Ye Are the Light of the World, by Simon Dewey

January 22

How Is Jesus Christ a Light in My Life?

John 1

Counsel Together

Led by a member of the class or quorum presidency; approximately 10–20 minutes

At the beginning of the meeting, repeat together the Young Women Theme or the Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Theme. Then lead a discussion about the work of salvation and exaltation using one or more of the questions below or questions of your own (see General Handbook, 10.2, 11.2). Plan ways to act on what you discuss.

• Live the gospel. What recent experiences have strengthened our testimonies?

• Care for those in need. Who needs our help and prayers? What do we feel impressed to do to help them?

• Invite all to receive the gospel. How can we be a light to family members or friends who don’t share our beliefs?

• Unite families for eternity. How can we show more love and support for our families and make a positive difference in our homes?

At the end of the lesson, as appropriate, do the following:

• Testify of the principles taught.

• Remind class or quorum members about the plans and invitations made during the meeting.

Teach the Doctrine

Led by an adult leader or youth; approximately 25–35 minutes

Prepare Yourself Spiritually

The Apostle John opened his Gospel by comparing Jesus Christ to a light that “shineth in darkness” (John 1:5). The members of your class or quorum are growing up in a time of spiritual darkness. But it is also a time when the Savior’s “marvellous light” is available to help them see clearly and find their way (1 Peter 2:9).

As you read John 1 this week, ponder why light is so essential and how the Savior is a light in your life (see also Joseph Smith Translation, John 1:1–34 [in the Bible appendix]). How could His light bless those you teach? How can you inspire them to walk in His light? To help you ponder these questions, you might study Doctrine and Covenants 88:5–13, 67; 93:2–9 and Sister Sharon Eubank’s message “Christ: The Light That Shines in Darkness” (Liahona, May 2019, 73–76).

Learn Together

It’s often helpful to start your discussion by giving the class or quorum a chance to talk about what they have been learning from their scripture study. For example, this week you could ask them to share a word or phrase from John 1:1–17 that teaches them something about the Savior. Let them talk about why they chose their word or phrase and what it teaches them about Jesus Christ. Share with them how Jesus Christ is a light in your life. The activities below can help you continue your discussion.

• To help those you teach appreciate the Savior’s light, perhaps a class or quorum member could share what it feels like to be in the dark. There’s a story that could help at the beginning of Elder Timothy J. Dyches’s message “Light Cleaveth unto Light” (Liahona, May 2021, 112–15). Why are people sometimes afraid of the dark? Why do we need light? Why is Jesus Christ called the Light of the World? You might ask the youth to study Elder Dyches’s message beginning with “May I suggest that perhaps this is the time to ask yourself.” They could look for what we can do to bring the Savior’s light more fully into our lives.

• The scriptures listed under “Supporting Resources” can help your class or quorum better understand the light that Jesus Christ offers. You might read and discuss a few of the first set of scriptures as a class. Then write How can we bring the Savior’s light into our lives? on the board, and invite the youth to list answers they find in the second set of scriptures. You could put the youth into pairs and ask them to share with each other how Jesus Christ has been a light in their lives.

• Sister Sharon Eubank said, “One of the fundamental needs we have in order to grow is to stay connected to our source of light—Jesus Christ” (“Christ: The Light That Shines in Darkness,” 73). You might illustrate this with an object lesson—perhaps by displaying a flashlight or mobile device and discussing why its power source is important. Class or quorum members could then review Sister Eubank’s message, looking for ways Satan tries to “cut off [our] power supply.” How do we keep a strong connection to Jesus Christ? What counsel do we find in Sister Eubank’s message?

• Hymns such as “The Lord Is My Light” and “Lead, Kindly Light” (Hymns, nos. 89, 97) testify that Jesus Christ is our light. Consider singing these (or others you know of) together and identifying words or phrases that teach us how Jesus Christ is like a light. How have others brought the Savior’s light into our lives? How can we share His light with others?

A Gift of Light, by Eva Timothy

Act in Faith

Encourage class or quorum members to ponder and record what they will do to act on the impressions they received today. If they would like, they could share their ideas. Invite them to think about how acting on their impressions will strengthen their relationships with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Supporting Resources

• Psalm 27:1; Isaiah 60:19–20; John 8:12; 3 Nephi 18:16, 24 (The Savior is a light)

• Proverbs 4:18–19; 1 John 2:8–11; Doctrine and Covenants 50:23–24; 93:26–28; 138:20–24 (How we bring the Savior’s light into our lives)

• “Patterns of Light: The Light of Christ” (video), ChurchofJesusChrist.org

Teaching in the Savior’s Way

As you pay attention to what is happening in your class or quorum members’ lives, you will find excellent teaching opportunities. Comments that learners make or questions they ask can also lead to teaching moments.