Focusing on Jesus Christ in the Scriptures

Define

Consider sharing the following statement by Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

The central purpose of all scripture is to fill our souls with faith in God the Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ. (D. Todd Christofferson, “The Blessing of Scripture,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 34)

Point out that the more we focus on Jesus Christ in the scriptures, the more we can learn of Him. As we learn of Him, our faith in Him grows. As we study the scriptures, we can focus on His names, titles, and attributes. We can also find types and symbols of the Savior in the people, ordinances, objects, and events we study. The scriptures teach that “all things which have been given of God … are the typifying of [Him]” (2 Nephi 11:4) and “bear record of [Him]” (Moses 6:63).

Consider giving each student a copy of the handout that follows. Point out that asking the questions on the handout as we study the scriptures can help us come to know Jesus Christ better. You might read the questions together as a class.

Focusing on Jesus Christ in the Scriptures

Names and Titles: What does this name or title mean? (Search scripture study tools like footnotes, the Bible Dictionary, or other resources on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.) What does this name or title teach me about my need for a relationship with Jesus Christ?

Symbols: What does this person, ordinance, object, or event teach me about Jesus Christ, His life, and His mission?

Character and Attributes: What can I learn about the character and attributes of Jesus Christ from this passage? How can this passage help me more fully trust in the Savior and His promises?

Model

Use the following examples or some of your own to model this skill.

What to look for	Scripture example	What can I learn about Jesus Christ and my relationship with Him?
What to look for Names and titles	Scripture example Creator (2 Nephi 2:14; Isaiah 40:28; John 1:3)	What can I learn about Jesus Christ and my relationship with Him? As the Creator, Jesus Christ can help me create something beautiful and purposeful with my life.
What to look for Symbols	Scripture example Serpent on the pole (Numbers 21:6–9; John 3:14–15; Helaman 8:14–15)	What can I learn about Jesus Christ and my relationship with Him? Just as the Israelites who looked upon the brass serpent were healed from snakebites, those who look to Jesus Christ will be healed from sin.
What to look for Character and attributes	Scripture example “Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever” (Moses 4:2; see also Luke 22:41–44; 3 Nephi 11:11).	What can I learn about Jesus Christ and my relationship with Him? Jesus Christ is humble and submissive to Heavenly Father’s will. He always selflessly directs the glory and honor to the Father.

Practice

Invite students to study a passage from this week’s scripture reading that contains a name, title, or symbol of the Savior or that reveals aspects of His character or attributes. Invite them to ponder the questions on their handout as they study. After sufficient time, invite students to share what they found and what they learned about Jesus Christ and their relationship with Him.

Additional passages to study and ponder:

• Names and Titles: Isaiah 9:6; John 10:11; Mosiah 3:8; Doctrine and Covenants 45:3–5; Moses 7:53

• Symbols: John 6:32–38, 51–58; 1 Nephi 8:10–12; 11:21–22; Doctrine and Covenants 29:1–2; Moses 5:5–8

• Character and Attributes: Genesis 39:20–23; John 13:1, 4–5; Mosiah 24:13–15; Doctrine and Covenants 18:10–13

Invite and Follow Up

Encourage students to use this skill of focusing on Jesus Christ in the scriptures as they do their personal study throughout the semester. Invite them to come to the next class prepared to share what they learned about Jesus Christ and their relationship with Him from their personal scripture study. Remember to follow up, and allow time in your next class for students to share what they discovered. You could also ask how practicing this skill influenced their scripture study.