Matthew 2; Luke 2

So Many Rules!

Well, I confess that Drew and I went on a study tangent for these chapters and didn't make it through much of the Come, Follow Me manual (no podcasts either). We were both intrigued by the rules for purification and cleanliness in the Law of Moses. We know that Mary and Joseph abided by these laws because of these verses:

Luke 2

21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;

23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

We dove into Leviticus for a bit and were amazed at the detailed rules pertaining to things that are embarrassing and weird to talk about in our day. I'd imagine it was even worse back then, but maybe not. You'd think they had to talk about things if they were "unclean" and couldn't participate with the community. I'd like to learn more about the significance of and meaning behind those guidelines.

Drew pointed out that many rules were likely inspired to help the people be more sanitary, cook meat safely, etc. I've been reading an essay in a Sperry Symposium book about Capernaum and what life was like there. It wasn't a wealthy city and didn't have Roman amenities like a sewer system. I imagine lots of places didn't. The Law of Moses was given during a very different time and context than our modern world. Without easily accessible water and places to dispose of things, I can see why certain situations would make a person "unclean" - though I don't love the shame that's associated with that. It's interesting to think about. The Law of Moses is one of those things that God gave with specific intentions (to fit certain needs of that time) and that humans struggled to fully understand. Goodness knows, I don't understand it.

Moses and the Tablets by Jerry Harston

I think it's fascinating that Jesus Christ gave the Jews the Law of Moses and then submitted to the law Himself as a mortal. Eventually, He made it clear what mattered in the eternal scheme of things, but even He - Lord of the universe - obeyed the laws that were set. It reminds me of the twelfth Article of Faith:

We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

He obeyed His own law. An important principle (which I ponder often) is that even God has to obey eternal laws. We have to remember that when we're frustrated that things aren't working out a certain way. He is unchanging and so are the rules and paths that lead us to exaltation - even if we don't always like them. He can't make exceptions. He doesn't even make exceptions for Himself. As always, Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of humility and submission.

This tangent also reminded me of the changes made to the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet, which Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf described in General Conference:

So the purpose of For the Strength of Youth is to point you to Him. It teaches you eternal truths of His restored gospel—truths about who you are, who He is, and what you can accomplish with His strength. It teaches you how to make righteous choices based on those eternal truths.

It’s also important to know what For the Strength of Youth does not do. It doesn’t make decisions for you. It doesn’t give you a “yes” or “no” about every choice you might ever face. For the Strength of Youth focuses on the foundation for your choices. It focuses on values, principles, and doctrine instead of every specific behavior.

...

Is it wrong to have rules? Of course not. We all need them every day. But it is wrong to focus only on rules instead of focusing on the Savior. You need to know the whys and the hows and then consider the consequences of your choices. You need to put your trust in Jesus Christ. He will lead you the right way. He is your strength.

In a way, the youth have moved on to a higher law, and I think we should take note. Rules and guidelines are a tool to help us become closer to Jesus Christ. Elder Uchtdorf also said, "When you earnestly seek the truth—eternal, unchanging truth—your choices become much clearer." When we are really striving to focus on our Savior and overcome our fallen world, we will naturally do the right thing without all the specific, nitty gritty rules. I think that's the end goal - to help us become a people with the right intentions who are one with the Lord. We want to live worthy of the higher law that God originally gave Moses. In order to do that, we need to be humble and willing to submit to His will always, not ours.

Faith and Patience

I feel like an overall theme in these chapters is faithful people waiting for what the Lord has promised them. The shepherds waited for the Messiah and also the firstborn lamb to sacrifice in the temple. Simeon waited to meet the Savior before he could depart from this world. Anna was patient in her grief and loneliness (she was a widow for 84 years, guys). The wise men probably studied prophecies and waited to see the star. I love these verses from the Book of Mormon as well:

3 Nephi 1:6-9

6 And they began to rejoice over their brethren, saying: Behold the time is past, and the words of Samuel are not fulfilled; therefore, your joy and your faith concerning this thing hath been vain.

7 And it came to pass that they did make a great uproar throughout the land; and the people who believed began to be very sorrowful, lest by any means those things which had been spoken might not come to pass.

8 But behold, they did watch steadfastly for that day and that night and that day which should be as one day as if there were no night, that they might know that their faith had not been vain.

 9 Now it came to pass that there was a day set apart by the unbelievers, that all those who believed in those traditions should be put to death except the sign should come to pass, which had been given by Samuel the prophet. 

Those people sorrowed. They were persecuted and faced the possibility of death. Still, they watched steadfastly and kept their faith. How often are we discouraged when things don't work out or when people are critical of our beliefs? When God's timing is different than ours, or when His will is different, do we remain steadfast? What amazing examples are found here.

Search Dilligently

Matthew 2:8-10

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

I think it's interesting that Herod told the wise men to "search diligently" for the Savior. He had horrible intentions, of course, but we can take that one piece of advice. We can search diligently and rejoice as we find Him in our lives - just as so many people did when they met Him. We might not find Him physically, but we can find Him in tender mercies, miracles, kindnesses, promptings, etc. We should always be searching for Him.

Luke 2: 15-16 

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

The shepherds came with haste. They had an incredible experience and then the angels left them alone. They had to choose whether to believe and act on what they were told. They made the Savior a priority and acted quickly.

Keep the Spirit Close

Another theme I noticed was people being in the right place (both physically and spiritually) to receive the Spirit and the Lord. The shepherds were tending their flocks and taking their sacred responsibilities seriously. Simeon was in the temple and so was Anna. I think Simeon is an especially wonderful example. 

Luke 2

25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

He was waiting, too, for the consolation of Israel. He lived in such a way that the Spirit was with him and he listened. I love that "he came by the Spirit into the temple." He was so faithful and obedient. I want to be more like him - more open to personal revelation, more willing to wait upon the Lord, and more courageous to act on promptings.

Thoughts Revealed

This is a "gospel according to Bonnie" thought, so take it with a grain of salt, but it struck me. When the shepherds found the Savior, they "made known abroad" and testified of Him. But according to these verses, Mary didn't do the same. She pondered her own experiences and kept them inside - at least at that time.

Luke 2:17-19; 33-35

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

When Mary and Joseph met Simeon, he said something that seems to directly respond to Mary's perspective: 

33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

A footnote on the word pierce points to this verse, later in the story of the Savior's life:

John 19:25

25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.

Maybe Simeon is hinting to the grief that Mary would experience in the future. I also think he might be encouraging her to testify of Jesus herself - to reveal those things she pondered in her heart. Someday, I'd love to read (or hear) her thoughts. Surely she knew things about Him that only a mother could know and that we don't have in scripture. Maybe she was afraid to tell others about His mission and Simeon helped her to know it would be okay.

Conclusion

These chapters are all about faithful people who received revelation and acted on it. I'm inspired by them and our Savior. I want to be about our Father's business. I want to serve Him and rejoice. I want to live so I can always have His Spirit to be with me. I'm a work in progress, as we all are, and this week's reading (and studying for my talk) really motivated me to be a better disciple. I hope you've felt inspired, too.

Bonnie Gwyn