Lesson 15: Jesus Christ Instituted the Sacrament

They are Hungry for the things of the Spirit

The youth of the church, your students, are in great majority sound in thought and spiritthe youth of the church are hungry for the things of the spirit; they want to gain testimonies of truth they are eager to learn the gospel, and they want it straight and undilutedthey are not doubters but inquirers, seekers after truthdoubt must not be planted in their hearts

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These students crave the faith of their and mothers have; they want it in their simplicity and purity. There are few indeed who have not seen the manifestations of its divine power; they wish to not be only the beneficiaries of this faith; but they want to be able to call it forth to work. They want to believe in the ordinances of the gospel; J.Rueben Clark Jr. The Charted Course of the Church in Education

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Companion Principlessee D&C 42:11-14Teaching By the SpiritLearning By Faith

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The Lords Law of Teaching: D&C 42:12-14

12And again, the elders, priests and teachers of this church shall teach the principles of my gospel, which are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, in the which is the fulness of the gospel. 13And they shall observe the covenants and church articles to do them, and these shall be their teachings, as they shall be directed by the Spirit. 14And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach.

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1. Teach the Word by the SpiritD&C 42:14The WordInspired words from the First Pres. & the 12ScriptureConference ReportsPersonal RevelationInspired Hymns and Music2 Ne.32:3

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the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 33:1)1 AND now I, Nephi, cannot write all the things which were taught among my people; neither am I mighty in writing, like unto speaking; for when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men.

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A Current Teaching Emphasis

We are to help students understand the scriptures and the words of the prophets, identify and understand the doctrines and principles found therein, and apply them in their lives in such a way as to lead to personal conversion

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2. Prayer-Invite them to pray for the spirit as they listen 2 Kings 6:151 Ne. 15:8, 111 Ne. 11:1Spencer W. Kimball Ive never been to a boring mtg.What is the real meeting-Elder Cook?Teach them to pray for the speakerVideo clip Elder Eyring

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Teach them to use their spiritual sensesTeach your students to see with the eyes they possessed before they had a mortal body; teach them to hear with the ears they possessed before they were born; teach them to push back the curtains of mortality and see into the eternities. Youth must be taught to expand their minds and to think in spiritual terms. They must know that there was no beginning and there will be no end. Then they will begin to understand the plan of redemption. (Boyd K. Packer, BYU-CES Symposium 1993)

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3. Help them Discover Doctrines & PrinciplesThe Scriptures have been written to preserve principles. (Marion G. Romney, The Messages of the Old Testament, A Symposium on the Old Testament)D&C 42:12-14

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A principle is an enduring truth, a law, a rule you can adopt to guide you in making decisions. That leaves you free to find your way with an enduring truth, a principle, as your anchor. (Boyd K. Packer, En. May 1996, p. 17)

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The first step in living by correct principles is knowing what a principle is and how to use it. Gospel principles include doctrine, commandments, ordinances, and precepts. In this manual, however, the term principle refers to a gospel truth that gives us counsel and guidance for conduct.

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When the Prophet Joseph Smith was asked how he governed his people, he replied, "I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves" (in John Taylor, "The Organization of the Church," Millennial Star, 15 Nov. 1851, 339).

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Elder Boyd K. Packer explained, "From doctrine, we learn principles of conduct, how to respond to problems of everyday living, even to failures, for they too are provided for in the doctrines" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1994, 26; or Ensign, May 1994, 20).

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Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught: "Orthodoxy ensures balance between the gospel's powerful and correct principles. and their interprettion the gospel's principles do require synchronization. When pulled apart from each other or isolated, men's interpretations and implementations of these doctrines may be wild" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1993, 97; or Ensign, May 1993, 78). Because principles are presented in many different ways, extracting them may require much labor and meditation. All principles are conditioned on our faithfulness and are eternal, consistent, and true.

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Bishop Glenn L. Pace said:"Programs blindly followed bring us to a discipline of doing good, but principles properly understood and practiced bring us to a disposition to do good" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1986, 29; or Ensign, May, 1986, 24). C. S. Lewis wrote of the danger of being dependent on specific rules: "We might think that God wanted simply obedience to a set of rules: whereas He really wants people of a particular sort" (Mere Christianity [1960], 63).

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A principle is an enduring truth, a law, a rule you can adopt to guide you in making decisions. Principles help us apply the doctrines of the gospel to everyday living and give us a light to illuminate the path before us in this everdarkening world.

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PrinciplesAs you seek for spiritual knowledge, search for principles. Carefully separate them from the details used to explain them. Principles are concentrated truth, packaged for application to a wide variety of circumstances ... it is worth a great deal of effort to organize the truth we gather into simple statements of principle. (Richard G. Scott, Oct. CR, 1993, p. 117; or En. Nov. 1993, p. 86)

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The Battle insideWhile easy to find, true principles are not easy to live until they become an established pattern of life. They will require you to dislodge false ideas. They can cause you wrenching battles within the secret chambers of your heart and decisive encounters to overcome temptation, peer pressure, and the false allure of the easy way out.

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Yet as you resolutely follow correct principles, you will forge strength of character available to you in times of need. Your consistent adherence to correct principles overcomes the alluring yet false lifestyles that surround you. Your faithful compliance to correct principles will generate criticism and ridicule from others, yet the results are so eternally worthwhile that they warrant your every sacrifice. (Richard G. Scott, Oct. CR, 1993, p. 117; or En. Nov. 1993, p. 86)

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4. Teach them to write while in the spiritD&C 76:12, 19, 28, 49, 80, 113; 2Cor.3:3,12-14Doctrines of ChristPrayersImpressionsPrinciplesCovenantsPromisesGreat Oneliners, poetry, quotes, lyricsIs there any thing elseRGSWere I a teacher of young students, I would have them commit to apply this principle: I will seek to learn by what I hear, see, and feel. I will write down the things I learn and I will do them-Elder Richard g. Scott, Helping Others to be spiritually led

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Write it downAs we have talked, some of you have been prompted by the spirit about private things the Lord wants you to do something about. You have been impressed to know what to do. Those feelings are the very most important part of our time together. They are the Lords personal message to you. Remember that message. Follow it precisely now, for your happiness. (Write it down) - (Elder Richard G. Scott )

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Growing in the principleA person may profit by noticing the first intimation of the spirit of revelation; for instance, when you feel pure intelligence flowing into you, it may give you sudden strokes of ideas, so that by noticing it, you may find it fulfilled the same day or soon; (i.e.) Those things that were presented unto your minds by the Spirit of God, will come to pass; and thus by learning the spirit of God and understanding it, you may grow into the principle of revelation, until you become perfect in Christ Jesus. (Teachings, p. 151)

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5. Receive principles by CovenantThe gospel is so arranged that principles and ordinances are received by covenant placing the recipient under strong obligation and responsibility to honor the commitment Bible. (Dictionary, Covenant, p.651)D&C 42:13

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6. Help them choose to ObeyIt wont be enough for them to simply hear the word of God. They must choose to keep the commandments because they feel at least a beginning desire to know the will of Our Heavenly Father and submit to it. That feeling of surrender is not likely to come unless they experience some feeling of being loved and some value in their being meek and lowly of heart. You can help with your example. If you love them because you feel Gods love for them they will feel that. (Elder Henry B. Eyring, To Draw Closer to God, p.186)

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7. Obtain Divine Nature32 Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.

2 Peter 1:4-8

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Elder Callister

Elder Richard G. Scott, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, stated: "As you seek spiritual knowledge, search for principles. Carefully separate them from the detail used to explain them. Principles are concentrated truth, packaged for application to a wide variety of circumstances. A true principle makes decisions clear even under the most confusing and compelling circumstances. It is worth great effort to organize the truth we gather to simple statements of principle" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1993, 117; or Ensign, Nov. 1993, 86).

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A Current Teaching Emphasis We are to help students learn to explain, share and testify of the doctrines and principles of the restored gospel. We are to give them opportunities to do so with each other in class. We are to encourage them to do so outside class with family and others.

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PrinciplesIdentifyUnderstandApplyAccess the power of your covenant relationship with your Heavenly Father through the atonement and power of the Holy Ghost

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342000 years ago outside Jerusalems walls Jesus and His disciples went to the mount of olives And yet I wish we could have arrived early this morning together on the Mt. of Olives and sit in the little amphitheater just below the place of the ascension perhaps on a high holy day just at the right time to see the smoke of the sacrifices and incense billowing heavenward.. And in your minds eye can you picture Abraham and Isaac wrestling in the spirit as they make there way up the hill to the place now called the dome of rock Harim al sharriff.Silver and gold the red heifferwe would be within 3 min walk to Gethsemane

Church of St. Annes and Pool of Bethesda (Sheeps pool)

Just inside Lions Gate or Stephens Gate is the Crusader Church of St. Anne the traditional home of Anne and Joachim Marys parentsall three major religions of the Holy land have owned this property at some point1856 the Ottoman Turks in gratitude for help in the Crimean war gave the church back to the French Christians

John 5:1-16by the sheep market a poola certain man was there which had an infirmity 38 years

37Did the man healed come to the pool when Jesus was a boy he was infirm 38 yearsMarys Mother lived right by the poolwhat are the prevailing winds? Did they often smell the sweet savior of the incense? See the smoke and smell offerings while visiting grandmas house? What thoughts of future healing , cleansing and sacrifice must have flooded into to his perfect mind and heart filled vision and compassion.?

She kept all these things in her heart (The Early Christian Prayer Circle by Hugh Nibley Fn, BYU Studies, vol. 19 (1978-1979), Number 1 - Fall 1978 45.)

Having taken position in the circle, Mary begins to speak:When I was in the Temple of God [a number of early sources report that Mary served in the Temple, like Samuel, as a Child] fn . . . there appeared to me one day a manifestation like an angel of unfamiliar aspect. . . . And suddenly the veil of the Temple was a great earthquake and I fell on my face unable to bear the sight of him. But he stretched forth his hand and raised me up, and I looked up to heaven and a dewy cloud came

"Greetings, thou favored one, chosen vessel!" and he grasped my right hand. And there was bread in abundance and he set it out on the altar of the Temple (cf. the shewbread), and he ate first and then gave to me. And he put forth his hand from his garment and there was drink in abundance, and he drank first and then gave to me, and I beheld and saw a full cup and bread. And he said to me, "In three years' time I shall send to you my Logos and you will bear a son, and through him the creation will be saved. . . . Peace to thee, my beloved, forever and ever." And suddenly he was gone from me, and the Temple was as it was before.At this point the Lord himself appeared and commanded Mary "to utter no more of this mystery,

What do we know about Jesus Mortal family?

What do we know about Jesus Family?He was the oldest son of at least 7 children (Matt.13:55-56)2 of his brothers would author scripture (James, Jude)He had a wonderfully humble step Father who was visited by an angel (Matt. 1:20)His Mother was choice among women and grew up in the temple she had visions and divine visitations (Luke 1:28-35)They were poor (Luke 2:41, 22-42)They went to the Temple (Luke 2:21-28)They labored Joseph and Mary with the boys and girlsThey lived the simple life in a small town

The Boy Jesus of Nazareth

He was blessed as a childLuke 2:21-28

He was sent to experience mortalityAs a babe he began to grow, normally and naturally there was nothing supernatural about it. He learned to crawl walk run. He spoke his first word, cut his first tooth, took his first stepthe same as other children do. He learned to speak; he played with toys like those of his brothers and sisters; and he played with them and with the neighbor children. He went to sleep at night and he awoke with the morning light. He took exercise, and his muscles were strong because he used them.

What do we know about his mortality as a youth?Though Jesus was the literal Son of God, as a young child he needed to be taught and cared for much like other children. This would be necessary because "over his mind had fallen the

veil of forgetfulness

common to all who are born to earth, by which the remembrance of primeval existence is shut off" (James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p. 111).

He lived the Test of Mortality he was subject to disease and illness on the same basis as we all are. We know he was hungry, weary, and sorrowful;

Isa.53:2-5Heb. 2:10-18Heb. 5:8-9

46Every year his family made the journey to Jerusalemto observe the Passover.at twelve Jesus the Author and finisher of the faith, the Son would become a son of the covenant in mortality

President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.Wist Ye Not That I Must Be About My Father's Business, "As we think of them moving slowly down into the valley with their donkeys laden with necessary supplies," President Clark says, "picking their way among the boulders that strewed the path, we cannot escape wondering what were the thoughts of Jesus. That He was exceeding wise, the experience in the Temple shows. But was this wisdom earthborn from His studies, or did He have also a spiritual memory that brought to Him a recollection of all that had before happened,

and a vision to show what was thereafter to happen along this road to Jerusalem, a road richer in incidents of God's dealings with His children, than any other road on the face of the earth? . . ."One wonders if as He came to Nain, He saw a vision of His future miracle of kindness there. . . .And did there also come before Him the iniquities and tragic fate of Ahab and Jezebel, and the Lord's vengeance worked through Elijah against the priests of Baal, and the flight of Elijah to Carmel, the passing of the Lord before Elijah in the 'still small voice'? For Jesus was the Lord who spoke to and commanded His ancient prophets."

The Gift of seership"What must have been the feelings of the young Jesus as he looked at this present magnificence and then recalled the past, and (it seems it must be) visioned the future! . . . for we must believe there was with Him a spiritual recollection, a divine knowledge, of the past . . . As Jesus looked at all these, . . . there must have crowded in upon his consciousness the scenes of the actual events."

As the pilgrims pass Jacob's Well, the question is asked: "As at twelve He now beheld the well, did He vision the future meeting with the woman [of Samaria] and His sermon on the living water?"

The Mortal Messiah BRM p.369 he was so highly endowed with talents and abilities, so spiritually sensitive, so in tune with the Infinite, that his learning and wisdom soon excelled that of all his fellows. His knowledge came to him quickly and easily because he was buildingas is the case with all menupon the foundations laid in preexistence. He brought with him from that eternal world the talents and capacities, the inclinations to conform and obey, and the ability to recognize truth that he had there acquired. Jesus, when yet a child had spiritual talents that no other man in a hundred lifetimes could obtain.

What do you see in the prophecies concerning the coming of Christ? (T.G. p.252)Isa. 7:14 (Matt. 1:23)Isa. 9:6-7 (Matt. 1:1-17)Micah 5:2 (Matt. 2:6)Hosea 11:1 (Matt. 2:15)Ps. 69:9 (John 2:13-17)Isa. 61:1-3 (Luke 4:21)Mosiah 3: 5-13 (John 5,6,9)Born of a VirginBorn of Davidic descentBorn in BethlehemOut of EgyptCleansing of the TempleBore testimony And Rejected in NazarethMiracles, Atonement

What are the prophecies concerning the coming of Christ? (T.G. p.252)Zech. 9:9 (John 12:4)Ps. 22:1, 16, 18; 34:20; Isa. 22:23Zech. 11:12(Matt. 27:9)Isa. 50:6Ps. 69:21 (Matt. 27:34,48)Ez. 37: 12 (Matt. 27:52Gal. 1:1

Triumphal entryBetrayal Crucifixion

The Price of BetrayalWhippedI thirstResurrection

The Father Raised up the Son (Acts 2:24; Acts 2:32, 3:15,26; 4:10; 5:30; 10:40; Acts 13:30,33,34,37; Romans 4:24; 8:11; 10:9; 1 Cor. 6:14; 15:15; Gal. 1:1)

It is the grand truth that in all that Jesus came to say and do, including and especially in His atoning suffering and sacrifice, He was showing us who and what God our Eternal Father is like, how completely devoted He is to His children in every age and nation. In word and in deed Jesus was trying to reveal and make personal to us the true nature of His Father, our Father in Heaven. (CR Oct. 2003 JRH)

Jesus Christ Instituted the Sacrament

Jesus Christ and the Everlasting Gospel Teacher Manual, 2015

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What is the power that flows through influence of the Holy Ghost..during and after the sacrament?The Fathers plan, the Saviors Atonement, and the ordinances of the gospel provide the grace we need to press forward and progress line upon line and precept upon precept toward our eternal destiny.1-Justification2-Sanctification3-Activate Tender Mercies4-Prepare us for a celestial resurrection

Always Retain a Remission of Your SinsBy Elder DavidA. BednarOf the Quorum of the Twelve ApostlesIn mortality we experience physical birth and the opportunity for spiritual rebirth.We are admonished by prophets and apostles to awake unto God, be born again,and become new creatures in Christ by receiving in our lives the blessings made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

The merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiahcan help us triumph over the self-centered and selfish tendencies of the natural man and become more selfless, benevolent, and saintly. We are exhorted to so live that we can stand spotless before [the Lord] at the last day.

The Holy Ghost is referred to as the

Comforter, a teacher,and a revelator.Additionally, the Holy Ghost is a sanctifier who cleanses and burns dross and evil out of human souls as though by fire.

May I respectfully suggest that our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son do not intend for us to experience such a feeling of spiritual renewal, refreshment, and restoration just once in our lives. The blessings of obtaining and always retaining a remission of our sins through gospel ordinances help us understand that baptism is a point of departure in our mortal spiritual journey

Can you explain the relationship between.To comprehend more fully the process whereby we may obtain and always retain a remission of our sins, we need first to understand the inseparable relationship among three sacred ordinances that provide access to the powers of heaven: baptism by immersion, laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the sacrament.

Initial vs. ongoing cleansingAs members of the Lords restored Church, we are blessed both by our initial cleansing from sin associated with baptism and by the potential for an ongoing cleansing from sin made possible through the companionship and power of the Holy Ghosteven the third member of the Godhead.

Nephi declared, For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.24The Savior Himself proclaimed, Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.

the act of partaking of the sacrament, in and of itself, does not remit sins. But as we prepare conscientiously and participate in this holy ordinance with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then the promise is that we may always have the Spirit of the Lord to be with us. And by the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost as our constant companion, we can always retain a remission of our sins.

The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles reads:[Jesus Christ] instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice (Ensign or Liahona, Apr. 2000,2). When we partake of the sacrament, we are reminded that the Savior bled at every pore and died for us; we also renew our covenants with the Lord.

How would you feel if the Savior Himself prepared, blessed, and gave you the sacrament?

Matthew 26:2628; Luke 22:15 26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

GR- Testament translated from a Greek is a word that means covenant

Luke 22: 15-18X Ref. D&C 2715And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:16For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof,until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.17And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divideitamong yourselves:18For I say unto you, I will notdrinkof the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.

If Jesus was instituting a new testament, or covenant, what covenant would it replace?

The Blood of the CovenantAnciently, when Jehovah made His covenant with the children of Israel, Moses taught them Jehovahs words and the people covenanted to obey those words. Then Moses offered an animal sacrifice, took blood from the animal, and sprinkled it on the people, saying, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord hath made with you. (See Exodus 24:38.)

A New CovenantJesus alluded to Mosess statement when He taught that He was about to establish a new covenant with Gods children by the shedding of His blood (just as the sprinkling of the blood of animals symbolized the children of Israel entering the old covenant with Jehovah). When Jesus presented the cup of wine to His Apostles, He signaled the fulfillment of the old covenant and the establishment of the new (see Hebrews 9:1215).

The Old Covenant (The Old)The Law of Moses (the old covenant) was, in many ways, a grand prophecy of the Messiah. Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of that prophecy (see 2Nephi 11:4; Jacob 4:5; Alma 34:1314), particularly in the sense that He achieved the ultimate purpose of that law through His atoning sacrifice.

What does the offering of blood in both the old and new covenants focus our attention on?

(The Atonement of Jesus Christ and the shedding of His blood for the remission of our sins.)

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The sacrament is the ordinance that replaced the blood sacrifices and burnt offerings of the Mosaic law, and with it came the Saviors promise: And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost (3Nephi 9:20) (Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament, Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008,19).

How would you summarize the truths we have discussed so far about the Last Supper?

(As students respond, emphasize that Jesus Christ fulfilled the old covenant, and He established the new covenant through the sacrament.)75

Luke 22:1420; 3Nephi 18:7,11Read Luke 22:1920 and 3Nephi 18:7,11.

Please identify another reason (in addition to establishing a new covenant)

why the Savior instituted the sacrament.

Ordinances invite spiritual purpose and power into our lives as we strive to be born again and become men and women of Christ.32 Our weaknesses can be strengthened, and our limitations can be overcome.Although none of us can achieve perfection in this life, we can become increasingly worthy and spotless as we are cleansed by the blood of the Lamb.33 I promise and testify we will be blessed with increased faith in the Savior and greater spiritual assurance as we seek to always retain a remission of our sins and, ultimately, to stand spotless before the Lord at the last day. I so witness in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

What reason did the Savior give for instituting the sacrament?

(Why is it important that we make the effort to remember the Savior as we partake of the sacrament?

Students should identify the following truth: As we partake of the sacrament we should remember the Savior.)

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After reading Elder Hollands MessageWhat counsel would you give to someone who struggles to focus on the Savior and His sacrifice during the administration of the sacrament? What blessings have you felt as you have tried to remember the Savior and His Atonement as you partake of the sacrament?

1Corinthians 11:2730; 3Nephi 18:2829; 20:89

Worthily partaking of the sacrament renews our covenantsInvite students to read and compare

1Corinthians 11:2730 and 3Nephi 18:2829; 20:89 silently. Ask them to identify a caution given about the sacrament.

Why is it unwise to partake of the sacrament unworthily?If we desire to improve (which is to repent) and are not under priesthood restriction, then, in my opinion, we are worthy. If, however, we have no desire to improve, if we have no intention of following the guidance of the Spirit, we must ask: Are we worthy to partake, or are we making a mockery of the very purpose of the sacrament, which is to act as a catalyst for personal repentance and improvement?

(The Beauty and Importance of the Sacrament, Ensign, May 1989,38).

What are the blessings for those who partake worthily?

(see 3Nephi 20:89).

Elder Oaks:Without some provision for further cleansing after our baptism, each of us is lost to things spiritual. We cannot have the companionship of the Holy Ghost, and at the final judgment we would be bound to be cast off forever (1Ne. 10:21). How grateful we are that the Lord has provided a process for each baptized member of His Church to be periodically cleansed from the soil of sin. The sacrament is an essential part of that process (The Aaronic Priesthood and the Sacrament, Ensign, Nov. 1998,38).

Elder Oaks:We are commanded to repent of our sins and to come to the Lord with a broken heart and a contrite spirit and partake of the sacrament in compliance with its covenants. When we renew our baptismal covenants in this way, the Lord renews the cleansing effect of our baptism. In this way we are made clean and can always have His Spirit to be with us. The importance of this is evident in the Lords commandment that we partake of the sacrament each week

(seeD&C 59:89) (The Aaronic Priesthood and the Sacrament, Ensign, Nov. 1998,38).

When we worthily partake of the sacrament, we renew all covenants entered into with the Lord (DelbertL. Stapley, in Conference Report, Oct. 1965,14; italics added; see also L.Tom Perry, As Now We Take the Sacrament, Ensign or Liahona, May 2006,41).

What truths have you learned partaking of the Sacrament?

Invite students to review Luke 22:15. Then ask:If someone were to ask you why you think Jesus was so desirous to spend the Passover with His Apostles, how would you answer? What testimony would you bear?Testify that as we remember Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice, and as we worthily partake of the sacrament, we renew our covenants with God. Encourage students to ponder how they can individually offer a broken heart and a contrite spirit when they partake of the sacrament. Challenge them to make the ordinance of the sacrament a regular spiritual experience.Student ReadingsMatthew 26:2628; Luke 22:1720; 1Corinthians 11:2730; 3Nephi 18:111, 2829; 20:89; Doctrine and Covenants 20:7579.86

Elder HollandIf remembering is the principal task before us, what might come to our memory when those plain and precious emblems are offered to us?We could remember the Saviors premortal life and all that we know him to have done as the great Jehovah, creator of heaven and earth and all things that in them are. We could remember that even in the Grand Council of Heaven he loved us and was wonderfully strong, that we triumphed even there by the power of Christ and our faith in the blood of the Lamb (see Rev. 12:1011).

Elder HollandWe could remember the simple grandeur of his mortal birth.We could remember Christs miracles and his teachings, his healings and his help. We could remember that he gave sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf and motion to the lame and the maimed and the withered. Then, on those days when we feel our progress has halted or our joys and views have grown dim, we can press forward steadfastly in Christ.We could remember that even with such a solemn mission given to him, the Savior found delight in living; he enjoyed people and told his disciples to be of good cheer. He said we should be as thrilled with the gospel as one who had found a great treasure, a veritable pearl of great price, right on our own doorstep.

Elder HollandWe could remember that Christ called his disciples friends.We couldand shouldremember the wonderful things that have come to us in our lives and that all things which are good cometh of Christ (Moro. 7:24).On some days we will have cause to remember the unkind treatment he received, the rejection he experienced, and the injusticeoh, the injusticehe endured. When we, too, then face some of that in life, we can remember that Christ was also troubled on every side, but not distressed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed (see 2Cor. 4:89).

Elder HollandWhen those difficult times come to us, we can remember that Jesus had to descend below all things before he could ascend above them, and that he suffered pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind that he might be filled with mercy and know how to succor his people in their infirmities (see D&C 88:6; Alma 7:1112).To those who stagger or stumble, he is there to steady and strengthen us. In the end he is there to save us, and for all this he gave his life.All this we could remember when we are invited by a kneeling young priest to remember Christ always (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 6769).

How do I avoid seeing the sacrament as routine?The sacrament is the only ordinance performed for ourselves more than once in our lives. For most of us, we will participate in the sacrament ordinance thousands of times before we die. Thus, taking the sacrament can easily become routinea quiet moment to ponder, but necessarily a sacred moment or a true renewal.Speaking of the sacrament, David O. Mckay said, No more sacred ordinance is administeredin the Church of Christ.As we truly ponder and expound upon these and other ideas, we will more fully appreciate the true significance and deep symbolism of the sacrament. It will be a meaningful sacred experience, every time.