Learn Miracles from the Master: Lesson 27: “He Is Not Here, for He Is Risen”

Read the following story told by Elder James M. Paramore:

“Many years ago … a writer for a newspaper was asked an important question, ‘What would be the most important news the world could receive?’”

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How would you answer this question?

Elder Paramore continued: “[The writer] thought and thought about the question, he talked to many people, and read all he could in an effort to find an answer for himself. And finally, he printed his answer, ‘To know that Jesus Christ lives today would be the most important news the world could receive. In fact, if He lives today, then we too will live eternally as He said’” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1990, 80; or Ensign, Nov. 1990, 64).

Look at the pictures in this lesson. The disciples’ sorrow at Christ’s death was replaced with unspeakable joy at his Resurrection. We too can rejoice in the knowledge that Christ was resurrected.

Purpose

To help us feel gratitude for the Savior’s Resurrection and the blessings it brings us.

Preparation

Listen to Hymn 199 - He is Risen, Hymn 200 - Christ the Lord is Risen Today, or CS 64 - Did Jesus Really Live Again
1.
Read, ponder, and pray about the following scriptures:
1. a.
  Matthew 28:1–15; Luke 24:1–12; John 20:1–10. Mary Magdalene and other women come to Jesus’ tomb and find it empty. Angels announce that Jesus has been resurrected. Peter and John come to see the empty tomb. The risen Lord appears to the women.
3. b.
  Luke 24:13–35. Jesus walks and talks with two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They do not recognize him until he breaks bread for them.
4. c.
  Matthew 28:16–20; Luke 24:33–53; John 20:19–31. Jesus appears to his Apostles, shows them that he has been resurrected, and commands them to teach the gospel to all nations. Thomas feels the wounds in Jesus’ hands, feet, and side.
6. d.
  John 21. Jesus appears again to some of the Apostles at the Sea of Tiberias (the Sea of Galilee). He commands Peter, “Feed my sheep.”
2.
Additional reading: Mark 16; Bible Dictionary, “Resurrection,” 761.

"Lesson 27: “He Is Not Here, for He Is Risen”," New Testament Class Member Study Guide, (1997)

Matthew 28; Luke 24; John 20–21

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Why is it important to know that Jesus has risen from the dead? What impact does this news have on mankind? What impact does it have on you?
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The resurrected Lord showed himself to seven of his Apostles as they were fishing and miraculously provided them with a large amount of fish (John 21:4–7). After they had eaten, what did Jesus ask Peter and the other Apostles to do? (See John 21:15–17.) How can we feed the Lord’s sheep?
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What was John’s reason for writing down some of the things that the resurrected Jesus said and did? (See John 20:30–31.) How have you benefited from studying the scriptural accounts of Jesus’ Resurrection?

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Have a family member put a glove on his or her hand and move his or her fingers. Explain that the glove represents our bodies and the hand represents our spirits. A spirit combined with a body makes a living person. Have the family member remove the glove. Explain that when we die, our spirits will separate from our bodies. Then our bodies will be dead, but our spirits will still be alive. Have the family member put the glove back on his or her hand. Explain that resurrection is the reuniting of the spirit with the body. When we are resurrected, we will never die or be subject to sickness again. Testify that because of the Resurrection ofJesus Christ, all people will be resurrected. (This object lesson is an adaptation of a presentation by Elder Boyd K. Packer [in Conference Report, Apr. 1973, 79–80; or Ensign, July 1973, 51, 53].)

As part of this family discussion, you may want to sing together “He Is Risen!” (Hymns, no. 199) or “Did Jesus Really Live Again?” (Children’s Songbook, 64).