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1: We Are Responsible for Our Own Learning

The first Come, Follow Me lesson of 2023 takes a slightly different approach—and as scripture study lovers, we are totally here for it. Rather than providing a block of verses, the manual invites us to reflect on how we search the scriptures and reminds us of an important truth that this study group caught on to long ago: we are responsible for our own learning. Come join with us we prepare our hearts for a new year of drawing closer to the Savior.

6: “The Spirit of the Lord Is upon Me” (Matthew 4, Luke 4-5)

OK, here’s an idea: Wants and needs are two very different things. And let’s be honest—temptations are not something we would generally put in the “want” category. But that doesn’t mean we don’t need them. In fact, even Christ needed to be tempted. Before beginning His ministry and calling His disciples, Jesus went to the wilderness to fast and be closer with God. While He was there, He was tempted by the adversary. But why did Jesus need this experience and what can we learn from His example? Let’s study Matthew 4 and Luke 4–5 together to find out.

7: “Ye Must Be Born Again” (John 2-4)

Faith doesn’t have to fade in the face of uncertainty. Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman at the well, Mary the mother of Christ—they all held to their seed of faith even though they didn’t understand everything, and then they witnessed miracles. In this week’s lesson in John 2–4, we’ll dive into several accounts from the Savior’s early ministry and see how a precious bit of faith led to conversion. And along the way we’ll come to better appreciate the role that active and continuous belief has in our lives.

46: “I Will Love Them Freely” (Hosea 1–6; 10–14; Joel)

Christ spoke in symbolism and parables when He was on the Earth and that metaphorical language is in the Old Testament too. Hosea chapter 1 begins with a story of heartbreak, a shared human experience that can teach us something about our relationship with God if we know where to look. The books of Hosea and Joel remind us that Christ will always be there and always love us, no matter what low point we find ourselves in.

13: “Who Hath Ears to Hear, Let Him Hear” (Matthew 13, Luke 8; 13)

Do you see yourself—your day-to-day life, your joys, your troubles—in the parables of Christ? We may not separate wheat from tares or handle mustard seeds as often as the people of Jesus’s day, but His parables are still very much for us. They teach powerfully about ourselves and how we should treat others. In this week’s lesson in Matthew 13, Luke 8; 13, we will dive into why Jesus taught in parables and realize just how applicable they are to modern living.

16: “Thou Art the Christ” (Matthew 15–17; Mark 7–9)

Nothing may be sweeter than a young Primary child nervously (or sometimes not so nervously) stepping up to the microphone during fast and testimony meeting. What is your earliest memory of bearing your testimony? Whether you were five or sixty-five, in a chapel or in a car, bearing our witness of Christ can be a spiritually defining moment. Today’s study of Matthew 15–17 and Mark 7–9 will give us powerful examples of bearing testimony and show us that testimonies can be born in the most unique of places.

18: “I Am the Good Shepherd” (John 7–10)

The warm glow of a kitchen light after dark; a sturdy, solid door blocking a raging wind outside—two examples of comfort and protection that many of us can relate to. In this week’s lesson in John 7–10, we will study the many ways Christ can be our protection, including as a light and a door. We will also read how He is the Good Shepherd who again and again guides us safely back to the peace and rest of His fold.

21: “Behold, Thy King Cometh” (Matthew 21–23; Mark 11; Luke 19–20; John 12)

What would it have been like to shout “Hosanna” as Christ rode into Jerusalem? Can’t you just picture the palm leaves and feel the excitement as the Savior rode into the city as King? While we can’t know everything that happened during Holy Week, we can imagine being there as we carefully study what took place before the Crucifixion and Resurrection and learn from the sermons Jesus taught. This week, as we read Matthew 21–23; Mark 11; Luke 19–20; and John 12, we’ll start out with the Savior on that road He traveled—and the journey is going to be glorious.

12: “God Meant It unto Good” (Genesis 42–50)

Have you ever had a dream in the middle of the night that actually came true later? Or have you had dreams you're grateful never materialized because they were so strange or embarrassing? Well, whether they were his own or came to others, dreams played an important role in the life of Joseph of Egypt. In this week's lesson, we'll study Genesis 42–50 and read about how some of this prophet's dreams actually came true and discover how they changed the house of Israel forever.

19: “Holiness to the Lord” (Exodus 35–40; Leviticus 1; 16; 19)

What do you say when someone asks you to do something difficult? Do you sometimes give a noncommittal maybe? Or do you sometimes say yes, but secretly mean no? In this week’s lesson of Exodus 35–40 and Leviticus 1, 16, and 19, we’ll see how the Israelites responded when the Lord asked them to do something difficult, and what we can learn from their response.