Revelation 2–3, Part 1

“I Know Thy Works”

PAINTING BY GREG Olson of Christ knocking on a door

Jesus Christ knows each of us. He knows what we are doing well, and He knows what we can do better to become more like Him. In separate messages to each of the seven churches in Asia, John recorded Jesus Christ’s voice acknowledging the good works of the Saints and warning them of things they needed to change. This lesson can encourage you to hear the Savior’s voice acknowledging your good works and giving you needed correction.

Focusing on helping students. During lesson preparation, focus on students and not just on the lesson material. Ask “What will students do in class today?” or “How can students discover truths that will be meaningful to them?”

Student preparation: Invite students to identify which areas of their lives they feel the Savior might be pleased with. As part of this invitation, students could pray and ask Heavenly Father to help them understand what they are doing well. They could also ask their parents to help them.

Possible Learning Activities

Note that John’s messages also include the Savior’s promises to those who overcome the trials and challenges of mortality. This will be addressed in greater detail in the next lesson.

Hear the Savior’s voice

Display an image of Jesus knocking on a door as students consider the following question.

Jesus Christ depicted knocking on a door. Christ is portrayed wearing red and white robes. The painting illustrates the concept of Christ “knocking on the door,” as described in scripture. There is no doorknob depicted in the painting, symbolizing that the door must be opened from within.

What feelings might you have if you heard a knock at the door of your home and realized it was the Savior? Why?

In his message to Church members in Laodicea (where one of the seven churches John was writing to in Asia was established; see Revelation 1:11), John concluded with an invitation from Jesus Christ.

Read Revelation 3:20 and identify the Savior’s invitation.

Take time to help students understand the symbolism of Jesus standing at the door and knocking. Consider discussing what it means to have Him knock and to come and eat with us in our day. For example, as we invite the Savior into our lives He can provide strength, nourishment, and comfort to our souls.

What do you think is the symbolic meaning of Revelation 3:20?
Why do you think the Savior knocks on the door instead of just entering?
How can you open the door to Jesus Christ and seek to better hear His voice?
What have you done lately to hear His voice and open the door?

Though John is the messenger, Jesus is the voice of the messages to the seven churches. As you study the messages in Revelation 2–3, listen for the voice of Jesus Christ to you. Consider ways you can open the door to allow the Savior to be with and strengthen you. While each of the seven messages is unique, there are also some similarities.

Students will have the opportunity to study these verses in greater detail later in the lesson. For this activity, simply invite them to identify and discuss the significance of the repeated phrase “I know thy works.”

Look for and consider marking the repeated phrase “I know thy works” in Revelation 2:2, 9, 13, 19; 3:1, 8, 15. In these verses John records the voice of Jesus Christ, which also represents the will of Heavenly Father.

Why might it be important to understand that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ “know [your] works”?

One truth we will find in Revelation 2–3 is that because Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know each of us, They can acknowledge our good works and warn us of needed changes. Look for evidence of this truth as you study the counsel to the seven churches.

Counsel to the seven churches

Display the following map and references. Consider studying one of the seven churches as a class to model how to answer the questions that follow the references. The remaining churches could then be divided among the class. Invite students to study the verses and answer the questions on their own or in small groups. Visit with students as they study and provide help as needed.

The information in the following references and the “Commentary and Background Information” section can help students understand difficult words and phrases.

Look at the map of the seven churches and select at least two churches to study. Look for the good works Jesus Christ acknowledges in some of the churches and the correction He gives to each church.

Ephesus (Revelation 2:1–7): The Nicolaitans were a religious group who claimed they could commit sexual sin without punishment because the grace of God would save them.
Smyrna (Revelation 2:8–11)
Pergamos (Revelation 2:12–17): The doctrine of Balaam refers to breaking God’s commandments to satisfy worldly desires or to seek the honors of men (see 2 Peter 2:15). Note the definition of Nicolaitans above.
Thyatira (Revelation 2:18–29)
Sardis (Revelation 3:1–6)
Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7–13): This message only acknowledges good works.
Laodecia (Revelation 3:14–22): This message only corrects imperfect works. Note that to be lukewarm means to not be fully committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

What good works did Jesus Christ acknowledge? How have you seen similar good works among members of the Church in our day?
What correction or counsel did Jesus give to the church you chose? Why is this also good counsel for the Church today?

After sufficient time, invite students to share with the class what they learned. Consider making a list of the good works and needed corrections on the board. As the next question is discussed, students could be invited to share their experiences from the preparation activity.

Why is Jesus Christ uniquely suited to know what we are doing well and how we need to improve?

Counsel for your own life

President Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018) encouraged us to open the door and allow the Savior into our lives. Read the following statement or watch the video “Mrs. Patton—the Story Continues” from time code 15:08 to 15:56, available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

16:9

With all the strength of my soul I testify that our Heavenly Father loves each one of us. He hears the prayers of humble hearts; He hears our cries for help. … His Son, our Savior and Redeemer, speaks to each of us today: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him” [Revelation 3:20].

Will we listen for that knock? Will we hear that voice? Will we open that door to the Lord, that we may receive the help He is so ready to provide? I pray that we will.

(Thomas S. Monson, “Mrs. Patton—the Story Continues,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 24)

Look back at the picture of Jesus knocking at the door and reflect on what you have learned.

Consider giving students time to ponder the following questions and answer them in their study journals.

What do you think the Savior wants you to know you are doing well?
What might the Savior encourage you to change in your life?

Commentary and Background Information

What is the “first love” mentioned in Revelation 2:4 ?

The Saints in Ephesus were being chastened for neglecting the commandment to love God (see Matthew 22:37–38).

Revelation 2:9. How can we experience poverty and still be rich?

The Savior was acknowledging the faith of the Saints in Smyrna and reassuring them of the eternal riches promised to those who keep His commandments (see also James 2:5; Doctrine and Covenants 11:7).

Revelation 2:14. Who was Balaam?

“Balaam was an Old Testament prophet, whose actions are recorded in Numbers 22–24; 31:16. He appeared at first to be true to the Lord and His people, repeatedly refusing Balak’s request to curse Israel. Nevertheless, Balaam eventually succumbed to Balak’s offer of riches and taught Balak how to cause the army of Israel to weaken themselves through sexual sin and idolatry (see Numbers 25:1–5; 31:13–16). The plan included having Moabite women seduce the men of Israel and persuade them to offer sacrifices to heathen gods, thus destroying them spiritually” (New Testament Student Manual [2014], 534).

Revelation 3:14. Why is Jesus called “the Amen”?

“In Hebrew and Greek the word ‘amen’ means truly, certainly, or faithfully. In Revelation 3:14, Christ’s faithfulness and truthfulness as the great ‘Amen’ are presented as a contrast to the lukewarm attitudes of the Laodiceans [see also Revelation 3:15–16]” (New Testament Student Manual [2014], 536).

How can I invite God to share His approval and correction with me?

President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency taught:

As you examine your life during the ordinance of the sacrament, I hope your thoughts center not only on things you have done wrong but also on things you have done right—moments when you have felt that Heavenly Father and the Savior were pleased with you. You may even take a moment during the sacrament to ask God to help you see these things. If you do, I promise you will feel something. You will feel hope.

(Henry B. Eyring, “Always Remember Him,” Ensign or Liahona, Feb. 2018, 5)