Of Criticism and Complaint

Today our Sunday School lesson mentioned the struggles of the Martin and Willie handcart companies.  It brought to mind a memory of a great story I'd heard about facing adversity without complaint.  A bit of searching turned up the story, given by President Gordon B. Hinckley, then First Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church in the October 1991 general conference.  His talk was "Our Mission of Saving."

Years later [after the suffering of the saints in handcart companies], a group in Cedar City were talking about her and others who were in those ill-fated companies. Members of the group spoke critically of the Church and its leaders because the company of converts had been permitted to start so late in the season. I now quote from a manuscript which I have:

“One old man in the corner sat silent and listened as long as he could stand it. Then he arose and said things that no person who heard will ever forget. His face was white with emotion, yet he spoke calmly, deliberately, but with great earnestness and sincerity.

“He said in substance, ‘I ask you to stop this criticism. You are discussing a matter you know nothing about. Cold historic facts mean nothing here for they give no proper interpretation of the questions involved. A mistake to send the handcart company out so late in the season? Yes. But I was in that company and my wife was in it and Sister Nellie Unthank whom you have cited was there too. We suffered beyond anything you can imagine and many died of exposure and starvation, but did you ever hear a survivor of that company utter a word of criticism? Not one of that company ever apostatized or left the Church because every one of us came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives for we became acquainted with him in our extremities.’” (Manuscript in my possession.)

The Endowment

We're headed to the temple tonight for Stake Temple night.  I was describing what I'm not covenanted not to to my child, and remembered a great article on the ordinance in the February 1995 Ensign.  This is the most I think you can learn about it from an appropriate source:  https://www.lds.org/ensign/1995/02/endowed-with-covenants-and-blessings?lang=eng

Endowed with Covenants and Blessings

A person usually enters the temple the first time to receive what is called the endowment. After receiving the endowment, a person then is able to be married in the temple, which in temple terminology is called being sealed.

Since Latter-day Saints do not discuss in detail the ordinances of the temple outside of the temple, how may an appropriate overview be given to interested members and friends? Fortunately, leaders who have been Presidents of the Church or who have been members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have given perceptive, helpful summaries.

It was through the Prophet Joseph Smith in the nineteenth century that the Lord restored again to earth the holy ordinances of temple covenants and blessings. The following recollection of President George Q. Cannon of the First Presidency describes the intense interest that members of the Church had in the 1840s when the blessings of the temple were again made available to mankind:

“When the Prophet Joseph [Smith] first communicated that the Lord had revealed to him the keys of the endowment, I can remember the great desire there was on every hand to understand something about them. When the Prophet would speak about his desire to complete the temple in order that he might impart unto his fellow servants that which God had delivered to him, a thrill went through the congregation and a great desire for this filled their hearts” (Gospel Truth, Discourses and Writings of President George Q. Cannon, 2 vols., comp. Jerreld L. Newquist, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1974, 1:228).

An overview of the endowment was given by Elder James E. Talmage, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve and a prominent scholar:

“The Temple Endowment, as administered in modern temples, comprises instruction relating to the significance and sequence of past dispensations, and the importance of the present as the greatest and grandest era in human history. This course of instruction includes a recital of the most prominent events of the creative period, the condition of our first parents in the Garden of Eden, their disobedience and consequent expulsion from that blissful abode, their condition in the lone and dreary world when doomed to live by labor and sweat, the plan of redemption by which the great transgression may be atoned, the period of the great apostasy, the restoration of the Gospel with all its ancient powers and privileges, the absolute and indispensable condition of personal purity and devotion to the right in present life, and a strict compliance with Gospel requirements. …

“The ordinances of the endowment embody certain obligations on the part of the individual, such as covenant and promise to observe the law of strict virtue and chastity, to be charitable, benevolent, tolerant and pure; to devote both talent and material means to the spread of truth and the uplifting of the race; to maintain devotion to the cause of truth; and to seek in every way to contribute to the great preparation that the earth may be made ready to receive her King—the Lord Jesus Christ. With the taking of each covenant and the assuming of each obligation a promised blessing is pronounced, contingent upon the faithful observance of the conditions.

“No jot, iota, or tittle of the temple rites is otherwise than uplifting and sanctifying. In every detail the endowment ceremony contributes to covenants of morality of life, consecration of person to high ideals, devotion to truth, patriotism to nation, and allegiance to God. The blessings of the House of the Lord are restricted to no privileged class; every member of the Church may have admission to the temple with the right to participate in the ordinances thereof, if he comes duly accredited as of worthy life and conduct” (The House of the Lord, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1968, pp. 83–84).

Creation room, Los Angeles Temple.

Another insight regarding the endowment was given by Elder John A. Widtsoe, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and a widely known university president and scientist. Elder Widtsoe wrote:

“The endowment given to members of the Church in the temples falls into several divisions. First, there is a course of instruction relative to man’s eternal journey from the dim beginning towards his possible glorious destiny. Then, conditions are set up by which that endless journey may be upward in direction. Those who receive this information covenant to obey the laws of eternal progress, and thereby give life to the knowledge received. Finally, it is made clear that a man must sometimes give an account of his deeds, and prove the possession of divine knowledge and religious works. It is a very beautiful, logical and inspiring series of ceremonies” (A Rational Theology, 7th ed., Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1965, pp. 125–26).

Garden room, Idaho Falls Temple.

President Brigham Young succinctly described the endowment from a different perspective. He observed that the endowment will prove to be vital for us after we leave mortality:

“Let me give you a definition in brief. Your endowment is, to receive all those ordinances in the house of the Lord, which are necessary for you, after you have departed this life, to enable you to walk back to the presence of the Father, passing the angels who stand as sentinels, being enabled to give them the key words, the signs and tokens, pertaining to the holy Priesthood, and gain your eternal exaltation in spite of earth and hell” (Discourses of Brigham Young, comp. John A. Widtsoe, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1941, p. 416).

In temples, Latter-day Saints receive an overview of the Lord’s plan for his children. They learn of their premortal, mortal, and postmortal lives and of the blessings they can receive in the next life. World room, Salt Lake Temple.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints often speak of the influence temple covenants and ordinances have in their lives. How might one who has not been to the temple best sense this influence? Elder Joseph Fielding Smith, President of the Church in the 1970s, wrote the following:

“If we go into the temple we raise our hands and covenant that we will serve the Lord and observe his commandments and keep ourselves unspotted from the world. If we realize what we are doing, then the endowment will be a protection to us all our lives—a protection which a man who does not go to the temple does not have.

“I have heard my father say that in the hour of trial, in the hour of temptation, he would think of the promises, the covenants that he made in the House of the Lord, and they were a protection to him. … This protection is what these ceremonies are for, in part. They save us now and exalt us hereafter, if we will honor them. I know that this protection is given for I, too, have realized it, as have thousands of others who have remembered their obligations” (Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, July 1930, p. 103).

Celestial room, Manti Temple.

To endow is to enrich, to give to another something long-lasting and of much worth. To Latter-day Saints, the blessings of the endowment are as a pearl of great price in their lives, giving endless support and strength, unlimited inspiration and motivation.

Of Faith and Proof

Lately I've been listening to the FAIR Podcast.  I've found out fascinating things that have the power to shake a member's faith if they're discovered in a hostile way.  I'm grateful for the experience.  My last post provides some insight to the foundation that allows me to examine these issues without being shaken.  Understand, that's just a sample, though a large one.  I have had hundreds, if not thousands of smaller experiences that have told me the church is true.  My testimony is built on faith followed by miracles.  The faith came first.

As I listened to these podcasts, I came to an absolutely critical realization.  While the critics put forth many arguments against the Church.  Apologists (classical definition--they're not apologizing for anything) put forth solid, fact-based responses.  Critics then go after those responses with very credible information and facts.  Both sides have very good arguments.  As I've looked at all this, I've wondered a bit.  I know the Church is true.  In fact, I know it so strongly I believe I'd offend God if I were to turn away.

Two weeks ago I had a strong impression that we will never prove or disprove the Book of Mormon via science.  Whether you're looking at archeology or population genetics, there are great arguments and counter arguments for and against the veracity of the Book of Mormon.  Some are enough for a logical, scientific testimony for members.  Others are enough for a logical, scientific basis for other members to leave, and critics to attack.  I realized then that you can't truly prove it either way because in the end, God demands faith.  You must choose what you believe and stick to it.  If you have a spiritual, faith-based testimony, the arguments and evidence in favor of the Book of Mormon are sufficient.  It can not be proved beyond a reasonable doubt to be false.  If you don't have that, then the arguments against may well be enough to make you choose not to live the gospel.

What's astounding to me is that until this morning, I didn't apply that to the entirety of the Church.  There are many credible evidences supporting and in opposition to the truth of the gospel and organization of the Church.  In the end, belief comes down to faith.  To me, that's evidence of truth, because the scriptures tell us that faith is required of us.  Faith is a power and a gift.  It is demanded of us if we are to be exalted.

Part of that realization came because of a podcast featuring Bill Reel.  He told his story and shared a fantastic e-mail from someone who helped him, albeit with a somewhat harsh tone.  He recognized that the tone was what he needed just then, so no doubt that's why the author was inspired to use it.  Here is that e-mail, or the portion Bill Reel shared.  If you'd like to see his post, please find it here.

“There are not problems as you characterize them and the elephants in the room are not the baby elephants you keep hoping are going to trumpet an answer. In the very back corner is a humongous, Massive bull elephant who is sitting on his side, resting from all of the bellowing he has been doing hoping to get the attention over the mass of baby elephants making all the racket. He is obscured from your view because all you keep seeing are the baby elephants covering him from view.

"There is a work underfoot that you do not grasp yet. It seems to you to be a work to hide and protect the church. Completely, incorrect. We can flush these thoughts out further if we need to but when you think of Bruce R. McConkie’s take on the 10 virgins and that they represent the members and that half will fall away, what do you think is going to separate the saints from one another. We do love each other and as a group are very tolerant when appropriate, but what is going to drive a wedge between the members to push them a part.

"Faith is the big Elephant lying on its side resting. The 50 % that fall away are those who do not realize that theology is built upon a requirement of faith. Without it none can please God. One can never overcome the theological demands of faith by an appeal to empirical proof. They are at odds. The one destroy the other. Proof will only leave you weak and unable to stand when stand you must. The one leads to life eternal the other leaves one unable to call upon God when the time is ripe for destruction. The work that is underfoot is the sifting of the wheat from the tares.

"In the coming days, I have no clue how long, but soon enough I am sure, the truths of the history of the church will save no lives. The only thing that will is in those, that live, breath, feel in their hearts and souls the faith that can stand this moment – the beginning onslaught against the church. It is the same ideological battle that pulled the third of heaven to follow Satan. It will escalate form here to becoming a physical battle and the world will be arrayed against us – It will take powerful faith, perhaps Enochian faith to turn the tides against those that would destroy the members of the church. You are only in the beginning stages of the battle of the war of words and ideals and you are already falling prey to the efforts. What will you do when destruction is between you and the powers of heaven to forestall.

"Faith – so few understand it is a genuine power. Sometimes I think that members are hell-bent on avoiding, denying, and fleeing away from the opportunities to exercise faith – the power that holds worlds in their orbits and enables the creative efforts. We lip service it and then ignore it constantly. This day is a blessing to you. You are being tossed and torn and beaten and abused in the crucible of faith. The anxiety you feel is because you are slowly feeling the heat of the flames that will prepare some and destroy others.

"You acknowledge the need for faith but it has not impressed upon your soul the power of what faith really is. Again I ask, what did you think it would look like when we were in the middle of the sifting. IT LOOKS LIKE WHAT YOU ARE SEEING. It is painful, until the faith provides the healing and there is no faith in questioning the motives of the church. They know exactly what is happening and they are stemming it as best they can within the boundaries of agency, and teaching correct principle. I’m not going to expand further, I’ll see where this takes you.”

God promised us we would have moral agency, that is, we could decide our path for ourselves, whether it leads to or away from Him.  He will not provide universal incontrovertible proof, because that would interfere with the agency promised to us and prevent the growth necessary for us to become what He wants us to become.  So, evidence, logic and science must balance for and against the Church so it comes down to faith and submitting our will to His.  We must choose.  Our choices will exalt or damn us.

My proof of the truthfulness of the Church is personal.  I don't think even that proof would have been given against my will, but I either asked for it, or voluntarily chose to serve in a position that led directly to that proof.  Thus my moral agency was never interfered with, much as God never appeared to Joseph Smith until he asked for enlightenment.  He may not have anticipated the life-changing scope of that direction, but God would not interfere until He was invited.  Joseph's agency wasn't infringed upon.

It is by grace we are saved, after all that we can do.  Receiving that grace is predicated upon our faithfulness.  Our faith must be sufficient to provide us a clear path when two equally logical and scientific choices are laid before us.  There will be times when we feel weak or when we don't understand.  There will be times when we don't agree with Church policy.  A spiritual, faith-based testimony will see us through these times.  If yours isn't strong, cultivate it.  I know I must continue to work on mine.

A singular experience

For years, I've kept mostly to myself an experience I had as a missionary. I've told it to family, and a few friends. Lately I've felt prompted to set it down in writing.  I had a friend who left our faith saying that our beliefs couldn't be validated scientifically, and in fact were disproved by science.  When I reminded her I was a very logical and scientifically-minded person in my thinking, she lashed back at me and told me I couldn't be.  I will admit that my faith isn't scientifically-based.  It can't be.  That isn't the nature of faith.

I do agree with Henry Eyring the chemist who said, "Is there any conflict between science and religion? There is no conflict in the mind of God, but often there is conflict in the minds of men." (Henry Eyring. Reflections of a scientist.)  Bruce R. McConkie sagely considered, "Obviously there never will be a conflict between truths revealed in the realm of religion and those discovered by scientific research.  Truth is ever in harmony with itself.  But if false doctrines creep into revealed religion, these will run counter to the discovered truths of science; and if false scientific theories are postulated, these ultimately will be overthrown by the truths revealed from Him who knows all things."  (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine)  I have never found my faith at odds with science.  Any seeming conflicts have been resolved through study, prayer and additional information.  It has come to the point where if there appears to be a conflict, I am not worried.  I know it will be resolved in time.  This doesn't absolve me of the need to study the thing out, but it does remove any threat to my faith.

Part of this strong faith comes from experiences I've had.  They can't be probed scientifically, they just are.  There are things I have seen and heard that I can't deny, and I know that to deny them would bring upon me the condemnation of God.  This experience is one of them, possibly the most powerful.

As a missionary, I was called upon to give many blessings to people, but one stood out.  We were called to give a blessing of health to a sick relative of a member family.  We went to go and help.  When we entered the home, having yet to learn anything of the infirmity involved, I was immediately made aware something was really wrong when the Spirit came upon me with great force.  I've described it as the Spirit slamming down around me like a shield.  It was so powerful it felt like a physical force.  I had no idea yet why that happened, but it was so singular in my experience that it stood out and it led me to think something out of the ordinary was going on in that home.

We went in and talked with the man and his family.  He was agitated.  He had trouble focusing on things.  His movements were often jerky.  He would discuss things, but often contradict himself, sometimes even saying yes while shaking his head no, or saying no while nodding yes.  We prayed with him to try to prepare him and he had trouble with this.  We sang hymns with him, and he had difficulty singing the hymns, despite holding a hymn book (he was not a member, but had attended often, and knew the simple hymns we stuck to).  I still did not know what was wrong, or perhaps hadn't admitted to myself what was wrong.  My companion appeared calm, but later he told me he was agitated because he'd seen this before.  Through it all, the Spirit stayed with me, protecting me powerfully for reasons I didn't yet understand.

My companion anointed the man with consecrated oil, and I blessed.  During the blessing  I was prompted to cast out spirits.  Now I am not in the habit of ignoring the inspiration that comes during a blessing.  It's an incredible experience, and each blessing comes with new witness of the divinity of the ordinance.  But I couldn't bring myself to say it.  At the third prompting, I finally said it.  Nothing happened.  I concluded the blessing and we went on talking with the man afterward.  Nothing had changed.  I wondered if I'd misunderstood what I'd been directed to say, but the prompting had been clear, and the Spirit still protected me in a way I now accepted was necessary given what we were facing.  

The man was able to tell us at that point he was fighting with possessing spirits.  He'd been deeply depressed in recent weeks and had been opened up to them.  He thought there were three of them.  I recalled that even the Apostles in the New Testament had trouble casting out some Spirits.  As nothing more than an Elder, I realized this might be a process.  My companion blessed him and was also prompted to cast out spirits, but they didn't come out for him, either.

Seeking more power, I gathered all of the Melchizedek priesthood holders to participate.  We blessed the man a few times.  During one of them, one of the men fell back.  We closed the circle and finished the blessing.  We asked if he was well, and he said he was but that a spirit or spirits had attempted to enter into him and so he'd physically moved away.  I understood better why the shield about me was so strong and continued to be.  I knew I was beyond harm from the possessing spirits so long as the Holy Spirit was so powerfully protecting me.  I called the branch president at that point in a private room and told him what had happened.  I thought I might need more authority.  I described the experience and he told me without disclosing anything confidential that the man who'd been assailed should not have been in the circle at that time.  That made sense.  He shouldn't have been trying to exercise the priesthood, and so was vulnerable.  I invited the branch president to come help.  He declined, as he was in the middle of important business.

I called my mission president next.  He was entirely unfazed by what I related.  He was unable to come either, but reminded me I had the authority, but these things were powerful.  Still, they'd eventually have to respond.  He closed with the very comforting, "And Elder, be careful.  Sometimes they throw things."

I'm grateful these spirits hadn't enough control over the man to do that.  I'm sure I'd have found it unnerving.

I went back with the others, and to avoid disclosing that I had learned one man was unworthy, I explained my companion and I would try it alone for a bit.  We blessed the man three more times.  On the third time I felt the spirits depart and quickly closed the blessing.  My companion was already looking at me and said, "Did you feel them go?"  I confirmed I had.  The man we'd been blessing was then normal, all symptoms having disappeared.  He was very frightened at what had just happened, and wanted us to stay.  He said he could feel the Holy Spirit with us and didn't want that protection to go.  We explained we couldn't stay long, but that he could have the Spirit with him as a protection, too.  We set him to reading scriptures and conference editions of the Ensign.  I was amazed at the change in him.  His movements were smooth.  He spoke without hesitation or contradiction.  He could sing hymns and read scriptures aloud without trouble.  

The man remained free of further trouble for the time I was in the area.  We eventually lost contact.  My companion told me on the way home from this experience that he had seen it once before happen to an elder in an apartment he lived in.  The elder had become very depressed, and had been similarly possessed. and run out into the night.  The mission president had come and taken care of it, casting out the spirits and seeing to the elder's spiritual health.  Having seen it before, my companion had caught on much quicker than I had but was afraid to say anything.  Since I'd just experienced the casting out process I couldn't blame him for that.  It's an experience only a fool would seek out.  You deal with it if you have to, but it's scary and it's not something most of us would choose to repeat.  You really don't want to think it's real.  I had faith in what I'd read in the Bible, and had faith such things could happen, but hadn't really thought about them as more than historical events.  That changed that night.  I had felt the power of evil and knew it was completely real and very strong.  I'd felt God's incredible response, and knew His power was superior.  The fight between good and evil had become real to me in a way it never before was.   

When I've thought about this experience, I've realized it defies scientific probing, but it really happened to me.  My companion, the fellow we'd blessed and about a dozen of that fellow's relations had seen it happen.  We experienced things simultaneously, and the reality of what happened leaves me with no explanation except that either spiritual possession is real, or mass telepathy and hallucination are real.  Occam's razor suggests the first explanation is the best, being the simplest.  This powerful experience has stayed with me, and kept me from questioning my faith.  I still explore and seek to understand contradictions, but I have no doubts about the reality of God and the truthfulness of the gospel.

Easter Week Activities

Please note:  This isn't my work!  A friend of ours posted the way her family celebrates  the week of Easter at their home.  I'm copying it mostly so I can link the scripture references for convenience.  Find her posts here:  http://orangepeanut.com/search/label/Easter  If you notice that a link doesn't seem to be right, like the scripture says Matthew and you end up in John, drop me a note and I'll fix it.  I've been pretty careful, but I know I'm not perfect, which makes the Atonement all the more necessary in my life.

Holy Week - Day One (Palm Sunday)

Easter is by far my favorite holiday! Each year we celebrate Holy Week as a family and have activities that correspond with what Jesus did that last week of His mortal life. Most of these activities come from the fabulous book - "A Christ-Centered Easter: Day-by-Day Activities to Celebrate Easter Week" by Janet and Joe Hales. I would also highly recommend the book titled "God So Loved The World: The Final Days Of The Savior's Life" by Eric D. Huntsman. 

"There would be no Christmas if there had not been Easter. The babe Jesus of Bethlehem would be but another baby without the redeeming Christ of Gethsemane and Calvary, and the triumphant fact of the Resurrection." - Gordon B. Hinckley 

So here is what we do on Palm Sunday:

Palm Sunday (Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem)

Prophecy: "Rejoice greatly, O ^adaughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy ^bKing cometh unto thee: he is ^cjust, and having salvation; lowly, and ^driding upon an ^eass, and upon a ^fcolt the foal of an ass." - Zechariah 9:9

Scripture Reading:  Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-36

Family Discussion: Discuss the symbolism of using palm branches to usher the Lord into Jerusalem (see this story from the Friend). There is also some great information from the April 2009 Ensign - see the section on "The Triumphal entry into Jerusalem (click here).

Suggested Activities (pick any of these activities):

• Begin your Easter week with a "LOA" (Love One Another) table or wall. Cover a table or wall with poster board or butcher paper. Encourage everyone to write complimentary notes to each other on the poster throughout the week. Read the comments aloud on Easter Sunday.
• Make palm leaves out of cardstock. Re-enact Jesus' arrival into Jerusalem. While someone reads from the New Testament (see the Scripture Reading above) you can act out what it must have been like. Then discuss the story from the Friend (link above: "Exploring Palms for the Lord")
• Go on a nature walk with your children. Instruct them to find a variety of objects that are significant to the Easter story. For example, find a branch to signify the palm branches thrust at Jesus' feet as he rode a donkey into Jerusalem; a thorn to represent the crown of thorns Jesus wore on his head; a piece of wood to signify the cross to which Jesus was nailed; a rock to represent the stone that rolled away from the open tomb, etc...
• Create your own Palm Sunday activity

Holy Week - Day Two (Monday)

Monday (Cleansing the Temple)

Prophecy: "Even them will I bring to my holy ^amountain, and make them joyful in my ^bhouse of ^cprayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be ^daccepted upon mine altar; for mine ^ehouse shall be called an house of prayer for ^fall ^gpeople." - Isaiah 56:7

Scripture Reading:  Matthew 21:12-18; Mark 11:12-19; Luke 19:45-48

Family Discussion: Given Jesus' action in the temple, discuss how he would feel in your own family's home? How might he cleanse it? As a family, choose one way to purify your home and make that your goal for the week.

Suggested Activities:

• Because my kids are young, I love acting things out. On a small table I put play money (from a board game) and play coins. Underneath the table I had the boys gather their stuffed animals. I then showed them a picture of Herod's Temple

• We then talked about what Jesus did at the temple:

Early the next morning Jesus went again to the temple and made a decisive thrust calculated to challenge the Jewish religious leadership. He drove from the outer court area of the temple those who were trading and making money exchange from foreign currency. The money exchange was apparently sanctioned by the Jewish leaders; and by preventing the merchandising, Jesus was in effect challenging their leadership. The issue was clear: Was the temple to be a place of worship of God or of pursuit of gain? As he cleared the temple courts, he said, “It is written, My ^ahouse shall be called the house of ^bprayer; but ye have made it a ^cden of thieves.” (Matthew 21:13.)

Again that evening Jesus returned to Bethany.

• We then acted out what happened when Jesus got to the temple. I had the boys come and exchange their money and then they could use the coins to buy an animal for the Passover sacrifice. Then while they were exchanging things, Ryan came out and throw over the table and repeated the words that Jesus had said to those in the temple. I used Gospel Art Kit Picture #224 and paraphrased what was written on the back.

Holy Week - Day Three (Tuesday)

Tuesday (Parables and Teaching)

Prophecy: “I will open my mouth in a ^aparable: I will utter dark sayings of old:” (Psalms 78:2).

Scripture Reading: (Spread these readings over the next two days) Matthew 21:19 through Matthew 26:16; Mark 11:20 through Mark 14; Luke 20:1 through Luke 22:6; John 12:37-50

The Prodigal Son

Specific Parables and Teachings:

• Question of Authority:  Matthew 21:23-27
• Parable of the Two Sons:  Matthew 21:28-32
• Parable of the Wicked Husbandman:  Matthew 21:33-46
• Tribute to Caesar:  Matthew 22:15-22
• The Great Commandment:  Matthew 22:34-46
• Condemnation of Hypocrisy and Lament over Jerusalem:   Matthew 23
• The Widow’s Mite:  Mark 12: 41-44
• Parable of the Ten Virgins:  Matthew 25:1-13
• Parable of the Entrusted Talents:  Matthew 25:14-30
• Parable of the Final Judgment:  Matthew 25:31-46

Family Discussion: Discuss the definition of the word “parable” and why Jesus used parables as a teaching method (See Bible Dictionary, “Parables,” 740-41; Jesus the Christ, Chp 19, “He Spake Many Things Unto Them In Parables”).

Suggested Activities:

• Read “Sharing Time: TheAtonement,” Friend, Mar. 1989, 39. By Laurel Rohlfing. 
• Read Stephen E. Robinson's "Parable of the Bicycle," Ensign, May 1992, 5-9.
• Act out a parable. Wear costumes, use props, and record it so the children can view it later.
• Make Oil Lamps to use when discussing the Parable of the Ten Virgins

Instructions: Clay Lamps

1. Mold pottery clay or Sculpy into a shallow, watertight bowl with a solid, flat bottom. You can coil a thin "snake" of clay around itself several times to form the bowl shape; or you can use your fingers to flatten and pinch a ball of clay into the bowl shape.

2. Pinch together a small section of the bowl's upper lip to form a small spout, like that on a teapot, just wider than the wick you plan to use. This the wick channel

3. Dry the bowl in the sun or according to the package instructions.

4. After the lamp has thoroughly dried, wedge a string of candlewick into the wick channel so that about one inch of the wick sticks out above the bowl and the rest of it is coiled in the bottom of the bowl. (If using Sculpy, line the spout opening with a generous amount of tin foil before wedging the wick in place. This will prevent the clay from melting).

5. Fill the bowl with oil and wait for the oil to soak up the length of the wick.

6. Light the wick.

Instructions: Lamp Wicking

* Wicks can be made in a variety of ways. Use a 1/4 - 1/2 inch strip of cotton (a cut up terrycloth rag would work) or woolen cloth as the wick. Twisted cotton, wool fibers, and lengths of 100% jute twine make fine wicks. You can even make an adequate wick out of a twisted napkin. Candle wicking can also be purchased from craft stores.

Other Scriptures you may want to use:

Matt 21:18-22  On His way back to Jerusalem Jesus cursed the barren fig tree (Bible Dictionary p. 674 Fig tree)

Matt 21:23-46  Chief priests challenged Jesus’ authority. He rebuked them.

Matt 21:28 through Matt 22:14  Parable of the two sons, the wicked husbandman, and the marriage of the king’s son.

Matt 22:15-16  Enemies tried to trap Jesus in His words. He answered their questions about Roman taxes, marriage and the Resurrection, and the great commandment (BD p.628 Caesar p.701-2 Herodias p.767 Sadducees)

Mark 12:41, 44 At the temple treasury Jesus notice a widow donating a mite (BD p. 733-34 Mite)

Matt 23:1-36 Jesus warned the multitude about hypocrisy (BD p.770 Scribe)

Matt 23:37-39 Jesus lamented over Jerusalem

Matt 24 through Matt 25 Joseph Smith Matt 1 At the Mount of Olives Jesus taught His disciples about the destruction of Jerusalem and the signs of His Second Coming. (BD p.633 Christ p.648 Coming of Jesus Christ)

Matt 25 Parable of ten virgins, talents, and the sheep and the goats (BD p.788-89 Weights and Measures)

* Check out these links from sugardoodle.com for some different ideas for your Easter Week celebration (link one, link two, link three).

Holy Week - Day Four (Wednesday)

Wednesday - Rest in Bethany

Note: No events are specifically recorded for this day. It is assumed that Jesus spent the day in Bethany.  You may continue to use parables on Day 3 or discuss later verses, such as Mary anointing the Savior and Judas bargaining for the betrayal of Christ (both are scriptural accounts found at the end of the reading text for Day 3).

Prophecy: “And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price ^athirty pieces of ^bsilver.” (Zechariah 11:12).

Family Discussion:  Show them the thirty pieces of silver.  Explain that thirty pieces of silver was the price commonly paid for the life of a male slave.  Use the following questions to discuss Judas’ betrayal: Why did the Pharisees set this price?  Would it have mattered to Judas how much money had been offered?  Has Jesus ever been betrayed since then (by Peter denying him 3 times)?  What has been the price?

Suggested Activity:

• While reading and discussing the Parable of the Ten Virgins, burn two lamps: one filled with oil and another containing only a very little oil. Turn off all other lights and burn both lamps until the foolish virgin's lamp burns out.
• Act out the play "The Parable of the Ten Virgins" listed below:

The Parable of the Ten Virgins Play

Cast: Narrator; Wise Virgins (up to five); Foolish virgins (up to five); Bridegroom; Members of the wedding party with the Bridegroom; Midnight crier; Oil Merchant(s)

Props: Lamps (homemade lamps, fancy jars, or paper cut-outs); Extra oil containers (cruets, bottles, jugs); Scarves, jewelry, etc. to be worn by the virgins; Robe andhat to be worn by the bridegroom; A "turban" and robe for the oil merchants; A door to be closed upon the foolish virgins

Narrative of Events:

1. The ten virgins wait with lighted lamps outside the bridegroom's house for his arrival. Of the virgins, half are designated "wise" and carry an extra supply of oil with them. Half are "foolish" and have chosen to bring only their lamps (see Matthew 25:1-4)

2. The bridegroom is later than expected and the virgins fall asleep while waiting for him (see Matthew 25:5).

3. At midnight, a cry is heard, announcing the bridegroom's arrival (see Matthew 25:6).

4. Each virgin awakens and trims her lamp (adjusts the wick and oil level to maximize the lamplight) (see Matthew 25:7).

5. The foolish virgins vainly attempt to borrow extra oil from the wise virgins because their lamps have run out of oil (see Matthew 25:8).

6. The wise virgins direct the foolish virgins to run and buy more oil from the oil merchants (see Matthew 25:9).

7. While the foolish virgins are gone buying more oil, the bridegroom comes with the rest of the wedding party. He opens the door of his house, and the wise virgins enter his house with him. The bridgegroom closes the door after them (see Matthew 25:10).

8. The foolish virgins come back and ask to be let into the house. The bridegroom denies them admittance (see Matthew 25:11-12).

Holy Week - Day Five (Thursday)

Day 5 – Thursday (The Last Supper, Jesus’ Prayer, and Agony in Gethsemane)

Note:  There's a bit of repetition below regarding the washing of feet.  You will want to preview and choose what approach will work best for your family.

Prophecies:

“Yea, mine own familiar ^afriend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his ^bheel against me.” (Psalm 41:9).

“Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of ^aheaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.” (Psalm 69:20).

“Surely he hath ^aborne our ^bgriefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.” (Isaiah 53:4).

Scripture Reading: Matthew 26:17-75; Mark 14:12-72; Luke 22:7-65; John 13:1-18, 27

Family Discussion:

1) Read John 14:4-15 and discuss why it was important that Jesus wash the apostles’ feet (see “Jesus the Christ {JTC},” Chp 33, “The Ordinance of the Washing of Feet”; Note 3). You may also want to mention that they wore sandals so their feet would have been caked in dirt.

JTC – “The Ordinance of the Washing of Feet”, Note 3: “The ordinance of the washing of feet was reestablished through revelation on December 27, 1832. It was made a feature of admission to the school of prophets, and detailed instructions relating to its administration were given (see D&C 88:140-141). Further direction as to the ordinances involving washing were revealed January 19, 1841” (see D&C 124:37-39).  

I would recommend reading the entire section in “Jesus the Christ” to help you explain the ordinance of washing the feet.

I've transcribed the passage (Thank you to Bubbles for reading it to me as I typed, any errors are due to my typing):

Leaving the table, the Lord laid aside his outer garments and girded himself with a towel as an apron; then having provided himself with a basin and a supply of water, he knelt before each of the Twelve in turn, washed his feet and wiped them with the towel.  When he reached Peter, that impulsive Apostle protested, saying:  "Lord, dost thou wash my feet?"  That the proceeding was more than mere service for personal comfort and more than an object lesson of humility appears in the Lord's words to Peter--"What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter."  Peter, failing to understand, objected yet more vehemently; "Thou shalt never wash my feet," he exclaimed.  Jesus answered, "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me."  Then with even greater impetuosity than before Peter implored as he stretched forth both feet and hands, "Lord not my feet only, but also my hands and my head."  He had gone to the other extreme insisting, though ignorantly and unthinkingly, that things be done his way and failing yet to see that the ordinance had to be administered as the Lord willed.  Again correcting his well-intending though presumptuous servant, Jesus said to him:  "He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit:  and ye are clean, but not all." Each of them had been immersed at baptism; the washing of feet was an ordinance pertaining to the Holy Priesthood, the full import of which they had yet to learn. 

Having resumed his garments and returned to his place at the table, Jesus impressed the significance of what he had done, saying:  "Ye call me master and Lord:  and ye say well; for so I am.  If I then, your Lord and master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.  For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.  Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his Lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.  If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."  

 From the back of Gospel Art Kit picture #226 "Jesus Washing the Apostle's Feet":
John 13:4-15; Joseph Smith Translation, John 13:8

After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to ^awash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. (See John 13:5)

After Jesus had eaten the Last Supper with His Apostles, He removed His outer robe and put a towel around His waist. Then He poured water into a basin and, one by one, began to wash and dry the Apostles' feet. (See John 13:4-5.)

When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter asked the Lord why He was washing his feet. Jesus told Peter that he would not understand then but that he would know later. Peter said, "Thou needest not to wash my feet" (Joseph Smith Translation, John 13:8).

"Jesus answered him, If I ^bwash thee not, thou hast no part with me." (John 13:8).

Peter said to Him, "Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head." (John 13:9).

Jesus told him that He needed only to wash his feet (see John 13:10; Joseph Smith Translation, John 13:10).

Jesus told His Apostles that they were not all clean because He knew one would betray Him (see John 13:10-11).

When Jesus finished washing the Apostles' feet, He said, "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you" (see John 13:14-15).

Summary of the Picture

After eating the Last Supper, Jesus poured water into a basin. He then washed the Apostles' feet and dried them with a towel. Jesus explained that He had done this to teach them that they were to serve others.

2) Discuss the significance of the administration of the sacrament and having the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood on the earth today.

3) Share with your family your feelings regarding Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane. Read and discuss Christ's description of his own suffering in Doctrine and Covenants 19:16-19.

Gospel Art Kit # 227

Following the Last Supper, Jesus and His Apostles went to the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus went off by Himself to pray. He knew that the time had come for Him to suffer for the sins of the world. He prayed that He might not have to experience such suffering but told Heavenly Father that He would do the Father's will. Jesus prayed more earnestly, and He sweat great drops of blood as He atoned for our sins. Jesus had asked Peter, James, and John to wait nearby and watch while He prayed, but they were unable to stay awake. When Jesus finished praying, He came to them and told them that He was about to be taken away by wicked men.

4) Discuss how it would feel to be part of the mob arresting Jesus and then have him heal you (see Luke 22:50-51).

Gospel Art Kit #228 - The Betrayal of Jesus

Judas, one of the Apostles, went to the Jewish leaders and plotted to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. He led a group of men armed with swords and clubs to Jesus and the other Apostles in the Garden of Gethsemane. Judas greeted Jesus and kissed Him, which was the signal for the men to know which person was Jesus. Jesus allowed the men to arrest Him but asked that His followers be permitted to go unharmed. 

Suggested Activities:

• Sing the Atonement hymn 193 (“I Stand All Amazed”)
• Eat a special dinner prepared with foods common in Jesus’ day. Most things that grow in Israel grow in California just as well, you can look at the Mediterranean fruit and see what he was more than likely to eat. (You may want to check out what a Sedar or Passover meal is like for those who are Jewish).  Read Matthew 26:17-19 and discuss what you might do to prepare for Passover.

- broiled fish & honeycomb Luke 24:42
- barley bread, John 6:9 or a form of sourdough
- pomegranites
- figs
- wine (grapes)
- olives
- saffron (rose of Sharon)
- celery
- mint
- lamb

Holy Week - Day Six (Friday)

Day 6 – Friday (Jesus’ Trial and Crucifixion)

GAK #230 "The Crucifixion"

Prophecies:

• “He was ^aoppressed, and he was ^bafflicted, yet he ^copened not his mouth: he is brought as a ^dlamb to the ^eslaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.” (Isaiah 53:7).

• “I ^agave my ^bback to the ^csmiters, and my ^dcheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I ^ehid not my face from ^fshame and ^gspitting.” (Isaiah 50:6).

• “For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the ^awicked have inclosed me: they ^bpierced my hands and my feet.” (Psalm 22:16).

• “^aMy God, my God, why hast thou ^bforsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from ^cthe words of my roaring?” (Psalm 22:1)

• “He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is ^abroken.” (Psalm 34:20).

Scripture Reading:  Matthew 27:1-61; Mark 15:1-47; Luke 22:66-23:56; John 18:28-19:42

Family Discussion: Compare and contrast events after the Crucifixion as experienced in the Old World verses the New World (see Luke 23:44-47; 3 Nephi 8:5-23).

Suggested Activities:

• Taste the difference between water and vinegar.
• Turn out all the lights for the evening to signify the three hours of darkness in the Old World and the three days in the New World (see Matthew 27:45; 3 Nephi 8:20-23).
• Sing the Crucifixion hymn (“Behold the Great Redeemer Die”)

Holy Week - Day Seven (Saturday)

Day 7 – Saturday (The Jewish Sabbath)

Prophecy: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your ^asorrow shall be turned into ^bjoy.” (John 16:20).

Scripture Reading:  Matthew 27:62-66; Luke 23:56

Family Discussion: Discuss Jewish Sabbath (shabbat) observance compared to our own. (Here is a link to the wikipedia entry for shabbat).

Suggested Activity:

• Prepare the dough for Easter Breakfast Rolls to serve Easter morning.
  

Easter Breakfast Rolls

*Prepare these rolls the night before Easter for part of a delicious Easter-morning breakfast.

1 package frozen bread or roll dough, thawed 
1 tsp cinnamon

(or use dough from favorite homemade rolls) 
1 bag large Marshmallows

6 tablespoons sugar 
¼ cup butter, melted

- Combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside. Divide the dough into individual roll-sized portions. Press each portion into a flat circle. Place 1 large marshmallow in the center of each roll. Pinch roll dough very firmly around the marshmallow. Roll each into a seamless, or nearly seamless, ball with your hands. Brush rolls with melted butter. Sprinkle sugar mixture over rolls.

- Cover rolls with plastic wrap and put in the refrigerator overnight.

- On Sunday morning, preheat oven to 350°F.

- Take rolls out of the refrigerator and bake for 15 minutes until rolls are golden brown.

Just like Christ’s tomb on Easter Sunday, these rolls will be empty!

* Serving size depends on amount of dough used.

Holy Week - Day Eight (Sunday)

Day 8 – Easter Sunday (Jesus’ Resurrection and Appearances)

Prophecy: “He will swallow up ^adeath in ^bvictory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the ^crebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it.” (Isaiah 25:8).

Scripture Reading:  Matthew 28:1-15; Mark 16:1-12; Luke 24:1-49; John 20:1-23

Family Discussion: Discuss how the apostles reacted to Mary Magdalene’s report that Christ had risen (Mark 16:10-11) and the report of the two men on the road to Emmaus (Mark 16:13). Discuss the Lord’s response to this (Mark 16:14).

I also highly recommend viewing the new Bible Videos located here:  http://www.lds.org/bible-videos/videos?lang=eng

Suggested Activities:

• Play the game “Why do we celebrate Easter?” (listed below)
• Sing the Resurrection Hymn (“I Know That My Redeemer Lives”)
• If you made a “LOA” table earlier in the week, read all of the comments aloud.
• If you chose to participate in a service activity on Day 2, report on the service given.

"Why do we celebrate Easter?"

For a unique presentation of the often heard Easter story, copy and paste the following scriptures into a word document. Then cut them apart and put them in correspondingly numbered plastic eggs. Add the appropriate item (in parentheses) except for the 12th egg, which should remain empty.

Serve the eggs in a decorated basket, from an egg carton, or at each place setting at the dinner table. This adds a nice touch to a church lesson, family home evening, or as a gift. Or play a game of “scrambled eggs” by having players match the scriptures to the items, or putting the story in sequence.

1. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and ^aprayed, saying, O my ^bFather, if it be possible, let this ^ccup pass from me: nevertheless not as I ^dwill, but as ^ethou ^fwilt.  
Matthew 26:39; (Sacrament Cup)

2.  14 ¶Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,

 15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for ^athirty pieces of silver.  
Matthew 26:14-15 This fulfilled the prophecy in Zechariah 11: 12-14 that Jesus would be sold for 30 pieces of silver. (3 dimes)

3.  1 When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:

 2 And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to ^aPontius Pilate the governor. 
Matthew 27: 1-2; (knotted twine)

4.  24 ¶When Pilate saw that he ^acould prevail nothing, but that rather a ^btumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this ^cjust person: see ye to it.

 25 Then answered all the people, and said, His ^ablood be on us, and on our children.

 26 ¶Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had ^ascourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. 
Matthew 27: 24-26; Do we also wash our hands? (chunk of hand soap)

5.  28 And they stripped him, and put on him a ^ascarlet robe.

 29 ¶And when they had ^aplaited a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a ^breed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

 30 And they ^aspit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. 
Matthew 27: 28-30 (square of red velvet)

6. 31 And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.

 32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. 
Matthew 27: 31-32 And He was crucified… nailed to the cross. (Press this nail into your hand … feel how it must have hurt.) (toothpick cross, tiny nail)

7. 35 And they ^acrucified him, and ^bparted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my ^cgarments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

 36 And sitting down they watched him there;
Matthew 27: 35-36 (small pair of dice)

8.  50 ¶Jesus, when he had cried again with ^aa loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

 51 And, behold, the ^aveil of the temple was ^brent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did ^cquake, and the rocks rent;

54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

Matthew 27: 50-51, 54 (tiny bag of crushed rock or potting soil)

9.  57 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathæa, named ^aJoseph, who also himself was Jesus’ ^bdisciple:

 58 He went to Pilate, and ^abegged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.

 59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,

 60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great ^astone to the door of the ^bsepulchre, and departed.

Matthew 27: 57-60; (strip of white cloth)

10.  60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great ^astone to the door of the ^bsepulchre, and departed.

 65 Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.

 66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

Matthew 27: 60, 65-66; (a stone)

11.  1 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
 2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for ^athe ^bangel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
 5 ^aAnd the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
Mark 16:1 
Matthew 28: 2 and 5 (bay leaf, cloves or other herb)

12.  6 He is not here: for he is ^arisen, as he said. Come, see the place where the ^bLord lay.
Matthew 28:6; (empty)