I’ve heard it repeated many times that the Atonement is incomprehensible. That is little excuse for us to not study and learn what we can comprehend. So, this is my small attempt at personal discovery.

Many movies have been made where Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice is depicted in a very brutal and violent way. The movies don’t really show him go to the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Resurrection happens so quickly, you blink and you miss it. What most people like to emphasize (with graphic detail) is the Crucifixion. We humans seem to be drawn to drama, pain, and savagery.

I don’t particularly like to focus on the Crucifixion, even though I recognize its importance to the entire picture of understanding. But I also recognize that there is so much more.

SO MUCH MORE!

Seriously, we cannot depend on the world to give us knowledge on as holy an event as the Atonement of our Redeemer. The recent Bible series on TV blew all other TV viewing out of the water, because people are interested in the life of Jesus Christ, but maybe watching it on TV is easier than opening up our scriptures. Personally, I was disappointed in the way they depicted quite a few scenes. And I must have blinked; because I think I did miss his Resurrection.

The Bible Dictionary tells us that the Atonement began in the premortal world and continued through Jesus Christ’s mortal sojourn. Not only is it important to read the four gospels, that teach us of Christ’s living example and works, we need to understand the Plan of Salvation in order to understand why, who, where, what, and how it will all come to pass—all because Jesus Christ was willing to save each and every one of us, his brothers and sisters.

In Abraham, we get a small taste of what it was like in that premortal world (we can’t say pre-existence, because we have always existed-but don’t try to wrap your head around that for too long). When Heavenly Father announced his plan, Jesus Christ spoke up and said, “Here am I, send me” (Abr. 3:27).

For years, I’ve noticed a little quirk that I tend to do, and it’s bothered me ever since I realized what I was doing. Whenever anyone asks for volunteers, I look around first to see if someone else is going to raise their hand. I had a friend who always had her hand up first. She didn’t look around first, she just shot her hand up and said, “Sure, I’d be happy to!”—every time.

Me, I wait. If the room goes silent, I finally speak up. Most of the time, my hand goes up halfway, giving anyone the chance to speak before my hand is fully extended. I don’t really know why I do this other than I don’t mind volunteering …… second.

Abraham 3:27 tells us that our Savior volunteered first. The second one to volunteer was Satan. God chose the first. What if Jesus had waited and looked around first? What would that say about him?

It fascinates me when I find in the scriptures that someone acted immediately, without thought. Or maybe their thought was to act immediately without fear. I imagine that’s how all valiant souls react to things; that it is best to be instantly, completely, and absolutely obedient.

I have always loved that phrase, “Here Am I”. It means “I will go”, “I will go and do”, I seek after thee”, or “I offer myself to thee”. We should be willing to quickly say, “Here am I” when the Lord calls for volunteers. I only wish I were better at it.

Here is a short list of some of the people who have said “Here am I” in the scriptures: Jesus Christ, Abraham (Abr. 2:12), Rebekah (Gen. 24:58), Jacob (Gen. 31:11), Moses (Ex. 3:4), Samuel (1 Sam. 3:4-10), Ruth (Ruth 1:16), and Nephi (1 Ne. 3:7).

I love the story of Joseph of Egypt. There are so many things to learn in his example. But his brother Judah, who is the father of all Jews, fits significantly in this context. When Joseph’s brothers want to kill him, it is Reuben who stops them, but it is Judah who suggests selling him. (Think: Judas Escariot selling Jesus.) Then later, in Egypt, it is Judah who speaks up and offers himself in the place of Benjamin (an interesting twist).

Jesus Christ said, “Here am I” first and offered himself up to be sacrificed for all mankind. It is for us to shout, “Here am I” to offer ourselves to live unto Repentance, using and honoring his gift to each of us unto salvation.

Sis. Linda Burton said in her first address to the sisters of the church, “We [as a presidency] have felt that Heavenly Father would first have us help His beloved daughters understand the doctrine of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. As we do so, we know our faith will increase, as will our desire to live righteously.” (Burton, “Is Faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ Written in Our Hearts?”, Nov 2012).

These words, from Robert Millet (former Dean of Religion at BYU) echo my own thoughts: “To be sure, coming to a perfect knowledge of Christ and the Atonement is a lofty goal, one that we probably will not fully reach in this life. But we are called upon in mortality to pursue the course that leads to it, and that course involves searching the scriptures, reading and pondering the teachings of the prophets, and receiving divine direction and insight from that God who delights to honor those who serve him in righteousness and truth.” (Robert L. Millet, Foreword of The Infinite Atonement)

 

How have you committed yourself to the study of Jesus Christ, and His atoning sacrifice?