Week 2

Matthew 10; Mark 3:13-35; Luke 5:1-11. The Calling of the Twelve Apostles

Follow Me, and I will Make You Fishers of Men

1.Review Matthew 10:1-4 and Mark 3:13-19 and highlight the names of the original Twelve Apostles. Look up the names of three Apostles in the Bible Dictionary and write one sentence describing something you learned about each one you selected.

• Simon(Peter)
• Andrew brother of Simon
• James son of Zebedee
• John son of Zebedee
• Philip
• Bartholomew
• Thomas
• Matthew the Publican
• James the son of Alphaeus
• Lebbaeus Thaddaeus
• Simon the Canaanite
• Judas Iscariot

Peter- According to 1 Peter 5:13 we learn he worked in Babylon, which may be the well-known city on the Euphrates River or possibly a disguised name for Rome. He most likely worked in Syrian towns with Antioch at it’s center from A.D 44 to 61.

Philip-His name means lover of horses. He was from Bethsaida.

Bartholomew- Is considered also to be referred to as Nathanial. John mentions only Nathanael and never Bartholomew. In Matthew, Mark and Luke he is referred to as Bartholomew.  He was a close friend to Philip.

Christ Ordaining the Apostles

2. Read Acts 4:33; Doctrine and Covenants 107:23; and the entry for "Apostle" in the Bible Dictionary (p. 612). Then, write a definition for what an Apostle is.

Apostle-It means “one sent forth.” A special witness called by the Lord to go out to the entire world and testify of the divinity of Jesus Christ, his role as Savior, and redeemer.

3. Describe in writing how the Savior's teachings to His Apostles in Matthew 10:5-42 prepared them to be sent out to proclaim the gospel.

The Lord gave specific directions involving where the apostles were to go geographic and what people they were to work with, the House of Israel. He gave them a charge to seek out those that are lost and to teach them the gospel of Jesus Christ. This was very much Handbook 1 of instructions, for the apostles at the time. Something they would be able to refer to in order to stay on task and how to deal with issues as they arise.

They were also warned to expect opposition, but exhorted not to let that bother them and to endure. 

It also established the proper order of things involving priesthood authority. The Lord tells them He is always in charge and they are to take direction from Him.

 

4. Read Luke 5:1-11. Explain in writing what you learn from the responses made by Peter, James, and John to the Savior's call. How could you apply their actions and examples in your own life?

Simon was willing to listen to the Lord.  He followed the direction and cast his boat out so the Savior could teach. Simon shows obedience to the Lord.  Simon may not have understood why the Lord asked him to cast the net again, but Simon was obedient. Simon showed humility fully understanding that he was a sinful man he fell down at the Savior’s knees.  They chose to follow the Lord, when called, and do his work, and turn away from the world.

In order for my relationship with the Savior to grow I need to listen and learn from His teachings. Through humility I will be strengthened in spirit to take upon myself Christ’s name and live as a disciple of Christ.

Jesus Acclaims John the Baptist

Choice 1: 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? They said, Art thou he that should come? Or look we for another? Basically they asked if Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah that they should follow.

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. I would have told John that I found the Messiah. There are a number of things to share regarding the miracles witnessed such as, lepers being cleansed, the blind being healed, and the raising of the dead.

2.  Read the institute student manual commentary for Matthew 11:2–3, “Did John Doubt That Jesus Was the Messiah?” (p. 66). John did not doubt Jesus was the Messiah.  John knew who Jesus was probably better than anyone. John received revelation regarding the divinity of Christ.

Explain why John wanted his disciples to go to Jesus Christ. John wanted his followers to know that Jesus was the Christ, so they would follow Christ and not John.

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? The savior said there in not a greater prophet than John.

Provide three reasons given by Joseph Smith why John the Baptist is considered among the greatest prophets.

1.    He was the one chosen to prepare the way for the Savior’s mission on earth.

2.    He had the important mission to baptize the Savior Jesus Christ. No one else was honored with that responsibility.

3.    John was the only legal administrator on the affairs of the kingdom there was on earth, holding all the keys of authority. The son of Zacharias took the keys, the kingdom, the power, and the glory from the Jews, by the holy anointing and decree of heaven. The Jews had to obey John’s instructions, by their own law. Christ himself fulfilled all righteousness being obedient to the law, which he had given to Moses, making it honorable and fulfilling the law instead of destroying it.

4.  What does John 3:30 suggest about John the Baptist and his attitude toward the Savior? John understood his place.  John new his mission was over, but Christ’s mission and work would continue on. Jesus Christ is over all things; John is a follower of Christ. 

Briefly describe how we could apply a similar attitude in our own lives. We need to gain a testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ. Humility is an attribute necessary to have in order to follow Christ and be obedient to His commandments.  I think John the Baptist is a perfect example of humility. Never did John think he was greater than he was, It was Jesus Christ that said he was the greatest of all prophets. I don’t know if John felt that way. His desire to serve the Lord and shun the things of the world allowed him to fulfill his mission and withstand all trials that came his way.