Lesson Prepration Guide for "Jesus Christ Is the Treasure"

In his talk, Elder Dale G. Renlund uses the story of the archaeological excavation of King Tutankhamun's tomb as a metaphor for spiritual discovery. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on Jesus Christ as our ultimate treasure, warning against the tendency to overlook or undervalue His role in our lives. Elder Renlund also highlights the importance of daily repentance, participating in the sacrament, and making and keeping covenants, particularly temple covenants.

Ideas for Opening the Lesson

Start the lesson by sharing the story of George Herbert and Howard Carter's journey to discover King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Discuss how they overlooked the treasure that was literally under their feet.
Begin with a discussion about treasures. Ask the class members what they consider to be the greatest treasure in their lives. Transition into the talk by saying that Elder Renlund considers Jesus Christ to be our greatest treasure.
Open with a question: "Have you ever missed something that was right in front of you?" Use this as a segue to introduce Elder Renlund's talk and the concept of "looking beyond the mark."

Topics

Recognizing Jesus Christ in Our Lives

Elder Renlund warns about the tendency to "look beyond the mark" and miss recognizing Jesus Christ in our lives. He emphasizes the importance of relying on Jesus Christ and not underestimating His role and power in our lives.

Like those people in Jerusalem, and like Carter and Carnarvon, we too can be prone to look beyond the mark. We need to guard against this tendency lest we miss Jesus Christ in our lives and fail to recognize the many blessings He offers us.

What does it mean to "look beyond the mark" in your own life?
How can we guard against overlooking Jesus Christ in our lives?
Can you share an experience when you felt the blessings of Jesus Christ in your life?
How can we better recognize and appreciate the role of Jesus Christ in our lives?
What changes could we make in our lives to better focus on Jesus Christ?

The Power of Repentance and the Sacrament

Elder Renlund discusses the power of repentance and the sacrament in our lives. He emphasizes the importance of approaching the sacrament with a broken heart and contrite spirit, which brings the Holy Ghost into our lives.

Just like the treasure that was under the feet of Carter and Carnarvon, the treasured blessings of the sacrament are available to us each time we attend sacrament meeting.

How can we better prepare ourselves to partake of the sacrament?
What blessings have you experienced from repentance and partaking of the sacrament?
How does the sacrament help us focus on Jesus Christ?
What does it mean to approach the sacrament with a broken heart and contrite spirit?
How can the sacrament help us retain a remission of our sins?

The Importance of Temple Attendance

Elder Renlund highlights the importance of regular temple attendance and warns against taking the temple for granted. He encourages us to value the opportunity to draw closer to the Savior in His holy house.

Our commitment to attend should be at least as strong when the temple is nearby as when it is distant.

How can regular temple attendance help us focus on Jesus Christ?
What can we do to avoid taking the temple for granted?
How has attending the temple helped you draw closer to the Savior?
What are some ways we can prioritize temple attendance?
Can you share an experience when attending the temple brought you strength or comfort?

Trusting and Following the Prophet's Counsel

Elder Renlund emphasizes the importance of trusting and following the counsel of the living prophet. He assures us that doing so will lead to happiness and healing.

When we trust God’s prophet on the earth today and act on his counsel, we will find happiness, and we too can be healed. We need to look no further.

Why is it important to trust and follow the counsel of the living prophet?
Can you share an experience when following the prophet's counsel brought you happiness or healing?
How can we better heed the counsel of the prophet in our daily lives?
What can we do to strengthen our testimony of the living prophet?
How does following the prophet's counsel help us focus on Jesus Christ?

Additional Discussion Questions

How can we make Jesus Christ the center of our lives?
What are some ways we can deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ?
How does repentance help us draw closer to Jesus Christ?
What can we do to make the sacrament a more meaningful experience?
How does temple attendance help us make and keep covenants?
What are some ways we can better prepare ourselves for temple attendance?
How does following the prophet's counsel help us stay on the covenant path?
How can we better listen to and apply the words of the living prophet?
How does focusing on Jesus Christ help us face life's challenges?
How can we help others recognize Jesus Christ as their greatest treasure?