2 Nephi 20-25

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2 Nephi CHAPTER 20 The destruction of Assyria is a type of the destruction of the wicked at the Second Coming—Few people will be left after the Lord comes again—The remnant of Jacob will return in that day—Compare Isaiah 10. About 559–545 B.C.

2 Nephi CHAPTER 21 The stem of Jesse (Christ) will judge in righteousness—The knowledge of God will cover the earth in the Millennium—The Lord will raise an ensign and gather Israel—Compare Isaiah 11. About 559–545 B.C.

2 Nephi CHAPTER 22 In the millennial day all men will praise the Lord—He will dwell among them—Compare Isaiah 12. About 559–545 B.C.

2 Nephi CHAPTER 23 The destruction of Babylon is a type of the destruction at the Second Coming—It will be a day of wrath and vengeance—Babylon (the world) will fall forever—Compare Isaiah 13. About 559–545 B.C.

2 Nephi CHAPTER 24 Israel will be gathered and will enjoy millennial rest—Lucifer was cast out of heaven for rebellion—Israel will triumph over Babylon (the world)—Compare Isaiah 14. About 559–545 B.C.

2 Nephi CHAPTER 25 Nephi glories in plainness—Isaiah’s prophecies will be understood in the last days—The Jews will return from Babylon, crucify the Messiah, and be scattered and scourged—They will be restored when they believe in the Messiah—He will first come six hundred years after Lehi left Jerusalem—The Nephites keep the law of Moses and believe in Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel. About 559–545 B.C.

Jesus Christ will judge in righteousness.

2 Nephi 21:1–5

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 20-25” To help your children visualize these verses, see if you can find a tree that has been cut down or a branch growing from a tree (or use the picture below). If the “branch” in 2 Nephi 21:1 represents Jesus Christ, what do verses 2–5 teach us about Him?

“Since the line of Jesse is the royal line of kings from David’s time on, is there any question as to who this ‘branch’ is?” (Rasmussen, Introduction to the Old Testament, 2:45.)

The branch and the stem are both Christ (see Jeremiah 23:5–633:15–17). These terms refer to Christ’s being of the lineage of King David, the son of Jesse (see Luke 1:32Acts 2:3013:22–23Romans 1:3).

Isaiah 53:2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

Jesus Christ brings peace and joy.

2 Nephi 21:6–9

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 20-25” What does 2 Nephi 21:6–9 teach about what can happen when everyone follows the Savior? (see also 4 Nephi 1:15–18). How can we make our home more like this? Your children might enjoy looking at pictures of the animals mentioned in verses 6–7—animals that are usually enemies but will not hurt each other when Jesus comes again (see this week’s activity page). Your children could also draw pictures of themselves and these animals living peacefully with Jesus.

Friend October 2019 “The Living Christ: Second Coming of Jesus Christ” Draw a line to each animal pair that the scriptures say will get along when Jesus returns to the earth.

Friend March 2013 Cover

The Millennium will be a time of peace and joy.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 11-25” Show the children pictures of animals mentioned in 2 Nephi 21:6–7, and ask the children to name the animals. Explain that these animals are usually enemies, but Isaiah taught that after Jesus Christ comes again, there will be a time of peace, called the Millennium, when animals will not hurt each other. How can we follow the example of these animals in the way we treat each other?

The Lord is gathering His people.

2 Nephi 21:11–1222

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 20-25” Isaiah said that the Lord would set up an “ensign for the nations” to help people gather to Him (see 2 Nephi 21:11–12). Help your children understand that an ensign is like a flag. Perhaps they would enjoy drawing their own flag. They could include pictures or words that represent reasons they come to Jesus Christ and His Church. Let them talk about their flags, and help them think of how they can help others “gather” to Jesus Christ.

The Red Crystal

Friend February 2021 “Jesus Shared the Gospel” 

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 1” Ask the children to use this week’s activity page to make an invitation they could use to invite a friend or family member to learn more about Jesus Christ. (Maybe include it in a Friend magazine or a Book of Mormon)

Friend July 2023 “How You Can Be a Missionary”

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 20-25” After reading 2 Nephi 22:4–5 together, you might talk with your children about some of the “excellent things” the Lord has done. What are some of the Lord’s “doings among [us]” that we can declare? To help your children think about this question, you might sing together a song about the Savior, like “I Believe in Christ” (Hymns, no. 134). You could take turns completing a sentence like this one: “I believe in Christ; He _____.” How can we help other people know about what the Savior has done for us?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 11-25” Read 2 Nephi 22:5, and ask the children to help you find a song that describes the “excellent things” the Lord has done. Some examples might include “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29) or “How Great Thou Art” (Hymns, no. 86). Sing the song together. Explain that in the Millennium, everyone will know about the “excellent things” the Lord has done.

“We rejoice in Christ.”

2 Nephi 25:26

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 20-25” How can you help your children “rejoice in Christ”? Maybe you could tell a story about Jesus Christ bringing joy to others, or you could show a video such as “Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind” or “Suffer the Little Children to Come unto Me” (Gospel Library). Your children could point out joyful moments in the story or video. Then, as you read together 2 Nephi 25:26, they could talk about why they “rejoice in Christ.”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 11-25” Put a picture of the Savior on the board, and read together 2 Nephi 25:26. Why did Nephi talk and write so much about Jesus Christ? Let each of the children write on the board, near the picture of Jesus, one thing about the Savior that brings them joy.

Ask the children to think of someone they would like to “persuade … to believe in Christ” (2 Nephi 25:23). How can we express to others the joy that the Savior brings into our lives? Let the children write or role-play some things they might do to help the person they thought of believe in Jesus Christ.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 How can you help your family members “rejoice in Christ”? Maybe you could invite them to write on slips of paper things about the Savior that bring them joy. Then, during future family home evenings or family scripture study, someone could read a slip. Family members could add slips throughout the year.

Come Follow Me Kid “We Rejoice in Christ” “Delight In” Treats – What does it mean to “delight in” something? Talk about things we “delight in” (the park, puzzles, games, treats, etc.). Set out some of their favorite treats/snacks. My kids are obsessed with hot chocolate, so we’ll probably get some of that and while we’re drinking it, talk about how warm and happy it makes us feel. When we “delight in” something, it makes us feel warm and happy like that. What do you think Nephi said he “delights in”? Nephi said that his soul delights in proving unto his people the truth of the coming of Christ (2 Nephi 11:4). Show a picture of Christ. Why do you think Christ is so important and how can He help us feel happy?

“Smiley Face Hat” Cut apart the pieces for the smiley face hat below. Explain what it means to “rejoice.” Put the smiley faces in a pile and let kids take turns choosing one. As each piece is chosen, discuss how that is something that can make us happy and rejoice. Glue them onto the hat after discussing.

Ensign February 2020 “Family Study Fun: Testimony Time Capsule” Nephi reminds us that we “talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ” so that our children know who to turn to (see 2 Nephi 25:26).

  1. Select several stories of Christ that the children are familiar with.
  2. Digitally record each person summarizing one of these stories and sharing their feelings about the Savior.
  3. If prompting is needed, ask family members to describe Christ and why we love Him.
  4. Store the recordings for safekeeping and send them to grandparents or other family members.

Discussion: How can sharing our testimonies of Christ strengthen us and our future generations?

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal


1 Nephi 11-15

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1 Nephi CHAPTER 11 Nephi sees the Spirit of the Lord and is shown in vision the tree of life—He sees the mother of the Son of God and learns of the condescension of God—He sees the baptism, ministry, and crucifixion of the Lamb of God—He sees also the call and ministry of the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb. About 600–592 B.C.

1 Nephi CHAPTER 12 Nephi sees in vision the land of promise; the righteousness, iniquity, and downfall of its inhabitants; the coming of the Lamb of God among them; how the Twelve Disciples and the Twelve Apostles will judge Israel; and the loathsome and filthy state of those who dwindle in unbelief. About 600–592 B.C.

1 Nephi CHAPTER 13 Nephi sees in vision the church of the devil set up among the Gentiles, the discovery and colonizing of America, the loss of many plain and precious parts of the Bible, the resultant state of gentile apostasy, the restoration of the gospel, the coming forth of latter-day scripture, and the building up of Zion. About 600–592 B.C.

1 Nephi CHAPTER 14 An angel tells Nephi of the blessings and cursings to fall upon the Gentiles—There are only two churches: the Church of the Lamb of God and the church of the devil—The Saints of God in all nations are persecuted by the great and abominable church—The Apostle John will write concerning the end of the world. About 600–592 B.C.

1 Nephi CHAPTER 15 Lehi’s seed are to receive the gospel from the Gentiles in the latter days—The gathering of Israel is likened unto an olive tree whose natural branches will be grafted in again—Nephi interprets the vision of the tree of life and speaks of the justice of God in dividing the wicked from the righteous. About 600–592 B.C.

Nephi Sees a Vision

“Condescension” means the voluntary descent from a position of rank or dignity. One truth we can learn is that the condescension of God demonstrates His love for us. (Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024))

Nephi Desired to Know More and Believed He Could

Ensign January 2020 “Family Study Fun: Visionary Word Scrambler”

Because Nephi “desired” to know the truth, and “believing” he could (see 1 Nephi 11:1), his eyes were opened and he saw many wonders in vision.

  1. Write the following scrambled words and scriptures on cards:
  2. Read the scriptures to unscramble the words.

Discussion: Why did the Lord reveal so much to Nephi? We may not have visions as Nephi did, but we can open our eyes, minds, and hearts to revelation. Share a time when you have had a revelatory experience.

Heavenly Father sent Jesus Christ to earth because He loves me.

1 Nephi 11:16–33

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “1 Nephi 11-15” To teach Nephi about God’s love, an angel showed Nephi events from the Savior’s life. You could do the same for your children—give them pictures of the events Nephi saw in 1 Nephi 11:20, 24, 27, 31, and 33 (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 3035394257). As you read these verses, help your children find the picture that matches it. What do we learn about Jesus Christ from these verses and pictures? (Or, as you read these verses, ask the children to hold up their picture when they hear the verse that matches it. Or for older children: Invite the children to match verses from 1 Nephi 11:16–33 with pictures. Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “1 Nephi 11-15”)

Singing a song like “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, 34–35) could help your children feel God’s love. After you sing, ask your children what they learn from the song. What else do we learn about God’s love from 1 Nephi 11:22–23?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “1 Nephi 11-15” Tell the children about some of the things Nephi learned that Jesus Christ would do during His life (see 1 Nephi 11:16–33), and show them pictures of some of these events (see, for instance, Gospel Art Book, nos. 4146474956575859). Share what the Savior has done for you. Show pictures to help the children think of ways we can share God’s love (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 109110115).

Friend January 2020 “Come, Follow Me for Little Ones” Read 1 Nephi 11:24 together and help your little ones say, “Jesus came to earth because He loves me.” Help your little one flip through copies of the Friend and draw a heart next to each picture of Jesus. This would be a great time to share your feelings about the Savior.

The Book of Mormon teaches precious truths.

1 Nephi 13:26–29, 35–36, 40

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “1 Nephi 11-15” To help your children value the “plain and precious” truths in the Book of Mormon, you could draw a picture and invite your children to change or remove parts of the picture to make it look different. You could use this to teach that things in the Bible were changed and taken out over time. Read together 1 Nephi 13:40 and talk about how the Book of Mormon (“these last records”) helps us understand the “plain and precious things” that were lost from the Bible (the “first” records). What “plain and precious” truths have you learned from the Book of Mormon?

Nephi saw that many Plain and Precious Things would be Removed from Bible

Draw a picture on the board, and invite the children to change or remove parts of the picture to make it look different. Help them understand that, like this picture, some things in the Bible were changed and taken out over time. Read parts of 1 Nephi 13:40 that teach how the Book of Mormon (which Nephi calls “these last records”) helps us understand the “plain and precious things” that were lost from the Bible.

Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) A bicycle is a simple and effective form of transportation. Cycling can also be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. What are some of the essential parts that allow a person to operate a bicycle safely and effectively? Imagine you owned a bicycle and someone intentionally removed certain essential parts from it.

  • What might those actions indicate about his or her feelings toward you?
  • What could happen if you attempted to operate the bicycle with missing parts?
  • Who might you contact to repair and restore your bicycle to function properly?

In a similar way, Satan has sought to harm and confuse God’s children by removing and changing important parts of Jesus Christ’s gospel. As you study 1 Nephi 13, look for what the Savior has done to help us overcome Satan’s obstacles.

The video “The Book of Mormon—a Book from God” (Gospel Library) could help your children see why it’s important to have both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Children might enjoy re-creating the illustration from the video. (watch to 5:41)

Why is it helpful to have more than one witness? Draw a dot on the board, label it Bible, and invite each child to draw a different straight line passing through the dot to illustrate that teachings in the Bible can be interpreted many ways when the Bible stands alone. Erase the lines, and draw a second dot labeled Book of Mormon. Invite a child to draw a straight line that passes through both dots to show that there is only one way to interpret the gospel when the Bible and Book of Mormon are used together.

Read 1 Nephi 13:26–29 together, and invite the children to look for what happens when people do not have the “plain and precious” truths of the gospel. How did the Lord restore truths that had been lost? (see verses 35–36, 40). Invite the children to share their testimonies of truths they have learned from the Book of Mormon, or share your own.

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 20: Joseph Smith Translates the Bible and Other Scriptures,”  (See more at link) Have the children stand in a line. Whisper the two- or three-sentence message into the ear of the first child in line. Have each child in turn whisper the message to the next child. Instruct each child to say the message only once. Continue until the message reaches the last child in line. Ask the last child to repeat the message aloud. Compare the message the last child received with the original message to see how the message changed.

  • How had the message changed by the time it reached the end of the line? What was left out? What was added?
  • Why do you think the message changed as it passed from person to person?

Explain to the children that just as their message changed as it was passed from person to person, over many years some of the scriptures in the Bible had been changed as people translated the Bible and made copies of it by hand. Mistakes were made: some incorrect teachings had been added to the Bible, and some important teachings had been left out. (see Articles of Faith 1:8).

Watch the following video until 3.12

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “1 Nephi 11-15 Hide around the room pictures representing gospel truths that are clarified in the Book of Mormon, such as baptism, the sacrament, and resurrection. Invite the children to find these pictures. Explain that the Book of Mormon brought back gospel truths that had been lost (during the apostasy).

Ensign January 2020

  • Help the children memorize the eighth article of faith. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

Church News “The Book of Mormon Restores Precious Truths” By Elder Merrill J. Bateman

Holding fast to the word of God helps me resist temptation.

1 Nephi 15:23–24

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “1 Nephi 11-15” Give your children a chance to share what they remember about Lehi’s vision. It might help to use a picture, like the one in last week’s outline. What kept people from reaching the tree? What helped them reach it? You might ask them to find the iron rod in the picture. Read together 1 Nephi 15:23–24 to find out what the iron rod represents and how it can help us.

The word of God gives me power to resist temptation.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “1 Nephi 11-15 How did the iron rod help the people get through the mists of darkness? How can reading the word of God help us resist temptation and darkness today? Complete the activity page with the children. While they are doing it, ask them to talk about some of the temptations children face. How can they remember to hold on to the iron rod every day? Sing “The Iron Rod” (Hymns, no. 274) as part of this activity. (How do we “hold fast” to the word of God? ((1 Nephi 15:24).)

Song:  “Hold to the Rod

Lesson Four: Tree of Life Vision 

Game Instructions: Print and cut out the tree, the path, the mists of darkness and the temptations in the Tree of Life Vision Pictures. Glue a “Temptation” to the back of each “Mist of Darkness.” Tape a mint to each piece of fruit on the tree of life. Cover the rod of iron and the path with the remaining mists of darkness.

Direct a volunteer to choose a mist of darkness and read the situation that is on the back. Instruct the children to look in the bible topical guide for the temptation’s subject and find a scripture that would help them avoid and resist that temptation. Have the volunteer read the scripture the children chose. The volunteer can then take a fruit (mint) off the tree. Have another child pick a mist of darkness and do the same process again. Continue until each child has had a turn. After the game is finished, remind the children that if we use the word of God to guide us, it will help us avoid temptations and lead us to eternal life.

• How do we hold onto the word of God? By making it part of our life. We do this by studying and abiding by the teachings found in the scriptures and the words of the latter day prophets, and by seeking for and listening to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Heeding and obeying the word of God will help us avoid the deceptions and temptations of Satan so that we can avoid going astray.

The word of God gives me power.

  • Display a picture of Lehi’s dream, like the one in last week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families. Invite the children to find the iron rod in the picture, and help them understand how holding to the word of God can protect us (see 1 Nephi 15:23–24). Give the children something similar to an iron rod to hold, such as a pipe or stick, while you read verse 24. Where do we find the word of God? What can we do to make the word of God part of our lives every day?

Additional Resources

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “1 Nephi 11-15”

The Cozy Red Cottage

Come Follow Me Kid

The Red Crystal


The Brass Plates

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1 Nephi CHAPTER 3 Lehi’s sons return to Jerusalem to obtain the plates of brass—Laban refuses to give the plates up—Nephi exhorts and encourages his brethren—Laban steals their property and attempts to slay them—Laman and Lemuel smite Nephi and Sam and are reproved by an angel. About 600–592 B.C.

1 Nephi CHAPTER 4 Nephi slays Laban at the Lord’s command and then secures the plates of brass by stratagem—Zoram chooses to join Lehi’s family in the wilderness. About 600–592 B.C.

1 Nephi CHAPTER 5 Sariah complains against Lehi—Both rejoice over the return of their sons—They offer sacrifices—The plates of brass contain writings of Moses and the prophets—The plates identify Lehi as a descendant of Joseph—Lehi prophesies concerning his seed and the preservation of the plates. About 600–592 B.C.

Returning to Obtain the Plates of Brass

“Chapter 4: The Brass Plates” (Book of Mormon Stories, 8–12)

Friend February 2008 “Lehi and Nephi Obey God”

Act out the story of Nephi getting the plates, or you can choose a narrator and use the cutouts and give everyone a piece to hold.

Make this Mini Book Created by Kevin Merrell. Images are from the Scripture Readers. Have the children take turns reading from their books.

image
image

Friend January 2020 “Nephi Gets the Brass Plates”

Nephi was Obedient

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “1 Nephi 1-5” You and your children might enjoy role-playing 1 Nephi 3:2–7. Maybe you could pretend to be Lehi and ask your children to return to Jerusalem to get the brass plates. Invite them to respond in their own words as if they were Laman and Lemuel or Nephi. What are some things God has commanded us to do? (see pictures 103–15 in the Gospel Art Book or Mosiah 18:8–10 for ideas). How can we be like Nephi?

What can we learn from 1 Nephi 2:11–13; 3:5–7 about murmuring? What blessings come when we exercise faith?” Review how Laman and Lemuel murmured and talk about what it means to murmur. How does it make people around you feel when you murmur? How does it affect yourself and others when you don’t murmur? (Come Follow Me Kid “I Will Go and Do”)

Ensign January 2020 “Family Study Fun: Courageous Hot Potato” Nephi’s brothers Laman and Lemuel complained that the Lord required hard things (see 1 Nephi 3:5), Nephi said he would “go and do” whatever the Lord commanded (see 1 Nephi 3:7).

Have everyone sit in a circle. Give someone a small, soft object (beanbag, tennis ball, balled-up sock, etc.). Play “Nephi’s Courage” on the Sacred Music app (no. 120 in the Children’s Songbook) while family members pass the object around the circle. Pause the music at a random moment. Whoever is holding the object when the music stops will explain one faithful act they will “go and do” this week.

Discussion: What are some things the Lord has asked us to do that seem hard? How can we be more faithful in our responses to those commandments?

Friend January 2016 “Nephi was Obedient” Goal Card. I can be obedient like Nephi.

Children’s Songbook, Nephi’s Courage, 120

Verse One Visual Aids and Teaching Ideas

Lord commanded Nephi to go and get the plates
From the wicked Laban inside the city gates.
Laman and Lemuel were both afraid to try.
Nephi was courageous. This was his reply:

“I will go; I will do the thing the Lord commands.
I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey.
I will go; I will do the thing the Lord commands.
I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey.”

Verse Three Visual Aids and Teaching Ideas

The Lord gives us commandments and asks us to obey.
Sometimes I am tempted to choose another way.
When I’m discouraged, and think I cannot try,
I will be courageous, and I will reply:

“I will go; I will do the thing the Lord commands.
I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey.
I will go; I will do the thing the Lord commands.
I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey.”

Words and music: Bill N. Hansen Jr., b. 1952, and Lisa T. Hansen, b. 1958.

Nephi is Led by the Lord in Obtaining the Brass Plates

Nephi Didn’t Give Up

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.

God will prepare a way for me to do His will.

Friend January 2020 “Family Night Fun”  Sing “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146)

Read 1 Nephi 3:7 together and help your little ones say, “God will help me keep the commandments.” Now it’s your turn to look for the scriptures! Send someone out of the room and hide a Book of Mormon for them to find. When they start searching, say “hot” when they get close and “cold” when they get far away. Take turns hiding and finding the scriptures.

Sing The song “Nephi’s Courage” (Children’s Songbook, 120–21)

The Holy Ghost will lead me as I seek to do the Lord’s will.

1 Nephi 4:6

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “1 Nephi 1-5” After reviewing together in 1 Nephi 3 how Nephi and his brothers tried to get the brass plates, read with your children 1 Nephi 4:6 to find out what Nephi did that allowed him to finally succeed. Then your children could make a list of things that God wants them to do. How can the Holy Ghost help us in these situations?

The Red Crystal

Sariah is Comforted by Lehi

Lehi and His Family Studied the Scriptures

Friend January 2020 “Cover” Image of Lehi reading to his family from the Brass Plates.

The Scriptures Are of Great Worth

1 Nephi 3:19–215:19–22

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “1 Nephi 1-5” The scriptures were very important to Lehi’s family. To illustrate this, you could invite your children to help you tell or act out what Nephi and his brothers did to get the brass plates: they traveled a long distance, gave up their gold and silver, and hid in a cave to save their lives. Then you could read 1 Nephi 5:21 and talk about why the scriptures were so valuable to Lehi’s family. Why are they valuable to us? How can we treat the scriptures like a treasure?

Whisper Game
Tell the children they are going to play a game that will show them why Lehi and his family needed a written record of God’s commandments.

Have the children sit in a row. Whisper the following message to the first person in the row, making sure no one else can hear what is being said: “Blessed are they who hear the Lord’s commandments and obey them.”

Have that person whisper what they heard to the person sitting next to them. Have each child pass on the whispered message until the message reaches the child at the end of the row. Have the last person repeat out loud what they think they heard. They probably won’t repeat the message correctly. Tell everyone what the original message was.

Explain that the whisper game shows how easy it would be to mix up the word of God if it isn’t written down.

Brass Plates Code Activity

Hand out a copy of the “Brass Plates Code” to each child. Do not give them the answer key. Tell them they have thirty seconds to figure out what section four of the “Purpose” says. It won’t take them long to figure out there is no possible way to do it out without help.

Explain that just like the task you gave them seemed impossible to accomplish, sometimes Heavenly Father’s commandments may seem difficult to obey. But with God’s help we can accomplish all he asks of us. Direct the children to put the “Brass Plates Code” under their chair for now, and explain that you will provide a way for them to do the coded message later on in the lesson.

• What was the main reason Nephi and his family needed the brass plates? Let the children answer the question. Have them check their answer by giving them the answer key to the “Brass Plates Code”. Inform them they can now fill out section four with the help you promised. Instruct them to fill out the rest of the code later at home to find out the other purposes of the brass plates.

Answers to Purpose:

  • 1. To have a record of the Jews
  • 2. Genealogy of forefathers
  • 3. To preserve their language
  • 4. To preserve religious knowledge

Friend January 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Sharing Treasure: The scriptures are a great treasure (see 1 Nephi 5:21). Draw some gem shapes on paper and cut them out. Ask each person to write a Book of Mormon scripture on the gems. Mix up the gems and take turns choosing one and reading each scripture.

Friend January 2020 ” Coloring Page: Lehi and His Family Studied the Scriptures”

Friend November 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Sharing Treasure”

The scriptures are a great treasure (see 1 Nephi 5:21). Draw some gem shapes on paper and cut them out. Ask each person to write a Book of Mormon scripture on the gems. Mix up the gems and take turns choosing one and reading each scripture.

For younger children: Have a show-and-tell with your little ones’ favorite toys or books. Tell them that they can make the scriptures one of their favorite things by listening to them and learning the stories.

Friend January 2020 “The Book of Mormon Tells of Christ” Song

1. When Lehi listened to the Lord, And his family left their home and riches, His sons returned back home again So they could get the scriptures.

2. So Lehi’s people knew the Lord, As the plates of brass helped them remember. When they obeyed the prophet’s voice, They prospered all together.

Chorus: The Book of Mormon tells of Christ And helps me feel the Holy Spirit. Heavenly Father’s voice is calling me, And the scriptures help me hear it.

Additional Resources

Come Follow Me 2020 Primary  “1 Nephi 1-7”

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Obtaining the Brass Plates”

The Brass Plates by Teaching LDS Children

“Nephi and the Brass Plates” (March 2004 Friend) Crossword puzzle about Nephi and the brass plates.

Friend January 2024 “Connect the Scriptures” Number the sentences below in the order they happened in the story. Then find the matching colors and number the dots. Draw lines from dot to dot in number order to complete the picture.

The Red Crystal

The Red Crystal 2020

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures


Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65

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Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Chapter 3: The Angel Moroni and the Gold Plates” Images and Video

Joseph Smith was called by God to do an important work.

Joseph Smith—History 1:27–54

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65: “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers”

It had been three years since God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph Smith in the grove, but Joseph hadn’t received any additional revelations since then. He began to wonder about his standing before the Lord. Like all of us, he had made mistakes, and he felt condemned by them.

I can pray to be forgiven.

Joseph Smith—History 1:28–29

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65: “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers”

Read with the children Joseph Smith—History 1:29. How did Joseph Smith feel about his mistakes? What did he do about them? What can we learn from Joseph’s example that can help us when we make mistakes? Ask the children how it makes them feel to know that Joseph was called by God even though he was not perfect.

What does it mean to know your “standing before [God]”? (Joseph Smith—History 1:29).

  • Why is it important to think about our “standing before [God]”?

Liahona January 2021 “What did Moroni Teach Joseph” A short explanation of what Moroni taught Joseph when he appeared to him four times.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65: “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers”

You could ask a family member to read aloud part or all of Moroni’s message from Joseph Smith—History 1:33–42 four times (because Moroni repeated this message four times). Between each reading, ask the other family members to share what they remember from his message, without looking at the scriptures. Why might the Lord repeat important messages several times? What are some other ways the Lord teaches us through repetition?

(Another option would be to have some items covered on a tray that are related to Moroni’s message. Uncover the tray for a short time and then recover it. See if the children can remember what was on the tray. Do this three more times and see if they remember more each time. Afterwards, use the items on the tray to teach about the words Moroni spoke.)

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65: “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers”

Read Joseph Smith—History 1:33 aloud, and ask the children to stand when they hear the phrase “God had a work for me to do.” What did God want Joseph to do? What does He ask us to do? Let the children draw pictures of things God wants them to do, such as praying, serving, or reading the scriptures.

Display a picture of Moroni visiting Joseph Smith (see Gospel Art Book, no. 91). Ask the children to point out things they notice in the picture. Summarize the account of Moroni’s visits to Joseph. Invite the children to pretend to be Joseph Smith at various points in the story by folding their arms like they are praying, pretending to climb the Hill Cumorah, and so on.

Invite the children to act out or draw pictures of events from Joseph Smith—History 1:30–54, such as Moroni appearing to Joseph, Joseph talking to his father, and Joseph finding the plates. What do we learn from this account about the work Joseph was called to do?

Read with the children Joseph Smith—History 1:33–35, and ask them to listen for what Moroni wanted Joseph to know about the work Joseph was called to do. How have we been blessed because Joseph Smith fulfilled his work as translator of the Book of Mormon? Invite the children to read the Book of Mormon regularly.

Friend January 2021 “Joseph Smith and the Gold Plates”

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Moroni Buried the Gold Plates”

Friend January 2021 “Getting the Gold Plates” Coloring Page

Friend November 2015 “Find the Gold Plates”

Friend November 2015

Friend December 2015 Beginning at the star, draw lines from dot to dot as instructed in the answers to the following questions.

Friend December 2015
  1. After reading the Book of Matthew, Joseph Smith decided to pray about which church to join. (See JS—H 1:11.)
    • True: Move right three dots
    • False: Move left three dots
  2. Joseph Smith was instructed to join any church he wanted to. (See JS—H 1:19.)
    • True: Move up one dot
    • False: Move diagonally down and left two dots
  3. Joseph Smith was fourteen years old when he received the First Vision. (See JS—H 1:23.)
    • True: Move down two dots
    • False: Move left two dots
  4. Joseph Smith received a strong testimony of the reality and divinity of Heavenly Father and Jesus, which he never denied. (See JS—H 1:25.)
    • True: Move right three dots
    • False: Move down two dots
  5. Joseph Smith had forgotten to say his prayers the night Moroni first appeared to him. (See JS—H 1:29–30.)
    • True: Move down and right one dot
    • False: Move diagonally up and right two dots
  6. Joseph Smith’s room was very dark while Moroni was there. (See JS—H 1:32.)
    • True: Move down two dots
    • False: Move up two dots
  7. Moroni told Joseph Smith that he, Moroni, had been sent by Noah to teach Joseph. (See JS—H 1:33.)
    • True: Move down one dot
    • False: Move diagonally down and left two dots
  8. Moroni told Joseph Smith about certain gold plates that contained the gospel. (See JS—H 1:34.)
    • True: Move down two dots
    • False: Move up two dots
  9. Moroni quoted prophecies from the Old Testament. (See JS—H 1:36–40.)
    • True: Move up two dots
    • False: Move diagonally down and left two dots
  10. The Book of Mormon was translated from the gold plates. (See JS—H 1:66–67.)
    • True: Move left three dots
    • False: Move right one dot.

Answers:

Friend December 1988 “Do You Know” Joseph is visited by Moroni. Story and question.

On the way home Joseph passed out. When he came to, Moroni was there calling his name. The angel repeated what he’d told Joseph the night before; he also told Joseph to do something then. What did Moroni tell Joseph to do? Do you know?

A. Joseph was to tell his father everything that Moroni had told him.

B. Joseph was to go home to bed until he felt strong enough to work with his father again.

C. Joseph was to go immediately to where the gold plates were hidden and dig them up.

D. Joseph was to get his five brothers to help him get the gold plates and translate them.

Answer:

Craft Idea

Friend January 2021 “Show and Tell” Anna made a diorama of Joseph Smith getting the gold plates.

Additional Resources:

Primary 5 Manual: Doctrine and Covenants “Lesson 3: The Angel Moroni Visits Joseph Smith”  Story, activity and lesson ideas.

Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65”

Primary 5 Manual: Doctrine and Covenants “Lesson 4: Joseph Smith Prepares to Receive the Gold Plates”

Primary 5 Manual: Doctrine and Covenants “Lesson 5: Joseph Smith Receives the Gold Plates” 

Resources by Topic: Joseph Smith Stories, Activities and Media

Song Ideas

Sing or say the words to “An Angel Came to Joseph Smith”(Children’s Songbook, p. 86)

Heavenly Father wants families to be sealed in the temple.

Doctrine and Covenants 2.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65: “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers”

  • Ask the children to read or listen to the prophecy in Doctrine and Covenants 2:1. Ask them to look for who the Lord would send in the last days and what this person would reveal. Display a picture of Elijah in the Kirtland Temple (see Gospel Art Book, no. 95), and talk about how this prophecy was fulfilled 13 years after Moroni’s visit (see Doctrine and Covenants 110:13–15).
  • Explain that Elijah restored priesthood keys that allow families to be sealed together eternally. Show some objects that could help the children understand what it means to seal something, such as a can of food or a plastic storage bag with a zipper lock. How do these objects help us understand what it means for a family to be sealed?

Latter Day Kids “Come Follow Me: A Welding Link: (The Sealing Power)” Videos, songs, activities, and lesson ideas.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65: “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers”

  • Display a picture of a temple, and help the children name some of the things we do in temples. Explain that baptisms for the dead, eternal marriage, and sealing families in the temple are all possible because of the priesthood keys Elijah restored.

Ask the children to tell you something they love about their families. Display a picture of a family next to a temple—your own family, if possible (or see Gospel Art Book,no. 120). Testify that Heavenly Father wants families to be together forever, and this is one reason He gave us temples.

Friend April 2020 “Alonso’s Forever Family” Alonso learned that because of Jesus’s resurrection people who have died will live again. He also learned about being sealed to his family. His parents had both died and he was living with his grandma. He couldn’t wait to go to the temple and be sealed to his parents. He saved any money he got so he and his grandma could make the trip to the temple. He was so grateful that  families can be together forever

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65: “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers”

Learning about my ancestors can bring me joy.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65: “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers”

How have you felt your heart turn toward your ancestors? Think of ways you can experience such feelings more often. Perhaps you could ask a relative to share a story with you about one of your ancestors—even better, you could record it. Or you could invite [a family member] to learn about an ancestor and to share what they learn with the rest of the family. Maybe you could identify a deceased ancestor who never received gospel ordinances and then have a family member perform that work in the temple.

Why does the Lord want us to learn about our family members and perform temple ordinances for them? How are we blessed when we participate in family history and temple work?

To help your children understand the “promises made to the fathers,” you could read Abraham 2:9–11 together. Identify the promises God made as part of His covenant with Abraham. How do we “plant” these promises in our hearts?

Doctrine and Covenants 2.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65: “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers”

Give each child a paper heart. Help them write their name and “I promise to remember my ancestors” on it. Read Doctrine and Covenants 2:2, and explain that Elijah came to turn our hearts to our ancestors.

Friend January 2021 “Come Follow Me”

Song Idea

Gospel Media: Hearts of the Children Sing-along video

Additional Family History Resources


Moroni 10

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I can know for myself that the Book of Mormon is true by the Power of the Holy Ghost.

Friend December 2016 “Moroni’s Special Promise” Video can be found here.

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 54: The Promise of the Book of Mormon” Images and Video

Sing together “The Golden Plates” (Children’s Songbook, 86).

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Moroni Buried the Gold Plates”

Moroni 10:3–5

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 10: “Come unto Christ, and Be Perfected in Him”

Show the Book of Mormon, and read Moroni 10:4. Emphasize that we can ask God if the Book of Mormon is true, and He will send the Holy Ghost to testify to us. Help the children understand what a witness from the Spirit feels like. Tell about a time when the Holy Ghost bore witness to you about something. Describe how you felt and how you knew it was the Holy Ghost.

Friend December 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones”

Read Moroni 10:5 together and help your little ones say, “The Holy Ghost helps me know what is true.” Some children mistakenly think the Holy Ghost is a spooky ghost. Explain that the Holy Ghost is a real person, like Heavenly Father and Jesus. He helps us have comforting, warm, happy feelings. You could cuddle up together in a blanket and watch the sing-along video for “The Holy Ghost” at children.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 10: “Come unto Christ, and Be Perfected in Him”

Write on the board the words Read, Remember, Ponder, and Ask. Invite the children to find these words in Moroni 10:3–4. Sing a song about finding truth, such as “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109). Ask the children to look for similarities between these verses and the song “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109).

Friend December 2020 “Family Night Fun”

Latter Day Kids “Personal Revelation- Come Follow Me” This link has lesson ideas, videos, and discussion ideas about Moroni’s promise

Friend December 2020 “How I Know” Before bed, Damon’s father reads to the boys about Moroni’s promise and then he tells the boys how he prayed and gained his testimony of the Book of Mormon. That night, Damon prays to know if the Book of Mormon is true and he feels warm and good inside.

Primary Manual 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 44: Moroni and the Book of Mormon Promise” This lesson includes questions and lesson ideas about Moroni and his promise.

See more stories of gaining a testimony of the Book of Mormon here.

Heavenly Father gives me spiritual gifts.

Moroni 10:8–20

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 10: “Come unto Christ, and Be Perfected in Him”

Moroni described the gifts that God gives to His children when they have faith in Him.

Write the numbers 9 through 16 on separate pieces of paper, and wrap each paper like a gift. Let the children take turns unwrapping the gifts. (or put all the papers in one gift box and let the children take turns picking a paper from the box) As they do, read together verses from Moroni 10:9–16 that correspond with the numbers, and help the children identify each spiritual gift. Explain that these are gifts Heavenly Father gives His children so we can help each other and do His work.

Tell the children about spiritual gifts you have noticed that Heavenly Father has given them, such as the gifts of faith, wisdom, testimony, kindness, and the ability to learn. Let the children talk briefly about favorite gifts they have received.

Ensign December 2020 “Family Study Fun”

Use this activity to talk more about Moroni 10:18 (“every good gift cometh of Christ”).

  1. Ahead of time, wrap a Book of Mormon with many layers of wrapping paper or colored cellophane. Tell your family you’ll share clues about what’s inside this gift.
  2. As you share each clue (for example, “This teaches us about Jesus Christ”), invite a family member to take off a layer of paper and guess what’s inside.
  3. If someone guesses correctly, continue unwrapping and take turns sharing truths about the Book of Mormon.

Discussion: Once the book is unwrapped, end by reading Moroni 10:18 together. What can your family do to share the gift of the gospel with others?

Ensign December 2020 “How Can I Seek Spiritual Gifts”

Friend March 2017 “What Are Your Spiritual Gifts?” This activity from the Friend can help family members learn about their own spiritual gifts.

Scripture Stories Coloring Book: Pearl of Great Price “7th Article of Faith: Spiritual Gifts” Match each picture to its spiritual gift.

Jesus Christ wants me to come unto Him.

Moroni 10:32

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 10: “Come unto Christ, and Be Perfected in Him”

  • Read to the children from Moroni 10:32, “Come unto Christ, and be perfected in him,” and invite the children to repeat the phrase with you. Ask them to close their eyes while you place a picture of Jesus somewhere in the room. Then let them open their eyes, find the picture, and gather around it. Discuss with the children the ways we can come unto Christ (see, for example, Articles of Faith 1:3–4). Repeat this activity, letting the children put the picture somewhere in the classroom.
  • Write on the board a question like What does it mean to come unto Christ? Help the children search Moroni 10:32–33 to find possible answers. Work together to list what Christ wants us to do and what He promises to do for us.
  • Review with the children the Prophet Joseph Smith’s words from the introduction to the Book of Mormon: “A man would get nearer to God by abiding by [the Book of Mormon’s] precepts, than by any other book.”Help the children decorate heart-shaped badges that say “I love God with all my might, mind, and strength” (see Moroni 10:32). How do we show God that we love Him?

Friend May 2019 “Family Night Fun”

  1. 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?
  2. Have everyone stand up and take turns saying what they can do to come unto Jesus by following Him.
  3. 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.)

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 10: “Come unto Christ, and Be Perfected in Him”


Moroni 7-9

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Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families “Moroni 7–9: “May Christ Lift Thee Up”

Before Moroni concluded the record we know today as the Book of Mormon with his own final words, he shared three messages from his father, Mormon: an address to “the peaceable followers of Christ” (Moroni 7:3) and two letters that Mormon had written to Moroni. Perhaps Moroni included these messages in the Book of Mormon because he foresaw similarities between the perils of his day and ours. When these words were written, the Nephite people as a whole were tumbling headlong into apostasy. Many of them had “lost their love, one towards another” and delighted in “everything save that which is good” (Moroni 9:5, 19). And yet Mormon still found cause for hope—teaching us that hope does not mean ignoring or being naive about the world’s problems; it means having faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, whose power is greater and more everlasting than those problems. It means “lay[ing] hold upon every good thing” (Moroni 7:19). It means letting the Atonement of Jesus Christ “and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind” (Moroni 9:25). And until the glorious day of Christ’s Second Coming, it means never ceasing the “labor [we have] to perform … [to] conquer the enemy of all righteousness” (Moroni 9:6).

Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon “Lesson 42: Moroni and His Writings” (See more lesson and study ideas in the lesson.)

Moroni received a letter from his father when Moroni was first called to the ministry. As part of the letter Mormon expressed his love, appreciation, and concern for his son (see Moroni 8:2–3). Before class have a parent, or an adult relative or friend, of each of the children in your class write a letter of love and appreciation. Give these letters to the children as you explain the love that Mormon had for his son, Moroni. Point out that Moroni valued this letter; he carried it with him as he fled from his enemies. Suggest that the children save their letters as a reminder to continue to do good things which will please their parents and the Lord.

The light of Christ helps me judge between good and evil.

Moroni 7:12–20

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families “Moroni 7–9: “May Christ Lift Thee Up”

How can Mormon’s counsel help us make good choices about how we spend our time and who we spend it with? You could invite family members to search your home and “lay hold upon” (Moroni 7:19), or hold on to, things that invite them “to do good, and to love God, and to serve him” (Moroni 7:13). Praise them for the good things they find.

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 42: Moroni and His Writings,” 

  1. Use the following or similar examples of choices that apply to your class. Have the children use Moroni 7:16 to help them choose good from evil.
    • You are playing ball with your friends when a child who does not play well wants to join your team. Your friends tell you if this person plays on your team you will lose the game. You consider telling the child not to play with you. Ask yourself, “Does this choice invite me to do good and to believe in Jesus Christ?”
    • You are watching a movie that has an immoral scene that lasts only a few seconds. You feel embarrassed to leave the movie. Ask yourself, “Does watching this movie invite me to do good and to believe in Jesus Christ?”
    • You are in a store when the clerk makes a mistake and doesn’t charge you the right amount for the item you are buying. You know that the item costs more than what you were charged, but the clerk made the error. Ask yourself, “Does paying the wrong price invite me to do good and to believe in Jesus Christ?”
    • Your bishop has asked you to read the Book of Mormon every day. Sometimes scripture words are hard for you to understand. Ask yourself, “Does reading the scriptures every day help me to do good and persuade me to believe in Christ?”

If I have faith, I can do whatever God needs me to do.

Moroni 7:33

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 7–9: “May Christ Lift Thee Up”

Children who have faith in Jesus Christ and confidence in His power can accomplish great things when they are serving Him.

Possible Activities

  • Read Moroni 7:33, and invite the children to stand up when they hear the word “faith.” Explain that we show our faith in Jesus Christ when we keep His commandments. Help the children make a list on the board of some things Jesus wants them to do, like obeying their parents or telling the truth. Testify that our faith in Jesus Christ can help us keep the commandments.
  • Display a few pictures that show someone from the Book of Mormon (or other books of scripture) accomplishing something important because he or she had faith in Jesus Christ (see, for example, Gospel Art Book, nos. 19707881). Help the children tell the story portrayed in the picture. Tell them that because these people had faith in Jesus Christ, they were given power to do what He needed them to do.

Primary Manual 4: Book of Mormon ““Lesson 43: Moroni Teaches Faith in Jesus Christ”  This lesson includes many more teaching ideas about Faith.

  1. Play the Who Am I? game with the children. Give them the following clues, and have them guess the person you are talking about.
    • I prayed all day and all night, using my faith in Jesus Christ. (Enos.)
    • Because of faith, an angel appeared to my son and the four sons of Mosiah to call them to repentance. (Alma.)
    • I used a special flag to encourage my people to have faith in Jesus Christ and to fight for their liberty and their families. (Captain Moroni.)
    • Because of my faith, I chose to take my family and go with Lehi and his family into the wilderness. (Ishmael.)
    • I had the faith to return to Jerusalem to get the brass plates. (Nephi.)
    • My faith in Jesus Christ let me see his finger and then his whole being. (Brother of Jared.)
    • Our faith in Jesus Christ, taught by our mothers, saved our lives in battle. (2,000 stripling warriors.)
    • My faith in Jesus Christ and my desire to preach his gospel helped me fight off a band of robbers who wanted to kill King Lamoni’s sheep. (Ammon.)
    • Our faith caused the prison to tumble. (Alma and Amulek.)
    • While imprisoned, we were encircled with fire because of our faith. (Nephi and Lehi.)
    • Because of our faith in Jesus Christ, we will not taste of death. (Three Nephites.)
    • We were guided by the Liahona to the promised land according to our faith in Jesus Christ. (Lehi and his family.)

I am blessed when I have faith in Jesus Christ.

Moroni 7:21–22, 25, 33

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 7–9: “May Christ Lift Thee Up”

21 And now I come to that faith, of which I said I would speak; and I will tell you the way whereby ye may lay hold on every good thing. 22 and in Christ there should come every good thing. 25 and by every word which proceeded forth out of the mouth of God, men began to exercise faith in Christ; and thus by faith, they did lay hold upon every good thing;

Help the children list on the board some of the “good thing[s]” that we receive through the gospel of Jesus Christ, such as having eternal families, returning to Heavenly Father, and being forgiven of our sins.

Believing in Jesus Christ can give me hope.

Moroni 7:41

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 7–9: “May Christ Lift Thee Up”

  • Read and explain Moroni 7:41 to the children, and ask them to raise their hands when they hear something Mormon said we should have hope for. Tell the children about the hope you feel because of Jesus Christ.

Ensign December 2020 ““What is it that ye shall hope for?”

I can have hope in Jesus Christ, even during difficult trials.

Moroni 7:40–419:25–26

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 7–9: “May Christ Lift Thee Up”

There are many people in the world who feel that they have no hope. How can you help the children you teach find hope in Jesus Christ?

After describing the wickedness he had seen, Mormon told his son not to grieve. What does it mean to you for Christ to “lift [you] up”? Moroni 9:25–26

  • Fill a clear container with water, and drop two objects into it—one that floats and one that sinks. Compare the floating object to a person who has hope in Christ. Read together Moroni 9:25. How does Christ “lift [us] up” when we face difficult trials? Help the children think of ways they can keep the Savior and His encouraging teachings “in [their] mind forever.”
  • Ask the children to think of someone they know who is having a hard time with something. Invite the children to draw a picture for the person that can remind him or her to have hope in Jesus Christ.

New Era December 2020 “Not Ice-olated” Object lesson that demonstrates that with the Lord’s help, we can lift even the heaviest, slipperiest burdens.

“Charity is the pure love of Christ.”

Moroni 7:47

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 7–9: “May Christ Lift Thee Up”

Invite the children to share what they think the word “charity” means. Then invite one of the children to read Moroni 7:45. (If some of the words in this verse are hard to understand, help the children look them up in a dictionary.) Ask the children to talk about people they know who are good examples of charity. Why is charity called “the pure love of Christ”? (Moroni 7:47). What does verse 48 teach us about how we can be filled with charity? Encourage each of the children to pray for charity this week and to look for ways to show charity to others.

Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon “Lesson 42: Moroni and His Writings”

  1. Explain the qualities of charity found in Moroni 7:45 using terms the children can understand. You could have the children match Moroni’s descriptions with your explanations.
    • Suffereth long: Is patient
    • Kind: Not cruel or mean, loving
    • Envieth not: Is not jealous
    • Not puffed up: Humble, not proud
    • Seeketh not her own: Is unselfish
    • Not easily provoked: Slow to anger, quick to forgive
    • Thinketh no evil: Is trusting, looks for the good
    • Rejoiceth in truth: Is honest
    • Beareth all things: Is obedient
    • Believeth all things: Is faithful
    • Hopeth all things: Is optimistic, trusting
    • Endureth all things: Is patient, persistent

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 7–9: “May Christ Lift Thee Up”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 7–9: “May Christ Lift Thee Up”

Ask the children to repeat this phrase with you: “Charity is the pure love of Christ” (Moroni 7:47). Help the children think of ways Jesus Christ showed love to others (pictures might help, such as Gospel Art Book,nos. 558384). How has He shown love to us? Who can we show love to as Jesus did? For an example, example, show the video “My Brother Hyrum” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Invite the children to draw pictures of themselves showing love to someone. Suggest that they put their picture where it will remind them to love others as Jesus does.

Ask the children to write names of people they know on pieces of paper and place them in a small bag or container. Invite them to take their container home, select a name from it every day, and do something that shows love for that person. In a future lesson, invite them to share their experiences serving these people.

Friend December 2020 “Family Night Fun”

Friend December 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones”

Ensign December 2020 “Family Study Fun”

Mormon taught that we “must needs have charity” (Moroni 7:44). Use this activity to talk about what charity means.

  1. Show the picture of Jesus from page 193 of the Come, Follow Me manual for individuals and families.
  2. Read Moroni 7:45–47 together. As you read, write down on slips of paper phrases that describe charity (for example, “is kind”).
  3. Put the slips of paper around the picture of Christ. Talk about times He acted in those ways.
  4. Now show a picture of your family. Talk about what your family can do to follow Christ’s examples of charity. As each idea is shared, move the corresponding paper from Christ’s picture to your family’s picture.

Discussion: Read and talk about Moroni 7:48. What can your family do to get ready to see the Savior again?

Latter Day Kids “Charity- Come Follow Me” Video and more lesson ideas at link.

Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon “Lesson 42: Moroni and His Writings”

  1. Moroni had the pure love of Christ. Help the children find some of the following examples of Moroni’s charity, or use some of the following examples as you tell the children the story of Moroni.
    • Suffereth long: Moroni lived alone for over thirty-six years patiently keeping the records. (Mormon 8:5.)
    • Kind: Moroni prayed for us, and he loved his brethren. (Ether 12:36, 38.)
    • Envieth not: Moroni saw our day and counseled us to not be envious or proud. (Mormon 8:35–37.)
    • Not puffed up: Moroni was humble because of his weakness in writing. (Ether 12:23–25.)
    • Seeketh not her own: Moroni unselfishly worked and prayed for us that we would have a knowledge of Jesus Christ. (Mormon 9:36Ether 12:41.)
    • Not easily provoked: Moroni forgave his enemies and worked hard to write things that he hoped would be of worth to them. (Moroni 1:4.)
    • Thinketh no evil: Moroni exhorted us to hold to good and touch not evil. (Moroni 10:30.)
    • Rejoiceth in truth: Moroni was honest. (Moroni 10:27.)
    • Beareth all things: Because Moroni would not deny Jesus Christ, he had to wander alone for his safety. (Moroni 1:2–3.)
    • Believeth all things: Moroni encouraged us to believe in Jesus Christ. (Mormon 9:21.) So great was Moroni’s faith that he was able to see Christ face to face. (Ether 12:39.)
    • Hopeth all things: Moroni understood the importance of hope. (Ether 12:32.)
    • Endureth all things: Moroni was faithful to the end. (Moroni 10:34.)

Moroni 1-6

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Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 53: Moroni and His Teachings” Story Images and Video

Friend December 2020Moroni Saved the Scriptures for Us.” Video

Ordinances

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 1–6: “To Keep Them in the Right Way”

Because of the Great Apostasy, many people today are confused about religion, including how ordinances must be performed—and even whether they are needed at all. Moroni had seen our times (see Mormon 8:35). This may be why he gave clarifying details about the sacrament, baptism, conferring the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the blessings of gathering with fellow believers to “keep [each other] in the right way.

Ensign December 2020 “Family Study Fun

Moving with Moroni: Moroni wrote about several ordinances (or sacred acts performed by someone with priesthood authority). Use this activity to review the scriptures below.

  1. Write the following on four sheets of paper and scatter them around the room:
  2. Ask someone to start and stop a Church song while people walk from paper to paper.
  3. When the music stops, everyone goes to the nearest paper. Whoever touches a paper last should read the scripture and say one reason that ordinance is important. Then start and stop the music for the next round.
  4. Keep playing until all four ordinances have been discussed.

Discussion: What can we do to treat these ordinances as sacred? How do these ordinances bless our family?

I take the sacrament to show that I will always remember Jesus Christ.

Moroni 4–5

Friend December 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 1–6: “To Keep Them in the Right Way”

Sing a song that helps the children think about Jesus, such as “Reverently, Quietly” (Children’s Songbook, 26). Ask the children to practice sitting reverently like they would during the sacrament.

  • Write phrases from Moroni 4:3 and 5:2 on separate strips of paper, and ask the children to put the phrases in the correct order. According to these verses, why is the sacrament important?
  • Invite the children to imagine that a friend is coming to sacrament meeting for the first time. How would they explain to their friend what the sacrament is and why we partake of it? Encourage them to use Moroni 4:3 and 5:2 in their explanations.
  • Invite the children to share things their families do during the sacrament to be reverent and think about Jesus Christ. What other ideas do they have? Invite them to pick one of these ideas and set a goal to spend more time thinking of the Savior during the sacrament.

Friend December 2020 “Family Night Fun”

I can prepare to be baptized.

Moroni 6:1–3

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 1–6: “To Keep Them in the Right Way”

Read phrases from Moroni 6:1–3 that teach who can be baptized. Explain terms the children may not understand. For instance, one meaning of “a broken heart and a contrite spirit” is to feel sorry for our sins (Moroni 6:2). Tell about how you prepared to be baptized, or ask someone who was recently baptized to explain how he or she prepared. Help the children think of ways they can prepare to be baptized someday.

I am blessed when I go to church.

Moroni 6:4–6, 9

Member of the Church of Jesus Christ

Latter Day Kids “Meet Together Oft- Come Follow Me” Video and Lesson Ideas.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 1–6: “To Keep Them in the Right Way”

  • Ask the children why they like going to church, and help them name some of the things we do at church. Read to them some of these things from Moroni 6:4–6, 9, and invite them to act out or draw pictures of themselves doing some of these things (such as praying, preaching, singing, and partaking of the sacrament).
  • Help the children sing a song about attending church, such as “When I Go to Church” (Children’s Songbook, 157). Tell the children why you love going to church and how it has blessed you.

We go to church to take the sacrament and support each other.

Moroni 6:4–6, 9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 1–6: “To Keep Them in the Right Way”

Write Why do we come to church? on the board, and ask the children to write possible answers. Invite them to find additional answers in Moroni 6:4–6, 9 and add them to their list on the board. Invite the children to share how they have been blessed for attending church.

Show pictures or examples of nourishing foods. Why is it important to nourish our bodies? Read together Moroni 6:4, and ask the children what they think the phrase “nourished by the good word of God” means. How does the word of God nourish us? How can we help spiritually nourish each other at church?

The Holy Ghost is a sacred gift.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 1–6: “To Keep Them in the Right Way”

The Holy Ghost is mentioned several times in Moroni 2–6. Use these chapters to help the children understand how the Holy Ghost can help them.

Moroni 2–6


Ether 12-15

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Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 52: The Destruction of the Jaredites” Pictures and video

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 12–15: “By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled”

Faith is believing in things we cannot see.

Ether 12:6–22

Explain that the prophet Ether tried to teach the Jaredites “great and marvelous things,” but they didn’t believe what he said. Invite the children to read Ether 12:5 to find out why they didn’t believe. What are some things Heavenly Father wants us to believe even though we don’t see them? Read together Ether 12:6.

Moroni shared several examples of people who accomplished great things because of their faith.

  • Show pictures that depict the examples of faith in Ether 12:13–15, 20–21 (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 7885, and this week’s activity page). Let the children tell you what they see in the pictures and what they know about the stories. Talk with the children about how these individuals showed faith and what happened because of their faith.
  • Play a guessing game with the children. Give them clues about the faithful people described in Ether 12:13–15, 19–20 until the children can guess who they are. Then let the children play the game again by taking turns giving clues about the same people (or other faithful people) while the rest of the class guesses. Share what you admire about the faith of these people.
  • Show one of the children a picture without letting the other children see, and ask the child to describe the picture to the rest of the class. As time allows, let other children take turns doing the same with different pictures. Then invite them to read Ether 12:6 and find this phrase: “Faith is things which are hoped for and not seen.” How do we show faith in Jesus Christ when we cannot see Him?
  • Ask the children to read this phrase in Ether 12:6: “Ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.” Help the children understand that when we obey a commandment, we can know it is true. Ask them to think of gospel principles that God wants us to have a testimony of, such as paying tithing, keeping the Sabbath day holy, or living the Word of Wisdom. Then write on the board In order to gain a testimony of , I must . Share how you have exercised faith in order to gain your testimony of these and other gospel truths.

Latter Day Kids “Faith is Like Planting a Seed- Come Follow Me” Lesson ideas and video

Hope is like an anchor to my soul.

Ether 12:4, 32

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 12–15: “By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled”

Share with the children the definition of hope found in “Hope” (Guide to the Scriptures, scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). According to this definition and Ether 12:4, 32, what should we hope for? (see also Moroni 7:40–42). Help the children think of other words for hope, along with words that mean the opposite of hope. Share with them some gospel truths that give you hope, and invite them to do the same.

  • Show (or draw on the board) a picture of a boat and an anchor. Why do boats need anchors? What would happen to a boat that did not have an anchor? Read together Ether 12:4, and ask the children how hope is like an anchor. Invite the children to draw their own pictures of a boat and anchor so they can teach their families about hope.

Jesus Christ can help me be strong.

Ether 12:23–27

Friend November 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones Read Ether 12:27 and help your little ones say, “Jesus Christ can help me be strong.” Invite your children to try doing something physically hard, like moving a chair or lifting a heavy book. Then help them successfully complete the challenge. Show them a picture of Jesus and explain that Jesus can help us do hard things and make weak things strong.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 12–15: “By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled”

As children get older, they become more aware of their weaknesses. Use these verses to teach them how the Savior can make “weak things become strong” (Ether 12:27).

  • Describe for the children a task that would require a lot of physical strength to accomplish. Invite them to share examples of things they aren’t strong enough to do now. How could we become strong enough to accomplish these tasks? Explain that we also have spiritual work to do, but we sometimes feel spiritually weak. Moroni felt this way about his writings on the plates (Ether 12:23–25). Read Ether 12:27 to the children. What did the Lord promise those who feel weak?
  • Share an experience in which the Savior helped you or someone you know do something that was hard. Testify to the children that if they seek His help, Jesus can help them be strong, even when they feel weak.
  • Invite the children to draw a picture of something weak and something strong. Then invite them to add to their drawing some words and phrases from Ether 12:23–29 that teach them about how the Savior can help us turn our weakness into strength. Encourage the children to think about a weakness they might have and then seek the Savior’s help to become strong.

Why does the Lord give us weakness? What is our part in making “weak things become strong”? What is the Savior’s part?

Weak Things Stronger.” In this Friend article, Parker learns that he doesn’t have to be perfect and that the Savior is there to help him.

Rejecting the prophets brings spiritual danger.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 12–15: “By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled”

Being king of the Jaredites was, historically, a dangerous position. This was especially true for Coriantumr, as many “mighty men … sought to destroy him” (Ether 13:15–16). In Ether 13:15–22, notice what Coriantumr did to protect himself and what the prophet Ether counseled him to do instead. As you read the rest of the book of Ether, ponder the consequences of rejecting the prophets. What happens to people when “the Spirit of the Lord [ceases] striving with them”? (Ether 15:19).

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 41: The Jaredites Reject the Prophets,” 

  • What would happen if you chose to stick a pin in a fully inflated balloon?
  • What would happen if your family chose to stop watering a plant in your home?
  • What would happen if you chose to stay up late and not get enough sleep?

Explain to the children that all their choices have consequences. Consequences are what happen as a result of the choices we make. The scriptures and our prophets teach us the consequences of our choices because Heavenly Father wants us to make good choices. This lesson is about the Jaredites and the prophet Ether. Ether told the Jaredites that if they chose not to repent, the consequences would be that all of the people would be destroyed.

  1. Before class, write the letters to the word obedience on separate pieces of paper, and hide them around the classroom. Explain to the children that you have hidden some letters. Give specific directions for finding each letter. When all the letters have been located, put them on the floor or chalkboard to form the word obedience. Ask how they were able to find all the letters. Teach the children that Heavenly Father wants us to choose to obey. Learning to obey is one of the main reasons we are here on earth. Heavenly Father wants us to use our agency and choose to obey the counsel of the leaders of the Church. Ask the children what they think is the most important thing they can do to be happy. Refer again to the letters that spell obedience. Point out that Heavenly Father tells us in the scriptures and through his Church leaders what he wants us to do. When we use our agency to be obedient and do what he says, he will help us find happiness.
  2. Make the following wordstrips: Righteousness, Blessings, Prosperity, Pride, Wickedness, Suffering or destruction, Humility, Repentance. Explain that throughout history when people have been righteous, Heavenly Father has blessed them with prosperity. Unfortunately this prosperity can lead to pride and wickedness and sometimes complete destruction.Explain that this is what happened to the Jaredites. At first they were a righteous people and were blessed and prospered. (Draw a large circle on the chalkboard, and have the children put up the wordstrips “Righteousness,” “Blessings,” and “Prosperity” in the proper places on the circle [see the following illustration].) Then the Jaredites became proud and rejected the prophets. The people became so wicked that they were entirely destroyed. (Have the children put up the wordstrips “Pride,” “Wickedness,” and “Suffering or destruction” in the proper places on the circle.) Explain that if the Jaredites had humbled themselves and repented before they were destroyed, they could have returned to enjoying the blessings of righteous living. (Have the children put up the wordstrips “Humility” and “Repentance” in the proper places on the circle.) Help the children understand that this cycle often happens in our personal lives as well as in the history of nations.Cycle of HistoryRighteousnessBlessingsProsperityPrideWickednessSuffering or destructionHumilityRepentance
  3. Have the children make their own copies of the cycle of history to take home and share with their families. The children could make their cycles more personal by including such things as “listening to the prophets,” “obeying my parents,” “praying daily,” “expressing gratitude,” “serving others,” and so on.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 12–15: “By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled”

Ether 12:41

Is there a fun way you could teach your children to “seek … Jesus”? One way might be to hide a picture of Jesus and invite your family members to “seek” and find the picture. How do we seek Jesus, and how are we blessed when we find Him?

It might be interesting for your family members to compare the experience of Ether with the experiences of Mormon and Moroni (see Mormon 68:1–10). How are they similar? How was the Nephites’ path to destruction similar to the Jaredites’ path? (compare Ether 15:19 with Moroni 8:28). What truths do we learn that can help us avoid what happened to them?


Ether 6-11

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Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 6–11: “That Evil May Be Done Away”

Heavenly Father can comfort me when I am scared.

Ether 6:2–12

It must have been frightening for the Jaredites to be “tossed upon the waves of the sea before the wind” (Ether 6:5). But the Lord kept them safe and helped them.

Possible Activities

  • Using words and phrases from Ether 6:2–12, describe to the children the Jaredites’ journey across the sea. Invite the children to pretend to climb into the barges and pretend that their barge is being moved and covered by waves. How would it feel to be in a real barge in rough waters? What can we do when we are scared? Read together verses 7 and 9 to see what the Jaredites did when they were frightened.
  • Tell about a time when you were afraid and Heavenly Father comforted you.

Friend November 2020 “Come, Follow Me for Little Ones” Sit on a bed with your children and cover yourselves with a blanket, or do something else to build a pretend barge. Be sure to bring a flashlight! Read Ether 6:5 together and act out being “tossed upon the waves” with a “furious wind.” Then read Ether 6:9 together and help your little ones say, “I can be thankful.” Pick a favorite Primary song to sing together before leaving the barge!

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 6–11: “That Evil May Be Done Away”

Would your family enjoy acting out the Jaredites’ voyage to the promised land? Maybe you could use a dark room as a barge and flashlights to represent the shining stones. You could talk about how the Jaredites showed their faith in the Lord by getting in the barges, despite knowing that they would be “buried in the depths of the sea” (Ether 6:6). After reading verse 9, family members could share favorite hymns of praise and sing them together. How can our homes be compared to the Jaredites’ barges? What is the promised land the Lord is leading our family toward?

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “The Jaredite Barges”

I can trust Heavenly Father to guide me to eternal life.

Ether 6:2–12

The account of the Jaredites’ voyage across the sea can be compared to our journey through mortality. Both journeys are sometimes dangerous and require faith that the Lord will guide and protect us.

Read together Ether 6:2–12, pausing frequently so the children can draw pictures of what they are reading. How is the Jaredites’ journey like our lives? Help the children identify and label what different parts of their drawings might represent in our lives. For example, the Jaredites could represent us. The barges could represent our homes, the Church, or the gospel. What might the wind, the water, the shining stones, and the promised land represent?

Help the children find words and phrases in Ether 6:2–12that show how the Jaredites trusted God. Share examples of how relying on God has helped you during difficult times in your life. Encourage the children to share any similar experiences they’ve had.

I can be thankful.

Ether 6:9, 12, 307:2710:2

After arriving safely in the promised land, the Jaredites were so thankful that they “shed tears of joy” (Ether 6:12).

  • Read to the children phrases from Ether 6:9 and 12 to teach them how the Jaredites showed their gratitude to the Lord for helping them reach the promised land. Ask the children to name some things they are thankful for. Sing together, like the Jaredites did, a song that expresses gratitude, such as “I Thank Thee, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook, 7).
  • Read to the children Ether 10:2 to show that even many years later, the Jaredites remembered how the Lord had helped their ancestors cross the ocean. Help the children think of ways the Lord has blessed them. Then let the children draw pictures to remind themselves of these blessings (or help them choose from some pictures you bring, perhaps from a Church magazine).

Latter Day Kids “Being Thankful- Come Follow Me” Lesson ideas and video

Remembering what the Lord has done for me brings peace.

Ether 6:307:2710:2

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 52: The Destruction of the Jaredites”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 6–11: “That Evil May Be Done Away”

One thing that distinguished the righteous Jaredite kings from the wicked ones is that the righteous kings “remembered the great things that the Lord had done” for them (Ether 7:27).

  • Ask the children to read Ether 6:307:27; and 10:2 individually or in small groups and find something that these verses have in common. Share your feelings about what the Lord has done for you, and invite the children to do the same.
  • Share with the children about how you try to remember ways the Lord has blessed you and your family. Help the children think of ways they can remind themselves what the Lord has done for them. Give them each a piece of paper, and invite them to ponder and write down something He has done for them recently. Suggest that they make a regular habit of writing down blessings they notice from the Lord (see “O Remember, Remember” [video, ChurchofJesusChrist.org]).

I am blessed when I follow the prophet.

Ether 7:24–27

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 6–11: “That Evil May Be Done Away”

The book of Ether clearly shows that when the Jaredites followed the prophets they were blessed, and when they rejected the prophets their lives were harder.

  • Show a picture of the living prophet, and ask the children what they know about him. What does a prophet do? Explain that the Jaredites had prophets too, and whenever they followed the prophet, they were blessed and happy (see Ether 7:24–27). How can we follow the prophet?
  • Sing together a song about prophets, such as “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110–11; see also Gospel Art Book, nos. 4–2767–87). Talk with the children about things the prophets have taught us to do (for example, reading our scriptures daily, keeping the Sabbath day holy, or serving others), and invite them to act out obeying that counsel when you say “Follow the prophet!”

The Lord is merciful when I repent.

Ether 9:28–3511:5–8

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 6–11: “That Evil May Be Done Away”

Even though the Jaredites often rejected the prophets and became wicked, the Lord always forgave them when they humbled themselves and repented.

  • Read together Ether 9:28–35, and help the children think of three or four short sentences that summarize what happened in these verses. Then read Ether 11:5–8, and help the children identify similarities between the two accounts. What do we learn from these stories?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 6–11: “That Evil May Be Done Away”

What is a secret combination?

When two or more people conspire to keep their wicked acts secret, they are involved in a secret combination. They are often motivated by the desire for power or riches.

Throughout this week, your family could watch for how the brother of Jared’s prophetic warning about captivity was fulfilled. What warnings have our Church leaders given us? In what ways could dismissing their counsel lead to captivity?

According to these verses, why was Moroni commanded to write “these things” about secret combinations? (Ether 8:23). 


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?