Adult Lesson Plan: Introduction to the Old Testament

Opening Connection
Imagine standing at the threshold of a vast ancient library, filled with stories of faith amid trials, covenants that bind generations, and symbols pointing to a Savior. As adults navigating family demands, career pressures, and personal doubts, how do you feel about diving into the Old Testament this year—eager, uncertain, afraid? The manual shares: “When you consider studying the Old Testament this year, how do you feel? Eager? Uncertain? Afraid? All of these emotions are understandable” (“Introduction to the Old Testament,” Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026). Like Abraham facing uncertainty or Hannah pleading in distress, we too encounter family discord, spiritual questions, and the need for divine light. Yet as the psalmist declares, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. … Therefore thy servant loveth it” (Psalm 119:105, 140). Today, let’s discover how this testament illuminates our path to Jesus Christ.

Scripture Discovery
We’ll explore three key passages interactively to uncover Christ in the Old Testament.

First, in pairs, study symbols of the Savior: manna (Exodus 16:4, 11–15; compare John 6:35), the sacrificial lamb (Exodus 12:3–5; John 1:29), the brass serpent (Numbers 21:4–10; John 3:14), and Jonah (Jonah 1:4–17; Matthew 12:38–41). Mark phrases showing Christ as the Bread of Life or Lamb of God, then share one insight with the class. What do these teach about Him?

Second, as a full class, cross-reference Jehovah’s name: Read Exodus 3:13–15 and 6:3–5, then John 8:58–59. Note how Jesus declares, “Before Abraham was, I am,” echoing the Lord’s revelation to Moses. President Dallin H. Oaks teaches: “The scriptural records of words spoken by ‘God’ or the ‘Lord’ are almost always the words of Jehovah, our risen Lord, Jesus Christ” (“The Teachings of Jesus Christ,” Liahona, May 2023, 102). Why does this matter?

Third, in small groups, hunt for restoration truths in 1 Nephi 13:21–29, 38–42 and 2 Nephi 3:12. Identify “plain and precious things” restored via Joseph Smith’s work, like Moses 7:18–19 (Enoch’s Zion) or Abraham 3:22–28 (council in heaven). Report one “plain and precious” example to the class.

Core Gospel Principles
These principles build from testimony of Christ to our covenant bond with Him.

1. The Old Testament testifies of Jesus Christ. Elder Dale G. Renlund urges us to “remember and always focus on Jesus Christ” (“Jesus Christ Is the Treasure,” Liahona, Nov. 2023, 98). The Lord taught, “All things have their likeness, and all things are created and made to bear record of me” (Moses 6:63). Symbols like manna and the lamb witness this.

2. Jesus Christ is Jehovah in the Old Testament. As President Oaks explains, words of “God” or “Lord” are typically Jehovah’s—from Exodus 3:14’s “I AM” to Christ’s bold claim in John 8:58.

3. The Lord restored plain and precious truths through Joseph Smith. Nephi saw losses from the Bible but restoration via “other books” like Moses, Abraham, and Joseph Smith Translation passages (1 Nephi 13:26–29). These clarify Enoch, Abraham, and Melchizedek.

4. Covenants define our relationship with God. He seeks to make us His “peculiar treasure” by covenant (Exodus 19:5). President Russell M. Nelson teaches of the “everlasting covenant” offered to prophets like Abraham, bringing “special kind of love and mercy” ( “The Everlasting Covenant,” Liahona, October 2022, 4–11).

5. These truths unite scriptures. The Bible and Book of Mormon together make “known the plain and precious things” (1 Nephi 13:40; 2 Nephi 3:12).

Interactive Learning Activities
Activity 1: Small Group Workshops. Divide into groups to research one symbol or restoration account (e.g., brass serpent or Abraham 3). Use Guide to the Scriptures (“Types or Symbols of Christ”) and share: How does this build faith in Christ? Reconvene to compile a class list.

Activity 2: Case Study Discussions. Present scenarios: A parent facing career uncertainty wonders how to teach covenants; a worker doubts amid trials. In pairs, apply principles—e.g., Psalm 119 as a lamp, covenants for mercy (Exodus 19:5; Nelson, Oct 2022). Discuss applications.

Activity 3: Personal Reflection and Sharing. Journal: “How have Old Testament symbols strengthened my testimony of Christ?” Volunteers share briefly, fostering vulnerability like ancient prophets.

Life Application Bridge
These principles bridge to your life. In marriage and parenting, covenants offer mercy amid discord, as with Abraham’s family (Nelson, Oct 2022). Career challenges echo Daniel’s faithfulness—look for Christ’s symbols in daily “manna.” In church service, restored truths like Enoch’s Zion inspire community building. For personal growth, knowing Christ as Jehovah turns uncertainty to “I AM” assurance (Exodus 3:14). As we focus on Him, like Elder Renlund counsels, we find nourishment in trials (Nov 2023).

Personal Study Guide
Day 1: Read “Introduction to the Old Testament” manual. Reflect: What emotions arise? Cross-ref: “Jesus Christ Is the Treasure” (Renlund, Nov 2023).
Day 2: Exodus 16:4,11–15; John 6:35. Mark Christ symbols. Question: How is He your Bread of Life?
Day 3: Exodus 3:13–15; 6:3–5; John 8:58. Ponder: Why significant that Christ is Jehovah? (Oaks, May 2023).
Day 4: 1 Nephi 13:21–29; Moses 7:18–19. Note restored truths. How “plain and precious”?
Day 5: Exodus 19:5; “The Everlasting Covenant” (Nelson, Oct 2022). Ask: What mercy from covenants?
Day 6: Jeremiah 31:31–34; Psalm 119:105. Journal covenant insights.
Day 7: Review symbols; plan family discussion.

Unified Closing
From symbols bearing record (Moses 6:63) to covenants making us God’s treasure (Exodus 19:5), the Old Testament reveals Christ as Jehovah, restored plainly for us. I’ve felt His light pierce my own uncertainties, much like these ancient witnesses. This week, commit to daily seeking one Christ symbol in scripture or life—perhaps share it in family or ministering. Who would share a symbol that’s touched you? Let’s close in prayer, asking for eyes to see Him.

(Word count: 1028)