Suggested Lesson Development

Attention Activity

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

Display a small glass jar, a container of oil or colored water, and the picture of the Second Coming.

Explain that this lesson focuses on three parables the Savior taught in response to his Apostles’ questions about his Second Coming. Tell class members that you will use the jar and the oil or colored water to represent our preparation for the Second Coming.

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. Jesus presents the parable of the ten virgins.

Read and discuss Matthew 25:1–13. Explain that the parable of the ten virgins is based on Jewish wedding customs. In Jesus’ time, the bridegroom and his friends would escort the bride from her home to the home of the bridegroom. Along the way, the friends of the bride waited to join them. When they arrived at the bridegroom’s home, they all went inside for the wedding. These weddings usually took place in the evening, so those waiting for the bride and bridegroom carried small lamps fueled by oil.

Ask class members to silently consider the following questions:

2. Jesus presents the parable of the talents.

Read and discuss Matthew 25:14–30. Explain that in New Testament times, a talent was a sum of money (Bible Dictionary, “Money,” 733–34).

Give each class member a pen or pencil and a piece of paper. Ask them to write down one or two of their talents or gifts along with at least one specific thing they will do in the next few weeks to use them in the service of others.

If you are using the jar and the oil or colored water, add a few more drops to the jar. Explain that as we develop the talents or gifts God has given us, we add oil to our lamps.

3. Jesus presents the parable of the sheep and the goats.

Read and discuss Matthew 25:31–46.

If you are using the jar and the oil or colored water, add a few more drops to the jar. Explain that as we serve others, we add oil to our lamps. We also may help others add oil to their own lamps. Share examples of service you have observed, and invite class members to share examples they have seen.

Conclusion

Testify that we should prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. We should develop the gifts God has given us and follow the Savior’s example in devoting our lives to the service of others. Emphasize that we can all do these things, regardless of our circumstances.