FDREL week 4 “Let us examine what really took place here"

My focus: Luke 10-14 Matthew 19-20; Mark 10; Luke 15-18; John 11

Let's just start this post with a read...  Together, Luke 10:30–33

30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

One of my favorite reads of the week: By President N. Eldon Tanner

Let us examine what really took place here

• “First, the Samaritan ‘had compassion.’ He had the urge to help, for he felt sympathetic to the wounded man’s problem. This kindly affection is brought forth in the heart of anyone who has been touched by the Spirit of the Lord. These empathetic feelings should be felt by each of us toward one another. Indeed, the Savior said that covenant Israel should be known and distinguished by the love they show one for the other. John 13:35

Luke 10:34, and then continue with President Tanner’s commentary, pausing as desired to discuss the students’ insights and feelings:

•  “Second, the Samaritan ‘went to him.’ He did not wait to be approached by the one in need, but rather perceived the need and stepped forth without being asked to do so. In that great hymn ‘A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief’ so loved by the Prophet Joseph, we sense that the high reward promised by the Savior came not just because acts of kindness were performed, but also because they were done spontaneously, consistently, and selflessly.
•  “Third, the Samaritan ‘bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine.’ He provided medical attention and refreshed the sufferer’s thirst. This immediate relief may well have saved the man’s life.
• “Fourth, the Samaritan ‘set him on his own beast’—that is, he provided transportation and ‘brought him to an inn,’ a place of rest and care. By providing this appropriate accommodation he ensured the proper conditions for healing to take place.
•   “Fifth, the Samaritan ‘took care of him.’ Notice that during the critical stages of healing, the Samaritan did not turn the care of the wounded man over to others, but sacrificed of his own time and energy to perform this healing service himself. In a time when it is so easy to leave things to someone else, it is important to have so powerful an example of this good Samaritan.”
• “Sixth, read Luke 10:35 then continue with President Tanner’s commentary:

the Samaritan ‘on the morrow … took out two pence, and gave them to the host.’ He took of his own money, not someone else’s, and paid for the services he could not render himself. He thus consecrated his means for the care of the poor and the needy.

•  “Seventh, the Samaritan, needing to continue earning his own living, told the innkeeper to ‘take care of him.’ In this way, he enlisted others … to help and to continue the care.
•  “Eighth, the Samaritan then promised that ‘whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.’ Here the ultimate in compassion is shown! He puts no limit on the extent to which he will help. And, perhaps even more significant, he does not drop it there and forget it, but commits himself to return and ensure that all that could be done has been done” Conference Report, Oct. 19773 Powerful Principles 
  
  Another weekly reminder of SERVICE AND UNCONDITIONAL LOVE!  
  I wonder why? 
  
  We are commanded to love and serve those in need, regardless of their race, religion, tribe, or social class Luke 10:25–37 This week I have been learning about racial discrimination and civil rights etc.  This scripture really hit home for me.  

Luke 10:1–37  Matthew 11:20–26 We should love and serve those in need.

The Savior identified whom we should serve when He gave the parable of the good Samaritan.“Good Samaritanism is contagious. Providing in the Lord’s way humbles the rich, exalts the poor, and sanctifies both D&C 104:15–18. The giver helps those in need by sharing what he has received. … As the receiver rises to his full potential, he then is able to reach out to help others.

“Good Samaritanism starts in the home as parents teach children by example and precept. … May we be generous with our time and liberal in our contributions for the care of those who suffer. May we commit to the principles of Good Samaritanism and be ever mindful of the need to ‘go, and do thou likewise.’” Bishop H. David

Want to be like Christ? Learn about Christ! 

Some Characteristics of TRUE DISCIPLE OF CHRIST:

Luke 12–13 (see also Matthew 5:25–26; 6:19–34; 16:1–12; 23:37–39; 24:40–51; Mark 8:10–21; 13:32–37). True discipleship requires a willingness to school our feelings so that our personal desires are the same as the Savior’s desires for us.

*Avoid hypocrisy Luke 12:1–3 1 Corinthians 5:7–8
*Place faith in God Luke 12:4–9The powers of man are limited, while God has all power. God knows and sees all.
*Do not covet the treasures of the earth Luke 12:13–34
Elder James E. Talmage said of the rich man in this parable:
“His plans for the proper care of his fruits and goods were not of themselves evil, though he might have considered better ways of distributing his surplus, as for the relief of the needy. His sin was two-fold; first, he regarded his great store chiefly as the means of securing personal ease and sensuous indulgence; secondly, in his material prosperity he failed to acknowledge God, and even counted the years as his own. In the hour of his selfish jubilation he was smitten”
*Prepare for the Lord’s Second Coming Luke 12:35–59; JST, Luke 12:41–57

Learning from my girls, MARY AND MARTHA 

Luke 10:38–42 What did Mary and Martha DO?  How can we learn from them and what can we learn from them? and compare what Martha and Mary did.
These two women had so much faith, and were able to learn directly from Jesus.  Mary and Martha were real women, not a parable.  Often times as I get to reading I enjoy parables to much because I can relate, they are easy to understand and it is a simpler way to read the scriptures. (to me, anyway) However sometimes I have to step back and say to myself, now these folks, these are the real deal and they are amazing.  Alma is one of those people for me.  I love him!  Anyways Mary and Martha are two, that I have to keep reminding myself that they are just like me and I can be just like them.  (far-fetched at this juncture in my life).  In John, I was reading about how Jesus wept at Lazarus death and how much he loves Mary and Martha.  Luke 10:38 makes it sound like Jesus knew Martha before he entered her home.  Here is where my aha moment happened this week, for as long as I can remember I have been told that Mary sat at Jesus feet while Martha was rushing around the house cleaning and cooking etc. (understandable) yet this is not correct.  Verse 39 says that they both sat there at his feet and they both listened to Jesus speak of eternal life. In Matt 11:29 it again states they were learning together.  What happens next is also (understandable) the three of them became hungry.  Martha, like me, looks for any ways to make a houseguest comfortable and got up to make some food.  Martha spoke up and asked for Mary for help.  I can’t say I would be any different.  I would want to provide a delicious meal and comforting environment for any guest and for heaven’s sake, especially Jesus, my savior.  From what I have read they had no prior knowledge of the Saviors visit. 

Jesus’ gentle reprove to Martha is much the same as any loving parent would speak to an upset child: “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things.” (Luke 10:41.) The footnote clarifies that careful means worried. Martha was indeed concerned about what to serve and how to entertain the Son of God. Perhaps Martha is “Everywoman” in her desire to be hospitable and caring in this situation.

Jesus chose this home to be at during his last week of mortal existence.  Mary was tending to Jesus' feet and Martha was preparing food and drink.  Mary and Martha were both amazing women and strength and weaknesses.  I guess that is the lesson here is balance and priorities. 

Elder James E. Talmage:

“There was no reproof of Martha’s desire to provide well; nor any sanction of possible neglect on Mary’s part. We must suppose that Mary had been a willing helper before the Master’s arrival; but now that He had come, she chose to remain with Him. Had she been culpably neglectful of her duty, Jesus would not have commended her course. He desired not well-served meals and material comforts only, but the company of the sisters, and above all their receptive attention to what He had to say. He had more to give them than they could possibly provide for Him. Jesus loved the two sisters and their brother as well. Both these women were devoted to Jesus, and each expressed herself in her own way. Martha was of a practical turn, concerned in material service; she was by nature hospitable and self-denying. Mary, contemplative and more spiritually inclined, showed her devotion through the service of companionship and appreciation”

My notes:
While reading this week’s scriptures and footnotes in the scriptures I had a copy of the manual questions on the screen as well.  Connections were made.

If we learn Gods work and reject it, we will have Gods judgment. 
Luke 10:8–16 D&C 84:74

As our blessings increase, our righteousness should also increase
Luke 12:15–21, 42–48  D&C 82:3–10

We should take advantage of important spiritual opportunities and not be distracted by things of lesser value Luke 10:38–42 D&C 66:10

Jesus Christ knows the secret acts and thoughts of all people, and He condemns hypocrisy

Luke 11:37–54; 12:54–57; 13:14–16  2 Nephi 26:29–31

Righteousness is measured by our motives and actions, not by position or status in the Church Luke 10:25–37; 11:28, 42–48

Luke 10: Jesus calls, empowers, and instructs the Seventy—They preach and heal—Those who receive Christ’s disciples receive Christ—The Father is revealed by the Son—Jesus gives the parable of the good Samaritan.

Luke 11: Jesus gives the Lord’s Prayer—He discusses the casting out of devils—He acclaims Himself as greater than Jonah and Solomon—He rebukes the Pharisees and says that the blood of all the prophets may be required of their generation.

Luke 12: Jesus teaches, beware of hypocrisy; lay up treasures in heaven rather than on earth; prepare for the coming of the Lord; where much is given, much is required; preaching the gospel causes division.

Luke 13 Jesus teaches, Repent or perish—He gives the parable of the barren fig tree, heals a woman on the Sabbath, and likens the kingdom of God to a mustard seed—He discusses whether few or many are saved and laments over Jerusalem.

Luke 14: Jesus again heals on the Sabbath—He teaches humility and gives the parable of the great supper—Those who follow Him must forsake all else.

Mathew 19: Jesus teaches about marriage and divorce—Eternal life is for those who keep the commandments—The Twelve Apostles will judge the house of Israel.
Matthew 20:
Mark 10: Jesus teaches the higher law of marriage—He blesses little children—Jesus counsels the rich young man, foretells His own death, and heals blind Bartimæus.
Luke 15: Jesus gives the parables of the lost sheep, the piece of silver, and the prodigal son.

Luke 16: Jesus gives the parable of the unjust steward—He teaches of service and condemns divorce—He gives the parable of the rich man and Lazarus.

Luke 17: Jesus speaks of offenses, forgiveness, and faith—Even the faithful are unprofitable servants—Ten lepers are healed—Jesus discourses on the Second Coming.

Luke 18: Jesus gives the parables of the unjust judge and the Pharisee and publican—He invites little children to come unto Him and teaches how to gain eternal life—He tells of His coming death and resurrection and gives sight to a blind man.

John 11: Jesus testifies that He is the Resurrection and the Life—Mary and Martha testify of Him—He raises Lazarus from the dead—Caiaphas speaks prophetically of the death of Jesus.

In Luke 10-13 Jesus was telling us that our lives should be a direct reflection of doing good and being righteous.  Jesus was the perfect example of true and sincere service. 
I made a distinct connection to Luke d10:27 “Thou shalt love they Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all they strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.

A quote to remember:

Marriage is sanctified when it is cherished and honored in holiness. That union is not merely between husband and wife; it embraces a partnership with God Matt. 19:6 Russell M. Nelson

"Nurturing Marriage," Ensign May 2006