Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:21–37; Luke 21:25–36

Be Not Troubled

Jesus Christ commanded His disciples to “be not troubled” (Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:23) despite the calamity, tribulation, and destruction that will precede the Second Coming. This lesson can help you avoid deception and overcome fear concerning the events of the last days.

Student preparation: Invite students to evaluate how their scripture study goals have helped them. Students could also evaluate if they have struggled to keep their goals and how they would like to improve.

Possible Learning Activities

Overcoming deception

What are two or three false ideas that are common in the world today?

While speaking with His Apostles, the Savior prophesied that there would be those who spread false ideas before His Second Coming. Read Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:22, looking for what the Savior prophesied.

Why is it important to know that even the very elect” can be deceived?

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) taught that false Christs and prophets are not limited to people but can also come in the form of false ideas and teachings (see Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson [2014], 132). As you study this lesson, seek the guidance of the Spirit as you look for ways you can trust in the Lord and overcome any false ideas or deception.

After teaching about other deceptions and about signs of His Coming (see Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:23–36), the Savior taught a way to overcome deception. Read Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:37.

Ask students to share what they found in verse 37. Consider writing the following principle on the board: If we treasure up the Lord’s word, then we will not be deceived.

Seek to help students understand what it means to treasure up the Lord’s word. We can treasure up the Lord’s word as we study the scriptures, study the words of prophets and other inspired leaders, and receive and act on personal revelation.

The following activity is one example.

In your study journal, draw a piece of treasure or a treasure chest. To treasure something means you cherish, hold dear, or greatly appreciate it. When we “treasure up” the Lord’s word, we consider it sacred and protect it (see Doctrine and Covenants 43:34). Around or inside the chest, write ways we can treasure up the Lord’s word.

Invite students to share their thoughts about treasuring up the Lord’s word. Consider drawing a treasure chest on the board and allowing students to write their thoughts around the chest.

Have students read the following account, or consider showing the video of M. Russell Ballard’s talk “When Shall These Things Be?” located on speeches.byu.edu, from time code 30:47 to 33:26.

President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, told the story of meeting with a returned missionary who had read information criticizing the Church. The young man had many questions that he could not find answers to, and he felt he was losing his testimony. President Ballard agreed to prepare answers to the young man’s questions but also invited the young man to commit to read the Book of Mormon for an hour every day for 10 days. President Ballard related:

Ten days later he returned to my office, and I was ready. I pulled out my papers to start answering his questions, but he stopped me.

“President,” he said, “that isn’t going to be necessary.” Then he explained: “I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I know Joseph Smith is a prophet of God.”

(M. Russell Ballard, “When Shall These Things Be?,” Ensign, Dec. 1996, 60)

Why do you think that studying the Book of Mormon daily resolved so many of this young man’s concerns?
Why might the Savior’s words to us in the scriptures have power in our lives?

Take a moment to ponder how the Savior’s words have blessed you personally. How have His words influenced your feelings toward Him? How has treasuring up the Savior’s words helped you avoid being deceived?

Following the promptings of the Spirit, invite several students to share.

If students would benefit from more time studying this topic, consider using the activity from the “Supplemental Learning Activity” section here.

President Ballard also counseled:

Establish a time and place to study the scriptures on a daily basis, even if it is only for a few minutes at a time. … In the great scheme of things, these things take so little time. But the long-term benefits to us and our families are infinite and eternal, and they will do much to prepare us … for the steadily increasing challenges of the future.

(M. Russell Ballard, “When Shall These Things Be?,” Ensign, Dec. 1996, 60–61)

Assess your effort with studying and treasuring up the words of Jesus Christ. How do you feel you are doing? Also consider what obstacles in life you face and how treasuring up the words of Christ would help you overcome them.

Invite students to share their thoughts. Strive to create a safe atmosphere where being frank and honest is welcome.

In your study journal, next to your picture of the treasure chest, consider writing a goal of how you would like to treasure up the Savior’s words.

Overcoming distractions and fears

Consider writing the following statements on the board and inviting students individually or in small groups to match the scripture references to the statements.

Luke recorded additional counsel and warnings that the Savior shared about His Second Coming. Read the following verses, and match them to their correct summaries.

Sin and the cares of this life can distract us from being ready for the Savior’s return.
In the last days, many people will feel overcome with fear.
As we diligently watch for the signs of the Savior’s Second Coming, pray, and strive to be worthy, we can be ready for the Lord’s return.

(Note: The Joseph Smith Translation for Luke 21:36, footnote c, adds the phrase “and keep my commandments.”)

What stood out to you while reading these scriptures about the Second Coming?

Listen carefully to what students share. Consider adding to or emphasizing what they share by asking some of the following questions.
What are some reasons people’s hearts might fail them because of fear today?
How might sin and the cares of this life distract us from being prepared for the Lord’s coming? Why is being distracted like this harmful?
How do praying and striving to be worthy help us prepare to meet the Lord?

The Lord clarified some of His words through President Russell M. Nelson. If available, watch the video “Men’s Hearts Shall Fail Them” (3:24). Listen for what President Nelson teaches about overcoming fear and doubt in the last days. The video and transcript can be found on ChurchofJesusChrist.org or the Gospel Library app.

How can turning to the Lord help us to overcome our doubts and fears in these last days?

Applying what you have learned

Imagine that after a lesson about the Second Coming, two friends said the following:

Friend #1: “I really don’t think that the Second Coming is a big deal. In fact, my dad doesn’t even think that it’s going to happen. I don’t want to worry about something like that.”
Friend #2: “I don’t like thinking about the Second Coming. I get afraid and stressed out about everyday things like school and problems with friends, but the Second Coming is so much bigger. All of the signs of war and earthquakes and deception—it sounds terrible.”

Select one of the previous scenarios. Using what you have learned in this lesson, seek the guidance of the Spirit as you write what you might say or do to help your friend. Look for ways to encourage them to treasure up the Lord’s words and trust Him.

Consider inviting several students to share what they wrote. Thank them for sharing, and point out true principles in what they shared. End by bearing testimony of the principles in this lesson.

Commentary and Background Information

Matthew 24:24. What are some examples of falsehoods and deceptions in the last days?

Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles described some of the ways Satan is seeking to deceive the world today.

For instance, he disguises the destructive consequences of illicit drugs or drinking and instead suggests that it will bring pleasure. He immerses us in the various negative elements that can exist in social media, including debilitating comparisons and idealized reality. In addition, he camouflages other dark, harmful content found online, such as pornography, blatant attacks on others through cyberbullying, and sowing misinformation to cause doubt and fear in our hearts and minds.

(Gary E. Stevenson, “Deceive Me Not,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 95)

Luke 21:26. How can I resist being fearful and instead embrace the future with faith?

President Russell M. Nelson taught about the importance of staying connected to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ during times of uncertainty:

Of course, our ultimate security comes as we yoke ourselves to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ! Life without God is a life filled with fear. Life with God is a life filled with peace.

(Russell M. Nelson, “Embrace the Future with Faith,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 75)

Supplemental Learning Activity

An alternate beginning: treasuring up the word to avoid deception

Read through the following list of false ideas. Explain why they are false.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is good, but there are a lot of things in life that are more important.
I want to do good in the world, but I just don’t have much to offer.
Jesus Christ is interesting, but I don’t think He cares about me personally.
The Second Coming is a long time away. I really don’t have to think about it.

Invite students to list other false ideas common in the world today. Then invite them to search the scriptures or statements by prophets and apostles that would help them avoid being deceived by these ideas.