Chapter 9
We've talked about the things that are in this chapter previously. At the end of the chapter in verses 57-62, I think what the Lord is saying is, "If you choose to follow me, it is likely that you will see your home much less, you will not be with your family and always able to take care of family business. And once you've made this commitment, you will be expected to stick with it to the end regardless of how difficult it may become.
Chapter 10
In these first verses, we learn more about church organization. He's appointed the 12 apostles, now he's established the first quorum of 70. Most churches and most people think that the Savior just wandered from village to town preaching and working miracles. But he was organizing his church on earth, establishing leaders and giving specific assignments and instructions for them. In the first verses of Acts, it says that after the Savior's death, he continued to lead the church and give instructions by revelation to the leaders. The church didn't begin after his death, it continued to function as it was already set up. The only difference after his death is the church no longer confined its work to just the Jews. It would now go also to the gentiles meaning the whole world.
What do you think the difference is between verses 10-12 in this chapter and verse 56 in chapter 9?
In verse 24, we have evidence that plain and precious things have been removed from the Bible. Here the Savior is saying that the old testament prophets and their kings would have loved to been alive to see and hear what is happening in the Savior's lifetime. They knew of his coming and what his mission and teachings would be. We're much like them. Knowing what we know, don't you wish sometimes you could have seen the Savior's ministry in person?
4 comments:
Why did the Savior use the word "some" in Luke 9:27? I thought it was just John the Beloved that was allowed to live until the 2nd Coming.
I really like these two chapters because it shows how exact the restored church follows the organization of Christ's church. The appearance of Moses and Elias and the Quorum of the 12 and 70 are all the same now as they were then.
I also really enjoy the message of the Good Samaritan. It illustrates the fact that Christ, the Good Samaritan, is the only one with power to save us; no priest or Levite, bishop or Elder's Quorum President can save us: only Christ!
Either "some" and "one" are synonymous in this case, or the Savior is purposely keeping things vague. He knows that John will request this of him, but would probably like John to come to that point on his own without undue influence. He knows, but is John even thinking about it yet?
I believe the Good Samaritan in reality is the Savior too. But, he gives the parable because he wants us to have a similar compassion. It's also a condemnation of the Jews who, as you know, would have considered it an unclean act to assist the wounded man.
I think of Elder Holland when we read the last few verses in chapter nine. When he spoke to us he shared how significant the sacrifice from family was for him. And that his willingness to fulfill the calling and the time spent away from family wasn't for some great joke. I think the Lord needed these men to understand that you have to be fully committed.
I think the difference between to the two verses/chapters, is the location. I think the Lord knows and understands that some are more willing and some are more wicked. The other thought I have is that the Lord loves those that serve Him. I know that as a mother I am more protective of my girls when they are doing what they are supposed to and are teased by it. I think that the Lord is more protective of those who are persecuted for his sake.
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