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These are dried mission figs. In Matthew 21, the story of when Jesus cursed the fig tree is retold. The fig tree should have had fruit since its leaves were out, but it didn't. This was like the Jewish leaders of Jesus' day. They appeared righteous (like they should have had fruit) but they were not. Among other important events, this took place during the last week of His life. Last time we talked about fig trees, I promised I'd bring figs. Unfortunately, the fresh ones aren't in season, so I brought dry ones.

The picture to the right shows fresh figs and one dried calmyrna fig. Fresh, figs are juicy and sweet. Dried, they taste like Fig Newtons.

We talked about two other events that occured in that week. First, that Jesus road into Jerusalem on a donkey which fulfilled Jewish tradition and prophecy. Second, we talked about how the Savior cleansed the temple. After these events the Jewish leaders were more angry. Not many days later, they would crucify Him.

It is heartbreaking to think about what they did to Him. Why did He have to suffer so much? Why did He have to die? I passed out a handout that I made from the seminary New Testament Video Guide that I called, "Why Do I Need a Savior?" This is a major part of the Plan of Salvation. We read through these and some of the associated scriptures. A student was surprised to learn many of these doctrinal truths are found in the Bible-- not only in modern revelation. Thankfully, we have modern revelation to clarify these doctrines.

"1. God’s work and glory is “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). Eternal life is God’s life (see D&C 19:10–12; see also John 17:3). It means to live with God and to be like Him.
2. In order to become like God, we had to leave His presence and prove ourselves worthy of returning to Him (see Abraham 3:24–25).
3. The Fall of Adam and Eve was an important and necessary part of the plan of salvation (see Romans 5:12; 1 Corinthians 15:22).
4. Though the Fall was necessary for us, it also put us at risk in terms of our salvation (see Romans 3:23; Ephesians 5:5; Moses 6:57).
5. The Father chose His Only Begotten Son before the foundation of the world to be our Savior and Redeemer (see John 3:16; 1 Peter 1:18–20).
6. Because of the Atonement we can return to live with God and be like Him (Matthew 5:48; Romans 8:17)."

After discussing these truths, we watched an important movie that does a great job explaining the doctrines of justice and mercy. Because our Savior is perfect, His merciful sacrifice paid the price to satisfy justice that will allow us to return to live with our Father in Heaven. A student concluded class by reading Alma 42:15 which helps us understand this doctrine.