February 27–March 5

Matthew 8; Mark 2–4; Luke 7

“Thy Faith Hath Saved Thee”

Your preparation to teach begins as you prayerfully study Matthew 8; Mark 2–4; and Luke 7. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families can enhance your study and prompt teaching ideas in addition to those presented here.

Invite Sharing

Members of your class may have found powerful insights during their personal study of the miracles in these chapters (see the list of the Savior’s healings in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Consider inviting class members to share their insights with a partner or with the whole class.

Teach the Doctrine

Matthew 8; Mark 2; Luke 7

Miracles occur according to God’s will and our faith in Jesus Christ.

• How can you use the accounts of the Savior’s miracles to help class members increase their faith in Him? You might ask them to list on the board several of the miraculous healings from Matthew 8; Mark 2; and Luke 7. Class members could discuss how the people who were healed showed their faith in Christ. What do these accounts teach about faith and miracles? Class members could share additional truths about faith and miracles from Mormon 9:15–21; Ether 12:12–16; Moroni 7:27–37; and Doctrine and Covenants 35:8 (see also Bible Dictionary, “Miracles”). When have we seen miracles as we have exercised faith in Jesus Christ?

• The account of the miracle in Mark 2:1–12 teaches, among other things, the value of working together in unity to assist the Savior in ministering to those in spiritual or physical need. Consider inviting class members to review the account from the scriptures and share additional insights from Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong’s message “Rescue in Unity” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 14–16; see also “Additional Resources”). What can we learn from Mark 2:1–12 about the value of working in unity to serve those in need? (see also Mark 3:24–25).

Mark 4:35–41

Jesus Christ has power to bring peace in the midst of life’s storms.

• You may be aware of some of the challenges your class members are facing. Because we all have trials at some time in our lives, reviewing the account in Mark 4:35–41 can build class members’ faith that the Savior can bring them peace. Give each person a piece of paper, and ask them to write on one side a trial they have experienced. On the other side, ask them to write something from Mark 4:35–41 that inspires them to turn to the Savior during their trials. Encourage class members to share what they wrote, if they feel comfortable doing so.

• The hymn “Master, the Tempest Is Raging” (Hymns, no. 105) is based on the story in Mark 4:35–41. Perhaps class members could find lyrics in the hymn that relate to phrases in the scriptures. You could also show a picture depicting the scene (see Gospel Art Book, no. 40) and discuss what moment the artist is depicting. What are other ways you could help class members understand the meaning and power of this miracle?

From Fear to Faith, by Howard Lyon

Luke 7:36–50

As we are forgiven of our sins, our love for the Savior deepens.

• What can we learn from the woman’s example and the Savior’s teachings in Luke 7:36–50 as we seek forgiveness for our own sins? How does repentance help us draw closer to Jesus Christ? How does this account influence the way we view those who have sinned?

Additional Resources

“When Jesus saw their faith.”

Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong shared the following insight about the account in Mark 2:1–12:

“May I share with you one more hidden treasure found in this scripture account. It is in verse 5: ‘When Jesus saw their faith’ (emphasis added). I had not noticed this in the past—their faith. …

“Who were those people that Jesus mentioned? They could well include the four who carried the man with palsy, the man himself, the people who had prayed for him, and all those who were there listening to the preaching of Jesus and cheering quietly in their hearts for the soon-to-come miracle. They could also include a spouse, a parent, a son or a daughter, a missionary, a quorum president, a Relief Society president, a bishop, and a faraway friend. We can all help one another. We should always be anxiously engaged in seeking to rescue those in need” (“Rescue in Unity,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 16).

Improving Our Teaching

Bear testimony often. Your simple, sincere witness of spiritual truths can have a powerful influence on those you teach. Your witness does not need to be eloquent or lengthy. It may, for example, be a simple testimony of the miracle of having the gospel in your life.