Christ and Gospel Study Guides

What is Jesus’s simple, two-word invitation that can change a life?

Follow Me

When Andrew and John’s other disciple asked Jesus where he dwelt, what was Jesus’s reply? (Hint: Philip says the same thing to Nathanael when he asks if anything good can come out of Nazareth)

Come and See

What did Jesus feel toward the rich young ruler who asked what he could do to inherit eternal life? (see Mark 10:21)

love, adoration

What does the Greek word euangelion mean?

Good news/ Good announcement. In the New Testament, it is specifically the good news of salvation through Christ.

What does Elder Holland say Jesus came to reveal to humanity through his words and deeds and love?

He came to show us who Heavenly Father is (how devoted he is to us, etc.)

If, as Kim Matheson teaches, “types are the marks left in history by the explosive force of God’s redemptive grace,” what is the anti-type, or the “main event” to which all biblical types point?

he anti-type is Jesus. His life and mission, which reshape all of history.

What is one of your favorite things you learned about God from the accounts of creation we studied in Genesis 1, Psalm 8, and D&C 59?

God was happy to give us the world and all it would include. He did not give it grudgingly or with spite; he gave it out of pure love and hope.

In Genesis 1, what does God say at the end of (almost) each day of creation? What does this teach you about God and about creation?

it was good

What does the Hebrew word Elohim, translated as God in the KJV, mean literally?

The Gods

What is one possible interpretation we considered in class about why it would say in Genesis 1 that Elohim [the Gods] created humanity in their image, male and female?

Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother

Fill in the blank from Psalm 8: “What is man [humanity] that thou art _______ of him [them]?”

Mindful

According to D&C 59:18-19, what human senses does God hope to engage through creation?

Sight, smell, taste, gladden the heart. The world is not just functional, it is beautiful and it pleases our senses

How does God feel about having given humanity all the gifts described in D&C 59:15-20?

It pleased Him.

1. How many of the families of the earth were supposed to be blessed through Abraham? Why is this remarkable in Abram’s cultural context?

1. All family, all tribes 

2. It was a tribe to bless all other tribes, rather than just their own tribe and their own self-preservation.

How old was Abraham when he first received covenantal promises from God?

75

What is going on with the cloven animals and the burning lamp that passed through them in Genesis 15? What is the point of this strange story?

1. This story was God showing Abraham that his promise had already been put into place. The idea is that if either party violates the covenant, their fate will be that of the butchered (cloven) animals. In this story, it is not Abraham who is walking between the cloven animals, it is the burning lamp - the representation of God.

2. God is saying “On MY life, I will follow through with my promises.”

How old was Abraham when God promised him Isaac would be born?

99

How would you describe the personalities of Isaac and Jacob?

1. Isaac - we don’t know a ton about Isaac, an affectionate, gentle soul, not the charisma of his father, Abraham.

2. Jacob - strong, stays firm in his beliefs, trickster, set in his ways, took advantage of situations even if it didn’t benefit others, romantic, big personality

Fill in the blank from Marilynne Robinson: “The very mingled characters in Genesis, in the fact of their flaws and errors, should give ____ to us all.”

Hope

Out of what does John the Baptist say God could raise up children unto Abraham? Why does he say this?

Out of stone. We are dust of the Earth and not particularly special. To humble us and help us recognize the greatness of God and Earth.

What does it mean to really be Israel today?

Repent and become more like God. Simply being baptised doesn’t mean you are actually of Israel. It is to bless all people.

What does Tikkun Olam mean, and what do you think it has to do with being Israel?

To repair the world.

What do you learn about the nature of God through the story of Moses and the burning bush?

God is loving, all-knowing, and all-powerful. He is confident and trustworthy when it comes to his aid and his promises. He is attentive to our suffering. He personally invites us to be liberated.

What are other possible translations of the Hebrew phrase ’Eyeh-’Asher-’Eyeh, which is translated in the KJV as “I Am That I Am”? Which is your favorite?

1. I will be who I will be or I am he who endures or he who brings all things into being

2. My favorite is “I am he who endures” because it shows that “enduring to the end” is not something God asks only us to do, or for us to do alone. He endures alongside us, for us.

What does the Jewish tradition of singing half-hallels teach you about the nature of God?

The tradition of singing half-hallel is to praise God. During the drowning of the Egyptians, God kept His angels from singing because He was mourning the loss of the Egyptians, even if it was necessary for the liberation of the oppressed.

How did the people initially respond to God’s invitation to become a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, to prepare themselves as a people to be in the presence of God? And then, how did the people respond when they saw the smoking mountain and heard the thunder and noise? (see Exodus 20:18-19)

The people wanted to meet God as well and started preparing themselves. But, then they got scared and told Moses to talk to God and then report back to them. They didn’t want to talk with God directly because they thought they would die. (“Let not God speak with us”)

How far is it from Sinai to the Promised Land? Why did it take 40 years for the Israelites to enter Canaan–did they just not know the way?

About 140 miles. They actually got there very quickly and sent spies in, and they saw giants, so they just wandered and didn’t inhabit. God let them and waited for them to be ready to enter (the next generation)

What compensatory blessings did the Israelites experience from God during their 40 year sojourn in the wilderness?

Manna, his presence, water, quails

In what ways is Jesus’s baptism a reenactment of the Exodus?

He fasted for 40 days as a remembrance of the 40 years they wandered.

What does it mean to you to “walk in newness of life” after the symbolic death of baptism?

I am walking through suffering while knowing that God loves us. We are walking the balance of suffering and grace.

What do the commandments have to do with the forging of a new identity for the newly delivered Israelites?

They help forge a unique national identity that is distinct from the cultures around them. An identity that shows that God cares about every detail of their life.

Which of the Ten Commandments feels refreshing and relevant to you?

You shall not covet, have other idols, or have other Gods. These all feel interconnected to the point that it seems repetitive to have three of the ten commandments this similar. But, it shows that this is often the foundations of all other sins. You commit adultery because you worship lust. You kill because you rationalize death through the aid of Satan. You don’t keep the Sabbath holy because you idolize watching tv, etc.

In what ways does Matthew depict Jesus as a new Moses?

They are both sojourners who helped lead people to liberation. Matthew constructs Jesus’ life into a Mount Sinai moment.

How would you describe the tone of Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount as it relates to tradition? Is it traditional or revolutionary or somewhere in between?

Life-changing. It helps us understand Christ’s character, which helps us work to become like Him. It is traditional in the sense that many sermons have been done, but revolutionary in the sense that it teaches us so much about Christ.

What feels especially surprising or refreshing to you in Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount or on the Plain?

He advocates for a life of solidarity, sensitivity, and nonviolence.

What is the central or guiding idea of Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount and parables?

CHANGE. Repent means to change you mind, change your mind of doing things.

Based on your reading of the Sermon on the Mount, what kind of people is Jesus trying to create to populate the Kingdom of Heaven?

The meek, the humble, the contrite. Those willing to submit to God and put aside their selfishness for the sake of helping and loving others.

How would you describe Jesus’s general attitude toward money and wealth accumulation?

It only warps people’s perceptions and distracts from our true purpose of being on Earth. It makes people care more about that wealth than about people, or about God. Money has no place in Heaven.

Why does Jesus’s injunction to “no thought for the morrow” and trust that God cares for us like lilies matter to you today? What do you think it actually looks like?

No thought for the morrow means not giving more time to possible evils and selfishness. Instead, trust God and the path He will lead you on. God cares for the lilies that grow instead of toil. He provides the way for us to grow. You live in the moment and God knows each moment. In each moment, we need to embody God.

What is the connection between the command to be perfect and the command to love our enemies? In what are we being invited to be perfect?

It is not weakness, it is the solution to the problem’s of the world. Loving enemies is difficult; God knows that. But through this, we are unlocking doors. I am not going to stoop to hatred and lowly things.

Which Gospel writer does not include any major parables? Which two have the most?

John tells almost no parables. The two most are in Matthew and Luke.

What is the basic subject of each of Jesus’s parables?

the kingdom of Heaven

Why do some commentators call the Kingdom of God “the Upside-down Kingdom”?

Instead of it being the rich or powerful on top, it is the meek and humble on top.

What does the Parable of the Sower teach you about the nature of God?

He wants everyone to have the opportunity to hear the word of God

What three potential lessons does Amy-Jill Levine suggest we might learn from the parable of the woman and the leaven?

1. Perhaps the parable speaks to the importance of extravagance and generosity. 

2. This perhaps shows that we adapt our lives to Christ in a way that others may think is foolish or wasteful.

3. Perhaps the parable brings attention to women and their connectedness with the sacred. 

   1. Perhaps it shows that the kingdom of Heaven is an everyday part of life, accessible to everyone, with food for all.

What do you learn about values from the parables of the treasure in the field, the pearl of great price, and the shrewd steward?

We must prepare to give up all the earthly, worldly things, to be a disciple and buy the kingdom of heaven.

What do you learn about who belongs in the kingdom of heaven from the parables of the wheat and the tares, the net, and the laborers in the vineyard?

Everyone belongs, especially the disadvantaged.

Why did Jews and Samaritans hate each other? How does this antipathy help us understand what the parable of the Good Samaritan is teaching about the way of the Kingdom of God?

They hate each other because they used to be family, but then turned their backs on each other. The way to the kingdom is to deny pride and death, and instead help our neighbors and enemies.

What was the most common messianic expectation in first century Judaism? What were people anticipating?

The most widespread messianic hope was for the Davidic Messiah, the coming king from David’s line to destroy Israel’s oppressors

What do the people call Jesus as they shout “Hosanna!” when he rides in triumph into Jerusalem at the end of his ministry?

Son of David

If David is called “a man after [God’s] own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14), what do you learn about the heart of God from David’s early stories?

Repentant, joyful, merciful

What does God promise David in the Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7)?

They will be given a land where there will be rest from their enemies. The throne of His kingdom will reign forever, and He will be merciful (hesed will not depart)

What stands out to you in President Nelson’s teachings about God’s covenantal love, hesed?

He will offer all opportunities to change and repent. He will never tire in his efforts to help us.

When Shimei curses David, how does David respond?

“Let him curse”, he grants forgiveness to Shimei.

When Absalom seeks to usurp David’s throne, how does David respond?

He still loves Absalom and asks that men will spare his life. And when Absalom is killed, he weeps.

When the angel Gabriel announces the coming of Jesus to Mary, what does he say “the Lord God shall give unto him”? (see Luke 1:31-33)

The throne of his father, David

How does the Davidic Covenant give you hope when life is messy or complicated or full of suffering? How is Christ the ultimate fulfillment of that hope?

We can always repent. We can always find our way back to God.

What did Ezekiel do with the three parts of his hair and beard that he shaved off? What did this symbolize?

Burns one third, chops one third with a sword, and one third he scatters. Symbolizes the destruction with the siege, destruction by the sword, and a big scattering of the people.

In what year did Babylon completely destroy Jerusalem?

587 BC

Why did the Babylonian exile cause a theological crisis for the covenant people? What did they wonder?

The exile is essentially the death of everything that gave identity to the life of Israel. “How could God, who chose us, abandon us?”

Why did the prophets indicate that the kingdom of Judah was destroyed and exiled?

Because of their wickedness.

Why does Elder Holland say God might allow bad things to come upon us?

Everything is fair, and everything we go through is for our good.

What is the prophetic arc? How does it always end?

The prophet’s job is to warn of the natural consequences of sin. Ends in hope and restoration.

What power phrases from Jeremiah, Isaiah, or Zephaniah would have given the exiled Jews hope? Which gives you hope?

1. Jeremiah - “I will hearken unto you”, “give you an expected end”

2. Isaiah - “thou art mine”, “so will I comfort you”

3. Zephaniah - “Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee”

What does Zephaniah say God will do “over” redeemed Israel? Why is that such a cool image?

He will joy over them with singing.

What kind of country do those who confess that they are strangers and pilgrims on the earth seek?

A better, heavenly country.

What are some distinctive features or emphases of the Gospel of Matthew vs Mark vs Luke

Matthew - He makes the most references to messianic prophecies. Most Jewish gospel, hyper-focused on the fulfillment of messianic prophecies.

Mark - Fast-paced, “straightway”,

Luke - Broad picture of everything that went on. Most educated of the gospel writers, most attuned to women, poor, and marginalized voices. Preaches Jesus as a universal God. Only one to give insight on Mary’s perspective.

What is a “fulfillment citation”?

This aspect of Jesus’ life fulfills this part of this prophecy

What is the “Messianic Secret” in Mark?

Who Christ is. He is waiting to reveal Himself and fulfill His ministry before he shows Himself as the Messiah.

Why are Matthew, Mark, and Luke called “the Synoptic Gospels”?

Synoptic - same view, shared vision.  Similarities in order, exact words.

To what does “Markan Priority” refer?

Mark is the least unique, most unpolished. Believed that he wrote his first, and that Matthew and Luke used his writings to write their own and refine them. Mark’s is the most preserved in the other writings.

What is the “two-source hypothesis,” and what does it seek to explain?

Believed that Matthew and Luke have Mark’s work as their first sources, and then they have a lot of shared sayings, etc., that may have come from another shared source (unknown, referenced as Q).

What are some distinctive features or emphases of the Gospel of John?

Super unique and distinct from the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, John). Divinity and humanity of Christ. Starts from the very beginning. Contains the most exalted Christology.

What do the seven “signs” or miracles in John’s Gospel reveal?

Each teaches something about the nature of Christ.

What have scholars and disciples historically called Mary’s song in Luke 1:46-55?

Mary’s Magnificat

What feels subversive, counter-cultural, or revolutionary in Mary’s song?

Toppling of the thrones, humiliations of the lords of this world, God putting people in their place

The word “mercy” shows up a lot in these verses (see 1:50, 54, 58, 72, 79). What Hebrew word does the Greek word for mercy, eleos, translate in the Septuagint (LXX)?

Hesed (loving kindness, affection)

According to Jesus’s Nazareth sermon in Luke 4:18-19, what is Jesus’s mission?

Preach the gospel, heal the brokenhearted, free the captives, recover sight, set to liberty the bruised

Which parts of Isaiah 61 does Jesus leave out of his reading? Which omission is most interesting to you?

The bruised. Comforting the mourning. The vengeance of God.

What do you learn about the heart of God from Jesus’s calling of Matthew and his regular custom of eating with publicans and sinners?

He does not discriminate or deny any of us the chance to follow him.

What do waters often represent in the biblical imagination? What does it teach you that Christ can calm the storms?

They represent chaos. Christ has power over chaos and can bring peace no matter that chaos.

What do most scholars call the poetic passage in Philippians 2:6-11? What do they think is its source?

The Christ Hymn. Believed that Paul is writing to the Philippians and takes an already existing hymn and incorporates it in.

How do other translations render the Greek word kenoo that is translated in the KJV as “made himself of no reputation” in the KJV? What do you learn about Christ through that translation?

Emptied himself. He emptied the glory to become mortal and serve.

What are the Greek words that are translated as “I Am” in English, and to what Hebrew source do they refer?

Ego Eimi, I am who I am.

What are Jesus’s seven “I Am” statements in John? Which is your favorite?

I am the bread of life. I am the light of the world. I am the door. I am the good shepherd. I am the resurrection and the life. I am the way, the truth, and the life. I am the true vine

Which Jewish festival was Jesus attending when he said, “I am the light of the world”? What cool connection did that festival have to light?

The feast of tabernacles. They have extravagant huge lamps so that the temple could be seen from the entire city.

What did Jesus use to heal the blind man? What lesson did Elder Holland derive from that?

Makes clay from his spit and anoints his eyes. God can bless us from whatever method he chooses. Our prayers can be answered in plain or convoluted ways.

What words does the formerly blind man use to describe Jesus? (see John 9:11, 17, 33, 38) What do you learn from this progression of understanding? 

A man, a prophet, of God

What is a sheepfold?

An enclosure where the sheep will go to stay protected and the shepherd will guard the door. “I am the Door”

What miraculous transition or transformation happens in verse 5 of Psalm 23? What do you learn from that?

As a sheep that followed the shepherd, the sheep became equal and a shepherd itself

What lesson does Elder Holland teach from the Spanish translation of the word “abide”?

Permanecer - to remain, to stay, permanence

When the children of Israel find themselves without water, what do they wish? What could thirst symbolize spiritually?

They wished for death. Symbolizes longing, yearning, need.

Fill in the blank from Numbers 20:11: “Moses . . . smote the rock twice: and the water came out __________.”

abundantly

What happens to the Dead Sea when the river Ezekiel sees coming from the temple mixes with it?

The dead sea becomes healed and lives.

How does the Samaritan woman’s recognition of Jesus deepen throughout their encounter? How is this similar and different to the blind man’s recognition we noted last time (see John 9)?

Jew to sir to prophet to the Christ. Recognizing Christ through more interaction with Him or through communicating with others about your experiences.

Why was water an important element of the Feast of Tabernacles?

Water was needed to grow their food, so at the Feast of Tabernacles, they would make sacrifices and prayers for the rain.

What did Jesus say at the Feast of Tabernacles would flow out of believers’ bellies? What do you think this could represent?

Rivers of living water. It represents Christ rewarding us for doing our part and coming to him.

According to Jeremiah 17:13, what might Jesus have been writing in the dust when the people brought him the woman taken in adultery?

“Those who turn away from you shall be written in the dust”

More than simply not throwing stones, what does Elder Renlund urge us to do?

Become stonecatchers

When Jesus teaches the disciples to pray for daily bread, what does the Greek word for daily, epiousios, signify?

Enough to sustain us, enough for the moment (trust in the continual grace of God rather than hoard)