Priesthood basics: What God restored and why it matters¶
Main ideas
Jesus Christ restored priesthood authority so His children could receive His saving ordinances again. Through baptism and the sacrament, we can repent, renew our covenants, and have the Holy Ghost with us.
Prep¶
- Image of John the Baptist restoring the Aaronic Priesthood
- Image of Peter, James, and John restoring the Melchizedek Priesthood
- Scriptures to read/assign
- Doctrine & Covenants 13:1
- Doctrine & Covenants 20:77
- Doctrine & Covenants 84:20-21
- Present the main discussion question
Main discussion question
What are some ways God can help us come closer to Jesus Christ, even when we don't see angels?
Context¶
After the New Testament Apostles died, priesthood authority wasn't on the earth. In 1829, Jesus Christ sent John the Baptist to restore the Aaronic Priesthood to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. Later, Peter, James, and John restored the Melchizedek Priesthood. Those events matter because they made the Savior's ordinances available again. These thoughts focus less on how that happened and more on why it matters in an ordinary week.
Question
Imagine that baptism and the sacrament weren't available. What part of following Jesus Christ would feel different to you? Why?”
What did John the Baptist restore?¶
Read Doctrine & Covenants 13:1. Notice the three blessings named in the verse: the ministering of angels, repentance, and baptism for the remission of sins.
Question
Which of those blessings feels closest to a 12 or 13 year old's real life? What makes you say that?
(nudge) Where does the sacrament fit into repentance and baptism?
The sacrament renews the covenant and blessings of baptism. As we repent and keep those promises, the Savior can cleanse us and we may have the Holy Ghost with us.
What do the keys of ministering of angels mean?¶
The phrase "keys of the ministering of angels" can sound mysterious. Think about it carefully instead of assuming it only means seeing an angel.
Read Doctrine & Covenants 20:77. It gives the sacrament's promise of the Holy Ghost.
Doctrine & Covenants 13:1 says the Aaronic Priesthood holds the keys of ministering of angels. Priesthood keys are God’s authority given to Church leaders to direct how the priesthood is used to bless His children. That doesn't mean a young man can command angels or will always see one.
Doctrine & Covenants 20:77 says that as we renew our covenants through the sacrament, we may have the Holy Ghost with us. Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught that angels may bring God's messages through what we see, hear, or feel by the Holy Ghost.
Main question
What are some ways God can help us come closer to Jesus Christ, even when we don't see angels?”
Follow-up questions
- Why might repentance and the sacrament help us notice that kind of help?
- How would you kindly answer someone who says, "I've never seen an angel, so does this promise matter to me?"
- How could the way you prepare, bless, or pass the sacrament help someone else turn their attention to Jesus Christ?
Why does God work through ordinances?¶
Read Doctrine & Covenants 84:20-21. The purpose of priesthood ordinances is for the power of godliness to be made known in our lives.
Question
Why do you think God gives us ordinances and covenants instead of treating the priesthood as a title or a list of jobs?
Follow-up ideas
- Priesthood ordinances turn us toward Jesus Christ and His Atonement (symbols).
- They offer God's promises to all of us, not only to the person performing the ordinance.
- They give us regular moments to repent, remember Christ, and invite the Holy Ghost.
Personal response¶
Finish this sentence privately:
Challenge
During the sacrament next week, I will turn to Jesus Christ by …”