Tomorrow we will discuss Passover during Jesus' last week, but today is when Jews are celebrating it this year (The Hebrew calendar is different than our Gregorian calendar (ie. Jan, Feb. etc.) Therefore Passover and Easter are not stationary days like Christmas). So, I thought since Passover is being celebrated today that we could see how the Passover and Moses were "types and shadows" of Christ. Enjoy.
**Notes: 1. It talks about the Trinity which we do not believe in. We believe they are THREE separate people with ONE purpose. 2. This is a 40 minute video. 3. If it will not load, please see: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5272606142394767394#
Today Jesus rest's in Bethany (assumed- no specific documentation)
Discussion: (See tomorrow's post for the answers)
1. Who was Mary, Martha and Lazarus?
2. How much did Judah betray Jesus for?Why is that significant?
ANSWER for Day 3's Discussion:
1. The word parable is Greek in origin, and means a setting side by side, a comparison. In parables divine truth is presented by comparison with material things. The Hebrew word, mashal, which parable is used to translate, has a wider significance, and is applied to the balanced metrical form in which teaching is conveyed in the poetical books of the Old Testament. Interpretation of parables. It is important to distinguish between the interpretation of a parable and the application of a parable.
2. Jesus uses parables to teach about the kingdom of heaven on earth (the Church of Jesus Christ)
Apostolic thought/song:
CHALLENGE: Write in your journal about Holy week. Your feelings, thoughts, impressions, things you learned, etc. Also Look up the words "Atonement" and "Sacrifices" in the Bible Dictionary.
Where the story is found: Matt 21:12-18; Mark 11:12-19; Luke 19:45-48
Prophecy fulfilled: "Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people." (Isaiah 56:7)
Discussion: (See tomorrow's post for the answers)
1. How does the progression of the temple cleansing apply to our own lives?
2. How would you feel if Jesus came to your home? Would all be in harmony with the Gospel?
ANSWER for Day 1's Discussion:
1. He told two disciples to go to the Mount of Olives and a donkey would be tied up, tell them "The Lord has need of him" and the owner would give it to them. And he did, fulfilling his prophecy.
2. It is a common custom in man lands in the ancient East, to cover in some way, the path of someone thought worthy of the highest honor. The palm branch is a symbol of triumph and victory, in the Jewish tradition.
3. A shout of fervent or worshipful praise. Translated: "Save, we pray!"
Apostolic thought/song:
CHALLENGE: Watch and give the movie Lamb of God (see below) (ask the missionaries/Bishop for a copy) to a friend/neighbor/ non-member
Today is Psalm Sunday (Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem):
Where the story is found: Matt 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-36
Prophecy fulfilled: "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass." (Zechariah 9:9)
Discussion: (See tomorrow's post for the answers)
1. How did his apostles acquire a donkey for Jesus to ride on?
2. Why did they use palm frawns (branches) to welcome the Lord into Jerusalem?
3. What is the meaning of Hosanna?
Apostolic thought/song: (please click the URL below, as it wont let me embed it. Thanks)
We will start Holy Week tomorrow. Each day will have:
1. What day it is
2. A living scriptures movie clip about that day (roughly)
3. Where the story is found in the four Gospel's
4. A prophecy that was fulfilled that day
5. Discussion questions & answers
6. A challenge
7. A thought by the apostles and prophets or a song
8. And maybe some pictures, links or other misc. that won't necessarily be on all the posts
Since Jewish tradition starts days at nightfall (such as their Sabbath is from Friday night at dusk until Saturday night at dusk), I have decided to include the dinner before Palm Sunday. Easter should be anticipated day of the year as it is the commemoration of the Savior's resurrection and therefore the fulfilling of the atonement and enabling us to live with God forever. Enjoy the spiritual journey as you prepare yourself for Easter and Conference next weekend.
The Anointing at Bethany
"John 12:1-9 recounts that Martha served a special dinner to Jesus, some of His disciples, and her brother, Lazarus, who had recently been raised from the dead, before the Master entered Jerusalem for His final week. During the course of the meal, Lazarus’s other sister, Mary, anointed Jesus’s feet. Judas Iscariot rebuked her for wasting the precious ointment in this way, but the Lord commended Mary, connecting this anointing with His coming death and burial. Matthew 20:6-13 and Mark 14:3-9 preserve a similar incident, which they place later in the week at the time Judas agreed with the Jewish leadership to betray the Savior.
In ancient Israel it was common to anoint bodies as part of burial rituals. The Hebrew word Messiah and the Greek word Christ both mean “the anointed one,” reflecting Jesus’s position through these titles. In earlier periods the Israelites also anointed living people to serve either as rightful kings or as high priests.
We, like the disciples, must come to know that Jesus is the Son of God and gain a testimony of what He did for us. As we reflect on the roles He played during the last week of His mortal life, we need to remember that as our Savior He is both a king and a priest." ~lds.org
Discussion:
1. What does anoint mean?
To apply oil or ointment to the head or the person. Anciently anointing was done for reasons both secular and sacred. It is a sign of hospitality, and of routine personal grooming. The maimed or sick were anointed with wine, oil, and/or ointment as medicine. The sick were also anointed with oil as part of the sacred procedure in healing of the sick by faith and the laying on of hands
2. What does spikenard mean?
The Greek word denotes pistic nard, pistic being perhaps a local name; some take it to mean genuine; others, liquid. Nard was made from theroot of a tree, with a strong aromatic odor.
This week we will be taking a break form our normal postings and just doing Holy Week posts. Please take this unique opportunity to come closer to Christ as we review his final days and prepare for Easter.
Joseph was about 17 when his older brothers sold him to traders who took him as a slave to Egypt. Even in such circumstances, Joseph was blessed. Joseph did a good job for Potiphar, the man who bought him, and everything Joseph worked at prospered (see Genesis 39:3–4). Joseph continued to work hard and was loyal to his master. Despite false charges and accusations, Joseph eventually rose to become a leader in Egypt second only to Pharaoh. His success put him in a position to help his own family during difficult times.
Did You know?
1. Joseph was the 11th of the 12 sons of Jacob (also called Israel) and received the birthright blessing?
2. His brother's sold him as a slave to be taken to Egypt and then told their father he was dead?
3. His older brother was Judah (Family line for the Jews)
4. Two of his sons were Ephraim and Manasseh (Tribes of Israel, that you may be apart of- see your patriarchal blessing)
5. Joseph Smith was a direct descendant of Joseph?
“The Holy Ghost lets us express thanks and ask for help in prayer with the clarity and confidence we once enjoyed with our Heavenly Father and which we will have when we return to Him. That communication with God helps banish fear from our hearts as it builds faith and love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.”
The Gift of the Holy Ghost
All honest seekers of the truth can feel the influence of the Holy Ghost, leading them to Jesus Christ and His gospel. However, the fulness of the blessings given through the Holy Ghost are available only to those who receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and remain worthy.
After a person is baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one or more Melchizedek Priesthood holders lay their hands on the person's head and, in a sacred priesthood ordinance, confirm him or her a member of the Church. As part of this ordinance, called confirmation, the person is given the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The gift of the Holy Ghost is different from the influence of the Holy Ghost. Before baptism, a person can feel the influence of the Holy Ghost from time to time and through that influence can receive a testimony of the truth. After receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, a person has the right to the constant companionship of that member of the Godhead if he or she keeps the commandments. ~ lds.org
My son's a CTR ... I go to PEC. I work for CES.....I study the TG. I read the B of M . I probe the D&C. I search the KJV ... I ponder the JST. Today in BYC ... we planned for EFY. I stayed a little after ... and had a PPI. The YM and YW ... are putting on a play. It's one that I remember ...we did in MIA. Before our oldest son ...went in the MTC, He helped the BSA . complete their SME. Soon our oldest daughter .. is heading for the Y.. Soon our oldest clothing ... is going to theDI. Now, if you've understood ... this alphabetic mess, The chances are quite good ... that you are LDS
What are some ways we can respect other religions’ holidays?
“What are some ways we can respect other religions’ holidays?,” New Era, Mar. 2010, 40
Respecting others’ religions is one of our key beliefs: “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may” (Articles of Faith 1:11).
Religious holidays often involve a form of worship. Just as members of our Church celebrate Christmas and Easter, members of other faiths celebrate these holy days or other holidays in honor of a particular deity or to commemorate an event in their religious history.
You can respect others’ religious holidays by first recognizing when those days are celebrated. You can read about certain religious holidays and talk to your friends about how they show their love to God on these special days. You should not make fun of their beliefs, customs, or practices. Respect the religious symbols they use to celebrate and worship.
If you are invited to participate, ask politely for their suggestions about how you can do so appropriately. They may be happy to simply have you watch what they do, or they may suggest some activities you can join in on and others you should avoid. For example, if one of their religious customs is against your beliefs, such as drinking wine, you can politely decline participation, or perhaps you can drink water. The more you agree on in advance, the greater the opportunity to avoid embarrassment.
You can show respect by learning how others worship, and you can also invite others to celebrate your religious holidays with you so they can understand what you believe.
St. Patrick’s Day is observed on March 17 because that is the feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It is believed that he died on March 17 in the year 461 AD. It is also a worldwide celebration of Irish culture and history. St. Patrick’s Day is a national holiday in Ireland, and a provincial holiday in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
In Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day, people traditionally wear a small bunch of shamrocks on their jackets or caps. Children wear orange, white and green badges, and women and girls wear green ribbons in their hair.
Many cities have a St. Patrick’s Day parade. Dublin, the capital of Ireland, has a huge St. Patrick’s Day festival from March 15-19, that features a parade, family carnivals, treasure hunt, dance, theatre and more. In North American, parades are often held on the Sunday before March 17. Some paint the yellow street lines green for the day! In Chicago, the Chicago River is dyed green with a special dye that only lasts a few hours. There has been a St. Patrick’s Day parade in Boston, Massachusetts since 1737. Montreal is home to Canada’s longest running St. Patrick’s Day parade, which began in 1824.
Facts about Saint Patrick
St. Patrick was born in 385 AD somewhere along the west coast of Britain, possibly in the Welsh town of Banwen. At age 16, he was captured and sold into slavery to a sheep farmer. He escaped when he was 22 and spent the next 12 years in a monastery. In his 30s he returned to Ireland as a Christian missionary. He died at Saul in 461 AD and is buried at Downpatrick.
Facts about the Irish
34 million Americans have Irish ancestry, according to the 2003 US Census. That’s almost nine times the population of Ireland, which has 4.1 million people.
Some American towns have “Irish” names. You could visit: Mount Gay-Shamrock, West Virginia; Shamrock Lakes, Indiana; Shamrock, Oklahoma; Shamrock, Texas; Dublin, California and Dublin, Ohio.
The harp is the symbol of Ireland. The color green is also commonly associated with Ireland, also known as “the Emerald Isle.”
The Irish flag is green, white and orange. The green symbolizes the people of the south, and orange, the people of the north. White represents the peace that brings them together as a nation.
The name “lephrechaun” has several origins. It could be from the Irish Gaelic word “leipreachan,” which means “a kind of aqueous sprite.” Or, it could be from “leath bhrogan,” which means “shoemaker.”
Facts about Clovers
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the highest number of leaves found on a clover is 14!
One estimate suggests that there are about 10 000 regular three-leaf clovers for every lucky four-leaf clover.
Legend says that each leaf of the clover means something: the first is for hope, the second for faith, the third for love and the fourth for luck.
