The March 30-April 12, 2020 Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families suggests watching the video series Special Witnesses of Christ discussing “what they teach us about what the Savior has done for us.” As you view the videos by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf and Elder David A. Bednar, notice the historic locations and imagery included in the videos and ponder how they affected your thoughts and memories. Listen for inspiring words and phrases about the gospel of Jesus Christ and consider ways to relate their words to yourself and your family. Ask questions, listen to the Spirit, and record your impressions in a personal journal. Discuss your insights with family, friends, and neighbors. You may want to try some of the “activities to consider” related to the testimonies of both Apostles.
Elder Uchtdorf: We Can See Our Divine Identity through Jesus Christ
Speaking from the star-studded dome where the Christus statue is located in the Temple Square North Visitors’ Center, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf invites us to expand our spiritual vision. We do this by learning and following the example of Jesus Christ. We, like Old Testament prophets, need to come to understand and treasure the knowledge, “Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul” (Psalm 86:4).
Christ is the Redeemer of the world who, as Elder Uchtdorf explains, “has the power to lift us up to see more clearly our true and divine identity.”
Carefully review a few more of the key statements from Elder Uchtdorf’s powerful testimony of the Living Christ:
- “To lift oneself on eagle’s wings above the mist, the fog, the clouds and gain a clearer view has always been a dream of mankind.”
- “The Son of the Living God, the Creator of this universe, came to live here and prepare a way that we may live eternally.”
- “The gospel of Jesus Christ is the universal message, irrespective of nationality, culture, political orientation, language, or economic circumstances.”
- “He has prepared the way that we more clearly see the purpose of our planet earth, the purpose of families, and the purpose of our individual lives now and eternally in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.”
Activities to Consider:
- For an individual or family home evening activity: go to places—a remote location or a city planetarium—where you can observe the stars. Also plan for a treat (cookies, ice cream, s’mores, etc.), and offer prayers of gratitude that “the Son of the Living God, the Creator of this universe … came to live here and prepare a way that we may live eternally.”
- Read the sacrament prayers (Moroni 4:3; Moroni 5:2; Doctrine and Covenants 20: 77,79) and think about or discuss with your family ways of treating the sacrament with more reverence.
- Make a list or draw pictures of how the mortal life of Jesus Christ has brought joy and happiness into the world.
- Who could you invite to come closer to Jesus Christ and gain greater purpose for their lives? Reflect on ways that you could extend such invitations to come worship with us.
Elder Bednar: Priesthood Ordinances Bring Spiritual Blessings
Elder Bednar begins his testimony from the banks of Susquehanna River. This is near the site where John the Baptist conferred the Aaronic Priesthood upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery (Doctrine and Covenants 13:1). A short time later, Peter, James, and John were sent by the Savior to confer the Melchizedek Priesthood upon Joseph and Oliver (Doctrine and Covenants 27:12).
Years later other heavenly messengers bestowed additional priesthood keys upon Joseph (Doctrine and Covenants 110). With priesthood authority and keys, the Prophet Joseph Smith was able to build holy temples where saving ordinances and covenants could be performed for both the living and the dead.
Listed below are a few of Elder Bednar’s key statements about the importance of the restoration of priesthood authority and power:
- “As they translated [the Book of Mormon] and learned of the necessity of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, Joseph and Oliver went into the woods, here along the banks of the Susquehanna River, to pray and to enquire of the Lord concerning this sacred ordinance.”
- “The coming of John the Baptist was a first step in the process of restoring the priesthood to the earth.”
- “Once again, the pattern of servants and leaders being called by Jesus Christ and ordained by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority had been established on the earth.”
- “Priesthood authority, keys, and saving ordinances are again found on the earth that enable you and me to receive the joyous blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Activities to Consider:
- As an individual or family read about Joseph Smith’s efforts to obtain the gold plates and translate the Book of Mormon as described in Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ: The Standard of Truth, Volume 1: 1815-1846 [2018], 20-88.
- Memorize Section 13 of the Doctrine and Covenants, discuss its meanings, and peruse scriptures about the priesthood. (You may want to read President Thomas S. Monson experiences when, at the age of 18, he was asked to recite Doctrine and Covenants 13, while being interviewed by his stake president, Paul C. Child, to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood: see “The Priesthood—a Sacred Gift,” Ensign, May 2015.)
- What do you learn about the baptismal covenant by reading the following scriptures: 2 Nephi 31:4-21, Mosiah 18:7-10, and Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, 72-74.
- Explore true meanings for the word joy. See definition and scripture references in Guide to the Scriptures: “Joy” and read Elder Bednar’s article “Jesus Christ: The Source of Enduring Joy,” Ensign, Dec. 2019.