Lesson 5

Learning from the Lord

through Symbols

People use symbols . . .

The symbol What it means

� Love

� Peace

� Harmony in everything

People use symbols . . .

The symbol What it means

� Restroom

� McDonalds (inexpensive, consistent food)

� Apple (quality, easy to use, leading edge)

Why do we use symbols?

The Lord uses symbols . . .

Old Testament symbols What it means . . .

� It is a symbol of Jesus

and of his sacrifice for

us.

� He would be perfect

� Without sin

� His blood would be

shed for us

Burnt Offering: a whole

and perfect animal was

sacrificed. The blood was

sprinkled on the altar

The Lord taught with symbols . . .

Parables What it means . . .

� Good and bad people will live side-by-side until Jesus comes again.

� The gospel is valuable.

� We should give all we have to get it

Wheat

and Tares Matt 13:24-30;

36-43

Pearl of

Great PriceMatt 13:45-46

The Lord uses symbols . . .

New Testament symbols What it means . . .

� Cleansing

� Wash away sins

� Born again

� Symbol of Jesus’ death and resurrection

� Baptism – a symbol

The Lord explained a reason he

uses symbols

JST Matthew 13:8-12

8 Then the disciples came and said unto him, Why speakest thou

unto them in parables?

9 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to

know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is

not given.

10 For whosoever receiveth, to him shall be given, and he shall have

more abundance;

11 But whosoever continueth not to receive, from him shall be

taken away even that he hath.

12 Therefore speak I to them in parables; because they, seeing, see

not; and hearing, they hear not; neither do they understand.

Why teach with symbols?

Most People Those with the spirit

� It is just a story

� Perhaps some moral

lesson

� It is not too important

� We understand more as we

ponder and pray

� We see spiritual truth in

the story

� We see connections and

how each piece is part of

great eternal truth

� We don’t rush the Lord, but

patiently wait and learn

Some temple symbols

The symbol The meaning

� The lights of the temple at night

� The white clothing

� We all wear similar white clothes

� Our under garments

� Most everything in the temple is a

symbol

� A beacon of light to the world

� Purity

� We are equals before God

� Modesty. A reminder of our

covenants and promises. A

protection from Satan.

� You can ponder and learn for the

rest of your life

How can you be spiritually ready?

Unprepared people Ready to learn

� Not worthy

� Not repentant

� Doubting Jesus Christ and the temple

� Focusing on the symbol and criticizing the symbol

� Worthy

� Repentant

� Full of faith and trust, ready to learn

� Patiently thinking of the symbols and how they teach us more about Jesus Christ

Enjoy the temple!!

Symbols of the temple� The teachings and rituals of the temple take us on an upward journey toward eternal life, ending with

a symbolic entrance into the presence of God. The people depicted, the physical setting, the clothing worn, the signs given, and all the events covered in the temple are symbolic. When they are understood, they will help each person recognize truth and grow spiritually.

� “If you have seen one of the temples at night, fully lighted, you know it is an impressive sight. The house of the Lord, bathed in light, standing out in the darkness, becomes symbolic of the power and the inspiration of the gospel of Jesus Christ standing as a beacon in a world thatsinks ever further into spiritual darkness.” (Preparing to Enter the Holy Temple, 10)

� The temple clothing is also symbolic. When we enter the temple, we change from street clothes into white temple clothing, which is a symbol of purity. President James E. Faust said:

� “Fundamental to temple worship is the principle that ‘God is no respecter of persons.’ Within the hallowed walls of the temples, there is no preference of position, wealth, status, race, or education. All dress in white. All receive the same instruction. All make the same covenants and promises. All receive the same transcendent, eternal blessings if they live worthy to claim them. All are equal before their Creator” (Ensign, May 1997, 20).

� Members who receive temple ordinances and make covenants with God wear special garments (underclothing) throughout the rest of their lives.

� “The garment represents sacred covenants. It fosters modesty and becomes a shield and protection to the wearer. … The garment, covering the body, is a visual and physical reminder of temple covenants. For many Church members the garment has formed a barrier of protection when the wearer has been faced with temptation. Among other things it symbolizes our deep respect for the laws of God—among them the moral standard” (Preparing to Enter the Holy Temple, 20, 23).