Finding Connections in the Scriptures

Define

Share the following explanation by Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

A connection is a relationship or link between ideas, people, things, or events, and the scriptures are full of connections. (David A. Bednar, “A Reservoir of Living Water” [Church Educational System fireside for young adults, Feb. 4, 2007], 3, broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

Point out that when we identify connections, we can gain added insight by noticing similarities and differences between the ideas, people, things, or events. (Note: It may be helpful to relate this training to “Finding Patterns in the Scriptures.”)

Model

Use the following example or one of your own to model this skill:

Display the following passage, and point out the connection between having clean hands and a pure heart. (Note: Italics have been added to the text below to highlight the connection.)

Psalm 24:3–4

“Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?

“He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.”

You could share the following statement by Elder Bednar to help students understand connections between having clean hands and a pure heart:

It is possible for us to have clean hands but not have a pure heart. Please notice that both clean hands and a pure heart are required to ascend into the hill of the Lord and to stand in His holy place.

Let me suggest that hands are made clean through the process of putting off the natural man and by overcoming sin and the evil influences in our lives through the Savior’s Atonement. Hearts are purified as we receive His strengthening power to do good and become better. (David A. Bednar, “Clean Hands and a Pure Heart,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 82)

Practice

Invite students to look for a connection as they study a passage from this week’s scripture reading. Or you could choose one of the following passages below to have them study. Students could then record an insight they gain by thinking about a connection they find in the scripture passage. Invite students to share in pairs, in small groups, or with the class connections they found and insights they gained.

Additional passages for practice:

• Moses 5:4–9; John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:19 (Jesus Christ and a lamb)

• John 5:19; 14:6 (The Father and the Son)

• Alma 42:9–10, 14–15 (The Fall and the Atonement of Jesus Christ; justice and mercy)

• Moroni 7:40–44 (Faith, hope, and charity)

• Doctrine and Covenants 130:18–21 (Intelligence and obedience)

Invite and Follow Up

Encourage students to look for connections in the scriptures during their personal study. Ask them to come to class next time prepared to share any connections they find. Remember to follow up and allow time when you meet again for students to share what they discovered. You may want to discuss with students how using this skill enhanced their scripture study.