Strathearn REL A 250 Exam #2
What phrase does Krister Stendah see as the major difference in the portrayal of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew and the Sermon at the Temple in 3 Nephi?
"Come unto Me"
Be able to discuss the story of Mary in Luke 1.
-important JST change: JST "Hail, thou virgin, who art highly favored of the Lord. The Lord is with thee, for thou art chosen and blessed among women." -her interaction with the angel: She didn't know the end from the beginning, but had the faith to say yes anyways. The angel: "He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David" This is the first time we are taught that the Messiah will be the Son of God. -the principles of discipleship from Mary that we discussed in class: 1) Disciples ask questions 2) Disciples have the Spirit with them, this is how they are qualified to do what the Lord wants them to do 3) With God, nothing is impossible. -her experience with Elizabeth: "And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: 42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb." -the Magnificat: 46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. 48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. 49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. 51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. 53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. 54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; 55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
What does the Prophet Joseph teach about "the sign of the dove"?
1) A sign instituted before the creation of the world 2) the devil cannot come in the sign of the dove. Not a shapeshifter. 3) The Holy Ghost does not confine itself to the form of the dove. 4) the sign of the dove was given to John to signify the truth of the deed (baptism) The Holy Ghost coming to confirm the event would not have been visible without the sign of the dove. This was to show that something spiritual was happening.
What were the three temptations and how did Jesus respond to each of them?
1) If you are the Son of God, turn stones into bread: "Man shall not live by bread alone" (Deut. 8:3) 2) If you are the Son of God, jump off the pinnacle of the temple: "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God" (Deut. 6:16) 3) Fall down and worship me: "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God. . ." (Deut. 6:13)
According to class discussion, be able to identify and discuss important principles that we can learn from Jesus's encounter with Satan?
1) Jesus was tempted, just as we are. Just as he had power to repel Satan, so do we! 2) Use of scripture to defy Satan (Quotes Deuteronomy) 3) Power of the covenant
Identify the major points where the Matthean and Lukan birth narratives are in agreement.
1) Jesus' birth is related to the reign of Herod (Luke 1:5; Matt. 2:1) 2) Mary, his mother to be, is a virgin engaged to Joseph, but they have not yet come to live together (Luke 1:27, 34; 2:; Matt. 1:18) 3) Joseph is of the house of David (Luke 1:27; 2:4; Matt. 1:16, 20) 4) An angel from heaven announces the coming birth of Jesus (Luke 1:28-30; Matt. 1:20-21) 5) Jesus is recognized himself to be a son of David (Luke 1:32; Matt. 1:1) 6) His conception is to take place through the holy Spirit (Luke 1:35; Matt. 1:18, 20) 7) Joseph is not involved in the conception (Luke 1:34; Matt. 1:18-25) 8) The name "Jesus is imposed by heaven prior to his birth (Luke 1:31; Matt. 1:21) 9) The angel identifies Jesus as "Savior" (Luke 2:11; Matt. 1:21) 10) Jesus is born after Mary and Joseph come to live together (Luke 2:47; Matt. 1:24-25) 11) Jesus is born at Bethlehem (Luke 2:4-7; Matt. 2:1) 12) Jesus settles, with Mary and Joseph in Nazareth in Galilee (Luke :39, 51; Matt. 2:22-23)
What are the three ways that we discussed in class to interpret what is the rock upon which the Church would be built?
1) Revelation. -Joseph Smith That's the last thing they were talking about. But not the only way to interpret this. Many layers. 2) Helaman 5:12: Christ is the rock upon which the church will be built. Cannot be Peter. Peter = petros (pebble) Rock = petra (Similar and from the same root, but not the same. Masculine singular vs. feminine plural) Think mountain rock. Linguistically probably not referring to the same thing. 3) BUT Peter the man is a pebble. With the Spirit of revelation he becomes petra, mountain rock. To stand as a witness of Jesus Christ. Becomes a revelation conduit for the church and the world.
How did Elder Holland apply each of the temptations in his article, "The Inconvenient Messiah"?
1) Turn stones into bread": temptation to be the convenient Messiah. 2) "Cast thyself down" from the pinnacle of the temple: how alone does a Messiah have to be? 3) "All these things I will give thee": not everyone has a price.
Transfigured Jesus Discuss the events that took place at Caesarea Philippi. What were the keys that Peter was promised? When did he receive them?
13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Cæsarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ. Keys promised: The sealing key He received them: at the Mount of Transfiguration?
Luke's sermon includes a series of "Woes" that are NOT found in Matthew's sermon. (Chapter 6)
24 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. 25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. 26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets
What did John the Baptist preach in the wilderness?
3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 12 Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? 13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. 14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages. 15 And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; 16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: 17 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.
John the Baptist
A cousin of Jesus, older by six months. His baptizing and preaching in the wilderness prepared the way for Jesus.
What are the Antithesis? How can we interpret them through a lens of a temple text? What is the purpose of the Antitheses? Hint: remember our discussion of Mathew 5:20 What is the pinnacle of the Antitheses? Hint: remember our discussion of Matthew 5:48
Antitheses are contrasts between the law of the jungle, the law of Moses, and the higher law given by Christ. Temple text: Symbolism of the temple is a spiritual journey of higher and higher holiness to be prepared to be in the presence of God. The Antitheses are a spiritual mirror to show us where we are at on our holiness journey. They show us what we can do better and do next to get back to God's presence. Upward spiral. They show the raising of the bar. Their pinnacle is Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Mary
Can we speak too highly of her whom the Lord has blessed above all women? There was only one Christ, and there is only one Mary. Each was noble and great in the preexistence, and each was foreordained to the ministry he or she performed. We cannot but think that the Father would choose the greatest female spirit to be the mother of his Son, even as he chose the male spirit like unto him to be the Savior. . . . We should hold up Mary with that proper esteem which is hers." -Bruce R. McConkie In my judgment, Mary is one of the greatest women who has ever lived on earth; the spirit daughter of God our Father, she was chosen to provide a body for his son, who was to be born after the manner of the flesh." -Bruce R. McConkie Theotokos= bearer/mother of God
What was the name that Jesus gave to Simon in John 1:42? What does that name mean? What does the name Peter mean?
Cephas: a stone Peter= petros= pebble
Transfiguration
Change in physical body to allow being in the presence of God without burning up. Not permanent. One time event- only for the duration.
Translation
Change to physical body to allow us to survive a higher state of existence. Long-term event until the judgement and resurrection. Not permanent.
How do we see evidence of Jesus's compassion in the stories of: The Good Samaritan? What are the two questions that the lawyer asks Jesus that lead to his teaching the Good Samaritan? How does Jesus answer these two questions? How does knowing the geography help us better understand this story?
Compassion for the peripheries. The Samaritans were strongly disliked by the Jews. And yet he was the one who served God and loved his neighbor. Two questions: Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? AND And who is my neighbour? Answers: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. AND He answers with the parable, the lawyer answers "He that shewed mercy on him." Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. Geography: Lots of switchbacks. Dangerous- someone could always be lying in wait.
Antithesis
Contrasts between the law of the jungle, law of Moses, and law of Christ. (The higher law.)
What was John the Baptist's prophetic role?
Elias- forerunner to Christ. Prepares the way.
Zacharias
Father of John the Baptist, husband of Elizabeth. Was deaf and mute until John's death. Angel visits him in the temple.
From our class discussion, what does it mean to be a disciple? How does that differ from being a "follower"?
Followers follow until they find someone else to follow. Disciples find a master teacher and study with him until they become masters. They make the commitment for as long as it takes.
Why does Matthew want us to read the story of Jesus's baptisms and his temptations as a single story?
God had just said "this is my beloved Son, Hear Him." Then Satan comes and tempts Jesus saying "If thou art the Son of God." It's to show the juxtaposition of the events.
mathetēs (disciple)
Greek for student. They find a master teacher and make the commitment to stay with them until they become a master themselves, no matter how long.
What do we learn about the man Joseph (from Matthew 1-2)?
He is righteous and a just man. Evidence: An angel appears and gives revelation to take the family to Egypt. And he acts. Angels appear only to righteous men.
What two Old Testament passages does Matthew use in his nativity story?
Isaiah 7:14 "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Mat. 1: 23) Hoseah 11: 1 " When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt." John 7: 42 "Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?"
What is important about Matthew's account of Jesus's genealogy?
It is a stylized genealogy, 14 generations broken into 3 parts. In Hebrew, the alphabet is the same as the numbering system. Words have numerical interpretation. "David" comes to 14. This is Matthew's way of emphasizing Jesus's lineage. The genealogy starts with Abraham and includes 4 Gentile women. Matthew shows this to emphasize that Gentiles have a right to be part of the gospel fold. We owe it to them to even HAVE a Messiah.
Important JST translation having to do with Mary in Luke 1:28
JST "Hail, thou virgin, who art highly favored of the Lord. The Lord is with thee, for thou art chosen and blessed among women."
How do we see evidence of Jesus's compassion in the stories of: the raising of the widow of Nain's son?
Jesus made a day's journey by foot through the night to get from Capernaum to Nain. He wasn't just showing compassion on the son- he was helping a daughter of God whose only way to stay in society was to have means of support from her only son. Jesus made himself ritually unclean to do so but he didn't care.
"Fulfill all righteousness"
Jesus was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. Show children of men His willingness to humble himself. Show the Father His obedience to the commandments.
How does John's ritual of baptism compare and contrast with Jewish mikveh's?
Jewish mikveh: ritual cleansing before going to the temple, eating, reading the scriptures, etc. John takes a common experience and gives it new meaning. Become member of the church and follower.
How do the events on the Mount of Transfiguration compare with the time when the Prophet Joseph gathered the Twelve together in uncompleted Nauvoo temple?
Joseph says that if he is killed, now he can be sure that the work will press forward because the 12 has the keys and endowment and can keep going without him. On the Mount, Peter James and John receive their endowment and receive keys. Jesus is metamorphosed. (This happens in the last 6 months of Jesus's life. They are prepared to keep the work going without Him physically there.
The Magnificat
Luke 1: 46-55 46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. 48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. 49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. 51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. 53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. 54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; 55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
What are some of the differences between the Sermon given in Matthew and the one given in Luke?
Luke's is shorter, less complex. Luke's includes a series of "woes" that are not found in Matthew's sermon. Matthew's contains: "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy; pure in heart shall see God, peacemakers shall be called the children of God" and Luke's doesn't. Longer than Luke's.
Joseph
Mary's husband. A just, righteous man. Followed the Lord.
Jesus's temptations. Why did Jesus go into the wilderness according Matthew's text? According to the JST?
Matthew 4:1- Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. JST- Then Jesus was led up of the Spirit, into the wilderness, to be with God.
Be able to describe Matthew's birth narrative in chapters 1 & 2
Matthew is the only one who describes the Death of the Innocents. This is part of showing Jesus as the new Moses.
What are the unique aspects of the Matthean and Lukan birth narratives and how do they fit into Matthew's and Luke's agendas?
Matthew: Only one to talk about the killing of the innocents. Shows Jesus as the new Moses. Begins with Abraham Includes 4 Gentile women Luke: Begins with Adam: Shows universality of Savior. Shows influence of Rome in getting Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem Shows Jewish influence - describes temple rites
According to Mark 1:14, what did Jesus teach as he began his ministry?
Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
John (James' brother)
One of the Twelve; son of Zebedee and brother of James. In his early life he was a fisherman in fairly comfortable circumstances (Mark 1:20). We may assume he is the unnamed disciple of the Baptist mentioned in John 1:40. Later on he received a call to be a disciple of Jesus Christ (Matt. 4:21-22; Luke 5:1-11). He was one of the inner circle of three who were with the Lord at the raising of Jairus's daughter, at the Transfiguration, and in Gethsemane. In his own Gospel he refers to himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved". John did not die but has been allowed to remain on the earth as a ministering servant until the time of the Lord's Second Coming
Gabriel
One of the archangels, used by God many times as a messenger, in particular at the Annunciation.
Resurrection
Permanent state. Spirit and body are reunited.
Simon Peter (Cephas)
Peter, pebble/rock. Chief apostle of his day. Received keys on the Mount of Transfiguration. Led the church after Jesus's death.
Simon (the Pharisee in the story of the woman anointing Jesus's feet)
Pharisee, wanted to see for himself if Jesus was the Christ.
Mikveh
Ritual bath of purification
How do we see evidence of Jesus's compassion in the stories of: The woman who anointed Jesus's feet?
She has been forgiven and comes to show her deep love and gratitude for Jesus. The compassion was for Simon, the Pharisee. He was trying to figure Jesus out and Jesus shows that He knows Simon's heart. He is also a sinner that needs Jesus to reach out and save him.
James
Son of Zebedee, one of the Twelve, brother of John. His call is given in Matt. 4:21; Mark 1:19-20; and Luke 5:10. He was given the name Boanerges (Mark 3:17) and was one of the inner circle of three chosen to be with our Lord on certain special occasions: at the raising of the daughter of Jairus (Mark 5:37), at the Transfiguration (Matt. 17:1; Mark 9:2; Luke 9:28), and at Gethsemane. He was killed by Herod
4 Gentile women mentioned in Matthew's genealogy
Tamar (Canaanite or Aramean, v. 3) Rachab (Canaanite, v. 5) Ruth (Moabite, v. 5) Bathsheba (wife of a Hittite, v. 6)
Herod Antipas
The Son of Herod the Great and ruler of Galilee. He had St. John the Baptist imprisoned and put to death.
Herod the Great's role in Matthew's account of the nativity. How did he receive the title, "King of the Jews"?
The Wise Men came to him with they arrived in Jerusalem and asked him where they could find the King of the Jews. Herod tells them to come back when they find him so that he can go and worship him too. They come to the house and saw the young child. To their house, not to the manger. And they see a young child, not an infant. Up to two years old probably. Fell down and worshipped him, a very important gesture for kings only. (Notice they didn't do that for Herod.) They give three gifts. These gifts are VERY expensive. I never would have been able to give this to Jesus. Roman appointed king in luxurious palace vs. the real King of the Jews in a simple house. Also these wise men are gentiles! Herod was troubled about hearing about the "King of the Jews." He asked the scribes where Christ should be born (Bethlehem). He asks the wise men when the star appeared, makes the decree of babies two years and younger.
The Mount of Transfiguration. When did it take place? Be able to define the terms transfigured and translated. Who are the examples of both states (transfigured and translated) at the Mount of Transfiguration? What heavenly beings were present? What major events took place on the Mount of Transfiguration, according to the gospel accounts, the account of Peter, the Doctrine and Covenants and the teachings of the Brethren? What is the purpose of the events on the Mount of Transfiguration within the context of Jesus' ministry? How does D&C 131:5 define the "more sure word of prophecy"? According to D&C 110 what keys would Moses and Elijah have brought to Peter, James and John?
Took place: during the Jewish feast of tabernacles, last 6 months of Jesus's life. Transfigured: mortal bodies changed to stand in presence of God without burning up. Temporary- only for duration. Examples: Peter, James, John Translated: mortal bodies changed to stand in presence of God without burning up. Long-term event until the resurrection. Examples: Moses and Elijah Heavenly beings present: Heavenly Father, Moses, Elijah, John the Baptist Major events: Christ is metamorphosed, Moses and Elijah speak of Christ's coming death, Peter James and John receive keys, are transfigured, receive their endowment, receive the "more sure word of the prophecy" and see the Earth in its glorified state. Purpose in the context of Jesus' ministry: Sure word of prophecy: D&C 131:5 The more sure word of prophecy means a man's knowing that he is sealed up unto eternal life, by revelation and the spirit of prophecy, through the power of the Holy Priesthood. D&C 110 keys: Moses: keys of the gathering of Israel; Elijah: dispensation of the gospel of Abraham (sealing power)
Matthew
Used to be a tax collector. His chief object is to show that Jesus is the Messiah of whom the prophets spoke.
According to the prophet Joseph Smith, what is the key that he uses to interpret scriptures?
What is the rule of Interpretation? . . . . 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?"
Jesus's baptism. How does Nephi (2 Nephi 31: 4-7) define the phrase, "to fulfill all righteousness"? Make sure that you are precise in answering this question.
Why was Jesus baptized? -To show the children of men that he was willing to humble himself. -To witness to the Father that he would be obedient in keeping the commandments. To fulfill all righteousness: And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!
According to the law of Moses what are the three groups that were most vulnerable in Israelite society?
Widows, the sick (like lepers), and those with physical disabilities.
The story of the Wise Men (From Matthew 1-2)
Wise men: religious leaders, probably from Persia.
Elizabeth
wife of Zechariah, mother of John the Baptist, Second witness of Jesus along with John.
Herod the Great
• Herod is an Idumeite. Not a Jew. • During the time of the Maccabees, they were given the option of either being circumcised or being put to death. Many chose circumsicion. (Herod is not really one of them) • Age 25: his father Herod Antipater appointed him Governor of Syria • Gains Cassius appointed him to be governor of Syria • Marc Antony appointed him to be tetrarch of Judea (two political opponents both recognized his genius) • Fled to Rome at the time of Antigonus revolt against Rome ◦ Roman Senate appointed him "King of Judea" ◦ Even though he had no control of Judea after leaving it. Had to militarily retake control to set himself up as king. • 37 BC- besieged city of JErusalem • Building spree: amphitheater's, hippodromes, palaces, temple (made him at least a little popular) • Cruel, obsessed with power. Very aware that he was not liked by the Jews and that they wanted to be rid of him. ◦ Married a Maccabean princess (Marian something) and the had two sons. Crowds cheer sons, so he puts them to death. Danger to his power. ◦ Slow, painful death in Jericho. Realized that no one would mourn him. Invited all Jewish leaders to Jericho under pain of death. All put to death on the day he died. So that somebody would mourn on the day he died