Seminary
Lesson 60: Deuteronomy 15—“Open Your Hand Wide unto Him”

“Lesson 60: Deuteronomy 15—“Open Your Hand Wide unto Him”,” Old Testament Seminary Student Manual (2026)

children touch Christ’s hand

Deuteronomy 6–8; 15; 18; 29–30; 34: Lesson 60

Deuteronomy 15

“Open Your Hand Wide unto Him”

Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.

The Savior’s commandments to the Israelites in Deuteronomy include forgiving debtors, releasing people in servitude, and relieving the burden of the poor. As His people, we too have a covenant responsibility to freely share what the Savior has given us to relieve the burden of the poor. This lesson can help you follow the Savior’s commandment to share what He has given you.

Study the Scriptures

How would you complete the following sentence?

One of the easiest ways to identify a true follower of Jesus Christ is.

President Russell M. Nelson taught:

President Russell M. Nelson

One of the easiest ways to identify a true follower of Jesus Christ is how compassionately that person treats other people. (“Peacemakers Needed,” Liahona, May 2023, 98; second emphasis added)

Why is this a good way to identify true followers of Jesus Christ? What are some ways disciples of Jesus Christ could treat people compassionately?

Ponder how well the following statements apply to you:

  • The way I treat others shows that I am a follower of Jesus Christ.

  • I have compassion for others and want to do what I can to help them.

  • I feel willing to share what the Lord has given me with others.

As part of His law to the children of Israel, the Lord commanded them to forgive all debts every seventh year. Also on the seventh year, they should release from bondage any servant who wanted freedom.

mark iconRead one of the following passages. Mark phrases that show how the children of Israel were commanded to treat the people around them.

note iconChoose one of the phrases you found. Make a note next to the passage explaining how doing this thing would help someone become more like God.

link iconThe Lord has repeatedly taught His children to take care of the poor and needy. Read Matthew 25:34–40. Consider tagging these verses as “poor and needy.”

Remember that “poor and needy” refers not only to people with physical needs. “Poor and needy” can include people with spiritual, emotional, social, and other needs.

Review the following study options. Complete one or more. Then complete the “Now What?” section at the end of the lesson.

Option A

What can I share with the poor and needy?

Texas: JustServe

Sometimes we might not have money to give to the poor. But the Lord has blessed us with much that we can give besides money.

  1. Read, sing, or listen to one of the following hymns:

  2. notebook iconIn your notebook, list things the Lord has blessed you with. These could include talents, spiritual gifts, physical items, or other things that could help meet people’s various needs.

    Consider offering a prayer thanking the Lord for these blessings.

  3. Think about how you could use these blessings to help people in need around you.

Option B

What can I share with the poor and needy?

Watch one or more of the following videos. Look for how the Lord blessed both the giver and the receiver.

  1. “The Coat” (2:07)

    2:8

  2. “That We Might Be One: The Story of the Dutch Potato Project” (time code 0:00 to 8:57)

    11:57

  3. “Joseph Millett Story” (time code 2:36 to 6:08)

    6:14

What thoughts or feelings did you have as you watched? How did these thoughts and feelings affect how much you want to follow the Savior’s commandment to help people in need?

notebook iconRecord in your notebook an example of when God met your needs through other people.

Now What?

What have you learned or felt today that has helped you want to be a true follower of Jesus Christ by giving generously to others? Think about how you can reach out to people in need around you. The following are some possibilities:

  • Fulfilling ministering assignments

  • Fasting and contributing fast offerings

  • Participating in Church humanitarian efforts

  • Taking advantage of local opportunities found on the JustServe app, where available

  • Additional ideas can be found at Caring for Those in Need at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

  • Set a goal to do something to help people around you who are in need.

Share Your Thoughts

Lesson Purpose: To help you follow the Savior’s commandment to share what He has given you.

share iconShare one or more of the following with your teacher or class:

  • One of the blessings from your list. Include how this blessing can help you assist people in need.

  • Your goal to help people in need around you.

  • Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.

  • Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?