“Lesson 26 Class Preparation Material: Becoming More like Jesus Christ,” Jesus Christ and His Everlasting Gospel Teacher Material (2023)
“Lesson 26 Class Preparation Material,” Jesus Christ and His Everlasting Gospel Teacher Material
Lesson 26 Class Preparation Material
Becoming More like Jesus Christ
During the Savior’s mortal ministry, “He entreated all to follow His example” (“The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Striving to follow Jesus Christ’s example and becoming more like Him is a lifelong journey. We accomplish it gradually and only with the Savior’s help (see Moroni 10:32). As you study the material in this lesson, consider what you can do to become more intentional in your efforts to be like the Savior.
Section 1
What kind of person would the Lord have me become?
Soon after the Savior’s ministry among the Nephites and Lamanites, Jesus Christ appeared to His newly called twelve disciples. He taught them more of His gospel and instructed them about their responsibilities (see 3 Nephi 27:13–26). The Savior then said: “Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am” (3 Nephi 27:27).
This invitation to “be” like the Savior is extended to all disciples. Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
As we choose to be baptized, we begin to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ and choose to identify ourselves with Him. We pledge to become like Him and to develop His attributes. (“Unwavering Commitment to Jesus Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 23)
Take a minute to ponder some of the attributes of the Savior. It might be helpful to watch the video “Christlike Attributes” (2:53).
Christlike Attributes
The attributes of Christ depicted in scenes from His life.
The pledge to become like the Savior takes us beyond knowing about Him. President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught:
In contrast to the institutions of the world, which teach us to know something, the gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to become something. …
The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become. (“The Challenge to Become,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 32)
President Ezra Taft Benson said of our quest to become like the Savior:
That man [or woman] is greatest and most blessed and joyful whose life most closely approaches the pattern of the Christ. This has nothing to do with earthly wealth, power, or prestige. The only true test of greatness, blessedness, joyfulness is how close a life can come to being like the Master, Jesus Christ. He is the right way, the full truth, and the abundant life. (“Jesus Christ—Gifts and Expectations,” Ensign, Dec. 1988, 2)
Discuss in Preparation for Class
Think of someone you know who is an example of a Christlike person. Consider reaching out to them and asking them how they have been blessed by striving to pattern their life after the Savior.
Section 2
What can I do to become more like Jesus Christ?
Elder Scott D. Whiting of the Seventy taught about the process of becoming more like Jesus Christ:
Understanding the admonition to be like Him is good, but that understanding needs to be coupled with a yearning to transform ourselves, one step at a time, beyond the natural man. To develop the desire, we must know who Jesus Christ is. We must know something of His character, and we must look for His attributes in scripture, worship services, and other holy places. As we begin to know more of Him, we will see His attributes reflected in others. This will encourage us on our own quest, for if others can attain in some measure His attributes, so can we. (“Becoming like Him,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 13)
As Elder Whiting taught, we can find the attributes of Jesus Christ throughout the scriptures (see, for example, Matthew 5:3–11; Alma 13:28; Doctrine and Covenants 4:5–7). The Apostle Peter also taught that through the Savior’s “divine power” we can receive the Savior’s “divine nature” (2 Peter 1:3, 4).
Study in Preparation for Class
Read 2 Peter 1:4–8, and consider marking the divine attributes we can receive and develop with the Savior’s help. (See the “Want More?” section for more ideas.)
You may sometimes feel overwhelmed or discouraged when you compare yourself to the Savior. At such times, keep in mind that even the Savior “received not of the fullness at the first, but received grace for grace” (Doctrine and Covenants 93:12). You can find joy with incremental progress.
Remember that you cannot do this alone. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, while serving as a counselor in the First Presidency, taught:
Christlike attributes are gifts from God. They cannot be developed without His help.
The one help we all need is given to us freely through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Having faith in Jesus Christ and in His Atonement means relying completely on Him—trusting in His infinite power, intelligence, and love. … In seeking to become more like the Savior, we need to reevaluate our lives regularly and rely, through the path of true repentance, upon the merits of Jesus Christ and the blessings of His Atonement. (“Developing Christlike Attributes,” Ensign, Oct. 2008, 8, 9)
Ponder in Preparation for Class
What challenges have you experienced, or might you experience, when striving to develop Christlike attributes? How can the Lord help you, or how has He helped you, become more like Him?
Section 3
Which Christlike attribute would the Lord have me focus on developing?
As you think about the Christlike attributes you would like to develop, identify your strengths and weaknesses. You could use the following learning activities to identify the attribute you want to focus on right now.
Record Your Thoughts
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Identify an attribute to develop. Prayerfully consider a Christlike attribute the Lord would have you further develop. You may find it helpful to complete the “Attribute Activity” found in Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service ([2019], 132).
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Learn from the Savior. Think how Jesus Christ exemplifies the attribute you have chosen to work on. You could find and read about an example of this attribute in the scriptures. As you reflect on the Savior’s example, record what you learn.
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Identify a modern-day example. Think of someone you know who exemplifies the attribute you have chosen to work on. Consider talking with that person and learning what has helped him or her to cultivate this attribute. Record your thoughts and impressions.
Be prepared to share something you learn from this experience during class.
As you continue to work toward developing Christlike attributes, regularly review your progress. Don’t compare yourself with others. Rejoice in small successes. Learn from your mistakes. Trust that the Savior will extend help and strength as you strive to become more like Him.
