Jesus Christ Is My Savior

By Margaret Lifferth

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Do you ever feel peaceful when you pray? Do you feel grateful when you think of your blessings? When you sing a reverent Primary song, do you feel close to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? These spiritual feelings are the beginning of your testimony.

An important part of a testimony is to believe that Jesus Christ plays a central role in Heavenly Father’s plan for us. He was born to Mary. He “increased in wisdom and stature” (Luke 2:52). He was baptized as an example for us. He organized the Church, called twelve Apostles, and taught the gospel. He healed the sick and raised the dead. And He suffered for our sins, died, and was resurrected. Because of Jesus Christ, we will all be resurrected. Because of Him, we can repent and return to live with Him and Heavenly Father again.

Your own testimony of the Savior will be strengthened as you learn about Him and read the testimonies of the prophets. You can read some of these testimonies in the scriptures. President Gordon B. Hinckley shared his testimony with the children: “Jesus is my friend. He is my exemplar. He is my teacher. He is my healer. He is my leader. He is my Savior and my Redeemer. He is my God and my King. Gratefully, and with love, I bear witness of these things” (Friend, Nov. 2002, 3; see “My Testimony,” Liahona, July 2000, 85).

Scripture Match

Many prophets have seen and been taught by Jesus Christ. The scriptures on page F5 tell something of these prophets’ stories. Look up the scripture reference to identify the prophet and read the rest of his story. Then match the prophets to the scripture references.

Detail from Jesus Christ Visits the Americas, by John Scott; The Lord Appearing to Moses, by Wilson Ong; The First Vision, by Dale Kilbourn; painting of Paul by Paul Mann.

“I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description” (see JS—H 1:17).		Brother of Jared
“He fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying … , why persecutest thou me?” (see Acts 9:3–8).		Jacob
“Now I … bid farewell. … Then shall ye know that I have seen Jesus, and that he hath talked with me face to face” (see Ether 12:37–39).		Saul/Paul
“He saw God face to face” (see Moses 1:1–2).		Moroni
“In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord” (see Isa. 6:1).		Nephi
“Thou hast beheld in thy youth his glory” (see 2 Ne. 2:2–4).		Isaiah
“The Lord appeared unto me, and said unto me: … I will make of thee a great nation” (see Abr. 2:6–11).		Joseph Smith
“The veil was taken from off the eyes … , and he saw the finger of the Lord” (see Ether 3:6–16).		Moses
“My brother … has seen him as I have seen him” (see 2 Ne. 11:2–3).		Abraham

Sharing Time Ideas

Ask three or four adult members to come prepared to teach a scriptural story about the example of Jesus and to tell how they have applied His example. Using Gospel Art Picture Kit 240 (Jesus the Christ) and 212 (Sermon on the Mount), teach the children that Jesus set an example for us. Post the pictures. Explain the meaning of the word example. Ask the adult members to tell their stories. Give the children footprint-shaped pieces of paper. Have them draw or write one way they can follow the example of Jesus. Post the footprints in a path leading to the pictures of Christ.
Review the third article of faith. Explain that we remember the Atonement when we take the sacrament. Tell the story of the Last Supper from Matt. 26:17–30. Read or tell the account of Jesus giving the sacrament to the Nephites (see 3 Ne. 18). Teach that when we take the sacrament, we promise to “always remember” Jesus. One way to remember Jesus during the sacrament is to think about the stories we know about Him. Have the children sit in a circle. Place facedown several pictures that depict stories from the life of Jesus. Pass an appropriate object around the circle while the pianist plays softly. When the music stops, have the child with the object choose a picture. The child can either tell the story or choose children to help him or her role-play the story. Repeat as time permits. Show the cover of the Faith in God guidebook. Remind the older children that as they bring the guidebook to church, the picture of Jesus can help them remember Him during the sacrament and the rest of the week.