The Second Coming, by Harry Anderson

May 22–28

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1; Matthew 24–25; Mark 12–13; Luke 21

“The Son of Man Shall Come”

Remember to begin your preparation to teach by prayerfully reading Joseph Smith—Matthew 1; Matthew 24–25; Mark 12–13; and Luke 21. Seek inspiration on your own, and then review this outline for additional ideas.

Invite Sharing

Make a list on the board of the Savior’s parables found in this week’s reading, such as the fig tree, the good man and the thief, the faithful and evil servants, the ten virgins, the talents, and the sheep and the goats. Ask class members to share truths they learned from these parables that can help them prepare for the Second Coming of the Lord. What are they doing to apply these truths to their lives?

Teach the Doctrine

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:21–37

Prophecies about the Savior’s Second Coming can help us face the future with faith.

• Signs of the Savior’s Second Coming may be difficult for some class members to understand. It might help them to work in groups and identify signs they find in Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:21–37. It might also help them better understand the importance of these signs if they compare them to road signs. Why are road signs important? How are the signs of the Second Coming like road signs? How are they different? You might even give each group pieces of paper in the shape of road signs and invite them to write on each paper a sign that will precede the Second Coming. Let them share what they found, and invite the class to discuss evidence of these signs in the world today.

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:26–27, 38–55; Matthew 25:1–13

We must always be ready for the Savior’s Second Coming.

• The parables in Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:26–27, 38–55 and Matthew 25:1–13 can help class members recognize the importance of being prepared for the Second Coming. Invite class members to search these verses and share what they feel the Savior is inviting us to do. Elder David A. Bednar gave one interpretation of the parable of the ten virgins that could help (see “Additional Resources”). Why must each of us experience conversion for ourselves? How do we do this? What does Doctrine and Covenants 45:56–57 add to our understanding of this parable?

• As you learn about the Savior’s return, you might read or sing together hymns about the Second Coming (see “Jesus Christ—Second Coming” in the topical index at the back of the hymnbook).

Matthew 25:14–46

At the Final Judgment, we will give the Lord an account of our lives.

• The parable of the talents and the parable of the sheep and goats can inspire us to think about the account of our lives we will give to the Lord at the Final Judgment. You might read the parables together and invite each class member to share one question the Savior might ask about our lives when we are judged. Provide time for class members to plan ways they will act on impressions they have received during the discussion.

  

  Christ used sheep and goats to teach about the Final Judgment (see Matthew 25:31–33).

• To inspire a discussion about Matthew 25:34–40, you could invite class members to share examples of people who demonstrate the compassion described in these verses. Give them time to ponder who might need their service. What are some practical ways we can feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and visit the sick?

Additional Resources

The oil of conversion.

Elder David A. Bednar suggested this possible interpretation of the parable of the ten virgins:

“Consider the oil to be the oil of conversion [see Matthew 25:4–9]. …

“Were the five wise virgins selfish and unwilling to share, or were they indicating correctly that the oil of conversion cannot be borrowed? Can the spiritual strength that results from consistent obedience to the commandments be given to another person? Can the knowledge obtained through diligent study and pondering of the scriptures be conveyed to one who is in need? Can the peace the gospel brings to a faithful Latter-day Saint be transferred to an individual experiencing adversity or great challenge? The clear answer to each of these questions is no.

“As the wise virgins emphasized properly, each of us must ‘buy for ourselves.’ These inspired women were not describing a business transaction; rather, they were emphasizing our individual responsibility to keep our lamp of testimony burning and to obtain an ample supply of the oil of conversion. This precious oil is acquired one drop at a time—‘line upon line [and] precept upon precept’ (2 Nephi 28:30), patiently and persistently” (“Converted unto the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 109).

Improving Our Teaching

Ensure that you are teaching true doctrine. “Continually ask yourself, ‘How will what I am teaching help my class members build faith in Christ, repent, make and keep covenants with God, and receive the Holy Ghost?’” (Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 20).