Lesson 6 Class Preparation Material

Using Symbolism to Better Understand Christ’s Redeeming Power

Have you noticed how often the scriptures use symbols to teach us about Jesus Christ? For example, He is compared to water (see John 4:14), bread (see John 6:48), light (see John 8:12), a rock (see Helaman 5:12), the sun (see Malachi 4:2), and a shepherd (see Psalm 23:1). Even before He was born, Jehovah used symbols to help His followers look forward to His coming and His redeeming power. As you study some examples in this lesson, consider how scriptural symbols can deepen your understanding of and love for your Redeemer.

Section 1

What can I learn about Jesus Christ through the symbolism of animal sacrifice?

As one article on the power of symbolism notes: “A gospel symbol can be an object, event, action, or teaching that represents a spiritual truth. … ‘Symbols enable us to give conceptual form to ideas and emotions that may otherwise defy the power of words. They take us beyond words and grant us eloquence in the expression of feelings’ [Joseph Fielding McConkie and Donald W. Parry, Guide to Scriptural Symbols (1990), 1]” (“Why Symbols?,” Ensign, Feb. 2007, 13, 14).

In the scriptures, one of the first powerful symbols of the Savior is animal sacrifice. After Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit and had to leave the Garden of Eden, they were commanded to worship the Lord and offer a lamb as a sacrifice unto Him.

Study in Preparation for Class

Read Moses 5:4–8, and ponder what the symbol of offering an innocent, young lamb can teach us about the love of God and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. (Note: A similitude is a likeness, comparison, or symbol.)

Drawing on the symbolism of animal sacrifice, the Apostle Peter testified that we can be redeemed only “with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:19; see also Alma 34:36).

The Lord’s covenant people observed the law of animal sacrifice as a symbol of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice—and that sacrifice was a reminder that He would atone for their sins. It helped them look forward to that day.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

By offering their own little symbolic lambs in mortality, Adam and his posterity were expressing their understanding of and their dependence upon the atoning sacrifice of Jesus the Anointed One. (“Behold the Lamb of God,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 44)

Ponder in Preparation for Class

How can understanding the symbolism of animal sacrifice deepen your love and appreciation for Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice on your behalf?

Section 2

How can the symbols of the Passover inspire me to seek the Savior’s redeeming power in my life?

The sacrificing of firstborn lambs continued throughout Old Testament times. This practice became especially meaningful to the Israelites when they were freed from their slavery to the Egyptians.

The story of Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian captivity can help us understand how the Lord rescues us from the different forms of captivity we experience. While the Israelite bondage was primarily a form of physical slavery, Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that we can also experience bondage because of sin, addictions, or believing false ideas (see “Lamentations of Jeremiah: Beware of Bondage,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 88–91).

The Israelites spent about 400 years as slaves in Egypt. But the Lord did not forget them. He knew their sorrows and heard their cries. He came to deliver them and called Moses to help. On the eve of Israel’s deliverance, the Lord introduced the Passover, which was filled with symbols intended to teach of the Savior’s power to save all who would follow Him.

Study in Preparation for Class

Read Exodus 12:3–13 (and, if possible, watch the video “The Passover” [3:07]), and identify symbols that teach about Jesus Christ’s saving power and how to receive it.

The Passover

(Exodus 12) A short video explaining the meaning of the Passover and its significance.

Record Your Thoughts

In the table that follows, record what you think each of the Passover symbols means. Consider what these symbols might teach us about the Savior’s redeeming power and how to access it. You may want to study the supporting scriptures to gain additional insights.

Symbolism of the Passover

Verse	Symbol	Possible Meanings	Supporting Scriptures*
Verse 3	Symbol Each house sacrificed a lamb	Possible Meanings Jesus Christ’s redeeming power is for all.	Supporting Scriptures* 2 Nephi 26:25–28, 33
Verse 5	Symbol Male lamb without blemish	Possible Meanings	Supporting Scriptures* John 1:29; Hebrews 5:8–9
Verse 7	Symbol Blood was applied on doorposts of each house	Possible Meanings	Supporting Scriptures* Mosiah 4:2; Alma 5:21
Verse 8	Symbol Unleavened bread (bread made without yeast, which causes bread to spoil and mold)	Possible Meanings	Supporting Scriptures* John 6:35, 48, 57–58; 1 Corinthians 5:7–8
Verse 8	Symbol Bitter herbs	Possible Meanings	Supporting Scriptures* Alma 41:11; Doctrine and Covenants 19:18
Verse 11	Symbol Loins girded, shoes on, staff in hand, eat in haste	Possible Meanings	Supporting Scriptures* Alma 34:32–33

• Note: The supporting passages are intended to provide added insight about the symbols used in the Passover and are not intended to provide definitive interpretations of them.

The following guidelines can help you to better understand how to interpret scriptural symbols:

• Seek to understand the symbol in the context of the passage.

• Use study helps, like footnotes, Guide to the Scriptures, and the Bible Dictionary.

• Find out if ancient or modern prophets have commented on the verses and their symbols.

• Meditate, ponder, and pray about the passage and its symbols.

For additional help to understand gospel symbols, see Gerald N. Lund, “Understanding Scriptural Symbols,” Ensign, Oct. 1986, 22–27.

Section 3

What other Old Testament symbols can teach me about the Savior’s redeeming power?

Elder Bruce R. McConkie of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

Every divine ordinance or performance ordained of God, every sacrifice, symbolism, and similitude … [was] established … to testify of [Jesus Christ]. …

It is wholesome and proper to look for similitudes of Christ everywhere and to use them repeatedly in keeping him and his laws uppermost in our minds. (The Promised Messiah: The First Coming of Christ [1978], 28, 453)

Study in Preparation for Class

The Old Testament is filled with many beautiful symbols that testify of the Savior’s redeeming power. To deepen your understanding, read one of the passages below and then ponder the study questions that follow.

• Israel receives bread from heaven: Exodus 16:1–4, 14–16, 35 (see also John 6:5–14, 48–51)

• Water comes from a rock: Exodus 17:1–6 (see also John 4:7–15)

• The Day of Atonement: Leviticus 16:2–6, 17 (see also Hebrews 9:6–12; 10:11–12)

• Israelites saved from serpents: Numbers 21:4–9 (see also John 3:14–15; Alma 33:19–21)

Study Questions

• What are possible symbols of Jesus Christ (in other words, what object, event, circumstance, or persons point to or represent Him) in this passage?

• What might these symbols represent and teach us about the divine mission of Jesus Christ?

• How can understanding these symbols strengthen my faith in Jesus Christ and His power to save me?

Want More? (Optional)

What are additional Old Testament scriptural symbols that could help me to learn more of Jesus Christ?

Here are a few examples of scriptural symbols that teach about the Savior:

• Abraham offers up his son Isaac: Genesis 22:1–13 (see also Jacob 4:5)

• Isaiah invites those who are thirsty to drink: Isaiah 55:1–2 (see also 2 Nephi 9:50–51)

• Jonah is swallowed by a whale: Jonah 1:17; 2:10 (see also Matthew 12:38–40)

Where can I learn more about the meanings of scriptural symbols?

The chapter “Examples of Symbols Used in Scriptures” (from Scripture Study—The Power of the Word Teacher Manual, available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org) lists a variety of scriptural symbols and what they might represent.

Did ancient animal sacrifices provide forgiveness for sin?

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that the Savior is the only source of forgiveness. The performer of animal sacrifice in ancient times, however, was reminded of this divine gift:

Certainly, the shedding of the blood of a beast could be beneficial to no man, except it was done in imitation, or as a type [or symbol], or explanation of what was to be offered through the gift of God Himself—and this performance done with an eye looking forward in faith on the power of that great Sacrifice for a remission of sins. (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 48)