Help Students Come to Jesus Christ

We teach a lot of important things in seminary. The scriptures, doctrine, commandments, covenants, and principles for living the gospel. But ultimately, all of those things should lead our students somewhere. Or, more accurately, to Someone.

President Russell M. Nelson taught:

“There is no amorphous entity called ‘the Atonement’ upon which we may call for succor, healing, forgiveness, or power. Jesus Christ is the source.”

—President Russell M. Nelson, “Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives,” General Conference, April 2017

That is an important distinction for us as teachers.

Sometimes we may talk about “using the Atonement” or “applying the Atonement.” President Nelson actually cautioned against separating the Savior’s atoning sacrifice from the Savior Himself. He taught that Christ’s sacrifice is “best understood and appreciated when we expressly and clearly connect it to Him.”

—President Russell M. Nelson, “Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives,” General Conference, April 2017

The Savior’s own invitation is beautifully personal:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

—Matthew 11:28

Notice what He doesn't say.

He doesn't simply invite us to understand a doctrine or use a process.

He invites us to come to Him.

That can make a difference in the way we teach.

Try This in Your Teaching Next Week

As you prepare your lesson, find one place where you can intentionally turn your students toward Jesus Christ.

You might begin with a question we often ask:

1. What does this scripture teach us?

Then take it one step further:

2. What does this teach us about Jesus Christ?

And then make it personal:

3. Because you know this about Him, what could you trust Him with in your life right now?

That third question can change the conversation.

A lesson about repentance can become a lesson about the Savior who forgives and changes us.

A lesson about commandments can help students consider why they can trust the One who gave them.

A lesson about trials can point them toward the Savior who offers rest and helps carry their burdens.

A lesson about covenants can become an opportunity to better understand their relationship with Jesus Christ.

One Invitation for This Week

Sometime this week, intentionally create one moment in your lesson where your students move from talking about Jesus Christ to thinking about their own relationship with Jesus Christ.

This can be especially powerful as we review and discuss General Conference. As you revisit a conference message with your students, don't stop only with “What did the prophet or apostle teach?” Take it one step further:

What does this message teach us about Jesus Christ?

And then:

Because of what we just learned about Him, what might the Savior be inviting us to do, change, or trust Him with?

That can help General Conference become more than a review of good counsel. It can become another opportunity for students to hear the Savior's invitation and come closer to Him.

It doesn't need to be long or dramatic.

• Ask a question.

• Read a scripture.

• Give them a moment to think.

• Share your testimony of Him.

• And then give the Holy Ghost some room to work.

Our students certainly need to know about the gospel. But ultimately, we are trying to help them come to know the Savior of the gospel.

His invitation remains:

“Come unto me.”

—Matthew 11:28

Maybe this week we can help our students take one more step toward Him.