Mormon 7-9

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The Book of Mormon and the Bible both testify of Jesus Christ.

Mormon 7:8–10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 7–9: “I Speak unto You as If Ye Were Present”

Mormon taught that the Book of Mormon was written to help us believe the Bible and that those who believe the Bible will believe the Book of Mormon.

Possible Activities

  • Show the children the title page of the Book of Mormon, and point to the words of the title as you read it, emphasizing the word another. Help the children think of other books of scripture that teach us about Jesus. Show them that the Bible has the Old Testament and the New Testament. Help the children say “Old Testament, New Testament” when you point to the Bible and “Another Testament” when you point to the Book of Mormon.
  • Display a world map or the activity page for this outline, along with a Bible and Book of Mormon. Use these items to teach the children that the Bible is a record of Jesus’s teachings in and around Jerusalem and the Book of Mormon is a record of His teachings in the Americas.
  • Choose several events and truths that both the Bible and the Book of Mormon testify of, such as Jesus’s birth, death, and Resurrection. Show pictures from the Gospel Art Bookthat depict these events and truths. Ask the children to describe what they see in the pictures, and tell them that both the Bible and the Book of Mormon teach about these things.
  • Write Mormon 7:9 on the board, but leave blanks in place of the words this and that. Also write on the board this = the Book of Mormon and that = the Bible. Invite the children to read Mormon 7:9 out loud and use the phrases on the board to fill in the blanks. What do we learn about the Bible and the Book of Mormon from this verse?
  • Display a Book of Mormon and a Bible. Share a few stories from each book, showing pictures if available (see the Gospel Art Book). Invite the children to point to the book the story comes from. Why do we need both books?
  • Write each word of the eighth article of faith on separate pieces of paper. Give one or two words to each child, and invite the children to work together to put the words in the correct order. Then ask them to repeat the article of faith several times. What does it teach us?

Friend November 2020 “Family Night Fun: Book of Mormon Treasure Hunt”

I can choose the right even when I feel alone.

Mormon 8:3 & Mormon 8:1–7

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 7–9: “I Speak unto You as If Ye Were Present”

Read Mormon 8:1–7 with the children, and invite them to share how they would have felt if they had been Moroni. 

Moroni was the last righteous Nephite, but he stayed true to his testimony. Help the children learn from his example.

  • Read Mormon 8:3, emphasizing that Moroni was all alone, but he still kept the commandments, including the commandment to finish the Book of Mormon. Share a time when you were faithful even when you felt alone.
  • After discussing Moroni’s example, share some scenarios in which a child must decide whether or not to choose the right, even though no one is looking. Or invite the children to each write down a situation in which they have to make a choice between right or wrong when no one is watching. Put their ideas in a container, and let the children take turns picking a situation and sharing what they would do to be like Moroni.What would Moroni have done?

Sing with the children a song about choosing the right, such as “Stand for the Right” (Children’s Songbook, 159). Why is it important to choose the right all the time, even when you are alone?

More “Choose the Right” ideas here

God is “a God of miracles.”

Mormon 9:7–21

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 7–9: “I Speak unto You as If Ye Were Present”

There are many people today who don’t believe that miracles still happen. Use Moroni’s teachings in these verses to teach the children that when we have faith, we can see God work miracles in our lives.

  • Show the children a recipe. What would happen if you left out an essential ingredient? Invite the children to search Mormon 8:24 and 9:20–21 to find the necessary “ingredient” that we must have before God can work miracles. Share examples of miracles—big or small—that you have seen in the Church or in your life. Invite the children to share their own examples.
  • Divide the children into two teams. Invite each team to look for examples of miracles in some or all of these scriptures: Mormon 8:249:11–13, 16–18, 21–25. What could we say to someone who thinks miracles don’t happen anymore? (see Mormon 9:9, 15–21).
  • Explain that a miracle is something God does to show His power and bless our lives (see Bible Dictionary, “Miracles”). Read words and phrases from Mormon 9:11–13, 17 that describe some of God’s miracles. Help the children think of other miracles found in the scriptures (pictures from the Gospel Art Book, such as nos. 264041, and 83, can help). Testify that God worked miracles in ancient times and He still works miracles today.
  • Share an experience when you have seen miracles in the Church today or in your own life. Bear your testimony that God is “a God of miracles” (Mormon 9:11)

Latter Day Kids “A God of Miracles” Lesson Ideas

Song Idea

Friend November 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Mormon 9:19 together and help your little ones say, “God is a God of miracles.” Watch the sing-along video for the song “The Miracle.” If your children are old enough, you could learn to sing the chorus together. (For extra help, find the lyrics in the June 2018 Friend.)


Mormon 1-6

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Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 49: Mormon and His Teachings” Images and Video

Friend October 1988 “Scriptural Giants: Mormon and the Book of Mormon”

Friend November 2016 “Mormon Writes on the Golden Plates”

Friend January 1988 “Sharing a Time: Mormon–A Valiant Prophet

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Ammaron Taught Mormon about the Sacred Records”

Friend October 1988

Friend October 1988

Additional Study, Story, and Lesson Ideas:

Lesson 39: Mormon Witnesses the Destruction of the Nephites,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon

Mormon Abridges the Plates

Friend April 1988

Friend November 2020 “Mormon’s Plates”

Friend April 1988

Friend November 2020 “Coloring Page: Mormon Put Together the Book of Mormon”

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Mormon Put Together Sacred Writings”

Friend February 1986

New Era April 2020 “The Plates within the Plates”

I can be righteous like Mormon.

Mormon 1:1–3

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 1–6: “I Would That I Could Persuade All … to Repent”

Before reading the story, invite the children to listen for how old Mormon was when Ammaron gave him a special mission. Then ask them to hold up that many fingers. To help the children imagine how young Mormon was, show them a picture of someone who is 10 years old. Help them understand the qualities that Ammaron saw in Mormon when he was young, and testify that the children can be like Mormon as they follow Jesus Christ.

  • What does it mean to be “quick to observe”?

Ensign, Dec. 2006 “Quick to Observe” Quick to observe in the scriptures has two meanings. The first means “to look” or “to see” or “to notice.” The second suggests “to obey” or “to keep.” For example: “But blessed are they who have kept the covenant and observed the commandment, for they shall obtain mercy” (D&C 54:6;). So, quick to observe means quick to see and quick to obey.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 1–6: “I Would That I Could Persuade All … to Repent”

What righteous qualities do you see in the children you teach?

Play a game in which the children repeat basic actions that you do. Then show pictures of things Jesus did, and talk about how we can follow Him (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 33–3541–42). Discuss ways Mormon followed Jesus Christ—for example, by teaching the gospel, encouraging people to obey God, and loving others.

Show a picture of Mormon (see the picture in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Help the children see that because Mormon was responsible and trustworthy enough to keep and preserve the Nephite records, we have the Book of Mormon today. Talk with the children about what it means to be responsible and trustworthy. Invite them to ponder ways they can be more responsible.

I can live righteously despite the wickedness around me.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 1–6: “I Would That I Could Persuade All … to Repent”

Mormon 2:18–19

What words did Mormon use to describe the world he lived in? How did he maintain hope despite the wickedness around him?

Beginning in the first chapter of Mormon, you will notice major differences between Mormon and the people around him. As you read Mormon 1, consider contrasting the qualities and desires of Mormon with those of his people. Note the consequences that came to him and them (you’ll find one example in verses 14–15). What do you learn that inspires you to live righteously in a wicked world?

Mormon 5:16–18

To help your family visualize what it means to be “driven about as chaff before the wind” (verse 16), tear a piece of paper into small pieces and let family members blow them around. Explain to them that chaff is a husk that comes off a seed, and it is light enough to be blown around. How is being “without Christ and God in the world” (verse 16) like being chaff in the wind?

Friend November 2016

Friend November 2016

Godly sorrow leads to real change.

Mormon 2:8–155:10–11

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 1–6: “I Would That I Could Persuade All … to Repent”

When Mormon saw his people’s sorrow, he hoped they would repent. But “their sorrowing was not unto repentance” (Mormon 2:13)—it was not the kind of godly sorrow that leads to real change (see 2 Corinthians 7:8–11). Instead, the Nephites felt worldly sorrow (see Mormon 2:10–11).

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 1–6: “I Would That I Could Persuade All … to Repent”

Mormon saw that the wicked Nephites were sorrowful, but their sorrow was not the kind that would inspire them to repent (see Mormon 2:13).

Write the following headings on the board: Sorrow that leads to repentance and Sorrow that doesn’t lead to repentance. Invite the children to take turns reading verses from Mormon 2:8, 10–15. Help them write things they learn about sorrow under the appropriate headings on the board. How can we make sure that the sorrow we feel for our sins leads us to change?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 1–6: “I Would That I Could Persuade All … to Repent”

And although Mormon’s own people rejected his pleading invitations to repent, he knew that he had a larger audience to persuade. “Behold,” he declared, “I write unto all the ends of the earth.” In other words, he wrote to you (see Mormon 3:17–20). And his message to you, today, is the same message that could have saved the Nephites in their day: “Believe the gospel of Jesus Christ. … Repent and prepare to stand before the judgment-seat of Christ” (Mormon 3:21–22).

Heavenly Father gives me many blessings.

Mormon 3:3, 9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 1–6: “I Would That I Could Persuade All … to Repent”

Read Mormon 3:3 and 9 to the children, and explain that the Nephites had not recognized that Heavenly Father had blessed them. (Instead they became prideful and boasted in their own strength.)

What happens when we become prideful and boastful and wicked? We lose the guidance and protection of the Holy Ghost and we are left to our own devices. What happened to the Nephites after they became boastful and vengeful. (See Mormon 3:11 & 4:1-5) They faced the consequences of their actions.

Help the children think of blessings Heavenly Father has given them. Show pictures or objects to give them ideas. What can we do today to show we are thankful to Heavenly Father for our blessings?

Help the children think of blessings Heavenly Father has given them, and ask them to draw pictures of some of these blessings. Invite them to hang their pictures somewhere at home where they can see them and remember that Heavenly Father blesses them in many ways. You could also invite them to identify blessings that come from Heavenly Father as they sing the first verse of “I Thank Thee, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook, 7).

Heavenly Father wants me to love everyone.

Mormon 3:12

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 1–6: “I Would That I Could Persuade All … to Repent”

It’s often easy to love those who love us and are like us, but Mormon demonstrated that with help from Heavenly Father, we can love those who believe and act differently than we do.

Ask each child to draw a person on the board, and point out how each person they drew looks different from the others. Draw a large heart surrounding all the drawings. Help the children understand that Heavenly Father wants us to love all people. Read Mormon 3:12, emphasizing the words “love” and “loved.” What did Mormon do to show his love for others?

Sing a song together about loving others, such as “Jesus Said Love Everyone” (Children’s Songbook, 61), while showing pictures of children from around the world. Testify of God’s love for all of His children. Complete this week’s activity page with the children.

Friend October 2020 “Come, Follow Me for Little Ones”

Read Mormon 3:12 together, emphasizing the words “love” and “loved.” Help your little ones put their hands on their hearts and say, “I can share God’s love with others,” and then hold their hands outward, as if sharing something. You could listen to or sing “Love One Another” (Children’s Songbook,136) and put your hands on your hearts whenever you hear the word “love.”

Ensign October 2020 “Family Study Fun: The Open Arms of Jesus”

Read Mormon 6:17 together. Talk about what it means that Jesus has “open arms to receive [us]” when He is not physically here with us.

  1. Invite family members to draw a picture of themselves with Jesus. For younger children, use a coloring page from lessonhelps.ChurchofJesusChrist.org or the September Friend.
  2. When the pictures are finished, fold them up and put them in a bowl. Take turns picking a picture at random.
  3. When someone’s picture is chosen, have them talk about a time they have felt the Savior’s love or share something they can do to follow Jesus.

Discussion: Talk about what you can do as a family to help each other follow Jesus and feel closer to Him. How can we be His “arms” here on earth?


3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi

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Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 48: Peace in America” Images and video

Friend September 1988 Review of Story

Friend September 1988

I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ.

3 Nephi 27:1–22

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “October 19–25. 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi: “There Could Not Be a Happier People”

  • Ask each child to say his or her name. Why are our names important? Tell them that Jesus’s disciples wanted to know what they should name Christ’s Church. Read to them the Savior’s response in 3 Nephi 27:7. Who did Jesus say His Church should be named after?
  • Ask the children to help you write each word of the name of the Church on a separate piece of paper. Then mix the papers up, and invite the children to arrange these words in order. What blessings have we received because we are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

Friend November 2018 “The Correct Name of the Church” The prophet, Russell M. Nelson, directs church members to use the correct name of the church. Questions are answered to explain why. Also a book mark is included and an example cartoon of how to respond when people ask what church we belong to.

Friend July 2019 “It is His Church” When Taniela B. Wakolo of the Seventy was learning about the church, the missionaries asked him what he would name his grocery store if he had one. He said he would call after his name because it would be his store. They then ask who a church should be name after. He knew that the true Church would be named after Jesus because it’s His Church.  (Activity: In any language, the Church is still named after Jesus Christ. Match each language with the Church’s name in that language.

Song Idea

Ensign October 2020 “Family Study Fun: Act a Song”

Read 3 Nephi 27:8 together. Explain what each word in the name of the Church means: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

  1. Sing “The Church of Jesus Christ”(Children’s Songbook,77).
  2. Come up with actions for the different words in the song. For example, you could stand up when you sing the word “I,” touch your head when you sing “know,” and march in place for “follow.”
  3. Practice using these different actions as you sing the song together.

Discussion: Why is the full name of the Church important? How can you politely help people understand the full name of the Church when they refer to us as “Mormons”?

The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, 77)

Friend November 2018 A simplified version of the song that is easy to play. Also, a sing-along video.

The Church of Jesus Christ is built upon His gospel.

3 Nephi 27:13–22

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “October 19–25. 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi: “There Could Not Be a Happier People”

Explain to the children that the word gospel means “good news” (see Bible Dictionary, “Gospels”). Help the children search 3 Nephi 27:13–15 for something that sounds like good news to them. Why are we grateful to know the gospel of Jesus Christ?

Write on the board principles of the gospel like faith, repentance, baptism, the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. Invite the children to search 3 Nephi 27:19–21, looking for these words or similar words in Jesus’s description of His gospel.

Living the gospel brings me joy.

4 Nephi 1:2–3, 15–17

Friend October 2020 “Faithful People Followed Jesus”

Lesson

Lesson 38: Peace Among the Nephites

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “October 19–25. 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi: “There Could Not Be a Happier People”

Invite the children to talk about what makes them happy. 

  • Show pictures of happy people. Explain that the people in 4 Nephi had almost 200 years of happiness because they all tried their best to live the gospel. Help the children think of some commandments they could obey. For example, you could read them 4 Nephi 1:15 to teach that the people didn’t fight with each other anymore. Invite the children to act out obeying the commandments they thought of. Sing together a song about the joy that comes from living the gospel, such as “When We’re Helping” (Children’s Songbook, 198).

4 Nephi 1:15

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “October 19–25. 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi: “There Could Not Be a Happier People”

To reduce contention in your home, perhaps family members could set a goal to be more loving to each other this week. After the week is over, review your progress together and discuss how showing greater love has affected your family.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “October 19–25. 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi: “There Could Not Be a Happier People”

  • Read phrases from 4 Nephi 1:24–29, 34–35, and 43 that describe what happened when some of the Nephites stopped keeping the commandments. As you do, invite the children to make a sad face when they hear something that sounds unhappy. Testify that keeping the commandments leads to happiness.
  • To help the children practice what is taught in 4 Nephi 1:15–16, present them with situations where people are angry with each other. Invite them to role-play what the situation might be like if they tried to live with “no contention.” Why is it easier to avoid contention when we have the “love of God” in our hearts?
  • Read with the children the following verses, and ask them to find reasons the Nephites and Lamanites no longer had peace and happiness: 4 Nephi 1:20, 24–29, 34–35, and 43. How can we avoid these dangers?

Ensign October 2020 “What Does it Mean to be Truly Converted?” After the Savior’s appearance to the Nephites, they experienced nearly 200 years of unity and peace because they were “all converted unto the Lord” (4 Nephi 1:2). Compare the happiness of the righteous Nephites to the sorrow when they were unrighteous. Ponder the difference and find ways you can become more converted to the Lord.

Latter Day Kids “”Living the Gospel Brings Joy”- Come Follow Me: Oct. 19th-25th” Also includes lesson ideas to go along with the below video.

Friend October 2020 “Coloring Page: People Lived Happily” What can you do to help your family be happy?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “October 19–25. 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi: “There Could Not Be a Happier People”

3 Nephi 27:30–31

To help family members understand the joy the Savior described in these verses, you could play a game in which family members hide and another family member tries to find them. This could lead to a conversation about why it’s important to find every family member so that “none of them are lost.” How can we help our family members stay strong in the gospel or return if they have left?

Friend October 2020 “Come, Follow Me for Little Ones” Read 4 Nephi 1:15 together and help your little ones say, “Living the gospel brings me joy!” You could read “Faithful People Followed Jesus” (page FJ4) and talk about the good choices people made. Together, think of something you could do to help someone you know feel happier.

Additional Helps

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 38: Peace among the Nephites” 

As I purify my desires, I become a more faithful disciple.

3 Nephi 28:1–11

What would you say if the Savior asked you, as He asked His disciples, “What is it that ye desire of me?” (3 Nephi 28:1). Think about this as you read about the experience of the Savior’s disciples in 3 Nephi 28:1–11. What do you learn about the desires of the disciples’ hearts from their answers to His question?

Book of Mormon: Coloring Book “The Twelve Nephite Disciples” Nine of Jesus’s twelve disciples lived to age 72 because they wanted to speedily return to Jesus. The other three disciples wanted to live until Jesus comes again. Find the Three Nephites in the bottom half of the page who did not get old.

3 Nephi 28:17–18, 36–40

What can we learn from Mormon’s example when he did not understand everything about the change that happened to the three Nephite disciples? What can we do when we don’t understand everything about a gospel principle?


3 Nephi 20-26

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Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 46: Jesus Christ Teaches and Prays with the Nephites” Images and Video (Start video at the first image below.)

Book of Mormon Stories for Young Readers “Faithful People Followed Jesus”

I can pray in my heart.

3 Nephi 20:1

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 20–26: “Ye Are the Children of the Covenant”

  • Ask the children to show you what they do when they pray. What do they do with their arms? their heads? their eyes? Explain that sometimes we want to talk to Heavenly Father, but we can’t kneel or close our eyes. What can we do? Read to the children from 3 Nephi 20:1: “[Jesus] commanded them that they should not cease to pray in their hearts.” Tell the children how you pray in your heart.
  • Draw a mouth and a heart on the board. Ask the children to point to the mouth and tell you some things they say when they pray. Then ask them to point to the heart, and explain that we can say those same things in our hearts. Testify that Heavenly Father knows our feelings and thoughts.

To help family members understand that we can “pray always,” you could make a list of circumstances in which we could pray (or draw pictures to represent them). Then your family could sing a song that teaches about prayer, such as “Did You Think to Pray?” (Hymns, no. 140), replacing some of the words in the song with the words from their lists. How does the Lord bless us when we pray always? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 )

Paying tithing brings blessings.

3 Nephi 24:8–12

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 20–26: “Ye Are the Children of the Covenant”

Friend September 2017 “Blessings of Tithing” To discover the special promise Heavenly Father made to those who pay tithing, answer the questions and then use those answers to solve the code.

Paying tithing helps build God’s kingdom (3 Nephi 24:8–12).

Color the pictures, then cut out the circle and the spinner. Attach the spinner to the center of the circle, and rotate it to see some ways your tithing helps the Lord’s work.

Friend October 2020 “Come, Follow Me for Little Ones” Read 3 Nephi 24:10 together and help your little ones say, “Our family is blessed when we pay tithing.” Show your children 10 coins or pieces of paper money. Help them count to 10, and then practice setting aside one of the coins or bills. You could also help them recognize what a tithing slip looks like. This would be a great time to share a testimony of how paying tithing has blessed your family.

More ideas for what tithing is used for can be found here

Heavenly Father wants me to learn about my ancestors.

3 Nephi 25:5–6

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 20–26: “Ye Are the Children of the Covenant”

Tell the children that 3 Nephi 25:5–6 contains a prophecy about an event that would happen in the latter days. Invite them to read these verses to find out what it was. Testify that this prophecy has been fulfilled, and invite the children to read about it in Doctrine and Covenants 110:13–16(see also Gospel Art Book, no. 95). Explain that when we learn about our ancestors and do temple work for them, our hearts are turning to our fathers.

More Family History Ideas Here

I can search the scriptures diligently.

3 Nephi 23:1, 5

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 ” 3 Nephi 20–26: Ye Are the Children of the Covenant”

3 Nephi 23:6–13

If the Savior were to examine the records our family has kept, what questions might He ask us? Are there any important events or spiritual experiences that we should record? Now might be a good time to create or add to a family record and counsel together about what to include. Younger family members might enjoy decorating your record with photographs or drawings. Why is it important to record our family’s spiritual experiences?

More Scripture Study Ideas Here

Gathering Israel

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 ” 3 Nephi 20–26: Ye Are the Children of the Covenant”

3 Nephi 22:2

After reading this verse, maybe you could make a homemade tent and talk about how the Church is like a tent in a wilderness. What might it mean to “lengthen [its] cords” and “strengthen [its] stakes”? How do we invite others to find “shelter” in the Church? (see the video “Welcome”onComeuntoChrist.org)

Ensign October 2020 “Family Study Fun” Paper Name Gathering Game

We “gather Israel” when we help other people learn about the gospel. Jesus taught about this gathering in 3 Nephi 20–22.

  1. Give each person a piece of paper and ask them to write down any name that comes to mind.
  2. Everyone should close their eyes while one person hides the papers.
  3. Read 3 Nephi 20:18 and 39–40 out loud. How can you help other people learn about Jesus?
  4. While listening to a song about Jesus, invite everyone to help find the names and put them by a picture of the Savior.

Discussion: How does it make you feel to know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know each person by name?

More Missionary Ideas Here


3 Nephi 17-19

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Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 44: Jesus Christ Blesses the Children” Video and Images

Friend September 2016 “Jesus Visits the Nephites” & “Book of Mormon Stories for Young Readers” Video

Friend August 1988 “The Book of Mormon: Jesus in America”

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Additional Resources: Resources by Topic ” Jesus Christ Visits the Americas

Study Ideas

Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon “Lesson 35: Jesus Christ Heals the Sick and Blesses the Children”  Questions to ask for each verse as you read 3 Nephi 17 together as a family.

Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon “Lesson 35: Jesus Christ Heals the Sick and Blesses the Children” Because the Nephite people who gathered at Bountiful were not sufficiently prepared, the Savior could not tell them everything that Heavenly Father wanted them to know. What did Jesus ask the people to do? (Have the children fill in the blanks from 3 Nephi 17:3.) Following a conference, sacrament meeting, or Primary, what should you do to help you understand what you have heard?

Lessons

Lesson 35: Jesus Christ Heals the Sick and Blesses the Children

The Savior loves each of Heavenly Father’s children.

3 Nephi 17:7, 20–25

“Jesus Christ Blesses the Children” (June 2009 Friend)
A rebus story 

Friend October 2020 “Cover”

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Jesus Blessed the Children”

Friend September 2020 “Coloring Page”

Song Idea

Ensign October 2020 “Family Study Fun”

Read 3 Nephi 17:21–25 with your family, which describes the Savior ministering to people after His Resurrection. Talk about what it might have felt like to be there.

  1. Draw or write these body parts on pieces of paper: hands, feet, knees, arms, eyes, and mouth. Pass them out to different family members.
  2. Listen to “Had I Been a Child” from pages 80–81 of the Children’s Songbook 
  3. Whenever a body part is mentioned in the song, have the family member holding that paper lift it up for everyone to see.

Discussion: Talk about how Jesus has a resurrected body and how one day we’ll have a resurrected body too. Jesus used His body to serve others. How can we serve others and show them love?

“Had I Been A Child” Lyrics

  1. 1. Had I been a child when Jesus cameUnto the Nephites that blessed dayAnd showed them the wounds in his hands and his feetAnd knelt with them to pray.
  2. 2. Then he might have held me safe in his arms;He might have looked in my eyes and saidA word, with his blessing of kindness and love,His hands placed upon my head.
  3. 3. Someday, when the Savior comes again,Oh, how I hope that my heart will beAs pure as the hearts of the children that dayWho gathered around his knee.

More Ideas for “Jesus Loves Us” Here

I can think about Jesus when I take the sacrament. As I take the sacrament, I can be filled with the Holy Ghost.

3 Nephi 18:1–12

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 45: Jesus Christ Teaches about the Sacrament and Prayer” Video and Images

Study Ideas

Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon “Lesson 36: Jesus Christ Gives the Sacrament to the Nephites” Questions to ask for each verse as you read 3 Nephi 18: 1-14 together as a family.

Lesson

Lesson 36: Jesus Christ Gives the Sacrament to the Nephites

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Jesus Introduced the Sacrament to the Nephites”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 17–19: “Behold, My Joy Is Full” Have the children draw a picture of themselves with Jesus on the last square.

Latter Day Kids “Come Follow Me: Renewing Our Covenants” Video and lesson ideas

Friend October 2020 “Come, Follow Me for Little Ones” Read 3 Nephi 18:6 together and help your little ones say, “The sacrament helps me remember Jesus.” Then help them make a booklet to remember Jesus during church. Staple folded pieces of paper together and fill them with gospel pictures or drawings. You could cut out pictures from Church magazines or print coloring pages at lessonhelps.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

More Sacrament Ideas Here

Jesus teaches me how to pray. Praying will help me be close to Heavenly Father.

3 Nephi 18:15–2419:6–9, 15–36

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 46: Jesus Christ Teaches and Prays with the Nephites” Video and Images

Study Ideas

Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon “Lesson 37: Jesus Christ Teaches the Nephites to Pray” Questions to ask for each verse as you read  3 Nephi 18:15–251920:1 together as a family.

Friend October 2020 “Jesus Taught Us How to Pray”

Lesson

Lesson 37: Jesus Christ Teaches the Nephites to Pray

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 17–19: “Behold, My Joy Is Full”

Write the following scripture references on pieces of paper, and give them to each child or to small groups of children: 3 Nephi 18:153 Nephi 18:203 Nephi 18:213 Nephi 19:19; and 3 Nephi 19:24. Invite the children to read the scriptures, looking for things Jesus Christ or His disciples taught about prayer. Ask them to report what they learn to the class.

On the board, write I thank thee for . Give the children one minute to think of as many things as they can to fill in the blank. Why is it good for us to express gratitude to Heavenly Father? Then write I ask thee for on the board, and read together 3 Nephi 18:18–21 and 19:9, 23, looking for ideas about what we should pray for.

Ensign October 2020 “How can I pray as the Savior taught?” Christ visited the Nephites, He prayed with them 11 times. Through word and example, He taught them how they should pray.

More Prayer Ideas Here

Review

Friend August 1988

Friend August 1988

Friend August 1988

Friend August 1988
Friend August 1988

3 Nephi 12-16

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Lesson

Lesson 34: Jesus Teaches the Beatitudes

Friend March 1984

Friend March 1984

I can be a good example for others.

3 Nephi 12:14–16

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 12–16: “I Am the Law, and the Light”

Sing together a song that encourages the children to shine like a light, such as “Shine On” or “I Am like a Star” (Children’s Songbook, 144, 163). Tell the children about the light you see in them when they do “good works,” and explain how their light and examples help others and inspire you to do good works too.

Latter Day Kids “Let Your Light So Shine”- Come Follow Me” Video and lesson ideas to go along with it.

Video: The moose gets lost at sea and he doesn’t know which way to go. A lighthouse light guides him back home.

More ideas for being a good Example

Heavenly Father answers my prayers.

3 Nephi 14:7

Friend September 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read 3 Nephi 13:9–13 together and help your little ones say, “Heavenly Father wants me to pray to Him.” Collect pictures of people doing different gospel activities, including praying, from Church magazines or at medialibrary.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Turn all the pictures upside-down, then take turns flipping them over. Whenever you see someone praying, help everyone practice folding their arms, bowing their heads, and closing their eyes.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 12–16: “I Am the Law, and the Light”

President Russell M. Nelson said: “Does God really want to speak to you? Yes! … Oh, there is so much more that your Father in Heaven wants you to know” (“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 95).

3 Nephi 14:7–11

Younger children might enjoy a game, inspired by 3 Nephi 14:8–9, in which they ask for something and receive something entirely different. What did the Savior want us to know about our Father in Heaven when He shared this example?

Spiritual safety comes from hearing and doing what the Savior teaches.

3 Nephi 14:21–2715:1

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 12–16: “I Am the Law, and the Light”

Show the children a rock and some sand. Ask them to point to the rock when you describe a choice to follow the Savior and point to the sand when you describe a choice not to follow Him. Testify that when we do what the Savior says, we are strong like a house built on a rock.

Sing together “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” (Children’s Songbook, 281), or read 3 Nephi 14:24–27. Help the children substitute their names for “the wise man” as they sing. Why did the wise man’s house stay standing during the storm? Review verse 24 to emphasize that he both heard and did what the Savior said.

As a class, read 3 Nephi 14:21–27 and 15:1, and ask the children to stand up every time you read the word “doeth.” Why does the Savior emphasize doing His sayings, not just hearing or remembering?

Invite the children to stand up, and ask them to imagine that one leg represents hearing the Savior’s words and the other represents doing them. Invite them to raise the “doing” leg and balance on the “hearing” leg. What would happen if a strong wind blew through the room? Use this example to illustrate why it is safer to do what the Savior says and not just hear His words.

I should hunger and thirst after righteousness.

3 Nephi 12:6

3 Nephi 13:19–21

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 12–16: “I Am the Law, and the Light”

These verses could prompt a discussion about what your family treasures. Are there some treasures on earth that are keeping you from laying up treasures in heaven? You could reinforce this point by leading the family on a treasure hunt to find things in your home that remind your family members of treasures with eternal value.

Ensign September 2020 “Family Study Fun”

Read 3 Nephi 13:19–21 together and talk about what it means to focus on heavenly treasure.

  1. Decorate or label a box as a “treasure chest.” Invite each family member to put a gospel item inside (Book of Mormon, picture of ancestor, temple recommend, etc.).
  2. Tell everyone to close their eyes while one person hides the treasure chest nearby. Then everyone should try to find it.
  3. When someone finds the treasure, they should take their item out of the box and share why it is special to them.
  4. Take turns hiding and sharing until all the treasure is gone.

Discussion: Why is spiritual treasure more valuable than earthly treasure? What can our family do to focus on spiritual instead of earthly treasure this week?

Have pictures of food and drink with scriptures printed on them. Cut off a little piece like a bite and see what the children can learn from that piece. Give them the rest of the that item and ask what they learn from the whole scripture. Explain that a little nibble here and there isn’t enough to keep us spiritually fed and strong.

Ensign September 2020 “Come, Follow Me: Book of Mormon—Support Articles and Activities: 3 Nephi 12-16”

Jesus Christ taught the twelve Nephite disciples that they would be blessed as they followed His commandments. Our Heavenly Father knows that we need certain things, and He promises that we will receive them as we seek His kingdom first in our lives. (See 3 Nephi 13:31–33.)

I should do good things for the right reasons.

3 Nephi 13:1–8, 16–18

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 12–16: “I Am the Law, and the Light”

  • Ask each child to search 3 Nephi 13:1–45–8, or 16–18 and identify the good works mentioned in these verses (explain that doing “alms” means giving to the poor). Why did the Savior say not to be like some of the people doing these things?

Give each child a slip of paper with a righteous act written on it (or let them think of their own examples). Ask them to think of good reasons and bad reasons for doing those things. Encourage them to always do good things for the right reasons.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 12–16: “I Am the Law, and the Light”

Righteous acts are not enough; my heart must also be pure. The Savior’s invitation is to live a higher law—to be righteous not only in our outward actions but also in our hearts. Look for this theme when the Savior speaks of contention (3 Nephi 12:21–26), immorality (3 Nephi 12:27–30), prayer (3 Nephi 13:5–8), and fasting (3 Nephi 13:16–18). What other examples can you find? What can you do to purify the desires of your heart rather than focus on outward actions only?

Jesus is the Good Shepherd

Book of Mormon Stories “The Good Shepherd” Images and Video

Friend September 2020 “Family Night Fun”

Jesus Called Twelve Apostles

Who did Jesus Christ say the Nephites should listen to and obey? (3 Nephi 12:1.) Why is it important that we listen to and obey our Church leaders today?


3 Nephi 8-11

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Story

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 43: Jesus Christ Appears to the Nephites” Video and Images

Book of Mormon Stories for Young Readers  “Jesus Visited the Americas” Video and Images (Also found in Friend September 2016)

Friend November 2013  “Jesus Appears to the Nephite People”

Friend September 2020 “One by One” Action Rhyme

Lesson

Lesson 33: The Savior Appears to the Nephites

When I am in darkness, Jesus Christ can be my light.

3 Nephi 8–11

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 8–11: “Arise and Come Forth unto Me”

To help your family relate to the experiences described in 3 Nephi 8–9, you could retell or listen to a recording of portions of these chapters in a darkened room. Discuss what it might have been like to be in darkness for three days. Then you could talk about how Jesus Christ is “the light … of the world” (3 Nephi 9:18).

Ensign September 2020 “Come, Follow Me Shareable Scriptures”

Just as the sun is necessary for light which living things on the earth need to live, it is necessary for us to follow Jesus because he is the light that shows the way to Eternal Life.

Jesus Christ invites me to come to Him.

3 Nephi 8–11

I can learn to recognize God’s voice in my life.

3 Nephi 11:1–8

Ask the children to read verses 5–7 to find out what the people did that helped them understand the voice.

Ensign September 2020 “Family Study Fun”

Read 3 Nephi 11:3–7 together. Before Jesus Christ appeared to the people in Bountiful, they had to “open their ears” to the words of God.

  1. Invite everyone to turn to each other and talk about their day.
  2. Meanwhile, have someone softly read 3 Nephi 11:7. Then ask the group if they can repeat what was said.
  3. Read the scripture again, this time with everyone listening quietly. Now repeat the verse together.

Discussion: Why was it easier to remember the verse the second time? How can we eliminate distractions and “open our ears” to the Spirit this week?

Ensign September 2020 “How Can We Hear God’s Voice”

Jesus protects His people as a hen protects her chicks.

3 Nephi 10:4–6

Latter Day Kids “Come Follow Me: How Oft Will I Gather You?” Videos and Lesson ideas.

Show a picture of a hen caring for her chicks. Read 3 Nephi 10:6, and tell the children about how a hen calls to her chicks and protects them under her wings when there is danger. Discuss how Jesus is like the hen and we are like the chicks. How can we come to Him to find safety? Share with the children how you have come to the Savior for safety, and testify that He will protect us from spiritual dangers as we keep His commandments.

Friend September 2020 “Family Night Fun”

Jesus Christ wants me to be baptized.

3 Nephi 11:21–26

Review

Friend August 1988

Friend August 1988

3rd Nephi – 4th Nephi

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3 Nephi 1-7

Signs of Jesus’s Birth are Fulfilled

3 Nephi 8-11

Jesus Christ Appears to the Nephites

3 Nephi 12-16

Jesus Teaches the Beatitudes

3 Nephi 17-19

Jesus Blesses the Children and Heals the Sick

Jesus Teaches about the Sacrament and Prayer

3 Nephi 20-26

Jesus Teaches the Nephites

3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi

The Church of Jesus Christ

The Nephites live in Peace and Happiness

The Three Disciples


3 Nephi 1-7

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Friend March 1988 “Scriptural Giants” Lachoneus and Gidggidoni

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 41: The Signs of Christ’s Birth” Images and Video

Lesson

Lesson 32: Signs in America of Jesus Christ’s Birth

A new star appeared when Jesus Christ was born.

3 Nephi 1:4–15, 19–21

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 32: Signs in America of Jesus Christ’s Birth”  Tell the children that you are going to give them some clues about an event that took place many years ago. Ask them to raise their hands when they know what event the clues are describing.

  • Angel
  • Shepherd’s staff
  • Donkey
  • Star
  • Manger
  • Baby

Come Follow Me for Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 1–7: “Lift Up Your Head and Be of Good Cheer”

Before class, place a star on the wall. Invite the children to look for something on the wall that usually isn’t there. Tell the children that the Nephites saw a new star in the sky when Jesus was born.

Show the children a picture of the Savior’s birth Help the children understand that the Nephites were far away from where Jesus was born, but they knew He was born because of the signs they saw. Testify that even though we did not see the Savior’s birth, the Holy Ghost can help us know that the stories about it in the scriptures are true.

Friend September 2020 “Family Night Fun”

Friend December 1988

Friend December 1988

Friend September 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read 3 Nephi 1:19 and help your little ones say, “I’m so glad Jesus was born!” Then visit children.ChurchofJesusChrist.organd watch the sing-along videos for “Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus,” “He Sent His Son,” “God’s Christmas Gift,” or other songs about the birth of Christ.

The prophets’ words are always fulfilled.

3 Nephi 1:4–21

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 32: Signs in America of Jesus Christ’s Birth”  Verse by verse questions

  • (3 Nephi 1:5–6.) 
  • What were some of the people saying about Samuel the Lamanite’s prophecies?
  • (3 Nephi 1:7.)
  •  How did the believers react to the unbelievers?
  • (3 Nephi 1:8.) 
  • What sign were they looking for?
  • (3 Nephi 1:9.
  • What threat did the unbelievers make to those who believed?
  • (3 Nephi 1:12.) 
  • What did Nephi do when he saw the wickedness of the people?
  • (3 Nephi 1:13–14.)
  • What was the answer to Nephi’s prayer? Why did Jesus Christ say he was coming into the world?
  • (3 Nephi 1:15, 19.) 
  • How was the prophecy fulfilled?
  • Read the account in verses 11–15 and suggest ways to complete this sentence: “The lesson of this story is …” How can we show our trust in God when we are worried or discouraged?
  • (3 Nephi 1:18.)
  • Why were the unbelievers so afraid when they saw the signs that the prophecy was fulfilled?
  • (3 Nephi 1:21.)
  • What sign did the Nephites see that was also seen in Bethlehem?
  • (3 Nephi 1:22.) 
  • What did Satan do to try to keep the people from believing the signs?
  • (3 Nephi 1:22–23.)
  •  How did the people show their belief in the Lord?
  • (3 Nephi 1:29–30.) 
  • What happened that caused the people’s faith and righteousness to decrease?
  • (3 Nephi 1:29–30.)
  • Why is it important to follow the righteous example and teachings of our parents? 
  • (3 Nephi 2:1–2.)
  • What was the attitude of the people toward the many signs they saw?
    What can we learn about the strength of testimonies that are based on signs? What can we do to strengthen our testimonies?
  • (3 Nephi 2:3, 11.) 
  • What were the results of the Nephites’ unbelief?
  • (3 Nephi 2:12.) 
  • What did the righteous Nephites and Lamanites do to protect themselves? How does being with other Church members and worshiping Heavenly Father help us grow stronger?
  • (3 Nephi 2:17–19.)
  • What finally happened to the people because of their wickedness?
  • (3 Nephi 1:20.)
  • How do you know that the prophecies of Jesus Christ’s second coming will be fulfilled? What kind of a person do you want to be when he comes? What can we do now to prepare for the Second Coming?

Come Follow Me for Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 1–7: “Lift Up Your Head and Be of Good Cheer”

Show pictures that depict how God has spoken through prophets, such as Noah and other prophets. Invite the children to share what they know about these stories. Read to the children 3 Nephi 1:20, and share your testimony that the words of prophets are always fulfilled.

  • Share something that our living prophet has promised us. What can we do to show our faith that the prophet’s words came from God?

Friend December 2020 “I Can Play It: Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus” Printed song and Sing-Along Video

Forgetting spiritual experiences makes me vulnerable to Satan’s temptations.

3 Nephi 1:222:1–3

The Nephites started to fall into wickedness as they let themselves forget the signs of the birth of Jesus Christ and the miracles they had seen. Similarly, if we forget our spiritual experiences, it will be easier for us to drift away from the gospel. Ensign September 2020 “Come, Follow Me: Book of Mormon—Support Articles and Activities September 7–13”

Ask the children if any of them would like to share a spiritual experience they have had. Ideas could include answers to prayers, warm feelings when reading the scriptures, etc.

What can you do to better remember the past spiritual experiences you have had? Consider writing them down. You could also share them with your family (Sharing your experience can bring back the Spirit. It can also help the other person to feel the Spirit). Ensign September 2020 “How can we keep from forgetting spiritual experiences?”

Jared’s Journal.” In this Friend story, Jared learns he can color in a journal to remember important things.

Scripture Journal.” This activity idea from the Friend can help your children start writing what they learn from the scriptures. Includes a doorknob tag to print and cut out.

Ensign September 2020 “Family Study Fun: Remembering Jar”

Read 3 Nephi 2:1–3 together and talk about how some people “began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard.” Then play an activity to help your family remember God all week.

  1. Label a jar “God loves me.”
  2. Give each family member a small piece of paper and ask them to write down a blessing God has given them. Put the papers in the jar.
  3. Encourage family members to add more papers to the jar as they notice blessings during the week.
  4. At the end of the week, pick a handful of papers to read out loud and talk about.

Discussion: Why do you think the adversary wants us to forget the spiritual “wonders” we notice in our lives? How can we remember God every day?

We are stronger when we gather together.

3 Nephi 2:11–123:13–14, 24–26

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 1–7: “Lift Up Your Head and Be of Good Cheer”

To help your family learn how Satan can deceive us, draw a body, and as your family reads 3 Nephi 2:1–3 and 6:15–17, mark the different parts of the body mentioned. According to these verses, what are some of the ways Satan tempts us to forget God and turn to sin?

3 Nephi 4:7–12, 30–33 What did the Nephites do when they saw the Gadianton robbers coming? What can our family learn from the Nephites when we face difficult situations? What can we learn from the Nephites’ words after the Lord helped them in their time of difficulty?

Come Follow Me for Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 1–7: “Lift Up Your Head and Be of Good Cheer”

The Nephites had to gather together for physical safety. How can you help the children see that gathering together with righteous friends can also give them spiritual strength?

Possible Activities

  • Read with the children the following verses, and invite them to look for reasons why the Nephites gathered together and the blessings that came to them: 3 Nephi 2:11–12 and 3:13–14, 24–26. Why is it important for us to “gather” today in our families and at church? How can gathering make us spiritually stronger?
  • Use an object lesson to teach that we are stronger together than we are apart. For example, invite the children to try breaking one stick and then a bundle of sticks or tearing one piece of paper and then a stack of papers. How are we like the sticks or the paper? How can we strengthen each other when we gather together in our families or at church?

I can follow Jesus Christ.

3 Nephi 5:13

I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.

3 Nephi 4:30–335:12–266:147:15–26

Come Follow Me for Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 1–7: “Lift Up Your Head and Be of Good Cheer”

Read 3 Nephi 5:13, and invite the children to repeat the phrase “I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.” Teach them that a disciple of Jesus Christ tries to follow Him. Share a few things Mormon did to be like Jesus, such as teaching God’s word and obeying God’s commandments (see 3 Nephi 5:13–18). Help the children think of ways they can be disciples.

On a piece of paper, help the children trace their hand and cut it out. Write “I am a disciple of Jesus Christ” on one side, and invite them to draw something they can do to be a disciple on the other side (you might need to help them think of ideas). Sing together a song about following the Savior, such as “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79).

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 1–7: “Lift Up Your Head and Be of Good Cheer”

Read 3 Nephi 5:13 and Doctrine and Covenants 41:5, and discuss what it means to be a disciple of Christ. Maybe family members could talk about times when they noticed each other being disciples. If you have small children, you might make a badge that says, “I am a disciple of Jesus Christ,” and let them wear the badge whenever you notice them following the Savior.

Latter Day Kids Video and lesson ideas about following Jesus


Helaman 13-16

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Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 40: Samuel the Lamanite Tells about Jesus Christ” Images and Video

Book of Mormon Stories for Young Readers “Samuel Teaches about Jesus”

Samuel and the Star

Friend December 2020 “Samuel and the Star”

Lesson

Lesson 31 “Samuel the Lamanite”

Friend September 2020 “Family Night Fun”

Book of Mormon 2020 for Individuals and Families “Helaman 13-16” After reading the account, maybe family members could take turns standing on a chair and reading some of Samuel’s prophecies while other family members pretend to shoot arrows or throw stones. This could help your family understand how Samuel and the Nephites may have felt. 

Friend September 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Helaman 14:11–12 together. Show your little ones a picture of Samuel standing on the wall and teaching people about Jesus. (You could use page FJ4 or the cover.) Then help them take turns standing on a chair or couch—like Samuel on the wall—and saying simple sentences about Jesus, like, “Jesus was born in Bethlehem,” “Jesus is the Son of God,” and “Jesus loves me.”

Friend July 1988

Friend July 1988

Friend January 2013 “Funstuff: Samuel the Lamanite Prophesies”

New Era October 2020 “Standing Firm with Samuel”

The Spirit can speak to our hearts.

Helaman 13:2–5

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 13–16: Glad Tidings of Great Joy”

Ask the children how Samuel knew what to say when he was preaching from the city wall. Invite them to search Helaman 13:2–4 for an answer. Tell about a time when the Holy Ghost helped you know in your heart what God wanted you to do or say. Ask the children to share any similar experiences they have had.

When Samuel the Lamanite was commanded to preach to the Nephites, Heavenly Father helped him know in his heart what he should say.

Teach the children that while we speak to each other using words, the Holy Ghost can communicate through feelings in our hearts. Invite them to hold their hands over their hearts each time you read the word “heart” in Helaman 13:2–5. Help them decorate heart-shaped pieces of paper that say, “The Spirit speaks to me in my heart.”

The Holy Ghost helps them know what Heavenly Father wants them to do and say.

Prophets teach about Jesus Christ.

Helaman 14:2–7, 20–25

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 13–16: Glad Tidings of Great Joy”

Help the children build a small wall with blocks or books. Using a small toy or doll to represent Samuel, let the children take turns helping “Samuel” climb the wall to teach the people about Jesus Christ.

Friend September 2020 “Cover”

Hide pictures around the room that represent the signs that Samuel prophesied of in Helaman 14:2–7 and 20–25. Read a phrase that describes one of the signs, and ask the children to find the picture of that sign.

Read together Helaman 14:11–12, and ask the children to listen for why Samuel prophesied about these signs.

The purpose of Samuel’s message was to testify of Jesus Christ and invite the people to repent and come unto Him. Our prophets today have the same role.

Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon “Lesson 31: Samuel the Lamanite”

Explain that not only did Samuel the prophet prophesy of Jesus Christ, so have all other prophets. Refer to Mosiah 13:33: “Did not Moses prophesy unto them concerning the coming of the Messiah, and that God should redeem his people? Yea, and even all the prophets who have prophesied ever since the world began—have they not spoken more or less concerning these things?” 

Sing together “Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus

Friend December 2016 “Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus”  video

Friend December 2020 “I Can Play It: Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus” Printed song and Sing-Along Video

Following the prophet

Helaman 16:1–6

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 13–16: Glad Tidings of Great Joy”

Show a picture of the living prophet speaking in general conference. Tell the children that God tells the prophet what to say to us, just as He told Samuel what to say to the Nephites. Talk together about things the prophet has said that have been inspiring to you or the children.

Read aloud Helaman 16:1 and 5, and ask the children to stand up when they hear something the people did when they believed Samuel’s words. Then read verses 2 and 6, and ask the children to sit down when they hear something the people did when they did not believe. How can we show that we believe the words of the living prophet?

Ensign September 2020 “Family Study Fun: Go Forth”

Read Helaman 16:1–3 together. Those who believed Samuel “went forth” to do what he taught. Talk about how we should follow our Church leaders today.

  1. Invite each family member to find a quote from general conference. (Perhaps browse “Inspirational Picture Quotes” at ChurchofJesusChrist.org/media-library/images.)
  2. Take turns standing on a chair or stool, like Samuel on the wall, and reading these quotes to the group.
  3. After each quote, talk about what your family can do to “go forth” and do what was taught.

Discussion: What could we do to get ready for general conference next month? What would help us listen to and act on the teachings of our Church leaders?

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Samuel the Lamanite”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 13–16: Glad Tidings of Great Joy”

Display a picture of the Savior, and ask a child to represent the prophet and lead the other children around the room while they sing a few verses of “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110–11) or another song about prophets. Then ask the child representing the prophet to lead the children to the picture of the Savior. Testify that if we follow the prophet, he will lead us to Jesus Christ. Share some things our prophet has taught about Jesus recently. How can we follow his counsel?

Sing together the seventh verse of “Book of Mormon Stories” (Children’s Songbook, 118–19). Share something you admire about Samuel, and let the children share what they like about his story.

Friend August 2016

Friend August 2016