Journal Submission (Week 3) - Reagan Schwarz

Journal Submission (Week 3) – Reagan Schwarz ✎ Christ and the Law of Moses, Prompt #1: The ancient Israelites offered animal sacrifices but did not have the ordinance of the sacrament. You partake of the sacrament but do not offer animal sacrifices. Recognizing that the sacrament replaced several of the functions of sacrifice, we can find that it enriches our experience taking the sacrament to think about all the different reasons that sacrifices were offered under the law of Moses. Reflect on what you have learned in this lesson about the purposes of sacrifices. In your journal, write down as many purposes as you can remember, and then consider whether any of them might reflect an eternal principle that could be applicable to your sacrament experience. After writing down some of your own ideas, compare them with the sample answers below. (3–4 sentences ) The Israelites would offer their sacrifice as a form of repentance, just as it is for us when we want to seek forgiveness, thought the methods of the ordinance differ. Both animal sacrifices of old and our modern day sacrament ordinance help us remember Christ and his atoning sacrifice. Both rituals allow us to receive priesthood power, one by approaching priests with their sacrifice, the other by enjoying the blessings of the priesthood blessing. During the ancient sacrifices they offered a valued animal, likewise we offer something of value to us – a broken heart and contrite spirit. ✎ Christ and the Law of Moses, Prompt #2: How does Lehi connect this type of animal sacrifice to Jesus Christ? Explain Lehi’s explanation as best you can in your own words. (1–2 sentences ) The blood of animals as a sacrifice to God is intended to symbolize Christ’s sacrifice of his own blood for the sake of our eternal salvation and redemption before God. He makes an intercession on our behalf. ✎ Christ and the Law of Moses, Prompt #3: Write down a few ways in which this description of the Passover lamb reminds you about Jesus. Compare your ideas with John 1:29, 36Links to an external site. ; 19:29, 32, 36Links to an external site. ; 20:31Links to an external site. . When you have written your own ideas, compare them with the ideas below. (3– 4 sentences )

The blood of animals smeared on the doorposts in the time of the first Passover, it was lifegiving in the fact that it enabled “the destroyer” to not kill anyone in the household. Likewise, Christ came to the earth to bestow us “life through his name”. Hyssop was both the plant used to hold the wine sponge to his mouth on the cross, and the plant used to paint the doorways with lamb’s blood during the Passover. It delivered both drink to Christ and saving grace to the Israelites. ✎ Christ and the Law of Moses, Prompt #4: Against the backdrop of the huge lights dramatically illuminating the temple grounds, Jesus testified, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” ( John 8:12Links to an external site. ). In your journal, write what you think this means. How do these images of light and darkness relate to your own experience with the Savior? (3–4 sentences ) Light is a means by which we can see and better understand the world. It is associated with warmth and peace of mind. Christ helps me to see the world and myself as they truly are through an eternal perspective. He brings me comfort and relief in my times of need. ✎ Christ and the Law of Moses, Prompt #5: After declaring “I am the light of the world” a second time ( John 9:5Links to an external site. ), Jesus anoints the blind man’s eyes and tells him to wash in the pool of Siloam. How do (1) Jesus’s testimony of light and (2) His instructions about the water from Siloam relate to the Feast of Tabernacles? Write your answer in your journal. Then, compare what you thought of with the answer below. (1–2 sentences ) Jews would light menorah lamps as a means of illuminating the temple every night, and Jesus’s explanation tied to those lights which are a big focus during the celebrations. Also during Tabernacles, it was common to take the water at the pool of Siloam and use it to pray for more rain in the future. When Jesus sent the blind man there it reinforces that Christ is the living water. ✎ Christ and the Law of Moses, Prompt #6: The first time the formerly blind man describes Jesus ( John 9:11Links to an external site. ), what does he call Him? The second time the man describes Jesus ( John 9:17Links to an external site. ), what does he call Him? The third time the man describes Jesus ( John 9:38Links to an external site. ), what does he call Him? What do you make of this progression? Is there another kind of blindness that this man is overcoming? Write your answers in your journal. (3–4 sentences )

Immanuel was historically meant that Jehovah was with God’s people. In the context of Isaiah we see that what was once symbolic is now literal. Immanuel has come to earth as a mortal like you or me in the form of the baby Jesus. While it was a more spiritual salvation than the people had anticipated. ✎ Isaiah, Prompt #5: What can we learn about Jesus Christ from this passage? Write down as many ideas as you can think of. After you record your own ideas, compare what you wrote with the ideas below. (3– 4 sentences ) This passage shows us that Jesus Christ is diligent in keeping his covenants with God and with us. When other’s make mistakes, he provides them the grace to repent and become more like him. I love that Christ does not shame, but immediately welcomes the lost back into the fold with open arms. ✎ Isaiah, Prompt #6: As you read, jot down ways in which you observe Abinadi interpreting the words of Isaiah 52:7–10 Links to an external site. . Pay particular attention to how Abinadi uses the words redeem / redemption and salvation , which are key words in Isaiah 52:7– 10 Links to an external site. . When you have read Mosiah 13:33–16:12 Links to an external site. and finished making your observations, compare what you have found with the suggestions below. (3–4 sentences ) Abinadi’s interpretations are unique in that they take a different approach to Isaiah’s symbolisms. He uses Isaiah’s words to draw links to Christ and his purpose here on earth. Redemption for example is used in terms of death rather than bondage. Salvation is in terms of repentance rather than a return to Israel. ✎ Isaiah, Prompt #7: If you interpret Isaiah 52:7–10Links to an external site. as a prophecy of Jesus’s atoning sacrifice in the meridian of time, what does that teach you about the Savior’s attributes or mission? Write down as many ideas as you can think of. After you record your own ideas, compare what you wrote with the ideas below. (1–2 sentences ) I like how the redemption of the Jews is reframed to represent the redemption of humanity from not only physical, but spiritual death. Abinadi directly makes this connection using the Jesus and his atoning sacrifice. As our savior and redeemer, we must draw closer to him to secure our peace and eternal salvation. The way has been paved for us as he rose from his tomb and sacrificed himself for our sins.

✎ Isaiah, Prompt #8: If you interpret Isaiah 52:7–10 Links to an external site. as Jesus Christ blessing and protecting scattered Israel in the last days, what does that teach you about the Savior’s attributes or mission? Write down as many ideas as you can think of. After you record your own ideas, compare what you wrote with the ideas below. (1–2 sentences ) Christ is an integral part of the plan of happiness. He came here to earth not only to show us the path that we should walk, reveal his gospel, but also to sacrifice himself on our behalf. His promised blessing belongs to all of God’s children, both past, present, and future. ✎ Isaiah, Prompt #9: Now that you’ve read Isaiah 54 and seen a quick summary of its original context, let’s practice likening it—and this time, let’s practice likening it in several different ways. For each of the following settings, look through Isaiah 54 and find lines or phrases that can be likened in meaningful ways to that setting. Don’t worry about likening the entire chapter—just two or three examples from each setting will do. Record your ideas in your journal. (1–2 paragraphs ) 1. Setting #1. When Jesus visited the Nephites after His resurrection, He quoted all of Isaiah 54 (see 3 Nephi 22Links to an external site. ). Look through 3 Nephi 22Links to an external site. and ask yourself, Why did Jesus quote this chapter to the Nephites? What hardships had they recently been through that would make the Jews’ hardships in Babylon feel relevant? What would Isaiah’s message of peace and comfort have meant to these Nephites? Many cities have been destroyed and much death and division between the people occurred prior to Jesus’s arrival. By quoting Isaiah 54 he reassures them that his work continues still. He promises that the gathering of Israel is ongoing and that the righteous will ultimately triumph. He wants them to see the similarities between the times and take courage that the Lord is with them still. 2. Setting #2. Before Jesus had quoted Isaiah 54 to the Nephites, He had been talking about righteous Gentiles and members of the house of Israel in the last days (see 3 Nephi 21:22–29Links to an external site. ). This context suggests that Jesus wanted His listeners to also apply Isaiah 54 to the circumstances of the latter days. Look through 3 Nephi 22Links to an external site. again and ask yourself, how can the blessings and promises given here apply to God’s people in the last