Seminary
John 1

John 1

Overview

The Apostle John wrote his Gospel with the intent of helping members of the Church and the world believe that Jesus is the Christ (see John 20:30–31). John taught that Jesus Christ left His heavenly home to come to earth as the Redeemer of all humankind. The Gospel of John contains many stories of men and women who gained a testimony that Jesus is the Christ, the promised Messiah. Prayerfully reading and reflecting on those accounts can also lead modern-day readers to come unto Him.

Prepare to Teach

The following information provides teachers with ideas of what may need to be prepared in advance for each lesson.

John 1:1–16

Lesson purpose: This lesson will help students feel deeper appreciation for who Jesus Christ was before His mortal birth and for the love He showed for us by fulfilling His mission on earth.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to ponder what they know about who Jesus Christ was before He came to earth.

  • Object: Consider bringing to class a ball used in a popular sport or displaying the picture of a ball found in the lesson.

  • Video: Prepare to show students “The Nativity” (time code 2:30 to 5:31), available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: Consider creating beforehand in a spreadsheet or word-processing program the chart of Jesus in the premortal life and Jesus’s life on earth. During the lesson, display the chart by sharing your screen. This could be filled out with students during class as they share their thoughts.

John 1

Lesson purpose: This lesson will help students know Jesus Christ more deeply by identifying and learning about some of His titles and roles.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to ask friends and family members to share which titles or roles of Jesus Christ are most meaningful to them and why.

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: At the end of the lesson, consider using a breakout room feature in your videoconference software to allow students to teach a partner about Jesus Christ using one of His titles or roles.

John 1:35–51

Lesson purpose: This lesson will help students better respond to the Savior’s invitation to “come and see” for themselves (see John 1:39).

  • Student preparation: Invite students to reflect on an experience that helped them to more clearly understand who Jesus Christ is. How did this experience happen?

Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge, Part 2

Lesson purpose: This lesson will help students learn to examine issues with an eternal perspective in order to see them more clearly.

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: Consider creating a slide presentation to share on your screen the statements that would be helpful from President Nelson and from the “Commentary and Background Information” section.

Assess Your Learning 1

Lesson purpose: This lesson will give students an opportunity to evaluate their goals, learning, and personal growth. Specific course outcomes that students will evaluate themselves on include their ability to study the scriptures and apply the Lord’s words to their lives, to receive personal revelation from the Holy Ghost, and to explain some of the roles of Jesus Christ.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to think about how their scripture study has been going and to prepare to share insights they have had or ways that their study has recently improved.

  • Materials: If they are available, prepare as many art materials as possible to allow students to complete the assessment activities in the way they desire.

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: When students share their creations with the class, allow them to share their screens so their classmates can see their creations more clearly.