Lesson 27 - He is not here, He is Risen!

Purpose
To help class members feel gratitude for the Savior’s Resurrection and the blessings it brings us.


“Many years ago … a writer for a newspaper was asked an important question, ‘What would be the most important news the world could receive?’”

• How would you answer this question?

Elder Paramore continued: “[The writer] thought and thought about the question, he talked to many people, and read all he could in an effort to find an answer for himself. And finally, he printed his answer, ‘To know that Jesus Christ lives today would be the most important news the world could receive. In fact, if He lives today, then we too will live eternally as He said’” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1990, 80; or Ensign, Nov. 1990, 64).

We too can rejoice in the knowledge that Christ was resurrected.


Scripture Discussion and Application

Ponder how your knowledge of the Resurrection affects your daily lives. Rather than trying to determine the exact order of events surrounding the Resurrection (each Gospel writer gives a slightly different order), focus on the testimonies of the Resurrection given in each Gospel account.

1. Mary Magdalene and other women are witnesses of the resurrected Lord.

Discuss Matthew 28:1–15; Luke 24:1–12; and John 20:1–10. Read selected verses aloud.

After Jesus was crucified, his body was wrapped in clean linen cloths and placed in a tomb belonging to Joseph of Arimathea, one of Jesus’ disciples (Matthew 27:57–60; Luke 23:50–53; John 19:38–42). This was done quickly because the Sabbath was about to begin. The morning after the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene and other women returned to the tomb with spices and ointments to more thoroughly anoint and embalm Jesus’ body.

• What did Mary Magdalene and the other women find when they came to Jesus’ tomb? (See Matthew 28:1–4; Luke 24:1–4. Note that the Joseph Smith Translation of Matthew 28 states, as Luke does, that there were two angels. See Matthew 28:2, footnote 2a.) What did the angels tell the women? (See Matthew 28:5–7; Luke 24:5–8.)

• What did the angels mean when they said, “He is risen”? (Jesus had been resurrected.) What does it mean to be resurrected? (See Alma 11:42–45; see also Bible Dictionary, “Resurrection,” 761.) What blessings will we receive because of Jesus’ Resurrection? (See 1 Corinthians 15:22, 50–58; Alma 11:42–45. We will all be resurrected and be given immortal bodies.)

• President Howard W. Hunter said that the words “He is not here, but is risen” (Luke 24:6) “contain all the hope, assurance, and belief necessary to sustain us in our challenging and sometimes grief-filled lives” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1986, 18; or Ensign, May 1986, 15–16). How has your testimony of the Atonement and the Resurrection helped you through difficult times?

• What did the women do after the angels finished speaking? (See Matthew 28:8; Luke 24:8–9.) What can we learn from their example?

• Mary and the other women were the first of many people who saw Jesus Christ after he was resurrected (see also the second and third additional teaching ideas). Why do you think it was important that the resurrected Lord appear to earthly witnesses? (See 2 Corinthians 13:1.)

2. Two disciples on the road to Emmaus are witnesses of the resurrected Lord.
Discuss Luke 24:13–35. Summarize the scripture passage.

• Why were Cleopas and his companion sad as they walked along the road to Emmaus? (See Luke 24:13–24.) What did the resurrected Lord teach them as they walked? (See Luke 24:25–27)

• How did the two disciples feel as Jesus taught them? (See Luke 24:32.) What gave them this feeling? (The influence of the Holy Ghost.) Shareeexperiences when they have received a witness from the Spirit while studying the gospel or hearing someone teach it.

3. The Apostles are witnesses of the resurrected Lord. Read and discuss selected verses from Matthew 28:16–20; Luke 24:33–53; and John 20:19–31.

• What did the Apostles think they were seeing when the Savior appeared to them on the evening of the day he was resurrected? (See Luke 24:36–37.) How did Jesus reassure them that he was a resurrected being, not a spirit? (See Luke 24:38–43.)
• How did Thomas respond to the other Apostles’ testimonies that the Lord had been resurrected? (See John 20:24–25.) How did he come to believe that the Lord had been resurrected? (See John 20:26–29.) How do we sometimes show the same weakness as Thomas?

Elder Gordon B. Hinckley said:

“Have you not heard others speak as Thomas spoke? ‘Give us,’ they say, ‘the empirical evidence. Prove before our very eyes, and our ears, and our hands, else we will not believe.’ This is the language of the time in which we live. Thomas the Doubter has become the example of men in all ages who refuse to accept other than that which they can physically prove and explain—as if they could prove love, or faith, or even such physical phenomena as electricity. …

“To all within the sound of my voice who may have doubts, I repeat the words given Thomas as he felt the wounded hands of the Lord: ‘Be not faithless, but believing’” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1978, 90; or Ensign, May 1978, 59).

• How can we more fully follow the Lord’s admonition to “be not faithless, but believing”? (John 20:27).
4. Some of the Apostles see Jesus again at the Sea of Tiberias (Sea of Galilee).
Read and discuss selected verses from John 21.

• The resurrected Lord showed himself again to seven of his Apostles as they were fishing. How did they come to realize it was Jesus on the shore? (See John 21:4–7.) After they had eaten, what did Jesus ask Peter and the other Apostles to do? (See John 21:15–17.) How can we feed the Lord’s sheep?

• What was John’s reason for writing down some of the things that the resurrected Jesus said and did? (See John 20:30–31.) How have you benefited from studying the scriptural accounts of Jesus’ Resurrection?

Conclusion

We testify that Jesus Christ was resurrected and that because of him we will also be resurrected. Bear testimony of the strength and comfort that your knowledge of the Resurrection has brought you.

Reading Assignment, Lesson 27

"Lesson 27: “He Is Not Here, for He Is Risen”," New Testament Class Member Study Guide, (1997)

Matthew 28; Luke 24; John 20–21

• Why is it important to know that Jesus has risen from the dead? What impact does this news have on mankind? What impact does it have on you?

• The resurrected Lord showed himself to seven of his Apostles as they were fishing and miraculously provided them with a large amount of fish (John 21:4–7). After they had eaten, what did Jesus ask Peter and the other Apostles to do? (See John 21:15–17.) How can we feed the Lord’s sheep?

• What was John’s reason for writing down some of the things that the resurrected Jesus said and did? (See John 20:30–31.) How have you benefited from studying the scriptural accounts of Jesus’ Resurrection?

Suggestion for Family Discussion
Have a family member put a glove on his or her hand and move his or her fingers. Explain that the glove represents our bodies and the hand represents our spirits. A spirit combined with a body makes a living person. Have the family member remove the glove. Explain that when we die, our spirits will separate from our bodies. Then our bodies will be dead, but our spirits will still be alive. Have the family member put the glove back on his or her hand. Explain that resurrection is the reuniting of the spirit with the body. When we are resurrected, we will never die or be subject to sickness again. Testify that because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, all people will be resurrected. (This object lesson is an adaptation of a presentation by Elder Boyd K. Packer [in Conference Report, Apr. 1973, 79–80; or Ensign, July 1973, 51, 53].)

As part of this family discussion, you may want to sing together “He Is Risen!” (Hymns, no. 199) or “Did Jesus Really Live Again?” (Children’s Songbook, 64).

Scripture Chain: Appearances of the Resurrected Lord
John 20:11–29

Luke 24:36–51

1 Corinthians 15:3–8

Acts 9:1–6

3 Nephi 11:1–14

Joseph Smith—History 1:11–17

To This End Was I Born - Lesson Outline

Lesson 26: “To This End Was I Born”," New Testament Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual, (2002)

1. Introduction

a) Last week, we spoke about Gethsemane

b) This week, we pick up the story of the last day of Christ’s mortal life while he is still in the olive grove, immediately after he has finished taking all the sins of the world upon Himself

c) Reading 1 - Elder James E. Talmage wrote: "The further tragedy of the night, and the cruel inflictions that awaited Him on the morrow, to culminate in the frightful tortures of the cross, could not exceed the bitter anguish through which He had successfully passed." (Jesus The Christ, p614)

2. Jesus is betrayed, arrested, and accused of blasphemy; Peter denies Jesus three times.

a) Reading 2 – Matthew 26:31-35

31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.

32But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.

33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.

34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.

b) Reading 3 – John 18:1-9

1When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.

2And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.

3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?

5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.

6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.

7 Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.

8 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:

9That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

i) Verse 8 – Christ protecting His apostles and, evidently, some of His other disciples who, perhaps, were waiting farther away from Gethsemane

(1) He does not want any of them to be arrested with Him

(2) Among His apostles, perhaps he was concerned that their testimonies were not yet strong enough to bear the torture that would be inflicted upon Him

(3) Later, his apostles grew into men of great and unshakable faith

(a) Peter was crucified upside down

(b) Many, if not most of the apostles likely died violent deaths

c) Reading 4 – Elder James E. Talmage wrote: "During the period of the Lord's last and most loving communion with the Eleven, Judas had been busy in his treacherous conspiracy with the priestly authorities. It is probable that the determination to make the arrest that night was reached when Judas reported that Jesus was within the city walls and might easily be apprehended. The Jewish rulers assembled a body of temple guardsmen or police, and obtained a band of Roman soldiers under command of a tribune; this band or cohort was probably a detachment from the garrison of Antonia commissioned for the work of the night on requisition of the chief priests. This company of men and officers representing a combination of ecclesiastical and military authority, set forth in the night with Judas at their head, intent on the arrest of Jesus. They were equipped with lanterns, torches, and weapons. It is probable that they were first conducted to the house in which Judas had left his fellow apostles and the Lord, when the traitor had been dismissed; and that finding the little company had gone out, Judas led the multitude to Gethsemane, for he knew the place, and knew also that 'Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples'." (Jesus The Christ, pp614-615)

d) At this point, Peter pulls out his sword and cuts off the ear of one of those who have come for Jesus. Jesus tells Peter to put away his sword and heals the ear.

i) Christ explains his action to Peter

ii) READ Matthew 26:53-54

53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?

e) Reading 5: John 10:17-18

17Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

f) READ Matthew 26:56

56But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

3. Christ accused of blasphemy; Peter denies Jesus three times.

a) Now we see the Savior taken on a night-time tour to some of the scummiest people in Jerusalem

b) John records that Christ was first taken to Annas

i) appointed high priest in 7 AD and deposed in 15 AD

ii) Father-in-law of Caiaphas – current High Priest

iii) had immense wealth and during this time continued to exercise a great deal of religious and political control over the Jews. Annas gained much of his wealth from the sale of materials used in temple sacrifices.

iv) Nothing is recorded of what transpired at the house of Annas

c) Christ next taken to house of Caiaphus – High Priest

i) Peter and John followed Christ to the house of Caiaphus

ii) There was a gathering of a number of members of the Sanhedrin

iii) Different witnesses gave conflicting accounts of the supposed misdeeds of Christ

iv) Finally, two witnesses agreed on something Christ had supposedly said

(1) Two witnesses necessary under Jewish law

(2) Reading 6: Matthew 26:61-64

61And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.

62And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?

63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.

64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

v) Caiaphus declared this to be blasphemy

(1) The rest of the assembled Jewish hierarchy agreed and said Christ must be put to death

(2) READ - Matthew 26:67 Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,

vi) Reading 7 – Matthew 26:69-75

69 ¶Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.

70 But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.

71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.

72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.

73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.

74Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.

75And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

vii) Reading 8 - President Gordon B. Hinckley said: “My heart goes out to Peter. So many of us are so much like him. We pledge our loyalty; we affirm our determination to be of good courage; we declare, sometimes even publicly, that come what may we will do the right thing, that we will stand for the right cause, that we will be true to ourselves and to others.

“Then the pressures begin to build. Sometimes these are social pressures. Sometimes they are personal appetites. Sometimes they are false ambitions. There is a weakening of the will. There is a softening of discipline. There is capitulation. And then there is remorse, followed by self-accusation and bitter tears of regret. …

“… If there be those throughout the Church who by word or act have denied the faith, I pray that you may draw comfort and resolution from the example of Peter, who, though he had walked daily with Jesus, in an hour of extremity momentarily denied the Lord and also the testimony which he carried in his own heart. But he rose above this and became a mighty defender and a powerful advocate. So, too, there is a way for any person to turn about and add his or her strength and faith to the strength and faith of others in building the kingdom of God” (“And Peter Went Out and Wept Bitterly,” Ensign, Mar. 1995, 2–4, 6).

4. Jesus is sentenced to be crucified.

a) The Jews did not have the power to execute anyone, so Christ needed to be taken before Roman authorities

b) Taken first to Pontius Pilate

i) Roman governor or procurator for Judea, Idumea, and Samaria. He was the highest Roman official for this area.

ii) Usually lived in Caesarea, but came to Jerusalem during the feasts to maintain order

iii) The Jewish leaders didn’t accuse Christ of blasphemy here because blasphemy was not a crime under Roman law

iv) Pilate questioned Jesus briefly and said he could find no fault in Jesus

v) When someone mentioned that Jesus’ supposed misdeeds began in Galilee, Pilate learned that Jesus was from Galilee and sent Him to Herod, who was in Jerusalem

c) Herod

i) Governor over Galilee

ii) The man who had killed John the Baptist

iii) READ – Luke 23:8-11

8¶And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.

9Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.

10And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.

11And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.

iv) READ – Isaiah 53:7 – He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

d) Back to Pilate

i) Nobody wanted to take responsibility for doing what the Jewish leader wanted to have done to Jesus

ii) Reading 9 – Luke 23:13-16

13¶And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,

14Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:

15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.

16 I will therefore chastise him, and release him.

iii) READ – Luke 23:18-25

18 And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:

19 (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)

20 Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.

21 But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.

22And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.

23And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.

24And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.

25And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.

iv) This is the culmination of centuries of apostasy among the Jews

(1) Many times, Jehovah – Jesus Christ – had sent prophets to them to call them to repentance and bring them back to the truth

(2) Ultimately, the Jews would, in fact, crucify Jehovah

(3) Here is a turning point in the many great prophesies concerning the last being first and the first being last

(a) Christ was sent to His covenant people, the children of Judah, and they rejected Him

(b) READ 1 Nephi 13:42 – Nephi’s great vision of the latter days

42And the time cometh that he shall manifest himself unto all nations, both unto the Jews and also unto the Gentiles; and after he has manifested himself unto the Jews and also unto the Gentiles, then he shall manifest himself unto the Gentiles and also unto the Jews, and the last shall be first, and the first shall be last.

v) READ – 2 Nephi 10:3-6 – Prophesy of Jacob concerning what would happen nearly 600 years later in Jerusalem

3Wherefore, as I said unto you, it must needs be expedient that Christ—for in the last night the angel spake unto me that this should be his name—should come among the Jews, among those who are the more wicked part of the world; and they shall crucify him—for thus it behooveth our God, and there is none other nation on earth that would crucify their God.

4 For should the mighty miracles be wrought among other nations they would repent, and know that he be their God.

5 But because of priestcrafts and iniquities, they at Jerusalem will stiffen their necks against him, that he be crucified.

6 Wherefore, because of their iniquities, destructions, famines, pestilences, and bloodshed shall come upon them; and they who shall not be destroyed shall be scattered among all nations.

5. Christ is Crucified

a) Reading 10 - John 19:17-19

17And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:

18Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.

19¶And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.

b) READ Matthew 27-45-46

45Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.

46And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

i) READ - Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said: "Because he must ultimately tread this winepress of redemption unaided, can he endure the darkest moment of them all, the shock of the greatest pain? This comes not with thorns and with nails, but with the terror of feeling utterly alone:...'My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?' (Mark 15:34). Can he bear all of our sins and our fear and loneliness too? He did and he does and he will." (Ensign, Nov. 1989, p26)

c) Reading 12 – Luke 23:44-46

44And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.

45And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.

46¶And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

i) Symbolism of the Veil being rent

(1) Separated the holy of holies from the holy place in the Jewish temple

(a) Opening the holy of holies to view essentially ended the time of the temples of the old testament

(b) Less than 40 years later, the Romans would destroy the temple

(c) None other would ever be built

(2) There is also a veil between God and Mortal Man

(a) Because of Christ’s Atonement, we are able to move through that veil into the presence of Heavenly Father

(b) READ Doctrine and Covenants 101:23 – Prophesy of the Millenium

23And prepare for the revelation which is to come, when the veil of the covering of my temple, in my tabernacle, which hideth the earth, shall be taken off, and all flesh shall see me together.

(c) READ - Doctrine and Covenants 110:1-2 – Appearance of Christ to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple

1 The veil was taken from our minds, and the eyes of our understanding were opened.

2 We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber.

6. Conclusion

a) The Savior’s first recorded premortal words were “Here am I, send me” (Abraham 3:27).

b) Among his first recorded mortal words were “I must be about my Father’s business” (Luke 2:49).

c) Among the last words he spoke in mortality were “Father, it is finished, thy will is done” (Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 27:54; see Matthew 27:50, footnote 50a).

Lesson 26: “To This End Was I Born” – Scriptures and Quotes

Reading 1 - Elder James E. Talmage wrote: "The further tragedy of the night, and the cruel inflictions that awaited Him on the morrow, to culminate in the frightful tortures of the cross, could not exceed the bitter anguish through which He had successfully passed." (Jesus The Christ, p614)

Reading 2 – Matthew 26:31-35

Reading 3 – John 18:1-9

Reading 4 – Elder James E. Talmage wrote: "During the period of the Lord's last and most loving communion with the Eleven, Judas had been busy in his treacherous conspiracy with the priestly authorities. It is probable that the determination to make the arrest that night was reached when Judas reported that Jesus was within the city walls and might easily be apprehended. The Jewish rulers assembled a body of temple guardsmen or police, and obtained a band of Roman soldiers under command of a tribune; this band or cohort was probably a detachment from the garrison of Antonia commissioned for the work of the night on requisition of the chief priests. This company of men and officers representing a combination of ecclesiastical and military authority, set forth in the night with Judas at their head, intent on the arrest of Jesus. They were equipped with lanterns, torches, and weapons. It is probable that they were first conducted to the house in which Judas had left his fellow apostles and the Lord, when the traitor had been dismissed; and that finding the little company had gone out, Judas led the multitude to Gethsemane, for he knew the place, and knew also that 'Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples'." (Jesus The Christ, pp614-615)

Matthew 26:53-54

Reading 5: John 10:17-18

Matthew 26:56

Reading 6: Matthew 26:61-64

Matthew 26:67

Reading 7 – Matthew 26:69-75

Reading 8 - President Gordon B. Hinckley said: “My heart goes out to Peter. So many of us are so much like him. We pledge our loyalty; we affirm our determination to be of good courage; we declare, sometimes even publicly, that come what may we will do the right thing, that we will stand for the right cause, that we will be true to ourselves and to others.

“Then the pressures begin to build. Sometimes these are social pressures. Sometimes they are personal appetites. Sometimes they are false ambitions. There is a weakening of the will. There is a softening of discipline. There is capitulation. And then there is remorse, followed by self-accusation and bitter tears of regret. …

“… If there be those throughout the Church who by word or act have denied the faith, I pray that you may draw comfort and resolution from the example of Peter, who, though he had walked daily with Jesus, in an hour of extremity momentarily denied the Lord and also the testimony which he carried in his own heart. But he rose above this and became a mighty defender and a powerful advocate. So, too, there is a way for any person to turn about and add his or her strength and faith to the strength and faith of others in building the kingdom of God” (“And Peter Went Out and Wept Bitterly,” Ensign, Mar. 1995, 2–4, 6).

Luke 23:8-11

Isaiah 53:7

Reading 9 – Luke 23:13-16

Luke 23:18-25

1 Nephi 13:42

2 Nephi 10:3-6

Reading 10 - John 19:17-19

Matthew 27-45-46

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said: "Because he must ultimately tread this winepress of redemption unaided, can he endure the darkest moment of them all, the shock of the greatest pain? This comes not with thorns and with nails, but with the terror of feeling utterly alone:...'My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?' (Mark 15:34). Can he bear all of our sins and our fear and loneliness too? He did and he does and he will." (Ensign, Nov. 1989, p26)

Reading 12 – Luke 23:44-46

Doctrine and Covenants 101:23

Doctrine and Covenants 110:1-2

My Brother, Peter

President Spencer W. Kimball: "Today I wish to talk about my brother, my colleague, my fellow apostle--Simon Barjona or Cephas or Peter the Rock.

"Some time ago a newspaper in a distant town carried an Easter sunday religious editorial by a minister who stated that the presiding authority of the early-day church fell because of self-confidence, indecision, evil companions, failure to pray, lack of humility, and fear of man. He then concluded: 'Let us as people, especially those who are Christians and claim to abide by the Word of God, not make make the same mistakes and fall as Peter fell.'

"As I read this, I had some strange emotions. I was shocked, then I was chilled, then my blood changed its temperature and began to boil. I felt I was attacked viciously, for Peter was my brother, my colleague, my example, my prophet, and God's anointed. I whispered to myself, "This is not true. He is maligning my brother.

"Then I opened my New Testament. I could find no such character as this modern minister described. Instead, I found a man who had grown perfect through his experiences and sufferings--a man with vision, a man of revelations, a man fully trusted by his Lord Jesus Christ....

"I do not pretend to know what Peter's mental reactions were nor what compelled him to say what he did that terrible night. But in light of his proven bravery, courage, great devotion, and limitless love for the Master, could we not give him the benefit of the doubt and at least forgive him as his Savior seems to have done so fully. Almost immediately Christ elevated him to the highest position in his church and endowed him with the complete keys of that kingdom.

"Simon Barjona did not have long to consider the matter or change his decisions, for he now heard the cock crow twice and was reminded of Christ's prediction. He was humbled to the dust. Hearing the bird's announcement of the dawn reminded him not only that he had denied the Lord but also that all the Lord had said would be fulfilled, even to the crucifixion. He went out and wept bitterly. Were his tears for personal repentance only, or were they mingled with sorrowful tears in realization of the fate of his Lord and Master and his own great loss?"

(Speeches of the Year, BYU Press, 1971)

To This End Was I Born - Study Guide

"Lesson 26: “To This End Was I Born”," New Testament Class Member Study Guide, (1997)

Matthew 26:47–27:66; Mark 14:43–15:39; Luke 22:47–23:56; John 18–19

• •

  What did Peter do when people outside Caiaphas’s palace said that he knew Jesus? (See Matthew 26:69–75; see also verseMatthew 26:34.) How do some of us, like Peter, sometimes deny our faith? What can we learn from Peter’s life after he denied the Lord?

• •

  How do you feel when you ponder the Savior’s suffering in your behalf? How can you show your gratitude for the Atonement? (As you ponder these questions, you may want to record your thoughts in your journal.)

Scripture Chain: “Greater Love Hath No Man”

Luke 23:33–46

John 15:13

1 Nephi 19:9–10

D&C 34:1–4

Not My Will, But Thine, Be Done - Lesson Outline

Lesson 25: “Not My Will, But Thine, Be Done”," New Testament Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual, (2002)

1. Introduction

a) We are coming to the most important few hours that have ever occurred or will ever occur.

b) Christ’s Atonement for our sins in Gethsemane and on Calvary

c) Reading 1 - President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “In Gethsemane and on Calvary, He worked out the infinite and eternal atonement. It was the greatest single act of love in recorded history. Thus He became our Redeemer—redeeming all of us from physical death, and redeeming those of us from spiritual death who will obey the laws and ordinances of the gospel” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [1988], 14).

d) Important distinction between Gethsemane and Calvary, the garden and the cross

i) Reading 2 – President Joseph Fielding Smith has written: We speak of the passion of Jesus Christ. A great many people have an idea that when he was on the cross, and nails were driven into his hands and feet, that was his great suffering. His great suffering was before he ever was placed upon the cross. It was in the Garden of Gethsemane that the blood oozed from the pores of his body: "which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit — and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink." (D&C 19:18.)

That was not when he was on the cross; that was in the garden. That is where he bled from every pore in his body.

Now I cannot comprehend that pain. I have suffered pain, you have suffered pain, and sometimes it has been quite severe; but I cannot comprehend pain, which is mental anguish more than physical, that would cause the blood, like sweat, to come out upon the body. It was something terrible, something terrific; so we can understand why he would cry unto his Father: "If it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." (President Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation Vol I, Salt Lake City: Dereret Book Co. p. 130)

ii) Reading 3 – Several years before Elder Orson F. Whitney was ordained an Apostle, he received a vision of the Savior in the Garden of Gethsemane:

“I seemed to be in the Garden of Gethsemane, a witness of the Savior’s agony. I saw Him as plainly as ever I have seen anyone. Standing behind a tree in the foreground, I beheld Jesus, with Peter, James and John, as they came through a little … gate at my right. Leaving the three Apostles there, after telling them to kneel and pray, the Son of God passed over to the other side, where He also knelt and prayed. It was the same prayer with which all Bible readers are familiar: ‘Oh my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.’

“As He prayed the tears streamed down his face, which was toward me. I was so moved at the sight that I also wept, out of pure sympathy. My whole heart went out to him; I loved him with all my soul, and longed to be with him as I longed for nothing else.

“Presently He arose and walked to where those Apostles were kneeling—fast asleep! He shook them gently, awoke them, and in a tone of tender reproach, untinctured by the least show of anger or impatience, asked them plaintively if they could not watch with him one hour. There He was, with the awful weight of the world’s sin upon his shoulders, with the pangs of every man, woman and child shooting through his sensitive soul—and they could not watch with him one poor hour!

“Returning to his place, He offered up the same prayer as before; then went back and again found them sleeping. Again he awoke them, readmonished them, and once more returned and prayed. Three times this occurred” (Through Memory’s Halls [1930], 82).

2. The Savior takes upon himself our sins and infirmities.

a) Reading 4 – Matthew 26:36-39

36¶Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.

37And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.

38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

39And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

i) Verse 38 - Note footnote 38b – Watch - GR stay awake.

ii) Verse 39 – fell on his face

(1) Orson Whitney says tears are streaming down His face

iii) Verse 39 - if it be possible

iv) Verse 39 - let this cup pass from me

v) Verse 39 - nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt

vi) Christ was prepared from the foundation of this world for this moment, but it was so much harder than even He could imagine

b) READ – President Marion G. Romney said of this suffering, “The suffering [Christ] undertook to endure, and which he did endure, equaled the combined suffering of all men.” (C.R., Oct. 69, p. 57)

c) Reading 5 - Elder James E. Talmage taught: “Christ’s agony in the garden is unfathomable by the finite mind, both as to intensity and cause. … He struggled and groaned under a burden such as no other being who has lived on earth might even conceive as possible. It was not physical pain, nor mental anguish alone, that caused him to suffer such torture as to produce an extrusion of blood from every pore; but a spiritual agony of soul such as only God was capable of experiencing. … In that hour of anguish Christ met and overcame all the horrors that Satan, ‘the prince of this world,’ could inflict. … In some manner, actual and terribly real though to man incomprehensible, the Savior took upon Himself the burden of the sins of mankind from Adam to the end of the world” (Jesus the Christ, 3rd ed. [1916], 613).

d) READ – Elder Neal A. Maxwell said, “Later, in Gethsemane, the suffering Jesus began to be “sore amazed” (Mark 14:33), or, in the Greek, “awestruck” and “astonished.”

Imagine, Jehovah, the Creator of this and other worlds, “astonished”! Jesus knew cognitively what He must do, but not experientially. He had never personally known the exquisite and exacting process of an atonement before. Thus, when the agony came in its fulness, it was so much, much worse than even He with his unique intellect had ever imagined! No wonder an angel appeared to strengthen him! (See Luke 22:43.)

The cumulative weight of all mortal sins—past, present, and future—pressed upon that perfect, sinless, and sensitive Soul! All our infirmities and sicknesses were somehow, too, a part of the awful arithmetic of the Atonement. (See Alma 7:11–12; Isa. 53:3–5; Matt. 8:17.) The anguished Jesus not only pled with the Father that the hour and cup might pass from Him, but with this relevant citation. “And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me.” (Mark 14:35–36.)

e) Reading 6 – Doctrine and Covenants 19:16-19

16For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;

17But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;

18Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—

19Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.

3. We need the Atonement of Jesus Christ

a) Why do we need the Atonement?

b) Reading 7 – Alma 34:9

9For it is expedient that an atonement should be made; for according to the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an atonement made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish; yea, all are hardened; yea, all are fallen and are lost, and must perish except it be through the atonement which it is expedient should be made.

i) it is expedient that an atonement should be made

ii) according to the great plan of the Eternal God

iii) there must be an atonement made

iv) or else

v) all mankind must unavoidably perish

vi) Why?

vii) all are hardened

(1) All have sinned

viii) all are fallen and are lost

ix) must perish

x) except

xi) through the atonement

c) READ – Moses 6:48

48And he said unto them: Because that Adam fell, we are; and by his fall came death; and we are made partakers of misery and woe.

d) Effects of the Fall

i) Bodies became mortal

ii) Physical death – mortal bodies die

(1) Subject to temptation through our bodies as well as our spirits

iii) Separated from the presence of God

iv) Spiritual death – those who have sinned cannot be in the presence of God

(1) READ Romans 5:12 - 12Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

v) Reading 8 – 2 Nephi 2:5-9

5And men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil. And the law is given unto men. And by the law no flesh is justified; or, by the law men are cut off. Yea, by the temporal law they were cut off; and also, by the spiritual law they perish from that which is good, and become miserable forever.

6Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth.

7Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered.

8Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise.

9Wherefore, he is the firstfruits unto God, inasmuch as he shall make intercession for all the children of men; and they that believe in him shall be saved.

e) Effects of the Fall and Mortality are Extensive

i) Mortal bodies are not only subject to death, they are subject to physical and mental illness, injury and pain

ii) We are not only afflicted by our own sins, we are also afflicted by the sins of others

(1) Abuse and neglect

(2) Physical and emotional harm

(3) Natural disasters and wars

f) The Atonement remedies all the effects of Mortality

i) READ – Alma 7:11-12

11And 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.

12And 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.

(1) suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind

(2) he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people

(3) he will take upon him death

(4) that he may loose the bands of death

(5) he will take upon him their infirmities

(6) filled with mercy

(7) according to the flesh

(8) that he may know according to the flesh

(9) how to succor his people

(a) ASK – What does Succor mean?

(b) To provide help, relief, aid, assistance

(10) according to their infirmities

ii) READ Isaiah 53:4-5

4¶Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

5But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

(1) he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows

(2) the chastisement of our peace was upon him

(3) with his stripes we are healed

g) Reading 9 – Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has said: This reliance upon the merciful nature of God is at the very center of the gospel Christ taught. I testify that the Savior’s Atonement lifts from us not only the burden of our sins but also the burden of our disappointments and sorrows, our heartaches and our despair. From the beginning, trust in such help was to give us both a reason and a way to improve, an incentive to lay down our burdens and take up our salvation. There can and will be plenty of difficulties in life. Nevertheless, the soul that comes unto Christ, who knows His voice and strives to do as He did, finds a strength, as the hymn says, “beyond [his] own.” The Savior reminds us that He has “graven [us] upon the palms of [His] hands.” Considering the incomprehensible cost of the Crucifixion and Atonement, I promise you He is not going to turn His back on us now. When He says to the poor in spirit, “Come unto me,” He means He knows the way out and He knows the way up. He knows it because He has walked it. He knows the way because He is the way.

h) READ – Romans 8:35,38-39

35- Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

4. Conclusion