New Testament - Lab 11 Student Choice

Choice 2: John 14:15-17, 26-27; 15:26-27; 16:7-8, 13-14. The Savior’s Instructions about the Holy Ghost

1. As you study the following verses, make a list of what the Savior taught about (1) what the Holy Ghost does and (2) what disciples must do to receive the Holy Ghost:

	What the Holy Ghost Does	How to receive the Holy Ghost
John 14: 15-17	Comfort	Keep the Commandments
John 14:26-27	Comfort, Teach, Bring to Remembrance, Give Peace	Don’t be troubled or Afraid
John 15:26-27	Comfort, Testify of truth and of Christ	Bear witness of Christ
John 16:7-8	Teach the world of sin, and righteousness and judgment	Believe in Christ, be righteous
John 16:13-14	Guide in truth, show things to come, glorify the savior	Be a faithful follower of Christ

2. Add to your list above as you study the following resources:

		What the Holy Ghost Does	How to receive the Holy Ghost
Institute Student Manual Points to Ponder	“The Holy Ghost Brings Man to His Fullest Potential” (p. 168)	· Quickens intellectual faculties · Increases, enlarges, expands, and purifies all the natural passions, affections and adapts them to their lawful use. · Inspires, develops, cultivates and matures sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings and affections of our nature · Inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity · Develops beauty of person, form and features · Tends to health, vigor, animation and social feeling · Invigorates all faculties of the physical and intellectual man · Strengthens and give tone to nerves	Listen and allow the spirit to show us how to be disciples of Christ. Let our countenances shine and share our love of Christ with others.
	“As a Messenger of the Godhead, the Holy Ghost Teaches Faithful Members” (p.168)	· Instruct and enlighten minds · Bears witness of the truth · Quicken minds · Reveals mysteries of the Kingdom of God · Carries out the will of the Father and the Son	· Faithfully obey the commandments of the Father and the Son · Make Covenants with the Lord
Bible Dictionary	“Holy Ghost” (p 704)	· Testify of Christ · Cleansing agent, to purify and sanctify from sin · Carries conviction of the truth to the heart of man · Lead to know future events	· Be Baptized and receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost by someone with the Authority to do so · Live worthily to have him with you

3. Review your list of what the Holy Ghost does. Then write responses to the following tasks:
• Describe how the Holy Ghost helped the Apostles fulfill their missions after the Savior’s death and resurrection.

After Christ’s death and resurrection, the Holy Ghost was essentially the go between for them to know the will of God and to continue acting in his name.

• Write a paragraph about a time when the Holy Ghost blessed you in one of the ways you listed above. Give an example of how the Holy Ghost has inspired you.

I have had the opportunity of experiencing many of the blessings of the Holy Ghost in my life. I think the one that stands out to me the most though, is when he acts as a comforter. When I know I can rely on him to help me feel the love of the Lord and that he will give me the strength to face another day.

I have had this opportunity many times through out my life as I have struggled with Anxiety and Depression, but the time that stands out the most is after the death of my Grandfather, when I found the scripture in John 14:18, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” I knew that I would never have to face anything alone.

New Testament - Lab 10 Student Choice

Choice 2: Matthew 25. Three Parables of Preparation.

1. The Parable of the Ten Virgins. Study Matthew 25:1-13 and the institute manual commentary for Matthew 25:1-13, “What is the Meaning of the Parable of the Ten Virgins?” (p. 154-155). Then write responses to the following questions:

• Who does the bridegroom represent?

The Savior

• Who did President Harold B. Lee say the virgins represent?

People who call themselves believers of Christ

• What does the wedding represent

Christ’s Second Coming

• Why did the bridegroom come at “midnight,” while the wedding guests “slumbered and slept”? How does this apply to our waiting for the Savior’s Second Coming?

I think that the bridegroom coming at midnight while the guests slumbered and slept represents Christ’s coming at a time that is unknown to all. D&C 35:21 says, “For they will hear my voice, and shall see me, and shall not be asleep, and shall abide the day of my coming; for they shall be purified, even as I am pure.” I don’t think this is referring to physical sleep but spiritual. If we are prepared for his coming we will be actively pursuing his Gospel teachings and commandments, where as if we are not we will take our time and procrastinate our repentance.

• What did five of the virgins do that was foolish? (See Matthew 25:3). How might a Church member today make the same error as the foolish virgins? What would the consequences be?

They did not take extra oil with them. Like I mentioned in the last question, I think this can be compared to procrastinating our repentance. If we wait until the last minute to repent, it may be to late to receive the blessings we desire.

• What should we learn from the actions of the five wise virgins?

Always prepare, always be vigilant and always keep the commandments.

• Keeping in mind that the oil in the parable represents spiritual preparation for the Second Coming, what are some ways we can add “oil” to our “lamps”? What does Doctrine and Covenants 45:56-57 teach about ways to add oil to our lamps?

D&C 45

56 And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins.

57 For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived – verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.

As mentioned above, by simply keeping the commandments and not procrastination our repentance we can prepare ourselves to be with Christ at his second coming. D&C 45:56-57 adds to that by saying that Christ has given us the Holy Spirit for guidance. If we follow his lead and not venture into places where he cannot come, we will be ready at the day Christ comes again.

2. The Parable of the Talents. After studying Matthew 25:14-30 and the institute manual, “An Explanation for the Parable of the Entrusted Talents” (p. 155), write responses to the following questions:

• Although a talent was a sum of money in New Testament times (see talent under “Weights and Measures” in the Bible Dictionary, p. 789), it can also represent all that the Lord has given us. List the rewards each of the three men received in the parable of the talents and explain why each man received that reward. What mattered more than the number of talents or gifts each received?

The servants who received 5 and 2 talents each doubled what they had and although their sums of money differed their reward was they same because of their effort, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of the lord.”

The servant, who was given only one talent, hid it away and therefore did not gain anymore than what he was given. For this his talent was taken from him and he was sent to outer darkness.

• What reason did the third man give for hiding his talent?

He knew the master was strict and was afraid of losing his talent.

• What teachings in 2 Timothy 1:7, Proverbs 3:5-6; Doctrine and Covenants 3:7-8; 6:33-37 can help us overcome our fears to develop and use the talents given to us from the Lord?

2 Timothy 1

7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

God gave us the ability and power to have love and a sound mind. We should let this power outweigh our fears.

Proverbs 3

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct they paths.

If we trust in the Lord and follow his ways, we have nothing to fear.

D&C 3

7 For, behold, you should not have feared man more than God. Although men set at naught the counsels of God, and despise his words –

8 Yet you should have been faithful; and he would have extended his arm and supported you against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of trouble.

We should not fear man more than God. God is all-powerful and his love for us will always protect us if we follow him.

D&C 6

33 Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward.

34 Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.

35 Behold, I do not condemn you; go your ways and sin no more: perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you.

36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.

37 Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen.

If we look to God for help in all things we will have nothing to fear.

• Outline a plan whereby you can better develop and use two of the gifts the Lord has given you.

One of the gifts that God has given me is my ability to listen and be a friend to those around me. Something I struggle with is getting my visiting teaching done. So my plan is that I literally just sent a message to all of my girls to set up appointments and work at being a 100& visiting teacher.

Gift number two is something that I have struggled with, and hide a lot of the time because I don’t feel like I am particularly good at it. But my mom is a singing teacher so I have professional voice training. Right now my singing abilities are not at the best they can be, because I don’t use them but this year I want to change that. I don’t want to be the next American Idol or anything; I just want to feel comfortable singing in front of people again. I really dislike choirs, but I think in order to work on this talent, I will be joining the ward choir next time there is an opportunity.

3. The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. After studying Matthew 25:31-46; Mosiah 2:17, write responses to the following questions:

• What difference does the way we treat others make to the Lord?

The way we treat others makes a huge difference because we are ALL children of God and everyone is protective of their children and is hurt when they are hurt.

• List the six actions found in Matthew 25:35-36 that permitted “the sheep” to receive their reward at the King’s right hand. What are some spiritual or physical needs people have around you that are similar to those listed in the parable?

Hungered, gave meat

Thirsty, gave drink

Stranger, took in

Naked, clothed me

Sick, visited me

Prison, came to me

I think there are people all around me who struggle for all of these things spiritually. They hunger and thirst for the word of God without even knowing it. There are also people who are physically sick or a stranger who needs a friend. The opportunities to serve in these capacities are endless.

• How will following the principles of this parable about preparation for the Second Coming help someone prepare for that event?

I find that when I am serving someone I feel better about myself and more motivated to do what is right, to thank the Lord for my blessings and to share the Gospel. I also think that serving his children is a great way to gain favor in his sight.

New Testament - Lab 09 Student Choice

Choice 2: Mark 13; Luke 21:5-38; Joseph Smith – Matthew. Preparing for the Savior’s Second Coming

1. Review Mark 13:5, 9, 23, 33, 35, 37 and identify the words take heed and watch in each verse. List at least three things from this chapter that believers could watch for in order to be prepared to meet the Lord.

Mark 13

5And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you 6For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall ^adeceive many.

9¶But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and ^akings for my sake, for a testimony against them.

23But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.

33Take ye heed, ^awatch and ^bpray: for ye know not when the time is.

35Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: 36Lest coming suddenly he find you ^asleeping.

37And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

Three things that these scriptures point out is that we need to watch for false Christs, people who wish to harm the followers of Christ and Christ’s second coming.

2. Explain in writing any other additional truths that are taught in these references about how to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

§ Doctrine and Covenants 87:8

8Wherefore, ^astand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold, it cometh ^bquickly, saith the Lord. Amen.

In D&C 87:8 the Lord is warning us that we should make sure that we stand in holy places. There are many ways that this can be done. It can be taken quite literally in saying that we should spend much time in the temples and church buildings of Christ, but holy places can mean anywhere that a group of followers of Christ are together, of course wherever that group is must be a place where the spirit can dwell as well.

§ Joseph Smith – Matthew 1:32

32And again shall the ^aabomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, be fulfilled.

From this scripture I take that it is important to be familiar with the words of Christ and the warnings of his prophets. If we know what is to come and are worthy to face it, we have no reason to be afraid.

§ Joseph Smith – Matthew 1:37

37And whoso ^atreasureth up my word, shall not be deceived, for the Son of Man shall ^bcome, and he shall send his ^cangels before him with the great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together the ^dremainder of his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

To prepare for the second coming we need to learn everything we can about Christ and what better way to learn about him than read his words and his teachings. It is important that we study the scriptures and follow the commandments that are taught in them.

§ Joseph Smith – Matthew 1:46-50

46And what I say unto one, I say unto all men; ^awatch, therefore, for you know not at what hour your Lord doth come.

47But know this, if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to have been broken up, but would have been ready.

48Therefore be ye also ^aready, for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh.

49Who, then, is a ^afaithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?

50Blessed is that ^aservant whom his lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing; and verily I say unto you, he shall make him ruler over all his goods.

We must always be righteous and worthy to return to live with Christ, because we don’t know when he shall come again. If we are caught taking “time off” from keeping the commandments we may lose our chance at exaltation and will definitely lose blessings that we have been promised.

§ Doctrine and Covenants 33:17

17Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your ^alamps ^btrimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ^cready at the coming of the ^dBridegroom—

We must be faithful and prayerful always, ready when the Lord comes again instead of rushing to get things together in hopes that we will not miss him.

§ Doctrine and Covenants 45:56-57

56And at that day, when I shall come in my ^aglory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten ^bvirgins.

57For they that are wise and have received the ^atruth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their ^bguide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the ^cfire, but shall abide the day.

If we are open to receiving the truth and teachings of Christ through his prophets and our leaders we will be blessed. If we are faithful and righteous, following the spirit in everything we do, we will have nothing to fear.

New Testament - Lab 08 Student Choice

Choice 5: Mark 12:41-44. The Widow’s Mites

1. Review Mark 12:41-44 and the institute student manual commentary for Mark 12:41-44, “What Was the Significance of the Widow’s Gift” (p. 149). Write an explanation of how the widow lived what the Savior taught in Mark 12:28-30.

This poor widow showed her love for Lord by giving him everything she had. She did not do this for the attention but out of faith in her Savior.

2. Even though the widow gave less money than wealthier people gave, according to Mark 12:44 how much of what she had did she give? Write a paragraph describing what this teaches about what constitutes as acceptable offering to the Lord. How does 2 Nephi 25:23 apply to what the widow did?

The widow giving all that she had shows us that the Lord wants us to be willing to give everything for him; our time, our money and our love. If we are willing to put him first he will provide for us and will help us to accomplish the things we need to in this life. 2 Nephi 25:23 points out that we are saved by grace but only after all that we can do. Once we prove this to him we will be saved.

3. Write two or three sentences describing a way, aside from the donation of money, that you could better follow the widow’s example of sacrifice and obedience.

I think that a few things I can do to better follow the Savior are to make sure that I put him first in my life by reading my scriptures and saying my prayers first thing in the morning, getting to know him. I also think that I can put more effort into my callings, make sure that I am a faithful and regular visiting teacher, no matter what time constraints or personality differences lie in my way. At this point in my life I feel like my time is something that I can better sacrifice to follow the widow’s example.

New Testament - Lab 07 Student Choice

Choice 1: Matthew 19:16-30; 20:1-16. Earthly and Heavenly Rewards

1. Review Matthew 19:16-30 and write responses to the following questions and tasks:

· What indications can you find that suggest why the young man decided not to follow the Savior?

In verse 22, it says “he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.” In Mark 1 when Christ called his disciples and said “Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.” They dropped their nets and followed him. The fact that this man left at all signifies that he was not willing to give up these great possessions and follow Christ.

How does Matthew 6:19-24 help explain his choice?

Matthew 6

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

This young man had many possessions that he was unwilling to give up and he put the things of man before God. His heart was with his possessions instead of truly being with God.

· What blessings did the Savior promise to those who make sacrifices to follow Him?

The Savior has promised us that if we follow him we will have Everlasting life and Exaltation.

· Based on the Savior’s response to Peter, write a paragraph that could help you put the Lord first in your life (see also the additional details in Mark 10:17-31).

I think that the most important thing that I can do to put the Lord first in my life is to literally think of him first in everything I do. Starting with making sure I have my morning and evening prayers everyday and studying the scriptures regularly will help me make sure that he is always on the forefront of my mind. I find that if I wait to do things like reading my scriptures, or paying my tithing after everything else is taken care of I run out of time, but if I do those things first I have time for everything else. I think the main this is to get in the habit of it. Also if I am thinking about the Lord continuously I will be more in tune with the Spirit and realize when something is important and something is not.

2. Review the parable in Matthew 20:1-6 and consider what rewards come to those who serve in the Lord’s kingdom. Complete the chart below, filling in the blanks with information you find in Matthew 20:

The hour the laborers were hired	How much the man agreed to pay	Hours worked	How much they were actually paid
Early morning	A penny	12 hours – All Day	A penny
3rd Hour	What is right	9 hours	A penny
6th Hour	What is right	6 hours	A penny
9th Hour	What is right	3 hours	A penny
11th Hour	What is right	1 hour	A penny

Respond in writing to the following questions:

· What do we learn from this parable about serving in the Lord’s kingdom?

Whether we learn about the Gospel at the beginning of our lives or the end, it is possible for us to receive all the Lord has prepared for us.

· What message of comfort can this parable have for converts to the Church?

As long as they accept the call to serve converts can understand that they still have the opportunity to return to live with God in his kingdom.

· What would you tell someone who feels it is unfair for each of the laborers to be paid equally?

I think that regardless of when you discover the Gospel and receive a testimony of it, the knowledge you have of the Gospel is a great blessing and comfort in your life. In my mind converts may be able to receive the same end reward but they had to wait longer to learn about the Gospel and possibly suffered without this knowledge.

New Testament - Lab 06 Student Choice

Choice 2: Luke 10:38-42; 11:1-3; 12:13-40; 13:23-24; 14:16-33. Being a Disciple of Jesus Christ

1. Read Luke 10:38-42; 11:1-3; 12:13-40; 13:23-24; 14:16-33 and the institute student manual commentary for Luke 11:5-13, “The Parable of the Friend at Midnight” (p. 115). Make a list of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and what the Savior taught about counting the costs of following Him.

· Put the Lord first in all things

· Give thanks to the Father for everything he does

· Remember that abundance of wealth and possessions is not what matters

· Have faith that the Lord will take care of you

· Share the Gospel with everyone you meet

· Be an example of Christ in everything you do

· Always be righteous and ready

· Follow the straight and narrow path

· Be humble

· Be willing to sacrifice for the Gospel

· Ask the Lord for help

· Trust in God

2. Identify one of the teachings from your list that you would like to apply more fully in your life. Write a paragraph about how you could apply that teaching and what difference you believe it would make in your life.

I would like to combine a few of these points to apply more fully to my life. I think that two things that I need to work on more are the ask the Lord for help in all things and to trust that he will give what he knows is best for me. In order to apply this to my life I need to have a better realationship with my Savior and in order to strengthen that relationship I need to strengthen my prayers. I need to pray more fervently and will more intent. I also need to pray more regularly. As I do this I believe I will feel my Father’s love and will have an easier time trusting him. Once this happens I believe my life will be more peaceful and happy. I can relieve my self of unnecessary stresses and place them upon my Savior’s shoulders so that I can focus on the work that he needs me to do here.

3. Read Luke 14:33; Omni 1:26; Mosiah 2:34; Matthew 13:44-46. Explain in writing what is ultimately required to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

In order to become a disciple of Jesus Christ we must be willing to give up everything he has given us and follow him.

New Testament - Lab 05 Student Choice

Choice 7: John 10. The Good Shepherd

1. Review John 10:1-11 and identify two parts of the parable that Jesus compared Himself to. What additional information do you learn from 2 Nephi 9:41-42 that helps you understand the symbol of Jesus Christ as the door in the parable?

2 Nephi 9
41 O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name.
42 And whoso knocketh, to him will he open; and the wise, and the learned, and they that are rich, who are puffed up because of their learning, and their wisdom, and their riches—yea, they are they whom he despiseth; and save they shall cast these things away, and consider themselves fools before God, and come down in the depths of humility, he will not open unto them.

In the parable in John 10 Jesus Christ identifies himself as both the Door and the Shepherd. Christ is the door because the only way to enter into the fold is through Christ, the door. The robbers and theives have to climb up another way (see John 10:1) because Christ will not open that door to them unless they give up their unrighteous desires and therefore are no longer a threat to his fold.

2. Read John 10:12-29 and the institute student manual commentary for John 10:1-15, “The Symbolism of the ‘Good Shepherd’” (pp.109-110). Then respond in writing to the following questions:

*See end of post for "The Symbolism of the 'Good Shepherd'"

• How is what a shepherd does for his sheep similar to what Jesus Christ does for us?

The Savior gives us exactly what we need, he provides us with food and care. He keeps us safe by giving us commandments to follow throughout our lives. But if we fall or tear down part of this protective wall he is always willing to help us rebuild through the power of the atonement.

• How do we know if we are of the Savior’s fold?

If we recognize the Savior's still small voice in our lives and follow it while ignoring the voices of others we are part of the fold.

• What does the Savior teach about giving His life for the sheep?

The Savior literally gave his life for us through the atonement. We can be forgiven for our sins because he bled and died for us. He literally put himself between us and those that threaten to take away our exaltation.

3. Read 3 Nephi 15:11-24, 16:1-3 and describe who the “other sheep” are referred to in John 10:16.

3 Nephi 15
11 And now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words, he said unto those twelve whom he had chosen:
12 Ye are my disciples; and ye are a light unto this people, who are a remnant of the house of Joseph.
13 And behold, this is the land of your inheritance; and the Father hath given it unto you.
14 And not at any time hath the Father given me commandment that I should tell it unto your brethren at Jerusalem.
15 Neither at any time hath the Father given me commandment that I should tell unto them concerning the other tribes of the house of Israel, whom the Father hath led away out of the land.
16 This much did the Father command me, that I should tell unto them:
17 That other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
18 And now, because of stiffneckedness and unbelief they understood not my word; therefore I was commanded to say no more of the Father concerning this thing unto them.
19 But, verily, I say unto you that the Father hath commanded me, and I tell it unto you, that ye were separated from among them because of their iniquity; therefore it is because of their iniquity that they know not of you.
20 And verily, I say unto you again that the other tribes hath the Father separated from them; and it is because of their iniquity that they know not of them.
21 And verily I say unto you, that ye are they of whom I said: Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
22 And they understood me not, for they supposed it had been the Gentiles; for they understood not that the Gentiles should be converted through their preaching.
23 And they understood me not that I said they shall hear my voice; and they understood me not that the Gentiles should not at any time hear my voice—that I should not manifest myself unto them save it were by the Holy Ghost.
24 But behold, ye have both heard my voice, and seen me; and ye are my sheep, and ye are numbered among those whom the Father hath given me.
3 Nephi 16
1 And verily, verily, I say unto you that I have other sheep, which are not of this land, neither of the land of Jerusalem, neither in any parts of that land round about whither I have been to minister.
2 For they of whom I speak are they who have not as yet heard my voice; neither have I at any time manifested myself unto them.
3 But I have received a commandment of the Father that I shall go unto them, and that they shall hear my voice, and shall be numbered among my sheep, that there may be one fold and one shepherd; therefore I go to show myself unto them.

The other sheep that Christ talked about to his disciples were people in lands other than Jerusalem, like those people written of in the Book of Mormon. Christ also makes it clear that these two groups of people were not his only followers on this earth. Perhaps some day we will learn more of these other groups as well.

*(15-6) John 10:1–15 . The Symbolism of the “Good Shepherd”
“The shepherd in Palestine lived a lonely life and was noted for his faithfulness and protection to his sheep. At night the sheep would be brought into an enclosure called a sheep-fold which had high walls to keep anything or anyone from getting in. At the top of the walls were placed thorns which prevented wolves from leaping into the enclosure. Proper entrance was at the door only. (John 10:1)
“Often several flocks were brought into one fold and one shepherd, called a porter, would stand guard at the door during the night while the others would go home to rest. When they would return in the morning, they would be recognized by the doorkeeper, allowed to enter, and each call his own flock and lead them
forth to pasture. (John 10:2–3) The shepherd provided the food for the sheep.
“The shepherd walked ahead of his sheep and led them. The sheep knew the shepherd and trusted in him and would not follow a stranger. (John 10:4–5) He generally had a name for each sheep and each knew its own name and would come when called. If a stranger called, the sheep became nervous and startled
and would not obey the voice of the stranger, for they knew their master’s voice. (John 10:3–4, 27)
“The true shepherd, the owner of the sheep, was willing to give his life for the sheep if need be. Sometimes a leopard or panther, when driven by hunger, would leap over the walls of the fold and into the midst of the frightened sheep. Then was the time when the nerve and heart of the shepherd was tried. A hireling, one who did not own the sheep, might at such a crisis flee from the danger and shrink from
the duties of the shepherd. (John 10:11–13) Unwatched, the hireling might not put the welfare of the sheep foremost in his life. Hirelings had been known to sell sheep and then pocket the money and account for the loss by saying that wolves came and destroyed the sheep. When this is applied to the gospel, it is seen what a ‘hireling’ might do with the care of human souls. But the true shepherd’s chief concern was the welfare of the sheep. (John 21:15–17)
“Even the shepherd’s clothing was designed to aid him in his care of the sheep. The shepherd’s coat generally had a large pocket inside, suitable for carrying a weak or wounded lamb to safety. Isaiah made reference to this pocket when he ascribed to Christ the role of shepherd. (Isaiah 40:10–11)
“Jesus’ station as the Good Shepherd is complete in every detail. He is the door of the fold, by which we must enter. There is none other. (John 10:9) He is not a hireling but is the true shepherd of human souls, and ‘we are not our own’ (1 Corinthians 6:19–20), but he has purchased us with his precious blood. (1 Corinthians 7:23 ; 1 Peter 1:18–19 ; 2 Peter 2:1 ; Acts 20:28) The shepherd provided the pasture on which the sheep feed. Jesus has given us his word. We are warned against the doctrines of men. Only the ‘pasture’ that the Lord provides is proper food for his sheep, and no man can be saved in ignorance of his word or without his revelations. The true sheep know his voice. The true Shepherd knows
and owns his sheep and he calls them. We thus take upon us the name of Christ, for he owns us; we are his sheep; and, if we have his name, we can enter ‘by the door.’” (Matthews, The Parables of Jesus, pp.75–76)