body of the crucified Christ being wrapped in white burial cloth
When Jesus died, “the earth did quake, and the rocks rent” (Matthew 27:51), but something even more significant happened in the temple: the veil into the Holy of Holies was torn into two pieces. After the Savior’s death, His disciples went to great effort to obtain His body and carefully prepare it for burial. This lesson is intended to help you understand and reflect on what Jesus Christ has done for you and what you can do to show honor and appreciation for Him.
Honoring those who have passed away
People of different cultures have different ways to remember and honor someone who has died. Think of someone you love who has passed away, or ponder what it would be like if someone close to you passed away.
What do you (or would you) always want to remember about your loved one?
What do you do to honor or show love for those who have passed away?
The scripture passages in this lesson describe the Savior’s death on the cross and the events that occurred immediately afterward. Take a moment to ponder the following questions:
How would you have felt if you had witnessed Jesus’s death?
How do you feel about His death now?
How might you want to remember and honor Him?
As you study today, seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost to help you know how you can remember, honor, and show love for the Savior.
Symbolism of the temple veil
At the time of Jesus’s death there was an earthquake and other physical manifestations, including damage to the temple. Read Matthew 27:50–51 and consider marking the detail about the temple that Matthew recorded.
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Simple drawing of plan view of temple with the veil
The ancient temple had two rooms separated by a veil, or curtain. Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest passed from the Holy Place through the veil of the temple and entered the Holy of Holies. This room represented God’s presence. In this room, the high priest sprinkled the blood of a sin offering on the altar to atone for the sins of Israel (see Leviticus 16).
What might the tearing of the veil into the Holy of Holies symbolize?
Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained the symbolic significance of this event:
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Elder Bruce R. McConkie
The Holy of Holies is now open to all, and all, through the atoning blood of the Lamb, can now enter into the highest and holiest of all places, that kingdom where eternal life is found. … [All people] become eligible to pass through the veil into the presence of the Lord to inherit full exaltation.
(Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [1965–73], 1:830)
One truth we can learn from what occurred in Matthew 27:51 is that Jesus Christ has made it possible for us all to return to Heavenly Father’s presence and become like Him. The Apostle Paul also taught that the tearing of the veil illustrated this truth (see Hebrews 10:19–20).
Ponder the price your Savior paid in order to part the veil and make it possible for you to return to His Father’s kingdom.
1. Record the following in your study journal:
Write down a few ways the Savior has helped you personally to grow and improve and become more like your Heavenly Father so that you can eventually return to His presence.
Jesus’s disciples honor Him
When Jesus died, His disciples sought to remember and honor Him. Read about how some of the disciples showed their love for Jesus.
Matthew 27:57–60: Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy disciple and a member of the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish governing council
John 19:39–40: Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin
The following information may help you better understand these disciples’ actions.
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Garden tomb, Jerusalem, Israel
Joseph of Arimathea, though not an open follower of Christ, showed compassion and bravery by asking for the body of Jesus. The tomb, or sepulchre, that Joseph provided for the Savior’s body was excavated out of stone, likely at great expense.
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myrrh
Myrrh is a fragrant dried sap used to prepare the body of the deceased. The amount of myrrh and aloes brought by Nicodemus to anoint the Savior’s body was similar to that used in royal burials.
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Christ’s body is laid in a tomb
The women had prepared spices and ointments to finish preparation of the body of Jesus because his burial had been done in haste.
What do these people’s actions demonstrate about their feelings for the Savior?
Showing your love for your Savior
Although the Savior is not physically present with us, we can still find ways to show our love to Him.
2. Complete the following in your study journal:
Write or draw one or more things you feel you should do to honor and show love for the Savior. As it did for Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, and Mary Magdalene and the other women, this may require sacrifice.
Optional: Want to Learn More?
What has the Savior done for me?
President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency summarized some of what the Savior has done for each of us:
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President Dallin H. Oaks
Under the plan of our Heavenly Father, He “created the heavens and the earth” ( Doctrine and Covenants 14:9) so that each of us could have the mortal experience necessary to seek our divine destiny. As part of the Father’s plan, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ overcame death to assure each of us immortality. Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice gives each of us the opportunity to repent of our sins and return clean to our heavenly home. His commandments and covenants show us the way, and His priesthood gives the authority to perform the ordinances that are essential to reach that destiny. And our Savior willingly experienced all mortal pains and infirmities that He would know how to strengthen us in our afflictions.
What are some ways I can show my love to the Savior?
Sister Becky Craven of the Young Women General Presidency stated:
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Sister Rebecca L. Craven
If we love Him as we claim, can’t we show that love by being a little more careful in living His commandments?
Being careful in living the gospel does not necessarily mean being formal or stuffy. What it does mean is being appropriate in our thoughts and behavior as disciples of Jesus Christ. As we ponder the difference between careful and casual in our gospel living, here are some thoughts to consider:
Are we careful in our Sabbath-day worship and in our preparation to partake of the sacrament each week?
Could we be more careful in our prayers and scripture study or be more actively engaged in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families?
Are we careful in our temple worship, and do we carefully and deliberately live the covenants we made both at baptism and in the temple? Are we careful in our appearance and modest in our dress, especially in sacred places and circumstances? Are we careful in how we wear the sacred temple garments? Or do the fashions of the world dictate a more casual attitude?
Are we careful in how we minister to others and in how we fulfill our callings in the Church, or are we indifferent or casual in our call to serve?
Are we careful or casual in what we read and what we watch on TV and our mobile devices? Are we careful in our language? Or do we casually embrace the crude and vulgar?
The For the Strength of Youth pamphlet contains standards that, when followed carefully, will bring rich blessings and help us stay on the covenant path.