John the Baptist conferring the Aaronic Priesthood

Upon You My Fellow Servants, by Linda Curley Christensen and Michael T. Malm

February 14

What Is the Priesthood?

Doctrine and Covenants 12–13; Joseph Smith—History 1:66–75

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Counsel Together

Led by a member of the quorum or class presidency; approximately 10–20 minutes

At the beginning of the meeting, repeat together the Young Women Theme or the Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Theme. Then lead a discussion about the work of salvation and exaltation using one or more of the questions below or questions of your own (see General Handbook, 10.2, 11.2, ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Plan ways to act on what you discuss.

• Live the gospel. How have we come closer to the Savior? How are we trying to be more like Him?

• Care for those in need. Who has been on our minds lately? How can we help these individuals?

• Invite all to receive the gospel. How can we answer our friends’ questions about the Church in a way that strengthens their faith in the Savior?

• Unite families for eternity. What are some ways we can better connect with extended family members, such as grandparents and cousins?

At the end of the lesson, as appropriate, do the following:

• Testify of the principles taught.

• Remind quorum or class members about the plans and invitations made during the meeting.

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Teach the Doctrine

Led by an adult leader or youth; approximately 25–35 minutes

Prepare Yourself Spiritually

As you read about the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood in Doctrine and Covenants 13, try to read through the eyes of those you teach. Do they understand the power of the priesthood in their lives? How have priesthood ordinances such as baptism and the sacrament helped you receive the Savior’s power? Think about experiences you could share. To prepare yourself to teach about the priesthood, consider studying the scriptures suggested in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families and “Priesthood” in Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

young man reading scriptures in class

The scriptures help us understand how the priesthood blesses our lives.

Learn Together

To begin a discussion about the priesthood, you might invite quorum or class members to share what they know about the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood, including what they read this week in Doctrine and Covenants 13 and Joseph Smith—History 1:66–75. You could also show a picture depicting the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood (such as Gospel Art Book [2009], no. 93) and invite quorum or class members to share what they know about this event. Why are we grateful that the priesthood was restored? The following activities can help those you teach better understand what the priesthood is and how we are blessed by it.

• How would quorum or class members explain what the priesthood is to someone who has never heard of it before? To help them, you could list on the board some questions people might have about the priesthood, such as What is the priesthood? How does someone receive the priesthood? How should a priesthood holder act? What do priesthood holders do? Invite those you teach to search for answers using the scriptures and other resources found in “Supporting Resources” and write their answers on the board. You might ask them to share the blessings that have come into their lives because of the priesthood. You could also show and discuss the video “How the Priesthood Works” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org; see also Dale G. Renlund, “The Priesthood and the Savior’s Atoning Power,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 64–67).

• If you teach Aaronic Priesthood holders, they could benefit from reviewing Brother Douglas D. Holmes’s message “What Every Aaronic Priesthood Holder Needs to Understand” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 50–53). You could assign each quorum member to review the first several paragraphs of the message or one of the other four sections. Invite each person to look for something that he feels every Aaronic Priesthood holder needs to understand. Give him a chance to share what he learned and to explain why he chose that teaching.

• If you teach young women, you could share President Russell M. Nelson’s message “Spiritual Treasures,” which was addressed to them (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 76–79). You could ask class members to search his message looking for something they can do to more fully “draw the Savior’s power” into their lives (page 77). What did President Nelson teach about how we can access priesthood power? How can priesthood power bless us? Encourage the young women to consider how they will act on this invitation from President Nelson: “I entreat you to study prayerfully all the truths you can find about priesthood power” (page 79).

Act in Faith

Encourage quorum or class members to ponder and record what they will do to act on the impressions they received today. How does today’s lesson relate to personal goals they have made? If they would like, quorum or class members could share their ideas.

Supporting Resources

• Doctrine and Covenants 84:17–22; 107:1–5 (Priesthood is God’s power and authority)

• Hebrews 5:4; Articles of Faith 1:5 (Priesthood holders are called of God and ordained by one in authority)

• Doctrine and Covenants 121:34–46 (The power and authority of the priesthood operate only on principles of righteousness)

• Matthew 3:1–6; 28:16–19; John 15:16; Doctrine and Covenants 12:3–4 (Worthy men and women preach the gospel)

• Acts 3:1–8; James 5:14–15 (Priesthood holders give blessings to heal the sick and afflicted)

• 3 Nephi 11:21–22; 18:1–5; Doctrine and Covenants 107:20 (Priesthood holders administer ordinances)

• Doctrine and Covenants 65:2; 107:18–21 (Priesthood holders help govern the Church)

• “Aaronic Priesthood,” “Melchizedek Priesthood,” “Priesthood,” in True to the Faith (2004), 3–4, 101–2, 124–28

Teaching in the Savior’s Way

The Savior taught His disciples to turn to the scriptures for answers to questions and to receive spiritual strength. How can you encourage those you teach to turn to the scriptures to find answers to their questions and challenges? (See Teaching in the Savior’s Way [2016], 30.)