Study Guide for "Lifted Up upon the Cross"

In this talk, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland addresses the question of why members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do not use the cross as a symbol of their faith, as other Christian denominations do. He discusses the Church's focus on the complete miracle of Christ's mission, the importance of bearing our own crosses, and the blessings that come from following Christ, even in times of hardship and suffering.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

Why don't Latter-day Saints use the cross as a symbol of their faith?
What is the Church's emphasis on Christ's mission?
What does it mean to bear our own crosses?
How can suffering lead to blessings?
What is the significance of Christ's Resurrection in relation to His Crucifixion?

Topics

Understanding the Absence of the Cross in LDS Symbolism

Elder Holland explains that the absence of the cross in Latter-day Saint symbolism is due to the Church's biblical roots and its focus on the complete miracle of Christ's mission, which includes His Resurrection. The Church respects and admires those who use the cross as a symbol of their faith, but chooses to convey its identity through other means.

One reason we do not emphasize the cross as a symbol stems from our biblical roots. Because crucifixion was one of the Roman Empire’s most agonizing forms of execution, many early followers of Jesus chose not to highlight that brutal instrument of suffering.

Another reason for not using iconized crosses is our emphasis on the complete miracle of Christ’s mission—His glorious Resurrection as well as His sacrificial suffering and death.

Why does the Church not use the cross as a symbol of its faith?
What is the Church's focus regarding Christ's mission?
How can you better understand and explain the Church's stance on the use of the cross?
How can you personally emphasize the complete miracle of Christ's mission in your life and teachings?

Bearing Our Own Crosses

Elder Holland teaches that being a disciple of Christ requires us to bear our own crosses, which may include personal burdens or the burdens of others. He emphasizes that following Christ may lead us into difficult situations, but it is through these experiences that we grow and become more empathetic towards others.

This speaks of the crosses we bear rather than the ones we wear. To be a follower of Jesus Christ, one must sometimes carry a burden—your own or someone else’s—and go where sacrifice is required and suffering is inevitable.

As we take up our crosses and follow Him, it would be tragic indeed if the weight of our challenges did not make us more empathetic for and more attentive to the burdens being carried by others.

What does it mean to bear your own cross?
How can suffering and sacrifice lead to empathy and understanding?
What crosses are you currently bearing?
How can you better empathize with others who are carrying their own crosses?
How can you follow Christ more fully in your current circumstances?

The Blessings of Following Christ

Elder Holland testifies of the blessings that come from faithfully following Christ, even when it requires us to bear heavy crosses. He assures us that these blessings may come soon or later, but they will come. He encourages us to follow Christ unfailingly, regardless of the weight of our crosses or the darkness of our path.

As the glorious Resurrection followed the agonizing Crucifixion, so blessings of every kind are poured out on those who are willing, as the Book of Mormon prophet Jacob says, to “believe in Christ, and view his death, and suffer his cross.”

To obtain such blessings, may we follow Him—unfailingly, never faltering nor fleeing, never flinching at the task, not when our crosses may be heavy and not when, for a time, the path may grow dark.

What blessings can come from following Christ?
How can suffering and sacrifice lead to blessings?
How have you seen blessings come from following Christ in your life?
What can you do to follow Christ more unfailingly, even when the path is difficult?

The Importance of Empathy in Bearing Burdens

Elder Holland emphasizes the importance of empathy when bearing our own burdens and those of others. He suggests that the weight of our challenges should make us more empathetic and attentive to the burdens of others. He illustrates this with examples of individuals facing various trials and tribulations.

As we take up our crosses and follow Him, it would be tragic indeed if the weight of our challenges did not make us more empathetic for and more attentive to the burdens being carried by others.

Why is empathy important when bearing our own burdens and those of others?
How can our own challenges help us to be more empathetic and attentive to others?
How can you show more empathy towards others who are carrying heavy burdens?
How have your own challenges helped you to be more empathetic and attentive to others?

The Role of the Atonement in Our Lives

Elder Holland expresses the centrality of Christ's Atonement in the plan of salvation. He highlights that all things pertaining to the religion of the Latter-day Saints are appendages to the Atonement of Jesus Christ. This principle underscores the importance of Christ's sacrifice in our lives.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints considers the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ to be the central fact, the crucial foundation, the chief doctrine, and the ultimate expression of divine love in God’s grand plan for the salvation of His children.

I quoted the Prophet Joseph Smith, who said, “All … things which pertain to our religion are only appendages” to the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Why is the Atonement of Jesus Christ central to the Church's teachings?
How does the Atonement serve as the foundation of the Church's doctrine?
How does the Atonement of Jesus Christ play a role in your life?
How can you better understand and apply the Atonement in your life?