“Matthew 15–17; Mark 7–9,” New Testament Institute Teacher Manual (2025)
The Transfiguration of Christ, by Greg K. Olsen
Matthew 15–17; Mark 7–9
Jesus was facing increasing opposition from many of the scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees. He reproved them for prioritizing man-made traditions over God’s law. He taught what truly defiles us, what it means to take up our cross and follow Him, and how to overcome unbelief. Peter testified that Jesus is the Christ. Jesus promised Peter “the keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 16:19). These keys were given to Peter, James, and John on the Mount of Transfiguration.
Additional Resources
Scripture Helps: New Testament, “Matthew 15–17; Mark 7–9”
The “Introduction to the Course” provides guidance on how to use the four standard lesson elements that follow.
Encouraging Personal Study
Before class, consider sending students one or more of the following messages or some of your own:
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Read Matthew 15:1–20. Consider if you have any customs or traditions that may be keeping you from drawing closer to the Savior.
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Study Matthew 16:18–19, and consider watching the video “Where Are the Keys?” (2:51). Be prepared to share your questions about priesthood keys with the class.
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Do you ever feel like your faith is lacking? Read Mark 9:17–27 to learn how a father’s faith was strengthened.
Questions and Sharing
Provide time for students to ask questions and share insights and truths they discovered in their personal study of Matthew 15–17; Mark 7–9.
Skill Training
Matthew 16:24–26 and Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 16:25–26 (in Matthew 16:24, footnote e) might be helpful places to use the skill “Using Teachings of Church Leaders to Understand the Scriptures” in Scripture Study Skills.
Learning Activity Options
Multiple learning options are provided for you and your students. Prayerfully choose which option or options will be most meaningful for your class.
How are your traditions and customs influencing your spirituality?
You could begin by asking students to identify some common customs and traditions in their local culture and to list them on the board. After creating the list, invite students to think about these traditions and customs during this learning activity.
Point out that in Jesus’s time, the tradition of the elders, or the oral law, was held in high esteem. It was a system of rules, practices, and ceremonies intended to help people live the law of Moses. Invite students to read Mark 7:1–13, looking for what Jesus taught about the tradition of washing hands before eating and the tradition of corban (see “Matthew 15:4–9. How did the Pharisees misuse the practice of corban?” and “Mark 7:1–8. Why did some scribes and Pharisees criticize the Savior’s disciples for not washing their hands?” in Scripture Helps: New Testament).
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How can we apply the Lord’s teachings about the tradition of the elders to customs and traditions in our day? (Students may identify a principle like the following: We should avoid traditions and customs that keep us from drawing closer to the Lord and obeying His commandments.)
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What local traditions or customs can keep us from drawing closer to the Lord and obeying His commandments? (Students could use the principle above to assess the list of customs and traditions on the board.)
You could display and share the following statement by President Dallin H. Oaks:
To help its members all over the world, the Church teaches us to give up any personal or family traditions or practices that are contrary to the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ. … We appeal to our … members to put away traditions and cultural or tribal practices that lead them away from the path of growth and progress. We ask all to climb to the higher ground of the gospel culture, to practices and traditions that are rooted in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. (“The Gospel Culture,” Ensign, Mar. 2012, 42–43)
Give students a few minutes to identify a custom or tradition they may need to remove from their lives so they can more fully follow the Savior. Students could also share some customs or traditions that help them to stay on the covenant path.
Note: Depending on students’ needs, consider discussing ways they can be true to the gospel of Jesus Christ and remain respectful of family or local traditions that do not align with gospel living.
Matthew 16:24–26; Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 16:25–29; Mark 8:34–38
What does the Lord expect of His disciples?
Consider displaying images of the Savior carrying the cross. Invite students to consider the thoughts and feelings they have when they see these images. You could invite a few students to share their thoughts and feelings.
Display and read the following statement by Elder Ulisses Soares:
Jesus purposely and metaphorically used the symbol of a cross to help His disciples better understand what sacrifice and devotion to the Lord’s cause would truly mean. … [We] need to open our minds and our hearts in order to more fully understand the relevance of taking upon ourselves our crosses and following Him. (“Take Up Our Cross,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 113)
Consider displaying the following incomplete statement: We can take up our cross and follow Jesus Christ by …
Invite students to read Matthew 16:24–26 and Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 16:25–29 (Gospel Library), looking for and recording different ways they could complete the statement. Students could write their completed statements on the board. Answers might include the following:
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We can take up our cross and follow Jesus by:
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Denying ourselves of all ungodliness.
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Denying worldly lusts.
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Keeping the commandments.
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Losing our lives in the service of the Savior.
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On their own or with a partner, students could select one of the completed statements and then deepen their understanding of it by using the skill “Using Teachings of Church Leaders to Understand the Scriptures” in Scripture Study Skills. Then invite students to prepare a brief explanation of what the statement means. Also invite them to prepare a scenario or real-life example that shows how the statement could be applied in everyday life.
When students have completed their preparations, they could form small groups and share what they prepared.
Consider displaying the following question and inviting students to record their thoughts:
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What is something you could start, stop, or keep doing to take up your cross and follow the Savior?
Note: If students have questions about why we don’t use the symbol of the cross the same way other Christians do, invite them to read President Jeffrey R. Holland’s talk “Lifted Up upon the Cross” (Liahona, Nov. 2022, 77–80).
Matthew 16:13–19; 17:1–13; Mark 9:2–13
Why can I trust the Lord’s leaders and His Church?
Point out that researchers have found that many young people “distrust institutions—including organized religion” (Anthony D. Perkins, “The Greatest Cause in History,” Ensign, June 2019, 63). You could briefly discuss why many young people might feel this way.
Explain that in Matthew 16:13–19, the Savior provides important teachings that can increase our confidence in His Church and those who lead it. Write Witness of the Savior, This Rock, and Keys of the Kingdom on the board. Invite students to select one of the topics and form small groups with those who want to study the same topic.
Provide students with the corresponding handout to guide them in their study.
After allowing time for study and discussion, invite students to write their principles or insights under the appropriate heading on the board if they haven’t already done so. Then invite students to read the different comments.
After students have read their peers’ comments, you could invite them to share what they have learned and felt from this experience. Invite some students to share how their confidence in the Church is influenced by their knowledge that Jesus Christ gives revelation and priesthood keys to His prophet and Apostles to direct His Church.
What if my faith in Jesus Christ is not as strong as I’d like it to be?
Consider displaying a picture of Jesus Christ. Ask your students to quietly ponder the following questions:
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What are your most strongly held beliefs about the Savior?
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In what ways might your faith in the Savior be lacking?
Invite students to look for ways to strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ when they feel it is lacking.
Improving Our Teaching and Learning
Help learners find personal relevance in the scriptures. As students study the scriptures, encourage them to ponder and listen to what the Spirit is teaching them. They could ask themselves: How can I liken the truths I am learning to my own life? (see 1 Nephi 19:23).
Read Mark 9:17–27 together as a class, looking for how the Savior helped strengthen a man’s faith. You could do one of the following to help students visualize this experience:
Watch “Finding Faith in Christ” (from time code 9:55 to 10:47).
Watch, read, or listen to President Jeffrey R. Holland’s retelling of this account in his talk “Lord, I Believe” (from time code 0:00 to 3:47; Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 93).
Consider which of the following questions can help deepen students’ learning:
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What do you find significant about the father’s tearful plea, “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief”? (Mark 9:24). When have you or someone you know felt like this father?
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How can this experience help us when we feel like our faith is lacking? (Students may identify a truth like the following: As we seek the Lord’s help, He can strengthen our faith.)
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When has the Lord helped you or someone you know overcome unbelief?
As a class or in small groups read and discuss the following statement by President Jeffrey R. Holland.
Observation number one regarding this account is that when facing the challenge of faith, the father asserts his strength first and only then acknowledges his limitation. His initial declaration is affirmative and without hesitation: “Lord, I believe.” I would say to all who wish for more faith, remember this man! In moments of fear or doubt or troubling times, hold the ground you have already won, even if that ground is limited. …
The second observation is a variation of the first. When problems come and questions arise, do not start your quest for faith by saying how much you do not have, leading as it were with your “unbelief.” … I am not asking you to pretend to faith you do not have. I am asking you to be true to the faith you do have. …
Last observation: When doubt or difficulty come, do not be afraid to ask for help. If we want it as humbly and honestly as this father did, we can get it. (“Lord, I Believe,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 93–94)
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What thoughts and feelings do you have as you read this quote?
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How can you use what you have learned to increase your faith?
Invite students to act on any feelings or impressions they have had today that could help them increase their faith in Jesus Christ and His gospel.