John 1–3. The Lord’s titles teach us about His life and mission. (25–30 minutes)
Bring a loaf of bread, a lightbulb, a glass of water, and a rock to class. Ask: How are each of these objects symbolic of the life of Christ? (You could use John 4:10–15; 6:48; 8:12; Jeremiah 2:13; and Helaman 5:12to show how these objects can symbolize Christ.)
Have students read John 1:1–3, 14; the Joseph Smith Translation of John 1:1–3, 14; and Doctrine and Covenants 93:8–10, looking for why John calls Jesus Christ “the Word.” (Possible answers include that Jesus is the “messenger of salvation” [D&C 93:8], that He personifies the gospel, that He carries out the word of the Father, and that He created the earth under the direction, or word, of the Father.) Have students look quickly through the first three chapters of the Gospel of John searching for titles for Jesus Christ, and write them on the board. (The following list is included for your convenience and is not comprehensive.)
- The Light (John 1:4–9)
- The Son (John 1:18, 34, 49)
- That Prophet (John 1:21; see also Deuteronomy 18:15)
- The Lord (John 1:23)
- The Lamb (John 1:29, 36)
- The Master or Rabbi (John 1:38, 49)
- The Messiah or Christ (John 1:41)
- Teacher (John 3:2)
- The Bridegroom (John 3:29)
Encourage students to watch for titles of Jesus as they study the New Testament and consider what each one teaches about the life and mission of the Savior.
