Jeremiah 16

If someone asked you to describe an example of God’s power, what example would you use?

In one of the great miracles of the Old Testament, Moses parted the Red Sea with God’s power. Can you imagine seeing that miracle? For centuries after, people referred to it when teaching about the Savior’s mighty power (see Hebrews 11:29; 1 Nephi 4:2; Helaman 8:11).

Think about the amazing miracles God has done in the past as you read the following statement by President Russell M. Nelson:

So many wonderful things are ahead. In coming days, we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior’s power that the world has ever seen. (“Overcome the World and Find Rest,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 95)

Read Jeremiah 16:14–15. Mark what the Savior will do in the last days that will be even more memorable than parting the Red Sea.

Were you able to figure out what Jeremiah was talking about? He was referring to the Lord gathering Israel in the last day, our day.

Make a note next to these verses explaining why this modern miracle is as momentous as the Lord declared to Jeremiah.

As He did through Moses, the Savior can manifest His miraculous power through you as you participate in the gathering of Israel. Ponder how the Savior can use you in this great gathering.

In Jeremiah 16:10–18, the Lord inspired Jeremiah to prophesy of the Israelites’ destruction, which came because of their rebelliousness. The Lord taught them that “their iniquity [was not] hid from [His] eyes” (verse 17) and that He would send them a just punishment if they continued to rebel. But the Lord, in His love and mercy, would eventually gather them together again.

President Russell M. Nelson explained the significance of the gathering:

You were sent to earth at this precise time … to help gather Israel. There is nothing happening on this earth right now that is more important than that. …

This gathering should mean everything to you. (Russell M. Nelson and Wendy W. Nelson, “Hope of Israel” [worldwide devotional for young adults, June 3, 2018], Gospel Library)

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

Option A

How can I participate in the gathering of Israel?

While gathering Israel includes helping people on both sides of the veil, this part of the lesson will focus on gathering Israel from among the living.

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles made the following statement during the priesthood session of general conference. But all members may benefit from his suggestions. If it is available, watch the video “Called to the Work” from time code 13:08 to 13:39.

16:13

Each of you is a missionary now. All around you, every day, are friends and neighbors “who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it.” As you are directed by the Spirit, you can share a thought, an invitation, a text or tweet that will introduce your friends to the truths of the restored gospel. You need not and should not wait for your official call to become anxiously engaged in missionary work. (“Called to the Work,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 70)

Complete one or more of the following activities to learn more about how to help the Lord gather Israel.

1. Read “Love, Share, Invite” from Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

2. Search the Church website for terms such as “gathering Israel,” “love,” “share,” “invite,” and “share the gospel.”

3. Talk to someone you know. Ask the missionaries, a Church leader, or a parent how you can help gather Israel.

Option B

How do I help gather Israel if it’s hard or if I’m scared?

If you feel nervous about or unqualified to sharing the gospel, that’s OK. Many prophets in the scriptures felt the same way.

Study two or more of the following passages to learn how you can overcome your concerns. Mark phrases that can inspire you when you feel scared or when it’s hard to share the gospel. Make notes next to the phrases you marked. In each note, explain what the phrase teaches you about the Savior and how He can help you have the courage to share the gospel.

1. Read Jeremiah 1:6–9, looking for what the Lord said when He called Jeremiah to share the gospel.

2. Read Doctrine and Covenants 123:12, 16–17, looking for what Joseph Smith taught the early Latter-day Saints related to sharing the gospel.

3. Read Moses 6:32–34, looking for what the Lord said when He called Enoch to share the gospel.

Now what?

If it is available, watch the video “Simple Ways to Love, Share, and Invite for Youth” (2:52).

2:52

President Russell M. Nelson extended the following invitation:

There is nothing happening on this earth more important than gathering Israel for Him. Let your Heavenly Father know that you want to help. Ask Him to put you to work in this glorious cause. (“Choices for Eternity“ [worldwide devotional for young adults, May 15, 2022], Gospel Library)

In your notebook, make a personal plan for sharing the Savior’s gospel with others.

Lesson Purpose: To help you participate in the gathering of Israel by sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:

• The plan you made to help gather Israel.

• Something you learned to help you overcome concerns about sharing the gospel.

• 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?