Mary Magdalene is one of the best-known characters in the New Testament, yet we know surprisingly little about her. In all but one of the twelve times that she is mentioned in the four Gospels, she is either named alone or first in a list of women. The sole exception is in John’s account of the women who stood by the cross in which the mother of Jesus is listed first (John 19:25). Nevertheless, in the Gospel of John, Mary Magdalene is the premier witness of the Resurrection and the only one commissioned to tell others the stunning truth. The primacy of her name in these accounts, the frequency of her mention, and her role on the morning of the Resurrection suggest that she was a prominent and respected disciple in the first century. From the earliest interpretations of her, however, she has been assigned polar opposite roles: at one extreme, a repentant sinner who quietly served; at the other, the apostle to the apostles.

Get the full lesson "Baptism" from the Teachings of Joseph Fielding Smith at LDS.org.

For advice from the general Primary presidency about how to apply the new curriculum to your family, click here.

The adjustments will strengthen gospel learning in homes and congregations throughout the world.

“How come He rescued Peter and how come He didn’t rescue James? Is Peter more valued? Is Peter more righteous?”

"Hi Marty"

Here are 13 beautiful photos of some of the places and cities where the Savior may have walked during his mortal ministry.

A call for help draws wizard Alexander Taylor into an adventure that he knows nothing about.

In 2002, my oldest son returned home from his mission after only five months. I was shocked, confused, and had no idea what to do—this is not something a parent expects or prepares for. While I was wrestling with my own feelings, I also felt great compassion and sorrow for my son, who was struggling. Over time, my son adjusted to post-mission life, was sealed to a wonderful woman, started a family, and moved to another state to pursue better employment. But then, in 2010, it happened again—my youngest son returned home after four months due to anxiety. He was deeply disappointed and did not want to be released. He worked hard to get back out into the mission field only to be released again when the anxiety returned. Feeling a deep sense of failure, he fell into inactivity and moved away, hoping to escape the shame he felt.

Wayne Hamby has spent much of his life working and traveling around the world to out-of-the-way places in search of diamonds and precious gemstones. And though Brother Hamby has had many opportunities to see God’s hand in his life as he has encountered dangerous and uncertain circumstances, he knows the blessings he has seen are a result of a lifetime of small but powerful spiritual experiences.