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November 26

How Can I Help My Ancestors Come Closer to Jesus Christ?

1 and 2 Peter

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Counsel Together

Led by a member of the class or quorum 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). Plan ways to act on what you discuss.

• Live the gospel. What topics has the bishopric discussed in our ward youth council meetings? What can we do as a class or quorum based on those discussions?

• Care for those in need. How can we reach out to people in Christlike ways when we see a need and don’t know what to say?

• Invite all to receive the gospel. What have we found in the gospel of Jesus Christ that brings us joy? How can we share that joy with others?

• Unite families for eternity. What are we doing to find names of our ancestors who need temple ordinances? What can we do to help others find the names of their ancestors?

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

• Testify of the principles taught.

• Remind class or quorum 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

What happens to the billions of people who die without a real opportunity to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ or to receive saving ordinances? We can find hints of an answer in 1 Peter 3:18–20; 4:6, where Peter spoke of the gospel being preached to the dead. Then Doctrine and Covenants 138 uncovers the full truth—our ancestors can come fully unto Christ if they have faith in Him and accept His gospel and we make ordinances available to them in the temple. This blessing requires that we—their descendants who have the gospel—search out their names, go to the temple, and receive saving ordinances in their behalf.

What experiences have you had helping your ancestors come closer to Christ? How can you help those you teach become more excited about family history and temple work and more confident in their ability to do it? As you prepare, you could read Elder Dale G. Renlund’s message “Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 46–49).

Learn Together

How would the members of your class or quorum respond to someone who wonders how good people who did not have a chance to receive the gospel can be saved? What do they find in 1 Peter 3:18–20; 4:6 to help answer this question? In the video “Will I Do My Part?,” Elder Enrique R. Falabella provides additional insights. You can continue your discussion with one or more of the following activities.

• The doctrine of redeeming the dead is unique to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Invite class or quorum members to study Doctrine and Covenants 138:25–39 as individuals or groups and share what they learn (see “Supporting Resources” for additional scriptures on this topic). What do these verses suggest about the way Heavenly Father feels about all His children? How does baptism for the dead help our ancestors come closer to Christ? How does it help us come closer to Christ and increase our faith in Him?

• What might inspire the youth to be more involved in temple and family history work? Perhaps they could watch one or both of the videos found in “Supporting Resources” and look for ways temple and family history work can bless them. They could also look for promised blessings in the bulleted list in Elder Dale G. Renlund’s message “Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing.” Invite them to share which blessings are meaningful to them and why. You might also discuss some of the obstacles that might keep us from participating in temple and family history work. How can the Savior help us overcome these obstacles?

• If members of your class or quorum have access to digital devices, you might take some time to show them how the Lord has made it easier than ever to find ancestors who need saving ordinances (see “Supporting Resources”). You could invite a ward temple and family history consultant to help the youth understand these resources. You could also encourage the youth to make plans to explore these resources at home and report back in a future meeting.

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As we perform sacred ordinances in the temple, we help to make the blessings of the gospel available to those who have died.

Act in Faith

Encourage class or quorum members to ponder and record what they will do to act on the impressions they received today. If they would like, they could share their ideas. Invite them to think about how acting on their impressions will strengthen their relationships with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Supporting Resources

• Malachi 4:5–6; Matthew 16:18–19; John 5:25; 1 Corinthians 15:29; Doctrine and Covenants 137:7–9 (The doctrine of redemption for the dead)

• “The Promised Blessings of Family History 1” and “The Promised Blessings of Family History 2” (videos), ChurchofJesusChrist.org

• Family Tree app (requires youth to log in using their Church account)

• RootsTech (Youth can explore sessions from virtual conferences.)

• FamilySearch.org (You could visit FamilySearch.org/discovery and explore these activities together.)

Teaching in the Savior’s Way

When you invite youth to teach, take the time to help them prepare appropriately. Explain what you do to prepare to teach. In this way you will be helping the youth not just for one lesson but for a lifetime of teaching the gospel in the Savior’s way.