Day 39 | A Just Man

July 7, 2015 - WEEK SIX

Michelangelo Caravaggio, Beheading of St John the Baptist, [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

DAILY READING

Matthew 14:1-13
Mark 6:14-32
Luke 9:7-10

For Younger Disciples

CONSIDER AS YOU READ

• Why did John’s disciples continue to follow him, long after Jesus’ ministry had begun?
• After a tragedy such as losing a loved one, can we, like Christ, see the wisdom in resting a while to gather our strength?

SUPPLEMENTAL READING

Finally, as recorded in Mark 6:21–29, at the instigation of Herodias and her daughter Salome, Herod caused that John be slain. An executioner was sent, John was beheaded, and his head was brought into the presence of Herod, Herodias, and Salome as proof of the deed. When John’s disciples heard what had taken place, they took up his body and laid it in a tomb, and informed Jesus.

Thus ended the mortal ministry of one of God’s noblest men. His earthly mission was completed; he had kept himself unspotted from the world and had testified against the evils of his day. He had made straight the highway of his God, announced the presence of the Messiah, baptized the very Son of God and suffered a martyr’s violent death.

Soon, in perhaps about a year and a half, the Messiah himself would be slain and his body placed in a tomb. But the Messiah would have power over the grave, would break the bands of death, and would come forth out of the tomb with his resurrected, glorified body, no more to be maimed or bruised. And the Messiah’s resurrection would bring to pass the resurrection of all men, including John.

As recorded in a divine communication to Joseph Smith (D&C 133:55), John came forth from the tomb at a time immediately following Jesus’ own resurrection, and John is referred to as being “with Christ in his resurrection” (Robert J. Matthews, “John the Baptist: A Burning and a Shining Light,” Ensign, Sep. 1972, 72–79).
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ADDITIONAL MEDIA

The Will of God

FOR YOUNGER DISCIPLES

He Sent His Son
Music Video

QUESTIONS FOR YOUNGER DISCIPLES

• How does sending his Son to Earth show God’s love for us?
• How do you show love and tenderness?