Lesson 24: The Atonement of Jesus Christ: Vast in Its Reach, Intimate in Its Effects

I have procrastinated for a while to post this lesson for a number of reasons, but mostly because I always feel so inadequate when I teach of the Savior.  I can never do justice to His life and sacrifice.  Whenever I teach about Christ directly, I want to move the Earth with my teachings, but I don't.  So, I worry that my ideas here will pale against what should be.  I don't worry about this for my sake, I worry that others will miss out on the Glory of God and His Son.  With that caveat in mind, here is the Activity.

The Activity:

1. On the board write, "The Atonement is the keystone in the arch of our existence."  This comes from the second to last paragraph in this chapter ("I bear witness . . .). 
2. Review with the class what a keystone is.  It is the wedge shaped stone at the top of an arch.  Every other stone in the arch is essentially resting on that one stone and without it, the arch tumbles to the ground.
3. Ask class members to think for a moment about what the quote means and examples of how the Atonement is the keystone of our existence.
4. Ask class members to list blessings we receive from the Atonement. 
5. As these blessings are listed, record them in two columns, not necessarily labeled.  One column should be universal blessings, e.g. resurrection, and the other should be intimate/individual blessings, e.g. power to change.  
6. After a good sized list has been constructed, ask class members to consider which of all these gifts is the greatest in their minds.  You might want to point out that there is no single correct answer.  Any answers will be right and really the answer is probably more of a reflection of what is operating (or needed) most in their lives at this time.
7. After a few moments, ask any class members who feel comfortable enough to share their thoughts about which blessing is the greatest.

Using the activity:

I think this is a good activity because ultimately the focus is on how the Atonement is functioning or can function in our personal lives.  Also, this lesson does require teachers (and class members) to do something uncomfortable-- be silent.  Steps #3 and 6 both ask the class members to reflect on the Atonement (in scripture terms, to ponder on the Atonement).  I have mentioned previously that pondering is an activity that is closely associated with both revelation and testimony building.  As we ponder, we invite the Spirit to become our teacher.  Still, being quiet for moments at a time can be uncomfortable for many people.  Nevertheless, don't abandon this silence at the first sign of discomfort.  Pres. Packer has taught us that the incessant noise around us is a strategy of the adversary and that silence is good for the soul. 

You could extend this activity by asking the class members to write a letter to themselves or to someone they are close to recounting how they have seen the Atonement at work in their lives.  If you do this, please make sure that you stress that these letters will be private and only for their eyes.  This type of recording of feelings can be a huge blessing later in life. 

I pray that this activity will be of use to you in your calling.  Please let me know, if you would like, how this worked.