The Divine Mission of Jesus Christ: Exemplar

Prayerfully study this material and seek to know what to share. How will understanding the life and mission of the Savior increase your faith in Him and bless those you watch over through visiting teaching? For more information, go to reliefsociety.lds.org.

Faith, Family, Relief

As we understand that Jesus Christ is our example in all things, we can increase our desire to follow Him. The scriptures are full of encouragement for us to follow in Christ’s footsteps. To the Nephites, Christ said, “For the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do” (3 Nephi 27:21). To Thomas, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

Today our leaders remind us to set the Savior as our example. Linda K. Burton, Relief Society general president, said, “When each of us has the doctrine of the Atonement written deep in our hearts, then we will begin to become the kind of people the Lord wants us to be.”¹

President Thomas S. Monson said, “Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is our Exemplar and our strength.”²

Let us resolve to draw near to Jesus Christ, to obey His commandments, and to strive to return to our Heavenly Father.

From the Scriptures

2 Nephi 31:16; Alma 17:11; 3 Nephi 27:27; Moroni 7:48

From Our History

“He marked the path and led the way,” wrote Eliza R. Snow, second Relief Society general president, of the mortal ministry of Jesus Christ.³ He ministered to individuals—one by one. He taught that we should leave the ninety and nine to save the straying one (see Luke 15:3–7). He healed and taught individuals, even taking time for each person in a multitude of 2,500 people (see 3 Nephi 11:13–15; 17:25).

Of Latter-day Saint women, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, said: “You wonderful sisters render compassionate service to others for reasons that supersede desires for personal benefits. In this you emulate the Savior. … His thoughts were always tuned to help others.”⁴