EPISODE 10 - Matt. 8; Mark 2-4; Luke 7 - Dr. Joshua M. Sears

Podcast Introduction

  • Title: To Follow Him

  • Description: A weekly podcast dedicated to helping individuals and families with their Come Follow Me study.

  • Hosts: Hank Smith and John Bytheway.

    • Hank Smith: Host with a passion for learning and laughter.

    • John Bytheway: Co-host, known for his faithfulness and humor.

Episode Overview

  • Episode Title: "Thy Faith Hath Saved Thee"

  • Guests: Joshua Sears, a biblical expert.

    • Background:

    • Grew up in Southern California.

    • Served in the Chile Osorno Mission.

    • Education: Bachelor's in Ancient Near Eastern Studies from BYU, Master's from Ohio State University, and a PhD in Hebrew Bible from the University of Texas at Austin.

    • Research Interests: Israelite prophecy, ancient marriage and family, publication history of Latter-day Saint scripture.

    • Presents at: Society of Biblical Literature, BYU Campus Education Week, Sydney B. Sperry Symposium, Leonardo Museum Conference on the Dead Sea Scrolls.

    • Personal: Resides in Linden, Utah with his wife, Alice, and five children.

Scriptural Focus

  • Key Scriptures: Matthew 8, Mark 2 and 4, Luke 7.

  • Main Themes: Faith, healing, and the intertwining of these concepts in the context of Jesus's ministry.

Healing and Faith Interplay

  • Jesus as a healer is a recurring theme in the New Testament.

  • Faith is frequently emphasized in the biblical healing stories.

  • Importance of exploring the connection between desperate need for healing and faith in God.

Faith Throughout Challenging Times

  • Personal reflections: Many listeners may relate to the need for emotional or physical healing in their lives.

  • Exploration of stories that showcase struggles with healing and faith interplay in biblical accounts.

    • Healing is complex and not always straightforward; numerous biblical characters struggled to fully exercise trust in Jesus.

Missionary Experience Story - 2004

  • Context: Excitement around the release of "Preach My Gospel."

  • Mission President and the introduction of this new program - emotional connection made during the critical moment of change in missionary work.

  • Reflection on the significance of the first principle emphasizing God's loving nature and personal relationship with individuals.

  • Understanding that God's love should be central to our comprehension of scripture and teachings.

The Nature of God’s Love

  • Critical statement: The acknowledgment that God loves his children across nations, reflected in recent church proclamations from the First Presidency.

  • Importance of grasping God's love for deeper understanding during challenging times.

  • Recollection of Lehi’s proclaiming God’s goodness in the Book of Mormon amidst prophesies of destruction—indicative of a broader narrative context of divine mercy.

  • Recognition of the need to frame life experiences and suffering in a light of God's overarching love.

  • Discussion of properties of God as inherently loving rather than authoritarian.

The Centurion's Faith (Matthew 8)

  • Introduction: A notable account of a Roman centurion approaching Jesus with faith.

  • Centurion's plea for his servant, acknowledging Jesus's authority to heal without physical presence.

  • Jesus marvels at the centurion's faith, contrasts it with the limited faith of Israelite adherents.

  • Concept of the inclusion of the Gentiles and the upside-down nature of faith being more important than lineage or tradition in the kingdom of heaven.

  • The centurion's story serves as a modicum for faith that transcends traditional boundaries.

Widow of Nain (Luke 7)

  • Comparison: The story of the widow grieving her only son, contrasting the centurion's faith.

  • Portrayal of deep compassion from Jesus upon witnessing her plight (belonging to the marginalized).

  • Jesus proactively steps into her sorrow without prior request; he meets her in her suffering.

  • This story further emphasizes the inclusiveness of God's love and compassion for all, regardless of social status or background.

Stilling of the Storm (Mark 4, Matthew 8)

  • Overview: Jesus calms a fierce storm while being on a boat with his disciples.

  • Note: Comparison with previous stories; teaches the necessity of faith in recognizing and submitting to Jesus amid life's tempests while simultaneously being obedient to his call.

  • Matthew emphasizes the disciples' call to follow Jesus amidst tribulations and the cost of discipleship.

  • Elder Holland's perspective on being spiritually drained and the necessity of care for caregivers—a parallel drawn from Jesus’s actions.

Faith Amidst Turmoil

  • Emphasis on the interplay of faith and submission to God’s will.

  • A teaching moment: Being prepared for life’s storms through the lens of faith gives comfort.

Conclusion and Reflection

  • Personal stories shared from elder Bednar and a young couple grappling with terminal illness; emphasizes tenacity in the face of adversity.

  • The lesson of faith not being dependent solely on desired outcomes, but on trust in God’s timing and knowledge - essence of being strengthened through trials.

  • Connection back to previous sentiments regarding personal relationships with God amid suffering allowing room for healing.

  • Summary statement: Though there are storms of life, having faith leads towards comfort, peace, and ultimately understanding God’s great love and plan in the broader scheme of existence.