L03 Peter being faithful: Walking on water- Matthew 14:24-32

Unit One: choice 3: Matthew 14:22-33. Walking on the Sea
1. Review Matthew 14:22-23. Identify in writing what the reaction of the Apostles was when they first saw the Savior walking on the water toward them.
2. What did Peter's response indicate about him?
3. According to Matthew 14:30, why did Peter begin to sink?
4. What did Peter do when he began to sink? What word in the verses describes the expediency or the timing when Jesus responded to Peter's request.
5. Read Doctrine and Covenants 88:67. Write a paragraph describing what principle from this verse relates to what Peter did to successfully walk on the water. How can this same principle be applied to your life to assist you in walking over the storms of life.

1. When they first saw the Savior they automatically were fearful. they were worried that he was a spirit and tehrefore were troubled amongst themselves. But then when the Savior explained who he is then Peter said "Lord, if it be tou, bid me come unto thee on the water." Then when the Savior told him to come he did come.

2. I think this is truly incredible of Peter because he really could have easily waited for the Savior to come to the boat, still been afraid or not even believed it to be the Savior. But he trusted in the Lord and used an enormous amount of faith and asked the Lord to call to him, saying that if he called to him then he would leave the boat. That already is amazing showing his great faith and willingness to do what the Lord would want, and knowing that with faith in the Lord all things were possible. I think this shows that Peter really was understanding what his purpose was as a disciple. Because Jesus Christ was showing them great miracles so that they could carry on the church and do the things they saw him do. therefore when Christ shows yet again a miraculous thing that could occur with faith, I think it shows that Peter trusted in the fact that it was possible and that it was something that he could be able to do as a follower of Jesus Christ.Then he not only made the effort to leave the boat right away, but he truly did walk on the water towards the Savior.

3. In Matthew 14:30 it says that when Peter saw the wind he became afraid. So what happened was his eyes were fixed on the Savior but when he saw a potential trial, that wasn't even something that was affecting him he was already afraid. Meaning it didn't say that the wind was pushing against him and he was unbalanced and became afraid, it just said that he saw the wind being boisterous and he became afraid.

4. Then when Peter noticed that he was afraid and started to sink he cried to the Lord asking him to save him. This shows he immediately knew who to turn to and that the Savior could help him. Then the Savior "immediately" reached out his hand and caught him. This shows that the Savior is ready to help and will immediately help us when we reach out to him. Not only that but it was the Savior that caught him, it wasn't that the Savior allowed his robes to be grabbed by Peter, or that Peter hung out to him, but it was the Savior who caught him.

5. In Doctrine and Covenants 88:67- It says "If your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things." This can relate to Peter because it is saying if our eye is single to the glory of God then we shall be filled with light, which I believe can mean faith or hope, and there will be no darkness (or doubt). therefore if we are focusing on the Lord we won't have need to fear. And while Peter was focusing on the Savior he was full of faith, but then when he looked and saw the wind he allowed fear to enter him. So I believe when we are going through our own challenges we need to make sure we are focusing on the Savior and trusting that everything else will fall into place. that when there are challenges we can call out to the Savior. I think Peter's story helps us to see that we should always try, and in we start to fall the savior will make up the rest.

1. How did you and what did you do to complete the assignment?
1. I read the story in Matthew 14 about Peter and how he showed faith by walking on water, and I responded to how I felt the reactions of the apostles, and of Peter showed their faith. then I applied the story to my life so I could learn how to keep my focus on the Savior.
2. Why did you decide to do the assignment you did?
1. I did this assignment because I really like the example of Peter. And I truly think he exercised great faith, and of course there are things we can learn from his experience.
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 the assignment is that it asks us to relate the topic to our lives. I think it could have gone a little more into depth and talk about specific challenges or circumstances that may distract us where we need to turn to the Savior for help.
   

3 principles: from the verses in Matthew 14-18, Mark 6-9, Luke 9, John 6-10

Matthew 15:8- they draw near unto me with their mouth, but their heart is far from me

The principle I believe is being taught here is that actions speak louder then words. Because many times we have desires to show that we are faithful and so we profess to believe all things and promise to do many things to improve or change without putting the effort forth. I think this happens quite often, that we say that we want to read the scriptures more, but instead we are focusing on school work, jobs or other things and never actually get around to really studying the scriptures. This principle shows that it isn't in what we say we shall do, but it is in the true intent of our heart to do what we promised. I think that sometimes it is better to simply do the correct thing then saying that we will do it and not complete it. I also think this covers the fact that God judges on the heart and he knows what our true intent is. Because sometimes there are people with desires to do good but they are incapable of completing a specific task, but they tried and had a deep desire to complete it. (Word count: 192)

Mark 9:23-  If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. (v24) Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief

I love this scripture because it really shows the principle that with faith all things are possible, which includes being strengthened in our belief. What I love about this scripture is how the Lord first let the man know that with faith that the miracle could occur. Then this man had the great desire and had faith that it could occur, but then realized that he was weak and wasn't sure if he had enough faith. There are many times when I know that something is possible, yet I still need the strength from the Lord to truly believe that it will occur according to the Lord's will.

John 7:24- Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment

Something that I really like about the principle to judge not, which ties into the principle of treating others the way we want to be treated. This is because we all are going through trails and difficulties and therefore other people may struggle with things that may seem easy to us. I think the Savior is a perfect example of this to us, showing the importance of reaching out to the poor and the needy and by not judging harshly. I think we should be able to use good discernment to decide what type of people we spend time with, but we shouldn't be thinking harshly of them or be quick to point out fault. I really love the Savior's example with the lady who was caught in adultery, because he chooses to forgive her and judge not even though he is perfect. Because sometimes I think people are misled to think that as long as they are doing what is right then it is okay to judge, but that isn't the case. We should love others and always want to support and uplift them. Also in judging righteously we should hate the sin not the sinner, and recognize that people who struggle need more of our help not less. (Word count:210)

list of principles: Matthew 14-18, Mark 6-9, Luke 9, John 6-10

Matthew 14:31-O thou of little faith wherefore didst thou doubt?
Matthew 15:8- they draw near unto me with their mouth, but their heart is far from me
The principle I believe is being taught here is that actions speak louder then words. Because many times we have desires to show that we are faithful and so we profess to believe all things and promise to do many things to improve or change without putting the effort forth. I think this happens quite often, that we say that we want to read the scriptures more, but instead we are focusing on school work, jobs or other things and never actually get around to really studying the scriptures. This principle shows that it isn't in what we say we shall do, but it is in the true intent of our heart to do what we promised. I think that sometimes it is better to simply do the correct thing then saying that we will do it and not complete it. I also think this covers the fact that God judges on the heart and he knows what our true intent is. Because sometimes there are people with desires to do good but they are incapable of completing a specific task, but they tried and had a deep desire to complete it.

Matthew 15:11- Not that which going into the mouth defileth a man, but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
Matthew 15:18- But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart, and they defile the man.
Matthew 16:8-9- Because ye have brought no bread? Do ye not yet understand neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand?
Matthew 16:25- Whosoever will save his life shall lose it, and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what profiteth a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul (luke 9:24)
Matthew 17:20-21- If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed.... this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
Matthew 18:33- Shouldnt not thou also have compassion on they fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee?
Matthew 18:35- We must "forgive...everyone his brother their trespasses"

Mark 6-9
Mark 6:8- take nothing for their journey (Luke 9:3)
Mark 9:23-  If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. (v24) Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief
I love this scripture because it really shows the principle that with faith all things are possible, which includes being strengthened in our belief. What I love about this scripture is how the Lord first let the man know that with faith that the miracle could occur. Then this man had the great desire and had faith that it could occur, but then realized that he was weak and wasn't sure if he had enough faith. There are many times when I know that something is possible, yet I still need the strength from the Lord to truly believe that it will occur according to the Lord's will.


Mark 9:40- for whosoever is not against us is on our part.

Luke 9:62- No man having put his hand to the plough and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of heaven.

John 6-10-
John 7:24- Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgement
Something that I really like about the principle to judge not is that we all are going through trails and difficulties and therefore other people may struggle with things that may seem easy to us. I think the Savior is a perfect example of this to us, showing the importance of reaching out to the poor and the needy and by not judging harshly. I think we should be able to use good discernment to decide what type of people we spend time with, but we shouldn't be thinking harshly of them or be quick to point out fault. I really love the Savior's example with the lady who was caught in adultery, because he chooses to forgive her and judge not even though he is perfect. Because sometimes I think people are misled to think that as long as they are doing what is right then it is okay to judge, but that isn't the case. We should love others and always want to support and uplift them. Also in judging righteously we should hate the sin not the sinner, and recognize that people who struggle need more of our help not less.

The 4 soils, and following the savior- Matthew 13:4-8

I think that someone needs to honestly choose to be dedicated to strengthening their testimonies. Because there are specific things we are told to do that really will help us. This also will include the intent that we have in our hearts. That we may do things with true intent instead of doing everything gospel related as a checklist. That we can dig deep into the soil by truthfully studying the scriptures and wanting to know more. This also means making sure that we are keeping ourselves in areas surrounded by people who will uplift us so that we can strengthen our testimonies.

                There are countless thorns that are trying to destroy the youth of the church on a regular basis. First there is the thorns of music which can dull their sensibility to the spirit, and with listening to music constantly there may not be opportunities to feel the spirit and choose to follow it. There is the thorns that surrounds them with other technologies such as movies that are showing them to act a certain way which will take them away from the path. There is a constant peer pressure in their schools often time with students who will mock them and try to persuade them to not do what they know is right. There are distractions that keep them occupied and therefore not doing good things. Also there are carnal temptations dealing with the desire to sleep which may keep them from paying attention in seminary, and many other that may distract them.

I think choking can imply that it overwhelms people. For example the plant knows that its purpose is to grow, but when thorns over rule them they aren’t able to grow and they are overwhelmed. This can relate to the day to day tasks that we may do which choke our ability to grow. I think that this especially includes the stresses of life, as well as the wickedness in the world. That is stopping our ability to focus on what is important and to do what is right.

Jesus Christ gives the invitation “who has ears to hear, let him hear”. He is inviting all who would be willing to listen to his voice to choose to hear the words he says and apply his message. Everyone has this ability to hear, but not everyone chooses to let the words penetrate their hearts. The Savior is inviting us to follow and do the things that will make us happy.

This invitation he gave also relates to the fact that although some people may have the ability to see with their carnal eyes, that they don’t really see. The same is applied to those who can hear the prophets words but aren’t really hearing for the correct purpose. This means that someone may see things happen such as miracles but they do not notice what is happening, that they don’t recognize the miracle for what it truly is. Or they may see something wonderful but are too concerned with wordly matters and are unable to truly benefit from what they are seeing. This is the same with those who may hear wonderful words spoken, but they don’t want to think about what it really means. This could be related to when a parent is warning a child, and the child is listening but really has no idea what their parent is saying because they don’t want to hear.

1 Nephi 8:21-33

There were the people who were trying to find the tree, but then there were mists of darkness that blinded them, and caused them to lose their way. This can represent the seeds that feel by the wayside and were swallowed up in the mist of darkness and were lost. There were those that pressed forward, grabbed the rod of iron, moved towards the tree and took of the fruit. Then they were ashamed and mocked and therefore they left the tree and were lost. This could represent the seeds that fell among thorns, because the cares of the world and those mocking them led them astray. The seeds that fell upon stony ground were those who were on the great and spacious building who were lifted up in the pride of their hearts and were mocking the other people who were trying to do what was right. With those people who specifically chose to go to the great and spacious building.Then the people in the fertile soil definitely were those who stayed true to their desire to reach the tree of life and therefore arrived and were filled, and were happy. 

Some of the things that my room mate felt would help us keep our spoil fertile was actually to go through trails. This might be because then we recognize how much we need the Lord in our lives and we are move willing to be humble and submissive to him. She also felt that we should bear our testimony with others, this is really important because when we are bearing our testimony it gives it the chance to be strengthened. Something I have decided that I want to work on is to be able to have more of a sincere study of the scriptures, so that my testimony can be always strengthening.

Notes to contribute to the group discussion on parables

. Each of the eight parables recorded in Matthew 13 compares the “kingdom of heaven” to a physical object or objects.

Jesus sometimes taught using parables. Parables are short stories that use familiar things to teach gospel truths.

may 1955 talk - President Hugh B. Brown (1883–1975) of the First Presidency pointed out that the Savior’s parables most likely developed out of ordinary day-to-day experiences:

Sower and the tares-
Jesus said that the sower of the good seed represented himself and the Apostles. The field represented the world; the good seed, his righteous followers; and the tares, those who follow Satan. Satan was the sower of the tares. The harvest represented the end of the world, and the reapers represented angels. Right now good and bad people are allowed to “grow” together. But at the end of the world, angels will separate the righteous from the unrighteous. The unrighteous—those who have chosen to break the commandments—will be punished. However, the righteous—those who have chosen to keep the commandments—will “shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Matt. 13:43).

Group discussion topic (1) Matthew 13:24-48- The Lord taught often with parables

Bible dictionary, first 3 paragraphs parables

What is really interesting about the definition of parables in the bible dictionary is that the Lord at one point specifically uses parables exclusively. This is to allow people to only know enough of his teachings as his faith permits. Meaning if there was someone that wasn't ready to learn a new commandment then he would use parables so that only those ready to live up to those commandments would understand it. This relates to the theory that where much is given much is expected. I understand this principles a lot more with having a younger sister, because with my younger sister being only 7 years old if she asks a question I will say it such a way that I know she will understand. Meaning if she asks about a math problem I will only teach her what I feel she is ready to learn. Or else it wouldn't allow her the chance to be accountable to the level of her understanding.


Parable of the tares (Matt 13:24-30)

While the man slept the enemy planted thorns in the field, and so the servant wanted him to pull out the weeds but the master knew that this would destroy the weeds. So he allowed the good and the bad seeds to grow together and then when they were fully ripe he saved the good wheat and burned the tares.

Parable of the mustard seed and the leaven (Matthew 13:31-33)
The grain of mustard seed which was the smallest seed but when it grew it began to become the largest.
Leaven- Took leaven and hid in three measures of meal until all of it was leavened.

Parable of the treasure and the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44-46)
A man found a treasure in the field and sold everything he had and then bought the field so he could have the treasure
Kingdom of god like a pearl which a merchant searches for, when he finds it he sells all he has to be able to have the pearl

Parable of the gospel net (Matthew 13:47-50)
The kingdom of heaven is like a net, that gathers up everything and then it separates the good and the bad, keeps the good but then casts out the bad. 

Match the Parable that best answers the question:

What describes the future growth of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints?
 I think that this parable could relate to a few of the different ones,
firstly I think it relates to the parables of the tares ((Matt 13:24-30))because the church will be growing but then there will be opposition and people trying to break the church down, but the Lord will allow the church to keep growing and then later there will be a seperation from the wicked and the righteous.

                 Parable of the tares (Matt 13:24-30) While the man slept the enemy planted thorns in the field, and so the servant wanted him to pull out the weeds but the master knew that this would destroy the weeds. So he allowed the good and the bad seeds to grow together and then when they were fully ripe he saved the good wheat and burned the tares.


Why does the church send out so many missionaries?
Parable of the gospel net (Matthew 13:47-50)
The kingdom of heaven is like a net, that gathers up everything and then it separates the good and the bad, keeps the good but then casts out the bad. 

 -So that the missionaries can do their best to gather everyone in so that everyone has a chance to accept the Gospel, but then those who choose not to accept the Gospel will be cast out.

How do you explain the remarkable growth of the church of the Church, considering that it is fairly new compared to most world religions and started small in the American Frontier.

Parable of the mustard seed and the leaven (Matthew 13:31-33)
The grain of mustard seed which was the smallest seed but when it grew it began to become the largest.

Why are some members of the Church willing to sacrifice so much worldly wealth and recognition in order to maintain membership in the Church?

Parable of the treasure and the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44-46)
A man found a treasure in the field and sold everything he had and then bought the field so he could have the treasure.
The Kingdom of god is like a pearl which a merchant searches for, when he finds it he sells all he has to be able to have the pearl



3. Address the following

- Considering the parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44-46) what sacrifices would you be willing to make to obtain the treasure of the Gospel? What sacrifices have you or those you know already made for the Gospel?

I believe that for the Gospel I would be able to stand beside it and follow the commandments because of my love for the Savior. That I would be willing to follow all of His commandments even if they didn't seem like they were easy things to do. Right now in this stage of life I have the opportunity to choose to follow the Lords commandments by choosing to follow the honor code at school. Because this is a promise that I made when I chose to come to BYU-Idaho and therefore is meant to help me live a clean and chaste life. I believe also something I am willing to do is to accept all the callings that the Lord has asked me to do. In this way I am willing to give up my time to do the Lord's will. Some of the things I have done in the past to sacrifice for the Gospel is choosing to be completely obedient to the commandments and putting my effort and time into a mission.

What does the net represent in the parable of the net cast into the sea? (Matthew 13:47) What does it mean to be gathered into the net? What does it represent by the action of gathering the good into the vessels and casting the bad away? (Matthew 13:48:50)

I believe that the net represents the Gospel being shared forth across the world, which is gathering people up into the true church of Jesus Chris. This can include times in which missionaries or other members are stretching for their hands to invite others into the church. I believe that also in the end the Lord will gather us all together at the second coming, and therefore the people that chose wickedly will not be able to enter the kingdom of Heaven.

John the Baptist (Matthew 11:1-19, Luke 7:18-35) L02 Share and report DB

Unit 2: Choice One
Matthew 11:1-19, Luke 7:18-35 John the Baptist

1. Read Matthew 11:1-19 and Luke 7:18-35. What did the two disciples of John the Baptist ask Jesus Christ? The Savior told them to go back to John and tell what they saw and heard. After reading these accounts, explain three things you would have told John if you had been with those two men.

The disciples of John said unto Jesus Christ if He was the one "that should come, or do we look for another". If I had been with these two men I would have told John that Christ was indeed the man he was looking for. The specific things that I would remember to tell John about what I saw and heard would probably first be how I felt when I was in his presence. Because I believe that being near the Savior would help them definitely feel of his glory and that the spirit would touch their hearts in an undeniable way. The second thing that I would make sure to say is that Jesus Christ showed forth great miracles in healing those that exercised faith in him, I would also explain how Christ knew exactly who we were and why we were there, because when we asked if he was the man we were looking for Christ immediately explained that we should tell John the things we saw and heard. Therefore he was using the spirit of prophecy and so I would make sure to pay attention to all the otehr words Christ said so that I could give a good account to John.

2. Read the institute student manual commentary for Matthew 11:2-3, "Did John doubt that Jesus was the messiah?" (p.66). Explain why John wanted his disciples to go to Jesus Christ.

John definitely didn't doubt that Jesus Christ was the Savior. He had the confirmation for the Spirit that Jesus was the Christ and he had unwavering faith in this fact. Since he was one of the only people who had this firm belief he wanted his disciples to ultimately recognize Jesus as the Savior and become his disciples. So basically he didn't doubt, he was giving the opportunity to his disciples to have a witness and to be able to strengthen their testimonies. He wanted his disciples to recognize Jesus Christ as their Savior and Redeemer. This was confirmed when the Savior mentioned that John's faith was unwavering.

3. Read the institute student manual commentary for Matthew 11:11, "No Greater Prophet than John the Baptist" (p.66) What did the Savior say about John the Baptist in Matthew 11:11 and Luke 7:28? Provide three reasons given by Joseph Smith why John the Baptist is considered amoung the greatest prophets.

The Savior said that John the Baptist was the greatest man born of women but yet was still lower then him seen as the least in the kingdom of Heaven. Christ is essentially saying that although John is seen as teh greatest prophet to them, that he is actually lower then Himself (the Savior) although people may not give the Savior the respect that he should receive. John the Baptist is one of the greatest because he was given the important mission of preparing the way for the Lord, He baptized the Son of God, and also he was the administrator for the kingdom of heaven on earth, he held the priesthood power which he later gave to Joseph Smith.

4. What does John 3:30 suggest about John the Baptist and his attitude toward the Savior? Briefly describe how we could apply a similar attitude in our own lives.

What I believe this means is that John knew that his role was merely to prepare for the way of the Lord, and that he knew that now that the Savior had come that he would be turning over his ministry to the Lord. Therefore his importance in the religious world would decrease as the Savior's would increase. This definitely shows an example for us to be humble in all things and recognize the true meaning of our callings. That we can remember that the things we are doing is to glorify the Lord and that we shouldn't be taking credit for ourselves. That we will ultimately turn all things to the Lord and show our gratitude to Him.