitful, 100-fold) To better understand the teachings of this parable, review the meanings of some of its major symbols listed below: THE SEED = THE WORD OF GOD (Luke 8:11. See also Alma 32:28.) THE SOWER = ONE WHO PREACHES THE WORD OF GOD (Mark 4:14 and Alma 32:27, 28) THE FIELD = THE “WORLD” (Matthew 13:38) THE SOILS = THE VARYING HEARTS OF THE HEARERS OF THE WORD (Matthew 13:19 and Alma 32:28) THE FRUITS =