Lesson 24: “This Is Life Eternal”

This week we are discussing more of Christ's teachings from the Last Supper. At the end, Jesus offers a great intercessory prayer for us after the meal.

John 17: 15I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the ^aworld, but that thou shouldest ^bkeep them from the ^cevil.

The young man, McKay Hatch, exemplifies this principle, setting an example that we all can follow.

Click here to watch the video

Also, go here to listen to Episode 28 - The Last Supper, in the BYU Scripture Discussion series, Our Savior in the Gospels.

http://www.byub.org/scriptures/scripturediscussions/default.aspx?sid=705

Purpose

To encourage us to be receptive to the influence of the Holy Ghost and to draw nearer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Preparation

1. 1.

   Read, ponder, and pray about the following scriptures:

   1. a.

      John 16:1–15. Jesus prepares his Apostles for the difficult times that will follow his crucifixion. He teaches them about the mission of the Holy Ghost and promises that they will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

   2. b.

      John 16:16–33. Jesus foretells his death and resurrection and counsels the Apostles to “be of good cheer.”

   3. c.

      John 17. Jesus offers the great intercessory prayer for his Apostles and all others who believe in him.

2. 2.

   Additional reading: John 14:16–31; 15:18–27; 3 Nephi 19:19–36;Doctrine and Covenants 132:21–24; Bible Dictionary, “Comforter,” 648;“Holy Ghost,” 704.

3. "Lesson 24: “This Is Life Eternal”," New Testament Class Member Study Guide, (1997)

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   John 16–17

   • •

     What is the mission of the Holy Ghost? (See John 14:26; 15:26; 16:7–14.) How can we recognize the influence of the Holy Ghost? (SeeGalatians 5:22–23; D&C 6:15, 23; 11:13.) How has receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost helped you?

   • •

     Jesus said to his Apostles, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). How can the knowledge that Jesus has overcome the world help us be of good cheer when we are faced with tribulation? Why is it important to be of good cheer?

   • •

     In his prayer, the Savior said, “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3). How is knowing Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ different from merely knowing about them? How can we come to know them?

   Suggestion for Family Discussion

   In a box, place a piece of paper labeled The Gift of the Holy Ghost. In a second box, place a piece of paper labeled Eternal Life. Wrap the boxes to look like gifts. Explain that in John 16–17, Jesus mentions two of the greatest gifts we can receive. Have a family member open the first box and read the piece of paper inside it. Read John 16:13, and explain that in this verse “the Spirit of truth” refers to the Holy Ghost. Have another family member open the second box and read the piece of paper inside it. Read John 17:1–3. Express your gratitude for the gift of the Holy Ghost and the opportunity to receive eternal life.

   Scripture Chain: “Be One, Even As We Are One”

   John 17:20–26

   Philippians 1:27

   Mosiah 18:21

   4 Nephi 1:15–17

   D&C 35:2

   D&C 38:24–27

Lesson 23: “Love One Another, As I Have Loved You”

Purpose

To inspire you to follow Jesus’ example by loving and serving others.

Preparation

1. Read, ponder, and pray about the following scriptures:

   1. a.

      Luke 22:7–30. Jesus meets with his Twelve Apostles for the Feast of the Passover. He institutes the sacrament and teaches the Apostles that they should serve others.

   2. b.

      John 13. Jesus washes the feet of the Apostles and commands them to love one another.

   3. c.

      John 14:1–15; 15. Jesus teaches, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” He compares himself to a vine and his disciples to the vine’s branches. (Note: the verses from chapters 14 and 15 that are about the Comforter will be discussed in lesson 24.)

   BYU Scripture Discussions are a great way to prepare for class and/or follow along on your own.

   For this week check out episode 27- Preparations for the Last Supper and episode 28 - The Last Supper.

   
   

   "Lesson 23: “Love One Another, As I Have Loved You”," New Testament Class Member Study Guide, (1997)

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   Luke 22:1–38; John 13–15

   • •

     When Jesus and his Apostles met to eat the Passover meal, Jesus introduced the ordinance of the sacrament (Luke 22:19–20). Why is it important to take the sacrament each week? How can you prepare yourself spiritually before partaking of the sacrament?

   • •

     What did Jesus tell the Apostles about why he had washed their feet? (See John 13:12–17.) How has service to others brought you happiness?

   • •

     Jesus said, “By this shall men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). Does the way you treat others show that you are a disciple, or follower, of Christ? What are some specific things you can do to follow Christ’s example of love?

   Suggestion for Family Discussion

   Ask a family member to read Doctrine and Covenants 20:77. Discuss the meaning of the sacramental bread. Ask another family member to read Doctrine and Covenants 20:79. Discuss the meaning of the sacramental water, noting that today we use water instead of wine. Explain that when we partake of the sacrament, we promise to always remember Jesus. Talk about things family members can do that will help them remember Jesus.

   As part of this family discussion, you may want to sing together a sacrament hymn or the Primary song “To Think about Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 71).

   Scripture Chain: The Sacrament

   Matthew 26:26–28

   Luke 22:19–20

   3 Nephi 18:5–12

   D&C 20:77, 79