Real Heroes of the New Testament

By Lori L. Denning

We are familiar with the stories and parables of the New Testament. But it can be easy to forget that the people in those stories were as real and complex as we are today. They were sinners, failures, and doubters. Yet, through the Savior Jesus Christ, they became something more: heroes. These heroes were imperfect people with faith in the Lord.

In this companion to Real Heroes of the Old Testament, author Lori L. Denning examines key figures in the New Testament. By drawing on the context, history, setting, motifs, and literary styles of the scriptures, we can see that the people behind the miracles were real people just like us. They had hopes and doubts, strengths and weaknesses. By coming to know them as more than just stories, we can identify our own roles as heroes in the Lord's continuing restoration. With this exploration of New Testament heroes, you will
Come to know the real women and men of the New Testament, including their failures and their successes.
See the Lord in each story, working to teach each person what they needed to change in their life to make them better disciples.
Understand that we can also succeed in Christ, no matter our doubts, sins, or imperfections.
These people and more overcame sin, misunderstanding, and wrong expectations as they heralded the kingdom of God on the earth. But despite their challenges, they loved the Lord, and by learning from their experiences, we can come to know and understand our Savior in a new light.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cedar Fort Publishing & Media
• Release date: Mar 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9781462144471

Book preview

© 2023 Lori L. Denning

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form whatsoever, whether by graphic, visual, electronic, film, microfilm, tape recording, or any other means, without prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief passages embodied in critical reviews and articles.

This is not an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The opinions and views expressed herein belong solely to the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions or views of Cedar Fort, Inc. Permission for the use of sources, graphics, and photos is also solely the responsibility of the author.

ISBN 13: 978-1-4621-4446-4

Published by CFI, an imprint of Cedar Fort, Inc.

2373 W. 700 S., Suite 100, Springville, UT 84663

Distributed by Cedar Fort, Inc., www.cedarfort.com

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022946419

Cover design by Shawnda T. Craig

Cover design © 2023 Cedar Fort, Inc.

Printed in the United States of America

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Printed on acid-free paper

For My Parents

Lynda & Allen,

who will always be

my true heroes.

Other books by this author

Real Heroes of the Old Testament

Gathering a Remnant

Contents

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

FIRST THINGS

New Ideas and Picking Fights

Familiar Stories

History and Story

Dirty Feet

Asleep the Whole Time

Real Heroes

CHAPTER 1: FIRST FAMILIES

Prologue

Zechariah AND Elizabeth

Names

Recalling the Past

Setting

A Heroic Introduction

Luke’s Audience

The Temple

Altar of Incense and Cherubim

Heavy with Meaning

Disbelief

Back and Forth

Author’s Note

Mary’s Story

What’s in a Name

Hometown

Greeting

A Savior

Mary as a Disciple

The Hopes of the Ordinary Person

Ancient Patterns and Songs

Type Scene

Impossible Births

Hannah

The Point

Mary’s Song

Zechariah’s Song

Poetry in Scripture

The Redemption of the Humble

CHAPTER 2: JOHN THE BAPTIST

Tough Time

We Meet John

Make His Paths Straight

Author’s Aside

The Road

Anticipation AND Hope

Location, Location, Location

The River Jordan

Wilderness

Prophet Uniform

John as Elijah

Repent and Be Baptized

Tough Love

Prophetic Heroism

Baptizing the Lord

Are You the One?

Sending the Disciples

John is the Hero Prophet

CHAPTER 3: THE DISCIPLES

Beginnings and Endings

Luke’s Beginning

Luke’s Ending

Patterns

Bread and Confusion

Blind Man

Five Stories

MisunderstandING

Missing the Savior

Opening Our Eyes

Recognizing Him

Beginnings and Endings

Your Story

CHAPTER 4: NICODEMUS

First Encounters

Pharisees

Who Was Nicodemus?

Lay the Groundwork

Night

Born Again

Born of the Spirit

Second Encounter

Pacing

Final Meeting

Choose to Become

CHAPTER 5: MARTHA

Recap

Groupings

Road Trip

The Meaning of the Road

The Journey Begins

Disciple Practice

Good Samaritan

The Point

Martha and Many Interpretations

Point of View

Comfort in Being Uncomfortable

The One

CHAPTER 6: PETER

The Call

Characterization

Follow Me

Storm at Sea

Back to the Water

Water

Walking on Water

Why Did You Doubt?

The Rock

Shout with Joy

Names

Rebuke

Last Supper

Faith, Then Failure

Peter’s Denial

The Dark and a Charcoal Fire

Why?

Peter symbolizes Judah

No Clear Answer

Redemption

Another Charcoal Fire

Three Affirmations

Follow Me

The Mission

LAST THINGS: THE GOOD NEWS

Do Not Be Afraid; Only Believe

Bibliography

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Acknowledgments

I am grateful to everyone who helped me write, edit, design, and create this book.

First off, I want to thank you, dear reader. Every author writes for someone. We sit at our computers or notebooks imagining someone reading our every word. I imagine you. In my mind’s eye, I see you as I write, so—thank you! You’re very helpful, too. I imagine you laughing and shaking your head at the cheeky parts, nodding thoughtfully at the insightful sections, and crying at the emotional exhortations. Mostly, I imagine you encouraging me to keep trying. So, this book is for you. I hope you will enjoy it, so I can give back a little of the joy you’ve given me in writing it. Without you, it wouldn’t exist. Give yourself a pat on the back.

Next, I want to thank my very supportive family. They always cheer me on through thick and thin. My family has been exceptionally supportive as I try to work, write this book, and return to school. I feel their love and support, and can conquer any challenge with them behind me.

I want to express my sincerest gratitude to my teachers and mentors. I have many scholarly heroes. I am grateful they have dedicated their lives to learning and teaching the New Testament (I must admit, I’m such a nerd that my heroes are theologians, scholars, and teachers). If I ever meet N. T. Wright, Tim Mackie, or James L. Resseguie, I might faint. How’s that for awesome? While some may look for other heroes in the ranks of professional sports, Hollywood, or business, mine teach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Allison Spice helped me edit this book. She is a scholar and a saint. She made great edits, dedicated time, and is excellent at positive feedback. Allie is so kind she makes critiques seem like a hug. She loves a sarcastic aside, knows the gospel, and is free with her time. Thanks, Allie.

Delilah Welch served as my writing coach, editor, and theology expert. We went to school together and our bond formed while studying scripture, deeply, profoundly. Delilah was not just helpful with spiritual ideas, she’s pretty handy with a red pen. I am sure this book is better because of her work. I’m better because of Delilah. I know my grammar and word choice are much better because of her. I’m proud to call her a friend and my editor.

Camille F. Olson is a dedicated teacher. She took the time to discuss Martha with me and taught me some key ideas about this great heroic woman. Camille is a trailblazer. Thanks for being a pioneer to all the women in gospel scholarship. We owe you one.

I have had some great support from my ward, the River Ridge VI Ward. You guys are the best.

Thank you, Cedar Fort team. Their dedication to serving the Lord is evident in every page they help publish.

First Things

It wasn’t what we expected. If we are honest, we can all admit that living the life of a disciple, and follower of Jesus Christ, is not always meet our expectations. In our study and practice of the gospel, it seems there are times when we will be surprised by how things work. Perhaps, we expected life to be easier when we followed the Savior. That somehow the promised blessings would include a more leisurely life and fewer challenges. Maybe we hoped our wrestle with sin would be behind us and worldly influences would be overcome. Or we thought we would be saved from the doubt and fears that accompany all people of faith.

It isn’t only the gospel practice that can be a surprise. The Savior, Himself, can be a revelation. As we learn more about the Lord, we are taken back by Him. From His profound compassion to his tears of despair, He is a wonder. Miracles and mystery, teacher and Savior, He is a shock to many. Whether in the study of the Master or in the life of the disciple, the gospel can be jarring, and eye-opening.

For the people of Jesus’s time, He wasn’t what they were looking for. In fact, that could be the subtitle of the New Testament. Jesus Christ, the World’s Savior, the Prophesied and Anticipated King, the Messiah, Lord of All, Was Not What They Anticipated. He was different. His message was novel. As a result, they had moments of failure.

Peter denied Him. Saul persecuted His followers. John the Baptist sent a message asking if He, Jesus, was the One or was another coming. When the Lord had risen, the women, Apostles, and disciples—His nearest and dearest followers—did not believe or understand. Disciples who walked and talked with Him after His Resurrection did not recognize Him until they had changed inside. Over and over again, those closest to the Lord witnessed miracles, saw healings, and heard profound teachings; yet they did not understand who He was or His mission to save.

The prophets foretold of a Savior, a Messiah, who would come. For the people of the New Testament, this meant relief from oppression. They longed for a King from the David’s line who would unite them again (2 Samuel 7), turning them into a light to nations, fulfilling the promises given to Abraham (Abraham 2:1–13; Genesis 17:4–7; Isaiah 49:6). When He came, He started to change them. To their astonishment change did not come from the top down, but one person at a time. It was not how they thought things would go.

When the Messiah came, he changed the people, not from the outside but from within. He didn’t start with rulers and kings but with fishermen, businesswomen, and families. He began with the hurting, the sinners, and the outcast. Starting with individuals, He asked them to change, and He asks each of us to do the same. The ancient word was repent, which means turn around, go in a different direction. Just like we physically pivot when we have to turn, He asks us to stop, turn around, and go in a different direction. He asks us to change the direction of our souls.

He calls for the people of the New Testament—and all of us—to change our hearts. This change of heart, this rebirth of water and fire, and the call to redemption are the beginning of a new creation, the Kingdom of God. Whom did the Savior entrust to carry out this mission with Him? Real people. His Disciples. The same doubters, backsliders, and new learners would be His representatives. The outcast, the orphaned, and the ordinary would introduce the Kingdom of God on the earth. And the world would never be the same.

These are the real heroes of the New Testament.

New Ideas and Picking Fights

Let me say a word or two about scriptural interpretation and application. Wait, don’t go. I promise this is important. You’ll want to read this part before you get to the storytelling.

Scripture is complex. It has changed lives for thousands of years. Its enduring nature is evidence of its complexity and power. Being removed from the people, places, and cultures we read about makes it shocking that we continue to find new insights and personal application in the twenty-first century. While the language, culture, and specific context in which the scriptures were written are vastly different from our own, the people are remarkably similar. They have hopes and dreams, just like us. And, just like us, they sometimes fail spectacularly. They learn to follow the Lord just like we do. People are people, as the saying goes. Thus, we can see our own lives reflected in others’ lives, no matter when or where they lived.

So, what do we do with these stories? How can scripture apply to us today, with our modern concerns? This is where interpretations come in. When we read the scripture, we should interpret it. We go beyond the story and start understanding the doctrines and what we’re supposed to do with them. At times, this is where we find differences of opinion. Sometimes, we may even find contention.

When someone says, The Bible says, or because scripture tells me so, we tend to have an extreme reaction. We either agree 100% and have found a new friend, or we think, those are fightin’ words, disregarding everything said. There seems to be no middle ground, no in-between. I exaggerate, but only a little. There is a reason that there are so many denominations, all using the same scriptures.

Why do we react so strongly when someone presents a new or different interpretation of scripture? I think we do this because we are emotionally attached to scripture and what it means to our beliefs. Our religion is in our very souls and a core element of our makeup. Thus, hearing or reading something that uses scripture but comes to a very different interpretation creates a visceral reaction.

That is okay. Our feelings are just information. The Spirit can use emotions, and our intellect, to produce good outcomes (D&C 6:15; 8:2–3; Luke 24:32). Galatians calls those outcomes fruits (Galatians 5:22–23). Emotions are just part of the equation, but emotions are not the same as the Spirit. I say all of this because I may say something that resonates with you. I may also say something that infuriates or upsets you. I won’t try to, but we all come from different backgrounds and understandings so we may disagree. Take what you like and leave the rest. This book is like a buffet; take as much or little as you want.

Oh, and one more thing about interpretation. I’ll let you in on a secret. I’ll probably change my mind on some of these ideas, too. I don’t always understand scripture myself. So even after years of school and decades of practice, I continue to misunderstand. Paul called it seeing through a glass darkly (1 Corinthians 13:12). Without the Spirit, we don’t have a perfect understanding of scripture, doctrine, or how the kingdom works. We continue to learn, practice, and, hopefully, become better Christians. I want to share a few things about how to interpret scripture and understand the literary forms and poetic elements of the New Testament. You might find these exciting, or you might not. Don’t let them upset you. Instead, consider a new idea, ponder it, and let it go if you don’t like it. Easy. No harm. No foul. But here’s the thing—

Just like me, you might learn something new.

Familiar Stories

Before we jump into these stories—and I know you want to as much as I do—let’s chat about a few things. After all, the way in which we prepare to enter the scriptures will affect our spiritual outcomes. Will you give me two minutes for some set up?

The stories of people of the New Testament may be familiar to you or this could be one of the first times you have read about them. Either way, I hope there will be some new insight, a flash of revelation to enlighten your mind and power your heart. I hope that you will see yourself in them, the good and the bad, in the moments of faith and the moments of doubt. You may see yourselves in each of them.

You may have met them before. You may be reading about them for the first time. One of the great powers of scripture is that the people and stories we find in their pages can affect and change us when we let them. Each time we come to a story we bring a new perspective—we are different—which means we may see new and additional things.

Whether this is your first time reading or your thousandth, I pray that the Spirit of Him who loves us all can enliven our hearts and turn us into the disciples He asks us to be. We can invite Him into our lives. We can invite Him into our hearts.

History and Story

There are many ways to examine scripture to understand it. Often, we start with the context. We learn about the history, the cultural issues of the day, the politics, and everything about the what and when of the story. Whole degrees in ancient near