Have you ever wondered if anyone else really understands what you are going through in life? The book of Hebrews teaches that Jesus Christ descended from His heavenly throne to live as a mortal man on earth and perform an infinite Atonement for us. Because of this, He knows us perfectly and knows perfectly how to help us. This lesson can increase your confidence that Jesus Christ can help you in times of need.
Using music to invite the Spirit. Music, especially the hymns of the Church, can play a significant role in helping students feel the influence of the Holy Ghost in their gospel learning experience. Singing one or more verses of a hymn that directly relates to the lesson can help students prepare to study gospel principles or review principles they have learned.
Student preparation: Invite students to review the doctrinal mastery passage Alma 7:11–13 and to come to class prepared to share why they feel this is a valuable passage to understand.
Possible Learning Activities
The Savior understands
Consider singing a hymn that talks about the Savior’s ability to give us comfort and peace to begin class. Students could be asked to listen for insights about Jesus Christ as they sing together.
You could also watch the video “Where Can I Turn for Peace?” (4:03) at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
How would you explain the message of this hymn in your own words?
In your study journal, write about something you really need help with in your life.
In his epistle to the Hebrews, Paul taught the Saints about Jesus Christ and how He could give them strength in the circumstances they faced (see Hebrews 4:16). As you study, look for how Jesus Christ can help you.
Consider creating the suggested columns below on the board. As students search the scriptures for answers, invite them to write their discoveries in the appropriate columns.
In your study journal, create a chart similar to the following:
Why is Jesus Christ able to understand me?
What blessings can Jesus Christ give me because He understands me?
Read Hebrews 2:9–10, 13–18, and 4:12–16, looking for answers to the questions in the chart. Write the answers under the appropriate headings. Note that Hebrews 2:9 and 16 are referring to Jesus Christ leaving His heavenly throne to live as a mortal man on earth.
What did you learn about Jesus Christ that you feel could help you or others?
Carefully listen and observe as students share with the class. Seek guidance from the Holy Ghost to discern students’ needs. Ask the following questions or other questions, as needed, to discuss phrases from the scriptures in greater detail.
Why might it be comforting to know that Jesus Christ can discern “the thoughts and intents of the heart”? (Hebrews 4:12).
What do you understand from the phrase “he is able to succour them that are tempted”? (Hebrews 2:18). Note that the word translated as “tempted” could also be translated as “tried” or “subject to trial.” The word succor means to run to the aid of someone.
One truth you may have discovered is that because Jesus Christ suffered and was tempted in all things, He understands us and can help us in times of need. The prophet Alma in the Book of Mormon also taught this truth. Consider cross-referencing the doctrinal mastery passage Alma 7:11–13 with Hebrews 2:18.
Invite students to share their insights from the student preparation.
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained how to gain a better understanding of the Savior’s ability to understand and help you. You may want to watch the video “Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease” (16:23), available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org, from time code 12:15 to 13:21 or read the following statement.
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Elder David A. Bednar, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles official portrait. 2020.
There is no physical pain, no spiritual wound, no anguish of soul or heartache, no infirmity or weakness you or I ever confront in mortality that the Savior did not experience first. In a moment of weakness we may cry out, “No one knows what it is like. No one understands.” But the Son of God perfectly knows and understands, for He has felt and borne our individual burdens. And because of His infinite and eternal sacrifice (see Alma 34:14), He has perfect empathy and can extend to us His arm of mercy. He can reach out, touch, succor, heal, and strengthen us to be more than we could ever be and help us to do that which we could never do relying only upon our own power.
How does Alma 7:11–13 or the statement by Elder Bednar help you better understand the Savior’s ability to help you?
Think of an example—from your life, the lives of others, or the scriptures—that illustrates the Savior’s perfect understanding of our experiences and our needs. If you need help thinking of an example, consider studying John 11:21–27, 32–36; Mosiah 24:11–15; or Doctrine and Covenants 122:5–9.
How can this example help you rely on Jesus Christ?
Invite students to share examples they identified. If students are hesitant to share, consider sharing a personal experience or discussing one of the suggested scripture passages.
Coming boldly to the throne of grace
Read Hebrews 4:16, looking for what Paul invites us to do to receive the help we need. Consider marking what you find.
For some examples of how we can approach the throne of grace, watch the video “Reach Up to Him in Faith” (3:54), available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
What do you think it means to “come boldly unto the throne of grace”?
It may be helpful to point out that when we come before God, it should be done in humble reverence, worshipful adoration, and penitent pleading. We can have confidence not because of our own goodness or abilities but because of the merits of Jesus Christ, which make it possible for us to come before God (see 2 Nephi 2:8).
What should we be confident about when approaching God?
What might it look and feel like to “come boldly unto the throne of grace”?
Consider sharing a personal testimony of Jesus Christ and His Atonement. Invite students to come boldly unto the throne of grace to find strength and help in their times of need.
Commentary and Background Information
What is the condescension of Jesus Christ?
Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
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Official portrait of Elder Quentin L. Cook. Called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on 6 October 2007.
The Savior’s example of humility and sacrifice for all mankind is the most profound event in history. The Savior, even as a member of the Godhead, was willing to come to earth as a lowly infant and begin an existence that included teaching and healing His brothers and sisters and ultimately suffering indescribable pain in Gethsemane and on the cross in order to perfect His Atonement. This act of love and humility on the part of Christ is known as His condescension. He did this for every man and woman God has created or will create.
Hebrews 4:15. Was Jesus really “tempted like as we are”?
President Howard W. Hunter (1907–95) taught the following:
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Howard W. Hunter
It is important to remember that Jesus was capable of sinning, that he could have succumbed, that the plan of life and salvation could have been foiled, but that he remained true. Had there been no possibility of his yielding to the enticement of Satan, there would have been no real test, no genuine victory in the result. If he had been stripped of the faculty to sin, he would have been stripped of his very agency. It was he who had come to safeguard and ensure the agency of man. He had to retain the capacity and ability to sin had he willed so to do. As Paul wrote, “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered” (Hebrews 5:8); and he “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). He was perfect and sinless, not because he had to be, but rather because he clearly and determinedly wanted to be.
Hebrews 4:16. What is the significance of “the throne of grace”?
“In many ancient cultures, to approach a king’s throne uninvited was to risk one’s life, but at the king’s invitation, one could approach and speak with assurance. To approach God ‘boldly’ means having confidence that God wants us to approach His throne and that we will receive His help” (New Testament Student Manual [2018], 477).
In reference to the mercy God offers us, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
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Official Portrait of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. Photographed January 2018.
Surely the thing God enjoys most about being God is the thrill of being merciful, especially to those who don’t expect it and often feel they don’t deserve it.
My trials can help me to understand and help others
After discussing the Savior’s ability to understand us, share the following statement by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917–2008) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
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Last official portrait of Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, 2004. Died December 1, 2008.
Because Jesus Christ suffered greatly, He understands our suffering. He understands our grief. We experience hard things so that we too may have increased compassion and understanding for others.
To help students reflect on this statement, ask questions such as “When have you been comforted by somebody who has had an experience similar to yours?” “How have you gained a better understanding of others because of trials you experienced?”
“The Savior Understands Me”
In place of the statement by Elder David A. Bednar, consider showing the video “The Savior Understands Me” (3:37), featuring Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This video is available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.