Youth Lesson Plan: Introduction to the Old Testament

Opening Connection
Imagine you're about to embark on a year-long adventure into an ancient world filled with epic stories of faith, family struggles, triumphs, and deep spiritual encounters. How do you feel about studying the Old Testament—eager, uncertain, or maybe a little afraid? These emotions are normal, as the manual explains: "The Old Testament is one of the oldest collections of writings in the world, and this can make it both exciting and intimidating. These writings come from an ancient culture that can seem foreign and sometimes strange or even uncomfortable. And yet in these writings we see people having experiences that seem familiar. We recognize gospel themes that witness of the divinity of Jesus Christ and His gospel" ("Introduction to the Old Testament," Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026). People like Abraham, Sarah, Hannah, and Daniel faced family joy and discord, faith and uncertainty—just like us. As we dive in, let's discover how their stories light our path, as the psalmist declared: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. … Therefore thy servant loveth it" (Psalm 119:105, 140).

Scripture Discovery
Divide into pairs to explore how the Old Testament testifies of Jesus Christ. First, partner-read these symbols: 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 each verse with a symbol like bread, lamb, serpent, or fish, then discuss: "What do these teach about the Savior?" Share one insight as a class.
Next, as a "treasure hunt," scan Exodus 3:13–15 and 6:3–5, then read John 8:58: "Before Abraham was, I am." Note why this shocked the Jews. Compare with President Dallin H. Oaks: "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). What changes when we see Jesus as Jehovah?

Core Gospel Principles

1. The Old Testament testifies of Jesus Christ: Look for Him as the Bread of Life in symbols like manna, fulfilling "All things have their likeness, and all things are created and made to bear record of me" (Moses 6:63). Elder Dale G. Renlund taught: "remember and always focus on Jesus Christ" ("Jesus Christ Is the Treasure," Liahona, Nov. 2023, 98).
2. Jesus Christ is Jehovah: His declaration "I am" echoes Exodus 6:3, revealing He spoke as the God of the Old Testament (see President Oaks, above).
3. Plain and precious truths restored: Nephi saw "many plain and precious things" removed from the Bible, restored through Joseph Smith in the book of Moses (e.g., Enoch’s Zion, Moses 7:18–19), book of Abraham (Abraham 3:22–28), and Joseph Smith Translation (Genesis 14:25–40; see 1 Nephi 13:21–29, 38–42; 2 Nephi 3:12).
4. Covenants make us God's peculiar treasure: "Ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people" (Exodus 19:5). Study President Russell M. Nelson’s "The Everlasting Covenant" (Liahona, October 2022, 4–11) to see God's special love through covenants like Abraham's.

Engaging Activities (Choose 2-3)

1. Case Study Discussions: In small groups, read 1 Nephi 13:38–42. Discuss: "How does the Book of Mormon make 'plain and precious things' clear in Old Testament stories like Enoch’s city? Present one restored truth and why it's precious to you."
2. Role-Playing: Pairs act out a teen facing peer pressure to skip covenants (inspired by family discord in OT stories). One role-plays applying a symbol of Christ (e.g., sacrificial lamb for repentance); switch and debrief: "How does focusing on Jesus as Jehovah strengthen us?"
3. Testimony Circles: Form circles to share: "Name one OT symbol of Christ and how it builds your faith, like Elder Renlund invites."

Life Application Bridge
These principles bridge to your world: At school, when choices test your covenants, remember Jehovah's voice in Exodus guiding Moses—He's the same today. In family dynamics, like Abraham's uncertainties, seek restored truths in Moses 7 for hope. As you plan for missions, temples, or futures, covenants offer "special kind of love and mercy" (President Nelson, "The Everlasting Covenant"). Look for Christ in daily challenges, turning ancient words into your lamp (Psalm 119:105).

Unified Closing
We've seen the Old Testament's excitement: Christ-centered symbols, Jehovah's voice, restored treasures, and covenant promises uniting us to God. Your challenge: This week, find one OT symbol of Jesus in your Come, Follow Me study or life, mark it, and share with a family member or friend how it testifies of Him. As we do, we'll feel Him moving in our lives too. I'd love to hear your experiences next week—what's one way the Savior has shown Himself to you already? (602 words)