Lesson 10 Class Preparation Material

Following Jesus Christ’s Example of Submission

Can you think of people in your life who are “submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon [them], even as a child doth submit to his [or her] father”? (Mosiah 3:19). These Christlike attributes are within reach for any of us who seek them. The Savior is the perfect example of submitting to the will of Heavenly Father. As you study, consider the significance of the following statement by President Ezra Taft Benson: “Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can” (“Jesus Christ—Gifts and Expectations,” Ensign, Dec. 1988, 4).

Section 1

How can humility and meekness empower me?

Some people feel that humility is a sign of weakness. They may think that humble people are fearful and timid. And yet, these words do not describe Jesus Christ, who is the perfect example of humility and meekness.

Consider some examples of the Savior’s strength, courage, and boldness: He confidently declared His true identity, even when it put His life in peril (see John 8:54–59); He boldly cleansed the temple when it was being defiled (see Matthew 21:12–13; John 2:14–17); He courageously defended the oppressed (see John 8:1–11; Mark 2:14–17); and He was fearless in the face of accusations and criticism (see Matthew 16:1–12; Luke 20:19–26).

How can humility lead to greater personal power and strength? We learn that “to be humble is to recognize gratefully our dependence on the Lord—to understand that we have constant need for His support. …

“… During His mortal ministry, [Jesus Christ] always acknowledged that His strength came because of His dependence on His Father. He said: ‘I can of mine own self do nothing. … I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me’ (John 5:30)” (Gospel Topics, “Humility,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

The Savior’s humble submission to His Father’s will is also connected to His meekness (see Matthew 11:29). Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

Meekness is a defining attribute of the Redeemer and is distinguished by righteous responsiveness, willing submissiveness, and strong self-restraint. …

The Great Redeemer, who “descended below all things” [Doctrine and Covenants 88:6] and suffered, bled, and died “to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” [1 John 1:9], tenderly washed the dusty feet of His disciples [John 13:4–5]. Such meekness is a hallmark characteristic of the Lord as a servant and leader.

Jesus provides the ultimate example of righteous responsiveness and willing submission as He suffered intense agony in Gethsemane.

“And when he was at the place, he said unto [His disciples], Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

“And he … kneeled down, and prayed,

“Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” [Luke 22:40–42].

The Savior’s meekness in this eternally essential and excruciating experience demonstrates for each of us the importance of putting the wisdom of God above our own wisdom. (“Meek and Lowly of Heart,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 32–33)

Ponder in Preparation for Class

How has your life been blessed because Jesus Christ meekly “suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning”? (3 Nephi 11:11). How might you be more submissive to the will of God?

Section 2

How can making and keeping covenants help me to do the will of God?

As you reflect on your own life, you may wonder how you can ever be humble and meek like the Savior. Thankfully, Jesus Christ showed us how to submit our will to God.

At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus went to John the Baptist to receive the ordinance of baptism. At first John hesitated and said, “I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?” Jesus told John it was fitting so that they could “fulfil all righteousness” (see Matthew 3:13–17). Consider watching “The Baptism of Jesus” (2:54) to enhance your study of this account.

The Baptism of Jesus

Jesus seeks out John the Baptist and is baptized in order to fulfill all righteousness.

Study in Preparation for Class

Read 2 Nephi 31:6–7, 11–13 to learn what Nephi said about the Savior’s example of humility. Look for practical steps you can take to humbly submit to God’s will.

Submitting to the ordinance of baptism puts us on the covenant path. When we walk this path, we strive to keep the commandments and thereby submit to God’s will. President Russell M. Nelson said this about the covenant path:

Your commitment to follow the Savior by making covenants with Him and then keeping those covenants will open the door to every spiritual blessing and privilege available to men, women, and children everywhere. (“As We Go Forward Together,” Ensign, Apr. 2018, 7)

Ponder in Preparation for Class

How has your life been blessed, or how could it be blessed, by submitting to the Lord’s will through making and keeping gospel covenants?

Section 3

What can I do to let God prevail in my life?

In the scriptures, and today, the Lord’s covenant people are often referred to as the house of Israel. President Nelson taught:

One of the Hebraic meanings of the word Israel is “let God prevail.” Thus the very name of Israel refers to a person who is willing to let God prevail in his or her life. That concept stirs my soul!

The word willing is crucial to this interpretation of Israel. We all have our agency. … We can choose to let God prevail in our lives, or not. We can choose to let God be the most powerful influence in our lives, or not. …

Are you willing to let God be the most important influence in your life? Will you allow His words, His commandments, and His covenants to influence what you do each day? Will you allow His voice to take priority over any other? Are you willing to let whatever He needs you to do take precedence over every other ambition? Are you willing to have your will swallowed up in His? (“Let God Prevail,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 92, 94)

From the scriptures and the lives of modern-day disciples we can learn of the opportunities, challenges, and blessings that come when we choose to let God prevail in our lives.

Study in Preparation for Class

Explore one or more of the following examples of individuals who let God prevail, and ponder the questions that follow:

• Naaman the leper seeks help from the prophet Elisha: 2 Kings 5:9–14.

• Mary has an angelic visitor who declares that Mary is to be the mother of Jesus: Luke 1:26–38.

• Enoch is chosen by the Lord to call the people to repentance: Moses 6:31–34, 37–39.

• A young father prays for his sick daughter: “Accepting the Will of God” (2:23).

  Accepting the Will of God

  Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles recounts an experience of a father praying for his critically ill daughter.

• Elder Hugh B. Brown learns the importance of submitting to God’s will: “The Will of God” (3:01).

  The Will of God

  God uses love-inspired correction to guide us to a future we do not or cannot now envision but which He knows is the better way for us.

• • What challenges came with the invitation for the person to submit to God’s will?

  • What did the person do to let God prevail?

  • How was the person blessed for submitting to God’s will?

As you think about your efforts to let God prevail in your life, consider the following testimony of President Bonnie L. Oscarson, former Young Women General President:

I testify there are great blessings in store when we are also willing to say to the Father, “Nevertheless, thy will be done” [see Doctrine and Covenants 109:44] and align our will to the will of the Lord. … This is the test of life. As we become better at doing it, we will find greater happiness, increased ability to receive personal revelation, greater capacity to serve those around us, more help in meeting trials, and a more Christlike character. (“Leaders Address Importance of Conversion at BYU Women’s Conference,” May 9, 2017, ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

Record Your Thoughts

What is something you feel you should start doing or stop doing to let God prevail more fully in your life? How might you invite the Lord’s help as you submit more completely to His will?

Want More? (Optional)

Where can I read more about Jesus Christ’s example of being submissive?

During His ministry among the Nephites and Lamanites, Jesus Christ often talked about submitting to His Father’s will (see 3 Nephi 11:10–11, 27; 15:14–18; 18:27).

In John 17:11, 20–23 we learn that Jesus Christ achieved perfect unity with the Father by submitting to Him.

In the video “Being One with God and Christ” (1:23), Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles talks about John 17:11, 20–23 and what we can do to be one with the Father and the Son.

Being One with God and Christ

(John 17:11, 20–23) By submitting to the Father, Jesus Christ achieved perfect unity. An excerpt from “That They May Be One in Us,” Ensign, Nov. 2002.

How can submitting to God’s will and timing bless my life?

In the talk “Accepting the Lord’s Will and Timing” (Ensign, Aug. 2016, 28–35), Elder Bednar shared the importance of seeking the Lord’s will and timing in our lives.