Likening the Scriptures

Define

You might read 1 Nephi 19:23 together and identify how Nephi “did liken all scriptures” to his people for their “profit and learning.” Explain that to liken the scriptures is to compare them to our own life or circumstances. Likening the scriptures can make them more personally relatable, allowing the words to speak directly to us. You could display the following ways to liken the scriptures:

• Compare scripture characters and events to your own life experiences. You might ask yourself questions like these: What situations in my life are like the situation described in this scripture passage? Is there something in these verses that can help me with my questions, needs, challenges, or concerns?

• Insert your own name in place of someone named in the scriptures or before a verse of counsel or commandment. You might ask yourself: How does inserting my name help to personalize the message the Lord is teaching me in this verse?

Model

You could use one of the following examples or one of your own to model this skill.

• Read or summarize the account in Exodus 16:4–5, 19–22 of Israel gathering manna in the wilderness. Consider showing the video “Daily Bread: Pattern” (2:51) and inviting students to listen for ways Elder D. Todd Christofferson likened this scripture account to our lives.

  If you choose not to show the video, explain that as we turn to the Lord daily, like the Israelites did, He will bless us with spiritual nourishment each day.

• Nephi also provided a helpful model for likening the scriptures. You could give some context for 1 Nephi 4:1–3 and then read it with students. Invite students to look for how Nephi compared an account from the scriptures to the circumstances he and his brothers were in. Point out that Nephi used this comparison to help his brothers have faith in the Lord’s power of deliverance.

Practice

Select a passage from this week’s scripture reading, or choose from the passages listed below. Invite students to study the passage and practice likening the scriptures to themselves. Students might share in pairs or small groups what they discovered by likening the characters, events, and teachings to their own lives.

Additional passages for practice:

• Daniel 3:12–18. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego refuse to worship a golden image.

• Matthew 14:25–32. Jesus saves Peter when he starts sinking into the water.

• Enos 1:2–8. Enos feels the weight of his sins and seeks forgiveness.

• Doctrine and Covenants 25:10, 13, 15. The Lord declares His will for Emma Smith.

• Joseph Smith—History 1:10–11, 13–14. Joseph Smith searches for truth.

Invite and Follow Up

Encourage students to practice likening the scriptures to their lives. Remember to follow up and allow time for them to share what they are discovering in their personal study by using this skill. You could also invite students to share how likening the scriptures helps them better understand the scriptures. Look for opportunities to continue practicing this skill in class.