Discussion Companion • August 31–September 6

“Let Every Thing That Hath Breath Praise the Lord”

Today’s activity

Study your group’s Psalm and its New Testament fulfillment for 10 minutes. Then we will share what these verses teach us about Jesus Christ for the final 15 minutes.

Begin the class discussion Continue studying

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The Psalms are witnesses of Jesus Christ.

This week’s reading includes suffering, praise, scripture, idols, and the Lord knowing our hearts. But for our class discussion, we will give our full attention to the manual section “Jesus Christ fulfilled prophecies from the Psalms.” As we read Psalms 110 and 118, look for the Savior’s authority, priesthood, rejection, triumph, and invitation to build on Him.

25-minute class discussion

Jesus Christ fulfilled prophecies from the Psalms.

Each group will focus on one Psalm and the New Testament verses that show its fulfillment. Spend the first 10 minutes reading, marking, and discussing your assigned verses. Then each group will share what they found during the final 15 minutes.

Group 1

The Messiah reigns and holds eternal priesthood power

Psalm: Psalm 110:1–4

1 The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

2 The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.

3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.

4 The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

Fulfillment verses: Matthew 22:41–45; Hebrews 5:4–10; Hebrews 6:20

Matthew 22:41–45 Hebrews 5:4–10 Hebrews 6:20

Look for: Jesus Christ is David’s Lord, exalted at the Father’s right hand, and our eternal High Priest.

Instructions

Read Psalm 110:1–4 together first.
Then read the fulfillment verses in Matthew and Hebrews.
Identify one thing this prophecy teaches about who Jesus Christ is.
Prepare one insight or question to share with the class.

Discuss

What does it mean that Christ is at the right hand of God?
Why does it matter that His priesthood is eternal?
How does this help you trust Him more personally?

Group 2

The rejected stone becomes the corner stone

Psalm: Psalm 118:22

22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

Fulfillment verses: Matthew 21:42; Acts 4:10–11; 1 Peter 2:7

Matthew 21:42 Acts 4:10–11 1 Peter 2:7

Look for: Jesus Christ was rejected by many, yet God made Him the foundation of salvation.

Instructions

Read Psalm 118:22 together first.
Then read the fulfillment verses in Matthew, Acts, and 1 Peter.
Look for who rejected the Stone and what God did with Him.
Prepare one insight or question to share with the class.

Discuss

Why is “corner stone” such a strong image for Jesus Christ?
What are modern ways people might set Christ aside?
What changes when Christ becomes the foundation again?

Group 3

Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord

Psalm: Psalm 118:25–26

25 Save now, I beseech thee, O Lord: O Lord, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.

26 Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord: we have blessed you out of the house of the Lord.

Fulfillment verses: Matthew 21:9

Matthew 21:9

Look for: At the triumphal entry, the people used Psalm 118 to welcome Jesus as the promised Deliverer.

Instructions

Read Psalm 118:25–26 together first.
Then read Matthew 21:9 and notice how the people receive Jesus.
Look for both pleading and praise: “save now” and “blessed is he.”
Prepare one insight or question to share with the class.

Discuss

Why do pleading and praise belong together?
What does it mean to receive Jesus Christ, not just believe facts about Him?
How can we welcome Him more fully this week?

Personal reflection

Which witness of Christ feels most important to you today?

Which title or image of Christ from these Psalms stands out most to you?

Lord at the right hand
Priest for ever
Corner stone
He that cometh in the name of the Lord

Where do you most need Christ to be the corner stone right now?

My home
My choices
My discipleship
My relationships

What helps you recognize Jesus Christ in the Old Testament?

New Testament connections
Temple and covenant language
Symbols and images
The Spirit while reading

Lesson artwork for Let Every Thing That Hath Breath Praise the Lord.

Continue studying

The whole week’s reading still invites us to praise the Lord.

Our class time is centered on Christ in Psalms 110 and 118. The rest of the week’s reading can still deepen personal study: bringing suffering to God, walking by the light of His word, rejecting idols, trusting that He knows the heart, and praising Him with everything that has breath.

Study later

Key themes from the full lesson

Psalms 102–103; 116

Praise in suffering

These psalms do not pretend life is easy. Psalm 102 begins with distress and loneliness. Psalm 103 responds with remembrance: God is merciful, forgiving, healing, redeeming, and mindful of our weakness.

Reflection: What would change if, during hardship, I remembered God’s character before judging my circumstances?

Psalms 110; 118

Christ fulfilled prophecies from the Psalms

Psalm 110 points to the Messiah’s authority and eternal priesthood. Psalm 118 points to the rejected stone becoming the corner stone and to the One who comes in the name of the Lord. The New Testament repeatedly uses these Psalms to testify that Jesus is the Christ.

Reflection: How does seeing Jesus Christ in the Psalms change the way I read the Old Testament?

Psalm 119

Scripture as a lamp

Psalm 119 is filled with language about walking, paths, ways, commandments, and light. God often does not show us the whole journey at once, but He gives enough light for the next faithful step.

Reflection: Where do I need “next-step light” right now?

Jesus Christ walking with disciples on a path.

Psalms 135–136

False gods and modern idols

Modern idols may not be statues. They might be approval, money, comfort, control, status, politics, productivity, entertainment, or self-reliance without God.

Reflection: What am I tempted to trust more than I trust the Lord?

Psalm 139

God knows my heart

Psalm 139 teaches that God’s knowledge of us is complete. He knows our thoughts, habits, fears, motives, strengths, and weaknesses. This is not presented as a threat, but as a source of awe, humility, and trust.

Reflection: What part of my heart do I usually hide from God, even though He already knows it?

Psalms 146–150

Let everything praise the Lord

Praise can include singing, prayer, gratitude, testimony, obedience, repentance, service, remembering, rejoicing, and trusting.

Reflection: What form of praise feels most sincere for me right now?

Music and worship

The Psalms were Israel’s worship music.

They were words people sang, prayed, memorized, and carried with them through grief, repentance, gratitude, covenant worship, and praise.

Modern hymns, Primary songs, FSY music, sacred music, and personal worship playlists can help doctrine move from the page into the heart.

What is a song — hymn, Primary song, FSY song, or other sacred music — that has helped you feel close to Jesus Christ or remember something true about Him?

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Try this this week

Choose one Christ-centered practice.

Make Christ the corner stone

Choose one decision, relationship, habit, or concern and ask: “What would change if Jesus Christ were truly the foundation here?”

Read the Psalms with New Testament eyes

Read Psalm 110 or Psalm 118, then read one New Testament passage that quotes or echoes it, such as Matthew 21:42; Matthew 22:41–46; Acts 4:10–12; or Hebrews 5:5–10.

Receive Him deliberately

Use Psalm 118:26 in prayer: “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” Ask how you can better receive the Savior this week.

Notice His priesthood power

Look for the Savior’s power in covenants, ordinances, repentance, priesthood blessings, temple worship, ministering, or the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Closing thought

The promised Christ is the living foundation.

Psalm 118 says, “This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.” Jesus Christ is not merely a figure we notice in ancient prophecy. He is the Lord we build on, trust in, receive, worship, and follow now.

Additional Resources

Videos for continued study

I Love the Lord Because | Psalm 102–150

Come Follow Me study video

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Psalms 102–150 Part 1 • Dr. Michael Ballam

Come, Follow Me study video

Open on YouTube