Friend June 2021 “Don’t Give Up”Resilience means not giving up, even when something is hard. It means trying again after you mess up or moving forward when bad things happen.
Friend April 2023 “Never Give Up” Blake and his classmates were given a challenge to build a tall tower with noodles and marshmallows. The tower that Blake and his teammates built was too wide and not tall and his teammates wanted to give up, but Blake encouraged them not to give up. They fixed it and came in second place. Blake learned that no matter how hard things get, we should never give up!
Friend July 2019 ” Bright Idea: Don’t Give Up” Handout idea with swimmers each at a different points in swimming lanes and one that is lagging behind.
Friend April 2015 “On to the Victory” The first time Elder Gifford played professional football was scary because the players were so big and hit so hard, but he kept trying and he succeeded. Joseph Smith was constantly accused of crimes he didn’t commit, but he kept going forward.
Friend January 2020 “A Nephi Attitude” Bennett was tired and thirsty and not enjoying doing the service project. He wanted to go home but there was still a lot left to do. His mom talked to him about how Nephi had hard things to do like getting the plates from Laban, but he didn’t give up. Bennett liked the idea of being like Nephi. Nephi was strong and brave and good. So he kept working. He was proud of what they had accomplished when they were done. He was glad he had gotten rid of the Laman and Lemuel attitude.
Friend January 2020
How to Persevere
People in our Life Can Help us Persevere
Friend September 2018 “Keep Paddling” Life is like being on a river. Our goal to return to our Heavenly Father is upstream. We paddle toward this goal by making good choices. Temptations in the world try to take us downstream, away from our goal. It helps if we are part of a team that is paddling together. Your family is on your rowing crew. Your Primary teachers and Church leaders are also on your rowing crew too. Make this boat and draw who the people are that are on your rowing crew.
Friend April 2022 “Somebody Loves You” When Sister Susan H. Porter, First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency, was on her way to a new job, she started worrying that she wasn’t good enough. Then she had a clear feeling to try her best and remember that even if it doesn’t go well, there’s somebody who loves her.
2 Timothy is believed to be the last epistle Paul wrote, and it seems that he knew his time on earth was short (see 2 Timothy 4:6–8). How might Timothy have felt, knowing that he might soon be without his trusted mentor and leader? What did Paul say to encourage him? You might also read with your own challenges and fears in mind. What messages of hope and encouragement does the Lord have for you in 2 Timothy?
Near the end of his life, the Apostle Paul told Timothy, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). Try this activity to learn about “keeping the faith”:
Before Home Evening
Interview some older people who have been faithful in the gospel. These could be grandparents or members in your ward or branch.
Ask them questions you are interested in or questions like these: What trials did you experience and overcome? Did you have an experience when it took courage to live the gospel? What was most helpful in remaining faithful to your belief in Jesus Christ?
Write down or record their testimonies and experiences.
During Home Evening
Share with your family the testimonies you heard and lessons you learned.
What did these people teach you about overcoming difficulties through faith?
Discussion: How can you keep the faith throughout your life, despite challenges?
Matthew 2The wise men are directed by a star to Jesus—Joseph takes the child to Egypt—Herod slays the children in Bethlehem—Jesus is taken to Nazareth to dwell.
Luke 2Heavenly messengers herald the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem—He is circumcised, and Simeon and Anna prophesy of His mission—At twelve years of age, He goes about His Father’s business.
Ask the children to talk about things they look forward to, such as a birthday or holiday. Have the children read Helaman 14:2–5 to find something prophets were looking forward to.
As you read the story of Christ’s birth, invite the children to act out the story themselves, or use this week’s activity page to review the story. (See also “Chapter 5: Jesus Christ Is Born,” in New Testament Stories, 13–15, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.)
Mary and Joseph Travel to Bethlehem
Shepherds Learn of the Birth of Christ Video
If you have one, bring a Nativity set, and invite the children to set the pieces in appropriate places as you tell them the story of Jesus Christ’s birth. You could also show a picture of the Nativity (see, for example, this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Point to different people in the Nativity, and invite the children to share what they know about each person.
Sing together the children’s favorite songs about Jesus’s birth. As you do, look for opportunities to bear your testimony of the Savior. Invite the children to share why they love Jesus.
Show a picture of the Wise Men as you review their story, found in Matthew 2:1–12, with the children. You could show the picture Wise Men Present Gifts (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
Gift wrap pictures or objects that represent gifts we can give to Jesus. Invite the children to help you open the gifts, and discuss how we give these gifts to the Savior
Help each child draw or write a list of gifts they can give Jesus, such as “being a good friend” or “praying.” Invite the children to share their lists with the class and choose one “gift” they will give Jesus today.
Friend December 2017 “Family Night Fun” Make these cute gift boxes, and write a gift you want to give Jesus, like being kind, and put it in your gift box to remember!
Friend December 2017 “Dear Friends” One reason we give Christmas presents is to remember the gift of Heavenly Father and His Son. They love us so much. And we can show how much we love Them by being kind to others. You are a gift to the world too. Your life is a blessing to those around you.
What is the “Father’s business”? (Luke 2:49; see Moses 1:39; General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1.2, ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What do we learn about that business from the story in Luke 2:41–49? Consider writing down some ways your family can participate in the Father’s business and placing them in a jar. During the coming week, as your family looks for ways to help with Heavenly Father’s work, they can select ideas from the jar. Plan a time when you will share your experiences. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 2, Luke 2”)
Ask several children ahead of time to bring pictures of themselves as babies to share. Ask them how they have grown. Share some of the ways Jesus grew (see Luke 2:40, 52). Sing with the children “Jesus Once Was a Little Child” (Children’s Songbook, 55) or another song about the Savior.
Read Luke 2:52, and explain what “wisdom” and “stature” mean. You might ask the children to perform actions that show what it means to increase in wisdom and in favor with God and other people. For example, they could act out reading a book or helping someone in need.
As you read Luke 2:40, 52, tell the children to listen for the things Jesus did. Invite the children to share ways in which they have grown since they were little. Share your own experience of learning the gospel little by little. Bear your testimony of the Savior.
Friend January 2020 “Growing Like Jesus” Growing like Jesus did spiritually, physically, intellectually, and socially by setting goals in the Personal Development: Children’s Guidebook. (“Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52).)
Complete activities that illustrate phrases in Luke 2:40, 52. For example, you could measure each child’s height (“Jesus increased in … stature”) or ask the children to share their favorite scripture (“waxed strong in spirit”). Help the children notice ways they are growing and share these with their families.
After reviewing Luke 2:40, 52, invite the children to share what they think Jesus would have been like when He was their age. How would He have treated His mother? His brothers and sisters?
Invite a child to come prepared to summarize the story in Luke 2:41–52. To help the children understand the story, teach what the “Father’s business” (verse 49) means. For example, you could tell the children what you or your parents do for a job. What was the job or “business” of Joseph, Jesus’s earthly father? (see Matthew 13:55). What is the business of His Heavenly Father? (see Luke 2:46–49; see also Moses 1:39).
What is the “Father’s business”? (Luke 2:49; see Moses 1:39; General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1.2, ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What do we learn about that business from the story in Luke 2:41–49? Consider writing down some ways your family can participate in the Father’s business and placing them in a jar. During the coming week, as your family looks for ways to help with Heavenly Father’s work, they can select ideas from the jar. Plan a time when you will share your experiences. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 2, Luke 2”)
With the children, read Luke 2:46–49, and ask, “How was Jesus doing His ‘Father’s business’?” Help the children list or draw on the board ways they can help do Heavenly Father’s business too.
To help the children build their confidence that they, like the boy Jesus, can teach the gospel, help them practice teaching each other a principle from For the Strength of Youth.
The First Christmas Spirit (movie) A depiction of what Joseph may have felt as he faced the responsibility of caring for the Son of God.
Friend January 2023 “Journey to Egypt” After the Wise Men saw Jesus, an angel came to Joseph in a dream. The angel said that Jesus was in danger. He said they should go to Egypt, where they would be safe (see Matthew 2:13–14). Follow the maze to help Mary, Joseph, and Jesus find their way to Egypt.
Matthew Chapter 1Christ is born of Mary—She conceives by the power of the Holy Ghost—Our Lord is named Jesus.
Luke Chapter 1 Gabriel promises Zacharias that Elisabeth will bear a son, whom they will name John—He also tells Mary that she will be the mother of the Son of God—Mary visits Elisabeth and utters a psalm of praise—John the Baptist is born—Zacharias prophesies of John’s mission.
Invite a child’s parents to come to class dressed up as Mary and Joseph. Ask them to share the experiences recorded in Matthew 1:18–25 and Luke 1:26–38.
Tell the stories of angels appearing to Mary and Joseph, as recorded in these verses. (See also “Chapter 2: Mary and the Angel” and “Chapter 4: Joseph and the Angel,” in New Testament Stories, 8–9, 12, or the corresponding videos on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.) You could show the picture in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families. Invite the children to repeat the stories back to you.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 1; Luke 1” The births of Jesus and John the Baptist were possible only through the power of God. Learning about these miracles can strengthen the children’s faith that God has the power to work miracles in their lives.
As you and the children review Matthew 1:18–25 and Luke 1:5–37, ask the children questions like “What would you say if you were Mary?” or “How would you feel if you were Zacharias?”
In simple terms, tell the stories described in Matthew 1:18–25 and Luke 1:5–37. Ask the children to raise their hands when they hear something that might seem impossible without God’s power. What other stories can the children share in which God did something that seemed impossible?
Help the children memorize Luke 1:37. To do this, you could write the verse on the board and invite the children to recite it several times. After each time, erase one word.
Story: Elisabeth and Zacharias wanted to have a baby, but Elisabeth was too old. One day, an angel told Zacharias that they would have a son! Their son was John the Baptist. Elisabeth and Zacharias learned that with God, nothing is impossible. (See Luke 1:11–14, 37.)
Activity: Try this “impossible” task! First, bend your middle finger under. Then put your hand down on a table, palm down. Now try to lift your ring finger. Then ask someone else to lift it for you. How has Heavenly Father helped you do something that did not seem possible?
Like Mary and her cousin Elisabeth in the New Testament (see Luke 1:5–55), sometimes we are asked to do hard things and may wonder if we can.
Set an empty container, such as a bucket or a box, at one end of the room.
Give each family member a feather.
Starting on the opposite end of the room from the container, have each family member try to get their feather into the container by blowing it to keep it in the air as they cross the room.
To make it more challenging, allow only 30 seconds, and use a straw to blow air on the feather. Continue to decrease the allotted time until the activity becomes impossible.
Discussion: Keeping in mind that some challenges may not be resolved in this life, share an experience that strengthened your testimony that “the things which are impossible with men are possible with God” (Luke 18:27) What small steps can you take each day to achieve tasks in your life that seem impossible?
Tell the children that the angel told Mary that her baby would be called the Son of God (see Luke 1:35). Help the children repeat the phrase “Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
Younger children:Help the children understand who Jesus’s parents were by inviting them to draw pictures of their own parents. As they do this, tell them that Jesus had parents too—Mary and Heavenly Father. In addition, Joseph was asked to protect and take care of Jesus while He lived on earth. (See Red Crystal for an activity page for this part)
Older Children: Ask the children to read Luke 1:30–35, looking for answers to these questions: “Who is Jesus’s mother?” and “Who is Jesus’s Father?” Help them understand that Jesus Christ is the only person who had a mortal mother, Mary, and an immortal Father, Heavenly Father (see also 1 Nephi 11:18–21).
This is my beloved son. Hear him!Mary, Mother of Jesus
Share your testimony that because Jesus was the Son of God, He could die for our sins and come back to life. Show pictures of Jesus’s Crucifixion and Resurrection (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 57, 59).
President Russell M. Nelson explained that the Atonement of Jesus Christ “required a personal sacrifice by an immortal being not subject to death. Yet He must die and take up His own body again. The Savior was the only one who could accomplish this. From His mother He inherited power to die. From His Father He obtained power over death” (“Constancy amid Change,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 34).
As you read these verses, invite the children to search for names or titles of Jesus Christ. What do these names mean, and what do they teach us about Jesus?
Share your testimony of Jesus Christ, and invite the children to share their testimonies as well.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 1; Luke 1” Zacharias and Elisabeth had probably been praying for a child for many years. Eventually Heavenly Father answered their prayers by sending them a son, John the Baptist. How can you use this story to teach the children that Heavenly Father answers prayers?
In your own words, share the story from Luke 1:5–25, 57–63. You may want to repeat the story a few times. Assign children to play the parts of Zacharias, Elisabeth, and the angel and act out the story. Emphasize the angel’s words to Zacharias: “Thy prayer is heard” (Luke 1:13). Share an experience in which Heavenly Father answered your prayer.
Use “We Bow Our Heads” (Children’s Songbook, 25) or another song to teach the children how to pray. Every time the children sing the words “pray” or “prayer,” invite them to bow their heads and fold their arms.
Ask each child to do actions that represent something he or she can pray for. Let the other children guess what the actions represent. They can find ideas on this week’s activity page.
Ask the children what they would say to someone who had prayed for a blessing but had not received it yet. Invite them to think about this question as they read together Luke 1:5–25, 57–66. (See also “Chapter 1: Elisabeth and Zacharias” and “Chapter 3: John the Baptist Is Born,” in New Testament Stories, 6–7, 10–11, or the corresponding videos on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.) What might Zacharias and Elisabeth tell someone who felt their prayer wasn’t being answered?
Friend March 2019 “Faith and Raindrops” A girl has faith that her prayer for rain will be answered, but she learns that we also need to have faith in God’s timing.
Friend October 2016 “The Loose Tooth Test” Tessa says a prayer that her loose tooth that is bothering her will fall out. Tessa learns that sometimes the answer is to wait.
Friend October 2016
For whatever reasons, God’s timing meant that the blessing Elisabeth and Zacharias desired, to have a child, came much later than they expected. If you find yourself having to wait for a blessing, or if it seems that God isn’t hearing your prayers, the story of Elisabeth and Zacharias can be a reminder that He hasn’t forgotten you. He has a plan for you, and He always keeps His promises to His righteous Saints. As Elder Jeffrey R. Holland promised, “Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come” (“An High Priest of Good Things to Come,” Ensign, Nov. 1999, 38). Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 1; Luke 1”
Invite several children ahead of time to share experiences when Heavenly Father answered their prayers. Share a time in which you felt your prayers were answered in an unexpected way.
Invite the children to draw a picture of a time when Heavenly Father answered a prayer—especially one of their own. Let them share their drawings with the class.
1. Long ago in Galilee Jesus walked along the sea And told the fishermen To follow Him. Like the faithful long ago, I will choose to follow, For Jesus is calling me.
2. Jesus showed us long ago How to help the sick, the cold, To love and care for those Who need us the most. I will comfort those in need. I will strengthen feeble knees And show the love inside of me.
[Chorus] I will follow where my Savior leads. I will listen when He calls to me. I will live what I believe. And when I’m in need, He will carry me. He’s my Shepherd, and I’m His sheep.
1. The Shepherd loves His little lambs, And when they go astray, He seeks them as they wander; He calls each one by name. They listen for the Shepherd’s voice; They run to Him, and then He welcomes them with loving arms When they return to Him.
2. The Savior loves His little ones, And if I leave His side, He seeks me as I wander By day or darkest night. I’ll listen for the Savior’s call. I’ll come to Him, and then He’ll welcome me with loving arms When I return to Him.
3. The Savior marks the path for me; He shows me how to live. And if I stray or wander, I know He will forgive. So I will heed the Savior’s voice; I’ll turn away from sin, And He will fill my heart with joy When I return to Him.
Atonement
The Miracle
Friend June 2018 “The Miracle” Jesus did many miracles, but the most incredible is the one that rescued each of us. Music Video
Words: Jesus said that He would be my Shepherd. Jesus said that I would be His lamb. He calms my fears with tender words of comfort, So when He calls, I gladly follow Him. Jesus is my Friend; He’s like no other. Jesus is the Son, the Bread of Life. With Him, I’m not afraid; He is my Brother. He knows my heart. He helps me choose the right. Jesus said that He would be my Savior. Jesus said that He would be my Light. He made the stars, the oceans—my Creator, Redeemer, Lord, the Way, the Truth, the Life. So many names of Jesus, So many ways to know Him, And every name means, “I love you.” The Prince of Peace, the King of Kings, Jesus Christ salvation brings.
1. There’s a light within me— The perfect light of Christ— And I have made a promise To keep it burning bright By walking in His footsteps And following His plan In every time and every place, In every way I can.
2. One simple act of kindness Will lift a lonely soul; One gentle word that’s spoken Turns sadness to hope. One choice to be like Jesus Will spread the love He gives, And one by one the world becomes A better place to live.
Chorus: I will shine like a candle in the dark; All it takes to make a difference is a spark. And it’s easy to see that the brightest I’ll be Is when I let His light shine through me. When I let His light shine through me.
1. Jesus walked in wisdom; Jesus grew in truth. He showed love to God and man while in His youth. Jesus wants to guide me. Jesus shows the way, Calling me to come and walk with Him each day.
2. I can grow like Jesus. I will try each day— Promising to walk His path and there to stay. Standing by my Savior, safe within His care, Step by step I’ll follow, and His love I’ll share.
3. I will trust in Jesus. I will hear His call. He will never leave me, even when I fall. Jesus gives me power, lifts and comforts me, Helping me to live and grow eternally.
Chorus: I will walk with Jesus to my home above. He will bless me with His Spirit and fill me with His love, Change my heart forever and help me clearly see. I will walk with Jesus, and He will walk with me.
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.
Draw or write these body parts on pieces of paper: hands, feet, knees, arms, eyes, and mouth. Pass them out to different family members.
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. 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. 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. 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.
1. There is peace in Christ When we learn of Him. Feel the love He felt for us When He bore our sins. Listen to His words. Let them come alive. If we know Him as He is, There is peace in Christ.
2. There is peace in Christ When we walk with Him Through the streets of Galilee To Jerusalem. Mend the broken hearts. Dry the tear-filled eyes. When we live the way He lived, There is peace in Christ.
Chorus: He gives us hope When hope is gone. He gives us strength When we can’t go on. He gives us shelter In the storms of life. When there’s no peace on earth, There is peace in Christ.
Second ending: When there’s no peace on earth, There is peace in Christ.
1. Because He walked with men, I know the way. Because He calmed the storm, I’m not afraid. Because He bowed beneath all things, He lifted me above. Because I know He died for me, I feel His love.
2. Because He conquered death, I’ll live again. Because He is my Friend, I’ll follow Him. Because He felt all grief and pain, He calms and comforts me. And when He comes again, I’ll kneel before His feet.
Chorus: And I will praise forever The Savior of the world. And I will sing together With all the Saints on earth. Because He gave to me everything He had to give, I breathe, I see, I hope, I love, I live.
Even before He was born, Jesus Christ played important roles in Heavenly Father’s plan. As you read John 1:1–5, what impresses you about Christ’s premortal work?
Explain that “the Word” in John 1:1 refers to Jesus. Read the verse aloud, and ask the children to say “Jesus” each time you read “the Word.” Show the line drawing Premortal Life (LDS.org). Explain that Jesus Christ lived with Heavenly Father before He came to earth.
Ask the children if they know anything about what Jesus did before He was born. Invite them to look for answers in John 1:1–5. It might help to look in Joseph Smith Translation, John 1:1–5 (in the Bible appendix).
Joseph Smith Translation, John 1:1, reads: “In the beginning was the gospel preached through the Son. And the gospel was the word, and the word was with the Son, and the Son was with God, and the Son was of God” (in the Bible appendix).
Teach the children that we also lived with God before we came to earth. You may want to use “Introduction: Our Heavenly Father’s Plan,” New Testament Stories, 1–5; the corresponding video (LDS.org); or Guide to the Scriptures, “Premortal Life,” scriptures.lds.org. Ask the children what they learn about Jesus Christ
Friend December 2019 “In the Footsteps of Jesus” Mary and her family live in Israel and have had many special experiences walking where Jesus walked. Article includes images of their visits to Bethlehem, the River Jordan, the Sea of Galilee, and Jerusalem. Friend December 2019 “Family Night Fun” We can get to know Jesus no matter where we live. Song, scripture, and discussion ideas.
Friend April 2019 “The Miracle of Easter” Each section includes information about a certain part of Jesus’ life, and includes a scripture and song to go with it.
What is the “Father’s business”? (Luke 2:49; see Moses 1:39; General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1.2, ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What do we learn about that business from the story in Luke 2:41–49? Consider writing down some ways your family can participate in the Father’s business and placing them in a jar. During the coming week, as your family looks for ways to help with Heavenly Father’s work, they can select ideas from the jar. Plan a time when you will share your experiences. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 2, Luke 2”)
Ask several children ahead of time to bring pictures of themselves as babies to share. Ask them how they have grown. Share some of the ways Jesus grew (see Luke 2:40, 52). Sing with the children “Jesus Once Was a Little Child” (Children’s Songbook, 55) or another song about the Savior.
Read Luke 2:52, and explain what “wisdom” and “stature” mean. You might ask the children to perform actions that show what it means to increase in wisdom and in favor with God and other people. For example, they could act out reading a book or helping someone in need.
As you read Luke 2:40, 52, tell the children to listen for the things Jesus did. Invite the children to share ways in which they have grown since they were little. Share your own experience of learning the gospel little by little. Bear your testimony of the Savior.
Friend January 2020 “Growing Like Jesus” Growing like Jesus did spiritually, physically, intellectually, and socially by setting goals in the Personal Development: Children’s Guidebook. (“Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52).)
Complete activities that illustrate phrases in Luke 2:40, 52. For example, you could measure each child’s height (“Jesus increased in … stature”) or ask the children to share their favorite scripture (“waxed strong in spirit”). Help the children notice ways they are growing and share these with their families.
After reviewing Luke 2:40, 52, invite the children to share what they think Jesus would have been like when He was their age. How would He have treated His mother? His brothers and sisters?
Invite a child to come prepared to summarize the story in Luke 2:41–52. To help the children understand the story, teach what the “Father’s business” (verse 49) means. For example, you could tell the children what you or your parents do for a job. What was the job or “business” of Joseph, Jesus’s earthly father? (see Matthew 13:55). What is the business of His Heavenly Father? (see Luke 2:46–49; see also Moses 1:39).
What is the “Father’s business”? (Luke 2:49; see Moses 1:39; General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1.2, ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What do we learn about that business from the story in Luke 2:41–49? Consider writing down some ways your family can participate in the Father’s business and placing them in a jar. During the coming week, as your family looks for ways to help with Heavenly Father’s work, they can select ideas from the jar. Plan a time when you will share your experiences. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 2, Luke 2”)
With the children, read Luke 2:46–49, and ask, “How was Jesus doing His ‘Father’s business’?” Help the children list or draw on the board ways they can help do Heavenly Father’s business too.
To help the children build their confidence that they, like the boy Jesus, can teach the gospel, help them practice teaching each other a principle from For the Strength of Youth.
Friend January 2020 “Growing Like Jesus” Growing like Jesus did spiritually, physically, intellectually, and socially by setting goals in the Personal Development: Children’s Guidebook. (“Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52).)
Jesus Calls His Twelve Disciples (Apostles)
A Disciple is Someone who Receives God’s Law and Obeys it.
Write Doctrine and Covenants 41:5 on a piece of paper, leaving blanks where the word “disciple” should be. Ask the children to fill in the blanks, looking in Doctrine and Covenants 41:5 if they need help. What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? A disciple is someone who receives God’s law and obeys it. Share how you are striving to be a better disciple of Christ.
After discussing Doctrine and Covenants 41:5, ask the children to think of laws we have received from the Lord. Invite them to take turns acting out obeying one of those laws while the rest of the class tries to guess what it is.
Give each class member a strip of paper, and ask them to write on it one way they can be a better disciple. Invite each child to share what they wrote, and then tape the strips together to create a paper chain.
Friend January 2023 “Catching Fish” Some of Jesus Christ’s disciples were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Can you find which child is about to catch which fish?
Matthew CHAPTER 5 Jesus preaches the Sermon on the Mount—Its teachings replace and transcend some aspects of the law of Moses—All are commanded to be perfect like their Father in Heaven.
Luke CHAPTER 6 Jesus heals on the Sabbath—He chooses the Twelve Apostles—He pronounces blessings upon the obedient and woes upon the wicked. Sermon on the Mount
Explain that the beginning of Jesus’s sermon includes what is known as the “Beatitudes.” Beatitude means to be blessed or happy. In these verses, Jesus identified attributes that He and His Father possess that lead to true happiness in this life and in the life to come. Developing these attributes will help you become more like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Create a chart on the board with two columns labeled Blessed are … and Blessing. Invite the children to search Matthew 5:3–12 looking for the qualities of those Jesus said would be blessed and the blessings He promised them. Then fill in the chart with what they find. Discuss with the children what each quality and corresponding blessing mean.
Write each quality from these verses on a card and its corresponding blessing on a card. For example, one card would say “meek,” and another would say “inherit the earth” (verse 5). Let the children match the qualities and the blessings. Ask the children to pick one of the qualities in these verses that they want to develop.
Friend March 2019 “Sermon on the Mount” The scriptures teach us about a special talk (or “sermon”) that Jesus gave called the Sermon on the Mount. Look up the scriptures below and match them with what Jesus taught.
Friend April 2004 “If I Choose to Obey, I’ll Be Happy All Day!” In the Sermon on the Mount (see Matt. 5; 3 Ne. 12) Jesus taught us how to live so we can be happy. Some of these teachings are known as the Beatitudes. Beatitude means “happiness” or “blessing.” To make a Beatitude Book, glue page 29 onto a sheet of paper. Cut on the solid lines. Glue the second strip to the tab on the first strip. Fold back and forth on the dotted lines.
Friend February 2023 “Scripture Toss” Put this page on the ground. Take turns tossing a beanbag onto the paper. When the beanbag lands on a square, read that scripture verse. If someone has already read that verse, tell what it means to you. Or you can tell how you can do what it teaches.
Friend February 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities for Little Ones”Tell your little ones that we are happy when we choose the right like Jesus did. Hang up a paper with a smiley face drawn on it. Add a smiley face each time your little ones make a “happy” choice.
In Matthew 5, the Savior teaches His disciples a higher law to live by so they can become like Him.
Read the beatitudes in Matthew 5:1–12. Talk about each characteristic and the promise that goes with it.
Write each person’s name on a separate sheet of paper.
Give each person a paper, making sure they don’t get one with their own name written on it.
Have everyone draw a picture of a time when the person on their paper exemplified one of the beatitudes. Write a sentence about it. For example, “Hannah is a peacemaker because she shared with her sister.”
Look up the blessing associated with that beatitude and write it at the bottom of the page.
The Savior is our Good Samaritan, sent “to heal the brokenhearted” [ Luke 4:18 ; see also Isaiah 61:1 ]. He comes to us when others pass us by. With compassion, He places His healing balm on our wounds and binds them up. He carries us. He cares for us.
(Neil L. Andersen, “Wounded,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018,
Before home evening, put a picture of Jesus on one side of the room. (You could use the picture on page 69 of *CFM.) Then sit on the other side of the room and read “Jesus Blesses the Children” on page FJ4. How can we “come unto Jesus” like in the story?
Have everyone stand up and take turns saying what they can do to come unto Jesus by following Him.
With each idea, take a step toward the picture of Christ. Keep helping each other think of good things until everyone is with Jesus together! Then talk about what it means that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. (See *CFM, page 66.)
Friend February 2021 “Jesus Shared the Gospel” People are hungry when their body needs food. They are hungry in a different way when they need to hear the gospel. One day thousands of people came to see Jesus. Jesus fed them all with just five loaves of bread and a few fish. The next day, the people came to Jesus again. Jesus told them to look for a different kind of bread. “I am the bread of life,” He said. If people find Him and His gospel, their spirits will never be hungry again.
Share the account of the man with palsy from Mark 2:1–12. For help, see “Chapter 23: The Man Who Could Not Walk” (in New Testament Stories, 57–58, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Explain that the man with palsy could not walk. Help them recognize that this man was healed by the Savior.
Invite the children to talk about a time when they were sick. Tell one of the accounts of Jesus healing the sick, such as Matthew 8:1–4, 5–13, 14–15; Mark 3:1–5; Luke 7:11–16. Invite the children to retell the story in their own words. Testify that Jesus’s power can heal, bless, and comfort us.
Friend May 2016 “Bad Day in the Badlands” Topher and his classmates get sick on a school trip. Topher gets a priesthood blessing.
Friend May 2016
“Jesus Heals the Sick” (April 2015 Liahona and Friend) Figures to tell stories from New Testament about Jesus Healing the Sick.
Matthew 8:1–4 ; Mark 1:40–42Jesus heals a leper.A leper would have been shunned from society because leprosy was a painful, contagious, and sometimes deadly disease. Most people would have avoided approaching or touching him.
“Lesson 13: Jesus Christ Heals the Sick,” Primary 7: New Testament Explain that lepers suffer a terrible form of skin disease. Because leprosy was thought to be highly contagious, those with the disease were often not allowed to live in the cities and they were shunned by those without leprosy.
After Jesus healed the leper, what did He ask him to do? (Mark 1:43–44.) What does this tell us about how we should help others?
Matthew 8:5–8, 13Jesus heals a centurion’s servant.A centurion was a commanding officer of about 100 men in the Roman military. Many Jews in Jesus’s day hated Roman soldiers because of religious differences and because they represented the nation that had conquered them.
Jesus healed man with withered hand on the Sabbath.
What do you learn about Jesus Christ from these miracles?
Jesus can perform miracles in my life as I have faith in Him.
Ask the children to pick one of the following miracles to read about and draw: Matthew 8:1–4, 5–13, 14–15; Mark 2:1–12; 3:1–5; Luke 7:11–16. Invite the children to explain their drawings to the class. What do we learn about Jesus from these stories?
Ask the children to act out how they feel when they are sick, sad, afraid, or worried. How can Jesus help us when we have these feelings? Testify that Jesus can help the children in all of these situations.
Friend March 2019 “Missing Mom and Dad” Dylan’s mom and dad were going on a trip, and he was going to stay with his grandparents. He loved staying with his grandparents, but for some reason he was scared about being away from his mom and dad for so long. He decided to pray for help, and he received comforting thoughts and feelings.
Friend November 2019 “James Taught the Gospel” James, the brother of Jesus, taught the gospel and helped lead the church when he grew up. One of his teachings in James 1:5. says that if we have questions, we can ask God. Many years after James wrote this scripture, a boy named Joseph Smith read it. He prayed to know which church to join. Joseph’s prayer was answered!When I have questions, I can ask God, like James taught. (Memorize James 1:5 as a family. Talk about how this verse led Joseph Smith to receive the First Vision.)
Tell the children about the Savior’s invitation, “Follow me,” found in Matthew 4:18–22 or Luke 18:22. Do an activity where one child does an action and then tells the other children, “Follow me.” Invite the other children to repeat the action.
Show pictures of people following the Savior in different ways, both during His mortal ministry and in our day. You can find pictures in the Gospel Art Book or in Church magazines. You can also show the video “Light the World” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Let the children identify how the people are following the Savior.
Help the children think of things they are doing to follow the Savior. Singing “Seek the Lord Early” (Children’s Songbook, 108) could give them some ideas. Let them draw pictures of themselves doing these things.
Invite the children to talk about a close friend they know and describe how this person became a friend. Read and discuss John 5:39 and John 14:15 to find ways we can feel close to Jesus. Ask the children to share times when they felt close to Him.
Take your class on a walk around the meetinghouse. Invite the children to raise their hands when they see something on the walk that reminds them of a way they can follow the Savior (such as the baptismal font or a picture). (song books, sacrament table,
Sing with the children a song about following Jesus Christ, such as “Come, Follow Me” (Hymns, no. 116). Invite the children to share times when they have followed the Savior’s example.
Invite the children to tell about favorite gifts they have received for birthdays or other occasions. Bring a gift-wrapped copy of the scriptures, let a child open it, and testify that the scriptures are a gift to us from Heavenly Father.
Show the children some books containing fictional stories, and ask them about their favorite stories. Show them the scriptures, and testify that the scriptures contain the word of God for us. They tell of people who really lived and things that really happened.
Share the messages found in 2 Timothy 3:15 and Moroni 10:3–5, helping the children to repeat a few phrases. Help them understand that they can know the scriptures are true for themselves.
Friend September 2015 “A New Feeling” – Child feels Holy Ghost while reading the scriptures
Hide a picture of the Savior, and give the children clues to help them find it. Help the children understand how searching the scriptures can help us know Jesus Christ. Let the children take turns hiding the picture and giving clues to other children.
Sing together a song about learning the gospel, such as “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109), and help the children make up actions to go with the words. Share with the children one or two of your favorite scriptures, and tell them how you came to know the scriptures are true. If the children have favorite scriptures or scripture stories, invite them to share.
Read together John 5:39 and Acts 17:10–11, and ask the children what they learn about how to study the scriptures.
Select a few simple, powerful scriptures from the New Testament, write each on a piece of paper, and hide the papers. Create clues that will lead the children on a “treasure hunt” within the classroom or church building to find these scriptures. After they find each scripture, discuss what the scripture means and why it is such a treasure.
Scripture Treasure Hunt Paul taught that scriptures bless us with wisdom, doctrine, correction, instruction, and faith. On separate pieces of paper, write “wisdom (Acts 18:28)”; “doctrine (Titus 1:9)”; “correction (Matthew 4:3–10)”; “instruction (Acts 17:2–3)”; and “faith (Romans 10:17).” Read aloud the scripture on each found paper and discuss how it’s an example of that blessing.
Share a few scriptures you treasure and explain why they are meaningful to you. As a class, keep a list of treasured scriptures the children find in the New Testament this year—at home or during Primary.
“Scripture Treasures” (January 2015 Friend) This poem tells of treasures you can find as you read the scriptures daily.
Have a discussion with the children about why it is sometimes hard to read the scriptures. Ask the children to share advice with each other about studying the scriptures. Ask them also to share any positive experiences they have had with the scriptures.
Help the children make simple calendars that they can use to mark how often they read the scriptures. These calendars could remind them to read the scriptures every day.
Share the story of the ten virgins (see Matthew 25:1–13; see also “Chapter 47: The Ten Virgins,” in New Testament Stories, 118–20, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Ask the children questions like these: How are our testimonies like the lamps? Why is it important to have our own testimonies?
Discuss what we can do to strengthen our testimonies. For ideas, invite the children to search John 7:17 and Moroni 10:3–5. Invite them to share things they know are true.
Ask the children to help you label building blocks with truths that form our testimonies (see Gospel Topics, “Testimony,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Let the children use the blocks to build a structure representing a testimony.
Friend November 2018 “Building Blocks of Testimony” Use the four words on the right to fill in the blanks in the four building blocks of testimony.
Display a picture of the nativity (such as Gospel Art Book, no. 30, or one of the pictures in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Read Isaiah 9:6, giving each child a turn to point to the baby Jesus when they hear the phrase “a child is born.” Share your testimony that prophets in the Old Testament knew that Jesus would be born.
Invite each child to say his or her name, and point out that in addition to our names, we can be called other things, like sister or brother or friend. Invite the children to think of other examples. Read Isaiah 9:6 to the children, emphasizing the names that refer to Jesus Christ: “Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Help the children understand what these names tell us about Jesus.
Give each child a paper star, and invite the children to hold their stars up when you read the following phrase from Numbers 24:17: “there shall come a Star out of Jacob.” Invite the children to share how Jesus is like a bright star that shines to all the world. Sing together a song about the star that appeared when Jesus was born, such as “Stars Were Gleaming” (Children’s Songbook, 37) or “The First Noel” (Hymns, no. 213). (Jesus is our source of light to guide us in the paths we should follow.)
The Old Testament teaches me about Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Christmas The Old Testament is more than just a collection of interesting stories and writings; its purpose, like all scripture, is to testify of Jesus Christ. Help the children learn how to find Him in the Old Testament.
Invite the children to make a list of all the names and titles of Jesus Christ they can find in Moses 7:53; Psalm 23:1; Job 19:25; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; 12:2; Amos 4:13; and Zechariah 14:16. Let them work in pairs if they would like. Invite them to share their lists with each other. What do we learn about the Savior from each of these names and titles?
Show the children a few Christmas decorations (or pictures of some), such as a star, lights, or a gift. Ask the children how each of these things might remind us of the Savior. Explain that the scriptures often use symbols to teach us about Jesus Christ. Invite the children to look in one or more of the following verses for something that could symbolize Jesus Christ: Genesis 22:8; Exodus 17:6; Psalms 18:2; 27:1 (see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families for additional examples). How is Jesus like a lamb, water, rock, a fortress, or light?
Using paper or other supplies, create an ornament shaped like the chosen symbol and display it in a special place to remember the Savior.
Study the scripture references listed with each symbol above.
Discussion: What does each symbol teach about the Savior? What does Jesus Christ mean in your life?
At the end of studying the Old Testament this year, invite the children to share their favorite stories or scriptures from the Old Testament. What do these stories or scriptures teach us about Jesus Christ? Why are we grateful to have the Old Testament?
Jesus Christ is my Savior.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Christmas Christmas is a time to celebrate not only Jesus’s birth but also His life and mission as Savior of the world. How can you help the children feel joy and gratitude for Jesus Christ’s Atonement?
Ask the children to think of something that they are looking forward to. Explain that faithful people in Old Testament times looked forward to Jesus Christ’s birth. Read Isaiah 25:9 to the children, and have them repeat the phrase “We have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” Share with them why you are glad and rejoice that Christ was born. Invite the children to share their feelings about the Savior.
Sing together a song about Jesus’s birth, such as “Away in a Manger” (Children’s Songbook, 42–43) or “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” (Hymns, no. 209). Help the children discover phrases in these songs that teach us about our Savior and the blessings we have because of Him.
Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Christmas As we celebrate Jesus Christ’s birth, we can also rejoice in His life and atoning sacrifice. How might you use scriptures from the Old Testament to help the children build their faith in their Savior and Redeemer?
Read together Isaiah 7:14; then invite the children to share what they know about Christ’s birth. Or show the video “The Nativity” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), and invite each child to choose a person from the video and share how that person may have felt. Share your testimony about the Savior, and invite the children to do the same.
To help the children better understand Jesus Christ’s role as our Savior, invite them to read Isaiah 25:8–9; 53:3–5; and Hosea 13:14. What do these scriptures teach us about how the Lord saves us? How can we “rejoice in his salvation”? (Isaiah 25:9).
Sing a song together about Jesus Christ’s love for us, such as “Away in a Manger” (Children’s Songbook, 42–43) or “I Stand All Amazed” (Hymns, no. 193). Invite the children to share phrases that help them feel the Savior’s love.
Moses proclaims, The Lord our God is one Lord, and, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God—The children of Israel are commanded to teach their children—Moses exhorts them to keep the commandments, testimonies, and statutes of the Lord that they may prosper.
Engaging in his work shows God that you care about Him, His family, and His purposes.
Draw on the board a heart, an outline of a body, and a strong arm. Read Deuteronomy 6:5, and point to the pictures as you read the words “heart,” “soul,” and “might.” Invite the children to take turns pointing to the pictures as the class repeats the scripture passage with you.
Sing a song that teaches about God’s love, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29). Help the children find words in the song that show that Heavenly Father loves us. Help them think of ways we can show Him we love Him too.
Jesus Christ taught: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)
To love God with all of our hearts, we use our time, energy, talents and resources to keep His commandments.
Book of Mormon Central “What Does It Mean to Love God with “All Thy Mind”?” In a world that is constantly competing for our attention, we are asked by God to choose Him by giving of our entire mind—our will, intelligence, talents, gratitude, trust, humility, and loyalty—to Him. God loves us perfectly, and our eternal welfare is at the top of His agenda.19 If we are His priority, why shouldn’t He also be ours?
Invite the children to list some things that people might fear. Then ask them to read Proverbs 1:7 and Ecclesiastes 12:13. What does it mean to fear God? To help answer this question, ask a child to read the verses again, replacing the word “fear” with the word “reverence.” Repeat this activity with words like “love,” “obedience,” or “obey.” How does this change our understanding of what it means to fear God?
As used in this verse, fear means reverence, or “profound respect mingled with love. … Reverence embraces regard, deference [respect], honor, and esteem” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay [2003], 30).
Invite each child to choose one of the following verses to read, looking for the word “fear”: Proverbs 1:7; 2:5; 15:33; 16:6. Ask the children to share what their verse teaches about blessings that come when we fear the Lord, which means that we show reverence and respect toward Him (see also Proverbs 14:26–27). How can we show the Lord that we love and respect Him?
Read 1 John 4:21 to the children. Invite them to talk about or act out various ways they could show love toward a friend, such as giving a hug or making a card. How do these things make our friends feel? How does Heavenly Father feel when we do kind things for others?(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)
Friend March 2021 “For Little Friends” Circle the ways you can show kindness!
Friend February 2017 “Sharing Love with Friends” Rentalyn tells how she shares love.
Ask the children to imagine that someone new has begun attending their school or ward and does not yet know anyone there. How might this person feel? Invite a child to read 1 John 4:7–8. What does this verse suggest about how we should treat this person? Share similar scenarios, or ask the children to think of situations in which they might have opportunities to show love.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)
Friend September 2020 “Friends By Mail” A family came up with some kindness tips: “If there’s a new kid at school, offer to show them around and introduce them to your other friends. Share things about yourself so they get to know you, and ask questions about them.”
Ask the children to read 1 John 4:7–8, 20–21, and invite them to each write one sentence to summarize what they think is the most important lesson in these verses. After they share their sentences, share a story from your life or from a Friend or Liahona magazine that you feel illustrates what these verses teach (see, for example, “Say Hello to Halim,” Friend, June 2019, 8–9; or Liahona, June 2019, F18–F19). Invite the children to share their own examples. How can we show love to those around us? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)
Friend June 2019 “Say Hello to Halim! Marcus puts a kind note in the new boy’s bucket to help him feel welcome because it looked like Halim was struggling with moving to a new country and a new school. Marcus’s class has buckets on their desks because their teacher wants them to write kind notes to each other to help fill the imaginary buckets inside of them.
Friend April 2022 “Go Sit by Him” The Holy Ghost tells Sierra to go sit by a boy who had been bullied and was sad and alone. She felt peaceful all day after she listened to the Holy Ghost.
Friend October 2021 “Matt and Mandy” Mandy befriends a girl who is being made fun of because of the religious clothing (hijab) she wears. She shows respect for the girl’s faith and beliefs and invites her to meet her friends.
I show my love for God when I keep His commandments. (Jr)
Read 1 John 4:17, and explain to the children that to “have boldness in the day of judgment” means having confidence and peace when they stand before God to be judged. What does this verse teach that we need to do to have this confidence? What are some things we can do now to be confident before God? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)
“Where Do You Stand?” (June 2013 Friend) Take this quiz to see how you could become more loving to others.
Help the children count 10 small objects, such as the coins on this week’s activity page. Invite them to separate one of the objects from the rest, and explain that this is like the tithing we give to the Lord. We give Him one-tenth of what we receive. Share your testimony of how the Lord blesses us as we pay tithing. Sing with the children a song about tithing, such as “I Want to Give the Lord My Tenth” (Children’s Songbook, 150).
Friend December 2022 “Tithing Pie” A bishop explains tithing by drawing a pretend peach pie and then asking if any of the children would want some. He then says he will give the whole pie to them, but he just wants one piece back.
Draw a window on the board, and read Malachi 3:10 to the children. Invite them to point to the window when you read the phrase “windows of heaven.” Explain that this means that Heavenly Father gives us great blessings when we pay tithing. As the children color this week’s activity page, talk about some of the reasons why we pay tithing.
“I Choose the Right by Living Gospel Principles” (June 2012 Liahona and Friend) An activity that encourages families to discuss the blessings of tithing. Includes a short story and illustration of a tithing slip.
Share a story from the Friend magazine or from your own life about paying tithing. Invite the children to listen for blessings that can come from paying tithing.
Friend April 2018 “An Amazing Lesson”When Elder Cordon was a child he learned that the Lord blesses us when we pay our tithing. His parents had to choose between paying for food or paying tithing. They paid their tithing and later his father received work and a prepayment for that work.
Friend April 2016 “Pesos for Heavenly Father” Ana’s grandmother has faith to pay tithing even though there is no food, and she is blessed.
Family members might enjoy drawing pictures to represent these blessings and hanging the pictures on a window.
“Lesson 44: Malachi Teaches about Tithes and Offerings,” Primary 6: Old Testament
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 ” Paying tithing is more about having faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ than it is about finances. What do the children you teach understand about tithing? How will you help them have the faith to pay tithing?
Write on the board questions about tithing like the following: What is tithing? How do I pay tithing? What is tithing for? What are the blessings of paying tithing? Invite the children to search Malachi 3:8–12 and “Tithes, Tithing” in Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org) and write down answers they find. Invite them to share their answers with each other. What kind of people do we become by paying tithing?
Show the video “Jesus Teaches about the Widow’s Mite” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), or read together Mark 12:41–44. What does this story teach us about how the Lord feels about our offerings?
Draw a window on the board, and invite the children to write inside the window blessings that someone might receive for paying tithing (for ideas, see Malachi 3:10–12). Invite the children to share a personal example of how they or their families have been blessed by faithfully paying tithing. Or you could share an example from your own life of how paying tithing has increased your faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 ” Because of the priesthood keys of sealing that Elijah gave Joseph Smith in the Kirtland Temple, families can be united for eternity. As you teach this truth, be sensitive to the feelings of children whose families have not been sealed in the temple.
Read Malachi 4:5 to the children. Then tell them that this promise was fulfilled when Elijah appeared to Joseph Smith in the Kirtland Temple (see “Chapter 40: Visions in the Kirtland Temple,” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 157). Show a picture of this event (see Gospel Art Book, no. 95), and invite the children to point to Elijah and to Joseph Smith. Explain that because Elijah came, we can be sealed as families in the temple. Share your testimony of the importance of being sealed as families.
Tell the children about your love for your family; show a picture, if possible. Invite a few children to share their feelings for their family. Sing together a song about families, such as “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Hymns, no. 300), and testify that Heavenly Father wants families to be sealed together and that this is one reason we have temples. Help children understand that because of Jesus Christ, we can even be sealed to family members who were not able to go to the temple in this life. Invite the children to draw a picture of their family together in heaven.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 ” Malachi’s prophecy about Elijah the prophet was fulfilled when Elijah appeared to Joseph Smith in the Kirtland Temple and gave him the priesthood keys that allow families to be sealed together forever. You might consider inviting someone in the ward who has responsibility for temple and family history work (such as a member of the elders quorum presidency or Relief Society presidency) to help you teach this doctrine to the children. Remember to be sensitive to the feelings of children whose families have not been sealed.
Write each phrase from Malachi 4:5–6 on a separate slip of paper. Give the slips of paper to the children, and ask them to put the phrases in the correct order. Read the verses together, and discuss questions like these: Who did the Lord promise to send? When did He say this person would come? What did the Lord say that this person would do? Why would this person need to come? Where was this prophecy fulfilled? (see Doctrine and Covenants 110:13–16).
Write on the board a question like What does it mean for the hearts of the children to turn to their fathers? (see Malachi 4:6). Invite the children to ponder this question as they watch the video “Their Hearts Are Bound to You” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Then invite the children to share their thoughts about the question on the board. Discuss together experiences you or the children have had learning about family history.
Show the picture of Elijah from this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me–For Individuals and Families. Invite the children to share what they know about the event this picture depicts (see also Doctrine and Covenants 110:13–16). Testify that the sealing power Elijah restored allows families to be united eternally—including families who didn’t have that opportunity in mortality. If you have participated in a sealing, either for yourself or for a deceased person, talk about what you felt during that ordinance. Ask the children to share their feelings about their families and about God’s plan to help families be together forever.
