CFM: May 22–28
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 | | |
Talk of Him | | |
Ponderfun | Joseph Smith—Matthew 1; Matthew 24–25; Mark 12–13; Luke 21 (not yet posted) | |
Talking Scripture |
Resources and Insights for this Week's Lesson
Olivet Discourse
Following the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, a series of events unfolded that eventually led to the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD and continued with the Diaspora, the scattering of the Jews. This historical context is valuable because it directly correlates with the prophecies Jesus made in Matthew 24-25, Mark 12-13, and Luke 21. In these prophecies, Jesus foretold the destruction of the Temple and the trials that would befall his community.
In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus provided cautionary warnings to his disciples regarding challenging events that would take place. He spoke of the emergence of false messiahs, the outbreak of conflicts, periods of famine, and even earthquakes as signs that would precede the eventual destruction of the Temple. Furthermore, he foresaw the persecution and tribulations that his followers and all of Jerusalem would endure. Yet, amidst these challenges, Jesus offered reassurance of divine protection and guidance. It is important to understand that these warnings were not intended to instill fear in his followers, but rather to equip and prepare them for the trials they would inevitably face. By imparting these teachings, Jesus sought to ensure that his disciples would be adequately prepared to navigate and overcome the obstacles that lay ahead.
After the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, his devoted disciples carried forward his teachings, establishing Christian communities. However, their proclamation of a new spiritual covenant posed a challenge to both the religious and political authorities of the time, resulting in increased division, heightened opposition, and relentless persecution. These tensions were further exacerbated by the escalating animosity between the Jewish population and the Romans. In 66 AD, Jewish zealots initiated a revolt against Roman rule, igniting the First Jewish-Roman War. The conflict ultimately reached its climax with the siege and devastating destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple in 70 AD, carried out by the Roman army under the command of General Titus. The complete fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy came to pass, as no stone was left unturned; A Temple in Flames, The Final Battle for Jerusalem, and the Destruction of the Second Temple.
In the aftermath of the Temple's destruction, the Jewish survivors faced ongoing challenges under Roman dominance. Determined to resist, several rebellions erupted as they sought to reclaim their freedom. One particularly notable event was the famous standoff att Masada in 73 AD, which ended in a devastating defeat, temporarily quelling uprisings. Despite these setbacks, the Jewish people did not relinquish their hope for liberation. They remained resilient, actively seeking opportunities to regain their autonomy and preserve their cultural and religious identity.
Eventually, in 132 AD, a prominent Jewish military leader named Simon Bar Kokhba emerged, widely regarded by many as the Messiah. Bar Kokhba led a revolt aimed at restoring Jewish independence from Roman rule. He initially achieved some success in establishing an independent Jewish state, as evidenced by the minting of commemorative coins marking the event, Why Rabbis Thought This Man was the Messiah. However, the Romans quickly retaliated. Bar Kokhba represented the very type of false messiah that Jesus warned his followers about. The Savior prophesied that many of the elect would be susceptible to deception through such individuals. Consequently, Christ urged his followers to be cautious and avoid getting entangled in the influence of such leaders and the situations they presented. This historical account serves as a testament to the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecies and underscores the recurrence of similar patterns throughout history, even in the present day."
Unfortunately, Bar Kokhba's militant approach proved disastrous for the Jewish people, as the Roman Empire launched a brutal counteroffensive, ruthlessly crushing the Bar Kokhba rebellion in 135 AD (Bar Kokhba Revolt). The consequences were devastating, with countless lives lost, and survivors enduring the grim fate of slavery. The cruelty of Rome persisted even after the rebellion's defeat, as they sought to suppress and disperse the remnants of the Jewish population. The magnitude of these events far surpassed the "abomination and desolation" experienced by Daniel's community during the Babylonian exile. Forced into hiding, many Jews had to relinquish their language, culture, and identities in order to assimilate and survive the oppressive circumstances they faced.
Subsequent to the events of the Bar Kokhba rebellion, the Hebrew language faced an official demise, as it ceased to be spoken as a living language due to the oppressive measures imposed by the Romans. With brutal restrictions, the Romans sought to suppress its usage, leaving it on the brink of extinction. Within a few generations, the language faded away, surviving only among those who kept their efforts to preserve it quiet. Despite the odds, fragments of the language miraculously persevered, thanks to the unwavering dedication of a handful of courageous scribes who risked everything to keep it alive. Through their valiant and diligent efforts, the written form of Hebrew, including its pronunciation rules, the Tanakh, and other important records, were discretely safeguarded. This ancient language continued to be utilized and studied only in liturgical and academic settings, and this preserved the knowledge of the language until its remarkable revival in the late 1800s. (The Revival of Hebrew, Eliezer Ben Yehuda's vision).
Ben Yehuda's vision, accessible in the link above, bears a remarkable resemblances to Joseph Smith's first vision. Moreover, these events align with a sacred mission undertaken by Orson Hyde to rededicate the land of Israel, facilitating the Jews' return to their ancestral homeland. Latter-day Prophets and Apostles, as well as prominent Jewish leaders, have emphasized that Orson's dedicatory prayer holds pivotal significance as a catalyst that helped to spur the restoration of modern Israel. (What Elder Orson Hyde’s prayer dedicating the Holy Land 180 years ago means to Latter-day Saints today). This was a literal fulfillment of the prophecies Jesus Christ gave on the Mount of Olives, the same location where Orson Hyde's historic dedicatory prayer took place, bringing these stories and history full circle. These are monumental and exciting events that are currently developing during our lifetime, as we prepare for the Messiah's return. (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on the 175th Anniversary of Orson Hyde’s Historic Journey)
The risks faced by Rome extended beyond the Hebrew language and people. Numerous threats loomed over this ancient political superpower, leading to devastating consequences for many communities. The Roman Empire also sought to suppress the Greek language, which served as the linguistic medium of the New Testament. Wars between Rome and Byzantium ensued as these nations vied for political power and supremacy, ultimately resulting in their division into two distinct political and religious factions—the Roman Catholic and Orthodox communities. Over time, Latin emerged as the lingua franca across the Roman Empire, while Greek struggled to maintain its dominance within the Orthodox communities. Notably, the Greek language faced strong competition from other languages, most notably Arabic, which would eventually spread with the rise of Islam and establish its prominence in the Near East.
Following established protocol, with the Greek translation of the Tanakh into the Septuagint (accomplished during the reign of Pharaoh Ptolemy II Philadelphus (283 to 246 BC)), the Roman Church would likewise pursue a similar task, with the translation of the Greek Bible. This resulted in the development of the Latin Vulgate. It was during the time of Emperor Valentinian I that Pope Damasus I commissioned the compilation and translation.
St. Jerome (347 to 420 AD), known as Jerome of Stridon, was a Latin priest, theologian, and historian charged with an enormous task. By the time Jerome received the records, they had already undergone numerous translations and interpretations in various languages. Diverse sects of Christian communities had developed, each with their own traditions and doctrinal interpretations. Due to the persecution and martyrdom of the apostles, the Church lacked consolidated leadership to carry forward its mission. This absence of a unified central authority led to confusion, misinformation, and the preservation of correct doctrine became increasingly difficult. This resulted in a multitude of differing ideas regarding numerous important topics, such as the nature of the Godhead, the sanctity of marriage, the plan of salvation, and so forth.
The practice of translation is undeniably beneficial as it expands access to information, reaching a wider audience. However, it also carries inherent costs, with the risk of significant doctrines and principles being lost, even under the best circumstances. Such losses often lead to confusion and disagreements among interpreters. Furthermore, unscrupulous individuals may exploit these situations to their advantage. By gaining control over the translated records, one can shape the narrative to align with personal and political agendas. This manipulation was evident during the Seleucid reign when Hellenistic politicians utilized translations into Greek to undermine the Hebrew text, gradually eroding its usage and facilitating assimilation. As the older texts were deemed 'outdated,' they were more easily dismissed and discarded, while the newer, 'updated' versions superseded them, granting the ruling party religious authority by controlling the 'word' and its interpretation. By the time of Christ, the widespread use of the Septuagint further contributed to the division and contention between Jews and emerging Christians, especially considering the fact that fewer and fewer Jews were learning Hebrew.
Corrupted Roman officials, following a similar strategy, went to great lengths during the Crusades, known as the 'Holy Wars,' to eliminate Greek and Hebrew records that posed a threat to their religious interpretation, authority, and political agenda. These officials ordered the destruction of these valuable documents, aiming to eradicate any sources that could challenge or contradict their narrative. By suppressing alternative perspectives and independent sources, they sought to solidify their control over religious doctrine to consolidate their power. This deliberate act of destruction not only served their immediate interests but also hindered future generations from accessing important historical and theological knowledge, further perpetuating their dominance and suppression of dissenting voices.
This abuse of power, accompanied by the destruction of invaluable ancient knowledge and wisdom, had dire consequences, shrouding the truth and giving rise to profound confusion. Opportunistic figures seized the chance to exploit the void left behind, plunging the world into what would be known as the 'Dark Ages.' The combination of pride, corruption, and oppressive rule resulted in widespread fear, ignorance, and moral decay, casting a shadow over the world. This period exemplified the essence of the Great Apostasy, a concept Christ had forewarned his followers about in the Olivet discourses and other teachings. The unraveling of the true faith and the loss of spiritual guidance led to a spiritual vacuum, leaving humanity vulnerable to the perils of falsehood and spiritual deprivation.
Regarding the survival of the early Christians: When Jerusalem faced its catastrophic destruction, Christ's followers proved fortunate in their response, having heeded the warnings of Jesus. Through their diligence and obedience, they managed to escape the horrors that befell their families and community. Ancient historians, including Eusebius, recount that the majority sought refuge in the city of Pella, located in present-day Jordan. This historical account reveals their clear understanding of Jesus' teachings and prophecies, enabling them to make timely preparations and evacuate the city before the Roman siege. Their proactive actions spared them from the devastating consequences and widespread loss of life that afflicted those who chose to remain.
Early Christians found solace and strength in scripture, prophets, apostles, and their tightly-knit community, enabling them to endure intense persecution. Gathered in homes and underground catacombs, they diligently studied the words of Christ and his prophets, holding firm to their faith. In challenging times, they leaned on one another, offering unwavering support and mutual encouragement. The apostles and leaders of the early Church played a crucial role in providing guidance and strengthening the believers, reinforcing their unwavering commitment to Jesus' teachings and the hopeful anticipation of his promised return.
Studying this historical account enables us to gain insights into the Savior's warnings applicable to both ancient and modern times. The prophecies of Jesus, documented in the Gospels, accurately predicted the destruction of the Temple and the challenges that would befall his followers and the people of Jerusalem. Through their faithful adherence to Jesus' teachings, early Christians heeded his words, relying on their faith and the support of their community to endure the onslaught of persecution. In the face of overwhelming challenges, they persevered in spreading messages of hope of Christ. While Christianity itself would encounter its own periods of persecution, division, and corruption, it would also demonstrate countless examples of unity, obedience, faith, and charity. As wise disciples, we have the responsibility to learn from both the positive and negative aspects of these communities, including their circumstances, choices, and outcomes. An overview of these histories can serve to prepare modern-day followers of God, encompassing all his people, including Jews, Gentiles, Christians, and others, for the events that will precede His Second Coming. These ancient events provide valuable types, signs, and shadows that foreshadow future events, thereby preparing us to successfully weather the storms as they come.
This encapsulates the essence of the Restoration and the Gathering of Israel. Just as the Savior had foreseen the unfolding events among the Jewish and Christian communities, He also foresaw our time. His prophetic vision included a future when the Gospel would be proclaimed to the entire world.
From the vantage point atop numerous modern Temples, one can witness the Angel Moroni heralding the call for Israel to return, beckoning them to the Temple, the sacred abode of God, where individuals can once again enter His presence and experience the radiance of His divine glory—the Divine Shekinah. It is within these holy walls that we can receive His empowering endowments, enabling us to navigate the challenges of a fallen and sinful world with greater wisdom and power. The Lord is gathering His angels, on both sides of the veil, preparing the world for His imminent return. While some of us may witness this day in our mortal existence, and some of us might experience our own private tour, all of us will eventually meet our Creator. This inevitable reality calls for and requires our diligent preparation.
Multiple Prophets have spoken about the Second Coming. As we faithfully heed their guidance, we can be preserved and protected according to his design and will. Many recent talks in the references below can help one forge ahead as members of Christ's Battalion, as we continue our preparations for his coming.
Major Topics & Events
Major Events/ Doctrine | Location | Scripture Source | Cross-References | Videos |
*Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen. (The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner) | Temple | Mark 12:1-12 (INT) | Matthew 21:33–46 (INT), Luke 20:9–20 (INT), Psalm 118:22
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*Tribute to Caesar | Temple | Mark 12:13-17 (INT) | Matthew 22:15–22 (INT), Luke 20:21–26 (INT) | |
*Pharisees put to silence | Temple | Matthew 22:41–46 (INT), Luke 20:39–44 (INT) | ||
Widow’s mite | Temple | Mark 12:41–44 (INT), Luke 21:1–4 (INT) | | |
Denunciation of hypocrisy, beware of prideful scribes and leaders | Temple | Matthew 23:1–36 (INT), Luke 11:37–54 (INT); 18:9–14 (INT); 20:45–47 (INT), John 12:42–43 | | |
Olivet Discourse: Signs of Second Coming Part 1 (See Below) | Mount of Olives | |||
Olivet Discourse Part 2 | | | | |
Parable: Ten virgins | Mount of Olives | D&C 45:56–59, Luke see 12:35–36 (INT) | ||
Parable: Talents | Mount of Olives | | ||
Parable: Sheep, goats | Mount of Olives | |
*Part of last Week's Material
Olivet Discourse | Part 1 | | |
Destruction of Temple | Matthew 24:1-2, Luke 21:5-8 | JS Matthew 1:2-3 | |
Signs of the Coming | Matt 24:3, Luke 21:7 | D&C 45:16-75, Greek: σημεῖον sēmeîon Hebrew: אוֹתʼ ôwth, Doctrine and Covenants 35:8, Doctrine and Covenants 63:7–12, Doctrine and Covenants 68:11, Mosiah 3:15, JST Matthew 1:4 | |
Deception | Matt 24:4-5, Luke 21:8 | JST Matthew 1:5-9 | |
Wars and Rumors of Wars | Matt 24:6, Luke 21:9-10 | JST Matthew 1:23, 28-29 | |
Famines, pestilences, and earthquakes, in diverse places. | Matt 24:7, Luke 21:11 | JST Matthew 1 | |
Beginning of Sorrows | Matt 24:8 | JST Matthew 1:19-20 | |
Lord's people persecuted, delivered up, afflicted, and killed. I will give you wisdom. | Matt 24:9-10, Luke 21:12-15 | JST Matthew 1 | |
Offense and betrayal | Matt 24:10, Luke 21:16-19 | JST Matthew 1:8 | |
False Messiahs & Prophets | Matt 24:23-26 | JST Matthew 1:9, 24-25 | |
Iniquity abound, love wax cold | Matt 24:12 | JST Matthew 1:10-11, 30 | |
Those who endure to the end will be saved | Matt 24:13 | JST Matthew 1:11 | "Embrace the Future with Faith" President Russell M. Nelson |
Gospel Preached to All Nations | Matt 24:14 | JST Matthew 1:31 | |
Abomination of Desolation | Matt 24:15, Luke 21:20 | JST Matthew 1:12, 32 | TG |
Judea flee to the mountains | Matt 24:16-22, Luke 21:21-24 | JST Matthew 1:13-18 | |
False Christs, False Prophets will deceive the very elect | Matt 24:23-26 | JST Matthew 1:22 | |
Light will shine from East to West, so shall the Coming of the Son of Man | Matt 24:27 | JST Matthew 1:26 | |
People will prey on others like vultures | Matt 24:28 | JST Matthew 1:27 | |
After tribulation sun darkened, moon shall not give her light, stars fall from heavens, power of heaven shaken | Matt 24:29, Mark 13:22–27, Luke 21:25-26 | JST Matthew 1:33-35, Alma 30:43–52 | |
Sign of the Son of Man in heaven, all tribes will mourn, and all will see his coming with power and glory | Matt 24:30, Luke 21:27-28 (INT) | | |
Whoso treasureth up my word shall not be deceived. Angels will sound their trumpets and the elect will be gathered together | Matt 24:31 | JST Matthew 1:37 | |
Parable of Fig Tree | Matt 24:32-35, Luke 21:29-33 | JST Matthew 1:38-39 | “The Leaves Are Commencing to Show on the Fig Tree” By Elder Bernard P. Brockbank |
No man knoweth the day or hour, Parable of Noah | Matt 24:36-39 | JST Matthew 1:41-43 | |
Two in the field, two in the mill | Matt 24:40-41 | JST Matthew 1:44-45 | |
Watchmen: Faithful and Evil Servant | Matt 24:42-5, Luke 21:34-37 | JST Matthew 1:46-55 |
Church Videos & Resources
Scripture Central
The Bible Project
BYU’s RSC
Video Tours of the Holy Land
Pater Noster Elona Church, the traditional site of the Olivet Discourses
Additional Videos & Insights
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