“Lesson 23 Class Preparation Material: Living with Hope as We Prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ,” Jesus Christ and His Everlasting Gospel Teacher Material (2023)
“Lesson 23 Class Preparation Material,” Jesus Christ and His Everlasting Gospel Teacher Material
Lesson 23 Class Preparation Material
Living with Hope as We Prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ
Some people view the Lord’s Second Coming with fear and apprehension. Others anticipate it joyfully. Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, “Nothing lifts my desire to speak of Christ more than visualizing His return” (“We Talk of Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 91). As you study, reflect on your feelings about Christ’s return and how preparing with faith can increase your hope.
Section 1
How can a correct understanding of the Savior’s Second Coming and His millennial reign bring me hope and peace?
As He taught His disciples on the Mount of Olives, Jesus revealed the signs and conditions that would precede His Second Coming. The Savior declared there would be false Christs, false prophets, wars, rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, iniquity, and signs in the heavens (see Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:22–23, 28–30, 33).
Like the Lord’s ancient disciples, you may feel troubled by the signs of His return. In 1831, the Prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation that provided the Lord’s perspective about these signs.
Study in Preparation for Class
Read Doctrine and Covenants 45:34–35, 38–39, looking for how Jesus Christ would have us view the signs of His Second Coming. Note that fear as used in verse 39 implies reverence, worship, and awe.
It is important to remember that the signs of the Lord’s Second Coming also include events surrounding the Restoration of His gospel. Think how the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, the restoration of the priesthood, living apostles and prophets, missionary work, temple and family history work, and the gathering of Israel are preparing us for the Savior’s return (see Malachi 4:5–6; Revelation 14:6–7; 1 Nephi 21:13–26; 3 Nephi 21:1–11; Doctrine and Covenants 1:14, 17–18; 65).
President Russell M. Nelson testified:
Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. (“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 96)
The Millennium will follow the Second Coming. During the Millennium “Christ will reign personally upon the earth” for a thousand years (Articles of Faith 1:10). A revelation received through the Prophet Joseph Smith conveys what life will be like during the Millennium.
Study in Preparation for Class
Read Doctrine and Covenants 101:26–32, 35, and consider marking the conditions that will exist during the Millennium.
As you think about the Savior’s return and His millennial reign, consider how the following counsel from Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles can be applied to your life:
No matter how much wickedness and chaos fill the earth, we are promised by our daily faithfulness in Jesus Christ the “peace of God, which passeth all understanding” [Philippians 4:7]. And when Christ comes in all power and glory, evil, rebellion, and injustice will end. …
… Yes, we live in perilous times, but as we stay on the covenant path, we need not fear. I bless you that as you do so, you will not be troubled by the times in which we live or the troubles that come your way. … I bless you to believe in the promises of Jesus Christ, that He lives and that He is watching over us, caring for us and standing by us. (“Be Not Troubled,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 19, 21)
Ponder in Preparation for Class
What thoughts and feelings do you have as you visualize the Savior’s return and His millennial reign? How can focusing on the Savior increase your feelings of hope and peace as you face the challenges of the last days?
Section 2
How can I better prepare myself and others for the Lord’s return?
In connection with the signs of the Second Coming (see Matthew 24), the Savior taught the parable of the ten virgins. This parable draws on Jewish wedding customs. The bridegroom, accompanied by his close friends, would go at night to the bride’s house for the wedding ceremony. Following the ceremony, the wedding party would proceed to the bridegroom’s house for a feast. Wedding guests who joined the procession were expected to carry their own lamps to indicate they were part of the wedding party.
President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught that the bridegroom represents Jesus Christ, and the virgins are members of His Church (see “Preparation for the Second Coming,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 8).
Study in Preparation for Class
Read Matthew 25:1–13, and reflect on your preparations for the Lord’s return. (Note: The Joseph Smith Translation for Matthew 25:12 reads “Ye know me not” instead of “I know ye not.”) You might also watch the video “They That Are Wise” (from time code 0:00 to 5:46) or “The Ten Virgins” (1:40).
They that are Wise
(D&C 45:56-57) This video depicts the parable of the ten virgins, through which the Savior helps the disciples understand why and how to prepare for His Second Coming.
The Ten Virgins
Jesus declares the parable of the ten virgins. Matthew 25:1–13
The Lord said this of those who were prepared for the wedding feast: “They that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day” (Doctrine and Covenants 45:57).
President Nelson also said about the importance of taking the Holy Ghost as our guide:
In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost. …
I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation. (“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 96)
Record Your Thoughts
Record your answer to the following question from President Oaks: “If [you] knew that [you] would meet the Lord tomorrow—through [y]our premature death or through His unexpected coming—what would [you] do today?” (“Preparation for the Second Coming,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 9).