Mark 13; Luke 21:5–38; Joseph Smith—Matthew. Preparing for the Savior’s Second Coming

1. Review Mark 13:5, 9, 23, 33, 35, 37 and identify the words take heed and watch in each verse. List at least three things from this chapter that believers could watch for in order to be prepared to meet the Lord.

• Watch for the signs prophesied by the Lord of His coming.

• Watch yourself and your daily dealings, that they might be in harmony with the Lord’s commands.

•  Watch for the words of latter-day prophets that prepare us physically and spiritually.

2. Explain in writing any other additional truths that are taught in the following references about how to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
• Doctrine and Covenants 87:8- We need to form a sound testimony of the Lord and His gospel and find ways to strengthen it daily. 
• Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:32- We need to avoid abominations.
• Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:37- We need to be learned in the Lord’s words from the scriptures and from modern day revelations. If we do so, we will not be deceived.  
• Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:46–50- We must be preparing every second of every day because we do not know when the coming will happen. If we slack for even one day, we could miss our chance.
• Doctrine and Covenants 33:17- Pray to the Lord. The better relationship we have with the Lord, the easier our preparation will be. Each time we do these things, our testimonies increase and it is more difficult for us to lose faith.
• Doctrine and Covenants 45:56–57- We must follow the promptings of the spirit. He is our guide and will not lead us astray.  

 

Overview of the Last Week of the Savior’s Mortal Ministry

Read the information in the institute student manual about “The Last Days of Jesus’ Mortal Mission” (pp. 135-37). Then fill in the following chart with key events that took place during the Savior’s final week of mortality:

Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6	Day 7 (Sabbath)	Day of the Resurrection
Palms are laid in front of Christ to greet His entrance. They shout Hosanna to his name. He went directly to the temple. Christ returns to Bethany.	Jesus went early to the temple. Christ drives the merchandisers out of the temple. He states that the temple is a place of worship. He returns to Bethany.	Christ is challenged by the priests about the temple. He condemns them for their hypocrisy.   Jewish leaders consulted each other on how to kill Christ. Christ’s disciple betrays Him to the priests.	Jesus knew about the plot. He spent this day outside of the City, maybe in Bethany.	Jesus commemorated the Passover meal and introduced the sacrament. He tells of His upcoming death and reveals who will betray Him. Jesus offered His intercessory prayer. He leads the disciples (minus Judas) to Gethsemane. Christ took Peter, James and John further into the garden and found a spot to be alone to pray. Christ suffered all afflictions. Judas and a band of men take Christ to an illegal trial.	Christ is charged with blasphemy and discredited before the people. He is sentenced to death. He is crucified and then buried in a tomb by two disciples. .	Christ’s body is in the tomb while He ministers to the spirits in the spirit world.	Christ is risen from the grave and approaches Mary. Many witnesses saw Christ as a resurrected being.