“April 11–17. Easter: ‘He Will Swallow Up Death in Victory,’” Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 (2021)

“April 11–17. Easter,” Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: 2022

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sepulchre with stone rolled away from door

Illustration of the empty tomb by Maryna Kriuchenko

April 11–17

Easter

“He Will Swallow Up Death in Victory”

As you read about and ponder the Savior’s Atonement this week, consider recording your thoughts and feelings about His sacrifice in your journal or in the space provided in this outline.

Record Your Impressions

The life of Jesus Christ “is central to all human history” (“The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What does that mean? In part, it surely means that the Savior’s life influences the eternal destiny of every human being who has ever lived or will ever live. You might also say that the life and mission of Jesus Christ, culminating in His Resurrection on that first Easter Sunday, connects all of God’s people throughout history: Those who were born before Christ looked forward to Him with faith (see Jacob 4:4), and those born after look back on Him with faith. As we read Old Testament accounts and prophecies, we don’t ever see the name Jesus Christ, but we do see the evidence of the ancient believers’ faith in and longing for their Messiah and Redeemer. So we who are invited to remember Him can feel a connection with those who looked forward to Him. For truly Jesus Christ has borne “the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6; italics added), and “in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22; italics added).

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Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

The Old Testament testifies of the Savior’s atoning sacrifice.

Many passages in the Old Testament point to the Savior’s ministry and atoning sacrifice. The table below lists some of these passages. As you read these verses, what impressions come to you about the Savior?

Old Testament	New Testament
Old Testament Zechariah 9:9	New Testament Matthew 21:1–11
Old Testament Zechariah 11:12–13	New Testament Matthew 26:14–16
Old Testament Isaiah 53:4	New Testament Matthew 8:16–17; 26:36–39
Old Testament Isaiah 53:7	New Testament Mark 14:60–61
Old Testament Psalm 22:16	New Testament John 19:17–18; 20:25–27
Old Testament Psalm 22:18	New Testament Matthew 27:35
Old Testament Psalm 69:21	New Testament Matthew 27:34, 48
Old Testament Psalm 118:22	New Testament Matthew 21:42
Old Testament Isaiah 53:9, 12	New Testament Matthew 27:57–60; Mark 15:27–28
Old Testament Isaiah 25:8	New Testament Mark 16:1–6; Luke 24:6
Old Testament Daniel 12:2	New Testament Matthew 27:52–53

Prophecies and teachings about the Savior are even more abundant and clear in the Book of Mormon. Consider how your faith is strengthened by passages like these: 1 Nephi 11:31–33; 2 Nephi 25:13; Mosiah 3:2–11.

I can find peace and joy through the Savior’s Atonement.

Throughout time, Jesus Christ, through His atoning sacrifice, has offered peace and joy to all who come unto Him (see Moses 5:9–12). Consider studying the following scriptures that testify of the peace and joy He offers, and as you do, think about how you can receive the peace and joy He brings: Psalms 16:8–11; 30:2–5; Isaiah 12; 25:8–9; 40:28–31; John 14:27; 16:33; Alma 26:11–22.

See also Dallin H. Oaks, “Strengthened by the Atonement of Jesus Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 61–64; Sharon Eubank, “Christ: The Light That Shines in Darkness,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 73–76; “I Stand All Amazed,” Hymns, no. 193.

Through His Atonement, Jesus Christ has power to help me overcome sin, death, trials, and weaknesses.

Throughout the scriptures, prophets have testified of Jesus Christ’s power to deliver us from sin and death and to help us overcome our trials and weaknesses. How has Christ made a difference in your life? Why is He important to you? Ponder these questions as you read these verses, and record your thoughts and feelings about the Savior:

See also Walter F. González, “The Savior’s Touch,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 90–92.

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Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Home Evening

Exodus 12:1–28.As you celebrate Easter, your family could review what you learned about the Passover earlier this month. Why is it significant that the Savior’s sacrifice occurred at the same time as Passover?

For a summary of what happened during the last week of the Savior’s life, see “Holy Week” at ComeuntoChrist.org/2016/easter/easter-week. For scriptures about the events of the Savior’s final week, see “The Last Week: Atonement and Resurrection” in Harmony of the Gospels (in the Bible appendix).

Isaiah 53.Reading the prophecies about Jesus Christ in Isaiah 53 could help family members understand the Savior’s atoning sacrifice. Which verses or phrases does your family find especially powerful? Consider having a family testimony meeting in which you share your personal testimonies of the Savior’s Atonement.

“Special Witnesses of Christ.”The Gospel Library app and ChurchofJesusChrist.org have a collection of videos called “Special Witnesses of Christ,” in which each member of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shares his witness of Jesus Christ. Perhaps your family could watch some of these videos and talk about what you learn about Jesus Christ from His chosen servants. As a family, talk about ways you can share your witness of Christ. For example, you might invite someone to worship with you at church this Easter Sunday.

Hymns and songs.Music is a powerful way to remember the Savior and invite the Spirit into our homes. Family members could share and sing together hymns or songs about Easter or about Jesus Christ, such as “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” (Hymns, no. 200) or “Did Jesus Really Live Again?” (Children’s Songbook, 64). To find other hymns or children’s songs, look in the topical index of Hymns and Children’s Songbook .

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 Our Teaching

Live the gospel of Jesus Christ. “To be a Christlike teacher [in your home], perhaps the most important thing you can do is to … live the gospel with all your heart. … This is the principal way to qualify for the companionship of the Holy Ghost. You don’t have to be perfect, just diligently trying—and seeking forgiveness through the Savior’s Atonement whenever you stumble” (Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 13).