From http://www.lds.org:
How would we help someone understand that the atoning sacrifice and Resurrection of Jesus Christ were the most important events in the world’s history? Invite members to ponder this question as they read portions of Elder Uchtdorf’s message. What do they find that would help explain why these events are so important to them? After this discussion, class members could talk about what it means to them to “behold the man.” How have we learned to “behold the man”?
Behold the Man!- Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf
‘Recently I asked the internet, “What day most changed the course of history?”……..If the same question were asked of you, what would you say?’
There are lots of possible answers -some revolving around technological advancements (fire, the wheel, powered flight, the internet). Others may look at the question from a religious point of view (the birth of Jesus, the Restoration of the Gospel through Joseph Smith. Elder Uchtdorf responds:
‘In my mind the answer is clear.
To find the most important day in history, we must go back to that evening almost 2,000 years ago in the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus Christ knelt in intense prayer and offered Himself as a ransom for our sins.’
Why would this be the day that most changed the course of history?
What 2 reasons does Elder Uchtdorf give?
- We all die – because of Jesus Christ we can live again
- We have all sinned – because of Jesus Christ we can all live with God again.
This brings to mind Moses 1:39:
For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.
‘The things we hope for are often future events. If only we could look beyond the horizon of mortality into what awaits us beyond this life. Is it possible to imagine a more glorious future than the one prepared for us by our Heavenly Father? Because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we need not fear, for we will live forever, never to taste of death again.[See Alma 11:45] Because of His infinite Atonement, we can be cleansed of sin and stand pure and holy before the judgment bar.[See 2 Nephi 2:6–10] The Savior is the Author of our Salvation. [See Hebrews 5:9]
And what kind of existence can we hope for? Those who come unto Christ, repent of their sins, and live in faith will reside forever in peace. Think of the worth of this eternal gift. Surrounded by those we love, we will know the meaning of ultimate joy as we progress in knowledge and in happiness. No matter how bleak the chapter of our lives may look today, because of the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we may hope and be assured that the ending of the book of our lives will exceed our grandest expectations. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” [1 Corinthians 2:9]
(President Dieter F Uchtdorf, General Conference, October 2008)
Behold the Man! (John 19:4-5)
Elder Uchtdorf gives the examples of Pilate and the mob who bayed for Barrabas’ release as examples of people who saw Jesus physically but did not truly ‘Behold the Man!’.
In a figurative sense, we too are invited to “behold the man.” Opinions about Him vary in the world. Ancient and modern prophets testify that He is the Son of God. I do this too. It is significant and important that we each come to know for ourselves. So, when you ponder the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, what do you see?
Look for examples that Elder Uchtdorf then gives of situations we may find ourselves in and how we will be blessed if we ‘behold the man’:
- When you are encompassed by sorrows and grief – He will comfort you.
2. When you feel lost or forgotten – He will heal you and give meaning to your journey.
3. When you are despairing, deserted, doubting, damaged, or defeated – He will pour out His Spirit and fill your heart with exceeding joy.
4. When you faint and have no might – He will give power and increase strength.
5. When we have burdens – He will lighten them and give us peace.
6. When we experience the bends and bumps in life’s journey – He gives us the promise of a blessed future that inspires and upholds us.
7. When we endure sorrows, disappointments, betrayals, persecutions, suffering, heartache, guilt, shame, and anguish in this life – He promises that when we reach the end of this earthly journey they will be gone and forgotten.
See Revelation 21:4: And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
What does it mean to you to ‘behold the man’?
What can you do to better ‘behold the man?’
What can you do to help those you minister to to ‘behold the man’?
Latter-day Bloke 