Suggested Lesson Development

Attention Activity

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

Display pictures that depict events from the New Testament.

Ask class members to think about the following question:

Give class members a moment to think, and then invite each of the assigned class members to read or summarize a favorite New Testament passage. If other class members would like to share a favorite passage, allow a few of them to do so.

Express your feelings about being able to teach and study the New Testament this year. Explain that the purpose of this year’s study of the New Testament is to help class members strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ and become better acquainted with his life and mission.

Scripture Discussion and Application

As you teach the following scripture passages, discuss how they apply to daily life. Encourage class members to share experiences that relate to the scriptural principles.

1. Isaiah and John the Baptist prophesy of the Savior’s mission.

Read and discuss Isaiah 61:1–3 and Joseph Smith Translation, Luke 3:4–11. (The Joseph Smith Translation of Luke 3:4–11 is found on pages 805–6 in the appendix of the LDS edition of the King James Bible.)

Display the picture of Isaiah writing about the birth of the Savior. Explain that we can strengthen our testimonies of Jesus Christ and our appreciation of the New Testament by studying the words of Isaiah and others who prophesied of the Savior’s mission.

2. The Apostle John testifies that Jesus Christ is “the true Light.”

Read and discuss John 1:1–14; 20:31. (Use the Joseph Smith Translation of John 1:1–14 if it is available. It is found on pages 807–8 in the appendix of the LDS edition of the King James Bible.)

Conclusion

Testify of Jesus Christ and express your feelings about learning of him through studying the New Testament.

Assure class members that their testimonies of the Savior will increase as they seek the Spirit’s guidance in their study of the New Testament and as they participate in class discussions. Encourage them to use the New Testament Class Member Study Guide as they study the scriptures in preparation for each class.