Lesson 12 Class Preparation Material: Finding Pure Truth in the Teachings of Jesus Christ
“Lesson 12 Class Preparation Material: Finding Pure Truth in the Teachings of Jesus Christ,” Jesus Christ and His Everlasting Gospel Teacher Material (2023)
“Lesson 12 Class Preparation Material,” Jesus Christ and His Everlasting Gospel Teacher Material
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The Savior’s Teachings on Discipleship, by Justin Kunz
Lesson 12 Class Preparation Material
Finding Pure Truth in the Teachings of Jesus Christ
Living in the digital age has given us amazing access to unprecedented amounts of information. And yet President Russell M. Nelson observed, “One of the plagues of our day is that too few people know where to turn for truth” (“Pure Truth, Pure Doctrine, and Pure Revelation,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 6). As you think about the different messages and voices competing for your attention, consider how Jesus Christ and His teachings are the ultimate source of pure truth and have the power to guide, strengthen, and transform your life (see John 14:6).
Section 1
How can the teachings of Jesus Christ improve my life?
After His Resurrection, Jesus walked with two disciples who were traveling to Emmaus. They did not recognize that He was the resurrected Christ. As they walked, Jesus taught from the scriptures the meaning of His divine mission. (See Luke 24:13–27.)
Read Luke 24:31–32, and look for the impact the Savior’s teaching had on these disciples.
Jesus Christ taught with “authority from God” and not like the scribes and Pharisees (Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 7:37 [in Matthew 7:29, footnote a]). When He taught in His hometown of Nazareth, the people were “astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power” (Luke 4:32). But even though the Lord taught with power, some people found His teachings and doctrine too challenging and chose not to follow Him. On one such occasion the Lord asked His Apostles, “Will ye also go away?” (John 6:67; see also John 6:68–69).
In our day, we also can feel challenged by the teachings and doctrine of Jesus Christ. On occasion we may even feel tempted to “go away.” To remain faithful throughout our lives it will not be enough to simply hear His words.
After teaching a Pharisee named Nicodemus important gospel truths, the Lord said, “He that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God” (John 3:21; emphasis added).
On another occasion, while teaching at the temple, Jesus said, “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself” (John 7:17; emphasis added). Later, as Jesus set an example of service for His disciples by washing their feet, He said, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if you do them” (John 13:17; emphasis added).
Explaining the importance of acting on the teachings of Jesus Christ, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said:
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Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
“Therefore, what?” I think that is what the Savior answered day in and day out as an inseparable element of His teaching and preaching. His sermons and exhortations were to no avail if the actual lives of His disciples did not change.
“Therefore, what?” You and I know that too many people have not made the connection between what they say they believe and how they actually live their lives. (“Teaching, Preaching, Healing,” Ensign, Jan. 2003, 37)
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Study in Preparation for Class
Think about the Savior’s teachings found in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) and in 3 Nephi 11–27. Select one teaching that has been especially important to you and study it again. (Note: If you need some ideas to refresh your memory, see “The Teachings of Jesus Christ,” available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.)
As you study and ponder, record your thoughts about the following questions:
What most impresses you about this particular teaching from the Savior?
In what way has this teaching affected your life?
How has it drawn you closer to Jesus Christ?
Come to class prepared to share the teaching you identified and how it has influenced your life. If you can’t think of a teaching from the Savior that has influenced you, then look for one that may be relevant to your life. Study it and come prepared to share what most impresses you about this teaching.
Section 2
Which teachings of the Lord are most essential to my salvation?
President Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
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President Boyd K. Packer
All truth is worth knowing. Some truths are more useful, but there are truths that are most worth knowing. (“Truths Most Worth Knowing” [Church Educational System devotional for young adults, Nov. 6, 2011], ChurchofJesusChrist.org)
We can look to the Savior for guidance on what may be most worth knowing. After His Resurrection, Jesus Christ appeared to many people, including His Twelve Apostles. He charged the Twelve to preach His gospel to all people. He also assured that those who believed in His gospel and were baptized would be saved. (See Mark 16:15–16.)
When Jesus Christ appeared to the Nephites, He taught them the meaning of His gospel and why it was essential to their salvation.
Read 3 Nephi 27:13–14, 19–21, and consider marking the fundamental elements of the Savior’s gospel. You may also want to watch the video “Gospel Is Good News” (1:33) by President Russell M. Nelson.
Brother Daniel K Judd, former First Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency, said:
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Brother Daniel K Judd
While the gospel of Jesus Christ embraces all truth, not all truths are of equal value. The Savior clearly taught that His gospel, first and foremost, is His atoning sacrifice. His gospel is also an invitation to receive the blessings of the Atonement through faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and enduring faithfully to the end. …
… It is vital that we nourish those we teach and lead by focusing on the fundamental doctrines … instead of spending precious time on subjects and sources of lesser importance. (“Nourished by the Good Word of God,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 93–94)
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, then Second Counselor in the First Presidency, offered the following counsel:
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President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
If you ever think that the gospel isn’t working so well for you, I invite you to step back, look at your life from a higher plane, and simplify your approach to discipleship. Focus on the basic doctrines, principles, and applications of the gospel. I promise that God will guide and bless you on your path to a fulfilling life, and the gospel will definitely work better for you. (“It Works Wonderfully!,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 22)
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Ponder in Preparation for Class
What can happen when we overlook the fundamentals of the gospel and focus on less important teachings? What has most helped you to keep focused on the fundamentals?
