April 9

How Can I Strengthen My Testimony of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ?

Easter

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, in addition to counseling about specific class or quorum business, you may want to discuss impressions and themes from general conference. The following questions may help.

• What themes or messages stood out to us? What strengthened our faith in Jesus Christ?

• What strengthened our testimonies of living prophets? What did we feel prompted to do because of what we learned or felt?

• What do we need to do as a class or quorum to remember and act on counsel we heard in general conference?

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

Apostles both ancient and modern testify that Jesus Christ lives! He suffered and died on the cross, He was buried in a tomb, and on the third day He rose again. Because of His triumph over death, we will all be resurrected. The Savior’s Resurrection brought the promise of immortality and the hope of eternal life. This promise is at the heart of Easter.

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have special reason to believe that Jesus Christ was resurrected. In addition to the witnesses of people from New Testament times, we have the testimonies of people who lived in Book of Mormon times, the Prophet Joseph Smith, and our living prophets and apostles. We can also receive a personal witness of the Resurrection through the Holy Ghost. How can you help the youth strengthen their testimonies that Jesus Christ was resurrected? As you prepare, consider studying Sister Reyna I. Aburto’s message “The Grave Has No Victory” (Liahona, May 2021, 85–86) and Elder S. Mark Palmer’s message “Our Sorrow Shall Be Turned into Joy” (Liahona, May 2021, 88–89).

Learn Together

You might begin a discussion about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ by inviting the youth to share what they have done this week to celebrate Easter. You could ask them what they have studied or done individually or with their families to strengthen their testimonies of the Savior’s Resurrection. Below are activities to help the members of your class or quorum strengthen their testimonies.

• Discuss together why witnesses are important in everyday life. Then make a list of as many witnesses of Jesus’s Resurrection as your class or quorum can think of. Each person could then select a scripture from those listed in “Supporting Resources” to learn about some of these witnesses. Invite class or quorum members to share what they learned. Encourage them to also share how these witnesses strengthen their testimonies of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

• What are some situations when we might be able to share our testimonies of the Savior’s Resurrection? If anyone in the class or quorum has had an experience talking with someone about the Savior’s Resurrection, consider inviting him or her to share that experience. Encourage class or quorum members to think about how they would help someone understand the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and gain a testimony that because of Him we can all be resurrected. What are important truths about the Resurrection of all people that would be important to teach others? Class or quorum members could find answers in the scriptures in “Supporting Resources.”

• When the Apostles told Thomas they had seen the resurrected Savior, Thomas said he would not believe unless he saw for himself. Later Jesus told Thomas, “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” Review together Thomas’s experience found in John 20:24–29. How have we been blessed for believing in the Savior without seeing Him? How can we strengthen our belief in Jesus Christ? Invite class or quorum members to search one or more of the messages from Church leaders in “Supporting Resources” and share why they are grateful for the Savior’s Resurrection. How does our knowledge that we will be resurrected affect the way we think about our bodies and the decisions we make?

That Ye May Know, by Gary L. Kapp

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

• Matthew 28:1–10; Luke 24:13–35; Luke 24:36–48; John 20:11–29; 1 Corinthians 15:3–8; 3 Nephi 11:1–15; Ether 12:38–39; Doctrine and Covenants 76:19–24 (Witnesses of the Resurrection)

• 2 Nephi 9:10–15; Mosiah 16:8–11; Alma 11:42–45; Alma 40:23–25; Doctrine and Covenants 93:33–34 (Scriptures that teach about the Resurrection of all people)

• D. Todd Christofferson, “The Resurrection of Jesus Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 111–14

• Gerrit W. Gong, “Hosanna and Hallelujah—The Living Jesus Christ: The Heart of Restoration and Easter,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 52–55

• Reyna I. Aburto, “The Grave Has No Victory,” Liahona, May 2021, 85–86

• S. Mark Palmer, “Our Sorrow Shall Be Turned into Joy,” Liahona, May 2021, 88–89

• Easter videos can be found at ChurchofJesusChrist.org/study/video/easter-videos.

Teaching in the Savior’s Way

A person who knows how to draw meaning out of the scriptures and turns to them daily will be able to access divine guidance to overcome any challenge. As you teach, ask questions that require learners to find answers in the scriptures.