Focusing on Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2
Step 1
Study Matthew 1-2 and the institute student manual commentary for Matthew 1:18-25 "Mary Was Espoused to Joseph" (pg 22-23). Respond in writing to the following questions:
What did Joseph initially want to do when he found out Mary was with child?
When Joseph found out that Mary was with child, they were "espoused," or in other words, betrothed. At the time, this meant that in the eyes of the law, Joseph and Mary were already legally married. However, since they had not done the marriage ceremony yet, this meant that Joseph had legal possession of Mary, but not yet physical possession of her. Chastity was still very strictly followed. Also at the time, when women were pregnant outside of marriage, if it became publicly known then the woman would be an outcast, chastised, and stoned. Since Joseph was already legally responsible for Mary, he did not want this sin, this evil, to be associated with his name, so he wanted to break of the marriage, legally divorce her, secretly. Just put it all behind him and not deal with any of it.
What did Joseph decide to do after the visit of the angel in his dream? What does this suggest about Joseph's character?
Of course, as we all know, Joseph was visited by an angel in a dream, in which the spiritual, and truth of the matter, was revealed to him, and after knowing these things he promptly took Mary to be his wife so he could also have physical possession of her. This shows that Joseph recognizes and is close to God in some degree and is willing to follow His word, no matter what. Joseph knew he was going to be the guardian of Jesus the Christ, and he agreed to that responsibility. It shows that he is strong and faithful, and willing to do whatever is asked of him.
How many times in these chapters was Joseph guided by the Lord in a dream? What does this suggest about Joseph's spiritual sensitivity?
In these two chapters alone Joseph was guided by the Lord in a dream three times, and I think that this suggests that Joseph was close with God. It shows that he can recognize the difference between the things of the world, the things that are made up, and the true things that come from the Lord. This can be a hard thing to distinguish, but it appears as if Joseph was pretty on top of it all.
Although Joseph was not the literal father of Jesus, he was a righteous man entrusted by Heavenly Father to be a guardian to His Son in mortality. Write about at least two qualities Joseph demonstrated that you think you could develop to be a good parent.
It is already abundantly clear that Joseph put the will of the Lord first in his life, and acted without delay. If I could do this, and even explain my actions to a child when it may not make sense, this this could be a great example to any child about how following the Lord makes life easier. It may not always be clear why, but the child at least knows that God comes first, and that's a great lesson to leave with any child. Joseph also shows that he is not only aware of his name and the legacy he carries, but of the names and legacies of others. He cares to take care of that, and others, to always show the good side. This means that he was always trying to be good, for himself, others, God and his posterity, and thus paving the way for a good a well-known life for all. If we can do this as parents, it teaches children who they are, what they have to live up to, and what they can do to be that and more. It can mold a good character and prevent them from being lost, and help them to help everyone that they come across in their life journey.
Step 2
How is Mary referred to in Luke 1:28? From the account in Luke 1:26-56, make a list of Mary's qualities that you think distinguish her as one who would be "favoured" of God with the special mission of being the mother of the mortal Messiah. Write a paragraph about one of Mary's qualities you want to develop more fully and what difference it would make in your life.
In Luke 1:28, Mary is told by an angel that she is "highly favoured" and "blessed". This is further expounded upon in verses 26-56 as she is further described as a virgin, full of faith, willing to submit to the will of the Lord, sensitive to the feelings and promptings of the Holy Ghost, and already knowledgeable of the scriptures and prophesies they had of Christ at the time.
I would love to be more sensitive to the feelings and promptings of the Holy Ghost; it is something that I have been working on, but probably not as hard as I should be. I know that a big part of this is regular scripture study and daily prayers, and I am struggling with this, but I'm trying. I know that with the small and simple things, then the bigger things will come to pass. There are a lot of questions that I would like to have answered about what I need to be doing for myself, and with my husband, and how to help others, and I know that having a greater sensitivity to the Holy Ghost will greatly assist with this. I just need to be ready to receive His word, and then be willing to act on them.
Step 3
Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38 contain genealogies of Jesus Christ. In the institute student manual, read the commentary for [the scriptures], "Jesus Descended from Kings" (pg 22). Write a statement about the possible significance of the genealogy of Jesus Christ and why the two accounts are slightly different.
The significance of the genealogy of Jesus Christ is that it further shows, from prophecy, that He is indeed the Christ that everyone has been waiting for. The accounts are slightly different because Luke chose to focus on Mary's genealogy because Joseph is the "supposed" father, and Matthew chose to focus on Joseph's genealogy, both of which reveal the answer to prophecy. Luke's written genealogy confirms Gabriel's testimony that Jesus would come to Earth as the "Son of the Highest" (Luke 1:32) and the testimony of God the Father that Jesus was His Beloved Son (Luke 3:22). In the Old Testament it is said that Christ will be a descendant of David and Abraham, both of which are shown in Matthew's genealogy. Some scholars believe that Matthew includes the significance of 14 generations three times because 14 was the number of king David, so this was another way to subtly reveal that Jesus Christ. Also, 14 is 7 doubled, and 7 "is the number signifying perfection and completeness. Jesus Christ is the embodiment of divine perfection and completeness" (Institute Manual, hyperlink above).
Step 4
Read the institute student manual Points to Ponder, "Jesus Was the First Begotten in the Spirit and the Only Begotten in the Flesh" (pg 16) and "Because God Was His Father, Jesus Had Power Over Life and Death" (pg 24). (< As far as I can tell, these passages don't exist.) Read John 10:17-18 and Mosiah 3:7. Then write a paragraph explaining why it was necessary for Jesus Christ to have an immortal Father and a mortal mother.
In order for the Atonement to work, for the great Plan of Redemption to be able to happen, Jesus Christ had to have an immortal Father and a mortal mother. This gave Him power over life an death, and allowed Him the chance to gain a body which is an essential part of progression. Without His body, He would not have been able to go through pain and suffering, which was essential for the Atonement and for His part and Mediator between us and Heavenly Father. In short, nothing for which we are so grateful to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for would have been possible if Christ had not been born of an immortal Father and a mortal mother.
Step 5
Study Luke 2:1-16 and complete the following assignments:
Write six questions that cover what you think are the most important details of the Savior's birth. In parentheses after each question, write the correct answer and the verse where the answer can be found.
1. What was a significant part of Joseph's lineage? (v. 4, of king David)
2. When Mary became pregnant, was she married to Joseph, or espoused? (v. 5, espoused)
3. Was Jesus the first born of Mary? (v. 7, yes)
4. Who did an angel testify to of the birth of Jesus Christ? (v. 8-12; shepherds)
5. What did heaven do at the time of His birth? (v. 13-14; they rejoiced and praised Him)
6. Where was Christ sleeping? (v. 16, in a manger)
Write five phrases from [the scriptures] that you think would be good titles for a talk about Jesus Christ at Christmastime.
1. There Went Out a Decree (v. 1)
2. Mary, His Espoused Wife (v. 5)
3. Keeping Watch Over Their Flock (v. 8)
4. The Glory of the Lord (v. 9)
5. A Saviour, Which is Christ the Lord (v. 11)
- This Shall be a Sign unto you (v. 12)
Step 1
Study Matthew 1-2 and the institute student manual commentary for Matthew 1:18-25 "Mary Was Espoused to Joseph" (pg 22-23). Respond in writing to the following questions:
What did Joseph initially want to do when he found out Mary was with child?
When Joseph found out that Mary was with child, they were "espoused," or in other words, betrothed. At the time, this meant that in the eyes of the law, Joseph and Mary were already legally married. However, since they had not done the marriage ceremony yet, this meant that Joseph had legal possession of Mary, but not yet physical possession of her. Chastity was still very strictly followed. Also at the time, when women were pregnant outside of marriage, if it became publicly known then the woman would be an outcast, chastised, and stoned. Since Joseph was already legally responsible for Mary, he did not want this sin, this evil, to be associated with his name, so he wanted to break of the marriage, legally divorce her, secretly. Just put it all behind him and not deal with any of it.
What did Joseph decide to do after the visit of the angel in his dream? What does this suggest about Joseph's character?
Of course, as we all know, Joseph was visited by an angel in a dream, in which the spiritual, and truth of the matter, was revealed to him, and after knowing these things he promptly took Mary to be his wife so he could also have physical possession of her. This shows that Joseph recognizes and is close to God in some degree and is willing to follow His word, no matter what. Joseph knew he was going to be the guardian of Jesus the Christ, and he agreed to that responsibility. It shows that he is strong and faithful, and willing to do whatever is asked of him.
How many times in these chapters was Joseph guided by the Lord in a dream? What does this suggest about Joseph's spiritual sensitivity?
In these two chapters alone Joseph was guided by the Lord in a dream three times, and I think that this suggests that Joseph was close with God. It shows that he can recognize the difference between the things of the world, the things that are made up, and the true things that come from the Lord. This can be a hard thing to distinguish, but it appears as if Joseph was pretty on top of it all.
Although Joseph was not the literal father of Jesus, he was a righteous man entrusted by Heavenly Father to be a guardian to His Son in mortality. Write about at least two qualities Joseph demonstrated that you think you could develop to be a good parent.
It is already abundantly clear that Joseph put the will of the Lord first in his life, and acted without delay. If I could do this, and even explain my actions to a child when it may not make sense, this this could be a great example to any child about how following the Lord makes life easier. It may not always be clear why, but the child at least knows that God comes first, and that's a great lesson to leave with any child. Joseph also shows that he is not only aware of his name and the legacy he carries, but of the names and legacies of others. He cares to take care of that, and others, to always show the good side. This means that he was always trying to be good, for himself, others, God and his posterity, and thus paving the way for a good a well-known life for all. If we can do this as parents, it teaches children who they are, what they have to live up to, and what they can do to be that and more. It can mold a good character and prevent them from being lost, and help them to help everyone that they come across in their life journey.
Step 2
How is Mary referred to in Luke 1:28? From the account in Luke 1:26-56, make a list of Mary's qualities that you think distinguish her as one who would be "favoured" of God with the special mission of being the mother of the mortal Messiah. Write a paragraph about one of Mary's qualities you want to develop more fully and what difference it would make in your life.
In Luke 1:28, Mary is told by an angel that she is "highly favoured" and "blessed". This is further expounded upon in verses 26-56 as she is further described as a virgin, full of faith, willing to submit to the will of the Lord, sensitive to the feelings and promptings of the Holy Ghost, and already knowledgeable of the scriptures and prophesies they had of Christ at the time.
I would love to be more sensitive to the feelings and promptings of the Holy Ghost; it is something that I have been working on, but probably not as hard as I should be. I know that a big part of this is regular scripture study and daily prayers, and I am struggling with this, but I'm trying. I know that with the small and simple things, then the bigger things will come to pass. There are a lot of questions that I would like to have answered about what I need to be doing for myself, and with my husband, and how to help others, and I know that having a greater sensitivity to the Holy Ghost will greatly assist with this. I just need to be ready to receive His word, and then be willing to act on them.
Step 3
Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38 contain genealogies of Jesus Christ. In the institute student manual, read the commentary for [the scriptures], "Jesus Descended from Kings" (pg 22). Write a statement about the possible significance of the genealogy of Jesus Christ and why the two accounts are slightly different.
The significance of the genealogy of Jesus Christ is that it further shows, from prophecy, that He is indeed the Christ that everyone has been waiting for. The accounts are slightly different because Luke chose to focus on Mary's genealogy because Joseph is the "supposed" father, and Matthew chose to focus on Joseph's genealogy, both of which reveal the answer to prophecy. Luke's written genealogy confirms Gabriel's testimony that Jesus would come to Earth as the "Son of the Highest" (Luke 1:32) and the testimony of God the Father that Jesus was His Beloved Son (Luke 3:22). In the Old Testament it is said that Christ will be a descendant of David and Abraham, both of which are shown in Matthew's genealogy. Some scholars believe that Matthew includes the significance of 14 generations three times because 14 was the number of king David, so this was another way to subtly reveal that Jesus Christ. Also, 14 is 7 doubled, and 7 "is the number signifying perfection and completeness. Jesus Christ is the embodiment of divine perfection and completeness" (Institute Manual, hyperlink above).
Step 4
Read the institute student manual Points to Ponder, "Jesus Was the First Begotten in the Spirit and the Only Begotten in the Flesh" (pg 16) and "Because God Was His Father, Jesus Had Power Over Life and Death" (pg 24). (< As far as I can tell, these passages don't exist.) Read John 10:17-18 and Mosiah 3:7. Then write a paragraph explaining why it was necessary for Jesus Christ to have an immortal Father and a mortal mother.
In order for the Atonement to work, for the great Plan of Redemption to be able to happen, Jesus Christ had to have an immortal Father and a mortal mother. This gave Him power over life an death, and allowed Him the chance to gain a body which is an essential part of progression. Without His body, He would not have been able to go through pain and suffering, which was essential for the Atonement and for His part and Mediator between us and Heavenly Father. In short, nothing for which we are so grateful to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for would have been possible if Christ had not been born of an immortal Father and a mortal mother.
Step 5
Study Luke 2:1-16 and complete the following assignments:
Write six questions that cover what you think are the most important details of the Savior's birth. In parentheses after each question, write the correct answer and the verse where the answer can be found.
1. What was a significant part of Joseph's lineage? (v. 4, of king David)
2. When Mary became pregnant, was she married to Joseph, or espoused? (v. 5, espoused)
3. Was Jesus the first born of Mary? (v. 7, yes)
4. Who did an angel testify to of the birth of Jesus Christ? (v. 8-12; shepherds)
5. What did heaven do at the time of His birth? (v. 13-14; they rejoiced and praised Him)
6. Where was Christ sleeping? (v. 16, in a manger)
Write five phrases from [the scriptures] that you think would be good titles for a talk about Jesus Christ at Christmastime.
1. There Went Out a Decree (v. 1)
2. Mary, His Espoused Wife (v. 5)
3. Keeping Watch Over Their Flock (v. 8)
4. The Glory of the Lord (v. 9)
5. A Saviour, Which is Christ the Lord (v. 11)
- This Shall be a Sign unto you (v. 12)