EPISODE 22 - JS-Matt 1_ Matt 24-25; Mark 12-13; Luke 21 - Dr. Avram Shannon

Podcast Overview

  • Title: To Follow Him - A weekly podcast dedicated to helping individuals and families with their Come Follow Me study.

  • Hosts: Hank Smith and John Bytheway.

  • Purpose: To learn and laugh together while studying the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Episode Introduction

  • Hosts introduce themselves: Hank Smith and John Bytheway.

  • Highlights the importance of individual talents, referencing the parable of the talents.

  • John shares his realization that "talents" originally referred to a monetary unit, not personal skills.

    • This prompts a discussion about the etymology of the term "talent" related to money.

Guest Introduction

  • The episode welcomes Dr. Avram Shannon.

  • Quick biography:

    • Born in Quantico, Virginia.

    • Missionary service in Oregon and Washington.

    • Educational background includes:

      • Bachelor's in Ancient Near Eastern studies from BYU.

      • Master's in Jewish studies from the University of Oxford.

      • PhD in Near Eastern languages and cultures from Ohio State University.

    • Areas of expertise: Rabbinic Judaism, ancient Mediterranean religions, Jewish studies, ancient biblical interpretation.

Discussion of Scriptures: Matthew 24 and 25

  • The prominent setting is Jesus’ Olivet Discourse, crucial for understanding Latter-day Saint (LDS) identity.

  • Jesus discusses the Second Coming, emphasizing the importance of being prepared.

  • Context provided as Jesus speaks on the Mount of Olives, reflecting on his second coming.

  • Jesse Smith translation (JST) adds clarity to Matthew 24’s context for Latter-day Saints.

Key Points of the Olivet Discourse

  • Relevance: Particularly impactful for early Latter-day Saints who believed they were preparing for the Second Coming.

  • Jesus’ prophetic teachings focus on both the destruction of the temple and His Second Coming.

  • Clarification of misunderstandings related to the end of the world; it is not an apocalypse but a time of reckoning.

Categories in JST Matthew 24

  • JST categorizes teachings directed towards the ancient audience (1-23) and those concerning the Second Coming (24 and onwards).

  • Emphasis on the phrase: "Take heed that no man deceive you."

Themes of Disruption and Awareness

  • The prophecy encompasses continual wars and struggles; the narrative illustrates that wars and rumors of wars are perpetual conditions.

  • Jesus urges listeners to maintain an eternal perspective, avoiding the routine management of daily life without contemplation of eternal significance.

Prophetic Responsibility

  • Jesus instructs His disciples to watch and be ready for His return, reinforcing that unexpected events highlight preparedness.

  • Chronicles the contrasting responses in times of calamity and suffering, focusing on compassionate outreach to others.

Examples of Historical Context

  • Early Christian reactions to the destruction of the temple in 70 AD provided insights into how latter-day revelation focused on ongoing relevance rather than solely historical context.

  • Connections to historical figures and events (e.g., Bar Kokhba revolts) serve as further evidence of prophetic fulfillment.

Joseph Smith's Role

  • Joseph Smith emphasized the importance of JST in understanding events related to the Second Coming, which became relevant soon after the Last Supper.

  • The translation’s implications for current believers include not treating Scriptures merely as a replacement but as a supplementary revelation expanding early Christian teachings.

Application to Modern Life

  • Scriptural prophecies apply to contemporary scenarios, encouraging proactive service and outreach.

  • Highlighting the essence of doing good, where true service to others mirrors service to God.

  • Testimonies and engagement with community are critical for understanding and preparing for the Second Coming.

Outcome and Invitation for Activeness

  • Listeners are encouraged to actively participate in their communities as an expression of faith.

  • Not wait passively for divine guidance but embody it through service, charity, and observance of moral teachings.

Final Thoughts

  • Emphasis on Jesus' teachings of love, service, and the urgency of preparation for his return.

  • Invitation to reflect on personal actions and community engagements that serve God.

Conclusion

  • Closing remarks from hosts and gratitude for audience involvement.

  • Highlights the overwhelming impact of the teachings and the importance of internalizing the scriptures and applying them to daily life.