Lesson 1

We Invite Others to Come unto Christ

All missionary work focuses on Jesus Christ. Indeed, a missionary’s essential purpose is to “invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel” (Preach My Gospel [2023], 1). Jesus Christ invites His followers to share the gospel message with everyone. “As [our] understanding and testimony of the Savior and His Atonement grow, [our] desire to share the gospel will increase” (Preach My Gospel, 2).

Welcome!

Discussion leader: Some class members might feel uncertain about starting a new class and meeting new people. You could read together John 13:34–35 and invite class members to share examples of how the Savior loved others. Consider asking the following questions:

How can our class apply the Savior’s example of loving others?
How do you think the Savior would want you to treat people you don’t know or who seem different from you?

Discussion leader: The following activity can help learners get to know each other and create a sense of belonging. Display the instructions, and give class members time to talk with each other. You could also use this opportunity to explain that meeting and treating people in a “warm, authentic, and friendly” way is an important part of sharing the gospel (Preach My Gospel, 166).

Take the next few minutes to meet three to four new people in our class. Here are some tips to start your conversations:

Learn each other’s names.
Ask about interests, talents, school, work, or hobbies.
Ask about a recent vacation, adventure, or challenge or something they are looking forward to.

Suggested Learning Activity

Why is it important to help others come to Jesus Christ?

Study

Discussion leader: Display the following image, and invite class members to share what they know about the account depicted. Then share the following instructions:

Study Matthew 28:18–20, looking for what the Savior taught His Apostles on this occasion.

Why do you think the Savior invites His followers to share the gospel with others?

Discussion leader: Explain that Jesus Christ’s instruction for His Apostles to share the gospel also applies to His followers in our day.

Display the following instructions, and give class members time to study some of the verses on their own. Additionally, you could study together President Russell M. Nelson’s message “Preaching the Gospel of Peace” (Liahona, May 2022, 6–7) or watch “A Prophetic Call: Experience the Joy of Missionary Service” (2:12; Gospel Library).

Study some of the following scriptures, looking for truths about Jesus Christ that could help others come to Him. You could also use the study tools in Gospel Library to find other scriptures or statements from Church leaders.

Discussion leader: Divide the class into small groups, and invite each group member to share their answers to the following questions:

What truths did you learn about Jesus Christ and His gospel?
How have these truths influenced you?
How do these truths help you teach others about Jesus Christ?

Discussion leader: After the groups finish their discussion, invite learners to share a truth they discovered with the rest of the class. Using their own words, learners might identify truths like these:

When we come to Christ, He can make our burdens light (see Matthew 11:28–30).
Jesus Christ is our way back to Heavenly Father (see John 14:6).
We are saved through the merits, mercy, and grace of Jesus Christ (see 2 Nephi 2:6–8).
As we follow the example of the Savior and endure to the end, we will receive eternal life with our Heavenly Father (see 2 Nephi 31:17–21).
If we repent and come to Jesus Christ and are baptized, then we can be sanctified through the Holy Ghost and stand spotless before Christ at the last day (see 3 Nephi 27:20–22).
Because the worth of souls is great in God’s sight, He feels joy when we repent (see Doctrine and Covenants 18:10–16).

Practice

Discussion leader: Give learners an opportunity to practice teaching the importance of Jesus Christ. One way you could do this is by displaying the following scenario and instructions. Give class members sufficient time to create a response. If they need additional help, refer them to the bullets under the heading “The Atonement of Jesus Christ” (Preach My Gospel, 48).

Imagine you have a friend who is not a member of the Church and is curious about your beliefs. During one conversation your friend says, “I’ve noticed that Jesus seems important to you. Why is that?”

Prepare a response for your friend that includes the following:

A brief explanation about our need for Jesus Christ
A related scripture
Your testimony

Discussion leader: Divide the class into partnerships, and invite each person to share their response with their partner. After they finish, you could invite learners to individually evaluate their response and determine what adjustments they want to make. Then assign learners a different partner, and invite them to share their response again, including any adjustments.

Set a goal

Discussion leader: Give class members time to reflect on what they have learned and to set goals. You could display the following to help them:

Set a goal that relates to what you have studied today. Use some of the following ideas, or think of your own.

During your personal scripture study, mark or highlight passages that help you better understand Jesus Christ and His Atonement.
Share your testimony of Jesus Christ and His Atonement with someone—in person, through text message, or online.
Invite a friend who is not here today to begin attending this class with you.

My goal

I will … (action you will take).
I will accomplish my goal by … (a simple plan).

Discussion leader: Consider giving learners time to choose a classmate or a group of peers that they can share their goals with throughout the course. You could instruct groups to think of a way to remind each other about their goals before the next class. You could also send learners a reminder message before the next class.

Next Time

Discussion leader: If you are ready to teach lesson 2 next time, consider inviting class members to spend some time becoming familiar with Preach My Gospel in preparation for class. You might also want to send them a reminder.