“June 26–July 2. Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20–21: ‘He Is Risen,’” Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 (2022)

“June 26–July 2. Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20–21,” Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: 2023

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Jesus speaking to Peter by the seashore

Feed My Sheep, by Kamille Corry

June 26–July 2

Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20–21

“He Is Risen”

Prayerfully read Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; and John 20–21, reflecting on the joy you have because of the Resurrection of Christ. Who might be blessed by hearing your testimony of this event?

Record Your Impressions

To many observers, the death of Jesus of Nazareth may have seemed like an ironic end to a remarkable life. Wasn’t this the man who raised Lazarus from the dead? Hadn’t He withstood the murderous threats from the Pharisees time after time? He had demonstrated power to heal blindness, leprosy, and palsy. The very winds and the seas obeyed Him. And yet here He was, hanging from a cross, declaring, “It is finished” (John 19:30). There may have been some sincere surprise in the mocking words “He saved others; himself he cannot save” (Matthew 27:42). But we know that Jesus’s death was not the end of the story. We know that the silence of the tomb was temporary and that Christ’s saving work was just beginning. He is found today not “among the dead” but among the living (Luke 24:5). His teachings would not be silenced, for His loyal disciples would preach the gospel in “all nations,” trusting His promise that He would be “with [them] alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:19–20).

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Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20

Jesus Christ was resurrected.

In these passages, you will read about one of the most important events in the history of humankind: the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. As you read, put yourself in the place of the people who witnessed the events surrounding the Resurrection. What do you learn from their experiences?

How do you feel as you read about the Savior’s Resurrection? Consider how it has affected you—your outlook on life, your relationships, your faith in Christ, and your faith in other gospel truths.

See also Bible Dictionary, “Resurrection”; Gospel Topics, “Resurrection,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Luke 24:13–35

I can invite the Savior to “abide with [me].”

As you read the experience of the two traveling disciples who met the resurrected Savior, look for parallels to your experiences as a follower of Christ. How can you walk with Him today and invite Him to “tarry” a little longer? (Luke 24:29). How do you recognize His presence in your life? In what ways has the Holy Ghost testified of the divinity of Jesus Christ to you?

See also “Abide with Me; ’Tis Eventide,” “Abide with Me!,” Hymns, nos. 165–66.

Luke 24:36–43; John 20

Resurrection is the permanent reuniting of the spirit with the body.

The accounts of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ can help you understand what it means to be resurrected. For example, what truths do you find in Luke 24:36–43 and John 20 about resurrected bodies? You could also explore other scriptures about resurrection, such as 1 Corinthians 15:35–44; Philippians 3:20–21; 3 Nephi 11:13–15; Doctrine and Covenants 88:27–31; 110:2–3; 130:1, 22.

John 20:19–29

“Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”

Some people feel like Thomas, who said, “Except I shall see … , I will not believe” (John 20:25). In your opinion, why can believing without seeing be a blessing? (see John 20:29). Ponder how you have been blessed for believing in things you could not see. What helps you have faith in the Savior even when you cannot see Him? How can you continue to strengthen your faith in “things which are not seen, which are true”? (see Alma 32:16–21; Ether 12:6). Consider recording in a journal experiences that have helped you believe in Jesus Christ, or share them with someone you know.

John 21:1–17

The Savior invites me to feed His sheep.

It might be interesting to compare the Savior’s interaction with His Apostles in John 21 to the first time He commanded them to let down their fishing nets, recorded in Luke 5:1–11. What similarities and differences do you find? What insights about discipleship do you find?

Consider how the Savior’s words to Peter in John 21:15–17 might apply to you. Is there anything holding you back from ministering to the Lord’s sheep? What would your response be if the Lord asked you, “Lovest thou me?” Ponder how you can show your love for the Lord.

See also 1 Peter 5:2–4, 8; Jeffrey R. Holland, “The First Great Commandment,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 83–85.

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Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Home Evening

Luke 24:5–6.President Thomas S. Monson said of Luke 24:5–6, “No words in Christendom mean more to me” (“He Is Risen!,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 89). What do these words mean to you and your family?

Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20–21.As your family reads these chapters, notice the people who interacted with Jesus in each account. For example, what impresses you about the people who visited the Savior’s tomb? What do you learn from the words or actions of the Apostles or from the disciples on the road to Emmaus?

Consider singing together “Did Jesus Really Live Again?” (Children’s Songbook, 64). Talk about someone your family knows who has died, and discuss how the truths in this song bring comfort.

Matthew 28:16–20; Mark 16:14–20; Luke 24:44–53.In these verses, what was Jesus asking His Apostles to do? How can we help accomplish this work? Family members could share experiences when they felt “the Lord working with them” to accomplish His purposes (Mark 16:20).

John 21:15–17.Consider reading these verses while eating together. This could add some meaning to the Savior’s words “feed my sheep.” Based on what Jesus taught about sheep in the New Testament (see, for example, Matthew 9:35–36; 10:5–6; 25:31–46; Luke 15:4–7; John 10:1–16), why is feeding sheep a good way to describe serving God’s children? What does this analogy teach about how Heavenly Father and Jesus feel about us?

For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.

Suggested song: “Did Jesus Really Live Again?,” Children’s Songbook, 64.

Improving Personal Study

Use music to invite the Spirit and learn doctrine. Listening to or singing hymns such as “He Is Risen!” (Hymns, no. 199) can invite the Spirit and help you learn about the Savior’s Resurrection.