Doctrinal Mastery: Luke 2:10–12

Jesus Christ is born as Savior and Lord

In a previous lesson, you studied an angel’s testimony to shepherds that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Savior of the world (see Luke 2:10–12). This lesson will give you an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of this doctrine as you apply principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge to a real-life situation.

Memorize and explain

Look at the image of the Savior’s birth and recite 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.” Repeat until you feel confident that you can recite it from memory.

Complete the following activity in your study journal.

Look at the image of the Savior’s birth. Write two or three sentences explaining why the event pictured here brought “good tidings of great joy… to all people” (Luke 2:10–12).

Practice application

Take a few minutes to review the principles in paragraphs 5–12 of the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document (2020). For each principle, mark at least one sentence that you feel explains the concept.

Consider the following situation:

One of your friends who is not religious recently saw a pair of missionaries talking with some people in the park. Your friend asked you, “Why do missionaries from your church go out and preach about Jesus? It seems like you’re trying to force your beliefs on other people. Why can’t you just let them be happy as they are?”

Keeping this situation in mind, study the following principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge and reflect on how they can help you answer your friend’s question.

Act in faith

“We act in faith when we choose to trust God and turn to Him first” (Doctrinal Mastery Core Document, “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge,” paragraph 5).

What phrases do you find in paragraphs 5–7 of the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section that could help you in this scenario?
How can acting in faith help you as you seek an answer for your friend?

Examine concepts and questions with an eternal perspective

“To examine [concepts and questions] with an eternal perspective, we consider them in the context of the plan of salvation and the teachings of the Savior” (Doctrinal Mastery Core Document, “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge,” paragraph 8).

Review Luke 2:10–12. Think about what this passage teaches along with what you already know about Jesus Christ.

What are the Savior’s roles in the plan of salvation?
Why is it important for those who do not yet know about Jesus Christ to learn of Him?
Why is it so important for us to share the message of His restored gospel with everyone, including other Christians who have already accepted Him?
How can you use the answers to the previous questions to respond to your friend?

Seek further understanding through divinely appointed sources

To help us acquire spiritual knowledge, the Lord “has established sources through which He reveals truth and guidance to His children” (Doctrinal Mastery Core Document, “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge,” paragraph 11).

Review one or more of the following inspired sources, looking for information that could help you answer your friend’s question. Consider what these sources teach about how the Savior and His teachings can bring people joy.

“The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org)
The verses you linked or cross-referenced to Luke 2:10–12 in the previous lesson
Songs listed under the topic “Jesus Christ” in the hymnbook
What did you learn about the Savior and His teachings that could bring people joy in this life and in the life to come?
What personal experiences with the Savior or His teachings have brought you joy?
How can your answers to these questions help you answer your friend’s question?

Consider the principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge and the doctrine taught in Luke 2:10–12 and write in your study journal a response to your friend.