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)