Lesson 4: “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord"

Purpose:

To inspire class members to draw near to the Savior by repenting of their sins, keeping their baptismal covenants, and withstanding temptation.

It is no secret that most of the material I use for the blog comes directly from the student manual. I do this for a couple of reasons. Most importantly because it isn't my class, nor my message. I know that by following the manual, which has been approved by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve, that I am standing on solid ground and that I can leave the heavy lifting to the spirit. This understanding has helped me to be able to "teach" a group of people that are surely more knowledgeable and fluent in the scriptures than am I.

Each week I begin my preparation by writing the PURPOSE of the lesson on a sticky note. I put it where I can see it and I think about it all week. Surely there is a reason it is listed at the beginning of each lesson. I have followed that pattern and have stated the purpose of each lesson at the beginning of each blog post. The PURPOSE of the lesson this week is to INSPIRE class members to draw near to the Savior...That is a pretty hefty responsibility. Sheesh, how does one go about inspiring people? If I am honestly with you, I am not sure that I am in a position to inspire you, but I am confident that I know the source of all inspiration and am relieved to know that by referring you to our Father in Heaven and enlisting the spirit that is no longer a burden I have to carry.

I came across something Elder D. Todd Christofferson said a couple of days ago and have been thinking about it each day since. He taught, "True success in this life comes in consecrating our lives--that is, our time and choices--to God's purposes. In so doing, we permit Him to raise us to our highest destiny."

I am including this little video clip because it inspires me to draw near unto the Savior. I really want to live my life in a meaningful way and I know that the only way I can really succeed in this pursuit is to draw near unto the Savior. I realize that many of you have seen this clip before and are familiar with Stephanie Nelson's story, but it is worth revisiting.

Questions to consider:

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  What message did John preach to prepare the people for the coming of the Savior? (See Matthew 3:1–2.) What does it mean to repent? (See2 Corinthians 7:9–10; Luke 19:8; Mosiah 7:33; D&C 1:31–32; 58:42–43.)

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  As you read about the Savior’s encounter with Satan in the wilderness, what do you learn about withstanding temptation? (SeeMatthew 4:1–11. See also the footnotes to Matthew 4:1–2, 5–6, 8–9, and 11, which contain the Joseph Smith Translation of these verses.)

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  After receiving a witness that Jesus was the Messiah, how did Philip answer Nathanael’s doubts? (See John 1:43–46.) What can you do to invite others to “come and see” the Savior?

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Prepare a lesson to help family members who are preparing for baptism or to discuss ways to help converts who will soon be baptized. Discuss why Jesus needed baptism (Matthew 3:13–15; 2 Nephi 31:6–9) and why we need baptism (2 Nephi 31:5, 10–12; D&C 20:71–73; 49:13–14). Invite family members who have been baptized to tell about when they were baptized and express their feelings about the blessings they have received because they were baptized.

Scripture Chain: Repentance

Luke 15:3–10

2 Corinthians 7:9–10

Alma 34:31–34

1 John 1:8–9

Matthew 3:1–2

D&C 58:42–43

Conclusion

The invitation to “come and see” the Savior is extended to each of us. We can accept that invitation by repenting, being baptized, keeping our baptismal covenants, and withstanding temptation.