Be Not Afraid, by Michael Malm

March 13–19

Matthew 11–12; Luke 11

“I Will Give You Rest”

Read Matthew 11–12 and Luke 11 during the week before you teach. This will give you time to ponder and to receive revelation about what to focus on in class.

Invite Sharing

Applying the principles we find in the scriptures to our lives is an important way to experience the power of God’s word. Encourage class members to share what they found in their scripture study this week that they can apply to their lives. Sharing an example of how you applied the scriptures could help inspire class members to share their own examples.

Teach the Doctrine

Matthew 11:28–30

Jesus Christ will give us rest as we rely on Him.

• In Matthew 11:28–30, the Savior taught that He will help us carry our heavy burdens if we accept His invitation “Take my yoke upon you” (verse 29). To help class members better understand this promise, you could show a picture of a yoke (see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families) and share facts like these: yokes are designed to help animals carry heavy loads or to get work done, and yokes are often custom fitted to the animal. What do these details add to our understanding of Matthew 11:28–30? What invitations do we find in these verses? What blessings are we promised? You might also share the promise by President Russell M. Nelson found in “Additional Resources.”

• We all have burdens that can be made lighter through Jesus Christ’s power. To encourage discussion about this, you could invite class members to read and discuss Matthew 11:28–30 with someone else in the class. They could include questions like these in their discussion: What are some examples of burdens a person might carry? What do we need to do to come unto Christ? What does it mean to take the Savior’s yoke upon ourselves? How have you felt the Savior lighten your burdens as you have turned to Him? Class members may find additional insights in Elder David A. Bednar’s message “Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 87–90).

The Disciples Eat Wheat on the Sabbath, by James Tissot

Matthew 12:1–13

The Sabbath is a day to do good.

• In their zeal to keep the Sabbath day holy, the Pharisees had implemented strict rules and man-made traditions, which eventually clouded their understanding of the true purpose of the Sabbath. To begin a discussion about why the Lord gave us the Sabbath day, you might invite class members to review Matthew 12:1–13 and Joseph Smith Translation, Mark 2:26–27 (in the Bible appendix). What do these accounts teach about the purpose of the Sabbath? What additional insights about the Sabbath do we gain from Exodus 31:16–17; Isaiah 58:13–14; and Doctrine and Covenants 59:9–13? How has our relationship with the Savior changed as we have tried to keep His day holy?

• While the Pharisees emphasized numerous detailed rules regarding the Sabbath, the Savior taught a simple principle: “It is lawful to do well on the sabbath” (Matthew 12:12). What other principles help us keep the Sabbath day holy? (see the statement by President Russell M. Nelson in “Additional Resources”). Why are principles more effective than lists of rules as we strive to develop spiritual self-reliance?

• President Russell M. Nelson’s message “The Sabbath Is a Delight” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 129–32) and the videos with Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s counsel in “Additional Resources” might add to a discussion about the Sabbath day.

Additional Resources

Yoked with Jesus Christ.

President Russell M. Nelson taught: “You come unto Christ to be yoked with Him and with His power, so that you’re not pulling life’s load alone. You’re pulling life’s load yoked with the Savior and Redeemer of the world, and suddenly your problems, no matter how serious they are, become lighter” (“The Mission and Ministry of the Savior: A Discussion with Elder Russell M. Nelson,” Ensign, June 2005, 18).

“What sign do I want to give to God?”

President Russell M. Nelson taught: “When I had to make a decision whether or not an activity was appropriate for the Sabbath, I simply asked myself, ‘What sign do I want to give to God?’ That question made my choices about the Sabbath day crystal clear” (“The Sabbath Is a Delight,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 130).

The blessings of Sabbath day observance.

In a series of three videos, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught about the blessings of observing the Sabbath day: “Upon My Holy Day—Getting Closer to God,” “Upon My Holy Day—Honoring the Sabbath,” and “Upon My Holy Day—Rest and Renewal” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Improving Our Teaching

Encourage sharing. “Each individual in your class is a rich source of testimony, insights, and experiences with living the gospel. Invite them to share with and lift each other” (Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 5).