On the Road to Emmaus

Luke 24:13–35. The Two Disciples on the Road to Emmaus

Review Luke 24:13–35 and read the Bible Dictionary entry for “Messiah” (p. 731).

1. Luke 24:17–21 recounts how two disciples were sad because they had hoped Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah who would redeem Israel, but He had been crucified. According to the Bible Dictionary entry for “Messiah,” what kind of a deliverer were many Jews looking for? 

They were looking for a powerful Messiah that would help them be freed from Roman power, basically a leader of an army or someone who could deliver them physically instead of spiritually.

1. How could this expectation make it difficult for some Jews to accept the idea that the Messiah would suffer and die? 

In their minds they were thinking of someone who would probably fight for them and conquer all and wouldnt be held down by any human force and therefore not die.

1. According to the Bible Dictionary entry for “Messiah,” what did the faithful realize about the scriptural prophesies of the Messiah? 

They were able to see that he was the true prophet, priest and king, that he was the son of God who would suffer and die for them.

1. In Luke 24:26, the risen Savior explained to the two disciples that the Messiah was meant to have suffered and died; and then “beginning at Moses and all the prophets [the scriptures of the Old Testament], he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27; see also vv. 44–45). Use the Bible Topical Guide under the entry “Jesus Christ, Prophecies about” (p. 252) to find several references from the Old Testament that might have helped the two disciples understand that Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of the prophecies about the Messiah. Include a brief summary about what is taught in several of those references in your response.

Psalms 22:16- they pierced my hands and my feet

Isaiah 53:5- he was wounded for our transgressions

Psalms 2:7- Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee

Isaiah 25:9- this is our God, we have waited for him

I think the parts that could have helped them the most is where it teaches them that He is the son of God, and therefore He is more then just a prophet he is their Messiah. That he came to earth not only to free them from the Roman Empire but to also suffer for their sins. That he would be wounded but that the grave would hold no victory over him.

1. In 150-200 words, summarize another scriptural passage that teaches the principles found in Luke 24:13-35.l 

In Hosea 13:14 it says- I will ransom them from the power of the grave, I will redeem them from death.

This is showing that Jesus Christ had more of a mission than simply helping one nation becoming free from the power of others. His great mission was to come to the earth and suffer for the sins of each and every human that ever had lived, was living or would live. This was an incredible mission that surpassed all others ever had before. It extended from the eternities to all eternity. What was wonderful also about the savior is that because of him conquering death then all of us will have the chance to be resurrected. The Savior broke the bonds of death. if he hadn't done that we would be miserable unable to progress. With Heavenly father's plan we were sent to this earth so we could gain a body, gain experience and then return to him. Without Jesus Christ this would be impossible for anyone to obtain. Only Jesus Christ was perfect enough to take up his own life again. Therefore his sacrifice was something above all. 

1. Share what you have learned with a friend/relative/other, and write a summary of your discussion.

My room mate and I talked about how the apostles weren't able to recognize it was the Savior even though they had felt the spirit. We talked about how sometimes we are always feeling the spirit and therefore we may not recognize it (maybe until it is gone) but that at other times we feel it more strongly.

We learn line upon line, the Lord will bless us when we serve him, not judging others

One of the greatest principles I enjoyed learning was about how we learn line upon line. Luke 2:52. Almost everything that has been occurring in my life through the gospel has been strengthening my testimony. Sometimes we want great miraculous events to occur when the true miracles and testimony builders come in the smaller day to day activities. Something I am really grateful for are all the preparations I was able to make in my life to have the testimony I had today. Something great about the Gospel is that we are literally always able to learn more. When we are in primary we were taught through simple means such as prayer, and songs, and that faith was able to be built throughout our lives. This principle was something that I had thought of before but really stood out to me in this class, because it also applied to this video clip of the church about revelation and how sometimes we don’t receive answers right away but it can come as a sun rising slowly and gradually as we receive answers. This was really key to me because during this semester I was struggling to decide what I should switch my major to, and the more I thought about it the more worried I was when I wasn't receiving an answer. I continued to try to pray and receive the answer but it didn't seem like anything was happening. Then my friend Kyrk explained to me that sometimes revelation doesn't come as the light switch, or the rising sun, but it can come as you are in a fog and you need to take a step forward into the darkness. As I was pondering on this I decided on a major just because it was something I felt good about and thought I would enjoy, I then told my dad my decision and he said that it was absolutely fine and that I could do anything I wanted to do. This was a really interesting experience for me because it made me realize that like unto my earthy father sometimes our Heavenly Father really does just want us to be able to choose.

Another of my favorite principles to learn about in the class was that when we sacrifice for the Lord he will always bless us above and beyond anything we sacrificed. ( Matthew 19:29- everyone that has forsake houses or brethren, or sisters...for my name sake shall receive an hundred fold.)  One of my favorite examples from the scriptures about this topic is Job. Because he was greatly blessed of the Lord but later as the adversary was tempting him he lost all his possessions, health and family. Instead of mourning and crying against our Father in Heaven he continued faithful trusting in the Lord. He then was blessed in an increasingly large amount because he chose to trust the Lord in all things. He said that as the Lord giveth he can also take away. That can be applied to us in our lives when we feel like we are sacrificing things for the Lord or His gospel. As an example the Lord has given us everything we have and are blessed with, and to demonstrate our love for Him he requires 10% in return. We need to realize that first of all the 10% was already from the Lord, and that when we trust Him He will bless us so much more then we could possibly give in return. This includes when we leave home to serve missions, the Lord will continuously bless us.

The last principle I thought was important to focus on was that we should'nt Judge others. As it states in John 7:24- Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgement. Something that is really important to know is that first of all we are imperfect and therefore don’t have the right to make any judgments. Only Heavenly father and Jesus Christ are perfect and therefore they can make the righteous judgments. Sometimes someone may act a certain way that may seem wrong to us, but there may be a reason behind what they are doing. For an example, sometimes there are young kids who can act a little violent, but instead of judging them we should show an added measure of compassion and realize that maybe they are acting the way they are because of a rough family life. I do think it is useful to teach our children to recognize when people are doing certain things that aren’t in accordance with the commandments and to decide to be careful and maybe not associate with dangerous crowds. This can be an example of righteous judgement where you hate the sin not the sinner. You can recognize that the person is making wrong choices but still treat them with love.

The Saviors Final Hour

Unit 2 Choice 3: Matthew 27:1–61; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 18:28–19:42. The Savior’s Final Hours

1. Review Matthew 27:2, 11–25 and the institute student manual commentary for Matthew 27:24, “Why Did Pilate Give in to the Demands of the Jews to Execute Jesus?” (pp. 182–83); commentary for John 19:4–12, “Pilate Sought to Release Him” (183–84). Write a short paragraph on what you learn about Pilate from what he tried to do.

Pilate felt that the Savior was innocent and in reality first sent him to Harold. Multiple times he said that the Savior was innocent and therefore he wouldn't turn him in. He gave in because the people were asking him over and over for him to let Jesus Christ go. He actually tried to let Jesus Christ go and gave the people the option of allowing him to leave but the people chose not to. He then tried to clean himself of the responsibility by washing his hands. Also his wife had warned him to let him go. Pilate gave in because of the people.

2.  How are the events recorded in John 18:28–19:18 a fulfillment of the prophecy found in Isaiah 53?

This is a fulfillment of the prophecy because it says that he will be despised and rejected of man, which he definitely was when the people mocked him and when he was given up to be crucified and mocked by the guards. That he was taken from prisen and judgment that he was bruised and suffered for us.

3.  Review Matthew 27:15–16 and Mark 15:6–7 and answer the following questions:

o   What kind of man was Barabbas? He was a thief 

o   Find the meaning of the name Barabbas in the Bible Dictionary (p. 619). What is ironic about the Jews’ choice of a prisoner by that name?

It means "Son of the Father" which is ironic because Jesus Christ was the true Son of Heavenly father yet they chose this man a thief instead.

4.    Review Luke 23:7–12. Write your answers to the following questions:

o   How did Pilate try to avoid the responsibility of judging Jesus? He said that he washed his hands clean of the deed.

o   What did Herod hope to see from the Lord? He wanted to see a miracle done by him

o   How did the Lord respond to Herod? He didn't answer anything

o   Under what circumstances today would this example of the Savior be a good one for us to follow? Why?

The Savior showed that he didn't need to prove anything if people mocked him. We will have opportunities in our lives when we stand up for what is right and people will mock us but we don't need to prove them wrong because it won't always convince them we can just do what we know is right.

o   What was the result of this interchange between Herod and Pilate? They had later become friends although they had previously disagreed.

5. Read the institute student manual, “An Appreciation of the Sorrow of the ​Final Hours” (pp. 180–81). Write a paragraph on what impresses you the most about how the Savior acted during His last hours of mortality. 

What is wonderful about this is that Heavenly father really was with Jesus Christ at the final moments but in order for Jesus Christ to truly understand how we felt that there needed to be that feeling of separation from the spirit. This also explained that Jesus Christ truly was still perfect even if he asks about the Father's spirit leaving him. This teaches us that when we have trials it isn't wrong of us to notice how much we need the Father and turn to him, in fact that is what he wants us to do.

Matt 26:36-75; Matt 27-28; Mark 14:43-16; Luke 23-24; John 19-21

Luke 23: 22 And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done?
When we know what is right we need to stand strong and not give into what other people want, or we will have grave consequences.
There are many times in our lives when we will be faced with the opportunity to make a decision to stand up for what we know is right we need to make sure to do it. We have been taught most of our lives the specific right things that we need to do in situations. Except sometimes there can be pressure from those around us and we are nervous to do what is right because we are scared of being mocked or judged by others. But ultimately we need to care more about what Heavenly Father will think than these people. Because sometimes the voices of those in the world can lead us astray to do things that aren't right. This is a lesson that Pilate learned the hard way and is a mistake we never want to make. (word count: 164)


Luke 24:32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
One of the ways that the spirit can show truth unto us is by the feelings that we have, whether they be burning in the heart, feelings of peace or chills. The spirit will always testify to us if we are willing to listen and to pay heed. There are many times in our lives when we will be struggling to try to figure out if something is the right thing to do, and the spirit will be trying to help us through the promptings we feel. One of the great things about this example is that they felt the spirit when the scriptures were opened up to them, we too can use the scriptures as a resource of feeling the spirit. The scriptures are a blessing in our lives and a way in which Heavenly Father can communicate with us. Different people feel the spirit in different ways but overall they can be feelings of peace.
(word count: 188)
 
Luke 23: 34 ¶Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.
We must be willing to forgive others, unto us it is required to forgive all men. 

Group Discussion: Savior at Gethsemane

Discussion Topic Material: 

Write responses to each of the following questions, looking for lessons you can apply to your own life from the example of the Savior in Gethsemane:

• What were the Savior’s disciples doing while He was praying? What had the Lord taught the Apostles in Matthew 26:41? What does His example teach about how to be obedient even when “the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak”? How does Doctrine and Covenants 10:5 apply to this verse?
• So the Savior had taught them that the spirit is willing and the flesh is weak- I feel like that applies too often to ourselves in our lives. That there is something that we know we should do yet because of our being tired, or occupied or lazy that we don't do them. He teaches us that even when we are tired that we should be willing to sacrifice and do all to do what the Lord wants. One of the greatest messages I heard from the presidency on my mission included a part by President Eyring where 

• Read Mosiah 15:7; 3 Nephi 11:11; Doctrine and Covenants 19:19. Write the phrases from these verses that describe what motivated the Savior to “drink the bitter cup.”

• Write your thoughts about the Savior’s use of the word nevertheless in Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:36; Luke 22:42. In each of these accounts, what did the Savior initially ask for? What did He say next, using the word nevertheless? What does it require to submit one’s will to the Father in this way, no matter how painful or difficult the outcome might be? When have you followed the “nevertheless” pattern the Savior exemplified in these verses by submitting to Heavenly Father’s will even though it was very difficult?

• According to Luke 22:44, as the Savior’s agony became more intense, how did His prayer change? Do you feel more like praying or less like praying when you are suffering? When has it made a difference in your suffering to have turned to the Lord with more earnest prayer?

• Reflect on what you have learned about the Savior’s suffering in Gethsemane. Write a paragraph about lessons you can apply to your own life from the example of the Savior in Gethsemane.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spGtVY6L5jY 

Lord is it I?

Teaching Activity

Complete the following activity and submit a report according to the given instructions:

Matthew 26:21–25. The Disciples Responded to the Foretold Betrayal

1. Review Matthew 26:21–25. Describe in writing how the Apostles responded when the Savior announced that one of them would betray Him.
1.  They each asked the Savior if it was them, if they were the one who would betray the Savior. they were sorrowful.
2. Read the institute student manual commentary for Matthew 26:22, “Lord, Is It I?” (p. 162). What does the Apostles’ response to the Savior’s announcement reveal about each of them?
1. It shows that they were truly sincere, that they were willing to look inwards and see what things they could improve about themselves. this can teach us to have the desire to constantly recognize our faults and repent and become better, to be truly humble.
3. Write about what difference it would make in the following situations to respond like the Apostles did—by asking, “Lord, is it I?” rather than blaming someone else or assuming the problem has to do with someone else:
• You hear your bishop give instruction and counsel regarding a sin he sees prevalent in your ward.
• If you look inwards you can recognize that you may need to improve yourself and therefore could increase in your testimony and become better. And if it is something you definitely haven't done you can recognize it is maybe something you aren't strengthened against and could become a temptation and therefore you can spiritually strengthen yourself more so that you can be better. Instead of looking outwards and judging.
• You are having difficulty getting along with another person (a brother or sister, parent, missionary companion, college roommate, spouse, etc.). Include in this answer how the disciples’ response, “Is it I?” relates to Matthew 7:3–5.
• Maybe in this case the problem doesn't lie in your room mate but instead it lies inside yourself. Maybe you are being too critical or not loving, maybe you are judging them on something you may be doing as well. I feel like the best way is to simply recognize that maybe you can improve and work on it.
• Someone you know accuses you of having said or done something that offended him or her.
• Instead of getting angry you may stop and recognize that either way this person feels hurt, and so instead of being defensive you can realize that it would be important to reach out and apologize. Then maybe there was something you could have said better.
4. Select a recent General Conference talk which teaches the principles found in Matthew 26:21-25, and write 150-200 word summary of how they compliment each other.
1. The talk I picked was by President Uchtdorf that speaks about how these apostles could have looked around but instead they looked inwards, and that sometimes that is exactly what we need to do, because we will have situations in which we will hear a lesson or a message and we need to look inwards instead of outwards. He shared the example of the person who constantly saw the perfect lawn of his neighbor but one day there was one dandelion and this person chose to be obsessive about it, and then in the end his own lawn was completely unkept. So this teaches us sometimes we need to focus on ourselves first. He also talked about how sometimes we over estimate our own contributions, and that we may not be actually be doing as much as we should be. The other part he mentioned was about where our treasure is, and I feel like ultimately we are guilty of not putting the Lord first if we are putting worldly things before him. I also think that is interesting how he says that if the Lord says yes then we should be humble and recognize it.
5. Share what you have learned with a friend/relative/other, and write a summary of your discussion.
1.  We talked about how sometimes people think they are doing really well when they aren't. But then we also talked about how sometimes we really are hard on ourselves and are constantly feeling like when we are failing because we are trying to measure up to Jesus Christ, but that is something we can always work towards and maybe shouldnt be so hard on ourselves.

True Leadership reaches out to others with love,

 Unit 1 choice 4

Choice 4: John 13:1–17; Luke 22:24–30; Mark 10:43–45. The Savior Taught the Apostles about Leadership

1. Study John 13:1–17; Luke 22:24–30; Mark 10:43–45. Write a paragraph or two about how the application of these teachings makes leadership in the Church of Jesus Christ different from what the world usually describes as leadership.
1.   What I love about this example from the Savior is it is showing that the greatest shall become the least. Meaning that those who are in positions of authority have the greatest opportunity to love and serve others. That ultimately they are called to help and serve others. This is a really interesting aspect of the church because it really is implemented in every aspect of the church. Each of the leaders have many opportunities to reach out and help others. 
2. Sometimes in the world today people think that the leadership positions means that these people are in charge, and that they are firm and unbending in the ways that they act. Yet in the church the leadership truly is organized with the desires to reach out and to bless others, especially with the organizations of Relief Society, Priesthood, primary and young women and young men.
3. I have noticed mainly in the life of my parents how much they put forth in their callings so that they can help and uplift others. I am so grateful for this example and the example of my other leaders who I constantly see and have seen in the past reaching out to help others.
2.  Write a paragraph or two about a time when one of your Church leaders or someone in the scriptures served and led in the way Jesus Christ taught. 
1. I recently was able to have the blessing of being called into the presidency of Relief Society and so as a presidency we met with the wonderful sisters that had been previously serving in those positions. And I had absolutely loved and admired these ladies and what they did to show love and reach out to others but it was especially interesting to hear the specific things that they did for the girls they love and care about. For example the president mentioned for us to keep our eye on one of the girls who we could simply reach out to, then she mentioned how she would weekly visit this girl just to sit and chat.
2. This to me was such a wonderful example of a righteous leader who was serving with pure desires to help others. 

 

1. How did you and what did you do to complete the assignment?
1. With this I was able to read the scripture reference which shows the Lord's example of leadership and then apply it to the world's view of leadership, and then ultimately I talked about how the church is actively working to lead in righteous loving manners, in order to serve others.
2. Why did you decide to do the assignment you did?
1. I love the idea of the Savior showing love and care for others and serving others. I definitely believe that service is one of the most wonderful ways to show love and therefore I wanted to do this topic.
3. What do you think is the best thing about your assignment and how do you think it could be improved?
1. I think the best thing about this assignment was it talked about an example that where we were able to serve others, I feel like there can be a commitment to increase our ability to help and love others.

Unit 1 Choice 2: John 14:15–17, 26–27; 15:26–27; 16:7–8, 13–14. The Savior’s Instructions about the Holy Ghost

1. As you study the following verses, make a list of what the Savior taught about (1) what the Holy Ghost does and (2) what disciples must do to receive the Holy Ghost:
• John 14:15–17- You must keep the commandments, pray unto the father for the comforter
• John 14:26–27- he shall teach you all things and bring things to your remembrance, will bring you peace 
• John 15:26–27- Shall testify of the Savior and of Heavenly Father, bear witness
• John 16:7–8- reprove the world of sin
• John 16:13–14- guide you in all truth, glorify the Father
2. Add to your list above as you study the following resources:
• Institute student manual Points to Ponder, “The Holy Ghost Brings Man to His Fullest Potential” (p. 168)-
•  The Holy Ghost can uniquely bless each and every one of us in the different aspects we need in our lives. Firstly by helping us to know what is right we can make correct choices, yet also by receiving inspiration and abilities beyond our own to accomplish the tasks that Heavenly Father had for us,
• Institute student manual Points to Ponder, “As a Messenger of the Godhead, the Holy Ghost Teaches Faithful Members” (p. 168) 
• The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead yet his important task is to testify of the savior and of our Father. He is sent so that we can have the guidance from the Lord and learn how we might trust in the Lord through the promptings. His mission is to instruct and guide us by giving promptings to do what is right, yet ultimately it is our decision whether or not to listen.
• Bible Dictionary, “Holy Ghost” (p. 704)- The Holy Ghost has been in each dispensation of the Gospel. Is a spirit, and comes in the form of the gift of the Holy Ghost. Before we are baptized we can feel the power of the Holy Ghost to teach us what is right by testifying to our hearts, then after baptism we can have the gift of the Holy Ghost to always be with us,
3. Review your list of what the Holy Ghost does. Then write responses to the following tasks:
• Describe how the Holy Ghost helped the Apostles fulfill their missions after the Savior’s death and resurrection. 
• The Holy Ghost was given to the Apostles as a comforter to help them when they were in times of trouble, he taught them continually the Gospel. The Holy Ghost was also instructing the apostles and giving them the words that they needed to say in order to touch the hearts of others and to spread the message of the Savior. The Holy Ghost also testified to the hearts of people that the message was true.
• Write a paragraph about a time when the Holy Ghost blessed you in one of the ways you listed above. Give an example of how the Holy Ghost has inspired you. 
•  I feel that this past Sunday I had an opportunity to speak to the Relief Society for a moment (as I have become the new 1st counselor) and I strongly encouraged them to visit the girls who weren't in church. Because I testified of the importance of our duty to reach out in love and in friendship. As I was speaking I felt power behind my words and felt the strength from my message which I believe can from the Spirit testifying of the truthfulness of my words.
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