He still died for us

During the last supper Jesus manifested many divine truths to his disciples. There is one in special that I really like. John 13:19 reads, “Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.” Christ knows all things. He knew that many of his disciples would deny him, yet He still died for them. He knows that I make mistakes, and I will make many more, yet He still loves me. One of the amazing characteristics of Christ’s love is that it will never end. He will never say something like, “sorry Pedro, I didn’t know you were going to do that, I am not sure anymore if I love you.” His love is perfect. It must have been a great comfort to his apostles, as it is to me, that regardless of all our follies, He still died for us, and loved us.

Jesus the Christ vs. Jesus Barabbas

Matthew 27:16 read, “And then had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.” Barabbas was in prison for organizing riots against the Roman Empire. The writer of Matthew 27 draws a very interesting parallel between Christ and Barabbas. First, both had the very same name, one was Jesus of Nazareth, the other Jesus Barabbas. Both offered freedom to their people. Barabbas was a leader of an anti-roman group, and wanted to obtain political freedom through violence, whereas Christ offered freedom to the burdened soul. One last thing that we learned in class and that impacted me very much was the fact that we, as Barabbas, go free because Christ decides to stay and die for us. I am grateful for the sacrifice of our Savior, for His love, and for His compassion.

Not what we are looking for

As the arresting party came to seize Jesus, He came out to meet them and asked, “Whom seek ye?” They replied, Jesus of Nazareth. Then Jesus said unto them, “I am he.” As soon as they heard this, they went backward and felt to the ground. Perhaps He wasn’t what they were looking for. Perhaps they were looking for some sort of common thief who would try to escape as soon as he would see his end was near, but what they found was something completely different. As they met the Son of God, the only thing they could do was to fall to the ground in awe. This makes me think of life. Many times things are not what we are looking for. However, the things that bring the most joy in my life are those priceless treasures that come disguised in very simple things =)

At the Judgment Seat

I think every one has seen in movies or in paintings the sad scenes of Christ’s trial before Pilate and the angry mob. A particular painting comes to mind, I think I saw it in the front cover of and Ensign, of Pilate sitting on his throne, on one side Jesus, on the other Barabbas. I learned in class that things maybe didn’t happen quite like that. John 19:13 reads, “When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement…” Who sat down in the judgment seat, Christ or Pilate? Even during his own mortal trial, Christ was the judge. As He sat on Pilate’ throne, He gave the people the chance to choose who would be their king. This new view completely changed my perspective of His trial.

The Best Gift

I have always been amazed by the account of the birth of our Savior. The King of kings, the creator of worlds without numbers, the Son of God, was born among the most humble circumstances Earth had to offer. The story of the birth of Christ makes me think of the humble of the Earth, those who struggle to obtain enough to go from day to day. It also makes me think of those who feel lonely, especially during this time of the year. Those who would benefit from a little of our help. Ok, I’m not gonna give the let’s solve global poverty kind of speech, but I think there are a few small things that we can start doing right now. Last night, I read in the Friends magazine the story of a family who decided that instead of worrying about getting gifts for themselves, they decided to secretly leave gifts in the porch of two families for the twelve nights prior to Christmas. Perhaps these gifts were not super fancy, but I’m sure that they made someone else’s Christmas a little better. So after reading that story I decided to star my own Christmas tradition of making somebody else’s Christmas a little better. Starting from this one.

Jesus the Man

As I study the New Testament, I learn more and more about the qualities of Christ; not only as the Son of God, but also as a man. Yes, Jesus had feelings just like any other man. One account comes to mind in particular (I was talking with my girlfriend about this). Upon hearing the news of the death of John the Baptist, Christ decides to go away for a little bit. He probably felt deep sadness for the loss of his cousin. He probably realized for the first time so vividly that this same fate was awaiting him; it was only a matter of time. Whatever may be the reasons, He departed thence by ship into a desert place apart. However, when people heard of this, they decided to follow him. And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.
When I read this story on of the first things that come to mind is that Jesus always had to be Jesus. He could never take a break. He could be tired, hungry, sad, etc, but he still had to be Jesus. I am grateful for his love and example, He never let down, He never gave up.

An unforgiving Mormon is an oxymoron

I admit it, this phrase is not mine, I stole from Dr. H; however, it makes me think of how sometimes great arguments or grudges arise from really little things. I was thinking, maybe I can write an example of one but I couldn’t think of any. I guess that’s a good thing. Anyways, this topic reminds me of that talk by Elder Bernard, the one that talks about how we can choose whether to be offended or not. I think it is really sad how lives are destroyed because of bitterness and anger over very small issues. My personal philosophy is that one someone does something to me that might anger me, I just decide to smile and look at it the funny way (now that I just said this, I’m sure I’m gonna to be tested pretty soon).

The testimony of a woman

I was shocked to learn in class that in the times of Christ the testimony of a woman had no validity under the law. What if a great injustice was committed against a woman--- which I’m sure happened many times--- and nobody was there to see it? I’ve also learned this semester in my history class that in many civilizations women status was no different than the one of a slave. Fortunately, the Savior destroys this humiliating idea by His teachings and example. In John 20:17 we read how the first person to testified of the most sublime of all news in the history of mankind was a woman.
I’m grateful for His divine truths. I’m gonna write my mom a letter this weekend =)

His blood be on us

I was surprised by the story Dr. H told us today. We all have read or heard the terrible incidents that accompanied the last mortal hours of our Savior. In Matthew 27 we read of His trial before Pilate and the Jewish mob. As we were studying this chapter in class, Dr. H told us that once during Sunday school this same story was being discussed, and after reading verse 25 someone asked, “is this the reason why the holocaust happened? “ After a second or two the teacher replied, “Yes, I think so.” Dr. H was completely perplexed by this answer, how could a Latter-day Saint believe such a thing? Worst of all, a Jewish recent convert was sitting next to him as this conversation transpired.
After reflecting on this story I quickly made the resolution to redouble my efforts to be kind to others, especially those who have been wounded by life’s trials. I also thought His blood is indeed upon us, for the blood of the Atonement is upon all of us. That day the mob spoke by the power of the Holy Ghost without knowing it.

Love instead of reciprocity

One of the great religious issues in the times of Christ was of who had the correct interpretation of the Law of Moses. Prior to John there had not been a prophet in Israel for over 400 years. This caused false interpretations of the law to arise. Pharisees, Sadducees, other sects of the day fought for the right to interpret the law. Christ, however, was above these disputes. He was above the law. One of the most marvelous gospel gems that we received from Him was taught during the Sermon on the Mount, when He commanded us, saying “…Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” This was a truly revolutionary teaching for His time, no wonder it has become one of the phrases that epitomizes a Christian life. I am grateful for this simple truth. Perhaps I can’t change every calamity that’s going on in the world today, but by loving those around me I can make this world a little better (yeah, sounds cheesy but it is the way I feel)