A Walk with Christ
This Walk with Christ activity is an opportunity for you to
draw closer to Jesus Christ on a personal level. Through scriptures
and stories, you will be led through the last week in the life of Christ.

Day 1
Sunday: Day of Recognition

Jesus Christ rides through the city gates at Jerusalem and is greeted by followers waving palm fronds as a welcome to their King. He visits the temple.

Read: Matthew 21:6 -11

Thought: Would we be one of those who cheered as Christ rode into the city or would we ask, "Who is this?" How well do you know the Savior?

What it Means to Know Christ
A man passed away and was resurrected and waiting in a room to be interviewed. Another man was ahead of him. The door opened, the man entered, the door closed. The interviewer began: I want you to tell me what you know about Jesus Christ.

Well, He was born of a virgin in Bethlehem; He lived thirty three years, spending the last three in His ministry, organizing His church, choosing His apostles to direct it, giving the gospel to direct our lives.
The interviewer stopped him and said: Yes, yes, that's all true, but I want you to tell me what you know about Jesus Christ.
Well, he was tortured and crucified that we might have eternal life. Three days later He was resurrected that we might return to our Heavenly Father.
Yes, yes, that it true, but I want you to tell me what you know about Jesus Christ.

The man, a little perplexed, again began: Well, He restored the gospel in its fullness to the earth through Joseph Smith, reorganized His church, gave us temples wherein we might do work to save our dead. He gave us family prayer and family home evening where we might unite with our families. He gave us the Priesthood to heal the sick and personal ordinances for our salvation and exaltation.
The interviewer again stopped him and said: All of what you have said to me is true. The man was then invited to leave the room. After he left, the door opened and the second man entered. As he approached the interviewer he fell upon his knees and cried, "My Lord, My God."

Today I will think of Christ more often and make my prayers more meaningful so that I may come to know Him better.

Record your thoughts in your journal.

Jesus Christ returns to the temple and drives the moneychangers from the outer court.

Read: Matthew 21:12-15

Thought: We all have things we need to cleanse from our lives each day. This is why our loving Heavenly Father provided us with the opportunity to repent. Are there things that you need to "cast out" of your "temple"?

The Card Files
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no features except for the one wall covered by small index card files. These files stretched from floor to ceiling and went endlessly in both directions. As I drew new the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read, "Boys I Have Liked" I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the
names on each one. I then realized where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalogue system of my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in every detail. A sense of wonder and curiosity mixed with horror stirred
within me as I began opening files and looking at their contents. Some brought joy and sweet memories, others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I looked over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named, "Friends" was next to the one marked, "Friends I Have Betrayed". The titles ranged from the mundane to the weird. "Books I Have Read", "Lies I have told", "Comfort I have given", "Jokes I have laughed At", "People I have hurt". Some were almost funny in their exactness. "Things I Have Done in Anger", "Things I have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents". Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes, fewer than I had hoped. I was overwhelmed by the volume of life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my young life to write each of these thousands or millions of cards? But each card
confirmed this truth, each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature. When I pulled out the file marked, "Songs I Have Listened To", I realized the files grew to contain the contents. The cards were packed tightly, yet after two or three yards I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much of the quality of
music, but more by the amount of time I knew it represented. When I came to a file marked, "Lustful Thoughts", I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out inch by inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at the details. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. A rage broke through me. "No one
must see these cards. No one must ever see this room. I have to destroy them." In a frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. I took it out and pounded it on the floor. Not a single card would come out. I desperately pulled out a card and tried to rip it, but it was as strong as steel. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a sigh, then I saw it. The title, "People I Have Shared the Gospel With". The handles were brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then the tears came. I began to cry. Sobbing so deep it hurt my stomach. I fell on my knees and cried out in shame. The rows of shelves whirled around me. No one must ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But as I pushed away the
tears, I saw Him. No, please, not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus! I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. In the moments that I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw sorrow deeper than my own.
He seemed to go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this wasn't a pity that angered me. I dropped my head and began to cry again. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, he took out a card and one by one He began to sign His name over mine. "NO!" I shouted, rushing at Him. All I could find to say was, "NO, NO", as I pulled the card form Him. His name shouldn't be on those cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark,
so alive. The name JESUS covered mine. He gently took the cards back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign all the cards. I do not think I will ever understand how he did it so quickly. But the next instance it seemed, I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished". I stood up and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on the door. There are still cards to be written.

Today I will choose one thing that I need to cleanse from my life and sincerely repent and strive to do better.

Record your thoughts in your journal.

Day 3
Tuesday: Day of Teaching

Jesus teaches in the temple and on the Mount of Olives.

Read: Matthew 25

Thought: If we take the teachings of the Savior into our hearts, we will be filled with light and become like Him.

The Black Balloon
On the streets of New York City a balloon salesman knew how to attract a crowd. Before making his first sale, he took a white balloon, filled it with helium gas and it floated into the air on the string. Next, he inflated a red balloon and then a yellow one. A young child stared up at the balloons and eventually asked, "Mister, if you filled a black balloon, would it go up, too?" The man bent down and looked the boy in the eyes and said, "Of course. It's not the color of the balloon, it's what's inside that makes it rise."

The Light of Christ by Boyd K. Packer
The Light of Christ existed in you before you were born (see D&C 93:23, 29–30), and it will be with you every moment that you live and will not perish when the mortal part of you has turned to dust. It is ever there.

Every man, woman, and child of every nation, creed, or color—everyone, no matter where they live or what they believe or what they do—has within them the imperishable Light of Christ. In this respect, all men are created equally. The Light of Christ in everyone is a testimony that God is no respecter of persons (see D&C 1:35). He treats everyone equally in that endowment with the Light of Christ.

Today I will let my light shine and let others come to know Christ through my actions.

Record your thoughts in your journal.

On this day, all that is recorded in the scriptures is that Jesus spent the day outside the city of Jerusalem in seclusion. Jesus probably spends a day of rest with his friends at Bethany.

Read: John 15:4-17

Thought: The Lord had friends who provided comfort for Him. He asks that we do the same for others. Do we reach out with the hand of friendship to those who need comfort, in need of "rest"?

Shay Plays Baseball
At a fund-raising dinner for a school that serves learning-disabled children, the father of one of the school's students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question.
"Everything God does is done with perfection. Yet, my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as the other children do. Where is God's plan reflected in my son?" The audience was stilled by the query. The father continued. "I
believe," the father answered, "that when God brings a child like Shay into the world, an opportunity to realize the Divine Plan presents itself. And it comes in the way people treat that child." Then, he told the following story: Shay and I walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, "Do you think they will let me play?"
Shay's father knew that most boys would not want him on their team. But the father understood that if his son were allowed to play it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging. Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance from his teammates. Getting none, he took matters into his own hands and said, “We are losing by six runs, and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him up to bat in the ninth inning.” In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. At the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the outfield. Although no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be on the field, grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base. Shay was scheduled to be the next at-bat. Would the
team actually let Shay bat at this juncture and give away their chance to win the game?
Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball. However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher moved a few steps closer to lob
the ball in softly so Shay would at least be able to make contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly toward Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball to the pitcher. The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could easily have
thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have ended the game. Instead, the pitcher took the ball and threw it on a high arc to right field, far beyond reach of the first baseman. Everyone started yelling, "Shay, run to first. Run to first." Never in his life had Shay ever made it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled. Everyone yelled, "Run to second, run to second!" By the time Shay was rounding first base, the right fielder had the ball. He could have thrown the ball to the second baseman for a tag. Instead, the right fielder understood what the pitcher's intentions had been, so he threw the ball high and far over the third baseman's head. Shay ran towards second base as the runners ahead of him deliriously circled the bases towards home. As Shay reached second base, the opposing shortstop ran to him, turned him in the direction of third base, and shouted, "Run to third!" As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams were screaming, "Shay! Run home!" Shay ran home, stepped on home plate and was cheered as the hero, for hitting a "grand slam" and winning the game for the team. "That day," said Shay's father softly, with tears now rolling down his face, "the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of the Divine Plan into this world."

Today I will show greater love and kindness to my friends and family.

Record your thoughts in your journal.

Day 5
Thursday: Day of Atonement

He partakes of the "Last Supper" with his Apostles and atones for our sins in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Read: Matthew 26

Thought: Even during Christ's greatest suffering during Gethsemane, Heavenly Father was mindful of Him and sent an angel to strengthen Him. And it was through His suffering that the greatest blessing to all mankind was achieved. Do we really recognize that the Lord is with us during our hard times and understand that all things will be for our good if we trust in Him?

Is Your Hut Burning?
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger. "God, how could you do this to me!" he cried. Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. But we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground---it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God.

Today I will have greater trust that the Lord is aware of my problems and is always near to help me through them if I turn to Him.

Record your thoughts in your journal.

Day 6
Friday: Day of Suffering

At Sunrise, Jesus is officially condemned by Caiaphas and the Jewish Sanhedrin. He is taken to Pilate who delivers Jesus to be crucified. He is scourged, made to carry His own cross, had nails driven into His hands and feet and hung on a cross. Darkness lasts from noon to 3 p.m.

Read: Matthew 27

Thought: Have you been thinking all week about Christ and the sacrifices he made for us? Would you have stayed by His side and watched and waited or would you have fled? This is a day to reflect on his suffering and to show your gratitude by making a decision to
Stand as a Witness of Him. Are you willing to trade in the worldly and worthless things of this life for the treasures only He can provide?

The Pearls
The cheerful girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them: a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box. "Oh please, Mommy. Can I have them? Please, Mommy, please!" Quickly the mother checked
the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl's upturned face. "A dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2.00. If you really want them, I'll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself. Your birthday's only a week away and you might get another crisp dollar bill from Grandma." As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and
counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked Mrs. James if she could pick dandelions for ten cents. On her birthday, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace. Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown
up. She wore them everywhere-Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath. Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green. Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to
read her a story. One night when he finished the story, he asked Jenny, "Do you love me?" "Oh yes, Daddy. You know that I love you." "Then give me your pearls." "Oh, Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess - the white horse from my collection. The one with
the pink tail. Remember, Daddy? The one you gave me. She's my favorite." "That's okay, Honey. Daddy loves you. Good night." And he brushed her cheek with a kiss. About a week later, after the story time, Jenny's daddy asked again, "Do you love me?" "Daddy, you know I love you." "Then give me your pearls." "Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my baby doll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is so beautiful
and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper." "That's okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you." And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss. A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian-style. As he came close, He noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek. "What is it, Jenny? What's the matter?" Jenny didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver, she finally said, "Here, Daddy. It's for you."
With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's kind daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime-store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny. He had had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime- store stuff so he could give her genuine treasure. So like our Heavenly Father. What is it that we are hanging onto?

Today I will remember the sacrifice of the Savior for me and show my love for Him by being obedient, by defending the truth, by being strong and faithful.

Record your thoughts in your journal.

On this day, Christ's body lies in the tomb guarded by His enemies. His family and followers mourn. Yet His spirit visits the righteous in the spirit world.

Read: 1 Peter 3:18 - 19 and D & C 138:11 - 19

Thought: Even though we can't see him, the Lord is always near, loving us and blessing us. Do we look for His hand in our lives?

“True gratitude is the ability to humbly see, feel, and even receive love. Gratitude is a form of returning love to God. Recognize His hand, tell Him so, express your love to Him. As you come to truly know the Lord, you will find an intimate, sacred relationship built on trust. You will come to know He understands your anguish and will, in compassion, always respond to you in love. Receive it. Feel it. It is not enough just to know that God loves you. The gift is to be felt continually day by day. It will then be a divine motivator throughout your life.”

Today I will look for the hand of the Lord in all things in my life.

Record your thoughts in your journal.

Easter Sunday
Day of Triumph

Jesus Christ is victorious over death. On the morning we now celebrate as Easter, He rises from the tomb. On this day, Mary Magdalene is the first to see the resurrected Lord. The disciples also witness that He is indeed risen.

Read: Matthew 28:1-8 and John 20:11-18

Thought: This is the day to ask yourself what you've discovered about yourself and your relationship with the Savior as you've completed this Walk with Christ. This is the perfect time to begin again and to find joy in the knowledge that He is risen! He is our Redeemer. Ponder on those things you have read and thank the Lord for what He has done for you. Because of His sacrifice, you can return to live with Him someday.

President Gordon B. Hinckley
“And so on this wonderful Easter morning, as the servants of the Almighty, as prophets and apostles in His great cause, we lift our voices in witness and testimony of our immortal Savior. He came to earth as the Son of the Everlasting Father. He did as Isaiah prophesied He must do. He bore “our griefs, and carried our sorrows. … He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isa. 53:4–5).

In everlasting immortality He arose the third day from the rock-hewn grave. He spoke with many. His Father repeatedly affirmed His divine sonship.

Thanks be to the Almighty. His glorified Son broke the bonds of death, the greatest of all victories. As Paul declared, “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Cor. 15:22).

He is our triumphant Lord. He is our Redeemer, who atoned for our sins. Through His redeeming sacrifice all men shall rise from the grave. He has opened the way whereby we may gain not only immortality but also eternal life.

As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, I bear witness and testimony of these things this Easter day. I speak in solemnity and reverence and gratitude, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.”

Today I will feel joy in the hope of eternal life with my Heavenly Father because of the gift of Jesus Christ.

Record your thoughts in your journal.