March 31-April 6: D&C 29
“Jesus Christ Will Gather His People”
Melvin Lans (Colombian, born 1978)
La que se habia perdido (The One That Was Lost) (2015)
Mixed media, 27.56 x 39.37 inches (70 x 100 cm)
Collection of the artist
Used with permission of the artist
Melvin Lans is an artist, photographer, and publicist in Colombia. He is also a returned missionary and twice a bishop. Many of his drawings merge images of the Savior with latter-day prophets and members. About this drawing, he writes that the work “emphasizes how valuable a soul is to God, so much so that He can move a whole army of angels to bring it back home.” Doctrine and Covenants section 29 is a revelation given to Joseph Smith about gathering before the Second Coming, “And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts” (D&C 29:7).
Discussion Questions
Jesus describes that He will gather us “even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings” (D&C 29:2). For someone experienced with chickens and the warmth of being tucked under a hen’s wings, this is a vivid image. What image from your experiences helps you to understand how it will feel to be “gathered” by Jesus?
Jesus tells us that during the resurrection period, “all old things shall pass away, and all things shall become new” (D&C 29:24), “not one hair … shall be lost, for it is the workmanship of mine hand” (D&C 29:25). What will you be grateful to regain in this process? What are you anxious to see regained for someone you love?
The gift of agency allows us not only to make good choices but to make bad choices, too (D&C 29:36-39). How does this affirm the significance (and attendant risk) in this gift?
For Children & Youth
Hi. Melvin Lans is a member of the Church who was born in Cartagena, Colombia. He is married and has a two-year old son. For him, creating art is a way to connect his love of the gospel with his talents. He notes that he was able to draw at a very young age. He studied art in school, as well. In the picture above, the people are missionaries in a field of sheep. Why do you think the artist chose that setting? What else do you notice about this work, and why do you think the artist gave it the title The One That Was Lost?
Discussion Questions
Jesus explains that He is our "advocate with the Father" (D&C 29:5). What does it mean to be an advocate for someone else? Have you ever advocated for someone who needed your support? How did it make you feel to help someone else in this way? Watch for ways that you can follow Jesus by advocating for someone else this week.
God's commandments are spiritual, not temporal (D&C 29:35: "I gave unto him commandment, but no temporal commandment gave I unto him, for my commandments are spiritual"). How are commandments like paying tithing (something that we do with money, which is temporal) or the Word of Wisdom (relating to food, which is temporal) spiritual and not temporal commandments?
Why is temptation necessary to exercise agency? (See D&C 29:39: "[I]t must needs be that the devil should tempt the children of men, or they could not be agents unto themselves...")
Art Project
In preparation for Easter, work together as a family or study group to create a display, like a nativity scene, of the resurrection. Who are the characters that you wish to have in your resurrection scene in addition to Jesus? Display your resurrection scene in your home to help you remember this most impactful event in Jesus’ life. Send us a picture.
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