Temple Preparation: Lesson 204
Participating in Temple and Family History Work
“Saviours Shall Come Up on Mount Zion”
Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.
Red Buttes Camp, by Joseph Brickey
From 1856 to 1860, thousands of Latter-day Saint pioneers traveled to the Salt Lake Valley using handcarts. In October 1856, Brigham Young dispatched rescuers to help the Martin and Willie handcart companies, who were still hundreds of miles away with winter fast approaching.
Bishop W. Christopher Waddell of the Presiding Bishopric shared the following:
A member of the Willie company described the desperate situation prior to the arrival of the main rescue team. He shared: “[Just] when it seemed all would be lost, … and there seemed little left to live for, like a thunderbolt out of the clear sky, God answered our prayers. A rescue party, bringing food and supplies … , came into sight. … How we thanked God for our rescue.”
These rescuers were heroes to the pioneers, putting their own lives at risk in extreme weather conditions to bring as many as possible safely home. (“More Than a Hero,” Liahona, Nov. 2023, 89)
pioneers, rescue
Similarly, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ enlist us to rescue our deceased ancestors. You can do this by participating in temple and family history work.
Lesson Purpose: To help you set a goal to become more like the Savior by participating in temple and family history work.
Learn How
Saviors on Mount Zion
Savior, Redeemer, and Deliverer are titles that designate Jesus Christ as the One who Heavenly Father anointed to rescue us from our fallen state (see Isaiah 61:1–3). The Savior invites us to join Him in His work as we engage in the rescue of our deceased ancestors. Our salvation depends on our ancestors, and their salvation depends on us (see Doctrine and Covenants 128:15–18).
Throughout the lesson, record any spiritual promptings that help you find ways to be one of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ’s rescuers for your ancestors.
After the capture of Jerusalem, the prophet Obadiah prophesied that many of the descendants of Esau (the prophet Jacob’s twin brother) would be destroyed because of wickedness. Obadiah also prophesied of a rescue effort for these descendants and many others. It may be helpful to know that in the following verse “Mount Zion” can refer to the city of Jerusalem and its temple.
Read Obadiah 1:17, 21, looking for words that remind you of the temple.
Create a note next to verse 21 with the following truth: I can become more like the Savior as I find my ancestors and perform saving ordinances for them in the temple.
Through His Atonement, the Savior can rescue us from sin and death—something we cannot do for ourselves (see Alma 34:8–12). Likewise, you can help rescue your ancestors as you perform saving ordinances in the temple for them—something they cannot do for themselves.
How might temple work for your deceased ancestors be compared in a small way to what the Savior did for us?
Their story is part of your story
Watch the video “Discover Your Family History. Discover Your Story” (2:42). Ponder what the red book in the video could represent and how it could relate to your ancestors.
Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
Connecting with our ancestors can change our lives in surprising ways. From their trials and accomplishments, we gain faith and strength. From their love and sacrifices, we learn to forgive and move forward. Our children become resilient. We gain protection and power. Ties with ancestors increase family closeness, gratitude, miracles. Such ties can bring help from the other side of the veil. (“We Each Have a Story,” Liahona, May 2022, 45)
What ancestor story has blessed your life?
Elder Gong went on to give the following suggestions to help you experience the blessings of temple and family history work.
First … [gather your family’s and ancestors’] photos and stories; make their memories real. Record their names, experiences, key dates. They are your family—the family you have and the family you want. …
Second, let the adventure of family history be intentional and spontaneous. [For example,] call your grandmother. … Learn and acknowledge with gratitude and honesty your family heritage. Celebrate and become the positive and, where needed, humbly do everything possible not to pass on the negative. Let good things begin with you.
Third, visit FamilySearch.org. Download the available mobile apps [such as FamilySearch Tree and FamilySearch Memories]. They’re free and fun. Discover, connect, belong. See how you are related to people in a room, how easy and rewarding it is to add names to your living family tree. …
Fourth, help unite families eternally. … There are many more on the other side of the veil than on this side. As more temples come closer to us, please offer those waiting for temple ordinances opportunity to receive them. (“We Each Have a Story,” 45; boldface added)
Dig Deeper: If you don’t have access to a temple, don’t worry. Watch the video “2024 Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction” from time code 17:54 to 20:12.
Now What?
Make a goal to become more like the Savior by participating in temple and family history work. Seek the help of the Holy Ghost to guide you. Use the suggestions from Elder Gong and the following questions to help you get started:
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How and when will you do family history work?
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Who could help you?
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How can this goal help you become more like Jesus Christ?
Dig Deeper: For additional ideas, see the article “Family History Is for Everyone: 9 Fun Ways to Participate.”
Share Your Thoughts
Lesson Purpose: To help you set a goal to become more like the Savior by participating in temple and family history work.
Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:
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The goal you made to become more like the Savior by participating in temple and family history work.
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Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.
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Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?