Micro-Training # 24

Illustrate

“This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them,” the Pharisees complained about Jesus—implying that this was not appropriate behavior for a spiritual teacher (Luke 15:2). Jesus saw that this was an opportunity to teach them some profound spiritual truths. How would He do it? How would He help the Pharisees see that it was their hearts—not His—that were impure and needed healing? How would He use His doctrine to show them that their thinking and behavior needed to change?

He did this by speaking to them of a sheep that wandered from the flock and of a coin that went missing. He spoke of a rebellious son who sought forgiveness and of an older brother who refused to receive him or eat with him. Each of these parables contained truths that were relevant to how the Pharisees viewed others, teaching them that every soul has great worth (see Luke 15). The Savior did not tell the Pharisees—or any of us—who to identify with in His parables. Sometimes we’re the anxious father. Sometimes we’re the envious brother. Often we’re the lost sheep or the foolish son. But whatever our circumstances, through His parables, the Savior invites us to find relevance in His teachings—to discover what He wants us to learn and what we may need to change in our own thinking and behavior.

You may notice that some learners don’t see why some truths matter to them. As you consider the needs of those you teach, think about how the truths in the scriptures could be meaningful and useful in their circumstances. One way you can help learners see the relevance of the truths they are discovering is by asking questions like “How can this help you with something you are experiencing now?” “Why is it important for you to know this?” “What difference can this make in your life?” Listen to those you teach. Allow them to ask questions. Encourage them to make connections between the Savior’s teachings and their own lives. You could also share how you have found relevance to your own life in what you are teaching. Doing this can invite the Spirit to teach learners individually how the doctrine can make a difference in their lives.

Invitation to act

Ponder the following questions:

• What is it that makes gospel truths meaningful and useful to you?

• What helps you find personal relevance as you study the gospel?

• What are you doing to focus on truths that are relevant to those you teach?

To practice your skills on this subject, you can do the following exercises:

• Skill: Prepare invitations and prompts that help students find personal relevance to a scripture block.

• Skill: Start a learning activity by inviting students to ponder a personal circumstance.