Lesson 14: “Who Is My Neighbour?”

"Lesson 14: “Who Is My Neighbour?”," New Testament Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual, (2002)

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Beatitude Cycle.doc

Purpose

To help class members humble themselves, forgive others, and show charity for one another.

Preparation

1. 1. Read, ponder, and pray about the following scriptures:
   
   1. a. Matthew 18:1–6, 10–11, 14. Jesus teaches that we must be converted and become as little children to enter into the kingdom of heaven.  Become as a little child -- poor in spirit, meek, humble. . .
      
   2. b. Matthew 18:15, 21–35. Through the parable of the unmerciful servant, Jesus teaches about forgiveness. Forgive -- way down deep -- from the heart
      
   3. c. Luke 10:25–37. Through the parable of the good Samaritan, Jesus teaches about charity.2.  Show charity/compassion
    Don't wait for others.  You be the neighbor.  Act in neighborly ways. 

   How can I connect these to the Beatitudes Cycle?

    
2. Additional reading: Mark 9:33–50; Mosiah 3:17–21; 4:16–19, 26.3.
   
3. If the pictures Christ and the Children (62467; Gospel Art Picture Kit 216) and The Good Samaritan (62156; Gospel Art Picture Kit 218) are available, use them during the lesson.4.

Mosiah 3:
17And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be ^ano other name given nor any other way nor means whereby ^bsalvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the ^cLord Omnipotent.

 18For behold he judgeth, and his judgment is just; and the infant perisheth not that dieth in his infancy; but men drink ^adamnation to their own souls except they humble themselves and ^bbecome as little children, and believe that ^csalvation was, and is, and is to come, in and through the ^datoning blood of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent.

 19For the ^anatural ^bman is an ^cenemy to God, and has been from the ^dfall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he ^eyields to the enticings of the Holy ^fSpirit, and ^gputteth off the ^hnatural   ^{man and becometh a  i}saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a ^jchild, ^ksubmissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.

 20And moreover, I say unto you, that the time shall come when the ^aknowledge of a ^bSavior shall spread throughout ^cevery nation, kindred, tongue, and people.

 21And behold, when that time cometh, none shall be found ^ablameless before God, except it be little children, only through repentance and faith on the name of the Lord God Omnipotent.

Mosiah 4

16And also, ye yourselves will ^asuccor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the ^bbeggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish.

 17Perhaps thou shalt ^asay: The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just—

 18But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this the same hath great cause to repent; and except he repenteth of that which he hath done he perisheth forever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God.

 19For behold, are we not all ^abeggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?

 26And now, for the sake of these things which I have spoken unto you—that is, for the sake of retaining a remission of your sins from day to day, that ye may ^awalk guiltless before God—I would that ye should ^bimpart of your substance to the ^cpoor, every man according to that which he hath, such as ^dfeeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants.

1. If you use the attention activity, invite a parent to talk to the class as outlined in the activity.5.
   
2. Suggestion for teaching: Occasionally invite class members (or other ward members) to help with the lesson by giving a report, sharing a story, bearing testimony, or helping in some other way. When making assignments, be clear about what you want the person to do and how long you would like him or her to take.

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Additional Materials from outside the manual:
http://lds.org/general-conference/2006/04/as-a-child?lang=eng&query=%22become+as+a+little+child%22  Elder Eyring, 2006 "As a Child"
"We are safe on the rock which is the Savior when we have yielded in faith in Him, have responded to the Holy Spirit’s direction to keep the commandments long enough and faithfully enough that the power of the Atonement has changed our hearts. When we have, by that experience, become as a child in our capacity to love and obey, we are on the sure foundation."

"Only when my heart has been still and quiet, in submission like a little child, has the Spirit been clearly audible to my heart and mind."

"We come to love those we serve. If we choose to begin to serve the Master out of even a glimmer of faith, we will begin to know Him. We will come to know His purposes for the people we serve for Him. Even when they do not accept our offer to serve them, we will feel His appreciation if we persist.

As we persist, we will feel the need for the influence of the Holy Ghost because our task will seem beyond us. Our humble prayer to our Heavenly Father will be answered. The Holy Ghost has as a major purpose witnessing that Jesus is the Christ. As we plead for help in His service, the Holy Ghost will come and confirm our faith in Him. Our faith in the Savior will increase. And, as we continue to serve Him, we will come to love Him. To be called to serve is a call to come to love the Master we serve. It is a call to have our natures changed.

To keep the blessing of that change in our hearts will require determination, effort, and faith. King Benjamin taught at least some of what that will require. He said that to retain a remission of our sins from day to day we must feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick, and help people spiritually and temporally. ⁹ He warned that we must guard against even the feelings of contention entering into our hearts. ¹⁰ He made it clear that the mighty change which comes through the Atonement working in us can diminish if we are not on guard against sin. The Lord said in warning, “Therefore let the church take heed and pray always, lest they fall into temptation; yea, and even let those who are sanctified take heed also.” ¹¹

Through sin the gift can be lost. King Benjamin taught that we are responsible for the determined effort necessary to resist temptation. He warned his people about specific temptations. But after giving those warnings, he put the obligation on them. As often as we pray not to be overcome by temptation and to be delivered from evil, we are responsible for ourselves. Here are the words he spoke, which are not his, but from God:

“And finally, I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit sin; for there are divers ways and means, even so many that I cannot number them.

“But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not.” ¹²

With the help of the Holy Ghost, we can watch over ourselves. We can pray to recognize and reject the first thoughts of sin. We can pray to recognize a warning not to speak words which would hurt or tempt someone else. And we can, when we must, pray for the humility and the faith to repent.

There will surely be some who hear my voice who will have this thought come into their minds: “But the temptations are too great for me. I have resisted as long as I can. For me, the commandments are too hard. The standard is too high.”

That is not so. The Savior is our Advocate with the Father. He knows our weaknesses. He knows how to succor those who are tempted. ¹³

I bear you my witness that the Savior lives and that He is the sure foundation. I know that by acting on our faith in Him we can be cleansed and changed to become pure and strong, as a little child. I bear you my testimony that the Holy Ghost can lead us to truth and away from sin."

--Elder Eyring 

Suggested Lesson Development

Attention Activity

As appropriate, use the following activity or one of your own to begin the lesson.

Invite a parent with a young child (three to five years old) to bring the child to class, introduce him or her, and briefly describe some of the child’s admirable qualities. After the parent is finished, ask class members to think of childlike qualities that Jesus would want us to have. List responses on the chalkboard.

Explain that this lesson discusses the importance of developing childlike qualities and treating all people with humility and kindness.

Scripture Discussion and Application

As you teach the following scripture passages, discuss how we can follow the Savior’s teachings about humility, forgiveness, and charity.

1. Jesus teaches that we must become as little children.

Read and discuss Matthew 18:1–6, 10–11, 14.

McConkie suggests that the little child could have been Peter's child since they could have been at Peter's home at the time.

• • Why do you think the disciples were concerned about who would be the greatest in the Lord’s kingdom? (Matthew 18:1; Mark 9:33–34). How might we sometimes make similar errors? How can we set aside such concerns?
  
• • Display the picture of Christ and the children. What is Jesus’ counsel to those who desire to achieve true greatness in his kingdom? (See Matthew 18:2–4; Mark 9:35.) Why is it sometimes difficult to follow this counsel? How does this counsel compare with what the world teaches about how to achieve greatness?
  
• • What does it mean to become as little children? (See Mosiah 3:19. Explain that although children are not perfect, they have many qualities that we must develop to inherit the kingdom of heaven. These qualities include humility, meekness, and a willingness to believe.) What have you learned from children? How can we become more childlike and more submissive to the will of our Father in Heaven?
  
• • What does it mean to “offend one of these little ones”? (See Matthew 18:6, footnote 6a; in this context, offend means to cause to stumble.) What are some of the ways people cause children to stumble? (Answers may include being a poor example to them, criticizing them unkindly, failing to teach them, and abusing them.) How does the Lord regard these offenses? (See Matthew 18:6.)
  Elder M. Russell Ballard stated: “We hear disturbing reports of parents or guardians who are so far removed from the Spirit of Christ that they abuse children. Whether this abuse is physical, verbal, or the less evident but equally severe emotional abuse, it is an abomination and a serious offense to God” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1991, 107; or Ensign, May 1991, 80).
  
• • How can being childlike ourselves help us care for children? What can we do to carry out God’s will that “[not] one of these little ones should perish”? (Matthew 18:14).
  

2. Through the parable of the unmerciful servant, Jesus teaches about forgiveness.

Read and discuss Matthew 18:15, 21–35.

• • In Matthew 18:15, what did the Lord say we should do if we have been offended? Why is this the best way to resolve disputes?
  
• • How did Jesus respond when Peter asked how often he should forgive? (See Matthew 18:22. Explain that Jesus used this high number to teach that we should always forgive others.) Why is it sometimes difficult to forgive? How have you been blessed as you have forgiven others or been forgiven by them?
  
• • To further emphasize the importance of forgiving others, Jesus gave the parable of the unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:23–35). Whom do the king and servants represent? (See Matthew 18:35. The king represents Heavenly Father, and the servants represent us.) How are we like the king’s servant in our debt to the Lord? (See Matthew 18:24–27.) What must we do to be forgiven of our “debt”?
  
  Matthew 18:23–35  23¶Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would ^atake account of his ^bservants.
  
   24And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
   25But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be ^asold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
   26The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
   27Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
   28But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him ^aanhim by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest
   29And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
   30And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
   31So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very ^asorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
   32Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that ^adebt, because thou desiredst me:
   33^aShouldest not thou also have had ^bcompassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had ^cpity on thee?
   34And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
   35So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts ^aforgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
  
  
• What can we learn from the king’s example in forgiving others? (See Matthew 18:33.) What are some of the dangers of not forgiving others? (See Matthew 18:34–35.)
  

3. Through the parable of the good Samaritan, Jesus teaches about charity.

Read and discuss Luke 10:25–37. Display the picture of the good Samaritan.

• How did Jesus respond to the lawyer who asked what he should do to inherit eternal life? (See Luke 10:25–28.) How do the commandments to love God and our neighbors encompass all of the gospel? How can we obey these two commandments more fully?
  
• • How did Jesus respond when the lawyer asked, “Who is my neighbour?” (See Luke 10:29–37.) What does this parable teach about who our neighbors are?
  President Howard W. Hunter said: “We need to remember that though we make our friends, God has made our neighbors—everywhere. Love should have no boundary; we should have no narrow loyalties” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 44; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 35).
  
• What did the priest and Levite do when they saw the man who had been robbed and wounded? (See Luke 10:31–32.) What are some ways that people need help today? What are some reasons we do not help others in need? (See Mosiah 4:16–19 for one example.)
  
• How did the good Samaritan help the man who had been robbed and wounded? (See Luke 10:33–35.) What characteristics of a good neighbor did the Samaritan have? How have you been blessed by “good Samaritans”? How can we be “good Samaritans”? (See Mosiah 4:26.)
  

Conclusion

Testify of the importance of following the Savior’s example by humbling ourselves, forgiving others, and showing charity for one another. Challenge class members to live these teachings.

Additional Teaching Ideas

The following material supplements the suggested lesson outline. You may want to use one or more of these ideas as part of the lesson.

1. Mary and Martha

Have a class member read Luke 10:38–42.

• How was Martha serving the Lord? What was the “good part” that Mary had chosen? How do we sometimes become so “cumbered about much serving” that we don’t receive Jesus as we should? What can we learn from these verses?
  

2. “Suffer the little children to come unto me” (Mark 10:14)

As you discuss the Savior’s teaching that we should become as little children, you may also want to discuss the account of his blessing the children in Mark 10:13–16.

• How did Jesus’ disciples respond when the little children were brought to him? (See Mark 10:13.) What did Jesus tell his disciples? (See Mark 10:14–15.) What did Jesus do for the children? (See Mark 10:16.) What can we learn about Jesus from this account? How can we better follow the example he set in this account?
  

3. Additional discussion of Matthew 18

• Discuss Matthew 18:8–9 and Mark 9:43–48 (see also Matthew 5:29–30). What do these verses mean? (See Matthew 18:9, footnote 9a, which indicates that the Joseph Smith Translation identifies these offending elements as people who lead us astray. It is better to end our association with people than to allow them to lead us into sin. See also Joseph Smith Translation, Mark 9:40–48.)
  
• The Joseph Smith Translation of Matthew 18:11 records Jesus as saying that little children do not need repentance (footnote 11c). Why is this so? (See Moroni 8:11–12.) How are little children “alive in Christ”? (See Moroni 8:12; D&C 29:46–47.) What must we do to become “alive in Christ”? (See Matthew 18:4; Mosiah 3:19; Moroni 8:10.

Moroni 8
10Behold I say unto you that this thing shall ye teach—repentance and baptism unto those who are ^aaccountable and capable of committing sin; yea, teach parents that they must repent and be baptized, and humble themselves as their little ^bchildren, and they shall all be saved with their little children.

 11And their little ^achildren need no repentance, neither baptism. Behold, baptism is unto repentance to the fulfilling the commandments unto the ^bremission of sins.

 12But little ^achildren are alive in Christ, even from the foundation of the world; if not so, God is a partial God, and also a changeable God, and a ^brespecter to persons; for how many little children have died without baptism!

Mosiah 3

18For behold he judgeth, and his judgment is just; and the infant perisheth not that dieth in his infancy; but men drink ^adamnation to their own souls except they humble themselves and ^bbecome as little children, and believe that ^csalvation was, and is, and is to come, in and through the ^datoning blood of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent.

 19For the ^anatural ^bman is an ^cenemy to God, and has been from the ^dfall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he ^eyields to the enticings of the Holy ^fSpirit, and ^gputteth off the ^hnaturalⁱsaint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a ^jchild, ^ksubmissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.

• Read Matthew 18:11–14. How can we apply the parable of the lost sheep in our lives? How have you or someone you know been blessed by someone else who followed the principle of this parable?
  

4. “The Lord appointed other seventy also” (Luke 10:1)

• Discuss Luke 10:1–24. How do the Lord’s instructions to the Seventy compare with the instructions he gave the Twelve in Matthew 10? What are the responsibilities of the Seventy today? (See D&C 107:25, 34, 38, 93–97.)
  

5. The sanctity of the marriage relationship

Explain that Matthew 19:1–12 describes a situation in which the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus by asking him about the lawfulness of divorce (see also Mark 10:1–12). Divorce was a much-discussed issue among Jewish scholars and leaders, and the Pharisees hoped that Jesus’ answer to their question would allow them to stir up anger among the Jews. Have a class member read Matthew 19:3–9 aloud.

• What was Jesus’ response to the Pharisees’ question in verse 3? (See Matthew 19:4–6. He told them that divorce was not ordained of God.) Why did Moses allow divorce among the Israelites? (See Matthew 19:7–8.)
  

Explain that in ancient Israel, a man could put away, or divorce, his wife for insignificant reasons. Jesus taught that in a perfect world, such as the celestial kingdom, divorce does not exist. Because the earth is not yet perfect, divorce is allowed but should not happen except for the most serious reasons. Matthew 19:9 indicates that a man who put away his wife for a frivolous reason was still married to her in the eyes of God, and he thus committed adultery if he married another woman. (See James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ, 3rd ed. [1916], 473–75, 484; see also Bruce R. McConkie, The Mortal Messiah, 4 vols. [1979–81], 2:138–39.)

• What roles do humility, forgiveness, and charity play in a successful marriage? How can striving to be Christlike help us in marriage and other relationships?
  
• How can we help persons who have suffered the trauma of divorce?
  

6. Youth activity

Write (or have class members write) questions about the lesson on small pieces of paper. (As a review activity, you could choose actual questions from each section of the lesson.) Put the pieces of paper in a sack or box. Have class members arrange their chairs in a circle, and place the sack or box on a chair in the center of the circle. Have class members take turns drawing questions out of the sack or box and answering them.