“Doctrine and Covenants 121–123: Overview” Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual (2025)
“Doctrine and Covenants 121–123,” Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual
Doctrine and Covenants 121–123
Doctrine and Covenants 121–123
Overview
After being betrayed and arrested on false charges, the Prophet Joseph Smith and other Church leaders were imprisoned in Liberty, Missouri. During the winter of 1838–1839, the Saints in Missouri suffered greatly. Amidst this suffering, the Lord comforted them with compassionate counsel and taught them to access the powers of heaven through principles of righteousness.
Prepare to teach
The following information provides you with ideas of what you may need to prepare in advance for each lesson.
Doctrine and Covenants 121–123
Lesson purpose: To help students understand how God can help us through our trials.
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Student preparation: Invite students to ask a loved one who has faithfully endured a difficult trial what they learned about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ through their experience.
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Images to display: Pictures of Liberty Jail
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Video: “Lessons from Liberty Jail,” (44:25; watch from time code 3:00 to 8:49 and from time code 14:30 to 15:22)
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Materials: Copies of historical summaries and a blank piece of paper for each student
Doctrine and Covenants 121:34–46
Lesson purpose: To help students more fully access the powers of heaven in their lives by becoming more Christlike.
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Student preparation: Invite students to think about devices they use that require electricity or power. Encourage them to select a device, ponder how its effectiveness depends on the power, and share with someone a gospel lesson they learn about power.
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Images to display: Images of Jesus Christ and Liberty Jail
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Videos: “Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives,” (14:50; watch from time code 12:25 to 13:55) “Go and Sin No More” (3:18)
Doctrine and Covenants 122
Lesson purpose: To help students understand that because of Jesus Christ, even difficult experiences can help us progress and become more like Him.
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Student preparation: Invite students to think of an example they could share with the class of God turning a trial that they or a loved one suffered into a blessing.
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Materials: Rough and polished rocks (or images if rocks are not available)
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Video: “Faith Murray’s Story: Overcoming Adversity Through Service” (4:52)
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Handout: “Remembering Jesus Christ in our Afflictions”