“Lesson 16 Class Preparation Material: Embracing the Savior’s Great Atoning Sacrifice,” Jesus Christ and His Everlasting Gospel Teacher Material (2023)
“Lesson 16 Class Preparation Material,” Jesus Christ and His Everlasting Gospel Teacher Material
Lesson 16 Class Preparation Material
Embracing the Savior’s Great Atoning Sacrifice
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles testified, “The greatest event and the most important accomplishment in the course of all human history is the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ” (“Testify of the Restoration,” New Era, Apr. 2017, 3). As you study, think of what the Lord endured to complete His atoning sacrifice. Also consider how you can show gratitude for what He has done for you.
Section 1
Why do I need the Savior’s Atonement?
The Fall of Adam and Eve was a necessary step forward in Heavenly Father’s plan for our eternal progression. It provided us an opportunity to come to earth, exercise agency, create families, experience joy, and learn and grow (see 2 Nephi 2:19–25).
But this step forward also brought a step downward. Because of the Fall, we each inherit a fallen condition and are subject to spiritual and physical death (see Alma 42:5–9, 14). We cannot overcome these conditions through our own efforts or merits (see 2 Nephi 2:5, 8). The prophet Jacob taught that without the Lord’s “infinite atonement” we would “rise no more” and forever be cut off from God’s presence (see 2 Nephi 9:7–9).
Study in Preparation for Class
Read 2 Nephi 9:10, 21, and look for how Jesus Christ saves us from physical and spiritual death.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles testified how the Savior’s Atonement helps us overcome the consequences of the Fall:
The Savior’s Redemption has two parts. First, it atones for Adam’s transgression and the consequent Fall of man by overcoming what could be called the direct effects of the Fall—physical death and spiritual death. Physical death is well understood; spiritual death is the separation of man from God. … This redemption from physical and spiritual death is both universal and without condition.
The second aspect of the Savior’s Atonement is redemption from what might be termed the indirect consequences of the Fall—our own sins as opposed to Adam’s transgression. …
Because we are accountable and we make the choices, the redemption from our own sins is conditional—conditioned on confessing and abandoning sin and turning to a godly life, or in other words, conditioned on repentance [see Doctrine and Covenants 58:43]. (“Redemption,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 109–10)
Ponder in Preparation for Class
What thoughts and feelings do you have for Jesus Christ, knowing He is the only way you can be saved from spiritual death, physical death, and the effects of your own sins? (See Mosiah 3:17.)
Section 2
How can pondering the Savior’s suffering in Gethsemane and on the cross increase my gratitude for Him?
After eating the Last Supper with His Apostles and introducing the sacrament to them, Jesus took them to the Garden of Gethsemane. There the Savior prayed and suffered for our sins.
Study in Preparation for Class
Read Mark 14:33–36, Luke 22:43–44, and Doctrine and Covenants 19:18 slowly and carefully. Try to visualize the price Jesus Christ paid to atone for our sins. You could also watch “The Savior Suffers in Gethsemane” (8:30).
The Savior Suffers in Gethsemane
Jesus, Peter, James, and John retire to the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus submits to the Father's will and begins to suffer for the sins and afflictions of mankind. He is then betrayed and arrested. Matthew 26:36–57
After suffering unimaginable pain in Gethsemane, Jesus was betrayed. “He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges” (“The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org). While in the custody of Jewish religious leaders, the Savior was mocked, spit upon, slapped, and falsely accused (see Matthew 26:47–68).
Because they lacked the authority to put Jesus to death, the Jewish leaders took Him to Pilate, the Roman governor. Fearing the people, Pilate condemned Jesus to death by crucifixion. In preparation for crucifixion, Christ was scourged, then cruelly mocked by Roman soldiers. They drove nails into His hands and feet and lifted Him up on a cross between two criminals (see Matthew 27:11–38). Consider watching “Jesus Is Scourged and Crucified” (4:49) as part of your study.
Jesus Is Scourged and Crucified
A band of soldiers strips Jesus of His clothes, scourges Him, and mocks Him. He then carries His cross to Golgotha and is crucified by Roman soldiers. Matthew 27:26–50
Elder Bruce R. McConkie of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that while Jesus hung on the cross, “all the infinite agonies and merciless pains of Gethsemane recurred” (“The Purifying Power of Gethsemane,” Ensign, Apr. 2011, 58). After about six hours, “Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34).
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said the following about this anguished cry (or, instead of reading the following statement, you could watch “None Were with Him” [2:28]):
None Were with Him
(Mark 15:34) Elder Jeffery R. Holland elaborates on the necessity for Heavenly Father to remove His presence from the Savior briefly, so Jesus could know what it feels like to sin. An excerpt from “None Were with Him,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009.
That the supreme sacrifice of His Son might be as complete as it was voluntary and solitary, the Father briefly withdrew from Jesus the comfort of His Spirit, the support of His personal presence. … For His Atonement to be infinite and eternal, [Jesus Christ] had to feel what it was like to die not only physically but spiritually, to sense what it was like to have the divine Spirit withdraw, leaving one feeling totally, abjectly, hopelessly alone. …
… Because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. (“None Were with Him,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 87–88)
Record Your Thoughts
Reflect on the price the Savior paid in Gethsemane and on the cross to redeem you, and record your thoughts and feelings. Consider offering a prayer to express your gratitude to Heavenly Father for Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice for you.
Section 3
What can I do to embrace the Lord’s atoning sacrifice?
It is important to understand and express gratitude for the Lord’s suffering on your behalf. But you can do even more to demonstrate your faith in the reality of His Atonement when you choose to repent of your sins. (You can see an example of this in 3 Nephi 9:12–13, 21–22, where the Lord invited the Nephites and Lamanites to repent before He visited them.)
Study in Preparation for Class
Read Doctrine and Covenants 18:10–14, and look for the connection between our individual worth, the Lord’s Atonement, and repentance.
President Russell M. Nelson said of the Lord’s gift of repentance:
Too many people consider repentance as punishment—something to be avoided except in the most serious circumstances. But this feeling of being penalized is engendered by Satan. …
Nothing is more liberating, more ennobling, or more crucial to our individual progression than is a regular, daily focus on repentance. Repentance is not an event; it is a process. It is the key to happiness and peace of mind. When coupled with faith, repentance opens our access to the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. (“We Can Do Better and Be Better,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 67)
Act
What is your attitude toward repentance? What could you do to make repentance a more Christ-centered and joyful experience in your life? Consider setting and recording a goal, and review it often. (You could watch “Repentance: A Joyful Choice” [4:36], with Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, to deepen your learning.)
Repentance: A Joyful Choice
Elder Dale G. Renlund tells a childhood story of lighting a firecracker in the chapel right before church began. He relates his story to the joy of repentance.