“Lesson 25 Class Preparation Material: Striving to Be a Faithful Disciple of Jesus Christ,” Jesus Christ and His Everlasting Gospel Teacher Material (2023)
“Lesson 25 Class Preparation Material,” Jesus Christ and His Everlasting Gospel Teacher Material
Lesson 25 Class Preparation Material
Striving to Be a Faithful Disciple of Jesus Christ
Each day, we have an opportunity to honor our baptismal covenant by being a true disciple of Jesus Christ. As His disciples, we commit to follow the Savior and live according to His teachings (see Doctrine and Covenants 41:5). Fortunately, discipleship is not a race or a competition. Rather it is a lifelong journey we make with the support of Jesus Christ and other disciples (see Mosiah 18:8–10). As you study the truths taught in this final unit, consider the help and blessings you can receive as you strive to be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.
Section 1
What can I learn about discipleship from the Savior’s example?
A disciple is a devout follower. And no one exemplifies discipleship as well as Jesus Christ. His discipleship as He followed the will of His Father and His love for others are wonderful examples for us. A few hours before the Savior would suffer in the Garden of Gethsemane to fulfill His Father’s will, He paused to tenderly wash the feet of His Apostles. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles described this occasion:
As the sacred supper of that ultimate Passover was being prepared, Jesus was under the strain of deep and profound emotion. Only he knew what lay immediately ahead. …
In the midst of this meal and such thoughts, Christ quietly arose, girded himself as a slave or servant would, and knelt to wash the Apostles’ feet. … He would to the final hour—and beyond—be their sustaining servant. (“He Loved Them unto the End,” Ensign, Nov. 1989, 25)
Following this sacred service, Jesus taught His Apostles truths that can guide all of us as we seek to be His disciples.
Study in Preparation for Class
Read John 13:14–17, 34–35; 14:15, and consider marking what you learn about being a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Sister Silvia H. Allred, a former counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, said:
We must love one another and serve one another. This is, in fact, the essence of discipleship in the true Church of Jesus Christ. (“The Essence of Discipleship,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 84)
Ponder in Preparation for Class
Think of someone from the scriptures or from your own life who exemplifies the essence of discipleship. Be prepared to share your example in class.
Section 2
What may be required of me as a disciple of Jesus Christ?
Jesus set the following standard for discipleship: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). He explained, “For a man to take up his cross, is to deny himself all ungodliness, and every worldly lust, and keep my commandments” (Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 16:26; see also verse 25 [in the Bible appendix]).
Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
Taking upon us our cross and following the Savior requires us to follow His example and strive to become like Him, patiently facing the circumstances of life, denying and despising the appetites of the natural man, and waiting on the Lord. (“Take Up Our Cross,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 115–16)
A rich young ruler once asked the Savior what he needed to do to inherit eternal life.
Study in Preparation for Class
Read Matthew 19:16–21, looking for two things: (1) What impresses you about the young man’s questions? (2) What did the Savior teach the young man about discipleship?
Elder Larry R. Lawrence of the Seventy taught how we can apply this scriptural account to our lives:
I would like to suggest that each of you participate in a spiritual exercise sometimes soon, perhaps even tonight while saying your prayers. Humbly ask the Lord the following question: “What is keeping me from progressing?” In other words: “What lack I yet?” Then wait quietly for a response. If you are sincere, the answer will soon become clear. It will be revelation intended just for you. (“What Lack I Yet?,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 35)
The scriptures teach us that, unfortunately, the rich young man in the story “went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions” (Matthew 19:22). There will always be sacrifices required to be a disciple of the Lord. But President James E. Faust, while serving in the First Presidency, explained:
Considering the Savior’s great promise for peace in this life and eternal life in the life to come, discipleship is a price worth paying. It is a price we cannot afford not to pay. By measure, the requirements of discipleship are much, much less than the promised blessings. (“Discipleship,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2006, 20)
Ponder in Preparation for Class
Take some time and prayerfully ponder the question “What lack I yet?” As you seek the Lord’s guidance, keep in mind the following words from President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, then a counselor in the First Presidency: “The first step on the path of discipleship begins, luckily enough, in the exact place where we stand! (“The Way of the Disciple,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 77).
Section 3
How can I be strengthened and sustained as I face the challenges of discipleship?
If, at times, you wonder whether the promised blessings of discipleship are worth the cost, remember this: “[The Lord’s] way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come” (“The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org). The prophet Jacob testified, “The righteous, the saints of the Holy One of Israel, they who have believed in the Holy One of Israel, they who have endured the crosses of the world, … shall inherit the kingdom of God, … and their joy shall be full forever” (2 Nephi 9:18).
You might ask yourself what the Savior asked His disciples long ago: “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26).
Not only does the Lord promise His disciples eternal rewards, but He also blesses us as we strive to follow Him. One of those ways he blesses us is by giving us lasting joy in this life. But there are other blessings we receive, as well. In a letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul reflected on some of the ways the Lord supports those who follow Him, even in their challenges.
Study in Preparation for Class
Read Romans 8:16–18, 28, 35, 38–39, and think about how the Lord will help you in your efforts to follow Him.
Record Your Thoughts
Write down a specific challenge you are now facing—or a change you are trying to make—as you try to follow the Savior. Then record how your love for the Savior, and His love for you, can help you be faithful in your discipleship.