Purpose
To help class members prepare themselves for the Second Coming through living righteously, developing their talents, and serving others.
Preparation
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Read, ponder, and pray about the following scriptures:
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Matthew 25:1–13. Through the parable of the ten virgins, Jesus teaches that we must prepare for his Second Coming.
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Matthew 25:14–30. Through the parable of the talents, Jesus teaches that we should develop the gifts we receive from God.
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Matthew 25:31–46. Through the parable of the sheep and the goats, Jesus teaches that we should willingly serve one another.
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If you use the attention activity, bring a small glass jar, a container of oil or colored water, and, if it is available, the picture The Second Coming (62562; Gospel Art Picture Kit 238).
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Obtain a piece of paper and a pen or pencil for each class member.
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Suggestion for teaching: Occasionally use statements by latter-day prophets, which can be found in this manual and in Church magazines, to help direct and clarify class discussions and to emphasize that the Lord continues to reveal his will today. Use these quotations to support, not replace, scripture reading and class discussion.
Suggested Lesson Development
Additional Teaching Ideas
The following material supplements the suggested lesson outline. You may want to use one or both of these ideas as part of the lesson.
1. “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief”
With class members, sing or read the words to the hymn “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief” (Hymns, no. 29). Then read Matthew 25:40. Invite class members to share their feelings about the message of the hymn and the scriptural passage.
2. Video presentation
You may want to use the fifth segment of “New Testament Customs,” a selection from New Testament Video Presentations (53914), to explain some customs of the marriage feast in New Testament times.