“Father I Thank Thee That Thou Hast Given the Holy Ghost”

D. Kelly Ogden, Andrew C. Skinner

Jesus provided another extraordinary example for us. While in the middle of his work, he departed out of the midst of the people, “went a little way off from them and bowed himself to the earth,” and thanked his Heavenly Father for a particular blessing.

Jesus did the same during his mortal ministry in the Holy Land. The four Gospels record several occasions when he stepped aside, away from the crowds, and talked personally with his Father. Everything Jesus did and said was a lesson, a message to all mortals. By way of illustration, before the miracle of raising his friend Lazarus from the dead, Jesus paused to talk with his Father, to give him thanks (John 11:41–42). He intentionally did that to remind those listening to him that he was in constant touch with the One who sent him here—as we also should be in constant touch with the same One who sent us here. What Jesus was saying and doing was teaching and strengthening his faithful disciples, so that they would always give credit, praise, and honor to the Father.

Verse by Verse: The Book of Mormon: Vol. 2

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