Lesson Prepration Guide for "Eternity’s Great Gifts: Jesus Christ’s Atonement, Resurrection, Restoration"

In his profound talk, Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explores the eternal gifts bestowed upon us through Jesus Christ: His Atonement, Resurrection, and the Restoration of His Church. Elder Gong weaves together personal stories, scriptural insights, and historical events to illustrate the depth of Christ's love and the profound impact of His divine mission on our lives. As we delve into this talk, we are invited to reflect on the transformative power of these gifts and how they can bring us peace, healing, and eternal joy.

Ideas for Opening the Lesson

Begin by sharing a personal experience or story that relates to the themes of atonement, resurrection, or restoration. Invite class members to reflect on similar experiences in their own lives.
Play a short video clip or share a piece of art that depicts Jesus Christ's Atonement, Resurrection, or the Restoration of the gospel. Use this as a springboard for discussion.
Start with a hymn or song that emphasizes the themes of Easter and Jesus Christ's role in our lives, such as "He is Risen" or "I Believe in Christ". Discuss the feelings and thoughts that the music evokes.
Ask class members to think about a time when they felt the Savior's presence in their lives. Invite a few to share their experiences to set the tone for the lesson.
Pose a thought-provoking question: "What do the Atonement, Resurrection, and Restoration mean to you personally?" Allow a few moments for reflection and invite responses.

Topics

Jesus Weeps for Our Joy and Sorrow

Elder Gong emphasized that Jesus Christ weeps with us in both sorrow and joy, illustrating His deep empathy and understanding of our mortal experiences. This divine empathy is a testament to His role as our Savior, who is intimately aware of our struggles and triumphs.

For me now, that Jesus weeps in sorrow and joy testifies of the miraculous reality: the divine Son of God came into physical mortality and learned according to the flesh how always to be with and bless us.

Why do you think it is significant that Jesus wept?
How does knowing that Jesus weeps with us affect your perspective on trials?
Can you share a time when you felt the Savior's empathy in your life?
In what ways can we emulate Christ's empathy in our relationships?
How does understanding Christ's empathy help us draw closer to Him?

Atonement Brings Hope and Reconciliation

The Atonement of Jesus Christ provides hope when we face sorrow and offers a path to reconcile and mend our relationships. Elder Gong shared stories illustrating how the Atonement can heal grief and enable forgiveness, freeing us from the burdens of sin and regret.

Easter in Jesus Christ helps us mend, reconcile, make right our relationships, on both sides of the veil. Jesus can heal grief; He can enable forgiveness.

How does the Atonement bring hope during times of sorrow?
What are some ways the Atonement has helped you reconcile relationships?
Why is forgiveness a crucial aspect of the Atonement?
How can we access the healing power of the Atonement in our daily lives?
What does it mean to be freed by the Atonement from things that bind us?

Resurrection Overcomes Death and Imperfection

Elder Gong taught that Christ's Resurrection conquers death and frees us from physical imperfections. This victory over death ensures that we can be reunited with our loved ones and restored to a perfect state, providing immense hope and joy.

With Easter joy, we sing, "Death is conquered; man is free. Christ has won the victory." Christ’s Resurrection frees us from death, from time’s frailties and physicality’s imperfections.

What does the Resurrection mean for you personally?
How does the promise of resurrection influence your view on life and death?
In what ways does the Resurrection provide comfort during times of loss?
How can we share the hope of the Resurrection with others?
What are some ways to keep the spirit of Easter alive throughout the year?

Restoration Brings Spiritual Abundance

The Restoration of the gospel brings spiritual abundance, fulfilling prophecies and providing priesthood keys and authority to bless all God's children. Elder Gong highlighted how the Restoration is a reason for gathering and celebrating as it reunites us with God and each other.

In all good things, Jesus Christ restores abundantly—not only what was but also what can be.

What aspects of the Restoration are most meaningful to you?
How does the Restoration influence your understanding of God's plan?
In what ways has the Restoration brought spiritual abundance into your life?
How can we actively participate in the ongoing Restoration?
What role does the Restoration play in your personal spiritual journey?

Universal Love and Identity in God’s Plan

Elder Gong emphasized that God's love is universal, extending to all His children across different cultures and traditions. This divine love and shared identity as children of God invite us to find peace and joy in Him, regardless of our background.

Because God our Father loves all His children in every age and land, we find His loving invitation to come find peace and joy in Him in many traditions and cultures.

How does understanding our divine identity influence our daily actions?
What are some ways we can express God's universal love to others?
Why is it important to recognize the shared heritage among different faiths?
How can we foster unity and understanding in our communities?
In what ways can we celebrate our divine identity as children of God?

Additional Discussion Questions

How can we better recognize and appreciate the gifts of eternity in our lives?
In what ways can we prepare ourselves to receive the fullness of Christ's atonement?
What role does gratitude play in experiencing the joy of the Resurrection?
How can we support others in their journey of reconciliation and healing through the Atonement?
What are some practical steps we can take to strengthen our faith in the Restoration?
How can we cultivate a deeper understanding of God's love for all His children?
What does it mean to you to be clothed with the garments of salvation?
How can we better align our lives with the divine pattern of atonement, resurrection, and restoration?
What are some ways we can share the message of Easter and its significance with those around us?
How can we draw strength from the examples of faith and sacrifice shared in the talk?