Gethsemane

Choice 1: Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46; John 18:1-2. The Savior’s Suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane 1. Review Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46, making a list of words and phrases that describe the Savior’s suffering. Include in your list clarifications provided in the footnotes. *sorrowful, very heavy, fell on his face, sore amazed, take away this cup from me, agony, prayed more earnestly, his sweat as it were great drops of blood 2. Write additional insights about the Savior’s suffering in Gethsemane found in the following resources: • Mosiah 3:7; Alma 7:11-13; Doctrine and Covenants 19:16-19 • The institute student manual commentary, “To What Extent Was the Atonement Completed in the Garden of Gethsemane?” (pg. 173) • The institute student manual commentary for Luke 22:44, “And Being in an Agony, He Prayed More Earnestly” (pgs.173-74) • The institute student manual commentary for Luke 22:44, “And His Sweat Was As It Were Great Drops of Blood Falling Down to the Ground” (pg. 174) The Savior’s suffering for us was so intense that His skins exuded a bloody sweat. That was not something a mortal could have endured. But because of his divine heritage and love for us he suffered this intense experience. It is mind-blowing to know that someone could have so much love for us. Even knowing that many of us would never fully appreciate the sacrifice. It make me want to be a better saint and help others benefit from the atonement. 3. Read Matthew 26:36 and the institute student manual commentary for Matthew 26:36, “Then Cometh Jesus … unto a Place Called Gethsemane” (pgs. 172-73). Write a paragraph about how the meaning of Gethsemane adds insight to what the Savior experienced there. Knowing that Gethsemane means ‘oil press’ is a reminder of the sacred, hallowed experience there. Like the oil that is pressed from the olives, the Savior was pressed and His sacrifice gave life to all. Because of Him we will all live again. I am in awe of all the symbolism around us. 4. Write response to each of the following questions, looking for lessons you can apply to your own life from the example of the Savior in Gethsemane: • What were the Savior’s disciples doing while He was praying? What had the Lord taught the Apostles in Matthew 26:41? What does His example teach about how to be obedient even when “the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak”? How does Doctrine and Covenants 10:5 apply to this verse? The apostles must have been very tired or did not understand completely the immensity of the situation because they fell asleep. The Savior counseled them to “watch and pray”. This is great counsel. When we are mindful of our surroundings and set goals of how to overcome temptation, we can prepare ourselves against the adversary. Keeping a prayer in our heart keeps that heavenly connection to the Lord. The only power in this world that truly saves is from Heavenly Father. He helps us to overcome anything. Through the power of the atonement we can be made stronger daily. • Read Mosiah 15:7; 3 Nephi 11:11; Doctrine and Covenants 19:19. Write the phrases from these verses that describe what motivated the Savior to “drink the bitter cup.” The Savior’s motivation always is to do the will of the Father. Everything he does is to glorify God. • Write your thoughts about the Savior’s use of the word “nevertheless” in Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:36; Luke 22:42. In each of these accounts, what did the Savior initially ask for? What did He say next, using the word “nevertheless?” What does it require to submit one’s will to the Father in this way, no matter how painful or difficult the outcome might be? When have you followed the “nevertheless” pattern the Savior exemplified in these verses by submitting to Heavenly Father’s will even though it was very difficult? The Savior was suffering and wanted to have the cup removed but He was willing to endure the Father’s will. Heavenly blessed him with angels to bear him up. In our own situations we struggle. But as we turn to the Savior we are given strength beyond our own and can overcome any situation. • According to Luke 22:44, as the Savior’s agony became more intense, how did His prayer change? Do you feel more like praying or less like praying when you are suffering? When has it made a difference in your suffering to have turned to the Lord with more earnest prayer? I feel more like praying when I am having a hard time. There is not a place on earth that can give comfort like Heavenly Father can give. We prayer more earnestly when we’re suffering. But even in times of feast we can keep a heartfelt prayer. • Reflect on what you have learned about the Savior’s suffering in Gethsemane. Write a paragraph about lessons you can apply to your own life from the example of the Savior in Gethsemane. Lessons I can continue to apply are turning to the Lord for strength and watching and praying always. I think of my link to Heavenly Father as the only saving lifeline that will bless me eternally. As I nurture that relationship and try always to do His will everything else will fall into place. I will be better in my other relationships because I will be strong in my relationship with the Lord.

1. Leadership in the church is different from leadership in the world. The Savior loved and served His disciples. In the world it is almost expected for leaders to look down on their followers. The elite are not expected to be among the servants. But we have been taught by the Savior to serve everyone and show love for everyone. Those acts show respect towards others and lets them know you really care. 2. I have watched my husband in his leadership role. He is always very kind to everyone and focuses on individuals. If he notices someone missing from church he will leave to visit them immediately after sacrament. If he notices a youth struggling with their testimony, he will invite them over. Families that seem isolated he will visit and befriend. He is a perfect example of a loving friend.

In Mark chapter 13 there are several things that we should “take heed” and “watch” for. Some things that we should watch for are: 1. People who try to deceive us. There will be many people who will try to deceive us in many ways. 2. The Lord’s teachings, He teaches us all things. When we know what the truth is then we can know what decisions to make. We will not be deceived by false teachers. 3. The coming of the Lord, no one knows when that will be. We should always live worthy of His presence. We know some other truths about the second coming of the Savior. Angels will announce the coming of the Savior. The faithful will be spared and will even have the opportunity to be made leaders in the Savior’s kingdom. We need to live righteously to be worthy of the day.

The Widow's Mite

Choice 5: The Widow’s mite was acceptable to the Lord because it was all that she had. This was a great sacrifice to her but she willingly gave it. Although the other people gave more in their donations they only gave of their abundance and it was not a true sacrifice. When we put forth our best effort, even though it may not seem like much in comparison to others, the Lord will be pleased with our offering. The grace of the Savior’s atonement makes our sincere offering enough. I can be better about giving my all to the Lord by seeking out ways to bless the lives of others. Instead of waiting to be asked for an opportunity to serve I can prayer for more guidance and offer specific ways that I can help others. I know the Lord will help me and that He will be pleased with my honest effort.

Choice #2 1. The Parable of the Unjust Steward: It is more important to be honest and to build our eternal retirement plan than to only worry about this life. Now is the time to prioritize heavenly things and to be an instrument in the Lord’s hands. 2. The Rich Man and Lazarus: We need to be wise stewards over all of our responsibilities. If blessed with great wealth we can use it to further God’s purposes on Earth. Exercising humility by remembering that all blessings come from Heavenly Father is a great thing to do. 3. The Ten Lepers: The Savior sent the lepers to the priests to be healed. This showed that healing could come through others with the power of Christ. Only one was made completely whole because he returned to give thanks to the Savior. Gratitude is an essential virtue that should always be lived. 4. The Widow and the Judge: In this parable we learn the importance of continually coming to the Lord. We all know that our prayers are not often answered in the way we expect or in the timeline we hope for. But we can keep our faith rooted by continually turning to the Lord. 5. The Pharisee and the Publican: This parable was taught to show the difference in pride and humility. Those that seek to be praised on earth will have their reward on earth. But those who give all glory to the Lord will see His hand in all things.

Choice 1 1. In Luke 10:1-24 the Savior taught the seventy about their responsibilities as His disciples. They were to go out and preach the gospel and bring souls to Christ. They were also to give blessings and heal the sick. The Savior was showing them to do the work that He does himself. This is part of the order of the church, to train up new leaders that can progress in their callings and train others after them. 2. The pattern of the organization of the church follows the same pattern as in the Savior’s day. The seventy were sent out two by two to “harvest” saints. In ancient times the seventy were taught to eat food that was provided them and to give blessings. Today missionaries are blessed with protection and power when they are doing the work of the Lord. It is neat to think that we are doing the work that they Savior was teaching others to do. 3. The seventies were are in our day to further the work of the Lord and lead over His church all over the world. They are presiding authorities but not ordained apostles. They were also in the Savior’s day. The Lord follows a pattern with His work.

1. We can be like little children in being humble and teachable. We do not understand everything the Lord understands. He teaches us line upon line for us to understand. There is a reason that we don’t get the full understanding of the gospel all at once. As we learn and grow little by little our capacity to understand grows as well. The Lord is loving and He wants us to learn and grow at a pace that is not overwhelming. 2. In Mosiah 3:19 there are several ways that we can become like a little child: putting off the natural man, being submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things I love the things that I learn from my children. Being a parent helps to teach me more about the plan that Heavenly Father has for us.

We are all sinners. We have all made mistakes. It is only because of the Savior’s atonement that we are able to live with our Heavenly Father again. Heavenly Father takes our weaknesses and makes them strong. He is able to do this as we exercise our faith. They are made strengths when we overcome our fears and insecurities. We realize our divine potential and help others to overcome theirs too. I am thankful for the miracles the Savior performed. He still performs them in my life. From little to big answers to prayers, I recognize them in my life. He is so generous to us.

As I have thought more about why the Savior taught in parables, I have a better understanding about why He did. One reason was because parables are pretty simple to understand but they also leave room for personal interpretation and revelation. I know that when the spirit speaks to me it is sometimes in my own voice. Heavenly Father knows and loves me. He wants me to understand His message to me. I know that the Savior feels the same way. As I open my heart to learn of Him I will be blessed with inspiration and guidance. We have so much to be thankful for as children of a loving father in heaven.

Miracles All Around

Our Heavenly Father and our Savior are so kind to bless us in so many ways. It shows the tender love that they have for us. It strengthens my testimony to know that they are aware of our every situation. I feel that I can bring any situation to them for help. As a loving father Heavenly Father wants to help us and bless us. The Savior loves us and has experienced our pain and suffering. I am thankful for the miracles I have seen them perform in my life.

We have been studying about the Savior's ministry in the New Testament. I love how willing He is to serve and do what is right. He did not make excuses as to why He did not do something. He just humbly did what was right because it was right. His unconditional love is always a motivator for me to be better. Here are some thoughts from my assignment: Choice 1 John the Baptist was hesitant to baptize Jesus because he felt like the Savior was more righteous than him. John said that he did not feel worthy to unlatch the Savior’s shoes and that he should be the one seeking baptism of the Savior. John was humbled by the request. The Holy Ghost descended like a dove. The prophet Joseph Smith taught that the actual dove was a sign of the presence of the spirit. The dove was not the actual spirit but a sign that it was there. There are at least three reasons that the Savior was baptized. First, he was baptized because it is a commandment. He showed us that He is obedient to all of Heavenly Father’s commandments. Second, He set an example for us. The Savior did everything that is required for us to live in Heavenly Father’s presence again. Finally, The Savior was baptized because He loves us and He loves Heavenly Father. I am thankful for His example and love for us. The evidence in Matthew 3:16-17 that the godhead are three separate beings is: 1. The Savior was on the Earth being baptized. 2. The sign of the dove was a symbol of the Holy Ghost’s presence. 3. Those present heard the voice of Heavenly Father speaking and announcing His beloved son.

This week in my New Testament class we are studying about the birth of the Savior. As I have read about the different people and what they knew about the Savior and the different choices they made with their knowledge, I thought about the ripple effect our choices can have. Agency is a gift and how we use it brings consequences. I know that the Savior came to Earth to save us all. Because of His atonement we can overcome sin and gain power to rise above our weaknesses. I love the Savior. I pray that I can assist in His work of saving mankind.

I felt loved today when I found a soda my husband brought home for me. Soda is a special treat in our home. We don't often have it. I showed love by inviting the missionaries to dinner. We have a brand new missionary and today was his first day! It was so exciting to visit with him and encourage him in his new journey.

I showed love today by taking cookies to a family in our ward. I felt loved when my girls snuggled close to me when I was reading a book.

I showed love today by working hard to organize the funeral luncheon for Monday. I felt loved because so many sweet sisters were willing to help.

I comforted my two year old when he was sad today. I was offered assistance with fulfilling a calling at church.

A sister in our ward passed away this week. I showed love by helping to organize meals for her family. I felt loved by so many women being willing to help.

I showed love today by taking my six year old on a date to Sky Zone. It's an indoor trampoline place. I was glad to have one on one time with her. I felt loved because my husband got dinner started without being prompted. He is very helpful.

I showed love on the fourth of July by inviting a family over for dinner. I felt loved when another family brought us cookies.

I felt our Heavenly Father's love today. Gracie needed help looking for her money. I had a prayer in my heart and almost instantly I knew where to look. I am so thankful for the inspiration from the Lord. I showed love by reading a couple of books to my kids.

My Gracie was a big help to me with Russell. She has enjoyed being his little mama. It is a blessing to have a loving, helpful daughter. I showed love by playing Uno with my girls.

I felt loved today because my husband let me finish my work by taking care of the kiddos. He also had work to do but he let me do mine first. I showed love by taking the kids swimming and playing games with them in the pool. It was a good day.

When I told my sister that I was having a hard time with my husband away, she offered to come to help. She came over today and played with my kids while I cleaned out the fridge, did homework, and folded laundry. It was a great help. I showed love by listening to a friend that had an experience to share. It was nice to chat with her.

Today my husband wanted to spend extra time with me and our kiddos. That made me feel loved. I showed love to my children by spending extra time with them at bedtime. They were a little spooked after watching Voyage of the Dawn Treader. It probably wasn't the best evening movie to show them. Oops.

I missed yesterday but I showed love by hosting a pajama party for my little girls. It was so much fun! I had a better time than I thought I would and the party only cost me $15! Nice. I felt loved because I had so much help running the party. It was a great relief.

I showed love today by allowing friends to swim in our pool. They had fun. I felt loved because we were invited on a group date with some friends. They were down visiting from Oklahoma. It was fun to see everyone.

I showed love today by letting my girls go swimming in the heat of the day. I don't like to sit out in the afternoon because it is viciously hot. But I made an exception today. I felt loved when my two year old came to give me a big hug at dinner. He is pure sunshine.

I was able to show love today by inviting my niece to stay with us for a few days. I thought it would be nice to give her some special attention. I felt loved today because my mom came to help me clean my dirty bathrooms. She is awesome!

Today was a rough day for me. My house was a royal mess all day but my girls were happily playing. It takes a lot for me to not go crazy in the midst of chaos. I showed love to my children by being extra patient with them. I did not yell. I felt loved while I was lying down resting. My five year old was being noisy and my eight year old consistently reminded her to be quiet. It was sweet that she was helping to keep the peace.

I woke up early today, with the help of my six month old, and made breakfast for my family. We had french toast with homemade buttermilk syrup. While I was feeding my baby my two year old came up and gave me a kiss. It made me feel good. :)

My kids and I put together a candy poster card for my husband for Father's Day. It took time and effort. Seeing how excited he was to receive it was priceless. My husband let me take a nap on his special day. He is one of a kind. :)

First Day

As part of my capstone practicum assignment for my Teachings of Living Prophets class for BYU Idaho I have created this blog. Each day I will record an experience of how I showed love and how I felt love. I look forward to the next several weeks. I believe that my heart will change for the better and I hope to uplift others in the process. Love is powerful. Everyone can show more of it to make the world even better.