“Lesson 15 Class Preparation Material: Preparing for the Coming of Jesus Christ,” Teachings and Doctrine of the Book of Mormon Teacher Material (2021)
“Lesson 15 Class Preparation Material,” Teachings and Doctrine of the Book of Mormon Teacher Material
Lesson 15 Class Preparation Material
Preparing for the Coming of Jesus Christ
This unit will focus on Jesus Christ’s appearance to and ministry among the “people of Nephi” (3 Nephi 11:1). This group comprised both righteous Nephites and Lamanites who had converted to the Lord (see 3 Nephi 10:18–19). As you reflect on their experience with the Savior, seek to deepen your own testimony of His character, attributes, and divine mission.
A much-anticipated aspect of the Lord’s divine mission is His Second Coming. President Ezra Taft Benson taught that “in the Book of Mormon we find a pattern for preparing for the Second Coming” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson [2014], 140). In this lesson you will have the opportunity to consider how studying the prophecies and events that preceded the Savior’s appearance among this people can help you prepare for His Second Coming.
Section 1
How prepared am I for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ?
For generations the prophets in the Book of Mormon foretold of Jesus Christ’s coming to earth. Six years before Christ was born near Jerusalem, Samuel the Lamanite was sent by the Lord to prepare the wicked Nephites for Christ’s coming. Samuel prophesied of several signs and wonders that would accompany the birth and death of Jesus Christ. (See Helaman 13–15.)
Study in Preparation for Class
Read Helaman 14:6–13, and consider how Samuel’s message was intended to prepare the Nephites for the Lord’s coming.
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that prophets can help us prepare for the coming of the Lord:
Before that sacred night in Bethlehem, the events of history and the words of the prophets of all dispensations prepared the way for the first coming of the Lord and His Atonement. … Do we have eyes to see that the events and prophecies of our time are preparing us for the Savior’s Second Coming? (“Preparations for the Restoration and the Second Coming: ‘My Hand Shall Be over Thee,’” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2005, 92)
Study in Preparation for Class
Take a few minutes to study the “Signs of the Times” entry in the Guide to the Scriptures (see scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org), looking for what prophets in the scriptures have revealed as signs of the Lord’s Second Coming. You will notice that some of these prophecies could cause people to worry or fear. However, these prophetic signs also demonstrate God’s love for His children.
Ponder in Preparation for Class
What prophetic teaching or sign of the Second Coming is inspiring you to better prepare for the Lord’s return? What changes do you need to make to feel more prepared for the Savior’s return?
Section 2
What can I do to remain faithful when I hear messages that cast doubts on the divinity of Jesus Christ and the reality of His Second Coming?
Some Nephites believed the words of Samuel. Others rejected Samuel’s message and tried to kill him with stones and arrows. Because they could not hit him, many more believed his message and went to Nephi to be baptized. Later, when the signs and wonders associated with Christ’s birth began to be fulfilled, believers experienced joy and unbelievers hardened their hearts. (See Helaman 16:1–15.)
Study in Preparation for Class
Read Helaman 16:13–23 and consider marking words or phrases that describe how unbelievers stirred up doubt in the signs of Christ’s birth.
Addressing voices of doubt, President Bonnie L. Oscarson, former Young Women General President, said:
We need only to keep feasting [on the fruit of the tree of life] and not heed those who would make fun of our beliefs or those who delight to create doubts or those who find fault with Church leaders and doctrine. It is a choice we make daily—to choose faith over doubt. (“Do I Believe?” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 89)
Ponder in Preparation for Class
What messages have you heard that are intended to create doubt about Jesus Christ, His chosen leaders, or His restored Church?
Study in Preparation for Class
As you think about messages of doubt that you have encountered, read 3 Nephi 1:4–15, 22 and look for how some of the believers remained steadfast even though nonbelievers mocked their faith.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught the following about remaining steadfast in our faith in Christ:
To persevere firm and steadfast in the faith of Christ requires that the gospel of Jesus Christ penetrate one’s heart and soul, meaning that the gospel becomes not just one of many influences in a person’s life but the defining focus of his or her life and character. …
Always remember the promise of good things to come, both now and hereafter, for those who are firm and steadfast in the faith of Christ. (“Firm and Steadfast in the Faith of Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 31, 33)
Ponder in Preparation for Class
What can you do to remain steadfast in your faith in Christ as you prepare for His return?