Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 22:1, 15, 46

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 22:1, 15, 46
"And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said,
Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.
And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions"

The questions that were asked bring up some very important doctrine. It just wasn't what the Pharisees had in mind. Though they might not have realized it, it would only be through the inspiration of the adversary that they would stop asking questions of Jesus. They didn't want to hear truth, which is sad. They didn't want Him to teach because they would lose their standing. Questions are good, when asked in faith. Questions to raise doubt, and dismiss faith will lead to your downfall.

Day 4075

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 21:28-32

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 21:28-32
"But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him."

As I reflected on this I thought there will be some surprised people at the beginning of the millennium. Seeing who remains and who does not. The Lord loves those that repent, it up to use to forgive and not judge them.

"Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained the meaning of this parable:
“The Father of the sons is God himself who offers employment in his earthly vineyard to all his children. The first son, who initially refused to labor in his Father’s vineyard but later repented and served him, is symbolical of the publicans and harlots who repented of their early sins and became faithful servants in their Father’s cause. …
“The second son, who willingly accepted an assignment in the vineyard but then failed to render the appointed labors, is symbolical of the Jewish leaders who professed to be about their Father’s business but were in fact letting the vineyard degenerate. …
“[In Matthew 21:31, Jesus] … teaches in forceful and plain language that repentance is a living, abiding principle which actually works. ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.’ (1 Tim. 1:15.) What, publicans and harlots in the kingdom of God! Yes, and even the chief priests, scribes, and elders—if they also repent and keep the commandments” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 1:589–90)."
(New Testament Student Manual, Chapter 7: Matthew 19-23, "The Parable of the Two Sons")

Day 4074

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 20:28

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 20:28
"Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."

I had added this note in my scriptures on this verse: "It's not about you, it's for them. To become like the Savior I must do it for them."

"This is just one example of how the Savior’s life is characterized by humble acts of service. He reminds us that He “cavme not to be ministered unto, but to minister” and then invites us to follow His example by going the extra mile, giving to those who ask of us, and loving our neighbor. When asked, “Who is my neighbour?” Christ shared the parable of the good Samaritan, with a charge to “go, and do thou likewise.”
(James E. Evanson, "Go and Do Likewise", Oct 2025 General Conference)

"Service opens a window by which we understand the life and ministry of Christ. He came to serve, as the scriptures teach, “even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Peter may have given the best description of the Savior’s mortal ministry in five words when he referred to Jesus, “who went about doing good.”
(M. Russell Ballard, "Precious Gift from God", April 2018 General Conference)

"While the most important aspects of redemption have to do with repentance and forgiveness, there is a very significant temporal aspect as well. Jesus is said to have gone about doing good, which included healing the sick and infirm, supplying food to hungry multitudes, and teaching a more excellent way. “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many”.  So may we, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, go about doing good in the redemptive pattern of the Master.
This kind of redemptive work means helping people with their problems. It means befriending the poor and the weak, alleviating suffering, righting wrongs, defending truth, strengthening the rising generation, and achieving security and happiness at home. Much of our redemptive work on earth is to help others grow and achieve their just hopes and aspirations."
(D. Todd Christofferson, "Redemption", April 2013 General Conference)

Day 4073

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 19:23

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 19:23
"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven."

I wondered what would be the hardest thing for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven? I'm thinking it would be having humility. I think it would take a great man that is rich to acknowledge God's hand in their life and submit themselves to Him. Though a poor man can equally have the same problem. I just think having riches makes for a greater trial and struggle.

"But wo unto the rich, who are rich as to the things of the world. For because they are rich they despise the poor, and they persecute the meek, and their hearts are upon their treasures; wherefore, their treasure is their god. And behold, their treasure shall perish with them also."
(2 Nephi 9:30)

"O that he would rid you from this iniquity and abomination. And, O that ye would listen unto the word of his commands, and let not this pride of your hearts destroy your souls!
Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you.
But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.
And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted."
(Jacob 2:16-19)

"Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you.
Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion;
Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich."
(Doctrine & Covenants 6:5-7)

Day 4072