“Finding Patterns in the Scriptures,” Scripture Study Skills Teacher Manual (2024)
Finding Patterns in the Scriptures
Define
Share the following statement by Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
A pattern is a plan, model, or standard that can be used as a guide for repetitively doing or making something. (David A. Bednar, “A Reservoir of Living Water” [Church Educational System fireside for young adults, Feb. 4, 2007], 4, broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org; see also Guide to the Scriptures, “Pattern,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org)
Point out that we often discover patterns in scripture by paying attention to repeated words, phrases, or ideas. By identifying and applying patterns, we can better understand how the Lord works and how to follow Him.
Note: It may be helpful to discuss this skill together with the skill “Finding Connections in the Scriptures.”
Model
Display the following passages, and point out the italicized words to demonstrate a pattern in how the Lord answered a group of missionaries’ questions about the details of their journey. You might also share the insight below from Elder Bednar to help students understand how patterns can aid us in identifying important truths in scripture.
(Note: The pattern modeled here represents just one way the Lord has answered questions about the details of moving His work forward. At other times, He has given very clear and specific direction [see Doctrine and Covenants 95:13–16; 136:10–18]).
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“But, verily, I will speak unto you concerning your journey unto the land from whence you came. Let there be a craft made, or bought, as seemeth you good, it mattereth not unto me, and take your journey speedily for the place which is called St. Louis.”
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“And it mattereth not unto me, after a little, if it so be that they fill their mission, whether they go by water or by land; let this be as it is made known unto them according to their judgments hereafter.”
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“And then you may return to bear record, yea, even altogether, or two by two, as seemeth you good, it mattereth not unto me; only be faithful, and declare glad tidings unto the inhabitants of the earth, or among the congregations of the wicked.”
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“And let all the moneys which can be spared, it mattereth not unto me whether it be little or much, be sent up unto the land of Zion, unto them whom I have appointed to receive.”
Elder Bednar shared the following insight about this pattern in Doctrine and Covenants 60–63:
The Lord’s statement that such things “mattereth not unto me” initially may seem surprising. Clearly, the Savior was not saying to these missionaries that He did not care about what they were doing. Rather, He was emphasizing the importance of putting first things first and focusing upon the right things. … They were to exercise faith, use good judgment, [and] act in accordance with the direction of the Spirit. … The essential thing was the work they had been called to perform; how they got there was important but was not essential. (David A. Bednar, “A Reservoir of Living Water” [Church Educational System fireside for young adults, Feb. 4, 2007], 4, broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org)
Practice
Invite students to study a passage from this week’s scripture reading, looking for patterns. Or you could choose from the following passages. Students could record an insight they gain by thinking about a pattern they discover in the scriptures. You might invite a few students to share with the class a pattern they found and an insight they gained.
Additional passages for practice:
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2 Kings 2:1–6 (The repeated phrase “I will not leave” provides a pattern for following the Lord’s prophets.)
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Matthew 4:4, 7, 10 (The Savior’s repeated reference to scripture with the phrase “It is written” provides a pattern for resisting temptation by relying on the scriptures.)
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Alma 32:27–43 (Alma provides a pattern for nourishing faith.)
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Doctrine and Covenants 50:13–29 (The Lord provides a pattern for avoiding deception.)
Invite and Follow Up
Encourage students to look for patterns in the scriptures during their personal study. Ask them to come to class next time prepared to share patterns they found in scripture. Remember to follow up and allow time when you meet again for students to share what they discovered. You may want to discuss with them how using this skill enhanced their scripture study. Look for opportunities during class to review and continue practicing this skill.