Lesson 2 Teacher Material: Strengthening Our Testimony of the Living Christ
“Lesson 2 Teacher Material: Strengthening Our Testimony of the Living Christ,” Jesus Christ and His Everlasting Gospel Teacher Material (2023)
“Lesson 2 Teacher Material,” Jesus Christ and His Everlasting Gospel Teacher Material
Lesson 2 Teacher Material
Strengthening Our Testimony of the Living Christ
On January 1, 2000, the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles published their testimony of the divinity of Jesus Christ in a document called “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles” (available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org). In this lesson students will have an opportunity to explain the significance of the sacred title Christ and to share how their faith can be strengthened through a prayerful study of “The Living Christ.”
Suggestions for Teaching
Jesus is the Christ.
Improving Our Teaching and Learning
Focus on conversion, not covering all the material. It is not uncommon to feel anxious about getting through all the material in a lesson. When you feel this way, consider reframing your thinking to focus on what your students are experiencing in their minds and hearts. Do students have the time they need to think about and feel the significance of the truths they are learning? Keep in mind the wise counsel from President Dallin H. Oaks, “We cannot force spiritual things” (“In His Own Time, In His Own Way,” Ensign, Aug. 2013, 24).
Invite students to identify some examples of great moral and spiritual leaders throughout history. (Or you could come up with your own examples.) Briefly discuss how these people have influenced the world for good. You may then want to display a picture of Jesus Christ and ask:
How is Jesus Christ unique among the world’s great moral and spiritual leaders?
Invite students to review Matthew 16:13–17 or watch “Thou Art the Christ” (1:30) and look for phrases Peter used that set Jesus apart from all people who have ever lived on earth.
What was eternally significant about Peter saying to Jesus, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God”? (Matthew 16:16). (It may be helpful to have students review what they learned in section 1 of the preparation material. Students may express truths like the following: Jesus is the Christ, the anointed one or Messiah. He represents the Father and is the only way we can be saved.)
What thoughts do you have about the importance of gaining and strengthening your personal testimony that Jesus is the Christ? (You may want to invite some students to share how they gained their testimony that Jesus is the Christ.)
Improving Our Teaching and Learning
Use study helps.Study Helps, found in the Scriptures section of the Gospel Library, include resources like Guide to the Scriptures, reference guides to the Bible and Book of Mormon, the Bible Dictionary, and the Topical Guide. These resources draw from the standard works to help readers learn about a specific topic. As students study topically, help them see the importance of understanding the context and content of scripture passages to help them discover the intent of the inspired author.
Remind students that in preparation for class they were invited to search “Jesus Christ” in the Topical Guide or Guide to the Scriptures and identify sacred names, titles, and roles given to the Lord. Provide students a few minutes to review what they found. Students could then share what they discovered with the class or in small groups. If you think it might enhance your students’ learning, you could display and invite them to answer one or both of the following questions:
What feelings come to your heart as you think about Jesus Christ as [insert the name, title, or role]?
How does knowing Jesus Christ is [insert the name, title, or role] influence your faith in Him?
You could encourage students to select and study a name, title, or role of Jesus Christ they would like to learn more about.
The Lord’s Apostles are special witnesses that He is the Christ.
Consider inviting students to share how prevalent belief in Jesus Christ is among their peers. You may want to invite them to also share what they have heard recently about the Savior on social media or in popular entertainment.
Read together Doctrine and Covenants 107:23, and consider writing the following statement on the board: Jesus Christ has called Apostles to be special witnesses of Him in all the world. Then ask:
In your view, why might the testimonies of the Lord’s called Apostles be especially important in our day?
How have these special witnesses strengthened your testimony of Jesus Christ? (It might be helpful to invite a few students to share what they learned or felt as they watched one or more of the “Special Witnesses of Christ” videos from section 2 of the preparation material. You could watch one of their favorites together as a class.)
Remind students that on January 1, 2000, the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared their testimony of the Savior in “The Living Christ.” Provide students with a copy of the document, or invite them to open it on their electronic devices. You may want to show the video “Excerpts from ‘The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles’” (2:45) in preparation for your discussion of this historic document.
To help students deepen their appreciation for the document “The Living Christ,” have them take part in the following activity. Invite them to work with a partner, and provide each student one of the handouts below. Ensure students have plenty of time to review and share with each other what they find in “The Living Christ.”
Messages for Our Day in “The Living Christ”
Jesus Christ and His Everlasting Gospel Teacher Material—Lesson 2
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
Jesus Christ and His Everlasting Gospel Teacher Material—Lesson 2
Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said:
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Elder Neil L. Andersen
As the world speaks less of Jesus Christ, let us speak more of Him. As our true colors as His disciples are revealed, many around us will be prepared to listen. (“We Talk of Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 90)
Review “The Living Christ” for messages you feel would be especially important to share in a world that is speaking less of Jesus Christ. Be prepared to share what you find with your study partner.
To end class, invite students to share how their faith in Jesus Christ has been or could be strengthened by studying “The Living Christ.” Give them time to set a goal of what they will do to increase their testimony of Jesus Christ through further study or memorization of this inspired document.
For Next Time
Consider sending your students before the next class the following thought or another one you feel will spark their interest: As you study the preparation material for lesson 3, consider why you chose to follow Jesus Christ in the premortal life.
