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Saturday, July 08, 2017

Students' Reactions to Olive Tree Allegory

I am handling the Institute of Religion class of the La Carlota First Branch every Saturday and we're in the 4th week of our classes. This is one of the educational programs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We're deliberating on the spiritual significance of the Olive Tree as mentioned in the  12th verse of the 15th Chapter of 1st Nephi of The Book of Mormon and the 13th verse which specified those kind of people to bring back those who have been lost.

Before, they expressed their thoughts on the central message which the Olive Tree has signified. They grouped themselves into two and did an actual grafting of the croton plants of various. They're given enough time to complete their grafting activity.

Olive Tree

Activities


After the students were briefed what is grafting and how it is to be done, they were given one set of croton plants composed of two stocks of different kinds of leaves. They were also provided with knife and masking tape for their hands-on grafting section of application.



Application


As what 1 Nephi 15:16 said since the House of Israel had been scattered in the different parts of the earth, it is necessary that it should be gathered again and be "they shall be a grafted in, being a natural branch of the olive tree, into the true olive tree." and it could be done by the other group of people as what the scripture said, the Gentiles. And the Olive Tree represents the House of Israel. In order that it should be nurtured and be growing, there should be something to be "grafted" to replace those "branches" which become unproductive.



The group one through their representative pointed out that through missionary work the gathering of lost tribe of Israel would be made possible. She said that since they were scattered they could be searched and be found and they should be taught of the Gospel of Jesus Christ again and be baptized for the remission of their sins.

The other group through their representative expressed that by being obedient to the commandments of the Lord those members of the Church could be made an instrumentality for the gathering of those lost members of the House of Israel. The Gentiles as mentioned in the scripture represent those people who could gather the lost people of Israel. They took the spiritual responsibility to do what the Lord has commanded them what to do.

As what the scripture said, "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded." (1 Nephi 3:7) They're in consensus in doing this for they know what they are doing they could reap the blessings in doing so.



17 comments:

  1. I truly love the spiritual aspect to this lesson. I only wish they taught us this in my school. :)

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    1. If you have the Bible, this could be found in the Book of Isaiah for he's talking about this Olive Tree.

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  2. Interesting that religion lessons are integrated with a science lesson. Interesting about the Book of Mormon. This is the first time I have read about some of its contents.

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  3. I am not religious so I can't comment on the religious aspect of this post. However, it is nice that the students were thought how to graft tree branches, that is a lesson that will help them later in life.

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  4. That's interesting. Science and religion all together while they are usually described as being opposite.

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  5. This is a really neat thing to have in school! I think a lot of kids would benefit from it.

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  6. There's so much religious symbolism with the Olive Tree. Like the Olive Tree, religion has to be grafted and branch out further to grow.

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  7. I remember doing plant grafting in my school days for science classes!!! Its so much fun to see how the new leaves turn out! Connecting plant grafting to spirituality and so perfect indeed!

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  8. I seldom see actual activities relating to plants or living things. Very informative. I hope they still teach students at school this kind of subjects.

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  9. I am thankful that the Bible (Romans 11:11-24) teaches us that gentiles who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ could be grafted into the olive tree. In time, the olive branches that were broken off because of unbelief, can still be grafted back by God if they do not persist in unbelief. God is indeed a merciful and forgiving God.

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    1. That's true. That's how God works through the people in saving those who dwindle in unbelief.

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  10. It's wonderful how God's words lives, even in this present age. You can always apply it or will always have something new to learn from it.

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  11. It's actually my first time to know about a class like this. This is very inspirational and I hope classes like this can be part of other school's curriculum too. God indeed is great for sending people like you who never get tired of spreading His words.

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  12. This is a great session for your students. You are indeed a blessing to them. The activity was very much appropriate to the topic. Keep up the good work. Sir.

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  13. It's almost always more effective when lessons are taught not only with words or theories but also with a corresponding class activity. Very commendable. God bless your entire class.

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  14. I love how you teach these lessons by providing an activity. A lot of teachers just read from the book, which can make learning boring.

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  15. This reminds me of my college days. I also had this professor who taught us not only his subject but spiritual learnings as well. Keep up the good work sir.

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