CFM: May 1–7
Videos and Podcasts
Video/ Podcast | Lesson Extension | Additional Materials |
Scripture Central | | |
Follow Him | ||
Line Upon Line | ||
Teaching with Power | | |
Don't Miss This | | |
CFM New Testament | ||
Unshaken | | |
The Interpreter Foundation | ||
Teaching Helps with John Hilton | Luke 12-17, John 11 (not yet posted) | |
Talk of Him | | |
Ponderfun | Luke 12-17, John 11 (not yet posted) | |
Talking Scripture |
Resources and Insights about this Week's Lesson
There is a lot to cover in this week's lesson material, so I thought I would touch upon a few things that did not get addressed in the podcast materials. In my Gospel Doctrine Class, sometimes I like to teach big-picture items that will help my students to get more out of their individual CFM study. That way, as they delve into the individual stories and accounts, they will be able to recognize some of the things that we talk about and make some of their own connections. This week, in our class, we will be focusing on Symbolism, how it is used in scripture, how Christ used it throughout his parables and teachings, and how we can learn to better understand and interpret the messages that Jesus taught. Here is a link to that Powerpoint.
Symbolic materials related to the Alphabet
Last week I introduced a few introductory concepts pertaining to the scribe's question, "How knoweth this man his letters?" which included some insights pertaining to Christ's response. We briefly discussed the history of the ancient alphabet, and I introduced some of the symbolic principles that were associated with the letters Aleph, Vav, Yod, Lamed, Dalet, and Mem. In the PowerPoint listed above, I include an infographic that represents a very condensed summary of these letters, some of their symbolic interpretations, and their development. In this week's materials, we see several additional examples of these symbols being used in the Parables taught by the Savior.
The Parable of the Mustard Seed is tiny but mighty, and it is one of my favorite parables for several reasons.
This parable demonstrates an example of Christ using symbolism that relates to the Hebrew letter נן Nun to teach significant principles relating to doctrine.
The correlation between the Parable of the Mustard Seed and Alma 32 is one of many examples that indicate a clear relationship between Nephite and Ancient Jewish traditions, language, and culture. Examples like this illustrate that Book of Mormon prophets and writers were not only familiar with these symbols, as they pertained to principles of literacy and doctrine, but they clearly demonstrated and articulated how these principles could be understood and applied. "My soul delighteth in plainness...(specifically regarding the learning of the Jews)" 2 Nephi 25
These types of linguistic connections offer powerful evidence to support the authenticity of the Book of Mormon as an ancient Jewish record.
Anciently, the Hebrew letter Nun was depicted by an image that resembled a seed, sprout, or even a little fish that looked like a tadpole or snake. This symbol was associated with concepts pertaining to continuity, propagation, offspring, posterity, and faith. There are several parables that can be related to these symbolic concepts; the Parable of the Sower and the Parable of the Mustard Seed are two that stand out most prominently.
One can see many other examples pertaining to the symbolic nature of the letter Nun as well. These occur throughout the Old Testament, New Testament, and even the Book of Mormon. Isaiah's reference to the Holy Seed in Isaiah 6:13 promises hope and testifies that after the branches of Israel were cut down and scattered, a holy seed (זֶרַע קֹדֶשׁ) would emerge from the stump to save and redeem Israel (2 Ne. 16:13). Moses referenced this symbol with the brazen serpent, which he fastened to a pole, and admonished the Israelites to "Look and Live."
In Alma's Allegory of the Seed, Alma taught a group of individuals who had been cast out of the synagogue. Although this humble group of misfits had been targeted as poor, uneducated, and "lacking," Alma knew that these issues didn't matter to the Lord. Alma was overjoyed because he saw these so-called setbacks as blessings and teaching opportunities, ways to identify "the one, the lost sheep of the fold." In many ways, Alma's humble group could be compared to the publicans and sinners that Christ dined with in the chapters we are currently studying. They could be compared to the prodigal son and even the lost coins, precious souls who are lost, but dearly treasured by the Lord.
In his first lesson, Alma taught principles of the gospel and literacy to his students through symbolism; by comparing a seed to the Word. In their first assignment, Alma encouraged his students to practice an experiment in faith. He taught them that if one were to plant a seed of faith in their heart and carefully nourish it, their faith could eventually develop into knowledge and understanding. As the seed begins to swell, grow, and mature, the students could come to know the truth of the doctrine as they faithfully strive to develop their testimony. Over time, Alma explains that if one consistently continues to pursue the course, the seed has the potential to become a tree of life, capable of producing fruit and seed of its own.
In Hebraic tradition, the letter Nun is sometimes referred to as the "faithful letter." This was because fish were traditionally seen as symbols of consistency and fidelity because it was believed that they would always return to their place of origin. In early Christian tradition, the fish symbol, or Ichthus, was frequently associated with Jesus Christ. In Greek, ἰχθύς ichtus means fish and was used as an acronym for "Ἰησοῦς Χριστός θεός υἱός σωτήρ," which is translated as "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior," In Hebrew, the word for son is בֵּן ben, spelled Beyt-Nun. The letter Beyt, or Beth, means "house," and Nun represents continuity and posterity. The formation of this word symbolically teaches that the "House continues through the Son." This has multiple layers of meaning and can be interpreted in many ways. There were certainly several miracles, principles, and parables relating to fish and fishermen during Christ's mortal ministry.
As one begins to recognize and appreciate the symbolic nature of these letters, multiple layers of meaning, context, and insights begin to unfold as these symbols start to jump off the page. It is exciting to see how something as small and as simple as a letter can truly bring great things to pass as one learns how these letters can connect and work together in marvelous ways to testify of Jesus Christ.
Major Topics & Events
Major Events/ Doctrines | Location | Scripture Source | Cross-References | Videos |
Beware of the Pharisees | Judea | |||
Sparrows | | Luke 12: 6-7 | ||
Parable: The rich fool | Judea | LUMO | ||
Preparing for the coming of the Lord | Judea | | ||
Repentance | Judea | | ||
Parable: The barren fig tree | Judea | |||
Heals woman on Sabbath | Perea | | | |
Mustard Seed | Perea | Luke 13: 18-19 | | |
Leaven in Flour | Perea | Luke 13:20-21 | | |
Toward Jerusalem | Perea | | | |
“Are there few that be saved?” Parable: Straight Gate Last First, First Last | Perea | Matt 7:13-14 στενός, צַר "Straight, Narrow" 2 Nephi 9:41, 2 Nephi 31:17-21, 3 Nephi 27:33 | | |
“Tell that fox” (Herod) | Perea | | | |
O Jerusalem, hen gather her chicks | Perea | | ||
Heals man with dropsie on the Sabbath | Perea | | ||
Parable of the Wedding Banquet | Perea | Luke 14:7-24 | | |
Humility: seat order | Perea | | | |
Pride, Excuses, Priorities & Distractions | Perea | | | |
Counting the cost | Perea | | | |
Salt | Perea | |
Major Events/ Doctrines | Location | Scripture Source | Cross-References | Videos |
Parable of the Lost Sheep | Perea | Luke 15:1–7 | ||
Lost Coin | Perea | Luke 15:8–10 | | Video |
Prodigal Son | Perea | | ||
Parable of the Unjust Steward ("No man can serve two masters.") | Perea | Luke 16:1–13 | | |
Tittle of the Law: debates over legality divorce vs. "put away." | Perea | Luke 16:14-19 | | |
Parable ofLazareth & the Rich Man | Perea | "Crumbs from the master's table" Matt 15:26-27, Mark 7:27-28 | | |
Discourse on offenses and faith | Perea | | ||
Raises Lazarus from the dead | Bethany | | ||
Retires to Ephraim | Ephraim | | | |
Heals ten lepers, only one returned to thank Jesus | Traveling, passing between Samaria and Galilee | | | |
Discourse on the kingdom of God (Second Coming) | Traveling, passing between Samaria and Galilee | |
Church Videos & Resources
Scripture Central
The Bible Project
BYU’s RSC
Video Tours of the Holy Land
Additional Videos & Insights
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