Lesson 26 Teacher Material

Becoming More like Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ asks us, as His disciples, to become as He is (see 3 Nephi 27:27). In this lesson, students will consider how they can become more like the Savior by further developing Christlike attributes. They will also have the opportunity to select a specific Christlike attribute and determine what they can do to develop it more fully. 

Suggestions for Teaching

Jesus Christ instructs His disciples to become like Him.

To begin class, display or invite a student to read aloud President Dallin H. Oaks’s statement in section 1 of the preparation material. Then ask:

• What is the difference between knowing something, doing something, and becoming something?

Summarize the context of 3 Nephi 27, and then read 3 Nephi 27:27 together. Or you might watch the corresponding clip from Book of Mormon Videos (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Consider displaying the following truth: Jesus Christ asks His disciples to become as He is.

You could display some pictures that depict attributes of Christ. Then invite students to choose one or two of the following passages to read, looking for Christlike attributes:

• Matthew 5:3–11

• 2 Peter 1:4–7

• Alma 13:28

• Doctrine and Covenants 4:5–7

• What are some of the attributes of Jesus Christ that you would like to further develop? (Consider listing the attributes students identify on the board.)

• How have you or how has someone you know been blessed by striving to become more like the Savior? (You could review President Ezra Taft Benson’s statement in section 1 of the preparation material.)

Consider sharing something like the following scenario:

When looking at a list of Christlike attributes, Eliza felt overwhelmed. She wondered how she could ever incorporate all those attributes in her life. It seemed impossible.

• Have you ever felt like Eliza? What advice would you give her?

• What other challenges can we face when seeking to develop Christlike attributes?

• What gospel principles can help us feel more hopeful as we strive to develop Christlike attributes? (If needed, students could consider President Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s statement in section 2 of the preparation material or scriptures such as the following: Mosiah 4:27; Ether 12:27; or Doctrine and Covenants 78:17–18; 93:13.)

Improving Our Teaching and Learning

Use stories. Stories can create interest, deepen understanding, and illustrate application. Along with stories in the scriptures, faith-promoting stories from Church leaders can demonstrate how to apply principles in a modern context. Teachers and students can also share inspiring stories from their lives.

To illustrate the concept of becoming like the Lord little by little, you might display a picture of Mount Fuji and read the following experience of Elder Scott D. and Sister Whiting. (Or you could watch or listen to Elder Whiting share this experience in general conference [from time code 2:35 to 3:09].)

Becoming Like Him

Elder Whiting teaches how we can follow the commandment to become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ.

A few years ago, my wife and I stood at the trailhead of Japan’s highest mountain, Mount Fuji. As we began our ascent we looked up to the far-distant summit and wondered if we could get there.

As we progressed, fatigue, sore muscles, and the effects of altitude set in. Mentally, it became important for us to focus on just the next step. We would say, “I may not soon make it to the top, but I can do this next step right now.” Over time the daunting task ultimately became achievable—step by step. (Scott D. Whiting, “Becoming like Him,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 12)

• How can the Whitings’ experience relate to becoming more like Jesus Christ?

After students share their thoughts, display the following statement by Elder Whiting:

Becoming as Jesus Christ will require changing our hearts and minds, indeed, our very character, and doing so is possible only through the saving grace of Jesus Christ. …

In order to see real progress, you will need to put in sustained effort. Much like climbing a mountain requires preparation before and endurance and perseverance during ascent, so too will this journey require real effort and sacrifice. True Christianity, in which we strive to become like our Master, has always required our best efforts. (Scott D. Whiting, “Becoming like Him,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 13, 14)

Invite students to refer to the “Record Your Thoughts” activity in section 3 of the preparation material. Then select which of the following activities might best meet the needs of your students:

1. Invite students to spend time completing the “Attribute Activity” found in Preach My Gospel or pondering what they learned or could learn from the experience.

2. Give students time to select and read (or begin reading) one of the talks in the “Want More?” section of the preparation material. They might also find their own resources to study by searching for a Christlike attribute in the Gospel Library.

3. Invite some students to share from the scriptures how the Savior exemplified the attribute they have chosen to work on. (See step 2 in the “Record Your Thoughts” activity in section 3 of the preparation material.)

4. Invite students to share what they have learned by talking with someone they know about becoming more like the Savior. (See the “Discuss in Preparation for Class” activity in section 1 or the third step of the “Record Your Thoughts” activity in section 3 of the preparation material for ideas.)

To conclude class, you could display the following questions and invite students to ponder and record their impressions:

• How could developing or strengthening the Christlike attribute you selected influence your life and relationships?

• What small and simple steps could you take this week to cultivate this attribute?

• How will you seek the Lord’s help to develop or strengthen this attribute?

Consider inviting a few students to share something they felt, learned, or wrote during today’s discussion. You might also share your testimony.

For Next Time

To encourage students to study the preparation material for the next class, consider sending the following message or one of your own: As you study lesson 27, consider the connection between the words hope, light, and life.