Lesson 4: “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord”

Lesson 4: “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord” New Testament Class Member Study Guide, (1997)

• What message did John preach to prepare the people for the coming of the Savior? (See Matthew 3:1–2.) 
• What does it mean to repent? (See 2 Corinthians 7:9–10; Luke 19:8; Mosiah 7:33; D&C 1:31–32; 58:42–43.) 
• As you read about the Savior’s encounter with Satan in the wilderness, what do you learn about withstanding temptation? (See Matthew 4:1–11. See also the footnotes to Matthew 4:1–2, 5–6, 8–9, and 11, which contain the Joseph Smith Translation of these verses.) 
• After receiving a witness that Jesus was the Messiah, how did Philip answer Nathanael’s doubts? (See John 1:43–46.) What can you do to invite others to “come and see” the Savior? 

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Prepare a lesson to help family members who are preparing for baptism or to discuss ways to help converts who will soon be baptized. Discuss why Jesus needed baptism (Matthew 3:13–15; 2 Nephi 31:6–9) and why we need baptism (2 Nephi 31:5, 10–12; D&C 20:71–73; 49:13–14). Invite family members who have been baptized to tell about when they were baptized and express their feelings about the blessings they have received because they were baptized.

Scripture Chain: Repentance 

• Luke 15:3–10
• 2 Corinthians 7:9–10
• Alma 34:31–34
• 1 John 1:8–9
• Matthew 3:1–2
• D&C 58:42–43