DAY 55 of #100daysofJesus - Healing at Bethesda

 DAY 55 of #100daysofJesus

The pool of Bethesda was believed to be a supernatural pool with healing qualities.

Lore was that an angel would periodically "trouble the water" and then "whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had." As you can imagine, such a pool of healing would attract many desperate people hoping for healing.

One such man had suffered 38 years from a condition that was likely paralysis. Each time the water was troubled, someone more agile would reach the water before him because he had no one to quickly place him into the pool. He had been there quite some time and was likely filled with hopeless discouragement.

Jesus saw the man and immediately understood his plight and condition. He asked him, "Wilt thou be made whole?"

The depressed man couldn't even respond with a hopeful "yes" but instead made excuses about his inability to get to the water.

Yet Jesus had compassion on the man and replied "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk." We read that "immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked."

It's interesting in this example that the man did not come to Jesus asking for help. Jesus came to him.

From what is written, it appears the man was not required to show forth any additional effort or faith - it sounds as though he had already given up hope. Jesus healed him anyway.

Jesus' mercy, compassion, and grace are beyond our ability to comprehend. He is willing to come to us, meet us where we are, and offer us His healing touch.

As I study the many miracles - especially healings - that Jesus performed during His ministry, I'm amazed at His love and compassion for broken individuals. No person was beyond His ability or willingness to heal. No person was undeserving or unworthy of His healing touch.

It is His great pleasure to heal our wounded souls.

(John 5:2-9)

DAY 54 of #100daysofJesus - Pearl of Great Price

 DAY 54 of #100daysofJesus

Jesus taught that "the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it."

As with any good parable, and all of those taught by Jesus, we may interpret this differently based on our life experiences and spiritual preparedness. For me, I see multiple applications.

First the "kingdom of heaven" often refers to Jesus Christ's church, which I believe to be the Church of Jesus Christ as it was anciently known and now distinguished by the additional "of Latter-day Saints" presently.

Many seek the kingdom of heaven because they believe in Christ and want to follow Him. When they are introduced to His church, learn of his doctrine, and have an opportunity to enter into covenants with Him, they realize its eternal worth. They are willing to give up anything and everything to be baptized and follow Jesus.

This is why people all over the globe are willing to accept teachings presented by our young missionaries. They give up vices, make significant lifestyle changes, and often make great sacrifices in the process. Why? Because they have found the pearl of great price.

I've watched this process unfold in people's lives. I've witnessed their joy as they've received their own testimony from the Holy Ghost that they have found the kingdom of heaven, and I've seen the sacrifices, great and small, they've willingly made to embrace it.

What would you give for this pearl of great price?

Another more personal interpretation for me is that Jesus is the Pearl of Great Price. I rejoice that I have found Him, and He has changed me. I would give up anything for that redeeming relationship. The inner peace of conscience, the understanding of God's plan for me, the assurance that I can have an eternal family are all worth any price to me.

Seek the Pearl, and when you find it, do whatever is required to buy it for that will make all the difference in your life now and eternally.

(Matthew 13:45-46)

DAY 53 of #100daysofJesus - Enos' Prayer

DAY 53 of #100daysofJesus

I love the story of Enos in the Book of Mormon.

Enos went into the forest to hunt, but it seems his real intention was to reflect and to pray. He had something on his mind, and he wanted to be close to God. Where better to go than into nature? Here's how he described it:

"And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens."

He also described this moment as a "wrestle before God." We find out that this wrestle was over his sins. He was painfully aware of his imperfections, weaknesses, and sins, and he needed help. He needed redemption.

Can you relate? I sure can.

Have you ever poured out your soul to God in prayer asking for mercy and grace through Jesus Christ? I sure have.

That was the type of prayer that Enos offered in the woods.

What happened next was a miracle. In Enos' words:

"And there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed...because of they faith in Christ, whom thou hast never before heard nor seen...thy faith hath made thee whole."

The Master Healer had once again healed the heart of a broken man. Enos first reached out in humble but mighty prayer. His faith was rewarded with the sacred miracle he sought.

Why is this account recorded in the Book of Mormon if not to teach us that Jesus is able and willing to also heal OUR hearts and OUR souls?

How could we believe that Jesus would heal Enos more than 2,000 years ago but not you or me today?

As I've said many times in past posts, it is Jesus' great pleasure to heal, to redeem, and to save us. He wants to help us. This was and still is His mission and sacred privilege.

It doesn't matter what your personal "wrestle before God" is, if you turn to Him in mighty prayer, you can be healed. He wants to heal. I #givethanks for this truth every single day.

(Reference: churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/enos/1)

 

DAY 52 of #100daysofJesus - Do His Will to Know

 DAY 52 of #100daysofJesus

During Sukkot (or the Feast of Tabernacles), Jesus went into the temple to teach. The temple would have been filled with Israelites during this time of year as they made their customary pilgrimage to be taught within the temple walls. Sukkot was a time of celebration at the completion of the harvest and has sometimes been (loosely) compared to modern day Thanksgiving.

As Jesus began to teach, the Jews "marveled" that an unlearned man could teach so powerfully from the scriptures. Some began to ask among themselves whether this was the Messiah while others became angry. In this occasion Jesus declared his divinity:

"My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me... Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not. But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me."

While teaching in the temple, Jesus shared this gem of doctrine: "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."

Men and women all over the world for two millennia have asked themselves these questions: Is Jesus' doctrine true? Was He really the Son of God? How can I know the truth?

The way to learn the truth is clear: to know the truthfulness doctrine, one must be willing to give it a try. To know the truthfulness of Christianity, one must live as a Christian, for only then can he or she truly enjoy the fruit of Christian discipleship and discover for oneself its truthfulness.

This applies to principles such as tithing, fasting, missionary work, temple worship, family history and genealogy, scripture study, etc.

If you want to know whether its worthwhile to live the law of tithing, giving 10% of your your income to God for the benefit of His kingdom, try it out! Once you give and realize the blessings that come, you won't want to go back. You'll learn and gain your own witness of that doctrine.

Rinse and repeat with all areas of Jesus' gospel!

Interestingly, this pattern is so consistent with how the Lord works in all things. He requires faith before miracles and blessings. If you're looking for miracles or specific blessings in your life, you must first take the necessary steps of faith.

If you want to know, first do. Trust Jesus.

(John 7)

DAY 51 of #100daysofJesus - Nicodemus and Being Born Again

 DAY 51 of #100daysofJesus

Nicodemus, a Pharisee and religious "ruler of the Jews," visited Jesus "by night" to learn more of Him.

Though he seemed to believe Jesus was "a teacher come from God," Nicodemus seemed unable to fully understand and accept Jesus' teachings. One such teaching was that all mankind must be "born again."

Jesus declared, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

After the puzzled Pharisee asks, "How can a man be born when he is old?," Jesus adds some clarity and says:

"Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

For Christians, this requirement for salvation is a topic of great importance. Jesus taught that we each must be "born of water and of the Spirit."

So, what does this mean?

Being born of water refers to baptism. If you've ever seen a baptism (by immersion), you'll recognize the symbolism of rebirth: the person being baptized is lowered into the water, completely submerged as if buried or dead, and then lifted back up out of the water as if resurrected or reborn.

Being born of the Spirit is less obvious. Let's recall how John the Baptist taught his followers, "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me [Jesus] is mightier than I... he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire."

We think of baptism as a two-part process:

First, the baptism of water (by immersion) as was performed by John.

Second, the bestowal of the Gift of the Holy Ghost, which John mentioned Jesus would come to bestow.

Through baptism, we make sacred covenants with God, our path of discipleship begins, and we become eligible for the companionship of the Holy Ghost, a member of the Godhead, who helps to guide, direct, sanctify, warn, and assist us in our daily lives.

In sharing this teaching with Nicodemus, Jesus was inviting Him to begin the path of discipleship. It does not appear that Nicodemus gave up his status and followed Jesus publicly, but there are indications that He believed Jesus' words.

At one point John records that Nicodemus tried defending Jesus to the Pharisees, and we also read that he brought spices to Jesus' burial.

Like Nicodemus it may feel like we must give up a lot to begin (or continue) on the path of Christian discipleship. Lifestyle changes, mindset shifts, and cultural adjustments can discourage us. But luckily the reward of peace and happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come far outweighs any perceived sacrifice.

(John 3:1-13, John 7:50, John 19:39, Mosiah 2:41)

DAY 50 of #100daysofJesus - Cleansing the Temple

 DAY 50 of #100daysofJesus

The temple is a sacred and holy place.

During Jesus' day, the temple had become more transactional than sacred. The Law of Moses required the Jews to make certain animal sacrifices in the temple.

Naturally, this attracted merchants who would set up shop near the temple to sell animals conveniently to the temple patrons. This wasn't a problem until, as the competition for customers increased, the merchants began setting up theirs shops in the temple itself.

In addition, every male in Israel was required to pay a poll tribute. This wasn't expensive, but the rabbis had ruled that it had to be done in temple coin. James Talmage explains:

"Ordinary money, varieties of which bore effigies and inscriptions of heathen import, was not acceptable, and as a result, money-changers plied a thriving trade on the temple grounds."

So, in addition to the animals being sold at the temple, there were money changers who were eager to exchange temple coin (with a commission).

You can imagine the scene as Jesus approaches the sacred temple, the holy house of His Father. He sees greedy money changers seeking customers, all sorts of animals and doves, the commotion of buying and selling.

Jesus had little patience for such desecration of the temple. He improvised a whip of small cords, began overthrowing their tables, and kicked them out of the temple. He exclaimed, "make not my Father's house an house of merchandise."

He met little resistance from the merchants because they were well aware the their behavior was inappropriate and driven by greed. Similarly, the religious leaders knew they should have long ago cleansed the temple of this commerce, and pricked by that guilt, allowed Jesus to proceed. It wasn't until he had finished that they approached Him to question His authority.

In this event Jesus showed that meekness is more about controlling one's emotions and passion than suppressing them. His righteous indignation was never beyond His control, although it was forceful and resolute. There are times when forceful action is required to rid evil from our midst.

We also learn of Jesus' love and respect for the temple. He knew of the sacredness of His "Father's house" and was willing to defend it. This was to be a peaceful sanctuary where men and women could come to worship, seek forgiveness, and make sacred covenants with God.

I also love the temple. I have greatly missed my weekly visits to the temple during this pandemic. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to attend an endowment ceremony on Friday in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple and to be reminded of the great peace that is found within the walls of that holy edifice. I cannot wait for the opportunity to once again frequent the temple and worship God there!

(John 2:13-17, Jesus the Christ by James Talmage (Ch 12))

DAY 49 of #100daysofJesus - Parable of the Two Sons

 

DAY 49 of #100daysofJesus

On one occasion, when confronted by jealous priests who questioned His authority, Jesus shared what is known as the Parable of the Two Sons to teach an important lesson.

In this parable, a father asks his two sons to go work in his vineyard. The first son "answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented and went." The second son "answered and said, I go, sir: and went not."

He then asks the question - which son "did the will of his father?"

Although it first required repentance or a change of heart, it is obvious that only the first son obeyed his father.

To the shock and anger of these high priests, Jesus concludes, "the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you."

Jesus' point was that the "known sinners" were willing to listen to the words that John (the Baptist) and Jesus preached. They were willing to repent, make necessary changes in their lives, and humbly worship God.

In contrast, the religious leaders of the day professed to worship God with their lips, yet their actions told a very different story. And they were unwilling to repent and change.

I hope that each of us finds ourselves in the first group of "sinners." I hope we can acknowledge our shortcomings, weaknesses, and failures, and that with humility we can turn to God for a change of heart and the courage to do His will.

We live in an age of perfectionism where far too many of us strive more for the perception of piety than for the actions of Christian discipleship.

While this parable is certainly a warning to those who profess belief but do not act accordingly, it is also a message of hope to all of us imperfect people: it's not too late to repent and change, regardless of whether we relate more to the first or the second son.

If we are not doing the will of our Father in Heaven, we can acknowledge that, seek forgiveness through sincere repentance, and change our thoughts, words, behaviors, and hearts. Jesus' grace makes this possible for us. This is the beautiful, saving message of the gospel of Jesus Christ!

(Matthew 21:28-32)

DAY 48 of #100daysofJesus - The Ten Lepers

 

DAY 48 of #100daysofJesus

Ten men who were plagued with the incurable disease of leprosy sought out Jesus and called to Him, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us."

Jesus had compassion on these men and was willing to heal them, but some faith was required. He asked them to go show themselves unto the priests.

This would have been a terrifying assignment. For a leper to approach a priest would likely result in death by stoning. The lepers were strictly forbidden from social interaction, especially with the religious leaders. In fact, they were required to yell out "unclean" as they walked to help warn others so they could keep a safe distance.

Notwithstanding the tremendous risk, the lepers faithfully obeyed Jesus, and "as they went, they were cleansed."

As usual, Jesus, the Master Healer, was willing and able to perform a miraculous healing for these suffering men, and faith had preceded the miracle.

Is there healing that we seek in our lives? Are there actions we need to take, coupled with our prayers, to demonstrate our faith?

Now what's particularly interesting about this experience is what happens next:

"And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan."

It's sad that only one of the ten lepers came back to thank Jesus. In fact, Jesus knowing the answer asks, "Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?"

As I reflect on the hint of sadness in Jesus' question, I realize that Jesus wasn't concerned about receiving recognition or praise from the other nine for the miracle. He was concerned about their happiness and wellbeing. He knew what they were missing out on.

Gratitude brings happiness and healing. He had healed them physically, and he knew that gratitude would further help heal their souls.

I also find it interesting that the one leper who returned was called out as a Samaritan. The Samaritans were considered an inferior race by the Jews because of the "impurity" of their bloodline and religious practice. Yet, it was this supposedly inferior man who had the grateful heart and turned back to thank Jesus.

I hope we can all spend time reflecting on our blessings from God and be like this Samaritan, glorifying God and giving Him thanks.

#givethanks

(Luke 17:11-19)

DAY 47 of #100daysofJesus - Give Thanks

 DAY 47 of #100daysofJesus

Jesus gave thanks. And so should we.

Jesus is the perfect example of gratitude, and several instances of his expressing thanks to God are recorded in the scriptures.

Before raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus prayed, "Father, I thank thee that thou has heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always."

During the Last Supper as Jesus gave the bread and wine to His apostles, "he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them."

Before miraculously feeding the 5,000, "Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples..."

As Jesus taught the people, He expressed gratitude for the masterful ability to teach he had been blessed with, saying, "I thank thee, O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, because thou has hid these things from the wise and prudent, and has revealed them unto babes."

In 1831 Jesus commanded the Church through his prophet to do "all things with prayer and thanksgiving."

Yesterday, Russell M Nelson gave us a prophetic prescription to help us with the spiritual healing we all need:

"Over my nine and a half decades of life, I have concluded that counting our blessings is far better than recounting our problems. No matter our situation, showing gratitude for our privileges is a fast-acting and long-lasting spiritual prescription."

I'm grateful for a loving Heavenly Father and for my Savior, Jesus Christ. They mean everything to me.

#givethanks

DAY 46 of #100daysofJesus - Faith Moves Mountains

 DAY 46 of #100daysofJesus

On at least two occasions, Jesus taught his disciples that with faith they can move mountains.

One such occasion followed the cursing of a non-productive fig tree. Jesus told his marveling disciples, "Have faith in God" and then taught this important lesson:

"Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."

The formula given here to move mountains appears to be:

faith + prayer - doubt = moving mountains.

On another occasion, the disciples had struggled to cast devils out of a man. Jesus then rebuked the devil and healed him. The disciples wondered why they were unsuccessful, and Jesus answered that it was "because of your unbelief." He then taught the lesson:

"If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."

The formula seems to be pretty consistent:

faith (just a little) + prayer (sometimes with fasting) = moving mountains

I don't think Jesus was talking about literal mountains in these teachings. He used the metaphor of a mountain to represent something huge and seemingly impossible. His point was that with faith (in Him) and prayer, we can do the impossible.

Do you have mountains in your life that you would like to remove and cast into the sea?

A mountain I'm currently chipping away at is anxiety. I'm praying, fasting, and shoveling with faith. I can see the mountain being removed, one shovel at a time, as I continue to work at it in faith. I'm making progress. Jesus never said the mountain would remove all at once or without effort (though wouldn't that be nice!). But He did promise we could remove our mountains if we follow the formula he taught.

Do you have faith that Jesus can help you remove or conquer the mountains in your life? Is that faith moving you to action? Are you praying for that help?

Jesus is a God of Miracles. It is His great pleasure to help us remove the mountains in our lives as we continue to progress in our mortal journey. Have faith. Trust Jesus.

(References: Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 11:20-24)

DAY 45 of #100daysofJesus - Healing Peter's Mother-in-Law

 

DAY 45 of #100daysofJesus

Another of the many healings performed by Jesus, the Master Healer, was for the mother-in-law of Simon Peter, one of his apostles.

Though only two verses were dedicated to this story, I believe it has great application to us.

She "lay sick of a fever" or as Luke described it "a great fever." She must have been very ill because they "besought him for her."

No doubt Peter's wife was well aware of the many miracles performed by Jesus, including healings. She had likely seen the transformation in her husband since his call to the ministry, and I picture her as a woman of great faith.

Peter had quit his "job" of fishing to follow Jesus as a disciple, which may have also carried economic impacts for their family. Maybe his wife had moved in with her mom during that time, or perhaps mom was staying with her. In either case, it was likely a very challenging, emotional time for Peter's wife, and she was desperate for her own miracle to save her mom.

Jesus came to Peter's mother-in-law, "took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her."

It's much easier to believe that miracles are something that happens to other people. We read about them in scriptures and magazines or hear their stories retold. We tend to insecurely believe that miracles only happen to strangers, often to those more deserving than ourselves, right?

This story debunks that myth completely.

As a disciple of Jesus Christ, He will perform miracles in your life as well.

Peter had given up everything to follow Jesus. When his family needed a miracle, Jesus was there to provide it. He will always have the backs of those who follow and serve Him.

Pray for the miracles your family needs, and then follow Jesus with faith that He can help and that it is His great pleasure to do so. The touch of the Master's healing hand is not just for strangers but also for you. You are worthy and deserving - He loves you. Trust Jesus.

(References: Mark 1:30-31, Luke 4:38-39)