Lesson 28 Teacher Material

Standing as Witnesses of Jesus Christ

Throughout this course, students have had the opportunity to study, ponder, and discuss Jesus Christ and His everlasting gospel. They have been invited to strengthen their testimony of the Savior and act in faith to become more like Him. In this lesson, students will reflect on what they have felt, learned, and experienced. They will be invited to share their testimony of the Savior.

Suggestions for Teaching

Disciples of Jesus Christ bear testimony of Him.

Note: To allow students plenty of time to reflect on and share their testimonies of the Savior during class, there are fewer teaching ideas in this lesson.

You could share the following scenario as you begin class:

Imagine a close friend is attending his or her first fast and testimony meeting or coming back to church after years of being away. If you shared your testimony, what would you say? What would you hope that others might share?

Consider providing students time to record what they might say in their testimonies. You could then invite some students to share what they recorded. As part of your discussion, you could ask one or more of the following questions:

• How would you feel if no one bore testimony of Jesus Christ? Why is bearing testimony of Jesus Christ and His everlasting gospel so important? (As students discuss, you could display the following statement by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf: “The core of [our] testimony will always be the faith in and the knowledge of Jesus Christ and His divine mission” [“The Power of a Personal Testimony,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2006, 38].)

• How has your testimony of Jesus Christ come to you? (You could review Alma 5:46–48 and the second statement by Elder Uchtdorf in section 1 of the preparation material. If desired, you might help students identify a truth similar to the following: We can have a sure testimony of Jesus Christ through the Holy Ghost.) What influence has the Holy Ghost had on your understanding of and love for the Savior?

Consider inviting one or two students before class to be prepared to share in class how their life has been blessed by hearing others testify of Jesus Christ. You could then ask:

• What are some ways we can stand as witnesses of Jesus Christ? (You might want to ask students to review the statement by Elder Neil L. Andersen in section 2 of the preparation material.)

• Why might it be important to share our testimony of the Savior, even if we feel it is not very strong? (Consider reviewing the first statement by President Uchtdorf in section 1 of the preparation material.)

Improving Our Teaching and Learning

Invite students to bear testimony of Jesus Christ and His divine mission. Help students understand that sharing a testimony of Jesus Christ not only blesses the person who bears testimony but can also strengthen the faith and testimonies of others. A testimony can be a simple expression of what a person believes, hopes, or knows to be true.

Remind students that they were invited to prepare for class by selecting a learning activity to help them reflect on their testimony of the Savior and His everlasting gospel. Give students time to review their notes and prepare something to share.

If you have a large class, you may want to arrange students into small groups to help give everyone an opportunity to share. Encourage students to be mindful of the time they use so everyone in the class or group who would like to share can. While all students should be encouraged to share, no one should feel pressured.

Conclude class by bearing your testimony and encouraging students to continue strengthening their testimony of Jesus Christ and looking for opportunities to share that witness of Him.

Before class ends, encourage students to continue to enroll in institute.