New Testament -- Gospel Doctrine: N.T. Lesson 6 "They Straightway Left Their Nets."

"Lesson 6: “They Straightway Left Their Nets”," New Testament Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual, (2002)

7-4) What Is the Distinction Between a Disciple and an Apostle?

“Discipleship is general; any follower of a man or devotee to a principle may be called a disciple. The Holy Apostleship is an office and calling belonging to the Higher or Melchizedek Priesthood, at once exalted and specific, comprising as a distinguishing function that of personal and special witness to the divinity of Jesus Christ as the one and only Redeemer and Savior of mankind. The apostleship is an individual bestowal, and as such is conferred only through ordination. ” (Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p. 227. Italics added.)

7-6) Luke 6:13 . What Is an Apostle?

One of the most important things to know about apostles is that they are called to be witnesses of the Savior. This witness may come in several ways. (See item 9-8 .) Of this Elder Harold B. Lee has said:
“May I impose to bear my own testimony. I was visiting with one of the missionaries some years ago when two missionaries came to me with what seemed to be a very difficult question, to them. A young Methodist minister had laughed at them when they had said that apostles were necessary today in order for the true church to be upon the earth. And they said the minister said: ‘Do you realize that when they met to choose one to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Judas, that they said it had to be one who companied with them and had been a witness of all things pertaining to the mission and resurrection of the Lord? How can you say you have apostles, if that be the measure of an apostle?’ And so these young men said, ‘What shall we answer?’ I said to them: ‘Go back and ask your minister friend two questions. First, how did the Apostle Paul gain what was necessary to be called an apostle? He didn’t know the Lord; had no personal acquaintance. He hadn’t accompanied the apostles. He hadn’t been a witness of the ministry, nor the resurrection of the Lord. How did he gain his testimony sufficient to be an apostle? Now the second question you ask him: How does he know that all who are today apostles have not likewise received that witness?’ I bear witness to you that those who hold the apostolic calling may, and do know of the reality of the mission of the Lord.” (“Born of the Spirit,” Address to Seminary and Institute Faculty, 26 June 1962.)

Elder Bednar on the Role of Apostles:

http://lds.org/pages/the-role-of-an-apostle?lang=eng

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBtE5QbcDbU

President Packer on the Twelve: http://lds.org/general-conference/2008/04/the-twelve?lang=eng

Purpose

To help class members understand that Apostles are called to be special witnesses of Jesus Christ and that we are blessed when we sustain and follow them.

Preparation

1. Read, ponder, and pray about the following scriptures:
1. a. Luke 4:14–32. Jesus teaches in a synagogue in Nazareth and testifies that he is the Messiah of whom Isaiah prophesied. The people angrily reject him.
This is after he had spent forty days fasting in the wilderness, and had been tempted by Satan:

14¶And Jesus returned in the ^apower of the Spirit into ^bGalilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.
15And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.
16¶And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
17And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,
18The ^aSpirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath ^banointed me to ^cpreach the ^dgospel to the ^epoor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to ^fpreach ^gdeliverance to the ^hcaptives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at ⁱliberty them that are bruised,
19^aTo preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
20And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.
21And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture ^afulfilled in your ears.
22And all bare him witness, and ^awondered at the ^bgracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this ^cJoseph’s son?
23And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in ^aCapernaum, ^bdo also here in thy country.
24And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is ^aaccepted in his own country.
25But I tell you of a truth, many ^awidows were in Israel in the days of ^bElias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land;
26But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.
27And many ^alepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was ^bcleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.
28And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,
29And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.
30But he ^apassing through the midst of them went his way,
31And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.
32And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with ^apower.

b. Luke 5:1–11, 27–28;

1And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,
2And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.
3And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.
4Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a ^adraught. (draft -- probably from Old Norse drahtr, of Germanic origin; related to draw)
5And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have ^atoiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
6And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net ^abrake.
7And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
8When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
9For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:
10And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt ^acatch men.
11And when they had brought their ships to land, they ^aforsook all, and ^bfollowed him.

6:12–16.
12And it came to pass in those days, that he ^awent out into a mountain to ^bpray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

13¶And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he ^achose ^btwelve, whom also he named ^capostles;
14Simon, (whom he also named ^aPeter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,
15Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphæus, and Simon called Zelotes,
16And Judas the brother of James, and Judas ^aIscariot, which also was the traitor.
Jesus calls his Twelve Apostles.
1. c. Matthew 10. Jesus ordains and instructs the Twelve Apostles and sends them forth to preach the gospel.
2. Additional reading: Isaiah 61:1–2; Matthew 4:18–22; Mark 1:16–20; 3:13–19; 6:7–13; Luke 9:1–6; 12:1–12; Doctrine and Covenants 107:23–24, 33–35, 39, 58; Bible Dictionary, “Apostle,” 612.
3. If the following pictures are available, use them during the lesson: Calling of the Fishermen (62496; Gospel Art Picture Kit 209) or Jesus and the Fishermen (62138; Gospel Art Picture Kit 210); Christ Ordaining the Apostles (62557; Gospel Art Picture Kit 211); and a picture of the current Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (from the most recent conference issue of the Ensign or the Liahona).
4. Suggestion for teaching: Learn and use class members’ names. When you do so, class members see that you care about them as individuals. Knowing class members’ names can also help you encourage participation by enabling you to direct questions to specific people.

Suggested Lesson Development

Attention Activity

As appropriate, use the following activity or one of your own to begin the lesson.
Have a class member read the first part of Mosiah 27:31 (through “confess that he is God”). Explain that at Jesus Christ’s Second Coming, everyone will recognize him as the Savior. This was not true at his first coming. The Jews had studied prophecies about the Savior’s coming for centuries, but many of those who heard Jesus failed to recognize him as the Savior. Because Jesus did not free the Jews from Roman control, as they expected the Messiah to do, many of them rejected him and his message.
Point out that the first part of this lesson will discuss what happened when Jesus first announced that he was the long-awaited Messiah. Other parts of the lesson will discuss Jesus’ calling of Apostles to help spread his message.

Scripture Discussion and Application

As you teach the following scripture passages, discuss the blessings that come from knowing that Jesus Christ is the Savior and from following the Apostles.

1. Jesus announces that he is the Messiah.

Discuss Luke 4:14–32. Invite class members to read selected verses. Explain that Jesus was invited to read a passage of scripture and comment on it during the service in the synagogue in Nazareth.

• Have a class member read Luke 4:16–19. (Point out that verses 18–19 are a quotation of Isaiah 61:1–2. Isaiah is called “Esaias” in Luke 4:17.) What are these verses about? (They are a prophetic description of things the Messiah would do; see lesson 1.)
• When Jesus finished reading the passage from Isaiah, what testimony did he bear? (See Luke 4:21. He declared that he was the Messiah of whom Isaiah prophesied and for whom the Jews had been waiting for centuries.) How did the people in the synagogue respond to Jesus’ declaration? (See Luke 4:22–29.)
• Why do you think the people in the synagogue had difficulty accepting Jesus as the Messiah? (See Luke 4:22. Answers may include that they knew him and had watched him grow up, so they could not see how he could be the great Messiah they were expecting.) Why do you think some people today have difficulty accepting Jesus Christ? How can we strengthen our testimonies that Jesus is the Savior?

2. Jesus calls his Twelve Apostles.

Read and discuss selected verses from Luke 5:1–11, 27–28; 6:12–16. Display the picture of Jesus and the fishermen and the picture of the current Twelve Apostles. As you discuss the scripture passages, help class members understand that Apostles are called to do what Jesus himself did in the synagogue in Nazareth—declare that he is the Messiah, the Savior.

• What were Simon Peter, James, and John doing when Jesus came to them? (See Luke 5:1–2.) What did Jesus tell them about how their lives would change if they followed him? (See Luke 5:10.) How has your life been affected because of your decision to follow Jesus Christ?
• How did the miracle with the fishing nets foreshadow the experiences that Peter, James, and John would have as “fishers of men”? (Mark 1:17). Have class members consider the following phrases:
1. a. Luke 5:5: “At thy word I will let down the net.” (They would work where Jesus directed them.)
2. b. Luke 5:6: “They inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.” (They would find many people who would accept the gospel.)
3. c. Luke 5:7: “They beckoned unto their partners … that they should come and help them.” (They would call others to assist in the work.)
• Point out that in Luke 5:1–11, Jesus called Peter, James, and John to be his disciples. Later he would call them to be Apostles. Write Disciple and Apostle on the chalkboard. What is the difference between a disciple and an Apostle?
Explain that a disciple is any follower of Jesus Christ (Bible Dictionary, “Disciple,” 657). An Apostle is a disciple who has been called to be a special witness of Christ (D&C 107:23). The word Apostle means “one [who is] sent forth” (Bible Dictionary, “Apostle,” 612). The members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are sent forth to testify to the world that Jesus is the Savior and Redeemer of mankind.
• Why was it important that Jesus call Apostles? (See Matthew 9:36–38; 16:19; Mark 3:14–15; John 20:19–21, 23; Ephesians 4:11–15. They would help Jesus preach the gospel and would lead the Church and carry on priesthood authority after Jesus was gone.) Why is it important that the Lord has called Apostles today?
• How did Jesus choose the original Twelve Apostles? (See Luke 6:12–13.) How did Jesus prepare himself to call them? How does this compare to the way people are chosen today to be Apostles and to serve in other Church callings? (Church leaders pray and seek inspiration to know whom the Lord would have serve in each calling.)
• What do the scriptures tell us about the background and character of the men whom Jesus called as Apostles? (See Luke 5:5, 8, 11, 27–28. Answers may include that they had no formal training for the ministry, but they were humble, obedient, hardworking men who were willing to sacrifice everything to follow the Lord.) What does this suggest about how a person becomes qualified to serve the Lord? (See also D&C 4:3, 5–6; Articles of Faith 1:5.)

3. Jesus ordains and instructs the Twelve Apostles.

Read and discuss selected verses from Matthew 10. Display the picture of Christ ordaining the Apostles.

• After Jesus called the Twelve Apostles, he gave them priesthood power and instructed them in their responsibilities. What do we learn about the powers and responsibilities of Apostles from Jesus’ counsel in Matthew 10? (List class members’ responses on the chalkboard. Answers may include those listed below.)
1. a. They have power to heal the spiritually and physically sick (verse 1).
2. b. They are sent to the lost sheep of Israel to preach that the kingdom of heaven is at hand (verses 6–7).
3. c. They are to use their priesthood power to bless and heal people (verse 8).
4. d. They are to seek out those who are prepared to hear the gospel (verses 11–14).
5. e. They are to teach as guided by the Spirit (verses 19–20).
6. f. They are to give their lives entirely to the Savior’s work (verse 39).
• How do the powers and responsibilities given to the original Apostles compare to those given to latter-day Apostles? (See D&C 107:23, 33, 35;

23The ^atwelve traveling councilors are called to be the Twelve ^bApostles, or special ^cwitnesses of the name of Christ in all the world—thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling.

112:14, 19–22, 30–31.)

14Now, I say unto you, and what I say unto you, I say unto all the Twelve: Arise and gird up your loins, take up your ^across, follow me, and ^bfeed my sheep.

19Wherefore, whithersoever they shall send you, go ye, and I will be with you; and in whatsoever place ye shall proclaim my name an ^aeffectual door shall be opened unto you, that they may receive my word.

20Whosoever ^areceiveth my word receiveth me, and whosoever receiveth me, receiveth those, the First Presidency, whom I have sent, whom I have made counselors for my name’s sake unto you.

21And again, I say unto you, that whosoever ye shall send in my name, by the voice of your brethren, the ^aTwelve, duly recommended and ^bauthorized by you, shall have power to open the door of my kingdom unto any nation whithersoever ye shall send them—

22Inasmuch as they shall humble themselves before me, and abide in my word, and ^ahearken to the voice of my Spirit.

30For unto you, the ^aTwelve, and those, the First Presidency, who are appointed with you to be your ^bcounselors and your leaders, is the ^cpower of this priesthood given, for the last days and for the last time, in the which is the dispensation of the ^dfulness of times.

31Which power you hold, in connection with all those who have received a ^adispensation at any time from the beginning of the creation;

How have you seen latter-day Apostles fulfill these responsibilities?
• What blessings are promised to those who follow the Apostles? (See Matthew 10:40–42;

40¶He that ^areceiveth you ^breceiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

41He that ^areceiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s ^breward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.

42And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the ^aname of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise ^blose his reward.

see also D&C 124:45–46.)

45And if my people will hearken unto my voice, and unto the voice of my ^aservants whom I have appointed to lead my people, behold, verily I say unto you, they shall not be moved out of their place.

46But if they will not ^ahearken to my voice, nor unto the voice of these men whom I have appointed, they shall not be blest, because they ^bpollute mine holy grounds, and mine holy ordinances, and charters, and my holy words which I give unto them.

Elder Spencer W. Kimball said: “No one in this Church will ever go far astray who ties himself securely to the Church Authorities whom the Lord has placed in his Church. This Church will never go astray; the Quorum of the Twelve will never lead you into bypaths; it never has and never will” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1951, 104).

Conclusion

Testify that Jesus Christ is the true Messiah and that the Twelve Apostles are special witnesses of him. You may want to share an experience in which following the counsel of an Apostle blessed your life.

Additional Teaching Ideas

The following material supplements the suggested lesson outline. You may want to use one or more of these ideas as part of the lesson.

1. The current Twelve Apostles -- http://lds.org/church/leaders/quorum-of-the-twelve-apostles?lang=eng

Display pictures of the current Twelve Apostles and help class members learn their names. You may want to use the following quiz:
Give each class member a pencil and a piece of paper, and ask them to number their papers from 1 to 12. Display a picture of each Apostle without revealing his name, and ask class members to write the name on their papers next to the appropriate number. When you have shown all the pictures, review the correct answers.

2. The original Twelve Apostles

Help class members learn the names of the original Twelve Apostles (Matthew 10:2–4). Present the following information in your own words to help class members understand how various Apostles are referred to in the scriptures:
Two Apostles were named James: James the son of Zebedee and James the son of Alphaeus. Two were named Simon: Simon Peter and Simon the Canaanite, also called Simon Zelotes (“the zealot”). Two were named Judas: Judas (also called Lebbaeus Thaddaeus) and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Christ. Matthew is called Levi in Luke 5:27–28. Thomas was also known as Didymus, which means “twin.” The Apostle referred to as Bartholomew in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke is presumed to be the same person referred to as Nathanael in the gospel of John.

Matthew 10:2–4
2Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;

3Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the ^apublican; James the son of Alphæus, and Lebbæus, whose surname was Thaddæus;

4Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also ^abetrayed him.

Simon Peter
Andrew
James
John
Philip
Bartholomew
Thomas
Matthew
James
Simon
Judas -- Lebbaeus Thaddaeus
Judas

3. “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37)

Have class members read Matthew 10:35–38.

• How are verses 35 and 36 sometimes fulfilled when a person joins the Church? Knowing that the Lord wants our families to be peaceful and united, why do you think he made these statements? To whom should our first and strongest loyalty go? (See verses 37–38; see also Luke 14:33.)

4. Video presentation

The first segment of “New Testament Customs,” a selection from New Testament Video Presentations (53914), may be useful in this lesson. This segment includes information on what it meant for Jesus to declare himself the anointed one, or Messiah (Luke 4:18); on worship in the synagogue; and on what it means to preach the gospel without purse or scrip, as Jesus instructed his Apostles to do (Matthew 10:9–10).

"Lesson 6: “They Straightway Left Their Nets”," New Testament Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual, (2002)

New Testament -- Gospel Doctrine

Pages

Sunday, January 23, 2011

N.T. Lesson 6 "They Straightway Left Their Nets."

http://institute.lds.org/manuals/new-testament-institute-student-manual/nt-in-02-2.asp

http://beardall2000.com/nt/nt06.html

http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-testament-lesson-6-they-straightway.html