The gospel can be effectively taught in large meetings or in small, intimate gatherings. The Savior used both methods during His ministry, as did the Prophet Joseph Smith. The text of Doctrine and Covenants 130 contains some of the Prophet’s teachings to a small gathering of Saints living in Ramus, Illinois. This lesson is intended to help students practice teaching elements of Jesus Christ’s doctrine.
Possible Learning Activities
Jesus Christ, the Master Teacher
What might you have been thinking or feeling if you were present while Jesus taught?
What do you think makes the Savior such an effective teacher?
Beloved brothers and sisters,
What a glorious opportunity you have to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ! Whether or not you have a specific calling to teach, you are a teacher. As a disciple of the Master Teacher, Jesus Christ, you have opportunities to share His light wherever you go—in the home, at church, as you minister to others, and among your friends. To teach the gospel is a sacred trust. It is an essential part of the Lord’s work, and it works best when we do it in His way. (Teaching in the Savior’s Way: For All Who Teach in the Home and in the Church [2022], 1)
What are some opportunities teenagers have to teach and testify of Jesus Christ and His gospel?
On April 2, 1843, the Prophet Joseph Smith met with Saints in Ramus, Illinois, about 20 miles outside of Nauvoo. Joseph taught various gospel truths, including details about the Godhead, the importance of gaining knowledge in this life, and how we can receive God’s blessings. The Prophet’s teachings are recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 130.
Prepare to teach
Teaching experience
Convey to learners that their contributions are valued: As students share the lessons they prepared, help them know that their contributions to the lesson are valued and appreciated. For more practice with this, see the training titled “Communicate that you value students before they comment or as they raise their hand” found in Teacher Development Skills: Love Those You Teach.
After you have given students time to prepare a lesson outline, consider inviting a few to teach their lessons in front of the class. You could also organize students into small groups, and they could alternate teaching each other. During student presentations, encourage class members to show respect and fully engage in the learning process. If any students are uncomfortable teaching in seminary or if time runs out before all get an opportunity, encourage them to try teaching their lesson at home, in a church setting, or to a friend. To conclude, consider asking questions such as the following:
What did you learn about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that can help you in your current circumstances?
What did you learn today about teaching the Savior’s gospel?
How can taking opportunities to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ benefit you now and in the future?
Doctrine and Covenants 130:22–23 is a doctrinal mastery passage. Consider inviting students to mark doctrinal mastery passages in a distinctive way so they can locate them easily.
Memorize
You may want to help students memorize the reference and key scripture phrase of Doctrine and Covenants 130:22–23 and review them in future lessons. The key scripture phrase for this passage is “The Father has a body of flesh and bones … ; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost … is a personage of Spirit.” Ideas for memorization activities are in the appendix materials under “Doctrinal Mastery Review Activities.”