“Lesson 2 Class Preparation Material: Strengthening Our Testimony of the Living Christ,” Jesus Christ and His Everlasting Gospel Teacher Material (2023)
“Lesson 2 Class Preparation Material,” Jesus Christ and His Everlasting Gospel Teacher Material
Lesson 2 Class Preparation Material
Strengthening Our Testimony of the Living Christ
Imagine the grief and heartache the followers of Jesus Christ must have felt as they watched Him suffer and die on the cross. Not fully understanding His mission, they likely felt confused and alone as they laid His body in a tomb. You can imagine their joy and astonishment when only days later they saw Him alive. They could now testify that He is the living Christ! As you study this material, think about your own testimony of the living Christ and what He means to you.
Section 1
What is significant about saying “Jesus is the Christ”?
At the start of His mortal ministry, two disciples of John the Baptist heard John say of Jesus, “Behold the Lamb of God!” (John 1:36). When they heard this, they followed Jesus. One of them, Andrew, found his brother Simon Peter and announced, “We have found … the Christ” (John 1:41).
Andrew’s declaration that Jesus is the Christ is significant. The Greek word for Christ means “anointed one” and is equivalent to the Hebrew word for Messiah. “Used as the title of an office, [Christ or Messiah] denotes the King and Deliverer whose coming the Jews were eagerly expecting” (Bible Dictionary, “Messiah”).
Later in His ministry, Jesus asked His disciples who people thought He was. They replied with the names of several prophets. Jesus then asked, “But whom say ye that I am?” (Matthew 16:15).
Study in Preparation for Class
Read Matthew 16:16–17 or watch “Thou Art the Christ” from the beginning to time code 0:52 to learn Peter’s answer to the Lord’s question.
Thou Art the Christ
Peter testifies that Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus declares that He will give the keys of the kingdom to Peter. Matthew 16:13–19
As the Christ, Jesus was “anointed of the Father to be His personal representative in all things pertaining to the salvation of mankind” (Bible Dictionary, “Anointed One”). Because Jesus is the Christ, He is the only way and His is the only name whereby we can be delivered from the consequences of sin and death (see Acts 4:12; Mosiah 3:17).
Record Your Thoughts
Take a few minutes to read through the heading “Jesus Christ” in the Topical Guide or Guide to the Scriptures (available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org) and look for the different names, titles, and roles given to Jesus Christ. Record your insights, and be prepared to share them with your class.
You could also read or listen to “This Is the Christ,” a song written by President James E. Faust, who served in the First Presidency. Consider what you might share in class about what you thought and felt about the song.
This Is the Christ
A Young Women Choir from Stakes in Pleasant Grove sings, "This Is the Christ."
“This Is the Christ,” by James E. Faust, Jan Pinborough, and Michael Finlinson Moody; performed by A Young Women Choir from Stakes in Pleasant Grove
Section 2
How can the Lord’s Apostles influence my testimony that Jesus is the Christ?
In many parts of the world, belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ is declining (see Neil L. Andersen, “We Talk of Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 88). Perhaps you have witnessed a weakening of faith where you live, have watched someone you love walk away from the Savior and His Church, or have experienced your own battle with unbelief.
A lack of belief in Jesus Christ is not unique to our day. For example, even after the Lamanites and Nephites saw remarkable “signs and wonders” of the Savior’s birth, the people soon became “less astonished … and began to disbelieve all which they had heard and seen” (3 Nephi 2:1).
To help each of us with our belief in Him, the Lord has called Apostles to be special witnesses of Him to all people (see Matthew 28:19–20; 3 Nephi 12:1; Doctrine and Covenants 107:23).
President Gordon B. Hinckley taught:
Theirs is a unique calling; they are Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, chosen and commissioned by Him. They have been commanded to bear witness of His living reality by the power and authority of the holy apostleship. (“Special Witnesses of Christ,” Ensign, Apr. 2001, 4)
Ponder in Preparation for Class
Think back to times when you have heard the Lord’s Apostles share their witness of the Savior. How have their testimonies influenced your own testimony of Him? You might watch one or more of the testimonies of the Lord’s living Apostles from the “Special Witnesses of Christ” video series (available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
Section 3
How can my life be transformed by studying “The Living Christ”?
On January 1, 2000, the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles published their testimony of the Savior in a document called “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles” (available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said of this historic document:
“The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles” was prepared in advance of when we will need it most. (“General Conference: Strengthening Faith and Testimony,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 7)
President Russell M. Nelson also observed:
Many members have memorized its truths. Others barely know of its existence. As you seek to learn more about Jesus Christ, I urge you to study “The Living Christ.” (“Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 40)
Study in Preparation for Class
Read “The Living Christ” carefully, and consider marking the parts of it that stand out to you. Consider praying before you begin so that the Spirit can help you feel the truth and importance of what you are studying.
Act
Memorizing “The Living Christ” can satisfy the Elevate Learning requirement for this course. Consider setting a goal to memorize all or parts of this document as you strive to strengthen your testimony of the living Christ.