April 10, 2011. Lesson 15: "I Am the Light of the World."

Intro:

Welcome to the first post.  Feel feel to ready my thoughts and comment on what you learned today, or if something happens to you in the next few weeks that relates to the lesson, come back and comment.  If you do nothing else, I suggest reading the bolded KEY TAKEAWAYS.

LESSON 15:  "I Am the Light of the World"  (John 7, 8:12-36)

We had a great lesson today and I really appreciated the heart-felt comments and testimonies of the class.  The Spirit of the Lord was with us today. 

Part 1:  Jesus attends the Feast of Tabernacles and teaches in the temple.  (John 7).

We learned the Feast of Tabernacles was a annual Jewish feast held six months after the Feast of the Passover, and it commemorated the Lord's blessings to the children of Israel during their travels in the wilderness, as well as a celebration for the year's harvest.

The Savior taught in the temple.  Some people believed in his teachings, and others did not.  Some people believed in him due to his past miracles and due to his words/teachings, while others didn't believe the Messiah could be this person. 

In John 7:17, the Savior said "If any many will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine.."

I shared a story of my Uncle Tom getting the first good news of his cancer FINALLY being slowed through our entire family praying for him at the same time.  Our family (many different faiths) learned the doctrine of prayer by LIVING it.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:  
1.  If we need to gain a testimony of a gospel principle, we need to TRY LIVING the principle.
2.  If we do not live the principles of the gospel, our testimonies will weaken.

Part 2:  Jesus declares, "I Am the Light of the World."  John 8:12.

The Feast of Tabernacles was a perfect setting for Jesus declaring that He is "The Light of the World" due to the 4 huge candelabras that illuminated the temple during the feast.

I shared a story of being in Mammoth Cave (in Kentucky) and how once all our headlamps were turned off, the cave got completely pitch black.  We couldn't even see our hands right in front of our face.  The darkness was odd and a bit spooky.  Then our guide lit one candle and that light ended up illuminating the entire cavern.

We read in D&C 88:6-13 some more about what Light truly is (the gospel and the spirit), and it's purpose to fill us all.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:  
1.  Find spiritual safety by following Christ, "The Light of the World" 
2.  As we strive to be like Jesus, we ALL become the light of the world, as we REFLECT his light to others.  (Being an example of the gospel, helping others in need, etc..)

Concluding thoughts:


Thanks again for your comments, testimonies, and spirits.  I so enjoy listening to your experiences and expressions of faith and devotion to the gospel.

Feel free to post comments, questions, thoughts, or experiences you have had/or have in the future concerning our lesson today.

Happy Sunday my ward family,

-Josh