Seeking Jesus - Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Discussion on scripture that resonates personally from 2 Nephi and book of Jerem.
• Jerem's prophetic message:
  • Prophets labored diligently to teach the law of Moses.
  • Persuaded people to look forward to the Messiah.
  • Believing in Christ as though already present.

Nephite Christianity

• Adam Miller's insight:
  • Nephites lived in Christ's future as their present.
  • Temptation today is seeing Christ only in past or future.
  • Importance of living with Christ in the present.

Lessons from Ancient Prophets

Enoch's Experience

• Lived generations after Adam and before Noah.
• Preached the gospel and foresaw the wickedness and flood.
• God's response to Enoch's sorrow:
  • Vision of Christ’s crucifixion as comfort.
  • Modern Latter-day Saints often avoid crucifixion imagery due to discomfort.

Importance of the Cross

• Christ’s crucifixion as His greatest act of love.
• Invitation to "fix eyes on crucifixion wounds."
• Story of Jessica Brody:
  • Finding comfort in Jesus’ suffering during personal pain.

Viewing Christ’s Death

• Prophets encourage contemplation of Christ’s death.
• Importance of understanding Christ as both living and loving.

Symbol of the Cross

• Historical perspectives on the cross in LDS context.
• President Hinckley’s view:
  • Cross as a symbol of the dying Christ but emphasis on living Christ.
• The cross as a multifaceted symbol.

Hosea's Story

• Hosea marries Gomer (allegory for Israel being unfaithful).
• Reflects God’s unfailing love despite betrayal.
• Jesus seeks us even when we turn away.

Nehemiah's Mission

• Rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall post-exile.
• Key lessons:
  • Removing "rubbish" from life to focus on divine purposes.
  • Resisting distractions and temptations consistently.

Moroni and Comparison

• Jesus’ teachings on overcoming comparison:
  • "My grace is sufficient."
  • Encouragement to seek personal relationship with Christ.

Application and Reflection

• Encouragement to act on impressions received from prophets' testimonies.
• Importance of action in learning and becoming more like Christ.
• Elder David A. Bednar’s insights:
  • Importance of acting on truth to internalize it.

Conclusion

• Continuous learning and seeking through action.
• Encouragement to engage with course materials and resources.