As President Russell M. Nelson approaches his 100th birthday on September 9, 2024, he is emphasizing a scriptural lesson where Jesus Christ uses the number 100 to teach about service and love.
In the parable of the lost sheep (found in Matthew 18 and Luke 15), Jesus illustrates the importance of reaching out to those in need, much like a shepherd cares for each sheep, even one lost from a flock of 100. Inspired by this example, President Nelson has suggested that a meaningful way to commemorate his milestone birthday would be to reach out to “the one” in need.
In a social media message posted 100 days before his birthday, President Nelson shared:
“One spiritual offering that would brighten my life is for each of us to reach out to ‘the one’ in our lives who may be feeling lost or alone. Over the coming months, I invite you to prayerfully consider: who do you know who may be discouraged? Who might you need to reconcile with or ask for forgiveness? Has one name been on your mind lately, though you haven’t quite known why? As you bring these questions to the Lord, He will inspire you to know how you can reach out and lift one who needs help.”
By following the Savior’s example, President Nelson continued, we can “spread the love of Jesus Christ throughout the world.”
For more details, visit the official announcement.
“I am soon approaching my 100th birthday. One of the places where the Savior used the number 100 in the scriptures was the parable of the lost sheep. Though 99 of his flock were safely by his side, the shepherd went in search of the 1 who was lost.
“At age 99, I have no need of physical gifts. But one spiritual offering that would brighten my life is for each of us to reach out to ‘the one’ in our lives who may be feeling lost or alone.
“Over the coming months I invite you to consider prayerfully: who do you know who may be discouraged? Who might you need to reconcile with or ask for forgiveness? Has one name been on your mind lately, though you haven’t quite known why? As you bring these questions to the Lord, He will inspire you to know how you can reach out and lift one who needs help.
“What a beautiful example the Savior has shown us—that through each of us ministering to just one within our reach, we can spread the love of Jesus Christ throughout the world.”
–President Russell M. Nelson
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Guest Author
J Washburn
