Suggested Lesson Development

Attention Activity

As appropriate, use the following activity or one of your own to begin the lesson.

Before Elder Hugh B. Brown left on a mission, his mother told him:

“Hugh, you remember when you were a little boy and you would have a bad dream or wake up in the night frightened? You would call from your room, ‘Mother, are you there?’ and I would answer and try to comfort you and remove your fears. Now as you go on a mission and out into the world, there will be times when you will be frightened, when you feel weak, inadequate, alone, and have problems. I want you to know that you can call to your Heavenly Father as you used to call to me and say, ‘Father, are you there? I need your help.’ Do this with the knowledge that He is there and that He will be ready to help you if you will do your part and live worthy of your blessings. I want to reassure you that He is there and will answer your prayers and needs for your best good” (told by Marvin J. Ashton, “Know He Is There,” Ensign, Feb. 1994, 50).

Explain that in this lesson we will study scriptural accounts that can help us develop greater faith that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know and love each of us.

Scripture Discussion and Application

Prayerfully select the scripture passages, questions, and other lesson material that will best meet class members’ needs. Discuss how the selected scriptures apply to daily life. Encourage class members to share experiences that relate to the scriptural principles.

1. Jesus presents the parable of the unjust judge and the widow.

Read and discuss Luke 18:1–8. Explain that Jesus presented this parable to a group of Pharisees.

2. A blind man demonstrates his faith and is healed by Jesus.

Read and discuss Luke 18:35–43. Display the picture of Jesus healing the blind.

3. Jesus is received in Zacchaeus’s home.

Read and discuss Luke 19:1–10.

4. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead.

Read and discuss selected verses from John 11:1–54. Explain that soon after Jesus went to Zacchaeus’s home, he received a message from his friends Mary and Martha that their brother Lazarus, who was also Jesus’ dear friend, was sick (John 11:1–5). Two days later, Jesus directed his disciples to go with him to Bethany, the city in Judea where Mary, Martha, and Lazarus lived (John 11:6–7).

Display the picture of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, and invite a class member to read John 11:43–44.

Conclusion

Explain that the principles taught in the accounts you have discussed can strengthen our faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. After briefly reviewing the accounts, read the following statement by Elder Thomas S. Monson:

“The passage of time has not altered the capacity of the Redeemer to change men’s lives. As he said to the dead Lazarus, so he says to you and me: ‘… come forth.’ (John 11:43.) Come forth from the despair of doubt. Come forth from the sorrow of sin. Come forth from the death of disbelief. Come forth to a newness of life. Come forth” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1974, 72; or Ensign, May 1974, 50).

Encourage class members to look for ways in which they can strengthen their faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.