Suggested Lesson Development

Attention Activity

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

Describe the following situations, and ask class members to find a scripture that could be used in one of the situations. (A few scriptures are suggested in parentheses.)

  1. A child you know just learned in Primary that Jesus Christ created the world and wants to know where this is explained in the scriptures. (Hebrews 1:2; John 1:1–3, 10; Ephesians 3:9; Mosiah 3:8)
  2. A friend is having some personal problems and wonders how the Savior could care about her personally or understand what she is going through. (Hebrews 2:6–8, 18; 2 Nephi 1:15; Alma 7:11–12)
  3. A friend wonders if it is really necessary for someone to have the priesthood to perform baptisms and other ordinances. (Hebrews 5:1, 4; Exodus 28:41; John 15:16)

Invite one or two class members to read the scriptures they have chosen for each situation. Point out that Paul’s letter to the Hebrews contains scriptures that could be useful in each of the three situations. Invite class members to listen for these scriptures as you discuss the book of Hebrews.

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.

Explain that throughout his missionary journeys, Paul sought to convince the members of the Church that they should no longer practice the law of Moses. While the Jewish Christians had been taught that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, many of them still believed that obedience to the law of Moses was essential to their salvation. Paul wrote the epistle to the Hebrews to reemphasize that the law of Moses had been fulfilled in Christ.

1. Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of Heavenly Father, is our Savior.

Discuss Hebrews 1–4. Invite class members to read selected verses.

2. The Melchizedek Priesthood is part of the fulness of the gospel.

Read and discuss selected verses from Hebrews 5; 6:20; 7.

3. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the new covenant between God and his children.

Read and discuss selected verses from Hebrews 8:1–10:18. Explain that Paul reminded the members of the Church that worship under the law of Moses had pointed to the Lord Jesus Christ.

4. Those who exercise faith in Jesus Christ will inherit a place in the kingdom of God.

Read and discuss selected verses from Hebrews 10:19–11:40. Point out that after Paul explained the ways in which the fulness of the gospel is a higher, more complete law that replaces the law of Moses, he exhorted the Saints to follow this “new and living way” by putting their faith in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:19–22).

Conclusion

Point out that we are blessed to live in a time when the fulness of the gospel is available. Testify that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to his commandments. Encourage class members to keep the covenants and commandments of the restored gospel.