Suggested Lesson Development

Attention Activity

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

Make the room as dark as possible by turning off the lights and closing any curtains or blinds. Ask a class member to read aloud Doctrine and Covenants 93:1–2. When the class member has read (or attempted to read) these verses, ask him or her:

Turn on the lights and open the curtains or blinds. Ask the class member to again read Doctrine and Covenants 93:1–2. Explain that light is used throughout the scriptures as a symbol for Jesus Christ. Jesus himself used this symbol while teaching in the temple. This lesson will discuss the ways in which Jesus Christ is a light for us.

If you are unable to make the room very dark, instead draw a lighthouse on the chalkboard (or show a picture of a lighthouse). Explain that the purpose of a lighthouse is to warn ships of danger and guide them to safety. Then explain that light was one of the symbols Jesus used in teaching about his mission and his relationship to us. This lesson will discuss how Jesus is a light that shows us the way to spiritual safety.

Scripture Discussion and Application

As you teach the following scripture accounts, bear testimony of Jesus Christ when you feel it is appropriate. Encourage class members also to bear testimony of Jesus Christ when they feel impressed to do so.

1. Jesus attends the Feast of Tabernacles and teaches in the temple.

Discuss John 7. Invite class members to read selected verses aloud. Explain that the Feast of Tabernacles was an annual Jewish feast held six months after the Feast of the Passover. It lasted eight days and commemorated the Lord’s blessings to the children of Israel during their travels in the wilderness. It also celebrated the year’s harvest and marked the end of the harvest season. The Jews considered this feast the greatest and most joyful of all their feasts. (See Bible Dictionary, “Feasts,” 673; see also Leviticus 23:34–43.)

Point out that Jesus traveled from Galilee to Jerusalem to attend this feast at the temple (John 7:1–10).

2. A woman taken in adultery is brought to Jesus.

Read and discuss John 8:1–11.

3. Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world.”

Read and discuss John 8:12–36.

Conclusion

Testify that Jesus Christ is our Savior and that only he can free us from the bondage of sin. Encourage class members to follow Christ, “the light of the world,” so he may guide them to spiritual safety.