Notes on Lecture: Seeking Jesus - Sermons and Teachings

Introduction

Speaker: John Hilton
Importance of taking responsibility: Lesson from Elder Lynn G. Robbins
- Avoid blaming, excuses, or self-justification
- Understanding responsibility leads to personal achievements

Background
- Jesus baptized, tempted, performed miracles in Capernaum
- Returned to hometown, Nazareth, read in synagogue
- Quotes Isaiah 61: Preach gospel, heal brokenhearted
Reaction and Commentary
- People initially curious but skeptical, "Is not this Joseph's son?"
- Jesus mentions outreach to marginalized (Widow of Zarephath, Naaman)
- Insiders vs. outsiders; rejection by hometown
- Christ's courage in speaking truth despite rejection

Beatitudes
- "Blessed are...": Poor in spirit, meek, merciful, pure in heart, etc.
- Descriptors of happiness and Christ's life
- Reflection on how to embody these traits
Focusing on the Heart
- Raising bar from actions (e.g., "do not kill") to heart ("do not be angry")
- Choosing not to be angry: Personal anecdote
Avoiding Lustful Thoughts
- Jesus' teaching on adultery: Focus on purity of heart
- Strategies: Fill life with light, focus on Jesus
Teaching on Love
- "Love your enemies": Call for a higher level of love
- Context of perfection: More about wholeness than flawlessness

Guidance on Worry
- "Do not worry about tomorrow": Focus on present
- Psychological insights: Most worries are unfounded

Context and Content
- Following miracle of feeding thousands
- Jesus as the bread of life; spiritual nourishment
- Skepticism among followers
Symbolism and Covenant
- Eating flesh and drinking blood: Sacrament symbolism
- Integrating Christ's teachings deeply into life
Reactions and Choices
- Hard sayings: Choices to follow or leave
- Example of Peter's affirmation of faith