John 13, A New Commandment

Choice5: John 13:34-35

How can others know we are disciples of Jesus Christ?

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another, as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

Showing Christ-like love is the best way to be a disciple of Christ.

Someone you know is ridiculed or made fun of because of the way they dress. In a situation like this a disciple of Christ would stand up for the ridiculed person. They would befriend them and not care what the "popular" kids or anyone else thought. They would not be mean back to the bullies, but use kindness to teach and love others.

You see a new person at church. A disciple of Christ would go to the new person and introduce themselves and be warm and welcoming even if it meant going outside your comfort zone. Befriend them and help them to feel loved and welcome. Find out about their interests.

"Do people know I am a disciple of Christ by the way I treat them?" Ways I can show love to my husband: welcome him with a hug and kiss when he gets home from work, listen to him talk about something I don't enjoy like video games...give him a massage, tell him I love him.

Preparing for the Savior's Second Coming

Mark 13, Luke 21:5-38, Joseph Smith-Matthew

Things to watch for and be prepared for.

1. Be careful of those who deceive

We have been told of all things to be aware of so we need to be familiar with his words.

Watch and pray

Additional truths about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ

2. D&C 87:8-Stand in Holy Places

Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:32-Desolation among the wicked

Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:37-believe his word and not be decieved

Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:46-50-be ready, no man knows the hour of His coming, be faithful

D&C 33:17-be faithful, pray always, lamps trimmed and burning with oil.

D&C 45:56-57-Parable of the Ten virgins, wise, not deceived, prepared.

Matthew 21-22

Jesus was Rejected by the Jewish Leaders

The fig tree-Matthew 21:17-21

The Jewish leaders of Jesus' day were like the fig tree because they did not allow the fruit to grow, but instead they shriveled up and whithered away.

The second son-Matthew 21:28-32

The second son resembles the Jewish leaders because they say they follow their beliefs with their words but their actions show otherwise. They are hypocrites.

The husbandmen-Matthew 21:33-41

The husbandmen is just like the Jewish leaders who have Christ in their midst and yet they refuse to see him as their Savior and Redeemer. They slay Christ just as the son of the husbandmen was slain.

The wedding guests and the man without the wedding garment-Matthew 22:1-14

This is a representation of the need to be prepared for the things to come. The man without the garment was cast out into outer darkness because he did not have the correct things to prepare him for what he was supposed to do. We too have to be ready. Because like verse 14 says, many are called but few are chosen.

Parables and Accounts that Teach Eternal Truths

Luke 16: 1-12 Unjust Steward

This parable teaches us that followers of Christ need to approach the task of preparing for the eternities with care.

Luke 16: 19-31 Lazarus

From these verses the Lord wants us to understand that there are different destinations after this life. There is hell and paradise.

Luke 17:11-19 Ten Lepers

This parable shows that we need to exercise faith in order to be healed. When the one Samaritan comes to give thanks it also shows that Christ is not a judger of persons just because of their race or anything else. He loves everyone.

Luke 18:1-8 Unjust Judge

The reason behind this parable was for men to understand that God is always just and merciful. It was to show men that we must always pray and not faint.

Luke 18:9-14 Pharisee and Publican

This parable was given for the self-righteous who see that as an assurance of the justification of God. The two different characters are not meant to refer specifically to those two types of people, but to anyone who sees themselves as complacent and self-righteous.