Why did the Savior refer to himself as the Son of Man? I think one reason is because the clarity of what it meant was not obvious; and yet it could be understood he was referring to the Divine Man, his Father in Heaven. Being too clear about his relationship would have put himself in … Continue reading Son of Man
Harmony of the Gospels
What does Adultery have to do with Signs
In Matthew 16 we read: 1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.2 He answered and said unto them,...4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it,Matthew 15:1-2, 4 I have always … Continue reading What does Adultery have to do with Signs
The Arch of Opposition
Note the arch of these stories from the Savior's life, from peaceful, to contentious, back to peaceful Centurion's Servant What a heart-warming story this is; the Roman overlord has respect for the local religion, such that he even contributes to it by building a synagogue. He is clearly respected by the people, who beseech the … Continue reading The Arch of Opposition
Summary of the Sermon on the Mount
Today my Sunday School instructor in teaching about the Sermon on the Mount concluded with an interesting graphic on the chalkboard. In it she stacked horizontally the topics covered in the Sermon on the Mount. On top of it she drew a church, pointing to the Savior as the key to it. It reminded me … Continue reading Summary of the Sermon on the Mount
Lessons from the Marriage at Cana
Location: Cana In 2011 I was asked to speak to our local congregation on Christmas Day. In preparing the sermon, I was struck by the fact that we know so little about 95% of the Savior's life. Here's what I said Life Between the Nativity and His Baptism I have wondered if at times we … Continue reading Lessons from the Marriage at Cana
The Visit of the Magi and Other Post-Birth Events
Contents: Naming of Jesus Presentation at the Temple Visit of the Wise Men Flight to Egypt Slaughter of the Infants Return from Egypt Visit to Temple at Twelve Years Old. Naming of Jesus Per instructions in Leviticus 12, Jesus would have been given a name, and circumcised eight days after birth. If born on the … Continue reading The Visit of the Magi and Other Post-Birth Events
Estimated Dates of Events Prior to the Savior’s Birth
The dates in this article start from a basis of the Savior's Birth being in late December BC 5 or early January BC 4, perhaps even on my suggested date of the morning of December 23, BC 5, as described in this article. Annunciation to Zachariah Conception of John the Baptist Annunciation to Mary Visit … Continue reading Estimated Dates of Events Prior to the Savior’s Birth
Harmony of the Gospels: Introduction
An Impossible Task I began a serious study of the Harmony of the Gospels in February 2003, and performed more work in 2007. I have again picked it up in 2019. Harmonizing, or essentially producing a chronological outline of the events in the four Gospels is impossible. McConkie says it well, when he says: And … Continue reading Harmony of the Gospels: Introduction
Mary the Forgotten
Mary's beautiful psalm, initially spoken to perhaps a party of one, her cousin Elizabeth, in a quiet house, unnoticed by any media or leaders, teaches us more than we likely appreciate about God's love of and plan for the poor, obscure, humble of his children, particularly women. 46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify … Continue reading Mary the Forgotten
Gabriel and Angels
Gabriel's answer to Zachariah's question is very powerful. His statement gives a sense that who he is should be evidence enough that what he says is true. Those are powerful words, when one lives in such a way to be able to respond with great personal integrity. What a goal. 18 And Zacharias said unto … Continue reading Gabriel and Angels
Kip on Character 