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Matthew 5; Luke 6

Matthew 5; Luke 6

Overview

To begin the Sermon on the Mount, the Savior taught how people could be happy. He taught that our righteous examples can bless others. He instructed His disciples to be an example to others by following Him. He taught how He came to fulfill the law of Moses, and He introduced the higher law of the gospel. He invited all to become perfect even as Heavenly Father is perfect.

Prepare to Teach

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

Matthew 5:1–12

Lesson purpose: This lesson will help students identify Christlike attributes and make a plan to develop them as they seek happiness and perfection.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to select one of the attributes in Matthew 5:1–12 that they would like to know more about. Ask them to learn what it means and to think about how that attribute can lead to happiness.

  • Video: “Sermon on the Mount: The Beatitudes” (2:08; watch from time code 0:00 to 1:15)

  • Handout: “The Beatitudes”

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: Some videoconference software includes a whiteboard function that students can use to type or write. If that function is available, consider inviting students to look for the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1–12 and write what they find on the whiteboard. They can then add definitions of the words as they find them.

Matthew 5:13–16

Lesson purpose: This lesson will help students assess their actions and attitude to better reflect the light of Jesus Christ.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to consider the following questions: Who in your life is an example of Christlike living in word and action? What do they do to reflect the light and love of God? How do their actions affect you and others?

  • Objects: Salt and some food to put salt on; a mirror and a dry erase marker

Doctrinal Mastery: Matthew 5:14–16

Lesson purpose: This lesson can help students use the principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge to be an example to others and come closer to the Savior.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to think of someone in their lives who is a good example to them. Then have them consider calling this person or writing the person a note to express their gratitude.

  • Objects: Supplies for students to create an illustration (paper, colored pencils, crayons, and so on)

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: Prepare to display things students will need to refer back to, such as the three principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge and the scenario. Use the screen-sharing function, or display these items in the chat.

Matthew 5:17–47

Lesson purpose: This lesson can help students live Christ’s higher law so that they can become more like Heavenly Father.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to pray that the Spirit will teach them in seminary. Students could also be invited to pray for their teachers and classmates.

  • Object: A picture of an item that has been upgraded—a phone, an appliance, an article of clothing, and so on

  • Video: “Watch Your Step” (2:36)

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: If students are quiet or seem nervous about answering questions or sharing insights, consider inviting them to respond using the chat function.

Matthew 5:48

Lesson purpose: This lesson will help students understand the Savior’s commandment to “be … perfect, even as [our] Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).

  • Student preparation:Invite students to bring pictures of themselves when they were little children to class. It may be more effective to do this at least a week in advance with the help of parents.

  • Content to display:The statements from President Russell M. Nelson, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, and Elder Gerrit W. Gong for students to study in small groups

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: Consider inviting students to work in breakout rooms to discuss the prophetic statements included in the lesson. Be sure to assign a group leader and provide clear instructions beforehand so that students can begin their discussion promptly.