John 13:1-17, Luke 22:24-30, Mark 10:43-45 The Savior Taught the Apostles About Leadership

Christ taught about righteous leadership. How do leaders in the Church differ from leaders of the world?

John 13:1-17 In this scripture, Christ taught that leaders should be righteous examples. They should emulate exactly how the people should act. They can’t be hypocrites or else they aren’t being righteous examples. He also taught that leaders need to serve those whom they preside.

Luke 22:24-30 In this one, Christ teaches that those who are the greatest should be like those who are younger. They should serve. So leaders who serve are great leaders.

Mark 10:43-45 This basically repeats the others.

The leaders of the world don’t take into account the teachings of Christ before they make decisions. Some of them are good, but some of them aren’t. I think for the most part, Church leaders try to emulate Christ’s teachings as much as possible.

I have had many leaders at Church in my time, and most of them have been really great. I believe they followed Christ’s example. I am so grateful for them and hopefully if I ever get called as a leader, I can be like them.

Mark 13, Luke 21:5-38, Joseph Smith—Matthew: Preparing for the Savior’s Second Coming

This scripture block is all about the second coming of Christ. No one knows when it is (except God and Christ) so we have to prepare!

First I will look at these scriptures: Mark 13:5, 9, 23, 33, 35, 37

Almost all of these verses start with “take heed” and “watch.” This is the Lord warning us of the signs. He gives us signs so we can better prepare for the second coming. In these verses, Christ tells us not to let any man decieve us, that members will be persecuted, that there will be false prophets, and that we don’t know when He will come. The final verse says, “And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.”

These are some other scriptures that talk about the second coming:

Doctrine and Covenants 87:8 “Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold, it cometh quickly, saith the Lord. Amen.” So what are “holy places?” I think they are anywhere the Spirit is. The Spirit cannot dwell in an unholy place.

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:32 “And again shall the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, be fulfilled.”

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:37 This scripture talks about how we need to treasure the word of God. If we do that, we will not be decieved because all His instruction and guidance is in His word.

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1: 46-50 To sum up this scripture: If we are watchful and prepared at the second coming, we will be made rulers.

Doctrine and Covenants 33:17 This scripture is about the parable of the ten virgins. The Lord tells us not to let our oil lamps dry out and to be ever prayerful and watchful.

Doctrine and Covenants 45:56-57 This is also about the ten virgins. It says we need to receive the truth and be wise. We need to have the Holy Spirit as our guide.

TCIT!

Mark 12:41-44 The Widow's Mite

Most of us have heard the story of the widow's mites. It is one of my all time favorite stories in the scriptures. This is the story I would like to explore today. Read Mark 12:41-44 to get the story.

When paying tithes, the rich were casting in a bunch of money, but the poor widow only cast in two mites. Christ said that she had cast in more than the rich because she gave everything she had. In the New Testament manual I use for my class it says, "According to the arithmetic of heaven, entries are made in terms of quality rather than of quantity, and values are determined on the basis of capability and intent." So entries in heaven aren't based on how much you give, but why you give it and how much you are able to give. The widow was loving the Lord with all her heart, and she knew what mattered most. Mark 12:30 says, " And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment." She was following the commandments precisely.

The widow didn't have much to give, but she gave it all. This shows what she is willing to sacrifice for the Lord. The manual also says, "On the books of the heavenly accountants that widow's contribution was entered as a munificent gift, surpassing in worth the largess of kings."

Sometimes I don't feel as if I am dedicating my whole life to Christ. Here are some things I will work on. I will keep reading my scriptures. Sometimes I skip nights because I am tired, but I will tithe my time so I can read the Lord's instructions. I will follow those instructions as well. Liken the scriptures unto myself so I can reap those wonderful benefits of living righteously.