“The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles,” Old Testament Institute Teacher Manual (2026)

“The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles”

To commemorate the birth of the Savior over two thousand years ago, the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles declared their witness of Jesus Christ in “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles.” This declaration testifies of “the matchless life and the infinite virtue of [the Lord’s] great atoning sacrifice.”

Encouraging Personal Study

Before class, consider sending students one or more of the following messages or some of your own:

As you begin studying the Old Testament, read “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles” (Gospel Library). Look for truths about Jesus Christ that can help you feel greater love and appreciation for Him.
Church leaders have counseled us to “make sure our celebration of the most important event to ever happen on this earth—the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ—includes the reverence and respect the Lord deserves” (Gary E. Stevenson, “The Greatest Easter Story Ever Told,” Liahona, May 2023, 6). To help focus your mind and heart on Jesus Christ this Easter, study “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles.” Pay attention to what you learn and feel about the Savior.
Elder Gerrit W. Gong encouraged us to “rejoice in Jesus Christ, at Christmas and every day” (“Christ, Our Savior, Is Born” [First Presidency Christmas Devotional, Dec. 3, 2023], Gospel Library). Take some time to study “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles.” What do you find that can help you rejoice in Christ?

Questions and Sharing

Provide time for students to ask questions and share insights and truths they discovered in their personal study of “The Living Christ.”

Skill Training

As you invite students to study “The Living Christ” during the lesson, you might consider reviewing the skill “Focusing on Jesus Christ in the Scriptures” in Scripture Study Skills.

Improving Our Teaching and Learning

Create settings and opportunities for learners to be taught by the Holy Ghost. Because the Holy Ghost is the true teacher, make your classroom a setting in which the Spirit can dwell. Remind students of their role in creating a spiritual environment. Watch for ways to help learners discover how the Spirit communicates with them. Give plenty of time for students to ponder and write about what they are learning from the Holy Ghost.

Learning Activity

How can studying “The Living Christ” deepen my connection with my Savior?

Display an image of Jesus Christ, such as the one at the beginning of this lesson. You might also invite students to find their favorite image of the Savior. Invite them to quietly reflect and write a personal response to a prompt such as this:

Who is Jesus Christ to you? What are your thoughts, feelings, or beliefs about Him?

Remind students that on January 1, 2000, the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared their witness of Jesus Christ in “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles.”

Explain that Church leaders have encouraged us to study this sacred document. Consider reading together some or all of the following statements to prepare students to study “The Living Christ.” Invite students to share what stands out to them.

We watch, hear, read, study, and share the words of prophets to be forewarned and protected. For example, “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” was given long before we experienced the challenges now facing the family. “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles” was prepared in advance of when we will need it most. (Robert D. Hales, “General Conference: Strengthening Faith and Testimony,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 7)

Many members have memorized [the truths contained in “The Living Christ”]. Others barely know of its existence. As you seek to learn more about Jesus Christ, I urge you to study “The Living Christ.” (Russell M. Nelson, “Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 40)

As I have studied the life and teachings of Jesus Christ with more focus and committed “The Living Christ” to memory, my gratitude and love for our Savior have increased. Each sentence of that inspired document contains a sermon and has enhanced my understanding of His divine roles and earthly mission. (Jean B. Bingham, “That Your Joy Might Be Full,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 85)

To guide students in their study of “The Living Christ,” consider displaying the following instructions.

Study “The Living Christ.” Highlight words or phrases that are meaningful to you.
Find truths from “The Living Christ” that are exemplified in the Old Testament or that relate to Old Testament scriptures. For example, what do you find in “The Living Christ” that relates to truths in the following Old Testament passages? Genesis 1:1–2, 31 (see also Moses 2:1); Job 19:25–26; Psalm 9:7–8; Proverbs 3:5–6; Isaiah 12:2; 45:23; 53:3–5.
Record thoughts and impressions you have about Jesus Christ as you study.

To help students learn from each other, invite them to share their insights in small groups. You could also invite them to discuss the following questions:

Think about the truths you discovered about the Savior. What do they help you understand about the role He can play in your life?
How could you benefit by focusing more on Jesus Christ in your life?

To conclude, invite students to consider how they can use “The Living Christ” to help them strengthen their relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Give students time to reflect and write down impressions from the Holy Ghost they may have received during the lesson.