Purpose
To increase class members’ appreciation for the restoration of the priesthood, to encourage brethren to magnify their offices and callings inthe priesthood, and to help all members enjoy more fully the blessings of the priesthood.
Preparation
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Prayerfully study the following scriptures and other materials:
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Doctrine and Covenants 13; 20:38–67; 27:12–13; 84:6–30; 107:1–20; 110:11–16; Joseph Smith—History 1:66–73.
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Oliver Cowdery’s account of the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood, in the footnote to Joseph Smith—History 1:71.
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Our Heritage, pages 11–14.
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Review the material for this lesson in the Class Member Study Guide (35686). Plan ways to refer to the material during the lesson.
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To gain a greater understanding of historical events related to the doctrine in this lesson, consider reviewing the following:
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If the picture Melchizedek Priesthood Restoration is available (62371; Gospel Art Picture Kit 408), prepare to use it during the lesson.
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If you use the attention activity, bring an assortment of keys to class.
Suggestions for Lesson Development
Conclusion
Testify that the priesthood and its keys have been restored. Priesthood holders hold the authority to direct God’s work on earth and to act for Him in blessing His children and helping them prepare for exaltation. Emphasize that the blessings of the priesthood are available to all. Encourage class members to seek these blessings.
Additional Teaching Ideas
You may want to use one or both of the following ideas to supplement the suggested lesson outline.
1. Priesthood offices, quorums, and duties
The Lord revealed to Joseph Smith important instructions about the offices of the priesthood, the duties of each office, and the quorums into which priesthood holders are organized. You may want to review some of these instructions as they are outlined in the following chart:
Aaronic Priesthood
Office |
Duties |
Quorum |
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Deacon |
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Teacher |
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Priest |
||
Bishop |
Melchizedek Priesthood
Office |
Duties |
Quorum |
---|---|---|
Elder |
||
High priest |
||
Patriarch |
||
Seventy |
||
Apostle |
Display a picture of the Salt Lake Temple (62433; Gospel Art Picture Kit 502). Point out that the spires on the east end of the temple are higher than those on the west end. Note also that there are five sets of windows on the east spires and four sets of windows on the west spires. Explain that this design was intended to represent the priesthood, with the Melchizedek Priesthood and its five offices represented by the east spires and the Aaronic Priesthood and its four offices represented by the west spires.
2. “Restoration of the Priesthood” video presentation
If Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Video Presentations (53912) is available, consider showing “Restoration of the Priesthood,” an eight-minute segment, to give historical background for the second section of the lesson.
3. Women and the priesthood
The following material is provided to help you address questions class members may have about women and the priesthood. This topic should not be the focus of this lesson.
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Joseph Smith’s Teachings about Priesthood, Temple, and Women
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Dallin H. Oaks, “The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 49–52.
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“Blessings of the Priesthood for All: An Inseparable Connection with the Priesthood,” chapter 8 in Daughters in My Kingdom, 124–43.
4. Race and the priesthood
The following material is provided to help you answer questions class members may have about race and the priesthood. This topic is addressed in more detail in lesson 42, “Continuing Revelation to Latter-day Prophets.” It should not be the focus of this lesson.