Jesus Christ can turn my weakness into strength.
When we read Moroni’s powerful writings, it’s easy to forget that he worried about his “weakness in writing” and feared that people would mock his words (see Ether 12:23–25). If you have ever felt anxious about your own weakness, read about Moroni’s struggles—and the Savior’s response—in Ether 12:23–29. You might also ponder times when Jesus Christ has helped you recognize your weakness and made you strong—even if He didn’t completely remove it. Also think about weaknesses you are currently struggling with. What do you need to do to receive the Savior’s promise to “make weak things become strong”? (Ether 12:27).
I'm loving this lesson! I really want my youth to understand the power of Moroni's words and apply it to their lives. Here is what I am doing:
Hand out these pieces to 4 capable youth, make sure they read everything and let them know that they will be sharing a personal experience. When it is their turn they can read it to everyone and share their experience.
Point out that faith is an action word.
As they read and share they can add their piece to the board. It will look like this when they are done:
If any of the 4 youth that shares their personal experience's, mentions their obstacle you can add that to the board. Have the youth help you make a list of obstacles that they face. Psst. if you ask the youth to share their "weakness" that may not feel as safe. It is the same thing, but phrased differently may help you get more feedback. You can even share some of the obstacles you face, and set the example of what it looks like to be transparent.
Question: What are some obstacles teens face today?
You list may look something like this:
If you feel inspired you can read the quote again on the 4th piece about His grace.
No gift tag this week, I could not think of anything, and it's fast Sunday. But here are some Christmas gift ideas:
Consider searching the following passages to see how others in the scriptures gained strength through the grace of Jesus Christ:
Enoch (Moses 6:31–34; 7:13)
Moses (Exodus 4:10–12; 14:31)
Gideon (Judges 6:12–16; 8:22–23)
Peter (Luke 5:8–10; 22:55–62; Acts 4:13–21)
Moroni (Ether 12:23–29)
Joseph Smith (Joseph Smith—History 1:28; Doctrine and Covenants 35:17; 135:3)
You can either pass these out for the students to look up scriptures and read...or they can be name tags(: If you want each person to play the part of the characters. I highly recommend this. You probably won't have enough to to get to every person, you might need to chose your favorites.
OR/and (print Two) you can put them on the the board like this:
I am very visual, so I like this idea of recording the scriptures as you show see how the Lord showed him 1. his weakness/ humble , 2. then the next step, faith/ action, 3. Last, the miracle of strength. You may need to erase each time, or each person, if there isn't enough room on the board): Chalk boards should at least be as big as the entire wall(:
For older students I recommend doing that.
For younger students or students with disabilities I recommend scripture cards like this:
You might want to write on the back of these cards, the name Moses or Enoch, let the students figure out the steps, but you can know which cards to hand to each student.
The nice thing about scripture cards, it's much more clean(: But, I'm sure if you like recording you, you can make that clean too.
You probably won't get to every scripture hero, pick some of your favorites. Personally I wouldn't chose Moroni, because he power scripture is already used in the setting up, and Joseph Smith and Peter are very long, but I do like how Peter shows how the obstacle can be sin. Use your best judgement.
The small chance that you get to every scripture hero, I just hope the board is big enough(:
Bear your testimony. It is in Jesus Christ that we can find strength.
See also Gospel Topics, “Grace,” Gospel Library; “The Lord Is My Light,” Hymns, no. 89.
Free version of this lesson:
Study Ether 12:27, and then separate your study into three groups.
Hope that helps. See you next week.
Crystal