Lesson 8 Teacher Material

Accepting Jesus Christ as the Promised Messiah

Jesus Christ was the Messiah (or “Anointed One”) of the New Testament. He was chosen by Heavenly Father to be our Savior. In this lesson, students will have the opportunity to discuss how accepting Jesus Christ’s messianic mission can transform their lives. Students will be encouraged to consider how the Messiah can help them with pains or afflictions they are experiencing.

Suggestions for Teaching

Jesus Christ declares He is the Messiah.

You could begin class by displaying the following statement by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

None has been spared sickness and sadness. … Wounds of the soul are not unique to the rich or the poor, to one culture, one nation, or one generation. They come to all and are part of the learning we receive from this mortal experience. (Neil L. Andersen, “Wounded,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 84)

Consider writing the following phrase on the board: Wounds of the soul.

Invite students to share different ways we experience wounds of the soul, and record students’ answers on the board. To make this activity more relevant for students, you could invite them to silently identify wounds of their souls or those of someone they love. Encourage students to privately consider throughout class how the Lord can help with these wounds.

Invite students to define or explain the title Messiah and why the awaited Messiah was significant to God’s covenant people in Old Testament and New Testament times.

Point out that Isaiah 61:1–3 is a prophecy of how the Messiah would help heal wounded souls. Invite students to review these verses and look for words and phrases that could offer hope to those who are suffering.

As students study, you could write the following phrase on the board: How the Messiah helps the wounded soul. Then you could have students share the words or phrases they find most significant and write them on the board. To help students think more deeply, consider asking some of the following questions:

• How does this word or phrase address wounds of the soul?

• Why is this word or phrase significant to you?

• What does this word or phrase teach us about the Messiah and His mission?

After allowing time for meaningful discussion, you could display the accompanying image of Jesus in the synagogue at Nazareth. Briefly review the context, and then invite a student to share how Jesus Christ used Isaiah 61:1–2 to declare He was the promised Messiah. (If necessary, have students review Luke 4:18–22.)

You could display the following truth: Jesus is the Messiah who was sent to heal the brokenhearted, liberate the bruised, and comfort those who mourn.

• How can the Savior help those who feel brokenhearted or are emotionally bruised? (Consider reading Elder Gerrit W. Gong’s statement in section 1 of the preparation material.)

• How has the Savior helped or comforted you or someone you know?

Isaiah and Alma testify of the Messiah’s power to succor us.

You could display the accompanying pictures of the Savior and invite students to briefly share different ways He suffered in mortality.

Consider having students work with a partner. One person could study Isaiah 53:3–6, 8, 11–12 and the other could study Alma 7:11–12. Invite students to look for two things: (1) how the Messiah would suffer, and (2) how He can bless us because of His suffering. After students have discussed with their partner what they discovered, invite some students to share what they learned with the class.

As students share, it may be helpful to capture their learning in a statement similar to the following: Because the Messiah bore our griefs, sorrows, and transgressions, He can heal us, bring us peace, bear our iniquities, forgive us, comfort us, and succor us. Consider asking this follow-up question:

• What types of mortal pains and afflictions can the Savior help us with? (It may be important to review the meaning of the word succor and then read aloud the statements by President Jean B. Bingham and President Dallin H. Oaks in section 2 of the preparation material.)

You might take some time to help students identify real-life examples of how the Savior succors us. These examples could come from the scriptures, Church leaders, or the lives of your students. You could also share your own experience.

Improving Our Teaching and Learning

Provide learners time for quiet contemplation. There are moments when words may be a barrier to spiritual learning. Silence can be a sacred gift that allows students to reflect more deeply on what they are learning and hear with greater clarity the gentle whisperings of the Holy Ghost.

Students could think again of the “wounds” they, or someone they love, are experiencing. Display the following questions, and invite students to ponder each. Provide time for students to record their thoughts and impressions.

• How does knowing that the Savior understands everything you’re going through affect how you see your own pains and afflictions?

• What are your thoughts or feelings for Jesus Christ as you consider what He suffered so He can help you? What does this inspire you to do?

• How could this knowledge bless someone you know who is struggling? How could you share it with them?

If time permits, you could provide each student with a sticky note or small piece of paper. Invite them to write an answer to the following question:

• Think of someone you know who is struggling with a challenging situation. What message could you share with them about Jesus Christ’s ability to strengthen and heal us?

Then have students place their papers around the room. Give students a few minutes to walk around and read the various statements.

For Next Time

To encourage students to read the preparation material for lesson 9, you could send them the following picture and message before the next class: Take time to study the preparation material for lesson 9 and ponder why the birth of Jesus Christ should be celebrated not only at Christmas but all year.