Jeremiah 1–3; 7; 16–18; 20: Lesson 131
Jeremiah 2–3
“Return … for I Am Merciful, Saith the Lord”
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As they are today, worldly influences in Jeremiah’s time were strong. Many of the Lord’s people had fallen away from His teachings and would soon be conquered by their enemies. Despite their wickedness, Jeremiah was sent to teach that God still invited them to turn to Him and be healed. This lesson can help you increase your desire to turn to the Savior for mercy and healing.
Study the Scriptures
A cistern is an area belowground created to store water. The Basilica Cistern, also known as Yerebatan Sarayı (or “Sunken Palace”) in Turkish, is the largest covered cistern in the world and is located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is 140 meters (459 feet) long and 70 meters (229 feet) wide, with a water storage capacity of 80,000 tons. (See https://yerebatan.com/en/basilica-cistern/about-us/.)
What problems might arise if a cistern like this developed cracks? What would be the consequences of a broken cistern?
In Jeremiah 2:13, we learn that the people were forsaking Jesus Christ as the “fountain of living waters.” They were turning to things that could not provide any strength or healing (“broken cisterns”).
Reflect for a moment about how deliberate you are in turning to Jesus Christ for purpose and strength in your life. As you study today, be open to impressions or feelings from the Holy Ghost about turning to the Savior rather than other sources for blessings and healing.
In your seminary class, a young man named Adan feels his life is like a broken cistern because of poor choices he has made in the past. He feels distant from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He is not hopeful for things to get any better.
Read Jeremiah 3:12, 22. As you do, mark phrases that could complete the truth “For those who repent and turn to the Lord, He will (or He will be) …” For example, you might underline “merciful” in verse 12.
Defining words. Knowing the meaning of difficult words can help you understand the scriptures better. For example, it might be helpful to know that “backsliding” in these verses means “faithless or wayward.”
Review the following study options. Complete one or more.
Option A
How can I become more confident in the knowledge that the Lord desires to bless and heal me?
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught the following about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ’s desire to heal those who repent:
Who among us has not departed from the path of holiness, foolishly thinking we could find more happiness going our own self-centered way?
Who among us has not felt humbled, brokenhearted, and desperate for forgiveness and mercy?
Perhaps some may even have wondered, “Is it even possible to go back? Will I be labeled forever, rejected, and avoided by my former friends? Is it better to just stay lost? How will God react if I try to return?” …
… I bear witness that the moment you decide to return and walk in the way of our Savior and Redeemer, His power will enter your life and transform it. (“The Prodigal and the Road That Leads Home,” Liahona, Nov. 2023, 88)
If it is available, watch “The Miracle of the Atonement” by Elder C. Scott Grow of the Seventy from time code 0:20 to 2:12.
In your notebook, prepare something you would share with Adan if he were in your seminary class. Consider including the following:
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Insights you gained from the statement or video
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Something from Jeremiah 3, another scripture, or a scripture story that shows the blessings of repentance. You might look up repentance in the Topical Guide or Guide to the Scriptures.
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Your feelings about the Savior’s love and desire to help all who turn to Him
Option B
What blessings can come from turning toward Jesus Christ?
Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
By focusing our attention on Jesus Christ, all else around us—while still present—is viewed through our love for Him. Less important distractions fade, and we remove those things that are not in keeping with His light and character. As you continue to attentively catch hold of this thought of Jesus Christ, trust in Him, and keep His commandments, I promise you not only heavenly guidance but heavenly power—power that brings strength to your covenants, peace to your difficulties, and joy to your blessings. (“My Mind Caught Hold upon This Thought of Jesus Christ,” Liahona, May 2023, 93)
Each of the following scriptures teaches about turning to the Lord. Tag each as “repentance” or “turning to Christ”:
Share what you found with a friend. Explain how it would help a person turn or return to the Lord. Include any blessings you discovered or have experienced.
Share Your Thoughts
Lesson Purpose: To help you increase your desire to turn to the Savior for mercy and healing.
Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:
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How you would help Adan.
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What you shared with your friend about turning or returning to the Lord.
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Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.
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Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?