“Lesson 6 Teacher Material: Using Symbolism to Better Understand Christ’s Redeeming Power,” Jesus Christ and His Everlasting Gospel Teacher Material (2023)
“Lesson 6 Teacher Material,” Jesus Christ and His Everlasting Gospel Teacher Material
Lesson 6 Teacher Material
Using Symbolism to Better Understand Christ’s Redeeming Power
The scriptures are full of symbols of Jesus Christ and His gospel. Even before His birth, the Savior was helping His people understand who He is and why they need Him. This lesson will explore scriptural symbols that can strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ and His role as our Redeemer.
Suggestions for Teaching
Improving Our Teaching and Learning
Foster meaningful discussion. Teachers can foster meaningful discussion when they create a learning environment of love and trust so that students feel safe to ask their questions, talk about their doubts and fears, share personal experiences, and express their testimonies. To learn more, consider watching “Meaningful Class Discussions” (1:52) by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
The Lord introduces animal sacrifice to testify of His redeeming power.
Draw or display an image of a heart (or another common symbol) on the board. Ask students to identify things that a heart could symbolize. Point out that the scriptures use symbols to bear witness of Jesus Christ (see 2 Nephi 11:4). You might also have students identify a few examples of symbols that teach of Christ.
Briefly review or have a student summarize the context for the accompanying picture of Adam and Eve. Invite students to review Moses 5:4–8 and identify the symbols in this picture.
To deepen students’ understanding of the symbolism in this image, consider asking the following questions:
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What important truths were being taught about Jesus Christ through the symbols of a lamb, an altar, and the shedding of blood? (You could review the statement by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland in section 1 of the preparation material. Help students discover a truth similar to the following: The sacrifice of a firstborn lamb symbolized the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.)
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What symbols do we use today to remind us of the Savior’s Atonement?
Note: If your students express discomfort with the practice of animal sacrifice, remind them that most Old Testament people lived in pastoral societies, where it was common to raise animals that were killed for food. Point out that the Lord was drawing on the people’s everyday experience to teach powerful lessons about His atoning sacrifice.
The scriptures contain many symbols that testify of Jesus Christ’s divine mission.
Note: This section contains two teaching options. Decide which option will be best for your students. Option 1 provides a more guided learning experience.
Option 1: The Symbolism of the Passover
Depending on your students’ knowledge, it may be important to briefly review the events that led to the Passover and then read together Exodus 12:3–13. Or you could watch “The Passover” (3:08).
To provide students an opportunity to discuss the meaning of Passover symbols, you could have them work in small groups and complete or discuss the “Possible Meanings” section of “The Symbolism of the Passover” chart found in section 2 of the preparation material. Or you could assign a symbol to each group and ask them to read the supporting scriptures, record a possible meaning for their symbol, and then share with the class what they learned.
As students share their insights about the symbols of the Passover, consider asking follow-up questions that can help them apply the meaning of the symbols to their lives. These follow-up questions could start as follows:
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What does this symbol teach us about …
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How could the meaning of this symbol be applied …
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When have you seen …
After your discussion, consider inviting students to record what they have learned or felt about the Savior, or their relationship with Him, from the symbols of the Passover. You might also invite students who are willing to share what they wrote.
For Teacher Reference
Symbolism of the Passover
|
Verse |
Symbol |
Possible Meanings |
Supporting Scriptures* |
|---|---|---|---|
Verse | Symbol Each house sacrificed a lamb | Possible Meanings Jesus Christ’s redeeming power is for all. | Supporting Scriptures* |
Verse | Symbol Male lamb without blemish | Possible Meanings The Savior was the Lamb of God, perfect and without sin. | Supporting Scriptures* |
Verse | Symbol Blood was applied on doorposts of each house | Possible Meanings By covenant we can apply the blood of Christ to overcome spiritual death. Christ’s blood redeems and protects us. | Supporting Scriptures* |
Verse | Symbol Unleavened bread (bread made without yeast, which causes bread to spoil and mold) | Possible Meanings Jesus is the Bread of Life. He has no impurity. | Supporting Scriptures* |
Verse | Symbol Bitter herbs | Possible Meanings We live in a fallen world and are subject to the bitterness of sin. | Supporting Scriptures* |
Verse | Symbol Loins girded, shoes on, staff in hand, eat in haste | Possible Meanings Christ’s redeeming power should be applied without delay. | Supporting Scriptures* |
Option 2: Symbols of Christ in the Old Testament
Invite a student to read aloud the statement by Elder Bruce R. McConkie in section 3 of the preparation material. Then ask:
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How has looking for symbols of Jesus Christ strengthened, or how could it strengthen, your faith in Him?
Testify that we can learn more about Jesus Christ as we come to recognize the imagery, types, and symbols that testify of Him.
Review the four Old Testament passages listed in section 3 of the preparation material. Invite students to form small groups with other students who want to discuss the same passage they most want to discuss. Then invite each group to read their chosen passage together and discuss the study questions found in section 3.
After allowing enough time for meaningful discussion, invite a few students to share what they learned or felt about Jesus Christ as a result of their small group discussion.
For Next Time
Before the next class, you could message students and ask: Have you ever wondered how to reconcile the justice of God with His love and mercy? As you read the preparation material for lesson 7, consider the relationship between the divine attributes of justice, mercy, and love.