Rose of Sharon (Song of Solomon 2:1)
There is no reference in the New Testament alluding to Christ as the “Rose of Sharon” but many have symbolically used the phrase to describe Christ because of his beauty (soul) and lowliness (humility).
The Rose-of-Sharon is a deciduous, upright, occasionally spreading shrub or small tree with multiple trunks. The branches grow upright and wlll not droop except when in flower. It is actually not a “rose” but is of the hibiscus family. It’s flowers are rose (colored), or lavender or white.
Sharon is a Mediterranean coastal city between Joppa and Caesarea and was a place of great fertility of soil. The term, “Sharon” is a reference to beauty, delicacy and lowliness, all of which describe the Savior.
Savior (John 4:42)
A “savior” is a person who rescues or keeps one safe from harm or danger; also with the idea of keeping or storing something up for future use; while a “redeemer” is one who redeems or gains something in exchange for payment. Redeemer also has the meaning of one who compensates for the faults or bad aspects of something or someone.
In Christianity, Savior and Redeemer are synonymous. They refer to the Saving/Redeeming act by Jesus Christ of His atonement where, through his exhaustive suffering, he brought about a universal resurrection to all mankind (Isaiah 49:26, 1 Nephi 10:5) and conditional exaltation to the faithful. He voluntarily offered himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world (John 1:29, 3 Nephi 27:13-14). His atonement was voluntary in the pre-earth existence (Abraham 3:24-27), and foretold by prophets prior to his birth (Hel. 5:9). He concluded his sacrifice successfully (D&C 19:16-19)
Servant (Matt. 12:18)
In the thinking of most people today, the servant is a lesser position than the master. Most want to be the master, but few choose the path of service, especially quiet service that avoids the fanfare of accomplishments.
Christ taught a principle that is contrary to most people’s thinking — “whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, ” (Matt. 20:26-28)
Christ described himself as a servant: “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45); “For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.” (Luke 22:27)
What is a servant like? Christ teaches that a real servant/leader is actually a servant who – does not seek service for themselves but aims to serve others; -does not propose to do his own will; and does not promote himself.
What type of service did Christ perform? He served the poor, the ignorant, the sinner, and the despised. He fed crowds of hungry people who came to hear Him, healed the sick, and raised the dead. His service included washing his disciples’ feet (John 13:14-17) and providing sufficient wine for those attending a wedding (John 2:1-11).
His counsel to his followers is to “bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light,” to “mourn with those that mourn,” and to “comfort those that stand in need of comfort” (Mosiah 18:8–9).
To the righteous He taught: “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me” (Matthew 25:34–36).
The righteous, who are puzzled by this declaration, ask: “Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?” (Matthew 25:37–39). Then the Lord answers, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40).
Shepherd and Bishop of Souls (1 Peter 2:25)
A shepherd owns the flock. He is not a hireling who flees in times of danger. He guides, protects and heals his sheep (Psalm 23:1) both physically and spiritually. Christ speaks to his flock with love, compassion and sympathy.
A bishop is described by Paul an office in Christ’s church. The bishop is a person who desired a good work, and is vigilant, sober, has good behavior, is given to hospitality, and apt to teach ((1 Tim. 3:1-2).
Paul describes the members of the church as “sheep going astray” but who then returned to Christ (through batism) who is their Shepherd and Bishop (1 Peter 2:25). When our “chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” (1 Peter 5:4)
Shiloh (Genesis 49:10)
Shiloh means ‘He to Whom it Belongs,’ and heavenly peace, and represents a messiah (Gen. 49:10). Shiloh was the central sanctuary of the Israelites during the pre-monarchic period (1,000 BCE), before the First Temple in Jerusalem was built (started by David, finished by Solomon). After the Israelite conquest of Canaan (Joshua, around 1300 BCE), the Tabernacle was moved to Shiloh (town in Ephraim on the north side of Bethel), and remained there during the period of the biblical judges (approximately 180 years, 1200 BCE to 1020 BCE).
Shiloh represents the Messiah as Genesis 49:10 says “Until Shiloh comes or Until the Messiah comes;” He would be given the “Scepter” that is the authority as King. Jesus was a descendant of King David, from the Tribe of Judah.
The word “Shiloh” is used 31 times in the Old Testament but is not mentioned specifically in the New Testament.
Son of God (Matthew 26:63)
Christ is the Son of God in four ways:
1. He is the firstborn of God in the spirit (D&C 93:21)
2. He is the only child of God in the flesh (see JST, John 1:1, 13–14; 1 Nephi 11:14–22; Jacob 4:5, 11; Alma 5:48; D&C 20:21; 76:22–24)
3. He the only individual who perfectly mirrors his father in beauty, faithfulness and perfection. (3 Nephi 11:11, D&C 93:16)
4. Through self-sacrifice, he came from being less than God (John 14:28, Mark 10:18, D&C 93:12, 14) to the point of receiving the fulness of the Father (D&C 93:13) and inheriting all that the Father has. Christ has promised the saints that if they would keep his commandments, they too would receive of the fulness of the Father (D&C 93:20)
