Becoming a Disciple by Developing a Relationship with the Savior Invitations: Come to know Christ thru study of his life

in scriptures, reflecting on promptings you have received and through prayer. Easter week we celebrate the three most important events ever to occur: the birth and life of our savior, his atonement in the garden and on the cross, and his resurrection. We know Christ was the only perfect being to walk the earth. Lets examine a few scriptures that show us Lords perfect character. His example gives us a crisp understanding of what manner of men and women we ought to be. After Jesus fasting for 40 days and nights, Jesus was tempted by the Devil. He exercised his Agency and showed us the correct pattern for avoiding sin. With each temptation he quoted scriptures and after the third temptation commanded Satan to depart. Do we know the scriptures well enough to bring to mind the verses that apply to our modern day temptations? Jesus must have been tired and hungry physically, and spiritually exhausted from the temptations at this point but instead of focusing on his immediate needs, he sent angels to minister to John the Baptist as found in JST Matt 4:11 and now Jesus knew that John was cast into prison, and he sent angels, and, behold, they came and ministered unto him (John) Do we remember to take care of others needs when we ourselves are in urgent need? (Tell story of giving a blessing to a girl in the ward while I had a fever of 105). It is often the irony in our trials that can make them seem most bitter and difficult to bear. There can be no greater irony than that experienced by our Savior. Even though he was God and King of Kings and had created the entire earth, yet there was no room for him in the inn and he was placed in a manager typically used for feeding cattle. After performing many mighty miracles in Galilee and Capernaum, he returned to Nazareth his hometown on the Sabbath and taught his neighbors in the Synagog. At first they wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, is not this Josephs son? Then as he taught them that No prophet is accepted in his own country. and pointed out a couple of situations where non-israelites exercised greater faith than the children of Israel, they were filled with wrath And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. 30 But he passing through the midst of them went his way,. How poignant that He could be accepted and worshipped by strangers in far other lands but his own neighbors and the religious leaders in his hometown violently attempted to throw him off a cliff on the Sabbath. The cruel irony our Lord suffered from those close to him grew more intense towards the end of his life.

One of His most dedicated Apostles Peter, denied even knowing the Savior thrice even though he had previously promised that he would gladly die for him. One of his other Apostles Judas betrayed the kindest most loving and generous being to ever grace the earth, the prince of peace, the only rightful King of us all for the price of a slave. How ironic that Jesus was sold for the price of a slave and that he personally purchased and delivered our souls from eternal slavery to the Devil for the incalculable price of His precious blood pressed from each of his perfect pores. A kiss is a symbol of affection, trust, and friendship. Jesus highlighted the incongruence of using a kiss to betray him when he asked Judas: betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? When we are doing what is right, we need not hide anything. The Lord pointed out the inconsistency of the Jewish leaders capturing him at night: Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? 53 When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. It is ironic that Christ gave his all so we could have a more than fair in fact a mercifiul trial before Heavenly Father but yet his trial was completely unfair, illegal, and abusive. They ironically convicted him for being honest for not denying that he was the Son of God - their hard hearts wouldnt allow for that possibility. He came unto his own and his own received him not. He was accused and condemned by the Spritual leaders of his people. He was crucified on a tree that he had caused to grow. He was pinned to it with nails made from ore that he had placed in the earth. He was the most powerful individual in the Universe and yet he suffered it because of His infinite love for us and His Father. He who promised us that he would be with us always was left alone when He most needed help and support that he might tread the winepress alone. Christs example of service continued even while his body laid in the tomb - for he visited those in Spirit prison The evidences that Christ resurrected are many. The fact that He resurrected is a testament that He indeed was perfect for death could have no power over him for there was no corruption in him. So on this Easter and in our everyday lives, what can we do to show our love and appreciation for our Master? The Savior himself gave us clear invitations: Come follow me Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light 31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. If you love me, keep my commandments. He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; As I have loved you, love one another. For I have given you an aexample, that ye should do as I have done to you. If ye know these things, ahappy are ye if ye do them. ---------------------------------------------

Im Trying to Be like Jesus

1. Im trying to be like Jesus; Im following in his ways. Im trying to love as he did, in all that I do and say. At times I am tempted to make a wrong choice, But I try to listen as the still small voice whispers, 2. Im trying to love my neighbor; Im learning to serve my friends. I watch for the day of gladness when Jesus will come again. I try to remember the lessons he taught. Then the Holy Spirit enters into my thoughts, saying: Chorus Love one another as Jesus loves you. Try to show kindness in all that you do. Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought, For these are the things Jesus taught. ---------------------------------------------

Neal A. Maxwell Section:

We are immortal individuals whose constant challenge is to apply immortal principles to life's constantly changing situations. Seen in this way, life's varied situations are more sharply defined. With this perspective we can improve our daily performances because we have fixed our gaze on eternity and its great realities. Besides, the divine attributes of love, mercy, patience, submissiveness, meekness, purity, and others are those attributes we have been directed to develop in each of us--and they cannot be developed in the abstract (see 3 Nephi 27:27, Mosiah 3:19). These require the clinical experiences--those things through which we are asked to pass. Nor can these attributes be developed in a hurry. Thus the scripture says, "All these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good," referring to the mix of mortal experiences, immortal individuals, and immortal principles (D&C 122:7). And when that interplay occurs, and we see things through the lens of the gospel, then we can see things more clearly and navigate the road of discipleship. The development of a disciple is as follows: 1. Becomes aware of sins - failing to keep the thou shalt nots 2. Repents and is baptized or renews covenants by partaking of the sacrament 3. Becomes even more aware of state before God and begins to focus more on sins of omission - striving to keep the thou shalts 4. Perception of self & others transforms with the realization that CS Lewis puts this way: There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilisations--these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit. source: http://speeches.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id=2618

President Monson points us to the importance of loving others with his example and his words. Here are some of my favorite quotes from the Prophet: Our opportunities to give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. There are hearts to gladden. There are kind words to say. There are gifts to be given. There are deeds to be done. There are souls to be saved. -------------------------------------------------He who gives money gives some, he who gives time gives more, and he who gives of himself gives all. -------------------------------------------------------When faith replaces doubt, when selfless service eliminates selfish striving, the power of God brings to pass His purposes. ------------------------------------------------------

To you who are parents, I say, show love to your children. You know you love them, but make certain they know it as well. They are so precious. Let them know. Call upon our Heavenly Father for help as you care for their needs each day and as you deal with the challenges which inevitably come with parenthood. You need more than your own wisdom in rearing them. To you who are parents, I say, show love to your children. You know you love them, but make certain they know it as well. They are so precious. Let them know. Call upon our Heavenly Father for help as you care for their needs each day and as you deal with the challenges which inevitably come with parenthood. You need more than your own wisdom in rearing them. ----------------------------------------------"Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important and what is most important almost always involves the people around us. Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know.... We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us" ("Finding Joy in the Journey," General Conference, October 2008 -----------------------------------------------In many families, there are hurt feelings and a reluctance to forgive. It doesnt really matter what the issue was. It cannot and should not be left to injure. Blame keeps wounds open. Only forgiveness heals. George Herbert, an early 17th-century poet, wrote these lines: He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass if he would ever reach heaven, for everyone has need of forgiveness. ( Hidden Wedges, Ensign, May. 2002, 19.)

The purpose of our coming to this life is summed up well by President Benson: The great test of life is obedience to God. We will prove them herewith, said the Lord, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them (Abr. 3:25). The great task of life is to learn the will of the Lord and then do it. The great commandment of life is to love the Lord. (http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1988/04/the-great-commandment-love-the-lord? lang=eng&query=we+will+prove+them+now+herewith)