One Sabbath day, the Savior and His disciples, feeling hungry, passed a field and started eating the grain. The Pharisees, always eager to emphasize the finer points of the law of Moses, pointed out that gathering grain was technically a form of work, which was forbidden on the Sabbath (see Mark 2:23–24). To use the Book of Mormon prophet Jacob’s phrase, the Pharisees were “looking beyond the mark” (Jacob 4:14). In other words, they were so focused on traditional interpretations of the commandments that they missed the divine purpose of those commandments—to draw us closer to God. In fact, the Pharisees didn’t even realize that the One who gave the commandment to honor the Sabbath was standing before them.
The Savior took this opportunity to testify of His divine identity and to teach why the Sabbath is important. It was created for us as a day to worship the Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus Christ Himself (see Mark 2:27–28). Such truths help us understand that God’s commandments are about more than just our outward behavior. They are meant to help us change our hearts and become more fully converted.
Carefully consider the doctrine and principles you decide to focus on. While there are many truths in the scriptures that can be discussed, it is best to focus on truths of the gospel that lead to conversion and build faith in Jesus Christ. The simple, basic truths the Savior taught and exemplified have the greatest power to change our lives—truths about His Atonement, the plan of salvation, the commandments to love God and love our neighbor, and so on. Invite the Spirit to bear witness of these truths, helping them go deep into the hearts of those you teach.
Questions to Ponder: What are some truths of the gospel that have helped you become more converted to Jesus Christ and have greater faith in Him? How has a teacher helped you focus on the most essential truths of the gospel? What can you teach that will help others become more deeply converted to Jesus Christ?
From the Scriptures: 2 Nephi 25:26; 3 Nephi 11:34–41; Doctrine and Covenants 19:31–32; 68:25–28; 133:57; Moses 6:57–62
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