Matthew 1; Luke 1

Overview

Matthew, also known as Levi, is the author of the first Gospel of the New Testament. One of his purposes in writing was to show that Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah (see Matthew 1:1–17). The angel Gabriel came to Mary to announce the birth of Jesus Christ, the “Son of the Highest” (see Luke 1:1–38). While pregnant with Jesus, Mary visited her cousin Elisabeth and rejoiced with her in God’s goodness (see Luke 1:39–79).

Prepare to Teach

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

Matthew 1:1–17

Lesson purpose: This lesson will help students learn about Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah and feel a greater appreciation for Him.

Student preparation: Invite students to come to class having thought about why Jesus Christ is important to them. They could also ask family or friends how they feel about the Savior.
Video: “Who Is Jesus Christ? A 60-Second Overview” (1:23)
Video: “Jesus Declares He Is the Messiah” (3:23; watch from time code 0:00 to 2:05)

Videoconference teaching suggestion: At the beginning of the lesson, when students write down important details about Jesus Christ on a piece of paper, consider inviting students to type their responses and post them using the chat feature. Give students adequate time to read what other students have written.

Luke 1:1–38

Lesson purpose: This lesson will help students learn how to respond to the Lord’s will with greater trust in Him.

Student preparation: Invite students to ponder the following question: What do you know about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that helps you put your trust in Them?
Image: “The Annunciation: The Angel Gabriel Appears to Mary,” Gospel Art Book (2009), no. 28
Video: “An Angel Foretells Christ’s Birth to Mary” (4:07)

Videoconference teaching suggestion: If breakout rooms are available, it may be helpful to put students into groups to discuss the two questions that follow President Nelson’s statement at the end of the lesson. Assign one student in each group to lead a discussion. When the class comes together again, invite the facilitators to summarize what their groups discussed.

Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge, Part 1

Lesson purpose: This lesson will help students understand and apply the specific principle of acting in faith in Jesus Christ when difficult challenges and questions arise.

Student preparation: Ask students to reflect on their experiences struggling with a difficult challenge or with questions that are not easily resolved (either from their own life or from others’ lives). These may include things such as an unanswered spiritual question or a difficult trial. Invite students to ponder how they have responded or would respond in these situations.
Handout: “What Does It Mean to Act in Faith?”

Videoconference teaching suggestion: Consider preparing a slide presentation with information from the handout or sending the handout to students via email or the learning management system. Invite students to access the handout so they can refer to it during class.

Matthew 1:18–25; Luke 1:26–35

Lesson purpose: This lesson will help students understand how the characteristics Jesus inherited from a mortal mother and an immortal Father make Him uniquely capable of helping us overcome all the challenges of mortality.

Student preparation: Invite students to think about challenges people their age commonly face.
Video: “Because of Him” (2:36)
Materials for Students: Paper, colored pencils, crayons, and so on.

Luke 1:39–79

Lesson purpose: This lesson will give students opportunities to recognize the goodness of God and to praise Him for it.

Student preparation: Invite students to come to class prepared to share a line from a hymn that highlights Jesus Christ’s goodness.

Videoconference teaching suggestion: Prepare to display the pondering questions listed at the end of the lesson so students can refer to them. If possible, consider allowing students to have control of the screen so they can write the characteristics and attributes of the Savior they value most.