Peter wrote to disciples of Jesus Christ who were strong in their faith. As he neared the end of his life, Peter wanted to help these Saints remember the great blessings promised to the faithful. He encouraged the Saints to develop the characteristics of Jesus Christ. This lesson is intended to help you take steps to become more like Jesus Christ.
Helping learners understand the Savior’s attributes. As students learn about the Savior, help them go beyond learning about what He said and did and learn who He is. One way to do this is to focus on His attributes.
Student preparation: Invite students to consider which attribute they admire most about Jesus Christ and why.
Possible Learning Activities
Step-by-step achievements
What is a meaningful goal you would like to achieve?
What are you doing to accomplish this goal?
Elder Scott D. Whiting of the Seventy shared a lesson he and his wife learned during an experience they had while climbing Mount Juji in Japan. The lesson they learned might help you work toward your goals.You may want to watch the video “Becoming like Him,” located at ChurchofJesusChrist.org, from time code 2:35 to 3:09, or read the following statement:
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Mt. Fuji, in Japan, rises up majestically in the background on a late autumn evening. The last glimpses of sunlight can be seen on the west facade of the snow capped slopes. Lake Kawaguchi is in the foreground with the town of Fujikawaguchiko nestled in between the lake and mountain. Light snow has blanked the town and the nearby trees.
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Official Portrait of Elder Scott D Whiting. Photographed in March 2017.
A few years ago, my wife and I stood at the trailhead of Japan’s highest mountain, Mount Fuji. As we began our ascent we looked up to the far-distant summit and wondered if we could get there.
As we progressed, fatigue, sore muscles, and the effects of altitude set in. Mentally, it became important for us to focus on just the next step. We would say, “I may not soon make it to the top, but I can do this next step right now.” Over time the daunting task ultimately became achievable—step by step.
(Scott D. Whiting, “Becoming like Him,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 12)
This example can apply to achieving many different goals. What can it help us understand about the goal of becoming like Jesus Christ?
Take a moment to ponder what you have done and are doing to become like Jesus Christ.
What is difficult about trying to be more like Jesus Christ?
What has helped you make progress in becoming more like Jesus Christ?
Remember that it is important to view your progression in becoming more like Jesus Christ as a gradual, step-by-step process. As you study this lesson, look for what you might do with the Savior’s help to take the next step.
Divine nature
In a letter to members of the Church who already had faith in Jesus Christ, the Apostle Peter expressed his desire for them to receive the blessings of knowing Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and Their divine nature.
Read 2 Peter 1:2–4, looking for blessings that can come to us through this knowledge.
What do you think it means to “be partakers of the divine nature”? (2 Peter 1:4).
Each of us has a divine nature because we are each “a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Jesus Christ can help us develop and refine Christlike attributes as we strive to follow His perfect example and rely on Him to help us change.
Consider drawing a simple outline of a mountain on the board.
In your study journal, draw a simple outline of Mount Fuji or another mountain of your choice. On your mountain, write a few of Jesus Christ’s attributes.
Consider inviting a few students to list Christlike attributes on the drawing of a mountain on the board. Students could be invited to reflect on their preparation for class as they identify the Savior’s attributes.
Which of Jesus Christ’s attributes do you most admire? Why?
Read 2 Peter 1:5–7, looking for Christlike attributes listed by Peter. Add these attributes to the ones you wrote on your mountain in your journal.
Take a moment to think about what Peter might have meant by the phrase “giving all diligence” (verse 5).
How might you illustrate this in your diagram?
Consider illustrating the importance of diligence on the diagram on the board by drawing an arrow going up the mountain, connected to the word diligence (see the completed diagram later in the lesson for an example of how this could be done).
Read 2 Peter 1:8–11, looking for what Peter told the Saints would happen if they developed these attributes.
What is a truth that you learn from these verses?
Students may mention different truths, including the following: As I develop divine attributes, I can come to know Jesus Christ and receive the promise of eternal life.
Think about what you might add to your diagram because of what you are learning. You may want to add a title above your mountain that sums up an important truth you are learning about coming to know Jesus Christ.
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Divine Attributes Mountain Diagram
What can we do to develop Christlike attributes?
How do you think developing divine attributes helps us know Jesus Christ and become more like Him?
Developing Christlike attributes
The journey of developing Christlike attributes can begin with the simple first step of choosing one and learning more about it. Begin this journey today by choosing one of the attributes listed in 2 Peter 1:5–7 and written on your mountain diagram.
One way you could learn more about the attribute you chose is by using the Guide to the Scriptures, the Topical Guide, or the search function in Gospel Library to find scriptures or statements related to that attribute.
Take notes in your study journal, and consider marking important phrases in the scriptures you read.
Give students sufficient time to complete the activity. Help them have access to the resources they would like to use digitally, or provide copies of the material.
For additional ideas on how to help students study and develop Christlike attributes, see the “Commentary and Background Information” section of the lesson.
Consider using some or all of the following questions to give students an opportunity to share what they are learning.
Which attribute did you choose to focus on?
What did you learn about Jesus Christ and this attribute from your studies?
How might your life be improved by developing this Christlike attribute?
What efforts are you willing to make to become more like the Savior by developing this attribute?
Consider bearing testimony of the Savior’s desire and ability to help us become like Him. Students could be given opportunities in future lessons to report on the progress they are making in developing the Christlike attributes they have chosen to work on.
Commentary and Background Information
What will it take for me to develop Christlike attributes?
Elder Scott D. Whiting of the Seventy explained:
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Official Portrait of Elder Scott D Whiting. Photographed in March 2017.
In order to see real progress, you will need to put in sustained effort. Much like climbing a mountain requires preparation before and endurance and perseverance during ascent, so too will this journey require real effort and sacrifice. True Christianity, in which we strive to become like our Master, has always required our best efforts. …
I know that becoming like Him through His divine help and strength is achievable step by step. If not so, He would not have given us this commandment [see 1 Nephi 3:7].
(Scott D. Whiting, “Becoming like Him,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 14)
What happens as I try to obtain Christlike characteristics?
Elder Robert D. Hales (1932–2017) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained:
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Official portrait of Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, 2003
The attributes of the Savior, as we perceive them, are not a script to be followed or list to be checked off. They are interwoven characteristics, added one to another, which develop in us in interactive ways. In other words, we cannot obtain one Christlike characteristic without also obtaining and influencing others. As one characteristic becomes strong, so do many more.
To help students ponder the attributes of Jesus Christ, watch the video “Christlike Attributes” (2:53), available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org. While they watch, invite students to think of which of the Savior’s attributes they admire most. After the video, some students could be invited to share their responses.
Using an eight-step pattern
The following pattern can help students come to know Christ and develop His attributes. Students could be invited to read through it and think about how each of the steps might help them become more like Jesus Christ.
Think of a Christlike attribute you want to develop.
Write down a description of this attribute.
Find some scripture passages that teach about this attribute, and study them thoroughly.
As you study, write down any questions that you want to receive answers to.
Write down your feelings and impressions.
Set goals that will help you apply this attribute in your life.
Pray for the Lord’s help.
Evaluate your progress regularly.
Consider displaying this pattern or providing a handout for students to keep.
Weaving Christlike attributes into our character
If students could benefit from an object lesson that teaches about Christlike characteristics, consider using the section “Through the power of Jesus Christ, I can develop my divine nature” in the Come, Follow Me outline “November 20–26. 1 and 2 Peter: ‘Rejoice with Joy Unspeakable and Full of Glory’” (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023). A woven tapestry or carpet (or the picture provided in the outline) could be used to illustrate that Christlike characteristics can be spiritually woven together in our very nature.
Consider giving students an opportunity to study portions of the talk “Becoming a Disciple of Our Lord Jesus Christ” by Elder Robert D. Hales (1932–2017) (Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 46–48).
