Zechariah 10–14

As the world prepared to move from 1999 to the year 2000, some people were very concerned. Fears spread that a computer glitch known as the Millennium Bug could cause major technological failures. Many thought the world might come to an end. Other people prepared to celebrate.

Another event that sparks strong emotions for people is the Savior’s Second Coming.

In your notebook, answer the following questions:

• What words describe how you feel about the Savior’s Second Coming?

• What influences how you feel about this event?

Zechariah prophesied that in the last days, a great battle, known as the battle of Armageddon, will take place near Jerusalem. All the nations of the earth will be gathered against Jerusalem (see Zechariah 12:2–3). As part of the battle, Jerusalem will be under siege as armies encompass the city (see Zechariah 14:2 and Luke 21:20). The Savior will then appear on the Mount of Olives (see Zechariah 14:4).

Reading about future events with armies, battles, and sieges can be frightening. But the Savior will be with us. As you study about the Savior’s Second Coming, let the Holy Ghost help you feel the Savior’s comfort and love. 

One way we can experience joy when we think about Christ’s Second Coming is by keeping our focus on Him and learning what He will do for us at His coming.

Read the following passages to learn what the Savior will do for people during His Second Coming. Mark words or phrases that you want to remember.

What will the Savior do for …

• His covenant people before His Second Coming? Zechariah 10:6, 8–9, 12 (Note: In verse 8, hiss means “call.”)

• The people under attack at Jerusalem? Zechariah 12:8–9; 14:2–5, 8–9

• The Jews who acknowledge Him as the Messiah? Zechariah 12:10; 13:6, 8–9 (see also Doctrine and Covenants 45:51–53)

In your notebook, record the truth Jesus Christ will return in the last days and gather, save, and protect His people. Record your responses to the following questions:

• How can knowing this truth about Jesus Christ help us face His Second Coming with confidence?

• What are some ways Jesus Christ gathers, saves, and protects His people today?

Review the following study options. Complete one or more.

Option A

How can I look forward to the Savior’s Second Coming?

Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

15:54

As you live righteously year after year, I assure you that your experiences will confirm to you again and again that Jesus is the Christ. The spiritual rock under your feet will be solid and secure. You will rejoice that God has placed you here to be a part of the final preparations for Christ’s glorious return. (“Spiritual Whirlwinds,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 21)

Watch the video “Come, O Thou King of Kings” (3:43).

3:39

Read the lyrics to the hymn “Come, O Thou King of Kings” (Hymns, no. 59).

Come, O Thou King of Kings Lyrics

Come, O thou King of Kings!

We’ve waited long for thee,

With healing in thy wings,

To set thy people free.

Come, thou desire of nations, come;

Let Israel now be gathered home.

Come, make an end to sin,

And cleanse the earth by fire,

And righteousness bring in,

That Saints may tune the lyre

With songs of joy, a happier strain,

To welcome in thy peaceful reign.

Write an additional verse to the hymn, reflecting Zechariah’s teachings about what the Savior has promised to do for His people during His Second Coming. Include how these promises can help you feel confident that the Savior will be with His people in the last days.

Option B

What can the scriptures teach me about the Savior’s Second Coming?

Would you like to know more about the Savior’s Second Coming? While the scriptures do not give us all of the details, the Lord has revealed many things that can answer our questions. Choose two or more of the following questions that interest you. Study the scriptures below to find answers to the questions. As you read the passages, tag them as “Christ’s Second Coming.”

• What will happen to the righteous and the wicked at the Second Coming?

  • 1 Nephi 22:15–17, 19, 22–23

  • Zechariah 14:12–13, 16

  • Malachi 3:1–3; 4:1–3

• Will I be there when the Savior returns?

  • Zechariah 14:5

  • Doctrine and Covenants 45:44–46

  • Doctrine and Covenants 88:96–98

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:14–17

• Do we know when the Savior’s Second Coming will be?

  • Doctrine and Covenants 39:20–21

  • Doctrine and Covenants 49:7

  • Matthew 24:36

• What are some other signs of the Savior’s Second Coming?

  • Joel 2:30–32

  • Zechariah 14:8

  • Ezekiel 47:1, 8–9

  • Luke 21:25–28

Make a note in your notebook about what you learned. Include verses you want to remember. Record how these answers influence your views and feelings about the Savior’s Second Coming.

If you want to learn more, you can also study “Second Coming of Jesus Christ” in Topics and Questions in Gospel Library.

Lesson Purpose: To help you feel more confident that the Savior will be with you during the events preceding the Second Coming.

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

• The song lyrics you wrote.

• Answers to questions you had about the Savior’s Second Coming.

• 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?