Purpose
To help class members understand that as we take the Savior’s yoke upon us and do his will, we will find the peace and joy that he has promised.
Preparation
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Read, ponder, and pray about the following scriptures:
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Matthew 11:28–30. Jesus invites all who labor and are heavy laden to come unto him, take his yoke upon them, and learn of him.
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Matthew 12:1–13; Luke 13:10–17. Jesus declares that he is Lord of the Sabbath. He heals on the Sabbath and is criticized for it.
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Luke 7:36–50. A woman seeking forgiveness washes the Lord’s feet with her tears; Simon the Pharisee criticizes Jesus for letting the sinful woman touch Him. Jesus teaches Simon the parable of the two debtors and forgives the woman.
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Additional reading: Isaiah 58:13–14; Matthew 11:16–19; 12:14–50; 26:6–13; Mark 2:23–3:12; 14:3–9; Luke 6:1–11; Doctrine and Covenants 59:9–19.
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If the following materials are available, use them during the lesson:
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“Come unto Me,” a seven-minute segment from New Testament Video Presentations (53914).
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The picture Mary Fielding and Joseph F. Smith Crossing the Plains (62608; Gospel Art Picture Kit 412), which shows a pair of yoked oxen.
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Suggestion for teaching: As you prepare each lesson, prayerfully consider how to encourage each class member to participate. Demonstrations, small group discussions, role playing, and other appropriate activities can help class members be more actively involved. (See Teaching, No Greater Call [36123], pages 61–72, 159–184.)
Suggested Lesson Development
Additional Teaching Ideas
The following material supplements the suggested lesson outline. You may want to use one or more of these ideas as part of the lesson.
1. The importance of unity
Read and discuss Matthew 12:22–30.
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How are we sometimes divided against ourselves in our families, homes, or wards? What can we do to become more united?
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Jesus told the Pharisees, “He that is not with me is against me” (Matthew 12:30). Why is this so?
2. “Every idle word” (Matthew 12:36)
Read and discuss Matthew 12:33–37.
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What do the words we speak reveal about us? Why did Jesus place such importance on the words we speak? What are some examples of “idle words”? (Answers may include sarcasm, gossip, lies, profanity, rudeness.) How can we strengthen our commitment to speak only in good ways?
3. Youth activity
Prepare for each class member a piece of paper with the following puzzle on it. After you have read and discussed the assigned reading, distribute copies of the puzzle. Ask class members to look for words related to the lesson that are hidden in the puzzle. Words may appear vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. If class members need help after a few minutes, have them reread the verses that contain the hidden words (Matthew 11:28–30: burden, heavy laden, yoke; Matthew 12:1–13: Sabbath, heal; Luke 7:36–50: parable, debtor, forgiven).
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