“He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice.”

Matthew 25

“The arithmetic of this parable is chilling “The arithmetic of this parable is chilling. The ten virgins obviously represent members of Christ's Church, for all were invited to the wedding feast and all knew what was required to be admitted when the bridegroom came. But only half were ready when he came.” (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, CR April 2004, 6) Matthew 25

Matthew 25 Matthew 25:1-13 How many were there? How many were wise? How many were foolish? How many had oil? How many had enough oil (in vessels?) How many were sleeping when the bridegroom came? Why was the Lord so ‘mean’? Were the ones with oil ‘mean’? Matthew 25

“This was not selfishness or unkindness “This was not selfishness or unkindness. The kind of oil that is needed to illuminate the way and light up the darkness is not shareable. How can one share obedience to the principle of tithing; a mind at peace from righteous living; an accumulation of knowledge? How can one share faith or testimony? How can one share attitudes or chastity, or the experience of a mission? How can one share temple privileges? Each must obtain that kind of oil for himself. … “In the parable, oil can be purchased at the market. In our lives the oil of preparedness is accumulated drop by drop in righteous living. … Each act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to our store” (Faith Precedes the Miracle[1972], 255–56).

Parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) What does the oil represent? D&C 45:56-57 Oil = Conversion through the Holy Ghost Lamps = Testimony of the Gospel Where is your marketplace? Parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) What is the difference between talent and ability? Cross Reference to D&C 60:2 and Matt 5:14-16. Matthew 25

Why Matthew 26:6-13 Cross Reference Ephesians 4:29 Passover - what do you know about it? (Matt 26:17-19 – CR Exodus 12:1-13) How much blood would you have placed on your door for the original Passover? “The death of the first born got the children of Israel out of Egypt. The death of The First Born gets Egypt out of us!” Ephesians 4:29: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Accepting compliments (and avoiding the temptation to not deflect them) does two things, according to Ephesians 4:29: It let’s the spirit testify of your worth and also validates the giver and receiver. Paul further teaches that acknowledging good things within ourselves increases our faith in Jesus Christ: “[So] that...thy faith may become effectual, [acknowledge] every good thing which is in you in…” (Philemon 1:6).

Policy for not taking the sacrament? (3 Ne 18:10) “They were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?’ [Matthew 26:22]. I wonder what each of us would do. … Would we look at those around us and say in our hearts, ‘He’s probably talking about Brother Johnson. I’ve always wondered about him,’ or ‘I’m glad Brother Brown is here. He really needs to hear this message’? Or would we, like those disciples of old, look inward and ask that penetrating question: ‘Is it I?’ In these simple words, ‘Lord, is it I?’ lies the beginning of wisdom and the pathway to personal conversion and lasting change. … “And if the Lord’s answer happens to be ‘Yes, my son [or daughter], there are things you must improve, things I can help you to overcome,’ I pray that we will accept this answer, humbly acknowledge our sins and shortcomings, and then change our ways by becoming better” (“Lord, Is It I?” 56, 58). Matt 26:26-30 Policy for not taking the sacrament? (3 Ne 18:10)

Always Remember Him (5:27) https://www.lds.org/youth/article/always-remember-him?lang=eng

Always Remember Him (5:27) https://www.lds.org/youth/article/always-remember-him?lang=eng

Exodus 13:21-22 How is this promise alive today? “Do we see our weekly sacramental service as our Passover? With so very much at stake, this ordinance commemorating our escape from the angel of darkness should be taken more seriously than it sometimes is.” Jeffrey R. Holland, Oct. 1995 Gen. Conf. Exodus 13:21-22 How is this promise alive today?

The Sacrament: An Analogy

Be in superb physical condition Be between 5’10” and 6’4” Each soldier must: Be in superb physical condition Be between 5’10” and 6’4” Have proportionate BMI Memorize 7 pages of Arlington National Cemetery history. It takes an average of 6 hours for a sentinel to prepare their uniform for a ‘walk’. Only 600 Badges been awarded since its creation in the late 1950’s (The Badge is one of the least awarded badges in the Army, second only to the one worn by Astronauts). During the Walk, the Sentinel takes 21 step down the mat, then turns and faces the Tomb for 21 seconds. They turn and face the mat for 21 seconds, then take another 21 steps down the mat. The Sentinel repeats this until the Guard Change ceremony begins.

“The sacrament is the highlight of our Sabbath-day observance “The sacrament is the highlight of our Sabbath-day observance. Those participating should be seated at least five minutes before the meeting begins so they can be spiritually prepared for a worshipful experience. This is not a time for conversation or transmission of messages but a period of prayerful meditation as leaders and members prepare spiritually for the sacrament.” Russell M. Nelson, Worldwide leadership Training, 21 June, 2003 Matthew 26

“Sacrament meeting is not a time for whispered conversations on cell phones or for texting. During sacrament meeting—and especially during the sacrament service—we should concentrate on worship and refrain from all other activities. How wonderful when every person in attendance joins in the worship of singing—especially in the hymn that helps us prepare to partake of the sacrament.” Dallin H. Oaks, October 2008 General Conference Matthew 26

Jesus institutes the Sacrament Matthew 26