Lesson 15: “I Am the Light of the World” – Scriptures and Quotes

Reading 1 – Excerpt from Bible Dictionary, “Feasts,” page 672 - The Feast of Tabernacles or of Ingathering, called by later Jews the Feast, and reckoned by them to be the greatest and most joyful of all, was celebrated on the fifteenth to twenty-first days of the seventh month. To the seven days was added an eighth (“the last day, that great day of the feast” (John 7:37), a day of holy convocation, which marked the ending not only of this particular feast, but of the whole festival season. The events celebrated were the sojourning of the children of Israel in the wilderness, and the gathering-in of all the fruits of the year. The sacrifices prescribed by the law were more numerous than for any other feast, and impressive ceremonies were added in later times, that is, (1) the drawing of water from Siloam and its libation on the altar (of this it was said that he who has not seen the joy of the drawing of water at the Feast of Tabernacles does not know what joy is); and (2) the illumination of the temple courts by four golden candelabra. It is probably to these ceremonies that our Lord refers in John 7:37 and 8:12. (3) The making of a canopy of willows over the altar. The characteristic rite of the Feast of Tabernacles was the dwelling in booths made of the boughs of trees.

Reading 2 - Elder Bruce R. McConkie described the Feast of Tabernacles as follows: "Coming five days after the Day of Atonement, it was thus celebrated when the sins of the chosen people had been removed and when their special covenant relation to Jehovah had been renewed and restored. Above all other occasions it was one for rejoicing, bearing testimony, and praising the Lord. In the full sense, it is the Feast of Jehovah, the one Mosaic celebration which, as part of the restitution of all things, shall be restored when Jehovah comes to reign personally upon the earth for a thousand years. Even now we perform one of its chief rituals in our solemn assemblies, the giving of the Hosanna Shout, and the worshipers of Jehovah shall yet be privileged to exult in other of its sacred rituals." (Promised Messiah, p426)

Reading 3 – John 7:14-17

Reading 4 - Elder John K. Carmack of the Seventy said: “Jesus explained, ‘If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself’ (John 7:17). In other words, as you try it you can know it is true. This requires the faith to try, but it yields spiritual evidence. To the disciple who tries the experiment will come conviction, knowledge, and light” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1988, 32; or Ensign, Nov. 1988, 26).

Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote: "In the final analysis the truth of doctrine can only be known by revelation gained as a result of obedience." (Mormon Doctrine, p205)

Reading 5 – John 8:3-11

President Spencer W. Kimball wrote: His command to her was, “Go and sin no more.”  He was directing the sinful woman to go her way, abandon her evil life, commit no more sin, transform her life.  He was saying, “Go, woman, and start your repentance”; and he was indicating to her the beginning step–to abandon her transgressions.  (Spencer W.  Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness, p.  165)

Reading 6 - Elder Marvin J. Ashton said: “The scribes and Pharisees brought before the Savior a woman taken in adultery. Their purpose was not to show love for either the woman or the Savior, but to embarrass and trick Jesus. … Jesus did not condone adultery; there is no doubt about His attitude toward proper moral conduct. [But] He chose to teach with love—to show the scribes and Pharisees the need of serving the individual for her best good and to show the destructive forces of trickery and embarrassment” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1981, 31–32; or Ensign, May 1981, 24).

Reading 7 – John 8:12

Reading 8 – Doctrine and Covenants 84:45-46

Doctrine and Covenants 88:6-13

Reading 9 – John 8:31-36

Reading 10 – John 7:27-38

John 4:10-11,13-14

Lesson 15: “I Am the Light of the World” - Study Guide

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• •
  What did Jesus instruct the people to do to gain a testimony of his teachings? (See John 7:17.) How can you apply this instruction in your life?
• •
  What does it mean that Jesus is the light of the world? (See the scripture chain in this section.) How can you help others see the light that Christ offers? (See Matthew 5:16; 28:18–20; Philippians 2:14–15.)
• •
  What did Jesus promise to those who would continue to follow him? (See John 8:31–32.) What does truth free us from? (See John 8:33–34.) How does committing sin place us in bondage? (See Alma 12:11; 34:35.) How has knowing the truth made you free?

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Turn off the lights in the room, and close the curtains or blinds. Ask a family member to do a simple task requiring sight, such as reading a scripture or describing a picture. Then turn on the lights, open the curtains or blinds, and ask the family member to do the task again. Discuss why it is easier to do the task with the light on. Read John 8:12, and ask family members to discuss ways that Jesus Christ is the light of the world.

Scripture Chain: Jesus Christ—“The Light of the World”

• John 8:12
• Psalm 27:1
• Isaiah 2:5
• Alma 38:9
• 3 Nephi 15:9
• D&C 88:6–13

Lesson 14: “Who Is My Neighbour?”

• •
  
  What is Jesus’ counsel to those who desire to achieve true greatness in his kingdom? (See Matthew 18:2–4; Mark 9:35.) How can we become more childlike and more submissive to the will of our Father in Heaven?
• •In teaching the parable of the unmerciful servant, Jesus emphasized the importance of forgiving others (Matthew 18:23–35). How are we like the king’s servant in our debt to the Lord? What can you learn from the king’s example in forgiving others? What are some of the dangers of not forgiving others? (See Matthew 18:34–35.)
• •What can you learn from the parable of the good Samaritan? (See Luke 10:25–37.) How have you been blessed by “good Samaritans”? How can you be a “good Samaritan”? (See Mosiah 4:26.)

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Read the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37). Give particular attention to the Savior’s invitation to “go, and do thou likewise” (Luke 10:37). Then make a list of your friends, relatives, and other acquaintances, asking each family member to contribute at least one name to the list. Make plans to serve one or two of the people on the list in the coming week.

As part of this family discussion, you may want to sing together “Have I Done Any Good?” (Hymns, no. 223).

Scripture Chain: “Love Thy Neighbour”

• Luke 10:25–37
  
• Leviticus 19:18
  
• Matthew 22:35–40
  
• John 13:34–35
  
• Mosiah 2:17
  
• D&C 38:24–25
  

Lesson 13: “I Will Give unto Thee the Keys of the Kingdom” – Scriptures and Quotes

Reading 1 - Many years ago President Spencer W. Kimball and several other Church leaders visited the small cathedral in Copenhagen, Denmark, that houses Bertel Thorvaldsen’s famous statues of Jesus Christ and the Twelve Apostles. Speaking of this experience, Elder Rex D. Pinegar said: “As we looked at those beautiful works of art we noted that Peter was sculptured with large keys in his hands. … As we were ready to leave the cathedral, the Danish caretaker … was standing near the door awaiting our departure. President Kimball shook his hand [and] thanked him for his kindness in letting us visit the cathedral. Then the president began an explanation of the church established by Jesus Christ and of its importance to us. … Gathering President Tanner, Elder Monson, and Elder Packer closer to him, the president continued, ‘We are living apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ. There are Twelve Apostles and three others who are the presidency of the Church. We hold the real keys, as Peter did, and we use them every day. They are in use constantly’” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1976, 104; or Ensign, Nov. 1976, 69).

Reading 2 – Matthew 15:21-28

Reading 3 – Joseph Fielding Smith wrote: “Our Savior, himself, declared on occasions that he was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. His teachings were confined almost entirely to the ministry among the Jews, one notable exception being his conversation with the woman of Samaria at the well, but this seemed to be incidental. His language seems harsh towards the woman of Canaan, when he said, ‘It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs,’ but being struck by her great faith as expressed in her answer, he had compassion on her, and granted her prayer. The reason our Savior did not carry his message to other peoples than the Jews is due to the fact that the times of the Gentiles had not arrived in which they were to participate in the gospel. After his resurrection he commissioned his disciples and said unto them: ‘Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned’ “ (Joseph Fielding Smith, The Restoration of All Things, p.161).

President Ruben J. Clark wrote: “The woman was Canaanite, one not of the chosen seed, the one reply made to him in all his recorded ministry that successfully challenged one of his own sayings: ‘Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.’ Deeply touched, Jesus answered: ‘O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.’”

Reading 4 – Matthew 15:32-38

Elder Bruce R. McConkie has written: “Were there Gentiles as well as Jews among those restored to health and vigor? The people of the area were made up of both cultures; and, as we have seen, in the case of the Syro Phoenician woman who pled for the crumbs that fall from Israel's table, the compassion of the Great Healer, following great faith, extends beyond the children of the kingdom and takes in the Gentiles who are without. Matthew says simply: ‘The multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel’ [Matthew 15:30-31]. It is, thus, the same thing we have seen before in Galilee where Israel dwelt. The new dimension here is not what was done, but those upon whom the blessings were showered.

"Let us try to realize the scene. They have heard of Him as the wonder worker, these heathens in the land so near to, and yet so far from, Israel; and they have brought to Him `the lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others,' and laid them at His feet. Oh, what wonder! All disease vanishes in the presence of Heaven's Own Life Incarnate. Tongues long weighted are loosed, limbs maimed or bent by disease are restored to health, the lame are stretched straight; the film of disease and the paralysis of nerve impotence pass from eyes long insensible to the light. It is a new era, Israel conquers the heathen world, not by force, but by love; not by outward means, but by the manifestation of life power from above. Truly, this is the Messianic conquest and reign: ‘and they glorified the God of Israel.’ ” (Edersheim 2:46) (Bruce R. McConkie, The Mortal Messiah, Vol.3, p.15,16).

Reading 5: Matthew 16:13-19

Reading 6 – Alma 5:44-46

"Jesus in His teachings says, 'Upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.' What rock? Revelation." Joseph Smith (TPJS, p274)

Reading 7 - President Thomas S. Monson said:  "Still others searched for Jesus in councils of debate. Such was the historic Council of Nicea in 325 AD. There, with the help of the Roman Emperor, the delegates did away in Christendom with the concept of a personal God and a personal Son—the two separate and distinct Glorified Beings of the scriptures. The Creed of Nicea, the 'incomprehensible mystery' of which its originators seemed so proud precisely because it could not be understood, substituted for the personal God of love and for Jesus of the New Testament an immaterial abstraction. The result was a maze of confusion and a compoundment of error. Jesus will not be found in councils of debate. Men of the world have modified his miracles, doubted his divinity and rejected his resurrection." (CR, October 1965, pp142-143)

Reading 8 - President Joseph F. Smith taught: “The Priesthood in general is the authority given to man to act for God. Every man ordained to any degree of the Priesthood, has this authority delegated to him.

“But it is necessary that every act performed under this authority shall be done at the proper time and place, in the proper way, and after the proper order. The power of directing these labors constitutes the keys of the Priesthood. In their fulness, the keys are held by only one person at a time, the prophet and president of the Church. He may delegate any portion of this power to another, in which case that person holds the keys of that particular labor” (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 136).

Reading 9 – Matthew 17:1-9

Bible Dictionary – Transfiguration, Mount of

Moses 1:11

Reading 10 – Bruce R. McConkie wrote: “Moses and Elijah were translated - taken into heaven with physical bodies - so they could return, with their bodies, to confer keys upon Peter, James, and John on the Mount of Transfiguration. Of these two ancient prophets, President Joseph Fielding Smith says: "They had a mission to perform, and it had to be performed before the crucifixion of the Son of God, and it could not be done in the spirit. They had to have tangible bodies. Christ is the first fruits of the resurrection; therefore if any former prophets had a work to perform preparatory to the mission of the Son of God, or to the dispensation of the meridian of times, it was essential that they be preserved to fulfill that mission in the flesh. For that reason Moses disappeared from among the people and was taken up into the mountain, and the people thought he was buried by the Lord. The Lord preserved him so that he could come at the proper time and restore his keys, on the heads of Peter, James, and John, who stood at the head of the dispensation of the meridian of time. (Deut. 14:5 6; Alma 45:18 19.) He reserved Elijah from death that he might also come and bestow his keys upon the heads of Peter, James, and John and prepare them for their ministry” (Bruce R. McConkie, The Mortal Messiah, Vol.3, footnotes, p.67, 4. ).

D&C 63:20:21

2 Peter 1:16-18

Lesson 13: “I Will Give unto Thee the Keys of the Kingdom”

Lesson 13: “I Will Give unto Thee the Keys of the Kingdom” Class Member Study Guide

• Jesus said to Peter, “Upon this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). The Prophet Joseph Smithtaught that the rock Jesus referred to is revelation (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 274). In what way is revelation the foundation of the Lord’s Church?
• •
  Elder David B. Haight taught that Jesus’ Transfiguration “was meant for our spiritual enlightenment as well as for those who were personal witnesses” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1977, 8; or Ensign, May 1977, 7). What can you learn from the Transfiguration to help you when you need spiritual strength? (See Matthew 17:1–5.)

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Read Matthew 16:13–17. Explain that Peter gained a testimony of Jesus Christ through revelation and that we can gain a testimony of the Savior in the same way. Tell family members about how you have received a testimony of Jesus Christ and what you continue to do to strengthen your testimony. As appropriate, ask family members to bear their testimonies. Encourage them to strengthen their testimonies through daily prayer, scripture study, and obedience to the commandments of God.

Scripture Chain: Revelation

• Proverbs 29:18
• Amos 3:7
• 1 Corinthians 2:9–12
• Galatians 1:11–12
• 2 Peter 1:20–21
• Alma 5:46
• Moroni 10:5

Lesson 12: “I Am the Bread of Life”

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  Jesus challenged the Jewish leaders to “search the scriptures” (John 5:39). What is the difference between searching the scriptures and reading them? How have you made your personal and family scripture study more meaningful? How have you been blessed as you have searched the scriptures?
• •Why did Peter’s faith falter as he walked on the water? (See Matthew 14:30.) How do we sometimes make similar errors when difficulties arise?
• •How is “bread of life” an appropriate description of the Savior and the blessings he offers us? (See John 6:35, 47–51.) How can we partake of the “bread of life”? (See John 6:47, 51–54; Matthew 26:26–28; Alma 5:33–35; D&C 20:77.)

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Read Matthew 14:22–32. Point out that Peter showed great faith when he walked on the water, but he began to sink when he became frightened. Display a picture of Jesus Christ, and assure family members that although there will sometimes be trouble around them, they can overcome fear by remembering the Savior and following him. Ask family members to tell about times when they overcame fear by remembering Jesus Christ and his teachings.

Scripture Chain: The Scriptures Testify of Christ

• John 5:39
  
• John 20:31
  
• Acts 18:28
  
• 2 Nephi 25:26
  

Lesson 11: “He Spake Many Things unto Them in Parables” – Scriptures and Quotes

Lesson 11: “He Spake Many Things unto Them in Parables” – Scriptures and Quotes

President Howard W. Hunter said of parables: “They are so simple a child can understand, yet profound enough for the sage and philosopher. … Each of the parables spoken by the Savior seems to teach a principle or give an admonition regarding the attributes necessary to qualify for exaltation.”

Reading 1 - Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote, “Parables are a call to investigate the truth; to learn more; to inquire into the spiritual realities, which, through them, are but dimly viewed. Parables start truth seekers out in the direction of further light and knowledge and understanding; they invite men to ponder such truths as they are able to bear in the hope of learning more. Parables are a call to come unto Christ, to believe his doctrines, to live his laws, and to be saved in his kingdom. They teach arithmetic to those who have the capacity to learn calculus in due course. They are the mild milk of the word that prepares our spiritual digestive processes to feast upon the doctrinal meat of the kingdom.” (The Mortal Messiah, Vol.2, p.245)

Reading 2 – Matthew 10-16

Elder James E. Talmage has suggested that the Lord taught in parables for three reasons:
“1. To avoid trouble with the scribes, Pharisees, and rabbis who “were alert in maintaining a close watch upon His movements and his works, ever ready to make Him an offender for a word.”
2. To show mercy to his hearers: “Had He always taught in explicit declaration, such as required no interpretation, many among His hearers would have come under condemnation, inasmuch as they were too weak in faith and unprepared in heart . . . to accept and obey the saving word.”
3. To help people to remember and reflect on his words: “Many a peasant who had heard the little incident of the sower . . . would be reminded by the recurring circumstances of his daily work; the gardener would recollect the story of the mustard seed whenever he planted afresh.” James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ.

Bruce R. McConkie wrote, "Yet parables, planted in the minds of truth seekers, help them remember the issues involved until such time as the full and plain knowledge parts the parabolic veil and stands revealed for all to see. And parables form a reservoir of knowledge about which even the saints can ponder and inquire as they seek to perfect and expand their limited views of gospel themes." (Mortal Messiah, 2:240)

D&C 82:3

Reading 3 – Matthew 13:3-9

The Prophet Joseph Smith said: “The multitude … received not His saying … because they were not willing to see with their eyes, and hear with their ears; not because they could not, and were not privileged to see and hear, but because their hearts were full of iniquity and abominations. … The very reason why the multitude … did not receive an explanation upon His parables, was because of unbelief” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 96–97)

Reading 4 – Matthew 13:16-23

Reading 5 – The First Presidency has said: “But listen to the explanation of the parable of the Sower: "When any one heareth the word of the Kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away, that which was sown in his heart." Now mark the expression that which was sown in his heart. This is he which receiveth seed by the way side. Men who have no principle of righteousness in themselves, and whose hearts are full of iniquity, and have no desire for the principles of truth, do not understand the word of truth when they hear it. The devil taketh away the word of truth out of their hearts, because there is no desire for righteousness in them.
"But he that receiveth seed in stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon, with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by, he is offended.
He also that receiveth seed among the thorns, is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
But he that received seed into the good ground, is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it, which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundred fold, some sixty, some thirty." Thus the Savior Himself explains unto His disciples the parable which He put forth, and left no mystery or darkness upon the minds of those who firmly believe on His words” (James R. Clark, Messages of the First Presidency, Vol.1, p.63).

Joseph Smith said “The condemnation which rested upon the multitude that received not His saying, was because they were not willing to see with their eyes, and hear with their ears; not because they could not, and were not privileged to see and hear but because their hearts were full of iniquity and abominations; ‘as your fathers did, so do ye.’ The prophet, foreseeing that they would thus harden their hearts, plainly declared it; and herein is the condemnation of the world; that light hath come into the world, and men choose darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil. This is so plainly taught by the Savior, that a wayfaring man need not mistake it” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Section Two 1834B37, p.95).

D&C 29:7

Reading 6 – Matthew 13:24-30

Reading 7 - Doctrine and Covenants 86:1-7

Reading 8 – Elder Neal Maxwell said: “Years ago, I wondered over the scriptural imagery of angels waiting "day and night" for "the great command" to come down and reap the tares in a wicked and suffering world; it seemed rather eager to me (see D&C 38:12; 86:5). Given such massive, needless human suffering, I don't wonder anymore!
“Even so, the final reaping will occur only when the Father determines that the world is ‘fully ripe.’ Meanwhile, brothers and sisters, the challenge is surviving spiritually in a deteriorating ‘wheat and tares world’”

Joseph Smith taught: "Now we learn by this parable, not only the setting up of the Kingdom in the days of the Savior, which is represented by the good seed, which produced fruit, but also the corruptions of the Church, which are represented by the tares, which were sown by the enemy, which His disciples would fain have plucked up, or cleansed the Church of, if their views had been favored by the Savior. But He, knowing all things, says, Not so. As much as to say, your views are not correct, the Church is in its infancy, if you take this rash step, you will destroy the wheat, or the Church, with the tares; therefore it is better to let them grow together until the harvest, or the end of the world, which means the destruction of the wicked." (TPJS, p97)

Reading 9 – Matthew 13:31-33

For Joseph Smith, the leaven symbolizes the still inward voice of the Spirit that testified to the Three Witnesses and will testify of the Restoration until it fills the earth.  “It may be understood that the Church of the Latter-day Saints has taken its rise from a little leaven that was put into three witnesses. Behold, how much this is like the parable! It is fast leavening the lump, and will soon leaven the whole.”