Jesus Christ, Good Shepherd

Jesus Christ is the good shepherd. We know that Jesus Christ was also Jehovah, the God of the Old Testament or the Lord. The 23rd Psalm is very clear; “the Lord is my shepherd.” In John 10:14, the Savior said, “I am the good shepherd.” In the society of the New Testament, shepherds were lowly and humble, just as the Savior was. He descended below all things. The sheep also know the voice of the shepherd. In Mosiah 26 in the Book of Mormon, the Savior in talking with Alma states “he that will hear my voice shall be my sheep.” His sheep hear His voice and keep His commandments. Jesus Christ is the good shepherd.

Jesus Christ, Glory of

See also Glory; God, Glory of The glory of the Jesus Christ is very bright and overpowering to our natural eyes. In the Old Testament, the glory of Jesus Christ, is mentioned in many places. Since Jesus is Jehovah, He is the God of the Old Testament and his glory filled the Tabernacle, the portable temple. There are many references to the glory of God that apply at His second coming in all the standard works. One of the best descriptions of his glory is in Doctrine and Covenants, section 110 where the Savior is described: “His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah.” Joseph Smith gave a similar description in his First Vision. “When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” He and His glory are brighter than the sun.

Jesus Christ, Foreordained.

See also Foreordination In I Peter 1:20 we learn that Christ “was foreordained before the foundation of the world.” In Moses 4: 2-4 we clearly learn of the role of Jesus Christ, that he was chosen (foreordained) from the beginning. He was truly foreordained and chosen to be the one to perform the infinite atonement to fulfill the Father’s plan of salvation.

Jesus Christ, Firstborn

See also Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship. The scriptures are clear that Jesus Christ was the Firstborn. In D&C 93:21, the Savior states: “And now, verily I say unto you, I was in the beginning with the Father, and am the Firstborn.” He was the Firstborn of all the Spirits. He is Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last. “In the beginning was the Word” In Moses 2:26, Heavenly Father stated: “And I, God, said unto mine Only Begotten, which was with me from the beginning: Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and it was so. And I, God, said: Let them have dominion over the fishes of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” Not only was He the Firstborn of all the Spirits, but He was the first person to be resurrected.

Jesus Christ, Exemplar

The Savior continually invited all to follow Him and to be like Him. In Mark 8:34, he said, “And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” In John 14:6, he stated “I am the way.” In 3 Nephi 12:48, he invited all to “Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.” He was perfect, and He invites us to become “perfect.” Also in 3 Nephi 27:27, he issues a similar invitation: “Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even das I am.” He was the perfect example.

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

The are so many references in the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price affirming that Jesus Christ is literally the only Begotten Son of Heavenly Father. Isaiah prophesied that “a virgin shall conceive and bear a son.” There are other Old Testament prophecies, but I want to turn to the Bible first and then the Book of Mormon and the Pearl of Great Price about the testimonies that Jesus Christ is literally the Son of God. On two occasions in the New Testament, we have recorded the testimony of Heavenly Father that Jesus Christ is His Beloved Son. At the Savior’s baptism, God the Father testified that “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Three of the Gospels record this. On the mount of transfiguration, again God the Father testifies that “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” Another of my favorite Bible scriptures about Jesus Christ being the Son of God is in John 20:31. “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” The Gospel of John is written that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. He is the divine Son of God. Also, in John 3:16 and in John 17, the great intercessory prayer, there is no doubt that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. All the prophets of the Book of Mormon either prophesied of the coming of Jesus Christ as the Son of God or witnessed that he was the Son of God. His appearance in 3 Nephi chapters 11-28 again clearly witness that He is the literal Son of God. In the Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith relates his experience of his “first vision.” There God the Father introduces Jesus Christ: “Joseph, this is my Beloved Son, Hear Him!” Joseph Smith’s testimony in the Doctrine and Covenants is testifies again of the divine sonship of our Savior. “ 22 And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! 23 For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—24 That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.” I would also add my testimony that the Holy Ghost has born undeniable witness to me that Jesus Christ is the “Only Begotten Son of the Father, who is full of grace and truth.”

Jesus Christ, Death of

The death of our Savior by crucifixion was covered previously. Isaiah prophesied in chapter 25, verse 8: “He will swallow up in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it.” Isaiah clearly knew and understood that the Savior’s mission was to perform the atoning sacrifice for all. His death was a very important part of the atonement. Without His death, there could be no resurrection for Him or for anyone else. Without the atonement, all who live on the earth would be lost. We could not be resurrected, and we could not be cleansed from all our sins. The Savior redeemed all from physical death. All would be resurrected in that their physical body and the spirit would be reunited forever. He would also redeem those who truly repented of their sins from spiritual death. Since all have sinned and no unclean thing can live in the presence of God, we cannot be in God’s eternal presence unless we are cleansed from all sin. Through the Savior’s atonement and our honest repentance, we can become cleansed from all sin and are worthy to live in the presence of the Father and the Son forever. The apostles of the New Testament, the prophets of the Book of Mormon, and the latter-day prophets, seers, and revelators have all testified that He died and was resurrected, that through His atoning sacrifice all would be resurrected, and that the truly repentant would be able to come and dwell with him forever.

Jesus Christ, Davidic Descent of

Jesus Christ was a descendant of King David. In Matthew 1:1, Matthew states that his record is “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” In Revelations 22:16, the Savior states: “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” He is a descendant of David. There are two lineages of the Savior given in the New Testament. According to James E Talmage, one of the lineages is of Mary and the other is of Joseph. It is interesting the circumstances into which the Savior was born. Seeing the full picture, we know that His father was Heavenly Father and His mother was Mary. Since the Pharisees and Sadducees did not see or understand the full picture, they thought/knew that he could not be the Messiah. This scripture also applies to them: “for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.” Since they did not receive them, they lost all that they had and did not realize it.

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion of

There are many prophecies about the death and crucifixion of the Savior from the Old Testament: they pierced my hands and my feet, Ps. 22:16; poured out his soul unto death, Isa. 53:12 (Mosiah 14:12); they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, Zech. 12:10 (John 19:37); and what are these wounds in thine hands, Zech. 13:6. In Matthew 26:2, the Savior foretold his disciples that he would be crucified. The Sanhedrin plotted his death and convinced Pilate to have the Savior crucified. They were so blind and caught up in themselves and their positions that they missed who the Savior truly was. On the cross the Savior said seven things. First, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Again the Savior extends his mercy to all. Second, “Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise (spirit world, JST). This was spoken to one of the malefactors, who was crucified with Him. Third, he spoke to his mother, “Woman behold thy son”; and to John the Beloved, he said “Behold they mother!” He was concerned for his mother until the end. John the Beloved was to care for her. Fourth, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” As the atonement came to a close, Heavenly Father had to withdraw himself so that the Savior could complete the atonement by Himself. Fifth, “I thirst.” Sixth, “It is finished.” He knew that His Father had accepted His sacrifice. Seventh, “Father, into thy hands I commend my Spirit.” He bowed His head and voluntarily gave up His life. He had the power to die. There are numerous references, testimonies, and witnesses of his crucifixion in the New Testament and the Book of Mormon, as well as some in the Doctrine and Covenants. In the D&C, he clearly states that he was “crucified for the sins of the world (D&C 35:2).” His crucifixion was a very necessary part of His atoning sacrifice. His atoning sacrifice is the single most important event in the history of the world.

Jesus Christ, Creator

Jesus Christ created the earth and man under the direction of Heavenly Father. Heavenly Father was the director for the creation and Jesus Christ is the one who carried out the creation according to the Father’s plans. The physical bodies of man were created here on the earth by Jesus Christ. Heavenly Father created the spiritual bodies of each person. The Old Testament, the New Testament, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price all testify and witness that Jesus Christ is the physical creator of this earth. One of the clearest scriptures that Jesus Christ is the creator is found in John 1:3. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any things made that was made.” In Hebrews 1:2, the Apostle Paul states “by whom also e made the worlds.” In Mosiah 5:15, it clearly states that Jesus Christ “created all things, in heaven and in the earth.” Also in the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price additional witnesses are found. From Moses 2:1 Heavenly Father states “by mine Only Begotten I created theses things.”

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, came down to earth to perform the infinite atonement. As part of that atonement, he descended below all things. His condescension shows his total and complete humility to the will of the Father and his perfectness. The completeness of his condescension is described in Alma 7:11-13. “11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. 12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities. 13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.” His condescension included suffering pains, afflictions, and temptations of every kind; all pains and sicknesses; death, infirmities, and all sins. The Savior loved us so much to do all these things. He knows who to succor us in all situations, because he has experienced all situations. Every experience that man may experience, He has experienced. We need to look to Him with a perfect brightness of hope and mercy.

Jesus Christ, Birth of

The birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was prophesied in the Old Testament, twice in Isaiah (Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6), and in Micah we learn that He shall be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). The birth of the Savior is recorded in Matthew (2:1), Luke (1:31), and John (1:14). Paul talks of the birth of the Savior in Romans 1:3 and Galatians 4:4. The Book of Mormon is also very specific that the Savior will be born in the Old World, Jerusalem. Nephi sees in vision the birth of the Savior (1 Nephi 11:18). Nephi, Alma and Helaman all talk of the signs of the birth of the Savior (2 Nephi 26:3, Alma 7:10, and Helaman 14:4). In our day, the Prophet Joseph Smith in the Doctrine and Covenants talks about the birth of the Savior (20:1, 76:41, and 93:4). The birth of the Savior was prophesied, and well documented. The best part is that we can find out from our Heavenly Father the truthfulness of the prophesies and records if we will ask Him in prayer. He will manifest the truth of this doctrine by the gift of the Holy Ghost to each individual.

Jesus Christ, Betrayal of

The betrayal of Jesus Christ was known and prophesied of at least two millennia before the event. It was prophesied in Psalms 22:16 and Psalms 41:9. The prophet Zechariah also prophesied about the Savior’s betrayal in Zechariah 11:12 and 13:6. The betrayal of Jesus was foretold by the Savior himself on several occasions in Matthew 10:4, 17:22, 26:45, 29:18 and John 13:21. The betrayal is well documented in Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, and also in 1 Nephi 19:10.

Jesus Christ, Baptism of

The baptism of the Savior is recorded in Matt. 3:13; Mark 1:9; Luke 3:21; and 1 Nephi 11:27. It is clear that he was baptized by immersion; for the remission of sins, which he did not need, since he was perfect; but was required so that He “could fulfill all righteousness.” There is no doubt that he was baptized and that baptism is an essential ordinance of salvation. It is gate that starts us of the road to return and live with our Heavenly Father.

Jesus Christ, Authority of

See also Authority; Jesus Christ, Advocate; Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship; Jesus Christ, Firstborn; Jesus Christ, Foreordained; Jesus Christ—Jehovah; Jesus Christ, Judge; Jesus Christ, Mediator; Jesus Christ, Power of; Jesus Christ, Redeemer; Jesus Christ, Relationships with the Father; Jesus Christ, Son of God. The authority of Jesus Christ is unquestionable by those who believe in the Bible. He stated many times that His Father gave Him authority (See John 3:35 and 7:29). All things were delivered into His hand (Luke 10:22). He ordained and gave His apostles authority (Mark 3:14). He was a high priest after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5: 9-10). He states that He has the authority (D&C 1:6).

Jesus Christ, Atonement, Through

See also Forgive; Jesus Christ, Lamb of God; Jesus Christ, Mediator; Jesus Christ, Messiah; Jesus Christ, Redeemer;Jesus Christ, Resurrection; Jesus Christ, Savior; Salvation. The Sacrament is one of the ordinances of the Gospel that clearly testifies of the atonement. We partake of the bread to remember that He gave his body (physical life) for us. We drink of the water to remember that He gave his blood (spiritual life) for us. I John 1:7 really explains much about the atonement: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” By walking in the light, we must be obedient and keep the commandments and the covenants that we have made with God. As we do, the blood of Jesus Christ and His atonement cleanse us from all sin.

Jesus Christ, Ascension of

The ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven is documented in many scriptures both in the Bible and in the modern day scriptures—the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. In Acts 1:10-11 we read: “And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” Also in Luke 24:51, we read: “And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.” We know that the Savior ascended into Heaven and will return in like manner.

Jesus Christ Appearance, Postmortal

There are many scriptures that talk of appearances of Jesus Christ after his death and resurrection. In Mark 16:9, it states that “he appeared first to Mary.” He then came numerous times to be with the Twelve Apostles. In Acts 1:3 it states that He was seen of the Apostles for forty days. He must have had many things to teach them. In 1 Corinthians 15:6, it states that he was seen of 500 brethren at once. What a meeting that must have been! Also, in Doctrine and Covenants 93:1 there is another amazing promise: “Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am;” In the Sermon on the Mount, the Savior made this same promise in Matthew 5:8: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” In Revelations 3:20, the promise is again made: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Jesus Christ, who is also Jehovah of the Old Testament, appeared to many of the prophets before His coming in the flesh in the meridian of time. In Genesis 32:7, we read: “And the Lord appeared unto Abram…” We know that the Lord is Jehovah and Jehovah is Jesus Christ. Our Savior lived and appeared to many before He came to earth. In the Book of Mormon in Ether 3:20: we read: “Wherefore, having this perfect knowledge of God, he could not be kept from within the veil; there he saw Jesus; and he did minister unto him.” The brother of Jared saw Jesus Christ thousands of years before his coming. The Savior appeared to many prophets before his coming in the meridian of time.

Jesus Christ, Antemortal Existence of

The fact that Jesus Christ lived before the world began is well documented, both in the Bible and in modern day scriptures. In John 1:1, 14, it is very clear that the Word was in the beginning with the Father and that the Word is Jesus Christ. In Ether 3:16 in the Book of Mormon, it is also very clear that the Brother of Jared saw the Savior thousands of years before the Savior was born in the flesh.

Jesus Christ Advocate

There are many scriptures that state that Jesus Christ is our advocate. The following scripture is excellent and summarizes the topic well. “Lift up your hearts and be aglad, for I am in your bmidst, and am your cadvocate with the Father; and it is his good will to give you the dkingdom.” (D&C29:45) Another great scripture is “aAnd if any man sin, we have an badvocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the apropitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole bworld.” Without Him as our advocate, we would not be able to return and live in His and Heavenly Father’s presence.

Jesus Christ is Jehovah of the Old Testament

The concept that Jesus Christ is the Jehovah of the Old Testament is one that is not understood by those of most modern Christian Churches. There are a significant number of scriptures in the Old Testament and New Testament that support this doctrine. A few of the scriptures that make it very clear that Jesus Christ is the God of the Old Testament are: Isaiah 41:4: “I the Lord, the first, and with the last; I am he.” The Savior in Revelations states clearly that he is “the first and the last.” Isaiah 43:11: “I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour.” Jehovah is saving that He is the only Savior. Two other scriptures, one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament also make it clear that Jesus Christ is the Jehovah of the Old Testament. The first scripture, Exodus 3:14, takes place on Mount Sinai as the Lord is talking with Moses. Moses asks Jehovah, what is your name? The Lord responds: “And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.” In the New Testament scripture, Jesus is talking with the Jews and He states in John 8:58 that “Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” The Jews took up stones, since he was saying that he was Jehovah.

Appears to Nephites

3 Nephi 11:1-17 The scene shifts to the New World and there is a great multitude round about the temple. Isn’t it interesting that the Savior appears to a large multitude at the temple, His house. The people were conversing about the Savior, his death and resurrection and the sign that had been prophesied by Samuel the Lamanite and other prophets. As they are conversing they hear a still small voice that pierces them to the heart. They felt the voice three times, but they only understood the voice the last time. It also caused their hearts to burn within them. They understood the voice the third time, because they “did open their ears.” Then they looked up into heaven where the voice was coming from. Then Heavenly Father testifies of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. He counsels all to hear His son. As they looked up, they saw a man descending from heaven. He was clothed in a white robe and came down into the midst of them. They did not understand or know who it was. They thought that it was an angel. Then the Savior of the World introduces Himself to them. “I am Jesus Christ.” There was no doubt any more. He testifies that He is the light of the world and then testifies of His atonement, taking upon Himself the sins of the world and doing the will of the Father in all things from the beginning. The multitude falls to His feet not only out of respect but also to worship Him. They remembered the prophecies that He would show Himself unto them. Then in one of the most touching scenes in all recorded holy writ, the Savior invites the multitude to come forward and “feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.” The multitude came forth touches the wound in His side and the prints of the nails in His hands and feet. All go forth and have a first hand witness of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. They all cried with one accord: “Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him.

Ascends Into Heaven

Mark 16:19-20

Mark testifies that when the Savior had finished teaching them, He was received up into heaven and sat on the right hand of God. The Apostles must have seen the Savior on the right hand of God. Therefore, they saw the Father as well. With this additional witness, they went forth everywhere. The Lord worked through them and they confirmed their word with the signs and miracles that follow the faithful and obedient.

Luke 24:50-53

In Luke’s account, the Savior led the disciples out to Bethany and blesses them. It is not clear whether it is a group blessing or individual blessings. He part from them and was carried up into heaven. It is interesting that the account says that they worshipped Him. It would be neat to know what they did to worship Him. Then they returned to Jerusalem with great joy and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. They were praising God for sending His only begotten Son.

Acts 1:9-12

After the Savior finished instructing the twelve, He was taken up into heaven in a cloud. Then two angels appeared and testify that the Savior will come again in a like manner that they saw Him leave. The Apostles then returned to Jerusalem. I have often wondered if the accounts of the Savior being taken into Heaven were from a single occurrence. I am sure that He visited and instructed the Apostles many times.

Appears After His Resurrection

Matthew 28:9-20

As the women are going to tell the disciples, as the angels had directed, Jesus met and greeted them. They grabbed his feet and fell down and worshipped him. He then instructs to tell the apostles that they have seen Him; and that they should go to Galilee and there they shall see Him. In verses 11-15, the soldiers, who were in the watch by the tomb of the Savior, came into the city to see the chief priests. The elders assembled and gave the soldiers large sums of money to lie that they were asleep and that the disciples stole the body of Jesus. Even though sleeping on a watch was punishable by death, the chief priests reassured the soldiers that they would intercede with the governor and secure everything for them so that they would not be killed. They took the money and left. The saying that they were not awake was used by the Jews to say why the body of Jesus was gone. In verses 16-20, the disciples go to Galilee, as the Savior told the women to tell the disciples. They also probably remembered that the Savior had told them to go to Galilee. The disciples met the Savior at an appointed mountain in Galilee. There on the mountain, the Savior bears testimony that “all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” By completing the infinite atonement, all power was now His. He then charges the Twelve as follows: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” That charge is the charge given to the apostles today as well.

Mark 16:9-18
In Mark’s account, we learn that the Savior first appeared to Mary Magdalene. Mary goes and tells the disciples that she has seen the Lord and was alive, and they did not believe her. Next the Savior appeared to two of the disciples as they walked, probably on the road to Emaeus. They quickly returned and reported that they had seen the Lord. The other disciples believed them not. As the eleven were gathered together for dinner, he appeared unto them and chastised them for their unbelief and hardness of heart. He had sent three witnesses and they believed them not. The Savior then charges the eleven to “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that abelieveth and is bbaptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be cdamned.” They are to preach the Gospel to all and the importance of baptism is clearly stated. He continues with the signs that shall follow them that believe: “In my cname shall they dcast out edevils; they shall speak with new ftongues; They shall take up aserpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not bhurt them: they shall lay chands on the dsick, and they shall recover.” There are signs of the true Priesthood. The Savior then ascends into heaven and sits of the right hand of God. They must have seen this vision. The disciples went forth preaching everywhere. The Lord continued to bless them and confirmed the word with the fore-mentioned signs.

Luke 24:13-50

Luke opens with the two disciples, Cleopas and another disciple, were walking to the village of Emmaus. Jesus joins them but his identity is withheld from them. He listens as they talk about His crucifixion, and He then converses with them. They mention how they trusted that He should redeem Israel. Isn’t this interesting for they did not realize that He had redeemed Israel in a way that they did not understand. They related how the women and the apostles had gone to the tomb and that they had not found His body. Then the Savior gently chastises them and then lays out all the scriptures about the Savior and how He fulfilled them. As they drew near to the village of Emmaus, they invited the Savior to turn in to the village. He does so and eats with them. Then he took bread, blessed it, and brake and gave to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew who he was. Immediately he vanished out of sight. The ensuing conversation is very interesting as they talk about how their hearts burned within them as the Savior talked about the scriptures and explained them. They then quickly returned to Jerusalem to relate their experience to the eleven apostles. In verse 34, it appears that the name of the other disciple was Simon. The cross reference on the footnote is to Cephas or Peter. It would appear that Simon Peter was the other apostle. That makes sense because as the leading apostle the Savior’s instruction about scriptures would be important so that he could teach the other apostles and disciples. There is significance of His being made known unto them as He broke bread.

The scene changes to the place were the eleven Apostles are met. The Savior appears, and the first words to them are “Peace be unto you.” Here is reassuring them that there is peace in His death and resurrection. They are afraid and think that Jesus is a Spirit. Then He invites to touch Him and have a sure physical witness that He is the resurrected Savior. He shows His hands and feet. They are still doubtful and He asks for some food, which they give to Him—a piece of broiled fish and honeycomb. He took and ate the food. He then reminds them that He came to fulfill all the prophecies and words about Him in the law of Moses, the prophets and the Psalms. It is interesting that He mentioned the Psalms. There are many prophecies concerning Him in the Psalms. He then continues and teach the doctrine and helps them understand the scriptures about His death and resurrection so that repentance and remission of sins through the atonement of Jesus Christ could be preached in all the world. They are witnesses of this. I am sure that many more things were spoken at that time and others. He ends by promising to send a gift of His Father. They are to remain in Jerusalem until they are endowed with power from on high. Again, later, He goes with them to Bethany, blesses them and departs into heaven.

John 20:11-31

TThe account of John gives us a much more detailed of what happened that resurrection morning. In John’s version, only Mary Magdalene is mentioned. She did see the two angels, one sitting at the end and the other at the feet of where Jesus’ body was laid. Mary asked the angels where Jesus has been taken. She turns around and there is Jesus. She does not recognize Him, and He asks her why she is weeping and whom she is seeking. She supposed Him to be the gardener and asks where the body of Jesus has been laid so that she can take him away and probably give Him a proper burial. Jesus says her name and then she recognizes Him and calls Him, Rabboni, or in other words, Master. Then Jesus tells her not to touch him, because He has not yet ascended to my Father. He instructs her to go and tell the disciples that He ascends unto His Father and your Father, to My God and your God. Mary is obedient and tells the disciples that she has seen the Lord and what He spoke to her.

On Sunday or the first day of the weeks, the disciples were assembled together behind closed doors, and Jesus came and visited to them. This first words are so meaningful, “peace be unto you.” One of the greatest blessings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and being in His temple is to feel His peace. I am sure that there was a great spiritual, if not physical, outpouring that came with those words. He then showed Himself to them, the marks in His hands and the wound in His side. The disciples recognized Him and were glad, glad that He yet lived and was resurrected, glad that He was alive, and glad that He had come. Again the Savior said again, “peace be unto you.” He testifies that He is sending forth His disciples and the Father sent Him forth. In verse 22, he breathed or said unto them “Receive the Holy Ghost.” I would not have been surprised that He individually laid His hands on their heads and conferred the gift of the Holy Ghost. He then gives them the power to remit and retain of sins. It is clear that John is not giving the full account here, there must have been much more said and given to the disciples.

Thomas was not with the Twelve when the Savior came and did not believe that the witness and testimonies of the other Twelve of the risen Lord. Either he would not believe, or he desperately desired to have a similar witness and experience. A week later, the Savior came again and Thomas feels the marks in the hands and side. The Savior encourages him to be not faithless but believing. We need to remember that he day, be not faithless but believing. The Savior continues that those who do not seen the Savior but believe. That is most of us today. John refers to many other signs that the Savior gave to the Twelve, but they were not written in his Gospel, because we are not ready to receive them. What was written was written so that we may believe that Jesus Christ is literally the Son of God and that by believing in Jesus Christ, we may obtain eternal life.

Acts 1: 3-8

This is one of the most interesting and extensive scripture that tells us about the activities of the Savior after his resurrection. After His resurrection the Apostles were with him forty days. During these forty days, he spoke and taught them pertaining to the kingdom of God. To me, this is one of the most striking reasons that the Bible is not the only place for the Word of God. It is clear that the Savior had many, many other things to teach his Apostles. They are not included in the Bible, because some were too sacred to record for all but also because the Kingdom of God and its mysteries are so broad and deep that it took the Savior forty days to cover them and to instruct and teach His Apostles. What a glorious opportunity it must have been for the Apostles to be instructed by Him after His resurrection, when their understanding of His Gospel had been significantly strengthened.

They were instructed to remain in Jerusalem so that the gift of the Holy Ghost could be given them. This gift was promised not many days hence. The gift of the Holy Ghost was given during the feast of Pentacost, which was fifty days after the Passover. The Savior instructed them for forty days, they only had to wait a week or so. The Apostles asked when the kingdom of Israel would be restored again. They were told that it was not for them to know the time of the season. Then comes a powerful promise in verse 8: “But ye shall receive apower, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be bwitnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in cSamaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” The Savior is prophesying that they will receive power from the Holy Ghost and then be witnesses of Him in Jerusalem, in Judea, in Samaria, and the uttermost part of the earth. What a special promise, and it came and has come true.


1 Corinthians 15:5-7

In these short versions, five appearances of the Savior after His death and resurrection are mentioned: Peter saw Him (maybe on the road to Emmaus); He was seen of the Twelve; He was seen by 500 brethren at once; He was seen of James; and He was seen again by all of the apostles. Obviously, all these appearances were well known to the Corinthians, the way that it was mentioned.

Is Resurrected

Matthew 28:1-8

There are four parts to this scripture. First, at the dawn of the first day of the week or Sunday, Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” came to the Savior’s sepulcher. Second, there was an earthquake and the angel of the Lord came and rolled back the large stone from the door of the sepulcher. In the JST, it states that there were two angels, not one. They were angels from the presence of God and were filled with light. Third the Roman soldiers, who guarded the tomb, were stunned, and fell down and could not move. They were so afraid that they deserted their post. That was an act that was punishable by death. In spite of the punishment, the Roman soldiers fled. And fourth, the angels speak to the Marys, announcing the resurrection of the Savior. They invite them to come and see the empty tomb, and then send them to go and tell the disciples three messages. The first message is that Christ is risen; second that the Savior will go before them into Galillee; and third that ye shall see him. The Marys quickly departed from the tomb both with fear and great joy and did run and bring the disciples word.

Mark 16: 1-8

In the Mark’s account of the resurrection, we learn that the “other Mary” was Mary, the mother of James, and we also learn that Salome came with them. This account continues to follow the account of Matthew. The JST for Mark also states that there were 2 angels there. The JST also helps us understand that the angels were sitting on the stone and were not in the sepulcher. It also states that the women went into the sepulcher after they had talked with the angels. The account of Mark also states that they should go into Galilee to see him and that the Savior had told the disciples that before he was crucified. In Matthew’s account the women were “departed … with fear and great joy.” In Mark’s account, the women “trembled and were amazed.” I think that all four words described how they felt.


Luke 24:1-12
In Luke’s account the two angels appeared after the women had gone into the sepulcher but not sitting on the stone, as Matthew’s account said. We learn in Luke’s account more about the conversation between the angels and the women. They reminded the women of a conversation in Galilee, when the Savior said, “The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.” It then states that they remembered Jesus’ words. Then Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James and other women that were with that were with them told the apostles what they had found. The apostles did not believe the women, and then Peter ran to the sepulcher and found the tomb empty and the linen clothes there. He departed wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.


John 20:1-10

In John’s account, only Mary Magdalene came to the sepulcher. Also, nothing is said of the discussion of Mary/the women and the angels. She goes to Peter and says that the Lord’s body is gone. Peter and John ran to the sepulcher, with John outrunning Peter. John waited for Peter. Peter went in and saw that the body was gone, and then John came in and believed what Mary had said. But they did not realize the scripture that he must rise again. The disciples went to their own homes. I am sure Peter and John was somewhat confused as to the way ahead, so they returned home.

Is Crucified

Matthew 27:31-56

After the soldiers finished mocking the Savior, they took the robe off of him and put his own raiment on, and he was lead away to the be crucified. Simon, the Cyrenian, was compelled to carry His cross to Golgotha, the place of the skull. The Savior by this time was extremely weak from the three hours of agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he atoned for the sins of all men, from the illegal trial that had lasted all night, from the appearances before Pilate, Herod, and Pilate, and from his scourging. That He could walk was a miracle. As He came to Golgatha, another very difficult test awaited Him. Here He must suffer again in ways that we cannot image nor understand. He continued on, despite the difficult path. What a beautiful model for us to follow.

Vinegar and gall were was a drink given to those being crucified to dead the pain. The Savior refused this. His garments were parted and lots were cast so that prophecy was fulfilled. The accusation was ironic in that He was literally the Son of God and the King of the Jews, the Messiah, the One that all were waiting for. They just did not see it. Two thieves were crucified with him, one of each side. He was in the middle, as the most important. In verses 39-44, the chief priests, passersby, and the two thieves reviled him. Little did they know that He must willing die to perform His atoning sacrifice. From 12 noon until 3 p.m., darkness covered the land. In the middle of the day there was darkness. That is so symbolic.

About 3 p.m. Jesus cried, “My God, my God, why has thou forsaken me?” Here as the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ was coming to a close, He had to walk alone, without any support or help from the Father. Those who heard Him thought that He was calling for Elias. Their focus left Him, and they speculated that Elias may come and rescue Him. Again, they did not understand what was happening. Finally, he cried again with a loud voice and yielded up the ghost. He had the power to live and die, but now the atoning sacrifice was finished, he had no more reason to live. “It is finished.” At the time of his death the veil of the temple was rent in twain, or two pieces from top to bottom. The Law of Moses was now fulfilled.


There were earthquakes and the rocks were rent. After the rocks had been rent and the graves opened, a special occurrence happened on Sunday morning after the Savior’s resurrection. The graves were opened and the bodies of the saints that were righteous were resurrected and they went into the holy city and appeared unto many. What an amazing experience—to see the resurrected personages of your ancestors and those who you knew before they died. What a powerful witness.

The soldiers and those with him were stunned as they saw the Savior die, felt the powerful earthquake, and they feared. They then witnessed that He was truly the Son of God. Also, there were many women, who watched from a far off, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Peter and Andrew. I am sure that they did not fully understand what was happening, but they were there, praying for and supporting Jesus.


Mark 15:20-41

From the account in Mark we learn: that Simon, who carried the cross, was the father of Alexander and Rufus (Simon, Alexander, and Rufus must have been known to the early saints in Jerusalem); that Golgotha means “the place of a skull;” that being crucified between two thieves fulfilled prophecy; and that Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome followed him in Galilee, had ministered unto him with many other women that came up with him to Jerusalem. Given the similarity of the Matthew and Mark accounts, it is highly probable that the one account was derived from the other account.


Luke 23:26-49
In Luke’s account, we learn that Simon, the Cyrenian, who carried the Savior’s cross was coming out of the country; and that there followed Him a great company of men and women, and that they bewailed and lamented that He was being crucified. We also learn of the Savior’s comment to this company that the people should not weep for Him, because He was performing the infinite atonement, something that He willingly wanted to do; but that they should weep for themselves and their children. He then prophesied that time would come when those who were barren would be considered blessed, and that the people would desire that mountains would fall on them and kill them. Verse 31 is interesting. The JST adds the following sentence at the end of the verse. “This he spake, signifying the scattering of Israel, and the desolation of the heathen, or in other words, the Gentiles.” The mocking and deriding continued, but we learn that the Savior’s accusation was written in Greek, Latin and Hebrew. We learn of the conversation between the two thieves. The first asks the Savior to save them both, but the second chides him saying that they deserved their punishment, but for some unknown reason he senses that the Savior has done nothing amiss. Then the second thief asks the Savior to remember him when thou comest into thy kingdom. The Savior responds that today thou shalt be with me in paradise. Another term for paradise is the Spirit World. Another thing that we learn from the account of Luke is that the many saw the Savior being crucified, smote their breasts and returned. Many who followed him from Galilee watched His crucifixion.

John 19:16-30

In John’s account of the crucifixion, we learn some additional facts. Pilate personally wrote the title that was posted on the cross: Jesus of Nazareth, The King of the Jews. Obviouslyl the chief priest would take issue with this and they did. Pilate had bent to the chief priests to crucify Jesus, but he would not change what he had written. The fulfilling of prophecy in regards to his coat or raiment is also chronicled in John’s version. This cast lots instead of tearing it into pieces. We also learn that Mary, his mother, his mother’s sister, another Mary, the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene were all by the cross. I cannot image the pains that they had in their hearts, but the Savior knew that he had to perform the infinite atonement and the fulfillment of Heavenly Father’s plan hung in the balance. The Savior also made arrangements that His mother would be cared for by asking John, the Beloved, to care for His mother. The Savior was always thinking of others. John immediately took her into his home. The Savior receives some vinegar and said, after knowing that all was fulfilled, simply, “It is finished.” He then quietly died. The great atonement was complete, so the time had come for him voluntarily to die, which He did.

The Savior Is Betrayed, Arrested, and Forsaken

In Matthew 26: 47-57 the betrayal of Christ by Judas is given. The interchange between Jesus and Judas is interesting. It is ironic that the sign that Judas chose to identify Jesus to the chief priests and elders was a kiss, an action of endearment or respect. It is also interesting that a sign needed to be given. The chief priests and elders knew who Jesus was. Another interesting thing is the way that the Savior addresses Judas as “friend.” Jesus knows why Judas is there and still calls him “friend.” The Savior then asks Judas, “wherefore art thou come?” His salvation and question show the Savior’s love for all, even though the Savior knows what is going to happen, his charity and love were perfect. He understood that the betrayal was part of the prophecies concerning the death and resurrection of the Savior.

In verses 51-54, the Savior teaches a very powerful lesson. Peter draws a sword and cuts off the ear of one of the high priest’s servants. The Savior reprimands Peter to put away his sword because all that use the sword, die by the sword. What goes around, comes around is true. The Savior’s next statement is very interesting: “Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?” He truly had all power in heaven and on earth. But He knew that the scriptures and the plan of Heavenly Father “must” be fulfilled, and the His surrender to the Chief Priests, His coming trail, His crucifixion, His death and His resurrection were all part of the plan that was detailed in the scriptures. It was the will of Heavenly Father.

In verses 55-57, we see the Savior asks the multitude why they have come against Him in the night with swords and staves, when he was daily in their midst when He taught in the temple. This was done to fulfill the prophecies of scripture. At this point, the disciples forsook him and fled. The definition of the word forsake is interesting: “to quit or leave entirely; abandon; or desert.” They were scared and fled. Then the Savior was led away to be tried in front of the Sanhedrin. They were all assembled at the High Priests’ house. Everything was carefully planned and the Savior allowed it to happen.

Mark 14:43-53

The Mark account of the betrayal is very similar to the account in Matthew. In verses 43-45, it is interesting that the multitude came with swords and staves (a stick, rod, or pole). They probably thought that he would resist His arrest. Interestingly, He did not resist, because he know that it was the will of God that He be killed and that the atonement must be performed. Another interesting part of this account is the comment of Judas in verse 44. “Take him, and lead him away safely” would lead one to believe that Judas did not realize the full intent of the scribes and Pharisees that it was their intent to kill him.

In verses 46-50, we find the account similar to Matthew’s. They took Him, Peter cuts off the ear of the servant of the high priest, but nothing is said of the healing of the cut off ear. The Savior asks them why they did not take Him while He was teaching in the temple. He answers His own question, that the scriptures must be fulfilled. Then all His disciples forsook Him and fled. I have often wondered the meaning of verses 51-52. Elder McConkie explains a possible reason. “Matthew and Mark then recite that the disciples forsook Jesus and fled, and Mark alone adds an illustration showing the necessity of such flight. An unnamed you man (perhaps Mark himself) escaped arrest by leaving the linen cloth that covered him and fleeing naked into the night.” In verse 53, Jesus is led away to the high priest, where all the chief priest, elders, and scribes were assembled.

Luke 22:47-54

There are a couple of things that we learn from Luke’s version of the betrayal that are not in other accounts. We learn that the disciples asked the Savior if they should smite with the sword. Before he could answer, Peter cuts off the servant of the high priest’s ear. The Savior states that they were allow or suffer this to happen, and then He healed the servant. What would have the servant felt and thought. What a witness to him that Jesus was the Son of God and had authority to heal. The Savior’s comment, “but this is your hour, and the power of adarkness,” is clear that they and Satan were to have this time to fulfill scriptures so that the atonement could happen.


John 18:2-13
In the account of John, in verse 2, we learn that Jesus oft times came to the Garden of Gethsemane with his disciples or Apostles. It makes sense to me that He knew the sacredness of this place before His suffering there, and probably thad aught His Apostles about the atonement there. After the receipt of the Holy Ghost, I would imagine that the Apostles understood what He taught there in a new light. Verse 6 is also interesting. When the Savior asked whom the band sought, they said Jesus of Nazareth. As He said, “I am He,” then a curious thing happened, the band went backward and fell down to the ground. It is like a wave or something hit them and drove them backwards. He asks a second time, and Jesus declares that He is the person that they are looking for and asks that the Apostles be let so that they could go on their way. The Savior was always thinking of other people. It was also to fulfill scripture that “none should be lost.” In this account we learn that Peter draws his sword and cuts off the ear of Malchus, the high priest’s servant. But there is nothing talked about the Savior healing Malchus. Jesus is then bound and brought to Annas, first.