Talk on Christ's Life, Ministry, and Atonement

By popular request (read: by Wendy's request), here is my talk from Easter Sunday. I borrowed heavily from Camille Fronk Olson's "Give Me This Water That I Thirst Not" BYU Women's Conference address from 2000. It's fantastic. And I adore her. (more on her stuff in the next post) Here we go:

Here am I, send me. Uttered by the Savior during the pre-mortal realm, those five words epitomize Jesus’ character and ministry; those five words are packed with humility, confidence in His Father’s plan, selflessness, sacrifice, love, compassion, charity, etc. I can’t imagine many other five-word sentences packing so much power, and those words were essentially the catalyst towards His life, ministry, and subsequent atonement. He was willing to do whatever it took to save and exalt us.

Sheri Dew said, “Do you believe that the Savior will really do for you what He has said He will do? That He will give you strength and insight to deal with the challenges at hand? That He will lighten your burden and turn your weakness into strength? That He will heal your broken heart and fill you with hope? That He will renew your energy and help you forgive? That He will help you deal with disappointment and loneliness, and fill you with the sweet knowledge of how precious you are to Him? That He will help you resist your greatest temptation? That He will respond to your deepest hurt or longing and bless you with a spirit of good cheer, optimism, and faith? That He is the only source of comfort, strength, information, knowledge, and peace that will not change, will not move, will not betray you, and will never let you down?”

This quote, to me, is the essence of applying the Atonement. He said, Here am I, send me. He said He would do whatever it took to save and exalt us. Do we believe Him? And how can believe Him more fully?

I want to touch on couple events during the Savior’s life that exemplify different aspects of his infinite Atonement, something we can so wonderfully focus on to an even greater degree during this Easter season. The more experiences we have with the Savior, and more experiences we see that have happened before us, the more we believe Him. So, Number 1, the story of the woman at the well and the mercy and compassion shown; Number 2, the feeding of the 5000 and grace.

The story of the woman at the well wasn’t one that registered much with me until I read a 2000 BYU Women’s Conference talk by Camille Fronk Olson, but she brought the story to life for me because of context.

Several bits of context are especially important to note. Number one, Jacob’s Well is located in Samaria, so there’s that bit of geographical context and that feeds into number two: there was a nearly one-thousand year history of contention between the Jews and the Samaritans. I think we hear about this a lot when discussing exchanges in the Old and New Testaments, but sometimes I know I forget just how long this had been going on, as well as the reasons why (dealing with religious worship themes). We only have to jump over to the Book of Mormon to see a long history of contention with which we might be more familiar: that of the Nephites and the Lamanites.

After the Jews were allowed to rebuild their temple, the Samaritans offered to assist the Jews in reconstructing their temple in 538 B.C., and when the Jews rejected the offer, the Samaritans retaliated by creating obstacles that temporarily halted Jewish construction. Then in 128 B.C., the Jewish high priest destroyed the Samaritan temple on Mt. Gerizim; Jacob’s Well is at the foot of Mt. Gerizim.

A third important point of context in the story is that women, in general, were ranked lowest in society. Sister Olson says that “Rabbinic literature . . . warned Jewish men against public association with women, including their own wives. ‘He that talks much with womankind,’ the passage reads, ‘brings evil upon himself and neglects the study of the Law.’” Additionally, this woman had been married to five different men in the past and was living with a man who was not her husband. Both the Jews and her own people would have ostracized her as a result. Perhaps this is why she was at the well during the sixth hour, or noon, a time at which such labor would have been difficult and especially exhausting because of the heat; however, fewer people would be there at that time.

All this shows that this woman might not have been the most ideal conversational candidate for a Jewish male. She was a Samaritan, she was a woman, and she was a woman whose character was likely questioned and perhaps ridiculed. Yet she is the first person recorded in the Gospels to whom the Savior revealed himself as the Messiah. Why? Why this woman? What can we learn from this story about the Atonement during this Easter season? And how can we apply it to ourselves and our relationship with the Savior?

I think we can learn much about the Savior’s mercy and compassion from this story, as well as his mission as the Messiah. He met someone who was likely considered a very unsavory character, met her where she was, on her turf, in her land; he didn’t pass around Samaria; he went directly to her. He, as a Jew and a man, met a Samaritan woman in Samaria at a well, a place where women congregated as part of their daily chores. He didn’t require that she be living a certain way in order to hear what He had to say; He just asked that she listen with an open heart and a willing mind.

I am so touched by His complete and total willingness to work with us, to talk with us, where we are, so He can lift us to where He is. I am so touched that Jesus Christ, our Savior, was deep in theological discussion with a woman such as this in the heat of the day. He cared not what she had done or where she’d been; rather, He invited her to partake of the living water which He and only He could give her. When the Savior told her that He was the Messiah, and the Spirit taught her the same, she “left her waterpot (perhaps symbolizing her former behavior), and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” Once she became converted, she couldn’t be restrained from sharing it with those she knew.

Do we sometimes ask of ourselves, why would He help little old me? I don’t have a fancy calling, or I don’t have this degree, or I don’t have that bank account. We can go through a checklist of things we’re not, just like the woman at the well could have done. But he doesn’t care about our names or fancy titles. He’s in the business of loving and saving souls.

The second event I want to touch on is found in Matthew 14:12-20. These verses talk about two things I want to highlight: 1. The Savior finding out about John the Baptist’s death and His reaction, and 2. The feeding of the 5000.

12 And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.
13 ¶ When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.
14 And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with acompassion toward them, and he healed their bsick.
15 ¶ And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves avictuals.
16 But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.
17 And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.
18 He said, Bring them hither to me.
19 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and abrake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
20 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they atook up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.

What is the spiritual lesson here? What aspect of Christ’s atonement can be seen so perfectly here? For me, it’s the lesson of grace. As Elder Holland has said, “Don’t worry about Christ running out of ability to help you.” His grace is sufficient. More than sufficient, even. His grace is plenty. Christ took the little they had—five loaves of bread and two fishes—blessed it, and there was enough that everyone was filled, at least 5000 people; but not only were they filled—there was still some leftover. There was more than enough. He is showing us that whatever little we are, He can infuse us with His grace and turn us into something far greater. He is showing us that whatever precious little we have to offer, in the way of our time, our talents, our energy, our effort, our money, he will turn it into something far greater, and then some. He is showing us that whatever small desires we have, desires to follow Him, desires to have greater faith, he can turn into something special. His grace is more than enough; He offers what we need, packed down, full to the brim, and overflowing.

Another point to note. If I’m reading this passage literally, and if I’m reading it correctly, the Savior learned of John the Baptist’s death, had gone to the desert to be alone and to ponder and mourn, but when people found out he was there, they went to him. He then saw the multitude, had compassion on them, and healed their sick. We don’t know how much time He spent healing their sick, but if His time in the Americas is any indication, it wasn’t a short drive-through healing. Then He blessed the bread, brake it, passed it to the multitude and they were filled; He did all that in the same day! After the Savior already had what we would all consider to be a draining day, full of mourning, some solitude, some healing, some comfort, He filled them. I can’t even imagine that: I found out my dog needed surgery back in November, and I was a wreck for about two days and of no use to anyone. But the Savior was, once again, showing us that he is in the business of loving and saving souls, proving that his grace is more than sufficient; with Him, there is more than enough.

Alma 7:11 states, “And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind, and this that the word may be fulfilled, which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.”

Because He suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane, because he suffered pains, afflictions, temptations, sicknesses . . . He knows exactly how to succor us, or run to us. He can empathize with whatever challenges we face, because He descended below all things in order to ascend above them; he can lift us from where we are to where He is. Elder Maxwell said, “The marvelous atonement brought about not only immortality but also the final perfection of Jesus’ empathetic and helping capacity.” He knows exactly how to help us.

Walking the Walk

I have known Eva Joy for maybe six or seven years now, meeting her when she came back from her mission. I knew of her family for quite some time, being in a neighboring ward growing up, so it was great to finally meet her when she came back from her mission and attended the singles ward for a bit before heading back up to the Y. I've admired her and respected her so much since then, but something happened a couple of weeks ago to where she now has her own personal ten-foot pedastal in my book.

Two gentlemen came to our ward, visiting our church for the first time. Both were dressed casually in jeans and stood out somewhat. One of them even got up during testimony meeting, so it's not like they weren't seen or noticed. We had break-the-fast after the three-hour block, and I walked in, got some food, and surveyed the scene: most folks were sitting with their groups, and these two gentlemen were sitting by themselves at a corner table.

I was standing next to Eva Joy who said, "Let's go sit with those guys." It was as simple as that, but I was profoundly struck by her walking the walk.

With all of our talk of fellowshipping and getting to know everyone and being friendly to everyone, reaching out to those whose hands hang low, I think we miss the boat far more often than we should. I think, especially in singles wards, we're far too consumed with who we're going to sit by, what cute boy we're going to talk to, etc. But Eva Joy gets it: it isn't about our own needs or desires. Sure, they're important, but there's something bigger than we are, something more important than we are.

I'm so glad I was standing next to Eva Joy at that moment, because she taught me something that's incredibly hard to learn, but she taught me that it can be done.

Fluhman Rocks

I've been re-reading some of my Fluhman lecture notes, and this portion from one lecture is one of my favorites. Check out his commentary on a scripture in D&C 20, coupled with the text of a dedication by Henry B. Eyring that he ties into it. AWESOME.

Thoughts?


D&C 20:5-6.

5 After it was truly manifested unto this first elder that he had received a aremission of his sins, he was bentangled again in the cvanities of the world;
6 But after arepenting, and humbling himself sincerely, through faith, God ministered unto him by an holy bangel, whose ccountenance was as lightning, and whose garments were pure and white above all other whiteness;

So we’ve got the Angel Moroni, but what’s this made manifest to Joseph that his sins are remitted . . . stuff? What’s that a reference to? First Vision. Listen to the following 1832 Account. The one you have is from 1838 in the Pearl of Great Price, it was NOT the first time Joseph Smith wrote the First Vision down. First time that we have record of was 1832—are you ready?

“I cried unto the Lord for mercy, for there was none else to whom I could go and to obtain mercy, and the Lord heard my cry in the wilderness, and while the attitude of calling upon the Lord, a pillar of light—fire was crossed out—above the brightness of the son at noonday, came down from above and rested upon me and I was filled with the Spirit of God, and the Lord opened the heavens upon me and I saw the Lord, and he spake unto me saying, “Joseph, my son, thy sins are forgiven thee. Go thy way, walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, behold, I am the Lord of Glory. I was crucified for the world, that all those who believe on my name might have eternal life.”

Absolutely unforgettable. We tell the Primary kids that he went into the Grove wanting to know which church was true, and we’ve told them a half-truth: that’s only half the reason he went in! Why was he going into the Grove? He was looking for mercy! I cried unto the Lord for mercy, he says, in 1832. And what does the Lord come and say unto him? Thy sins are forgiven thee. The First Vision, appropriately, is the resolve of a personal quest for the blessings of the Atonement. Don’t we want it that way? Doesn’t that sound right to your soul? It’s true—believe it! He repeats it in 1835, I brought that one, too. Knowing you as I do, I knew you’d want it.

“I called upon the Lord in mighty prayer. A pillar of fire appeared above my head, which presently rested down upon me, and filled me with unspeakable joy. A personage appeared in the midst of this pillar of flame, which was spread all around and yet nothing consumed. Another personage soon appeared like unto the first. He said unto me, 'Thy sins are forgiven thee.' He testified also unto me that Jesus Christ is the son of God. I saw many angels in this vision.”

Absolutely, again, unforgettable! That the mighty prayer was answered again with this, Thy sins are forgiven thee. Not to mention the very interesting point left out of the 1838 version, that one being appeared, and then the other. Many angels. Great, great stuff. So, truly, verse 5 of Section 20. We’re reading it, and it said that he’d received a remission of his sins, and many of us didn’t even know what we were reading! This is a reference to the First Vision! Fantastic! Wonderful.

The 1832 one is partly in his own handwriting and partly in the handwriting of Frederick G. Williams. The 1835 one is all in the handwriting of Warren Cowdery, Oliver’s brother, who is acting as a scribe. The 1835 one is a trip. This guy comes to Kirtland and says, Hey, I’m a prophet. I hear you’ve got a prophet. Let’s have an alliance. Joseph’s like, Who are you? And he said, well you know, I had this experience, and they kind of trade conversion stories. And luckily, Warren Cowdery’s there, writing like a crazed man, no doubt, so Joseph tells him the experience. Turns out this guy is a lunatic, frankly, name is Robert Matthews, went by Matthias, and he went through a murder trial in New York, and Joseph and the Saints finally figured out who he was and went, like, wait a minute, aren’t you that one guy? Yeah. Joseph’s like, You’re out of here. In fact, later in the journal Joseph says, I told him the devil was his god and I saw him out.  Bye bye Robert Matthews! Incredible exchange in Kirtland. Wild! But luckily he came because we get this First Vision account. So, did you get all that down? You will love them, they are marvelous (First Vision accounts).

He’s terrible with dates, you’re going to be find that right away. Joseph Smith is terrible with dates. What he’s emphasizing early on is obviously the redemptive quality of the vision, the personal quality. By 1838, when he gives the account in the Pearl of Great Price, it’s like his vision of the global significance of the vision, he’s emphasizing kind of the call of prophet element of it. But early on, it’s raw and personal to him, it’s about him and mercy in his own heart—it’s amazing, it’s so touching!

For a reminder of that, walk in front of the Joseph Smith statue, in the warmth, there’s a plaque there, Elder Eyring dedication, powerfully articulates the significance of the First Vision as a moment with the Atonement, and it would be a fitting end to class there.

* * * * *

Elder Eyring's Dedication

* * * * *

The Vision
A statue by Avard T. Fairbanks

"I would like to pay tribute to the artist, Avard Fairbanks, and make a wish for the way this statue should be viewed by those who come here. My tribute to Avard Fairbanks is for what he didn't show. One of the marks of great art is not what it portrays but what it suggests. There are other figures not sculpted here which I would like you to imagine with an eye of faith. God the Eternal Father and his Beloved Son Jesus Christ appeared to open this dispensation.

"From studying the various accounts of the First Vision, we learn that young Joseph went into the grove not only to learn which church he should join but also to obtain forgiveness for his sins—something he seems not to have understood how to do. And in more than one account the Lord addressed the young truth seeker and said, 'Joseph, my son, thy sins are forgiven thee.'

"I hope that as young people through the generations see this statue, they will realize that though the building is named for Joseph Smith, and though the statue portrays him, this piece of art represents that moment when Joseph learned there was a way for the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to be unlocked fully. Because of what Joseph saw and what began at this moment, the Savior was able, through this great and valiant servant and through others that He sent, to restore power and privilege. That power and privilege allows us, and all who will live, to have the benefit of Jesus Christ's Atonement work in our lives. Joseph Smith is looking up at the figures not shown.

"I testify to you that Jesus is the Christ. He lives. I know He lives. I know Joseph saw Him, and I know that because He lives and because Joseph looked up and saw Him and because He sent other messengers, you and I may have the thing that the Prophet Joseph wanted as he went to the grove: to know, not just to hope, that our sins can be washed away."

Definitions

Today on the drive up to LA, we got into a bit of a spiritual discussion. A question popped into my head that I haven't been able to fully answer, but I like the question: What's the difference between meekness and humility?

Classic Sheri Dew Quote

"Do you believe that the Savior will really do for you what He has said He will do? That He will give you strength and insight to deal with the challenges at hand? That He will lighten your burden and turn your weakness into strength? That He will heal your broken heart and fill you with hope? That He will renew your energy and help you forgive? That He will help you deal with disappointment and loneliness, and fill you with the sweet knowledge of how precious you are to Him? That He will help you resist your greatest temptation? That He will respond to your deepest hurt or longing and bless you with a spirit of good cheer, optimism, and faith? That He is the only source of comfort, strength, information, knowledge, and peace that will not change, will not move, will not betray you, and will never let you down?"

Sheri Dew, "No Doubt About It," p. 142-143

Christ-like Attitudes

My friend, Lyndsey, gave a talk in our singles ward today, and it was such a fantastic talk. She and I had been discussing her topic all week and it gave me so much to think about: "Developing Christ-like Attitudes Towards Others." One of the things that hit me this week that's never hit me before is this (and it partially proves that I'm an idiot to just clue into this now): Christ is the key to changing our attitudes towards others. (How did I miss this before?)

If I want to be kinder to people, if I want to think more lovingly of people, if I want to see others as He sees them, I need Christ. Yes, I can do my part, but initially and ultimately, I need Christ. I say initially very purposefully; Brother Fluhman always hated how people say, "I do all I can and THEN Christ helps me," as though we earn his grace and mercy, as though we do our part and then Christ's mercy kicks in. It doesn't work that way. His grace and mercy is helping us all along the way as we contribute whatever it is that we can. It's a partnership, not a I do this, and then He does this.

I'm so rambling, but I've had so many fun thoughts lately!

But the key for me to her topic had two parts that are very interconnected. One is Sheri Dew's point that our degree of conversion can be seen in how we treat others. Examples are plentiful in the scriptures where, when people come unto Christ and are forgiven of their sins, their thoughts immediately turn to the welfare of others. "When we turn our hearts over to the Lord, we instinctively open our hearts to others."

The second point is that we truly need to apply the Atonement in shaping our attitudes towards others. We can't do it properly or fully on our own; we can do a lot, to be sure, but I think to have the exhilarating, healthy and fulfilling relationships (I don't just mean romantic relationships here--I'm talking about all relationships) come best with His help, with an infusion of His love into us, so that we can see people as He sees them.

Does any of this make sense? I think it makes more sense conceptually in my head than on paper (uhhh . . . blogs), but it's been a fun pondering topic.

Lord, Increase My Faith

For the next little bit here, I'm going to need a major increase in my faith. I'm kind of dumbfounded a bit, and wondering, Okay, HOW do I increase my faith?

I'm thinking of the fantastic book by Elder Maxwell, "Lord, Increase Our Faith" where he uses Brigham Young's quote as a springboard for the whole book; the quote says that we must have "faith in [Jesus'] name, character and atonement . . . faith in his Father and in the plan of salvation." Elder Maxwell breaks each aspect of that quote into a chapter and delves into it deeper.

I'm definitely going to need to read this book in the next week or two to try and add to the strength of the foundation of my faith.

How does one increase his or her faith? How have you? Or how have you seen others' faith increase?