Suggested Lesson Development

Attention Activity

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

Invite class members to tell about a time when they lost something important to them or when a family member became lost. Then ask the following questions:

You may also want to ask class members to tell about experiences they have had with being lost and later found.

Explain that Jesus often taught spiritual lessons by relating them to common experiences of the people. This lesson discusses some parables that teach the importance of searching for and finding those who are lost.

Scripture Discussion and Application

As you discuss the following scripture passages, help class members understand that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love each of us and want us to return and live with them again.

1. The Savior teaches the worth of souls.

Read and discuss Luke 15:1–10. Explain that Jesus presented the parable of the lost sheep and the parable of the piece of silver after the Pharisees and scribes murmured, “This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them” (Luke 15:2).

2. Jesus teaches that Heavenly Father rejoices in forgiving the repentant.

Read and discuss Luke 15:11–32. Display the picture of the prodigal son.

3. A man whom Jesus has healed of leprosy returns to thank him.

Read and discuss Luke 17:11–19. Display the picture of the ten lepers.

Conclusion

Testify that we feel great joy when we repent and return to the Lord and when we help others return. You may want to express appreciation for Jesus’ parables and other teachings that show God’s love for his children and his desire that we love one another.