Seminary
Matthew 2; Luke 2

Matthew 2; Luke 2

Overview

Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. An angel announced the Savior’s birth to shepherds near Bethlehem (see Luke 2:9–12). The shepherds “found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger” (Luke 2:16) and went away “glorifying and praising God” (Luke 2:20). Simeon, Anna, and Wise Men from the east were led to see and rejoice in their Savior. By revelation, Joseph was directed how to save the young child Jesus from Herod’s decree to kill the children in Bethlehem.

Prepare to Teach

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

Luke 2:1–14

Lesson purpose: This lesson will help students understand Jesus Christ’s role as Savior of the world.

  • Student preparation: If possible, invite students to watch “Why We Need a Savior—A Christmas Message about Our Savior Jesus Christ” (2:15), available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Invite them to think about why they need a Savior as they watch.

  • Object: A small Nativity set or a picture of the Nativity

  • Videoconference teaching suggestions: Consider inviting students to share in the chat one of the scriptures they studied as cross-references for Luke 2:10–12.

Doctrinal Mastery: Luke 2:10–12

Lesson purpose: This lesson will help students memorize the reference and key scripture phrase for Luke 2:10–12, explain the doctrine, and practice using principles for acquiring spiritual knowledge.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to start memorizing the reference and key scripture phrase for Luke 2:10–12: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

  • Content to display: An image of the Savior’s birth

  • Materials for students: A copy of “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles” and a hymnal

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: Consider using breakout rooms to place students in groups as they discuss one or more of the principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge.

Luke 2:1–39; Matthew 2:1–12

Lesson purpose: This lesson is intended to help students desire to seek and rejoice in their own testimony of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 2:11–23

Lesson purpose: This lesson will help students identify some ways the Lord can communicate with them.

  • Student preparation: Ask students to pay attention to how the Lord is trying to communicate with them, including through revelation and inspiration from the Holy Ghost. Encourage students to make note of these communications.

Luke 2:40–52

Lesson purpose: This lesson will help students strengthen their desire to be like Jesus Christ by seeking to develop intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to review goals they have made as part of the Children and Youth program. Ask them to think about how these goals are helping them become more like Jesus Christ. If possible, have them bring a copy of the Personal Development: Youth Guidebook to class.

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: To help students think of ideas of goals for the Children and Youth program, consider sharing your screen to display the content of the websites listed in the lesson.