Jesus Christ—The Central Focus of All Scripture

Discuss with students the importance of centering their scripture study on Jesus Christ. While there are many interesting topics to study in the scriptures, there is nothing more significant than learning of the Savior and what He does for mankind. Emphasize to students that if they want to achieve this focus, the library of scripture is the best source to learn about the Savior.

The following statement by Elder Howard W. Hunter, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, might help the class understand this point: “I am grateful for the library of scripture through which a greater knowledge of Jesus Christ can be learned by devoted study. I am grateful that in addition to the Old and New Testaments, the Lord, through prophets of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has added other revealed scripture as additional witnesses for Christ—the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price—all of which I know to be the word of God. These bear witness that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1979, 93; or Ensign, Nov. 1979, 65).

Read John 17:3. Point out that to have eternal life an individual must come to know the Father and the Son. John 5:39 explains how we come to know the Father and the Son—we must search the scriptures (see also JST, Luke 11:53).

As students study the scriptures, alert them to be watchful of Christ’s mission to mankind. Make the following points concerning the Savior’s mission:

1. He set up the kingdom of God on earth (see Ephesians 4:11–16; 3 Nephi 12:1; Mark 3:13–19).

2. He taught the plan of salvation (see 3 Nephi 11:31–40; Matthew 4:23–24; Mosiah 3:5–6; Acts 10:34–43).

3. He worked out the Atonement for mankind (see John 3:16–17; Matthew 26–27; 2 Nephi 10:25; Alma 7:11; Articles of Faith 1:3).

4. He commenced the work for the dead (see 1 Peter 3:18–19; 4:6; Moses 7:38–39; D&C 76:73; 138:29–35).

Have students compile a list of scriptures from each of the standard works defining the mission of Jesus Christ. You might want to divide the class into groups and have students search the Topical Guide under “Jesus Christ, mission of,” for insights into the Savior’s mission.

Draw the following illustration on the board, and discuss and mark the references with the class. Students should come to understand that prophets in all ages have testified of Christ.

Have class members turn to the heading “Jesus Christ” in the Topical Guide; point out to them that there are a multitude of references to the Savior listed under fifty-seven subcategories. Review the topics with students so they can see the many aspects of the nature and work of Christ that are covered. Point out that there are far more references under the heading “Jesus Christ” than under any other topic listed. This is one indication that the fundamental theme of all scripture is Jesus Christ.

Read and discuss 2 Nephi 11:4 and Moses 6:63. Help students understand that all things bear record of the Savior.

To further develop the concept that all things typify Christ, refer to the following categories:

1. The law of Moses testifies of Christ.

   The whole purpose of the law of Moses—with its teachings, rites, and ordinances—was to point the children of Israel to Christ and His Atonement. In studying any aspect of the law of Moses, you should look for teachings and representations of the Savior. If you understand the life and work of the Savior, you can better understand the law of Moses, which was designed to testify of Christ and lead people to Him. Read Galatians 3:24; Jacob 4:4–6; Alma 34:13–15, which teach these concepts.

2. The gospel ordinances testify of Christ.

   Animal sacrifice. Adam was commanded to offer sacrifices unto the Lord and was told that it was in “similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father” (Moses 5:7). This practice was continued among the covenant people until after the ministry of Christ, when it was replaced with the ordinance of the sacrament. Study the comparison of passages on page 50 of this manual. It shows that the ordinance of sacrifice was in similitude of the sacrifice of the Son of God. Mark and cross-reference these passages in your own scriptures.

   Ordinance of Sacrifice	Jesus Christ
   Leviticus 1 Image Lev. 1:3	Luke 1 Image Luke 1:35
   	Hebrews 4 Image Heb. 4:15
   Moses 5 Image Moses 5:5	D&C 93 Image D&C 93:21
   Exodus 12 Image Ex. 12:46	John 19 Image John 19:32–33
   Leviticus 1 Image Lev. 1:11	Luke 22 Image Luke 22:44
   	Mosiah 3 Image Mosiah 3:7
   	D&C 38:4 Image D&C 38:4
   Exodus 12 Image Ex. 12:8	Matthew 26 Image Matt. 26:26

   The sacrament. The ordinance of the sacrament instituted by the Lord at His last supper is a continual reminder to the Saints of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It also provides an opportunity for us to renew often the covenant we made to follow His example and keep His commandments. It points back in time to the Atonement, whereas the ordinance of sacrifice anciently pointed forward to the Atonement.

   Passover → Jesus Christ ← Sacrament

   Read, mark, and cross-reference 1 Corinthians 11:23–29 and 3 Nephi 18:1–11.

   Baptism. Study Paul’s discussion in Romans 6:3–11 of the relationship between the burial and Resurrection of the Savior and the covenant the Saints make when they are baptized.

3. Individuals and places testify of Christ.

   Melchizedek, king of Salem. The name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness” or “my king is righteous.” Paul referred to Melchizedek as the “King of righteousness” and the “King of peace” (Hebrews 7:1–2). Melchizedek became great because he followed Jehovah—the premortal Christ. Jesus Christ is the great king of righteousness and peace (see Jeremiah 23:5–6; Isaiah 9:6–7) of whom Melchizedek was a “type.”

   Joseph, sold into Egypt, later saved Israel. There are numerous similarities between Joseph and Christ; thus, Joseph’s life was in many ways a “type” or foreshadowing of the life and ministry of the Savior. A few of the many parallels are as follows:

   1. Joseph was loved by his father “more than all his children” (Genesis 37:3). Jesus is the “beloved Son” of the Father (Matthew 3:17).

   2. Both Joseph and Jesus were betrayed by their brethren and sold (see Genesis 37:26–27; Matthew 26:14–16).

   3. Joseph was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife (see Genesis 39:13–18), and Jesus was falsely accused before the Sanhedrin (see Matthew 26:57–66).

   4. Both were saviors to Israel. Joseph saved his father’s family from starvation and death by providing them with bread (see Genesis 45:4–7). Jesus, who is “the bread of life” (John 6:35), gave Himself to save Israel from spiritual death.

   5. Joseph’s brothers bowed to him in fulfillment of his prophetic dream (see Genesis 37:5–8; 43:26). Eventually all will bow before Christ and acknowledge His sovereignty (D&C 76:110).

   Joshua led Israel into the promised land. It is significant that Joshua, not Moses, led Israel into the promised land. The English form of the Hebrew name Yehoshua or Joshua is “Jesus.” Just as Joshua (Jesus) led the Israelites into their land of promise, so also does Jesus bring faithful Israel into their eternal promised inheritance.

   David, king of Israel. The name David means, “beloved.” In Old Testament times, David was the king of Israel at its zenith. His reign was but a foreshadowing of the reign of Jesus, the “Beloved Son” (Joseph Smith—History 1:17) of the Father. Jesus will come again and, as the second “David,” will reign on the throne of Israel forever (see Ezekiel 37:24–25; Isaiah 9:6–7).

   Bethlehem. The name Bethlehem means “house of bread.” In fulfillment of ancient prophecy, Jesus, who is the “bread of life” (John 6:35, 48), was born in Bethlehem (see Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:4–6; Luke 2:15–16).

4. Objects in the scriptures testify of Christ.

   The Liahona. The Book of Mormon teaches that just as the Liahona led the company of Lehi to the promised land, so also the word of Christ will lead the Lord’s children to the kingdom of heaven. Read Alma’s explanation of the symbolism of the Liahona in Alma 37:38–46.

5. Manifestations in nature testify of Christ.

   Light and darkness. When Jesus, who is the “light of the world” (John 8:12), came into the world, the sign in America of His birth was a day, a night, and a day without darkness (see 1 Nephi 1:15, 19). When the “light of the world” died, there was thick darkness both in Jerusalem and America (see Matthew 27:45; 3 Nephi 8:19–23).

   The Lord supplied water from a rock. As the Israelites journeyed in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt, they were in need of water. Moses smote a rock and water came forth to save them from dying of thirst. This physical event was in the likeness of a spiritual reality and bears testimony of the saving power of the Lord. Review the scriptures in the chart below, which shows the parallels.

   Physical Events in Moses’ Day	Salvation Provided by Jesus Christ
   Israel wandered in the wilderness of Sin (see Exodus 17:1).	Mankind is wandering in a world of sin (see D&C 84:49).
   They were in need of water to sustain physical life (see Exodus 17:1–3).	Mankind needs the “living water” from Christ that leads to everlasting life (see John 4:14).
   Moses smote a rock, which brought forth water and saved them from death (see Exodus 17:5–6; 1 Nephi 17:29).	The Lord is the “rock” upon which all must build (see Helaman 5:12). He was smitten in Gethsemane and on Calvary to save us from spiritual death (see Isaiah 53:4–5; Matthew 26:31).