The Message, the Meaning, and the Multitude

Recognizing Christ Amidst Life's Commotion

Elder Holland uses the story of a blind man who called out to Jesus amidst a noisy crowd to illustrate the importance of recognizing and focusing on Christ amidst the commotion of life. He emphasizes that we should not let distractions prevent us from seeing the Savior and His significance in our lives.

As in our New Testament story, those blessed with sight will recognize that, in spite of everything else this conference tradition may offer us, it will mean little or nothing unless we find Jesus at the center of it all.

To grasp the vision we are seeking, the healing that He promises, the significance we somehow know is here, we must cut through the commotion—joyful as it is—and fix our attention on Him.

• What does the story of the blind man teach us about recognizing Christ in our lives?
• How can we better focus on Christ amidst the distractions and commotion of life?
• In what ways can you cut through the commotion of your life to focus more on Christ?
• Can you recall a time when you were able to recognize Christ's influence despite distractions or difficulties? How did that experience impact you?

Finding Christ in Church Activities and Teachings

Elder Holland emphasizes the importance of seeing Christ at the center of all Church activities, teachings and changes. Whether it's reading the Book of Mormon, attending the temple, or participating in new Church initiatives, we should always look for and focus on the Savior.

When a child reads the Book of Mormon for the first time and is enamored with Abinadi’s courage or the march of 2,000 stripling warriors, we can gently add that Jesus is the omnipresent central figure in this marvelous chronicle.

When one goes to the holy temple for the first time, he or she may be somewhat awestruck by that experience. Our job is to ensure that the sacred symbols and revealed rituals...never distract from but rather point toward the Savior, whom we are there to worship.

As we minister to one another, or refine our Sabbath experience, or embrace a new program for children and youth, we will miss the real reason for these revelatory adjustments if we see them as disparate, unrelated elements rather than as an interrelated effort to help us build more firmly on the Rock of our Salvation.

• Why is it important to see Christ at the center of all Church activities and teachings?
• How can focusing on Christ enhance our experience with various Church activities and teachings?
• How can you better focus on Christ in your personal study of the scriptures?
• How can you help others see Christ at the center of Church activities and teachings?
• What can you do to keep Christ at the center of your experience with new Church initiatives?

Calling Out to Christ in Times of Need

Elder Holland assures us that when we call out to Jesus in our moments of need, He will hear us and help us. He uses the story of the blind man and the experience of Joseph Smith to illustrate this principle.

And if some days our vision is limited or our confidence has waned or our belief is being tested and refined—as surely it will be—may we then cry out the louder, "Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me."

I promise with apostolic fervor and prophetic conviction that He will hear you and will say, soon or late, "Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee."

• What does Elder Holland promise will happen when we call out to Jesus in our moments of need?
• How does the story of the blind man and the experience of Joseph Smith illustrate this principle?
• When have you felt the Savior's help after calling out to Him in a time of need?
• How can you increase your faith to call out to Jesus in times of difficulty?