Lesson 17 Teacher Material

Finding Hope in Jesus Christ’s Victory over Death

President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught: “The Resurrection from the dead is the reassuring personal pillar of our faith. It adds meaning to our doctrine, motivation to our behavior, and hope for our future” (“What Has Our Savior Done for Us?,” Liahona, May 2021, 75). During this lesson, students will discuss the reality of the Lord’s Resurrection and share how it gives them hope when facing the challenges that come with a mortal body.

Suggestions for Teaching

Many eyewitnesses testify of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

You might begin class by inviting students to write a few sentences about why the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is personally important to them. Then provide time for some to share in small groups or as a class. You might ask one or more of the following questions to assess what students might need to discuss in greater detail during the lesson:

• Why are our bodies so important to our eternal destiny? (See section 2 of the preparation material.)

• What would happen if there were no resurrection? (See 1 Corinthians 15:17–22 and 2 Nephi 9:8–9.)

• Why might it be important to strengthen your understanding and testimony of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ? (You could review the statement by President Ezra Taft Benson in section 2 of the preparation material.)

Consider displaying a picture of the resurrected Christ appearing to Mary at the tomb. Read John 20:14–18 together, and have students imagine what it might have been like for Mary to see the risen Lord. Invite students to share their thoughts, feelings, or impressions.

Remind students that in section 1 of the preparation material they were invited to select an eyewitness account of the resurrected Christ and record their thoughts and feelings about this event. Give students time to review their passage or to select one if needed. Then have them form small groups and invite them to share what they learned from the accounts they studied. You could then ask:

• How might these accounts of the Resurrection influence someone’s faith in Jesus Christ?

You could display the following situation: Consider how you could respond to a friend who said, “I believe that Jesus Christ was a great teacher and religious leader. I accept His ethical teachings, but I do not believe the Resurrection actually happened.”

As part of your discussion, you might ask some of the following questions:

• How might the Apostle Paul have responded to this statement? (You may want to review 1 Corinthians 15:14, 17–22. Students may identify truths similar to the following: The Resurrection is essential to the Lord’s gospel. Because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, everyone will be resurrected.)

• Why is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ central to His gospel? What truths about Jesus Christ and His gospel are confirmed because He was resurrected? (You may want to review Elder D. Todd Christofferson’s statement in section 2 of the preparation material.)

• What thoughts and feelings do you have knowing that because of Jesus Christ all people—including you—will be resurrected? (If you like, you could also share your feelings about this question.)

Paul teaches that we can rejoice because of Jesus Christ’s victory over death.

Improving Our Teaching and Learning

Address personal topics with care and compassion. As you talk about topics that can cause strong emotions, be sensitive to the situations and feelings of your students. Learn about your students’ lives so you can know how to best approach sensitive topics. During class, watch students’ expressions and consider how class discussion may be affecting students.

Share the following story about Alisa, daughter of Elder Paul V. Johnson of the Seventy:

Elder Paul V. Johnson

Nearly one year ago, our daughter Alisa died. She had struggled with cancer for almost eight years, with several surgeries, many different treatments, exciting miracles, and deep disappointments. We watched her physical condition deteriorate as she came to the close of her mortal life. It was excruciating to see that happen to our precious daughter—that bright-eyed little baby who had grown up to be a talented, wonderful woman, wife, and mother. I thought my heart would break. (“And There Shall Be No More Death,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 121)

• Have you or someone you know experienced similar feelings? If so, what were the circumstances?

Invite students to review the statement by Elder Johnson in section 3 of the preparation material and 1 Corinthians 15:52–55. You could suggest that they look for teachings that can bring comfort and hope. You could then ask:

• How can the doctrine of the Resurrection bring comfort and hope to people struggling with debilitating diseases, life-altering injuries, birth abnormalities, or the death of a loved one? (Students may identify a truth similar to the following: We will be resurrected with incorruptible and immortal bodies.)

• When has understanding the reality of the Resurrection helped you or someone you know?

Consider sharing more about Alisa’s experience:

Elder Paul V. Johnson

Alisa researched survival rates for persons with the type of cancer she had, and the numbers were not encouraging. She wrote: “But there is a cure, so I’m not scared. Jesus has already cured my cancer, and yours. … I will be better. I’m glad I know this.”

We can replace the word cancer with any of the other physical, mental, or emotional ailments we may face. Because of the Resurrection, they have already been cured too. (“And There Shall Be No More Death,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 122)

• What can we learn from Alisa’s and Elder Johnson’s experiences?

Consider singing the hymn “He Is Risen!” (Hymns, no. 199) or watching the video “He Lives—Celebrate Easter Because Jesus Christ Lives” (2:26).

Then display the following questions, or some you feel may be more relevant for your students, and invite students to ponder and record their thoughts, feelings, and impressions.

• How has the Savior’s Resurrection brought you peace and hope as you have faced the challenges of mortality, or how could it?

• How can you use what you have learned about the Resurrection to strengthen your testimony or the testimony of someone else?

After sufficient time for writing and reflection, encourage a few students to share what they wrote.

For Next Time

To encourage preparation for the next class, you could send the following message to students: As you study the preparation material for lesson 18, think about the role grace plays in your life.