Jesus and His Disciples, © Balage Balogh/Art Resource, NY

July 23

What Does It Mean to Be a Disciple of Jesus Christ?

Acts 10–15

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. How have we seen the hand of the Lord in our lives?

• Care for those in need. How can we support each other in the things we are going through?

• Invite all to receive the gospel. How can we better use technology as a tool to share the gospel?

• Unite families for eternity. What are we doing to help our families come unto Christ?

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

Chapter 11 of Acts notes that for the first time “the disciples were called Christians” (verse 26). It is a sacred privilege and responsibility to be known as one of Christ’s disciples and to be called by His name. As President M. Russell Ballard said: “Do we realize how blessed we are to take upon us the name of God’s Beloved and Only Begotten Son? Do we understand how significant that is? The Savior’s name is the only name under heaven by which man can be saved” (“The Importance of a Name,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 79).

What does it mean to you to be a Christian—a disciple of Jesus Christ? What does it mean to the members of your class or quorum? How does taking His name upon yourself influence you? You might also think of times when you were inspired by the example of someone who acted as a true disciple of Christ.

As you prepare to teach, in addition to reading Acts 10–15, consider reading one or more of the general conference messages found in “Supporting Resources.”

Learn Together

To help members of your class or quorum understand what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, you could invite them to finish the following statement: “A disciple of Jesus Christ is someone who …” They could review Acts 11:19–26, looking for insights in verses 21, 23–24, 26 about how these Church members showed that they were disciples. How does being followers of Jesus Christ influence our thoughts and behaviors? Activities like these can add to this discussion.

• It could be helpful to discuss what a disciple of Jesus Christ is (see the statement by Elder Robert D. Hales in “Supporting Resources”). You might ask the youth to share some teachings of Jesus Christ that inspire them and some things they have learned from His example. They could search some of the scriptures in “Supporting Resources,” or others they know of, for ideas. They could list on the board what they learned about the Savior from the passages. They could then talk about ways they can sincerely follow the teachings and examples listed on the board.

• Ask class or quorum members to think about what it means to be a Christian. They could make a list of qualities they would expect to find in the life of someone who follows Jesus Christ (see, for example, John 13:34–35). You could split the youth into two groups and ask each group to read one of the following messages looking for additional qualities they would add to their list: Elder Terence M. Vinson, “True Disciples of the Savior” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 9–11) and Elder Massimo De Feo, “Pure Love: The True Sign of Every True Disciple of Jesus Christ” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 81–83). Invite the youth to ponder something on the list they want to improve on.

• You might ask class or quorum members what it means to them to be called by the name of Jesus Christ. Perhaps they could share experiences they’ve had when someone learned they are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. How do we feel about being known as followers of Jesus Christ and members of His Church? The youth could also explore several scriptures or one of the messages in “Supporting Resources,” looking for insights that inspire them to live up to the name of Jesus Christ, which they have taken upon themselves. How does being called by the name of Jesus Christ affect the choices we make?

As members of Christ’s Church, we are His disciples and are called by His name.

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 5:38–47; 6:19–21; 7:1–5; 25:31–40; Luke 10:25–37; John 13:34–35; 14:15 (Jesus Christ’s teachings)

• Matthew 4:1–11; Mark 6:35–44; Luke 4:16–19; 22:39–42; 23:33–34; Acts 10:38 (Jesus Christ’s example)

• Jeremiah 15:16; Mosiah 5:7–15; Alma 46:12–15; 3 Nephi 27:3–8 (Taking the Savior’s name upon ourselves)

• Lisa L. Harkness, “Honoring His Name,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 60–62

• Paul B. Pieper, “All Must Take upon Them the Name Given of the Father,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 43–45

• Elder Robert D. Hales taught: “What does it mean to be a disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ? A disciple is one who has been baptized and is willing to take upon him or her the name of the Savior and follow Him. A disciple strives to become as He is by keeping His commandments in mortality, much the same as an apprentice seeks to become like his or her master.

  “Many people hear the word disciple and think it means only ‘follower.’ But genuine discipleship is a state of being. This suggests more than studying and applying a list of individual attributes. Disciples live so that the characteristics of Christ are woven into the fiber of their beings, as into a spiritual tapestry” (“Becoming a Disciple of Our Lord Jesus Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 46).

Teaching in the Savior’s Way

As a teacher, you can encourage uplifting discussions enriched by learners’ experiences and testimonies.