The Savior Learned the Doctrine
It seems clear that the Savior learned from the scriptures in His youth as He increased “in wisdom … and in favour with God” (Luke 2:52). His deep understanding of the Father’s doctrine became evident when His parents found Him in the temple at a young age, teaching Jewish teachers and answering their questions (see Joseph Smith Translation, Luke 2:46 [in Luke 2:46, footnote c]). Later, when Satan presented him with extreme temptation in the wilderness, Jesus’s knowledge of the doctrine in the scriptures helped Him resist the temptation (see Luke 4:3–12).
You too can seek to learn true doctrine more deeply before you teach it. As you prepare to teach and learn with others, look carefully for what the Lord has said about the truths you are teaching. Search the scriptures and words of living prophets for explanation and counsel. Living and applying the truths you study will invite the Spirit to teach you the doctrine in even deeper ways and to confirm the doctrine’s truthfulness in the hearts of those you teach.
Questions to Ponder: Why is it important to understand gospel truths for yourself? How have you gained a deeper understanding of the truths of the gospel? What do you feel inspired to do to improve your study of the scriptures and the words of living prophets?
From the Scriptures: Proverbs 7:1–3; 2 Nephi 4:15–16; Doctrine and Covenants 11:21; 88:118
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