The overall message of the Gospels is that individuals should live righteously by following Jesus Christ’s teachings in anticipation of his second coming and the establishment of the kingdom of God, which will bring salvation to his followers and destruction to the wicked. The text emphasizes the importance of faith, repentance, love, and obedience to God’s commandments.
Read the Joseph Smith Translation (JST), or Inspired Version (IV) of the Bible here.
Watch our video discussing these scriptures here.
Overview
This inspired version (IV) of the gospels describes Jesus Christ’s teachings and actions during his ministry. Jesus emphasizes the importance of internal righteousness, exceeding the superficial righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees. He teaches his disciples to do good works, give alms secretly, pray sincerely, and avoid hypocrisy. Jesus encourages his followers to trust in God’s providence, not to worry about material needs, and to seek the kingdom of God above all else. He stresses the need for self-reflection and removing one’s own faults before judging others. Jesus calls for repentance and teaches that those who hear and obey his teachings will be like a wise man who built his house upon a rock, while those who do not will be like a foolish man who built his house upon sand.
The gospels recount Jesus’ miracles, demonstrating his power and authority. Jesus warns against the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, which will not be forgiven. He teaches in parables, explaining the mysteries of the kingdom of God to his disciples. The text predicts the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the wicked. Jesus warns of false prophets and the need for his followers to remain steadfast in their faith. He describes the signs of his second coming, which will be as unmistakable as the rising sun.
Jesus promises to send the Holy Ghost to comfort and guide his followers. He emphasizes the importance of love and unity among his disciples. The gospels conclude with Jesus’ ascension into heaven and the disciples’ joy and continual praise of God. The gospels’ emphasis on righteous living, the kingdom of God, and the second coming of Jesus Christ creates a sense of hope and anticipation for believers while serving as a warning to the wicked. The gospels encourage believers to persevere in their faith and follow Jesus’ teachings, promising eternal life and salvation in the kingdom of God.
Quiz
This study guide is designed to help you thoroughly review the material from the JST-IV Gospels. Remember to actively engage with the text, taking notes, highlighting key passages, and reflecting on the deeper meaning of Jesus’ teachings. Best of luck with your studies!
Short-Answer Questions
Please answer each question in 2-3 sentences.
- What is the significance of being “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” in Jesus’ teachings?
- How does Jesus emphasize the importance of fulfilling the law and the commandments?
- Explain the deeper meaning behind Jesus’ teachings on anger and reconciliation.
- What are the dangers of hypocrisy in religious practices, as highlighted by Jesus?
- How does the Lord’s Prayer (JST Matthew 6:9-15) guide followers in their communication with God?
- Explain the parable of the talents in Matthew 25 and its lesson about stewardship.
- Describe Jesus’ instructions to his disciples about preaching the Gospel.
- What is the meaning of Jesus’ statement, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them”?
- What is the significance of the parable of the sower?
- How does Jesus use the example of John the Baptist to challenge the perceptions of his own ministry?
Answer Key
- Being “the salt of the earth” symbolizes the preserving influence and righteous example that followers should have on the world. Being “the light of the world” refers to the illuminating power of their good works, which should inspire others and glorify God.
- Jesus emphasizes that he came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it. He stresses that following even the “least commandments” is crucial for salvation and that true righteousness surpasses the superficial adherence of the scribes and Pharisees.
- Jesus teaches that inner feelings like anger can be as harmful as outward actions. He urges reconciliation with those who have something against us before offering gifts or worship, highlighting the importance of resolving conflicts and prioritizing relationships.
- Jesus condemns hypocrisy in giving alms, praying, and fasting. He warns against performing religious acts for public acclaim, stressing that true devotion is done in secret, with God as the sole witness and rewarder.
- The Lord’s Prayer provides a model for approaching God with reverence, aligning oneself with his will, seeking daily sustenance and forgiveness, and requesting protection from temptation and evil.
- The parable of the talents illustrates the importance of utilizing and multiplying the gifts God gives us. Those who faithfully steward their talents are rewarded, while those who neglect their responsibilities face consequences.
- Jesus instructs his disciples to go forth and preach the Gospel, healing the sick and casting out devils. He emphasizes relying on God’s provision and sharing the message freely, focusing on those who are worthy and receptive.
- This statement underscores the power of collective faith and unity. When believers gather in Jesus’ name, his presence is with them, fostering spiritual strength, guidance, and a sense of communal purpose.
- The parable of the sower illustrates the different ways people respond to the word of God. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating a receptive heart, rooted in faith, to bear fruit.
- Jesus compares himself to John the Baptist, noting that while John was a great prophet, those in the kingdom of heaven are greater. He challenges those who criticized John’s ascetic lifestyle while also rejecting Jesus’ more approachable demeanor, highlighting the difficulty of pleasing everyone and emphasizing the importance of inner transformation over outward appearances.
Essay Questions
- Analyze the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12. Discuss the characteristics of those who are blessed and the rewards promised to them. How do these teachings relate to the overall message of Jesus’ ministry?
- Explore Jesus’ teachings on forgiveness in Matthew 6 and 18. Why is forgiveness so central to his message? What are the consequences of refusing to forgive? How can we practically apply these teachings in our own lives?
- Compare and contrast the Pharisees and Sadducees in the JST-IV Gospels. How do their beliefs and actions differ from Jesus’ teachings? What lessons can be learned from their interactions with Jesus?
- Examine the theme of judgment in the JST-IV Gospels. What criteria will be used to judge individuals? What are the different destinations of the righteous and the wicked? How do these teachings motivate us to live righteously?
- Discuss the significance of Jesus’ miracles in the JST-IV Gospels. How do they demonstrate his divine power and authority? What impact do they have on those who witness them? How do they contribute to the overall message of his ministry?
Glossary of Key Terms
- Beatitudes: The pronouncements of blessing given by Jesus in Matthew 5:3-12, describing the character of those who are blessed and the rewards they will receive.
- Scribes: Jewish legal scholars and experts in the Mosaic Law who often acted as interpreters and teachers of the scriptures.
- Pharisees: A Jewish religious sect known for their strict observance of the Law and their emphasis on ritual purity.
- Sadducees: A Jewish priestly and aristocratic sect who denied the resurrection and the existence of angels or spirits.
- Publicans: Tax collectors employed by the Roman government, often viewed with contempt by the Jewish people.
- Kingdom of Heaven: A central theme in Jesus’ teachings, referring to the spiritual reign of God and the ultimate destination of the righteous.
- Parable: A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson.
- Leaven: A metaphor used by Jesus to represent the corrupting influence of false teachings and hypocrisy.
- Millstone: A large, heavy stone used for grinding grain, used metaphorically by Jesus to describe the severity of punishment for those who lead others astray.
- Talent: A unit of money or weight used in parables to represent spiritual gifts or abilities.
- Hypocrite: One who pretends to be more righteous or devout than they actually are.
- Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost: The unforgivable sin, which consists of willfully rejecting the promptings and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
- Strait Gate: A metaphor used by Jesus to represent the narrow and challenging path that leads to salvation.
- Abomination of Desolation: A prophetic event described in the book of Daniel, referring to the desecration of the temple in Jerusalem.
- Gospel: The good news of Jesus Christ and his teachings, including the message of salvation and eternal life.
- Apostles: The twelve disciples chosen by Jesus to be his closest followers and witnesses.
- Messiah: The anointed one, a term used to refer to the promised savior of the Jewish people, fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
