“Lesson 27 Class Preparation Material: Finding Hope in the Light and Life of the World,” Jesus Christ and His Everlasting Gospel Teacher Material (2023)
“Lesson 27 Class Preparation Material,” Jesus Christ and His Everlasting Gospel Teacher Material
Lesson 27 Class Preparation Material
Finding Hope in the Light and Life of the World
Even though we want our lives to be happy, occasional feelings of darkness and despair are common to all of us. These feelings can come from sin, fear, doubt, or loss. They are simply a part of our mortal experience. As you study, consider how you can find strength in Jesus Christ, who “is the light, the life, and the hope of the world” (“The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
Section 1
How can the light and life Jesus Christ provides strengthen me?
Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be a light to the world (see Isaiah 49:6; 60:1–3). Jesus Christ affirmed that He was the prophesied Messiah when He declared, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).
President Dallin H. Oaks, counselor in the First Presidency, explained:
Jesus Christ is the light of the world because he is the source of the light that quickens our understanding, because his teachings and his example illuminate our path, and because his power persuades us to do good. (“The Light and Life of the World,” Ensign, Nov. 1987, 63, 64)
When Jesus Christ appeared to the Nephites and Lamanites He declared, “And behold, I am the light and life of the world” (3 Nephi 11:11, emphasis added; see also Mosiah 16:9). President Oaks said of the Savior’s role as the life of the world:
Jesus Christ is the life of the world because of his unique position in what the scriptures call “the great and eternal plan of deliverance from death” (2 Ne. 11:5). …
[He] is the life of the world because his resurrection and his atonement save us from both physical and spiritual death. (“The Light and Life of the World,” Ensign, Nov. 1987, 64, 65)
Sister Sharon Eubank, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, shared an experience that illustrates the importance of Jesus Christ being the light and life of our lives:
My office in the Relief Society Building has a perfect view of the Salt Lake Temple. Every night, as regular as clockwork, the outdoor temple lights turn on at dusk. The temple is a steady, reassuring beacon just outside my window.
One night this past February, my office remained exceptionally dim as the sun went down. As I looked out the window, the temple was dark. The lights had not turned on. I felt suddenly somber. I couldn’t see the temple spires I had glimpsed every evening for years.
Seeing darkness where I expected to see light reminded me that one of the fundamental needs we have in order to grow is to stay connected to our source of light—Jesus Christ. He is the source of our power, the Light and Life of the World. Without a strong connection to Him, we begin to spiritually die. Knowing that, Satan tries to exploit the worldly pressures we all face. He works to dim our light, short-circuit the connection, cut off the power supply, leaving us alone in the dark. (“Christ: The Light That Shines in the Darkness,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 73)
Ponder in Preparation for Class
What blessings have you experienced in your life when you have made efforts to connect to the Light and Life of the World? What could you do to make that connection stronger?
Section 2
How can focusing on Jesus Christ bring me hope?
Exercising faith in Jesus Christ as the Light and Life of the World can bless our lives in many ways. One of those ways is by giving us hope.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, then a counselor in the First Presidency, explained how the light and life of Jesus Christ brings hope:
God’s light is real. It is available to all! It gives life to all things [see Doctrine and Covenants 88:11–13]. It has the power to soften the sting of the deepest wound. It can be a healing balm for the loneliness and sickness of our souls. In the furrows of despair, it can plant the seeds of a brighter hope. (“The Hope of God’s Light,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 75)
From the Guide to the Scriptures we read: “In our everyday language, the word [hope] often has a hint of uncertainty. For example, we may say that we hope for a change in the weather or a visit from a friend. In the language of the gospel, however, the word hope is sure, unwavering, and active. Prophets speak of having a ‘firm hope’ (Alma 34:41) and a ‘lively hope’ (1 Peter 1:3)” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Hope,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
As you think about the challenges you experience, remember that the prophet Mormon lived in a day when spiritual darkness dominated Nephite life (see Mormon 1–6). During these difficult times, Mormon taught how to increase our hope.
Study in Preparation for Class
Read Moroni 7:40–42, and look for the relationship between faith, hope, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
Trust and confidence in Christ and a ready reliance on His merits, mercy, and grace lead to hope, through His Atonement, in the Resurrection and eternal life (see Moroni 7:41). Such faith and hope invite into our lives the sweet peace of conscience for which we all yearn. (“Therefore They Hushed Their Fears,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 47)
Like Mormon, the prophet Ether also lived in a challenging time (see Ether 11). And like Mormon, Ether taught that even in the most difficult times we can find hope in Jesus Christ.
Study in Preparation for Class
Read Ether 12:4, and look for how hope in Christ can affect our everyday lives.
To learn more about the power of hope, read the following statement by President Uchtdorf or watch “The Power of Hope” (2:11):
Hope is a gift of the Spirit [see Moroni 8:26]. …
[It is] the abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promise to us. It is confidence that if we live according to God’s laws and the words of His prophets now, we will receive desired blessings in the future. It is believing and expecting that our prayers will be answered. It is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance. …
No matter how bleak the chapter of our lives may look today, because of the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we may hope and be assured that the ending of the book of our lives will exceed our grandest expectations. (“The Infinite Power of Hope,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 21, 22)
Study in Preparation for Class
Read one or more of the following scripture accounts, or choose one of your own. Look for evidence that faith in the Lord can bring us hope. Be prepared to share what you learn with your class.
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Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego: Daniel 3:1, 6, 8, 12–14, 16–20, 23–25
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Woman with an issue of blood: Mark 5:25–34
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Woman who washed the Savior’s feet: Luke 7:36–50
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Anti-Nephi-Lehies: Alma 23:4–7; 24:1–27
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Believing Nephites and Lamanites anticipated the birth of Christ: 3 Nephi 1:4–15
Ponder in Preparation for Class
What did you learn about hope from the scripture passage or passages you studied? As you seek the spiritual gift of hope, what can you do to invite this gift into your life?