Here are your flashcards based on the questions you provided:
Q: What does a temple represent?
A:
Presence of God in our midst
Covenant—place of Covenant between God and Man
Worship—covenant, sacrifice, offerings, prayer, song (psalms), praise
Knowledge—learn man’s place in the cosmos and relationship to God
Blessing—revelation, Holy Spirit, ask in prayer for needs
Q: What is the concept of sacred space? How does the temple function in terms of sacred space?
A:
Sacred Space: Set apart from the world / sanctified
Holy Place: Fit for the presence of God and the Holy Spirit
Anciently: Temple courts, rules
Modern: Setting (hill, surroundings), recommendations
Q: What is the concept of sacred time? How does the temple function in terms of sacred time?
A:
Sacred Time: Consecrate time to God/service
Holy Days: Sabbaths, Festivals (Passover, Tabernacles, Pentecost, etc)
Time for Worship: Time given to worship
Q: What is the purpose of sacrifice?
A:
Similitude of Savior
Offer our Best to God
Ancient Process of Repentance
Willing Heart: Avoid materialism
Q: Why do we have symbolism and ritual related to the temple?
A:
Symbolism:
Transcends time
Teaching tool / levels of learning
Ritual:
Allows us to participate
Platform to repeat covenants and ordinances
Structure to provide uniformity
Q: Who functioned in the temple? What is a proxy?
A:
Anciently: High priest and priests
Now: For ourselves but proxies for the dead
Proxy: One who performs ordinances on behalf of someone else
Q: What is the difference between hieron and naos (the Greek terms for temple)?
A:
Hieron: Temple sanctuary courts or precincts
Naos: “House” or holy place, the temple itself
Q: Did Jesus function in the temple during his ministry?
A:
Levitical Priesthood: The temple functioned under the Law of Moses
Jesus: Not of the tribe of Levi or family line of Aaron, so He did not officiate in the temple
Q: Can you relate three episodes of Jesus at the temple?
A:
Born: Jesus was presented at the temple
Teaching: Jesus taught the elders in the temple
Simeon and Anna: They recognized Jesus as the Messiah at the temple
Q: What did Jesus prophesy concerning the temple?
A:
Matthew 21:12-15: Jesus was angry because people were selling things in the temple on the Sabbath
Matthew 24:2: Jesus prophesied the destruction of the temple
Q: Who was John the Evangelist and where was he banished to? What did John write?
A:
John: A Jewish apostle, part of Jesus' inner circle
Banishment: Isle of Patmos
Writings: Gospel of John, Epistles
Q: How is John’s gospel different from Matthew, Mark, and Luke? Who was his target audience and how much of John’s gospel is unique material?
A:
Unique: 92% different from other gospels
Audience: Targeted more toward a broader audience
Distinctive Characteristics/Themes in John:
Doctrine
Symbols, Titles, Metaphors
Relationships
Contrasts (light/darkness, truth/error, good/evil, God/Satan)
Light, Life, and Love
Signs and Glory
Q: Know the division of the Book of John for class.
A:
John 1-12: Book of Signs
John 13-21: Book of Glory
Q: Be able to explain the meaning of each of the ten titles of Jesus in John 1.
A:
Doctrine
Symbols, Titles, Metaphors
Relationships
Contrasts: Light/darkness, truth/error, good/evil
Light, Life, and Love
Signs and Glory
Q: What does “Logos” mean and how does it relate to Christ? What is the JST clarification for John 1:1?
A:
Logos: "Word" = Jesus = Gospel
JST clarification: The Word was with God, and the Word was God
In the beginning: Refers to God’s eternal nature
Jesus as Creator: John 1:3, 10
Q: What does the “darkness” refer to in John 1:4-5?
A:
Darkness: The rejection and ignorance of Christ
True Light: Refers to Jesus, who enlightens everyone (Light of Christ)
John 1:6-8: Refers to John the Baptist as the witness to the light
Darkness cannot stand before the light of Christ
Q: What is the process by which we become children of Christ as described by John 1:12?
A:
Believe on His name
Be part of His fullness
Q: What Old Testament image is referred to by the word “dwelt among us” in John 1:14? What is “His fullness” (JST clarification for 1:16)?
A:
“Dwelt among us”: Refers to God’s presence with His people, like the tabernacle in the Old Testament
“His fullness”: Refers to the complete grace and truth that Christ brings to humanity
Q: What is the JST clarification for John 1:18?
A:
JST 1:18 clarification: Christ, the only begotten Son, reveals God’s nature to us
John 1:19-29: The "mini gospel"—Explains creation, life, light, and salvation through Christ
Q: What do we learn about Andrew, Simon, Philip, and Nathanael in John 1?
A:
Andrew: Introduced Simon (Peter) to Jesus
Simon: Given the name Peter
Philip: Asked Nathanael to follow Jesus
Nathanael: Initially skeptical about Jesus from Nazareth, but later recognizes Him as the Son of God
Q: What is a sign? Why does John include them in his gospel? (See John 20:30-31)
A:
Sign: A divine manifestation of power and glory
Purpose: John includes signs to help people believe in Jesus and have eternal life
Examples of Signs in John:
Water to wine
Nobleman’s son healed
Healing at the Pool of Bethesda
Jesus can heal through the power of His Word
Q: What are the symbols in the story of the Water to Wine at Cana (John 2:1-11)? Why is marriage connected with the OT and wine with the Messiah?
A:
Water to Wine Story:
No wine at the wedding
Mary’s request: “My hour hath not yet come”
Marriage: Covenant metaphor (Marriage = relationship with God)
Stone pots: Old Law (Purification)
Wine: New Covenant, Blood of the Savior
Meal/Banquet: Table fellowship, invitation to the covenant
Q: How does John use “misunderstanding” to help us understand the stories? (John 2:13-25)
A:
Misunderstanding: John often shows how people misunderstand Jesus, and then reveals the true meaning
Example:
Jesus cleanses the temple, saying, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."
People think He’s talking about the physical temple, but He means His body
Q: Who is Nicodemus (John 3:1-36; see also 7:50; 19:39)? What is the misunderstanding?
A:
Nicodemus: A ruler of the Jews who came to Jesus at night
Misunderstanding: “How can a man be born again when he’s old?”
Born of Water, Spirit, and Blood:
Water: Baptism
Spirit: The Holy Ghost
Blood: Christ’s Atonement
Justification: Pardoned of sin
Sanctification: Cleansed and made holy
Q: How does the Book of Mormon help us understand the process of being born again? (Give 3 of the 7 steps listed.)
A:
Steps to Being Born Again:
Put off the natural man, follow the Spirit (Mosiah 3:19)
Believe in Christ and experience a “mighty change” in heart (Mosiah 5:2)
Spiritually begotten of Christ through faith in His name (Mosiah 5:7)
Brazen Serpent: Represents Christ and the need to look to Him for healing (John 3:14-16; Num. 21:4-9)
Q: Where does Jesus meet the Samaritan woman (John 4:1-42)? What is the misunderstanding?
A:
Location: At a well in Samaria
Misunderstanding: She is surprised because Jews don’t talk to Samaritans
Doctrine: Jesus offers "living water" (eternal life)
Water as Metaphor: Symbolizes spiritual nourishment and salvation
Jesus Reveals Himself: “I that speak unto thee am He” (Jesus as the Messiah)
People's Response: The Samaritans believe in Jesus as the Messiah
Q: Why is the man waiting by the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-47)? What do we learn from this story about Jesus and His relationship to the Sabbath?
A:
Man by the Pool: Waiting for healing, as the pool was believed to heal when stirred by an angel
Healing on the Sabbath: Jesus tells him to pick up his bed and walk on the Sabbath, showing His authority over the law
What does it mean to be made whole?:
Whole = Healed in body and spirit
D&C 76: Describes the three kingdoms of glory, showing the eternal nature of healing and salvation
Q: What is the significance of each of the seven “I am” titles in the Gospel of John? What is the significance of "I AM" in John 8:58?
A:
I am the bread of life (6:35, 51): Jesus miraculously feeds the 5,000, symbolizing spiritual nourishment
I am the light of the world (8:12): Jesus brings light in the Feast of Tabernacles
I am the sheep gate / door of the sheep (10:7, 9): Jesus is the entryway for salvation
I am the good shepherd (10:11, 14): Jesus cares for and sacrifices for His followers
I am the resurrection and the life (11:25): Jesus has power over life and death, declared during the raising of Lazarus
I am the way, the truth, and the life (14:6): Jesus as the path to God
I am the true vine (15:1, 5): Jesus is the source of spiritual life and strength
"I AM" (8:58): Refers to God's eternal existence; "I AM THAT I AM" (Yahweh) symbolizes God's self-existence and divinity
Q: Why is the setting of the Passover important to the episode of the feeding of the 5,000? What does bread represent? What did manna represent?
A:
Passover Setting: The feeding of the 5,000 connects to Passover, symbolizing God’s provision
Bread: Represents Jesus’ body and the spiritual nourishment He provides
Manna: Food provided by God during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness
Jesus and Manna: Jesus is like manna because He sustains life spiritually and physically, but He is the true, eternal nourishment
Leftover Baskets: 12 baskets of leftovers (John 6:12-13), representing God's abundance
Jewish Response: The people seek Jesus for more physical sustenance (John 6:15, 26, 30-31)
Q: How is John 6:51-58 related to the sacrament? What is the misunderstanding in this passage?
A:
Sacrament Connection: Jesus’ declaration about eating His flesh and drinking His blood symbolizes the sacrament
Misunderstanding: The people are confused, thinking Jesus means to eat His physical flesh, but He is speaking symbolically about partaking in His life through faith
Wilderness Parallel: Like the Israelites in the wilderness who rejected God’s provision (manna), those who reject Jesus' offer of spiritual sustenance will not have life
Walking on Water: Represents Jesus’ power over nature, symbolizing trust in Him and His control over fear
Q: Review symbolism and meaning of the Feast of Tabernacles in John 7-8. What symbols are used by Jesus?
A:
Feast of Tabernacles: Celebrates God’s provision during Israel’s wilderness journey
Symbols of Tabernacles:
Water: Jesus offers "living water" as a symbol of eternal life (John 7:37-39)
Light: Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12)
Living Water Fulfilled: Jesus’ side is pierced, and both water and blood come out, symbolizing the outpouring of life (John 19:34)
Q: What is the response of the Pharisees when Jesus asks who will condemn the adulterous woman (John 8:1-11)?
A:
Pharisees' Response: They are convicted of their own sin and leave one by one when Jesus challenges them, "He who is without sin, let him cast the first stone."
Meaning: Jesus offers forgiveness and a chance for repentance, symbolizing the offer of living water and redemption
Q: What is the relationship between sin and physical/spiritual blindness in John 9?
A:
Physical Blindness: Not caused by sin, but part of God's plan for showing His power (John 9:3)
Spiritual Blindness: Jesus is the light of the world, revealing truth and guiding those who are spiritually blind (John 9:35-41)
Parents' Fear: They fear being cast out of the synagogue for acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah (John 9:22)
Being "put out of the synagogue": Means being excommunicated or rejected by the religious community
Jesus Reveals Himself: He reveals His divinity to the blind man, and the man believes in Him as the Son of God (John 9:35-38)
Q: What are “good” shepherds like? How does Jesus compare to “bad” shepherds in John 10?
A:
Good Shepherds: They care for and protect their sheep, even to the point of laying down their lives
Ezekiel’s Prophecy: Good shepherds feed, gather, and protect the flock (Ezekiel 34:2, 5, 8, 11-13, 15, 23)
Jesus vs. Bad Shepherds: Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, contrasts with the bad shepherds who neglect or harm the flock
Jesus’ Actions:
He is the door (John 10:7, 9): The only way to salvation
He is willing to lay down His life for the sheep (John 10:11-17)
Lost Sheep: Refers to the lost tribes of Israel, whom Jesus came to gather (John 10:16; 3 Nephi 15:21-24)
Feast of Dedication: The Good Shepherd sermon happens during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah), when Israel remembers their restoration of the temple
Attempted Stoning: The Jews attempt to stone Jesus because He declares, "I and the Father are one" (John 10:30-39), claiming divinity
Q: What is the significance of the story of Lazarus in John 11, and how does it fit as the end of the Book of Signs and foreshadow the Book of Glory?
A:
Key Passages in John 11:
11:4: Jesus says that Lazarus’ sickness will not end in death, but for the glory of God.
11:6: Jesus waits two days before going to Lazarus, signifying the purpose of His delay in showing God's glory.
11:17: Lazarus is dead, demonstrating Jesus’ power over death.
11:25-27: Jesus declares He is the resurrection and the life; those who believe in Him will never die.
11:35-36: Jesus weeps, showing His compassion for humanity.
11:41-43: Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, demonstrating His divine power.
11:49-51: Irony: Caiaphas prophesies that one man (Jesus) must die for the people, which ironically refers to the very event leading to Jesus' crucifixion, orchestrated by God's will.
Significance: The story marks the transition from Jesus’ signs to His glory, showing His divine authority over life and death, foreshadowing His own resurrection.
Q: Why did Mary anoint Jesus in John 12:3-7, and what did the chief priests do in response to Jesus' miracles?
A:
Mary Anointing Jesus (12:3, 7):
Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume as an act of love and preparation for His burial. Jesus accepts the act, explaining that she is anointing Him for the day of His burial.
The act symbolizes devotion and foreshadows Jesus' death.
Witness of Jesus (12:27-30):
Jesus declares that His "hour" has come, and a voice from heaven affirms His identity. Some crowd members witness this, but others remain skeptical.
Chief Priests (12:42-43):
While some of the chief priests believed in Jesus, they refused to confess Him because they feared being ostracized by the Pharisees and losing their status. Their love for human praise overshadowed their potential faith in Jesus.
Q: What does the ordinance of washing of feet represent in John 13, and why was it significant for Peter to learn this lesson?
A:
Washing of Feet (13:5-9, 14-15):
Jesus washes His disciples’ feet as a sign of humility and service. It demonstrates that followers of Christ must serve others selflessly.
Joseph Smith and the School of the Prophets: Joseph Smith performed this ordinance to teach humility and foster unity among Church members.
Peter's Lesson (13:14-15, 36-38):
Jesus insists that Peter allow Him to wash his feet to learn the principle of service. Peter initially resists but then accepts.
Jesus explains that this washing symbolizes cleansing and the need for service among His followers.
The New Commandment (13:34-35): Jesus commands His followers to love one another as He has loved them, and by this, others will know they are His disciples.
Peter's Denial (13:36-38): Peter is warned he will deny Jesus three times before the rooster crows, emphasizing the need for humility and faithfulness.
Q: What do we learn about Judas in John 13:26-30?
A:
Judas' Betrayal (13:26-30):
Jesus identifies Judas as the one who will betray Him by dipping the bread and handing it to Judas. Despite knowing this, Jesus shows mercy and does not immediately cast him out.
Judas' Departure (13:30): After receiving the bread, Judas leaves to betray Jesus. His actions fulfill the prophecy of betrayal, marking the beginning of the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion.
Significance: Judas’ betrayal is an essential part of God’s plan for Jesus to atone for mankind’s sins, but it also highlights the tragic consequences of choosing to reject Christ.
Q: What do the metaphors in John 14:1-3 represent, and what do the "I am" titles in John 14:6 suggest?
A:
John 14:1-3 (Metaphor of the Mansion):
Jesus tells His disciples that He is preparing a place for them in His Father’s house (symbolizing the Kingdom of God), offering hope and reassurance that they will be with Him forever.
This metaphor represents eternal life and the fulfillment of God’s promises to believers.
John 14:6 (The "I am" Titles):
"I am the way": Jesus is the only path to salvation.
"I am the truth": Jesus is the embodiment of divine truth.
"I am the life": Jesus gives eternal life to those who believe in Him.
First and Second Comforters (14:15-31):
The First Comforter is Christ Himself, offering peace and guidance.
The Second Comforter refers to the Holy Ghost, sent after Jesus' ascension to continue guiding and comforting believers.
D&C 130:3 and John 14:23:
D&C 130:3 states that God is in the heavens, with a body of flesh and bones, clarifying that the Father can dwell with those who are faithful through the Holy Spirit. John 14:23 emphasizes the Father and Son’s presence in the lives of faithful believers through the Spirit.
Q: What is the "I am" title in John 15, and how does it suggest the meaning of the relationship? How do we show our love for God and Christ?
A:
"I am the true vine" (15:1-8):
Jesus is the vine, and His followers are the branches. The relationship is one of dependence—just as branches cannot bear fruit without the vine, believers cannot bear fruit without Christ.
Fruit-bearing: To bear fruit means to live a life that reflects Christ’s teachings, showing love, kindness, and obedience.
Showing Love for God and Christ (15:9-19):
We show love for Christ by keeping His commandments and following His example.
Jesus emphasizes the commandment to love one another as He has loved us.
Being a "Friend" of Christ (15:14-17, D&C 84:77, Isaiah 41:8):
To be a friend of Christ means to follow Him and keep His commandments, making His will a priority.
D&C 84:77 and Isaiah 41:8 show that God calls His followers "friends" when they are obedient and fulfill His purposes.
Greatest Thing a Friend Can Do:
The greatest act of friendship is to lay down one’s life for others (John 15:13), just as Christ did for humanity.
Q: What is the relationship between Jesus leaving and the Holy Ghost in John 16:5-7? What new principle about prayer is taught here (16:23)?
A:
Jesus Leaving and the Holy Ghost (16:5-7):
Jesus tells His disciples that His departure is necessary for the Comforter (the Holy Ghost) to come. The Holy Ghost will guide, teach, and comfort them, continuing Jesus’ work after His ascension.
The coming of the Holy Ghost will allow believers to have a personal relationship with God, even in Jesus’ physical absence.
Principle of Prayer (16:23):
Jesus teaches that after His departure, believers can pray directly to the Father in His name, and their prayers will be answered. This represents a new level of access to God and a deeper personal relationship through prayer.
Q: Why is John 17 called the Great Intercessory Prayer? What are three things Jesus prays for in behalf of His disciples and/or believers?
A:
Intercessory Prayer:
An intercessory prayer is one where someone prays on behalf of others. Jesus intercedes for His disciples and all believers, asking the Father to bless them.
Three Requests in John 17:
For Protection (17:11): Jesus asks the Father to protect His disciples from the evil one and keep them united.
For Sanctification (17:17): Jesus prays that His disciples be sanctified (made holy) by truth, which is the Word of God.
For Unity (17:20-23): Jesus prays for the unity of all believers, that they may be one with the Father and the Son, reflecting the unity in the Godhead.
Q: How does Jesus define eternal life in John 17:3? How do these verses help us understand the concept of being one with the Father and the Son?
A:
Eternal Life Defined (17:3):
Eternal life is knowing God the Father and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent. It is more than just living forever; it is about having a relationship with God and living in His presence.
Being One with the Father and the Son (17:11, 20-23):
Jesus prays for believers to be united with God in the same way that He is united with the Father. This oneness means unity in purpose, love, and mission. Believers are called to reflect this unity in their relationships with one another and with God.
Q: How does the Last Supper in the Gospel of John differ from the accounts in Matthew, Mark, and Luke?
A:
Differences in John’s Account:
In John, the Last Supper is not described in detail, and there is no mention of the institution of the sacrament (bread and wine). Instead, John emphasizes Jesus washing the disciples' feet (John 13) and His teachings during the meal (John 14-17).
John’s Gospel also contains a long farewell discourse, focusing on the relationships between Jesus, the Father, and His disciples.
The focus in John is on Jesus’ spiritual preparation for His departure and the new commandments He gives to His followers.
Q: How does Jesus respond to the band of men at His arrest in John 18:4-8? Why do the Jews want the Romans involved in the judgment of Jesus (18:28-38)?
A:
Jesus at His Arrest (18:4-8):
When the soldiers come to arrest Jesus, He steps forward and asks, “Who are you looking for?” When they say, “Jesus of Nazareth,” He responds, “I am He,” and the guards fall back. This shows His divine authority, even in the moment of His arrest.
Jesus tells the soldiers to let His disciples go, showing His care for them and fulfilling His mission.
Jews Wanting Roman Involvement (18:28-38):
The Jewish leaders want Jesus to be tried and sentenced by the Romans because they do not have the authority to execute anyone under Roman rule. They want Jesus condemned for blasphemy but need Pilate to carry out the death sentence.
Q: How does Jesus respond to Pilate’s question, “Art thou a king then?” in John 18:37-38, and what does Pilate say in return?
A:
Jesus’ Response (18:37):
Jesus responds, “Thou sayest that I am a king,” and explains that His kingdom is not of this world. His kingdom is spiritual, not political or worldly. Jesus affirms His divine kingship but clarifies that His mission is to bear witness to the truth.
Pilate’s Response (18:38):
Pilate asks, “What is truth?” showing his skepticism and confusion about the nature of Jesus’ kingship and message. Pilate struggles to understand the spiritual nature of Jesus’ mission.
Q: What do the soldiers do to Jesus in John 19:1-3? What is the motive of the Jewish leaders and Pilate regarding the death of Jesus in John 19:12, and what is ironic about the statement in John 19:15?
A:
What the Soldiers Do (19:1-3):
The soldiers mock Jesus, putting a crown of thorns on His head, dressing Him in a purple robe, and saluting Him as “King of the Jews.” They beat Him and humiliate Him.
Motive of Jewish Leaders and Pilate (19:12):
The Jewish leaders want Jesus crucified because they see Him as a threat to their authority. Pilate is motivated by pressure from the crowd and his desire to maintain peace with the Jewish leaders.
Irony in John 19:15:
The crowd shouts, “We have no king but Caesar!” This is ironic because, just days earlier, they had hailed Jesus as King during His triumphal entry. Now, they reject Him in favor of the Roman emperor, showing their rejection of Christ and His kingship.
Q: What is meant by the term “Eternal Life” in John 17:3?
A:
Eternal Life: It refers to the type of life that only Christ can give, which is knowing God and His Son, Jesus Christ. This "knowing" is a relational, ongoing process of understanding and experiencing God.
John 17:3: "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."
Eternal life is not just living forever but involves a personal relationship with God, gained through experience and the continual process of coming to know Him.
Q: What type of knowledge is suggested by the word “know” in John 17:3?
A:
Knowledge by Experience and Discernment: The word "know" in John 17:3 implies more than intellectual understanding—it refers to experiential knowledge gained through relationship, discernment, and continued growth in understanding.
Present Tense: The word "know" is in the present tense, meaning it is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. The process of coming to know God is continuous and dynamic, becoming eternal life itself as we draw closer to Him.
Q: What is written on the sign placed on the cross, and why is it ironic? (John 19:19-22)
A:
The Sign: "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews" (INRI).
Irony: The sign was meant to mock Jesus' claim to be King, but it ironically declares the truth of His kingship. Jesus is the true King, but His kingship is spiritual, not political.
Q: Review the seven last sayings of Jesus from the cross. To whom are they directed, and what is their significance?
A:
"Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."
Directed to the Father. Significance: Jesus asks for forgiveness for those crucifying Him.
"Today shalt thou be with me in paradise."
Directed to the thief on the cross. Significance: A promise of salvation to a repentant sinner.
"Woman, behold thy son! Behold thy mother!"
Directed to Mary and John. Significance: Jesus ensures His mother's care after His death.
"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"
Directed to the Father. Significance: Expression of feeling abandoned, fulfilling prophecy (Psalm 22).
"I thirst."
Directed to those present. Significance: Shows His physical suffering.
"It is finished."
Directed to the world. Significance: Jesus completes His mission of salvation.
"Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit."
Directed to the Father. Significance: Jesus surrenders His spirit, fulfilling His mission and trust in God.
Q: Who prepared and buried Jesus? Who were the first three to go to the tomb in John’s Gospel? Who is the first witness of the resurrection?
A:
Burial: Jesus was prepared and buried by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus (John 19:38-41).
First Three to the Tomb: Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John (John 20:1-2, 4).
First Witness of the Resurrection: Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18).
Mary Magdalene is the first person to see the risen Christ and recognizes Him after He calls her name.
JST (Joseph Smith Translation) helps clarify when Jesus says, "Touch me not," meaning "Do not hold on to me" because He has not ascended yet (John 20:17).
Q: What did Jesus do and say in His first post-resurrection appearance to the disciples? (John 20:19-23)
A:
First Post-Resurrection Appearance:
Jesus appeared to the disciples who were gathered in fear. He greeted them with peace.
John 20:22: Jesus breathed on them and said, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost," giving them authority and the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The ten apostles (not Thomas or Judas) were present at this appearance.
Q: What can we learn from Thomas? (John 20:24-29)
A:
Thomas’ Doubt: Thomas doubted the resurrection and said he would not believe until he saw the wounds in Jesus' hands.
Jesus’ Response: Jesus shows His wounds to Thomas and invites him to touch them, challenging Thomas to believe.
Lesson: Faith is not based on seeing, but on believing. Jesus says, “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."
Q: Why does John focus on signs? (John 20:30-31)
A:
Purpose of Signs: John focuses on signs (miracles) as a way to demonstrate that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
John 20:31: These signs are written so that readers may believe that Jesus is the Messiah and, by believing, have eternal life in His name.
Q: Where are the disciples when Jesus comes to them in John 21? Relate the events, especially regarding Peter. Why does Jesus question Peter three times, and what does He want Peter to do?
A:
Location: The disciples are fishing on the Sea of Tiberias.
Peter’s Three Responses:
Jesus asks Peter three times, "Do you love me?" Each response parallels Peter's three denials of Christ before His crucifixion.
Jesus’ repeated questions give Peter the chance to demonstrate his love and repentance.
Command: Jesus tells Peter to "Feed my sheep," meaning he is to care for and lead the followers of Christ.
Difference in the Three Encounters: Each time Jesus asks Peter to "Feed my sheep," it signifies a deeper commitment to care for Christ’s followers, teaching responsibility in leadership.
Prophecy of Peter’s Death: Jesus foretells that Peter will die a martyr’s death, symbolizing his complete dedication to Christ (John 21:18).
Q: What do LDS realize these verses mean about John? (John 21:20-25 and D&C 7)
A:
John’s Role: According to John 21:20-25 and D&C 7, John is prophesied to live until the second coming of Christ.
D&C 7: This reveals that John, like the other disciples, was given a special mission and was granted the promise of living until the return of Christ. This passage connects John's role as a witness to Christ with his unique prophetic calling.