Be Not Afraid

Chart 8-1: Jesus Affirms His Divinity with the Greek Words “I AM”

John W. Welch, John F. Hall

Charting the New Testament (2002)

This chart lists passages in the New Testament where Jesus affirms his divinity using the Greek words ego eimi as seen in John 6:35, where he declares “I am the bread of life."

Jesus and the Man Born Blind (John 9:1–38)

Gaye Strathearn

Thou Art the Christ, the Son of the Living God: The Person and Work of Jesus in the New Testament, excerpted on the BYU New Testament Commentary website (Apr. 2019)

The real miracle was that the man received his spiritual sight, which enabled him to break free from his earthly shackles and “see” who Jesus really was: not just a man, or even a prophet, but his God.

"Jesus Walks on Water" (Mark 6:45–52)

Julie M. Smith

The Gospel according to Mark, BYU New Testament Commentary, excerpted on the BYU New Testament Commentary website (Mar. 2019)

This excerpt examines the story of Jesus walking on water, emphasizing Jesus' attempt to reveal his true nature to his disciples and their failure to understand him.

By Simple Yet Propitious Means: The Art of Jorge Cocco Santangelo

Herman du Toit

BYU Studies Quarterly 55, no. 2 (2016)

This article includes many beautiful images of Christ, including one of Christ returning to his body at the Resurrection. Open the PDF to see the images.

Chart 9-11: Repentance and Obtaining Forgiveness

John W. Welch, John F. Hall

Charting the New Testament (2002)

The Savior and his disciples taught the proper steps to obtain forgiveness and reconciliation through the atonement of Jesus Christ. This chart identifies some of these key steps of repentance that are reflected in the scriptures.

Christmas and Childhood

James R. Kearl

Religious Educator 2, no. 2 (2001)

The Christmas season is a wonderful season—one that gives us the opportunity to see once again what a beautiful and extraordinary world this is when seen through the eyes of children. Christmas is in its transcendent meaning also a celebration of Jesus’s mission of redemption.

Luke 9:1–6: Sending the Twelve

S. Kent Brown

The Testimony of Luke, BYU New Testament Commentary, excerpted on the BYU New Testament Commentary website (Apr. 2019)

This commentary discusses Luke 9:1–6, focusing on Jesus commissioning the Twelve Apostles, entrusting them with his ministry and broadening its impact. The post explores the significance of this moment for the establishment of the church organization.

The Gospel of Mark: What Does the Gospel Indicate about Its Author?

Julie M. Smith

The Gospel according to Mark, BYU New Testament Commentary, excerpted on the BYU New Testament Commentary website (Jan. 2019)

Smith examines the authorship of the Gospel of Mark, considering textual evidence and scholarly perspectives.

The Overlooked Epistle of Jude

Gaye Strathearn

Shedding Light on the New Testament: Acts–Revelation (2009)

The author of Jude may have been an apostle or may have been a man with a family connection to both Jesus and James. Jude’s main concern is about the doctrinal drift with the church. He mentions a “first estate” (verse 6), which modern revelation explains in more detail.

“This Is My Gospel”: Jesus’ Discourse in 3 Nephi

Andrew C. Skinner

Religious Educator 11, no. 3 (2010)

3 Nephi 27 is one of three places in the Book of Mormon that teach six central elements of the gospel: repentance, baptism, Holy Ghost, faith, enduring to the end, and eternal life. 3 Nephi 27 is based on three points: who will be saved, the role of faith, and judgment.

John 5–7

New Testament Student Manual: Religion 211–212 (2018)

This chapter gives the religious significance and cultural background to the events of John 7: the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus teaching in the temple, the flowing of living water, and Nicodemus.

Miracles of Jesus in the Gospel of John

Blair G. Van Dyke

Religious Educator 9, no. 3 (2008)

Blair G. Van Dyke explores the seven miracles recorded in John 2–11, highlighting their role in deepening faith in Christ within the context of John’s Gospel.

The Gospel of John

Eric D. Huntsman

New Testament History, Culture, and Society: A Background to the Texts of the New Testament (2019)

Huntsman discusses the Gospel of John as the testimony of the beloved disciple, highlighting its themes and beginning with the Logos Hymn.

Your Jericho Road

Thomas S. Monson

Ensign 19, no. 2 (Feb. 1989)

As we study the parables such as the Good Samaritan, we realize that we can have treasured experiences on our own Jericho Road.

“All Things Denote There is a God”: Seeing Christ in the Creation

Bruce A. Roundy, Robert J. Norman

Religious Educator 6, no. 2 (2005)

A major theme in the history of the covenant people is the spiritual bondage of sin which leads to physical bondage. The authors also dive into a discussion on how all things in the earth and in nature can be seen symbolically in testifying of God.

Elijah and Elisha: Foreshadowing the Latter-day Work

Lenet Hadley Read

Ensign 18, no. 3 (Mar. 1988)

The lives of Elijah and Elisha have many parallels with Christ’s life and ministry.

Hard Sayings and Safe Spaces: Making Room for Struggle as Well as Faith

Eric D. Huntsman

BYU Speeches (Aug. 2018)

In this devotional, Eric Huntsman discusses dealing with challenges and struggles, drawing from John 6:60–69 where Jesus's followers struggled with his teachings.

John 5–7

New Testament Student Manual: Religion 211–212 (2018)

This chapter gives the religious significance and cultural background to the events of John 7: the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus teaching in the temple, the flowing of living water, and Nicodemus.

Miracles of Jesus in the Gospel of John

Blair G. Van Dyke

Religious Educator 9, no. 3 (2008)

Blair G. Van Dyke explores the seven miracles recorded in John 2–11, highlighting their role in deepening faith in Christ within the context of John’s Gospel.

Peter, My Brother

Spencer W. Kimball

BYU Speeches (Jul. 1971)

Peter denied knowing Jesus, but Jesus forgave him. We also can forgive Peter and admire his strengths. The transcript can be found here: https://rsc.byu.edu/ministry-peter-chief-apostle/appendix-peter-my-brother

The Symbolic Unity of Christ’s Ministry in 3 Nephi

Neal E. Lambert

The Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 9–30, This Is My Gospel (1993)

In 3 Nephi we find patterns of words and events that are intentional and purposeful. Feeling and seeing are essential elements of the Christian experience. The ordinance of the sacrament is a confirming experience that can bring the true worshipper into an intimate relationship with the Savior.

Luke’s Different Genealogy

Eric D. Huntsman

Good Tidings of Great Joy: An Advent Celebration of the Savior's Birth, excerpted on the BYU New Testament Commentary website (Dec. 2013)

Huntsman compares the genealogies of Jesus in Matthew and Luke, highlighting the structural and thematic differences between the two. He notes how Luke’s genealogy, ascending from Jesus to Adam, reflects a broader focus on the inclusion of Gentiles in Christ, contrasting with Matthew’s emphasis on Jesus' Davidic lineage.