Matthew 8; Mark 2–4; Luke 7

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Matthew CHAPTER 8 Jesus heals a leper, cures the centurion’s servant and others, stills the tempest, and casts out devils—The devils enter a herd of swine.

Mark CHAPTER 2 Jesus forgives sins, heals a paralytic, eats with tax gatherers and sinners, and announces that He is Lord of the Sabbath.

Mark CHAPTER 3 Jesus heals on the Sabbath day—He chooses and ordains the Twelve Apostles—He asks, Can Satan cast out Satan?—Jesus speaks of blasphemy against the Holy Ghost and identifies those who believe as being members of His family.

Mark CHAPTER 4 Jesus gives the parables of the sower, the candle under a bushel, the seed growing secretly, and the mustard seed—He stills the tempest.

Luke CHAPTER 7 Jesus heals the centurion’s servant—Jesus raises from death the son of the widow of Nain—He praises John the Baptist as more than a prophet—A woman anoints Jesus’ feet, and He forgives her sins.

Jesus has power to perform miracles.

Matthew 8Mark 2–3Luke 7

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 8; Mark 2–4; Luke 7” As you read about the Savior’s miracles of healing, ponder which miracles to share. How can you help the children you teach understand the role of faith in the miracles Jesus performed?

  • Share the account of the man with palsy from Mark 2:1–12. For help, see “Chapter 23: The Man Who Could Not Walk” (in New Testament Stories, 57–58, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Explain that the man with palsy could not walk. Help them recognize that this man was healed by the Savior.
  • Invite the children to talk about a time when they were sick. Tell one of the accounts of Jesus healing the sick, such as Matthew 8:1–4, 5–13, 14–15Mark 3:1–5Luke 7:11–16. Invite the children to retell the story in their own words. Testify that Jesus’s power can heal, bless, and comfort us.

Friend May 2016 “Bad Day in the Badlands” Topher and his classmates get sick on a school trip. Topher gets a priesthood blessing.

Friend May 2016
Friend May 2016
  • “Jesus Heals the Sick” (April 2015 Liahona and Friend)
    Figures to tell stories from New Testament about Jesus Healing the Sick.
Friend April 2015
Friend April 2015  Lesson Ideas

Matthew 8:1–4 ; Mark 1:40–42 Jesus heals a leper.A leper would have been shunned from society because leprosy was a painful, contagious, and sometimes deadly disease. Most people would have avoided approaching or touching him.

“Lesson 13: Jesus Christ Heals the Sick,” Primary 7: New Testament Explain that lepers suffer a terrible form of skin disease. Because leprosy was thought to be highly contagious, those with the disease were often not allowed to live in the cities and they were shunned by those without leprosy.

After Jesus healed the leper, what did He ask him to do? (Mark 1:43–44.) What does this tell us about how we should help others?

Matthew 8:5–8, 13 Jesus heals a centurion’s servant.A centurion was a commanding officer of about 100 men in the Roman military. Many Jews in Jesus’s day hated Roman soldiers because of religious differences and because they represented the nation that had conquered them.

Jesus healed man with withered hand on the Sabbath.

What do you learn about Jesus Christ from these miracles?

Jesus can perform miracles in my life as I have faith in Him.

Matthew 8Mark 2–3Luke 7

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 8; Mark 2–4; Luke 7” Jesus performed many miracles during His mortal ministry. How can you help the children be aware that miracles happen today?

  • Ask the children to act out how they feel when they are sick, sad, afraid, or worried. How can Jesus help us when we have these feelings? Testify that Jesus can help the children in all of these situations.

Friend March 2019 “Missing Mom and Dad” Dylan’s mom and dad were going on a trip, and he was going to stay with his grandparents. He loved staying with his grandparents, but for some reason he was scared about being away from his mom and dad for so long. He decided to pray for help, and he received comforting thoughts and feelings.

Friend January 2018

  • Invite the children to share experiences when they or someone they know received a priesthood blessing. How was that person healed or blessed?

Friend May 2016 “Bad Day in the Badlands” Topher and his classmates get sick on a school trip. Topher asks for a priesthood blessing.

Friend May 2016
Friend May 2016

(New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023)

During His mortal ministry, Jesus Christ healed the sick and the afflicted, but each person had to exercise faith in Him and act to receive His healing. Some walked for long distances, others extended their hand to touch His garment, and others had to be carried to Him in order to be healed. (Reyna I. Aburto, “Thru Cloud and Sunshine, Lord, Abide with Me!,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 58)

Having faith in Jesus Christ means relying completely on Him—trusting in His infinite power, intelligence, and love. It includes believing His teachings. It means believing that even though we do not understand all things, He does. Because He has experienced all our pains, afflictions, and infirmities, He knows how to help us rise above our daily difficulties.(Gospel Topics, “Faith in Jesus Christ,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

The Lord counsels us not to fear. Throughout the scriptures the Lord has counseled us to “be not afraid, only believe” (Mark 5:36). What are some actions that you could take to follow the Savior’s invitation to “be not afraid, only believe”? How will those actions help you face your fears?

Create a picture with the phrase “Be not afraid, only believe.” Put this picture in a place where it will help you remember to believe in Jesus Christ and not fear.

Fear and faith cannot coexist in our hearts at the same time. (Neil L. Andersen, “You Know Enough,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 14)

I can show love for others as Jesus did.

Matthew 8Mark 2–3Luke 7

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 8; Mark 2–4; Luke 7” Jesus showed great love by healing the sick and afflicted. Ponder how you can teach the children to show kindness to people in need.

  • (See also the video “Widow of Nain” on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.) Share a time when someone showed love for you in a time of need and how you felt. Invite the children to share their experiences.
  • Show the video “Gordon Hinckley: Lessons I Learned as a Boy” or “The Coat” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). How did the children in these videos follow Jesus’s example? Invite the children to share other situations when someone might be in need. What can we do to help them?
  • Sing a song about showing love and kindness to others, such as “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145).

Jesus loves us even when we sin and wants to help us repent.

Mark 2:15–17Luke 7:36–50

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 8; Mark 2–4; Luke 7”The accounts in Mark 2:15–17 and Luke 7:36–50 can help the children understand that Jesus Christ loves us even when we sin. He wants to help us repent and draw close to Him.

A paralyzed man (“sick of the palsy” as used in this account means he was paralyzed)

Watch the video “Jesus Forgives Sins and Heals a Man Stricken with Palsy,” available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org, from time code 0:00 to 1:07.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “Mark 2:1–12” Some of the people present at this event questioned the Savior’s authority to forgive sins. Read Mark 2:6–12, looking for what the Savior did to demonstrate His authority to forgive. The phrase “Son of man” in verse 10 refers to Jesus Christ being the Son of “Man of Holiness,” who is God the Father (see Moses 6:57). You may also want to continue watching the video “Jesus Forgives Sins and Heals a Man Stricken with Palsy” from time code 1:07 to 2:57.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, then of the First Presidency, testified of the Savior’s power to heal spiritual illness.

Sometimes spiritual illness comes as a result of sin or emotional wounds. …Even the deepest spiritual wounds—yes, even those that may appear to be incurable—can be healed.

My dear friends, the healing power of Jesus Christ is not absent in our day. The Savior’s healing touch can transform lives in our day just as it did in His. If we will but have faith, He can take our hands, fill our souls with heavenly light and healing, and speak to us the blessed words, “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk” [ John 5:8 ].

(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Bearers of Heavenly Light,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 78)

“Friend August 2013 “Friend August 2013 “Jesus Heals a Sick Man” By Margo Mae

Friend August 2013 “Jesus Heals a Man Taken with a Palsy” Coloring Page

Friend November 2009 “Jesus Heals a Sick Man”

Latter Day Kids “I Can Show Compassion for Others” Lesson ideas

  • Write How does Jesus feel about sin? and How does Jesus feel about us when we sin? on the board. Ask the children to think about these questions as they read together Mark 2:15–17 and then share their answers. (You may want to read together “Publican” in Guide to the Scriptures [scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org].–In ancient Rome, a collector of taxes for the government. Publicans were generally hated by the Jews. Some publicans readily accepted the gospel) Why is it important to know that Jesus loves us, even though we aren’t perfect? How can knowing this help us when we need to repent?
  • Show a picture of the Savior (such as one in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families), and ask the children what words they would use to describe Him. Invite them to find words that describe Him in Psalm 86:5, 13, 15. If needed, help them define these words. What could we say to a friend who feels that God is angry at them when they sin?
  • Sing with the children a song that you feel will help them understand the Savior’s forgiving nature, such as “I Stand All Amazed” (Hymns, no. 193). Share your testimony that Jesus Christ wants to forgive us.

Friend January 2023 “What’s on Your Mind?” Jesus Christ loves you perfectly. If you make a wrong choice, He still loves you. And He can help you repent and make things right again. He is always waiting for you to follow Him. He believes in you! (See more at link.)

 If someone were to stray off a path, fall, and become injured, what would be some of the possible symptoms and effects of being injured? Answers might include: pain, shock, bruises, scrapes, cuts, bleeding, broken bones, sprain, concussion, etc.

Just like a person would suffer the effects of being injured, a person who had sinned would also suffer the consequences and results of that sin. What are some of the consequences that can occur because of sin? Answers might include: guilt, loss of the Spirit’s help and guidance, possible loss of freedom, loss of other’s trust, damaged relationships, possible loss of good health, loss of inheritance in the kingdom of God, etc.

Show the children some medical items and ask what they are used for. (To help treat and heal physical injuries and sickness.)

Who is the master physician that can heal our spiritual wounds, small or large? (Jesus Christ) The Savior said: ‘Will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you? … If ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life.’”

  • A few days before class, invite one of the children and a family member to come to class prepared to share the account in Luke 7:36–50. They could draw pictures depicting parts of the story to show the class. Discuss with the children what the Lord might want us to learn from this story.

When I am afraid or in danger, Jesus can help me feel peace. (Junior)

Mark 4:35–41

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 8; Mark 2–4; Luke 7”The account of Jesus calming a storm can help children know that He can give them peace when they feel afraid.

  • Help the children imagine that they are on the ship as you read Mark 4:35–41. (See also “Chapter 21: Jesus Commands the Winds and the Waves,” in New Testament Stories, 53, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.) Ask the children to describe how they might have felt if they had been there. When have the children been scared? How did they find comfort?

Friend September 2013 “Jesus Calms the Tempest”

Friend March 2023 “Jesus Christ Calms the Storm” Illustrations by Apryl Stott

Friend March 2023 What are some things that scare your little ones? Calmly talk about one of those fears. Then help them say, “When I am afraid, Jesus can help me feel peace.”

Friend March 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities: The Storm”

Story: Read the story of Jesus Christ calming the storm on page 46 or in Mark 4:36–41. Talk about ways Jesus brings you peace.

Song: “I Feel My Savior’s Love” (Children’s Songbook, 74–75)

Activity: Stand in a circle and hold the sides of a blanket. Put a ball on the blanket and gently toss it around, like the ship was tossed on the waves. Take turns telling the group to go fast, slow down, or “be still.”

  • Invite the children to make the sounds of a storm and stop when someone says “Peace, be still.” Testify that just as Jesus can bring us peace when there is a storm outside, He can bring us peace in our hearts when we feel bad on the inside.

Friend March 2023 “The Earthquake Prayer” Violet woke up when she felt an earthquake. She and her family ran to the kitchen and crawled under the table. They had practiced what to do in an earthquake, but Violet was scared. She said a prayer, and felt like someone was giving her a hug. She was glad Heavenly Father helped her feel peace.

  • Teach the children actions to accompany the third verse of “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 57), and sing the verse together while doing the actions.

When I am afraid or in danger, Jesus can help me feel peace. (Senior)

Mark 4:35–41

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 8; Mark 2–4; Luke 7” Children need to know that the Savior can give them peace when they face the storms of life—now and in the future.

  • Ask one of the children to use Mark 4:35–41 and the picture Jesus Calms the Storm (Gospel Art Book, no. 40) to tell the story of Jesus calming the storm. Ask the children to describe how they might have felt if they had been there.

Friend September 2021 “Singing for Jesus” Songs about Jesus can bring us peace and comfort

  • Invite the children to share experiences when they felt peace after praying for help. Remind them that this peace comes from the Savior.

Friend March 2023 “The Earthquake Prayer” Violet woke up when she felt an earthquake. She and her family ran to the kitchen and crawled under the table. They had practiced what to do in an earthquake, but Violet was scared. She said a prayer, and felt like someone was giving her a hug. She was glad Heavenly Father helped her feel peace.

  • Give each child a paper rain cloud, and ask them to write on it a trial that someone might have. Put all of the clouds on the board, covering a picture of the Savior. Invite a child to remove one of the clouds and suggest ways we could help someone with that trial to find peace. When all the clouds are removed, testify of the Savior’s power to calm the storms in our lives.

Friend March 2023 “Peace from the Savior” President Eyring gives ideas on how to feel peace even during difficult times such as remembering the Savior and following him.

For the Strength of Youth March 2023 “Jesus Christ: PEACE among the STORMS”

The Savior has the power to calm any storm in your life. He can heal your pain, ease your burdens, and provide light when you’re in darkness.

It’s important to remember that sometimes the Lord calms the storms in your life, and sometimes He instead calms and comforts you while the storm rages on. When you have faith in Him, you also trust in His will and timing. You believe that He will help you, regardless of when your peace and calm actually arrive.

When you’re lonely, sad, anxious, or waiting for promised blessings, remember this question: Are you waiting for “a great calm” with a fearful heart or with a faithful heart?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 8; Mark 2–4; Luke 7” Children might enjoy pretending they are in a boat in a stormy sea while someone reads Mark 4:35–38. Then, when someone reads verse 39, they could pretend to be in a boat in a calm sea. You could also sing together a song about finding peace in the Savior, such as “Master, the Tempest Is Raging” (Hymns, no. 105). What phrases in the song teach us about the peace Jesus offers?

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal “Matthew 8; Mark 2–4; Luke 7” Lesson ideas


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

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Lesson 35

Jesus Christ Heals the Sick and Blesses the Children

Preparation

  • Items needed: a marker or pen for each child, tape, magnets, a highlighter marker, thread or string, and several pieces of red or pink paper.
  • Print and cut out the visual aids pdf or word.
  • Directions for making the envelope and heart visual aid: Cut the thread into two, 20 inch lengths. Place the first page of cut out hearts face down in two rows in the same order as they were laid out on the page. The hearts should be about 1 ½ inches apart. Place one string on row one with the end of the string in the middle of the bottom heart. Put a piece of tape over the string on each heart so each heart is attached to the string. Do the same thing with the other row of hearts and string. Add the heart labeled “listens” to the top of row one. You should end up with a piece of string at the top that is four inches long on row one and five and half inches on row two. Using an x-acto knife, cut along the dotted line on the envelope. Tape the top of each string to the back of the envelope, each about two inches from a side. Put the string of hearts through the envelope opening you cut. Glue or tape the back edges of the envelope to a piece of heavy paper, leaving the top of the x-acto cut edge open. You should now have an envelope pocket. Stack the rows of hearts in order, and put the two stacks into the envelope.
  • Mobile Handout: Print (or copy) and cut out an envelope for each child. Cut two pieces of string, 13 inches long, per child. Cut out eight hearts per child by folding several pieces of pink or red paper into thirds lengthwise, then placing half of a blank heart along the folded edge, and finally cutting out the hearts using the half a heart as a pattern (or you can purchase precut packages of hearts).
  • Print the word search onto colored paper.
  • Optional: prepare the salt attention activity found here.

Attention Activity

  • In what ways do your mother and father show they love you? (They make rules to keep you safe. They help you and teach you. They give you hugs and kisses. Some parents may even write notes telling you how much they love you.)

Point out that people show love through their actions. Show the children the word search and have them find the words that are actions of love. (All the words are horizontal.) When a child finds a word, have that child come up and mark it with a highlighter or circle it with a pencil.

Word Search Answers: ATTENTIVE, TEACHES, CONSIDERATE, CONCERNED, PRAYS, SACRIFICES, PATIENT, LISTENS, HELPS, SUPPORTS, COMFORTS, FORGIVING

Put the envelope on the board with the opening facing downward. Explain that in today’s lesson they will learn about the love the Savior has for them. Point out that each of the action words in the crossword puzzle has been demonstrated by the Savior in our behalf. Jesus’s loving actions are like messages that remind us that he loves us.

Scripture Account

Put the flannel board image of Jesus on the board, and remind the children that in last week’s lesson they learned that Jesus taught the Nephites the beatitudes. As he prepared to leave at the end of the day, he perceived that the people did not fully understand what he had taught. Have a child read 3 Nephi 17:1–3 as the other children follow along. Have the children look for what the Savior told the Nephites they should do in order to gain more understanding.

  • What does it mean to ponder? (It means to thoughtfully consider something and deeply think about it.)

Point out the Savior’s instruction found in 3 Nephi 17:3 that the Nephites should “prepare [their] minds for the morrow,” for when Jesus would return to teach them again.

  • How do you prepare your mind for an important lesson such as a school assignment? You read and learn about the subject, you ponder on (or think about) what you have been taught in order to understand it more thoroughly, and you may even ask for help from a parent to help you understand it further.
  • What happens if you don’t prepare for an assignment by doing these things? (You may not properly understand the material.)

It is the same with the gospel; in order to understand the gospel we need to think about what we have been taught, study it thoroughly, and ask our Heavenly Father for help in understanding it. Through the Holy Ghost our minds can be enlightened and we can receive understanding. When we understand a concept better then we are ready to learn more and add to our understanding and knowledge.

  • In the scripture that was just read, what did the Savior do to show his love for the people? (He wanted the people to understand the things he had taught so they could progress spiritually.)

The Savior has taught us many things. These teachings can be found in the scriptures. Someone who loves us teaches us the things that will help us in life. (Take the heart out of the envelope that says “teaches.” It will be the first one in the pile on the left.)

  • Have a child read 3 Nephi 17:4-5, and then ask the children how the Nephites responded when the Savior expressed his intention to depart. (They wept and were sad. They wanted him to stay longer.)
  • Have a child read 3 Nephi 17:6-8. Ask the children how the Savior responded when he saw the Nephite’s sorrow. (He had compassion upon them and asked if they had any sick or afflicted among them. He explained that he would heal them because he had perceived their desire to have the miracles shown to them that he had performed in Jerusalem. He also perceived that they had the faith to be healed. )
  • How did the Savior demonstrate his love for the people? (He was filled with compassion for them. Compassion means he cared about their feelings. He was filled with sympathy and understanding.)

A person who loves us is considerate of our feelings. (Have a child take the heart out of the envelope that says “considerate.” It will be the first heart in the pile on the right.) (Alternate drawing from the left and right when the remaining hearts are mentioned.)

Have a child read 3 Nephi 17:9. Afterwards, put the picture of the sick and afflicted Nephites on the board.

  • What types of ailments did Jesus heal? (The lame (those unable to walk), the blind (those unable to see), the dumb (those unable to speak–which was most likely due to deafness))
  • What types of ailments might be included in afflictions of “any manner”? (All other types of physical illnesses and disorders, but also mental and emotional difficulties and disorders.)

Ask students to ponder ways in which they may be “afflicted” and what they would ask the Savior to heal if he were to bless them personally. Remind them that even though the Savior is not here to minister to them in person, his power to bless and heal is available through the priesthood. If it is his will that they be healed, and if they have faith, then they can be healed. If it is not his will, then we need to trust in the Lord and his purposes, but we also need to remember that the Lord will help us deal with the affliction if we ask for his help.

Point out that someone who loves us will be there for us when we have problems and difficulties. That person would offer comfort, support, and help. (Have children take the hearts out of the envelope that say “comforts”, “supports”, and “helps.”  Remember that they alternate from left to right and then back to left again.)

After Jesus Christ healed the sick, he had the children brought to him. He had the people gather around them and kneel.  He then said a prayer that was so wonderful and marvelous that the people could not even describe it. (Read 3 Nephi 17:14-17) (Optional: Do the salt object lesson.)

The hearts of the people were filled with joy when they heard the words that Jesus prayed to the Father in their behalf.

Point out that someone who loves us will pray for us. They will appeal to Heavenly Father for His help in watching over us, protecting us, and guiding us. (Have a child take the heart out of the envelope that says “prays.”)

After Jesus arose from his prayer, he noticed that the people were overcome with joy. The great faith of the multitude filled him with such joy that he wept.

A person who loves us is filled with joy when we make good choices; but they can also be filled with sadness when we make bad choices. Remind them that Jesus groaned inside himself because of the wickedness of the people of Israel. Explain that those who love us are concerned about us. They want us to make good choices. (Have a child take the heart out of the envelope that says “concerned.”)

After Jesus wept, he took the children one by one and lovingly blessed them and prayed to the Father for them. He tenderly took time for each individual child because of his great love for children.

  • Someone who loves us will share their time with us. They will pay attention to us and listen to us. (Have children take the hearts out of the envelope that say “attentive” and “listens.”)
  • How would you feel if Jesus Christ held you in his arms, blessed you, and prayed to Heavenly Father for you?

After blessing the children, the Savior told the people to look upon their little ones. The heavens opened and angels descended out of heaven and encircled the children. It appeared as if they were in a midst of fire. (Put the picture of the children on the board.) The angels ministered unto the children. The heavenly attention bestowed upon the children of the Nephites is further evidence of the special love Jesus has for children.

Ask the children if they can think of any other things Jesus has done that shows his great love for us. Have them look at the word search to get ideas, but they must explain how Jesus demonstrated that action. For example, Jesus demonstrated sacrifice by suffering and paying the price for our sins. Write on the blank hearts any other actions the children think of that are not included in the word search. Have the children then attach these hearts to the board with magnets or tape, making a pile underneath the other hearts.

Knowing that Jesus loves us helps us to have faith and trust in him. Because he loves us, we know that he wants what is best for us. He wants the things for us that will bring us eternal happiness and peace. If we have faith in Jesus and keep his commandments then we can someday live with him and Heavenly Father. again. One of the greatest joys is being able to be with the people we love and with those who love us.

Handout

Have the children make their own mobile with the blank hearts you have prepared. Hand out an envelope, a set of eight hearts, and a marker or pen to each child. Have them write eight of the ways Jesus has shown love for them on their hearts, and then have them tape the hearts to the string and tape the top of the string to the envelope opening. Remind the children that each heart is like a message from Jesus that reminds them that he loves them.

Weekly Reading Assignment

Remind the children to do their scripture reading assignment for this week: 3 Nephi 17:1-25