How Knoweth This Man Letters

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"How Knoweth This Man Letters"

Elder Merrill J. Bateman

November 27, 2001

In the rural towns of Galilee, Jesus often frequented the synagogues and took occasion to teach. In Jerusalem, the Savior frequented the temple where he also taught. Each time those who listened were astonished by his knowledge of the scriptures, the clarity of his doctrine and the authority by which he spoke. Upon entering Capernaum during the early part of his ministry, Mark records that he went

straightway on the sabbath day ... into the synagogue, and taught, And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes [Mark 1:21-22].

Jesus' first opportunity to teach in the temple at Jerusalem occurred when he was still a boy. At twelve years of age, he accompanied his parents to the feast of the passover to celebrate Israel's deliverance from Egypt. As the feast ended and it came time to depart for Nazareth, Joseph and Mary had the impression that he was with relatives in another part of the company. After a day's journey they learned that he was not with the expected kinsfolk and returned to Jerusalem to find him. After three days of searching, they located him in the temple "sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers" [Luke 2:41-47].

Eighteen years later, again at passover, Jesus entered the temple at Jerusalem. On this occasion, he cleansed the temple of those selling merchandise and taught the gathered Jews about his atonement and resurrection citing scripture. Even those closest to him did not fully appreciate the words of his sermon until three years later when he rose from the dead. But again, they were amazed with his knowledge of the scriptures. On another occasion, Jesus returned to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast of tabernacles. Again, he taught at the temple. John records that the "Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?" [John 7:14-15].

What did the Jews mean when they asked "How knoweth this man letters." Obviously, they saw Jesus as a learned man, one familiar with the scriptures and the doctrine. In fact, his understanding and grasp of the scriptures exceeded theirs. On the other hand, they paradoxically saw him as one "having never learned." What was the meaning of this phrase? Jesus, unlike Paul, had not sat at the feet of one of their learned doctors! He had not been part of their schooling system. Therefore, how could he have acquired such profound knowledge?

How did Jesus acquire his understanding of spiritual matters? First, like every child, he was taught by his mother and Joseph. They knew of his divine Sonship. They had been taught by an angel of his mission and destiny. They knew of his forthcoming atonement and that his mercy would last from generation to generation [Luke 1:50]. With little doubt they were highly effective teachers during the early years of the boy's life.

Second, knowing the identity of his Father and his purpose on earth, it is reasonable to assume that Jesus learned much through prayer. Undoubtedly, he was taught to pray as a young boy by his mother with prayer continuing into adulthood. The importance of prayer in his life is illustrated by the fact that his ministry began with forty days of fasting and prayer in the wilderness and concluded with a night of agony and prayer in the Garden. Often he sought the privacy of the mountains in order to pray. After one of those private moments a disciple, having watched him, plead "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples" [Luke 11:1]. Jesus clearly pointed out to his listeners that the doctrine he taught was not his but came from God. Only through prayer could he have known this truth. Having received the Holy Ghost following baptism and a declaration of approval from his Father, one may assume that he had a close working relationship with the heavens throughout his life. Luke states that during his growing years as he increased in wisdom and stature, he also increased "in favor with God and man" [Luke 2:52]. Communication with the Father was a very important source of learning.

Third, Jesus was a student of the scriptures. I believe that scriptural study was a major contributor to his knowledge of spiritual truths. If he was to understand our learning process in mortality so that he could succor us, then it was essential that he learn in like manner. The evidence is strong that he was diligent in searching the scriptures prior to his ministry. Jesus' first sermon in Nazareth is a demonstration of his familiarity with the Old Testament - the scriptures of his day. He deliberately chose Isaiah 61:1-2 to announce his divine Sonship to those in the synagogue. The passage reads:

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

To preach the acceptable year of the Lord [Luke 11:18-19].

Following the reading, Jesus told the congregation that he was the fulfilment of the passage. The Jewish leaders understood the meaning of the verses. They knew that Isaiah's words were a direct reference to the Messiah. For them, Jesus' claim to be the fulfillment was blasphemous. "Is not this Joseph's son?" they declared. Jesus then likens himself to Elijah and Elisha noting the problems they had with the Israelites of their day and that "No prophet is accepted in his own country" [Luke 4:24-27]. The Jews were enraged by his use of the scriptures and attempted to kill him.

Another illustration of his familiarity with the scriptures is the story of Jesus and the two men on the road to Emmaus following his crucifixion and resurrection. It is Sunday, the day of the Lord's resurrection, and the two men are discussing the recent happenings. The Savior approaches and joins them. Luke indicates that the eyes of the two men "were holden that they should not know him" [Luke 24:16]. Jesus asks them why they are so sad. They in turn question him suggesting that he must be a stranger in those parts if he is not aware of the events concerning Jesus of Nazareth. The two men then repeat for the Master the particulars of the trial, the crucifixion and their disappointment in that they thought Jesus was the one who would redeem Israel. They conclude by telling the story reported that morning by women of their company who visited the tomb, found it empty and learned from angels that Jesus was alive. They are astonished by the women's report and do not know what to make of it. After listening to their recitation, Jesus says:

O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken;

Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself [Luke 24:25-27].

Jesus used the scriptures to teach the two disciples the necessity of his death and resurrection as part of the Plan of Salvation. The prophetic words of the Lord's servants for centuries had pointed to these three days. All of the prophets from Moses to Malachi had looked forward to the atoning events and had written about them. Later that evening after the scales had fallen from their eyes and Jesus had vanished from their sight, the two men turned to each other and said:

Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? [Luke 24:32].

Jesus knew the scriptures. His familiarity with them was earned through study and prayer. One suspects that he became a student as a boy and his study continued throughout his life. Since he was also the Jehovah of the Old Testament, one suspects that his understanding of and familiarity with the scriptures came quickly.

Jesus was not only a student himself, but commanded that we also join with him in that pursuit. He said:

"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me" [John 5:39].

From the beginning of time, God has directed the affairs of his children in mortality through prophets. Their inspiration has been written down and approved by the people as scripture. According to the apostle Paul, these written words have been passed from one generation to another for the purpose of declaring "doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" or, as Christ said, for a testimony of his divinity and understanding of his mission that we might "have eternal life" [2 Tim. 3:16]. By illustration and commentary, I wish to help you appreciate the spiritual power and understanding that awaits if you are willing to pay the price of becoming a diligent student of the scriptures.

In a direct statement to the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord declared why reading and studying the scriptures may be a revelatory experience. In the Doctrine and Covenants, section 18, verses 34-36, the Lord speaking of the Book of Mormon said:

These words are not of men nor of man, but of me; wherefore, you shall testify they are of me . . . For it is my voice which speaketh them unto you; for they are given by my Spirit . . . and by my power you can read them one to another . . . Wherefore, you can testify that you have heard my voice, and know my words.

In this passage the Lord states that when reading the scriptures one may hear his voice, feel his Spirit and know his words. Many people read the scriptures. I suspect, however, most are in the early stages of being taught by the Spirit, of feeling "pure intelligence flowing into [them], of receiving sudden strokes of ideas," of feeling the warmth of the Spirit.(1)

It is interesting to note that when Lehi arrived in the desert with his family he realized that he had forgotten something very important. It was the scriptures. Although the brass plates served a number of purposes, the most important was the spiritual guidance provided the prophet and his family during an arduous, difficult journey. By reading the scriptures to each other, Lehi and some of his family drew closer to the Lord, enjoyed the blessings of his Spirit and received the strength to move forward.

The prophet Nephi records that the Lord provides instruction for everyone whether in the east, west, north or south. He speaks to people through servants whose words are applicable for them and by whose words they will be judged [2 Ne. 29:11]. For example, the prophet Mormon said the Book of Mormon was written for our day. Mormon was shown the conditions that would prevail and then provided a warning. He said:

I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing . . . I know that ye do walk in the pride of your hearts . . . unto the wearing of very fine apparel . . . For behold, ye do love money, and your substance . . . yet suffer the hungry, and the needy, and the naked, and the sick and the afflicted to pass by you . . . [Mormon 8:34-39].

These words are an apt description of today's developed countries. Economics is more important than matters of the Spirit. Clearly, there are exceptions. The events of September 11 softened the hearts of many in this country as people reflected on the deaths of loved ones and the meaning of life. It is critical that our focus be on the needs of others and not on the wealth we can accumulate.

When reading the scriptures it is important to ponder the meaning of them. The Gospel of John in the New Testament provides a rich opportunity for Church members to deepen their appreciation of the Savior and his atonement. All of us are familiar with the four gospels in the New Testament - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The first three are known as the synoptic gospels because they "see alike," i.e., they are similar in approach and use much of the same material. These three gospels bear witness of Christ through a narrative beginning with his birth and ending with his death and resurrection. The Gospel of John, on the other hand, is different. Ninety-two percent of the material in John is not found in the other three gospels. Rather than tell the story of Jesus' life, key events are employed by John to teach important principles.

The LDS Bible Dictionary indicates that the four books were written for different audiences. The Dictionary states:

It appears from the internal evidence of each record that Matthew was written to persuade the Jews that Jesus is the promised Messiah. To do so, he cites several Old Testament prophecies and speaks repeatedly of Jesus as the Son of David, thus emphasizing his royal lineage. Mark appeals to a gentile audience and is fast moving, emphasizing the doings more than the sayings of the Lord . . . Luke offers his readers a polished literary account of the ministry of Jesus, presenting Jesus as the universal Savior of both Jews and gentiles . . . Luke is favorable toward the gentiles. . . John's account does not contain much of the fundamental information that the other records contain, and it is evident that he was writing to members of the Church who already had basic information about the Lord. His primary purpose was to emphasize the divine nature of Jesus as the Only Begotten Son of God in the flesh [LDS Bible Dictionary, Gospels, 682-683].

As noted, John appears to have been written for members of the Church who have an understanding of basic gospel principles and who Jesus is. With this context in mind, what did John want the members of the Church to know? We do not have time today to discuss entire book of John, but a review of the first five chapters may be helpful in answering the questions.

The first chapter of John presents testimonies of who Jesus is. Through the Doctrine and Covenants we know that the testimonies are those of John the Beloved and John the Baptist [D&C 93:1-18]. A knowledge of the Godhead and the Plan of Salvation is required to fully appreciate the messages given in this chapter. The first verse indicates that Jesus was in the beginning, that he was with God, that he was God. To fully appreciate the meaning of the first verse, a knowledge of the premortal world and the relationship between the Father and the Son is necessary. Jesus was the firstborn in the spirit and lived in the world of spirits with the Father before coming to earth. Because of his righteousness and the light within him, he was a God. As such, Jesus was the Creator of all things as noted in the third verse. We know through modern revelation that Jesus did create all things under the direction of the Father [Moses 1:32-33].

Verses 4-9 state that Jesus is the source of life and light for every man and woman. We know that the Light of Christ is given to every person that comes into the world to help them know right from wrong. We also know through modern revelation that the Light of Christ is the ultimate source of light and energy for the sun, for the stars and for this earth [D&C 88:7-10]. Consequently, Jesus is the source of life.

Perhaps the most important verse in Chapter One is verse fourteen. It reads:

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Only Latter-day Saints fully understand and appreciate the meaning of the phrase "The Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh." Jesus as a person in the premortal world was the spirit offspring of Heavenly Parents. For his earthly parents, however, Jesus had an immortal Father and a mortal mother. Through his mother he received mortal seeds which allowed him to die. Through his Father, he inherited immortal seeds which allowed him to live forever if he so chose. On one occasion he told the Jews, "For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself" [John 5:26]. On another occasion, Jesus said,

Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father [John 10:17-18].

Although the Romans nailed Jesus to the cross, his death was of his own volition. As Paul said, he had the power of an "endless life" [Heb. 7:16]. He did not have to die. He was the Son of an Immortal Being. His death was a voluntary sacrifice. From his mother he had the power to lay down his life. From his Father, he could take it up again. That is why the atonement is infinite and eternal [Alma 34:10, 14]. It was performed by an infinite and eternal being. Although there is much we do not understand about the atonement, a knowledge of Christ's relationship to the Father clarifies the source of his power to accomplish it. Also, a knowledge of the mortality within him helps us appreciate the tremendous pain and suffering he endured to atone for our sins [D&C 19:16-19].

The first chapter concludes with other testimonies that Jesus is the Messiah. John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God. In other words, he is the sacrificial lamb for all mankind. Andrew and Philip also bear witness. This wonderful chapter is an introduction to Jesus as the Redeemer of the world. It teaches us of his divinity and the source of his power.

The second chapter is concerned with Jesus' mission and purpose on earth. He is the Mediator whose mission is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man - to accomplish the atonement. Two key statements in the chapter illustrate that Jesus knew at the beginning of his ministry what the end would be. The story used by John to illustrate these truths is the marriage feast at Cana.

Jesus and his disciples enter Cana on the third day of the week to attend a marriage celebration to which they have been invited. During the feast, the host and hostess run out of wine. The Savior's mother then approaches Jesus and asks for help. His response:

Woman, what wilt thou have me to do for thee? that will I do; for mine hour is not yet come [JST John 2:4].

Jesus agreed to the request made by his mother but noted that his actions would relate to his hour even though that hour had not yet come. What was Jesus' hour. In numerous references it is the time in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross. His hour is the time during which he performed the atonement.

After asking the servants to fill six waterpots to the brim, waterpots used for cleansing and purifying, he tells them to draw out and take to the governor who asks why the "good wine" has been kept until now. John then states, "This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him" [John 2:11]. We know that the glory of the Father and the Son is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man [Moses 1:39]. What did the conversion of water to wine signify? What did the wine represent?

There are a number of parallels that might be drawn. What do you suppose is the color of the "good wine." Might it be likened to the "best blood" shed in the Garden and on the cross to "cleanse and purify" mankind. The power to convert water to wine might parallel the power of Christ's atonement to change all mankind from mortal to immortal beings, to change corruptible bodies into incorruptible ones, to create an inseparable connection between body and spirit in the resurrection. In short, the miracle at Cana not only illustrated Christ's power to change the earthly element of water to wine but also his power to change men and women from a telestial to a celestial state. Remember, the miracle was connected with his hour and did show forth his glory.

The third chapter of John is concerned with the introductory ordinances of the Church. After introducing Christ in Chapter One and confirming the purpose of his mission in Chapter Two, John turns to the basic ordinances required for one to participate in the blessings of the atonement. The story is that of Nicodemus, the Jewish leader, coming to Christ by night asking what he must do in order to enter into the Kingdom of God. He is told that he must be born of water and of the Spirit. He must be baptized by immersion for the remission of sins and receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

Chapter Four then describes what a member following baptism should do to stay on the path to eternal life. This chapter tells the story of Christ meeting the Samaritan woman at the well and telling her of living water which quenches one's thirst forever. Christ is the Fountain of Living Waters and those who drink from his well will never thirst. The water is a symbol for his words, the gospel of Jesus Christ. The water is also linked to the sacrament in our day which reminds us that we must internalize his words by taking his name upon us and by keeping his commandments.

The fifth chapter of John is the story of Jesus healing the sick at Bethesda. For me, the story has great meaning. The scriptures read:

Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. And a certain man was there which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool; but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked . . . [John 5:2-9].

To what ordinance, covenant or promise does this miracle refer? Will there come a time when Jesus will tell us to rise and walk and be made whole? One of the great blessings that awaits all mankind is the glorious resurrection, the opportunity to be redeemed from the bands of death. There will come a time in which each person will be given the power through Christ's atonement to restore the sleeping dust "unto its perfect frame, bone to his bone, and the sinews and the flesh upon them . . ." [D&C 138:16-17]. When that day comes, we will not be able to say, "I have no man to help me." Just as the lame man at Bethesda took up his bed and walked and was made whole, so we in the resurrection will be blessed with the greatest healing of all as we receive a perfected, immortalized, incorruptible body for which we will be eternally grateful.

Brothers and sisters, do you feel the beauty and power of the scriptures? Can you sense the blessings that await if you drink deeply of Christ's living water? Will you set aside a few minutes each day to read from the scriptures and then ponder the meaning of the verses read? When the day comes for us to stand before the keeper of the gate, the Holy One of Israel, it is my prayer that he will not perceive in us a slowness of heart to believe that which the prophets have spoken. Rather, may he see us as men and women of spiritual letters having learned day by day over a lifetime. May each of us prepare to meet him is my prayer in his Holy Name, even Jesus Christ. Amen.

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 151.