February 27–March 5

Matthew 8; Mark 2–4; Luke 7

“Thy Faith Hath Saved Thee”

Be careful not to rush your study of the scriptures. Take time for prayerful pondering, even if it means you don’t have time to read every verse. These moments of pondering often lead to personal revelation.

Record Your Impressions

One of the clearest messages in the New Testament is that Jesus Christ is a healer. Accounts of the Savior healing the sick and afflicted are many—from a woman with a fever to a widow’s son who had died. Why the emphasis on physical healing? What messages might there be for us in these miracles? Certainly one obvious message is that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, with power over all things, including our physical pains and imperfections. But another meaning is found in His words to the skeptical scribes: “That ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins” (Mark 2:10). So when you read about a blind person or a leper being healed, you might think of the healing—both spiritual and physical—that you can receive from the Savior and hear Him say to you, “Thy faith hath saved thee” (Luke 7:50).

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Matthew 8; Mark 2–3; Luke 7

The Savior can heal infirmities and sicknesses.

These few chapters record many instances of miraculous healings performed by the Savior. As you study these healings, look for possible messages for you. You might ask yourself: What does the account teach about faith in Jesus Christ? What does the account teach about the Savior? What does God want me to learn from this miracle? Here are some examples, but there are many more:

• A leper (Matthew 8:1–4)

• A centurion’s servant (Matthew 8:5–13; Luke 7:1–10)

• Peter’s mother-in-law (Matthew 8:14–15)

• A man sick with palsy (Mark 2:1–12)

• A man with a withered hand (Mark 3:1–5)

• The son of the widow of Nain (Luke 7:11–16)

See also David A. Bednar, “Accepting the Lord’s Will and Timing,” Ensign, Aug. 2016, 29–35, or Liahona, Aug. 2016, 17–23; Neil L. Andersen, “Wounded,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 83–86.

Mark 2:15–17; Luke 7:36–50

Jesus Christ came not to condemn sinners but to heal them.

As you read in these verses about Jesus’s interactions with scribes and Pharisees, you might consider whether you see yourself in these accounts. For example, are your thoughts and actions ever like those of Simon the Pharisee? How would you describe the difference between the way Jesus saw sinners and the way Pharisees like Simon saw them? Consider how those who are weighed down by sin might feel when they are with the Savior. How do they feel when they are with you?

You might also ponder how you are like the woman described in Luke 7:36–50. When have you experienced the tenderness and mercy that the Savior showed her? What do you learn from her example of faith, love, and humility?

See also John 3:17; Luke 9:51–56; Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Gift of Grace,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 107–10.

Matthew 8:18–22; Mark 3:31–35

Being a disciple of Jesus Christ means that I put Him first in my life.

In these verses, Jesus taught that being His disciples requires us to put Him first in our lives, even if that sometimes means we must sacrifice other things that we value. As you study these passages, ponder your own discipleship. Why must disciples be willing to put the Savior first? What might you need to give up in order to put Jesus first? (See also Luke 9:57–62.)

Matthew 8:23–27; Mark 4:35–41

Jesus Christ has power to bring peace in the midst of life’s storms.

Have you ever felt the way Jesus’s disciples did in the storm at sea—watching the waves of water fill the boat and questioning, “Master, carest thou not that we perish?”

In Mark 4:35–41, you will find four questions. List each one, and ponder what it teaches you about facing life’s challenges with faith in Jesus Christ. How does the Savior bring peace to the storms of your life?

See also Lisa L. Harkness, “Peace, Be Still,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 80–82.

From Fear to Faith, by Howard Lyon

Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Home Evening

Matthew 8; Mark 2–4; Luke 7.Consider creating a list of the miracles described in these chapters. Try finding or drawing pictures of some of them (see the Gospel Art Book or ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Each family member could use pictures to tell about one of the miracles and share what they learn from it. You might share some examples of miracles you have seen or read about in our day.

See also the videos “Widow of Nain” and “Calming the Tempest” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Matthew 8:5–13; Luke 7:1–10.What was it about the centurion’s faith that impressed Jesus? How can we show similar faith in Jesus Christ?

Mark 2:1–12.“Chapter 23: The Man Who Could Not Walk” (in New Testament Stories, 57–58, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org) could help your family discuss Mark 2:1–12. (See also the video “Jesus Forgives Sins and Heals a Man Stricken with Palsy” on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.) How can we be like the friends of the man who could not walk? Who has been that kind of friend to us?

Mark 4:35–41.Could this account help family members when they feel afraid? Perhaps they could read verse 39 and share experiences when the Savior helped them feel peace.

Children might enjoy pretending they are in a boat in a stormy sea while someone reads Mark 4:35–38. Then, when someone reads verse 39, they could pretend to be in a boat in a calm sea. You could also sing together a song about finding peace in the Savior, such as “Master, the Tempest Is Raging” (Hymns, no. 105). What phrases in the song teach us about the peace Jesus offers?

For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.

Suggested hymn: “Master, the Tempest Is Raging,” Hymns, no. 105.

Improving Our Teaching

Be available and accessible. Some of the best teaching moments start as questions or concerns in the hearts of family members. Let family members know through your words and actions that you are eager to hear them. (See Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 16.)

Christ and the Palsied Man, by J. Kirk Richards