Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20–21

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Matthew CHAPTER 28 Christ the Lord is risen—He appears to many—He has all power in heaven and earth—He sends the Apostles to teach and baptize all nations.

Mark CHAPTER 16 Christ is risen—He appears to Mary Magdalene, then to others—He sends the Apostles to preach and promises that signs will follow faith—He ascends into heaven.

Luke CHAPTER 24 Angels announce the resurrection of Christ—He walks on the Emmaus road—He appears with a body of flesh and bones, eats food, testifies of His divinity, and promises the Holy Ghost—He ascends into heaven.

John CHAPTER 20 Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John find the empty tomb—The risen Christ appears to Mary Magdalene in the garden—He appears to the disciples and shows His resurrected body—Thomas feels the wounds in Jesus’ hands, feet, and side—Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

John CHAPTER 21 Jesus appears to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias—He says, Feed my sheep—He foretells Peter’s martyrdom and that John will not die.

I will live again after I die, just as Jesus did.

Matthew 28Mark 16Luke 24John 20:1–23

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 The Atonement of Jesus Christ, including His Resurrection, is the most important event in history, and it is the foundation of Christian faith. As you read about the Resurrection, ponder how you will help the children build their faith in Jesus Christ.

Tell the story of Jesus’s Resurrection in your own words. (If needed, use “Chapter 54: Jesus Is Risen,” in New Testament Stories, 139–44, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.)

Explain that when Jesus died, His spirit left His body. When He was resurrected, His spirit and His body came together again. Ask the children to take turns repeating the story back to you. Ask the children how they would have felt if they had seen Jesus alive again.

The Red Crystal

Show the video “What Happens after We Die?” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), and tell about someone you know who has died. Share your testimony that everyone will be resurrected someday. Invite the children to share their testimonies.

Sing a song about the Savior’s Resurrection, such as “Did Jesus Really Live Again?” (Children’s Songbook, 64). Ask the children to imagine what it will feel like to see Jesus. Let them share their thoughts with the class.

Because Jesus was resurrected, everyone will be resurrected.

Matthew 28Mark 16Luke 24John 20:1–23

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 It’s natural for children to wonder what happens after we die. Consider how you can teach about the Resurrection in a way that will build their faith.

Invite the children to close their eyes and imagine that they are sitting by Jesus’s tomb while you read John 20:1–17 or summarize the story of His Resurrection (see also “Chapter 54: Jesus Is Risen,” in New Testament Stories, 139–44, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What does it mean to be resurrected? What would it have been like to see the resurrected Savior?

New Testament Stories “Jesus is Risen”

Ask each child to study the experience of someone who saw the resurrected Savior and share with the rest of the class what he or she learned.

Watch one or more of these videos with the children: “Jesus Is Laid in a Tomb,” “Jesus Is Resurrected,” “Christ Appears on the Road to Emmaus,” and “The Risen Lord Appears to the Apostles” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite the children to share why the Savior’s Resurrection is important to them.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023

I can have faith in Jesus Christ even though I can’t see Him. (Younger Children)

John 20:24–29

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 Consider how you can help the children understand what faith is and how they can exercise faith in the Savior.

Show the picture Christ Approaches Thomas (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) while you tell about Thomas’s experience in John 20:24–29.

Repeat the story, but this time ask the children to provide some of the details.

Show a box with an object inside that the children can’t see, and describe the object to the children. Ask them if they believe the object is really inside the box and why. Then show them the object, and explain that faith is believing in things we can’t see. The most important faith we can have is faith in Jesus Christ.

Friend June 2023 “Have You Seen Jesus?”

I can have faith in Jesus Christ even though I can’t see Him. (Older Children)

John 20:24–29

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 How can you help the children strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ?

Invite the children to read John 20:24–29. (See also the video “Blessed Are They That Have Not Seen, and Yet Have Believed” on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.)

How can we know Jesus Christ lives, even if we can’t see Him?

Friend June 2023 “Have You Seen Jesus?”

Write each word in the phrase “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” on separate pieces of paper. Invite the children to put the words in order. Invite them to tell of experiences in which they felt the Savior’s love even if they did not see Him.

Invite the children to draw pictures of things they can do to strengthen their faith this week. Ask them to share what they drew, and share what you have done to strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ.

  • Friend August 2019 “Practicing Faith” Klarie, who plays basketball, heard the words “we must…actively exercise our faith” on a conference talk and asks her mom how to do that. Her mother explains that just like Klarie has to practice and work to get better at basketball, Heavenly Father gave us ways to practice and get better at faith. We talk to Him in prayer. He’s kind of like our coach. He gives us scriptures. They’re like His playbook. And He gives us families to help us. Our family is like out team that works and practices together. When we practice spiritual habits, like prayer, we’re exercising our faith, and the more we practice the better we get. (Lesson Activity Idea: Bounce a ball to someone and ask them to say one thing they can do to help their faith grow. Then they bounce it to someone else. Friend August 2019 “Family Night Fun”)
  • Pray to gain faith in Jesus Christ
  • Read scriptures about Jesus Christ
  • Follow and obey his teachings
  • Activate his atonement in your life by repenting of wrong doings and asking for forgiveness.
  • Listen for the Holy Ghost’s witness of the truth of Jesus and his teachings
  • Serve and love others as Jesus has asked us to do.
  • Listen to and follow the words of his leaders

I can show my love for Jesus by serving others.

John 21:15–17

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 How can you inspire the children to love and help those around them?

Read John 21:15–17, or show the video “Feed My Sheep” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Help the children understand what Jesus wanted Peter to do: share the gospel and invite everyone to believe in Jesus.

Friend July 2019 “Jesus Said to Share the Gospel”

Give each of the children a paper sheep, and ask them to write or draw on it something they can do to help someone they know to come closer to Jesus.

“Lesson 33: The Resurrection of Jesus Christ,” Primary 7: New Testament 

  • Be a good example by attending church, using clean language, obeying the commandments, being  honest, praying, studying the scriptures, living what you learn, and obeying your parents and the  laws of the land.
  • Bear testimony to members and nonmembers.
  • Help others choose the right when they are tempted.
  • Talk about the gospel to people who don’t know about it.
  • Pray and study the scriptures to grow closer to the Lord.

Help the children think of things they are doing to love and serve others. What else can we do to show our love?

Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon ““Lesson 46: The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ (Christmas)” 

Write the name of every child in your class on pieces of paper cut into the shape of sheep, and scatter these sheep around the room. (Include the names of children who don’t attend regularly.) Invite the children to gather the sheep by finding the one with their name on it. Help the children think of ways they can reach out to a friend who doesn’t come to church.

  • Show the children the treat you brought. Point out how wonderful and mouth watering it looks. Take a bite and describe the texture and flavor; tell them how delicious it is. Ask the children how they would feel if you ate the treat in front of them and didn’t share.
  • Show the treats with the gospel blessing labels attached. Explain to the children that the labeled treats represent the many blessings they enjoy because they are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Read the labels to the children. Ask if it would be fair or right if we kept the blessings of the gospel to ourselves and didn’t share with anyone else.
  • Tell the children that you brought treats to share with each of them. Ask how that makes them feel.
  • Explain to the children that the Lord has asked us to share the gospel with others and help feed his children spiritual food so they can enjoy the blessings of the gospel too. Teaching Children the Gospel “Lesson 17 – Ammon – A Mighty Missionary”

I can show my love for Jesus by feeding His sheep.

John 21:1–17

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 Children can greatly influence those around them. How can you encourage them to strengthen others in the gospel?

Read John 21:1–17 together. When you read verses 9–13, ask the children to think about a time when someone made a special meal for them, and invite them to think about ways that Jesus feeds us spiritually. When you read verses 15–17, replace Simon’s name with names of the children.

Friend July 2023 “Jesus Asked Us to Share the Gospel”

Who are Jesus’s sheep? How can we help Him feed them?

“Lesson 33: The Resurrection of Jesus Christ,” Primary 7: New Testament 

  • Be a good example by attending church, using clean language, obeying the commandments, being  honest, praying, studying the scriptures, living what you learn, and obeying your parents and the  laws of the land.
  • Bear testimony to members and nonmembers.
  • Help others choose the right when they are tempted.
  • Talk about the gospel to people who don’t know about it.
  • Pray and study the scriptures to grow closer to the Lord.

Friend July 2023 “How You Can Be a Missionary”

Friend March 2017 “Love Your Neighbor”

Share a simple snack with the children. As they are eating, ask them how sharing the gospel with someone is like feeding them.

  • Show the children the treat you brought. Point out how wonderful and mouth watering it looks. Take a bite and describe the texture and flavor; tell them how delicious it is. Ask the children how they would feel if you ate the treat in front of them and didn’t share.
  • Show the treats with the gospel blessing labels attached. Explain to the children that the labeled treats represent the many blessings they enjoy because they are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Read the labels to the children. Ask if it would be fair or right if we kept the blessings of the gospel to ourselves and didn’t share with anyone else.
  • Tell the children that you brought treats to share with each of them. Ask how that makes them feel.
  • Explain to the children that the Lord has asked us to share the gospel with others and help feed his children spiritual food so they can enjoy the blessings of the gospel too. Teaching Children the Gospel “Lesson 17 – Ammon – A Mighty Missionary”
  • Why is feeding sheep a good way to describe serving God’s children?

Friend June 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

  • Story: After Jesus was resurrected, He told His disciples to “teach all nations” about His gospel (Matthew 28:19). Today missionaries share the gospel all over the world.
  • Song: “We’ll Bring the World His Truth” (Children’s Songbook, 172–73)
  • Activity: Look through this copy of the Friend. How many country names can you find? Pick a country to learn more about. You can start with “Hello from Portugal!” on page 18.

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Teach All Nations” Lesson ideas


Joseph Smith—Matthew 1; Matthew 24–25; Mark 12–13; Luke 21: 

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JOSEPH SMITH—MATTHEW Chapter 1 An extract from the translation of the Bible as revealed to Joseph Smith the Prophet in 1831: Matthew 23:39 and chapter 24.

Matthew CHAPTER 24 Jesus foretells the doom of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple—Great calamities will precede His Second Coming—He gives the parable of the fig tree.

Matthew CHAPTER 25 Jesus gives the parables of the ten virgins, the talents, and the sheep and the goats.

Mark CHAPTER 12 Jesus gives the parable of the wicked husbandmen—He speaks of paying taxes, celestial marriage, the two great commandments, the divine sonship of Christ, and the widow’s mites.

Mark CHAPTER 13 Jesus tells of the calamities and signs preceding the Second Coming—There will be false Christs and false prophets—He gives the parable of the fig tree.

Luke CHAPTER 21 Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple and of Jerusalem—He tells of the signs to precede His Second Coming and gives the parable of the fig tree.

Before Jesus comes again, the gospel will be preached in all the world. (Younger children)

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:31

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 One sign that Jesus will return soon is that His gospel is being preached throughout the world. The children can help fulfill this prophecy by sharing the gospel.

  • Show a map, globe, or picture of the earth (see Gospel Art Book, no. 3) and help the children say, “This Gospel … shall be preached in all the world” (Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:31). Why does God want all of His children to hear His gospel?
  • Show the video “I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). As the children watch, help them count the ways they can share the gospel that they see in the video. What other ways to share the gospel can they think of?

Before Jesus comes again, the gospel will be preached in all the world. (Older children)

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:31

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 The children you teach can help preach the gospel in all the world before the Savior’s Second Coming.

  • Invite the children to share blessings they have received or will receive because they are members of Christ’s Church. Read together Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:31, and ask the children how they feel the gospel will bless God’s children throughout the world.

Blessings of the gospel Activity: Read the clues below (not the answer) and let the children pick which picture it is describing.

  • Prophet: Because of this blessing of the gospel we have the privilege to hear Gods words and direction about current issues and challenges we face. This gift is God’s living spokesman.
  • Book of Mormon: Because of this blessing of the gospel we know the purpose of life. We also know what we need to do to gain eternal salvation and how to live happy lives.  
  • Temples: This blessing of the gospel allows us the opportunity to receive saving ordinances for ourselves and our dead. We can also be sealed to our family so that we can be with them forever.
  • Priesthood: Because of this blessing of the gospel we can receive healing blessings for the sick, blessings of comfort and guidance, and have authority to act in Gods name and perform saving ordinances, such as baptism.
  • Baptism Because this blessing of the gospel, when performed by proper priesthood authority, we can receive a remission of our sins and enter into the gate that leads to eternal life.
  • Holy Ghost Because of this blessing of the gospel we can receive personal revelation and guidance throughout our lives. We can also receive comfort during difficult times.
  • Show the children a map of the world or of your country, and help them identify some places where a family member or friend has preached the gospel on a mission.
  • Invite a few children to come prepared to share how their family members or their ancestors were introduced to the gospel.

  • Ask each child to write the name of someone he or she can talk to about Jesus Christ or invite to church. Also ask the children to list things they can do to be missionaries now.

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 May 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Story: Jesus Christ said that before He comes again, the gospel will be preached to all the world (see Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:31). We can help get ready for the Second Coming by sharing the gospel with others.

Song: “I Hope They Call Me on a Mission” (Children’s Songbook, 169)

Activity: Make your own missionary name tag! Write your name on a piece of paper and cut it out. On the back, write one thing you can do to share the gospel now. Pin or tape your name tag to your shirt.

Signs of the Savior’s Second Coming can help us face the future with faith.

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:21–37

“Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: New Testament 2023

  • Signs of the Savior’s Second Coming may be difficult for some class members to understand. It might help them to work in groups and identify signs they find in Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:21–37. It might also help them better understand the importance of these signs if they compare them to road signs. Why are road signs important? How are the signs of the Second Coming like road signs? How are they different? You might even give each group pieces of paper in the shape of road signs and invite them to write on each paper a sign that will precede the Second Coming. Let them share what they found, and invite the class to discuss evidence of these signs in the world today.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 It can be unsettling to read about the events leading up to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. But when Jesus prophesied of these events, He told His disciples to “be not troubled” (Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:23). How can you “be not troubled” as you hear about earthquakes, wars, deceptions, and famines? Think about this question as you read these verses. Mark or note any reassuring counsel you find.

See also Gospel Topics, “Second Coming of Jesus Christ,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

You could also see “ Signs of the Times ” in the Guide to the Scriptures, available on scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

We must always be ready for the Savior’s Second Coming.

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:26–27, 38–55Matthew 25:1–13

“Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: New Testament 2023 The parables in Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:26–27, 38–55 and Matthew 25:1–13 can help class members recognize the importance of being prepared for the Second Coming. Invite class members to search these verses and share what they feel the Savior is inviting us to do.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 To help your family explore this chapter, invite them to look for the Savior’s teachings about how we can prepare for His Second Coming (see, for example, verses 22–23, 29–30, 37, 46–48). What can we do to follow this counsel? Your family might enjoy singing “When He Comes Again” (Children’s Songbook, 82–83) and drawing pictures of what they imagine the Savior’s Second Coming will be like.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023)

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) taught that false Christs and prophets are not limited to people but can also come in the form of false ideas and teachings (see Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson [2014], 132). As you study this lesson, seek the guidance of the Spirit as you look for ways you can trust in the Lord and overcome any false ideas or deception.

After teaching about other deceptions and about signs of His Coming (see Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:23–36), the Savior taught a way to overcome deception. Read Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:37 .

Treasure Chest

In your study journal, draw a piece of treasure or a treasure chest. To treasure something means you cherish, hold dear, or greatly appreciate it. When we “treasure up” the Lord’s word, we consider it sacred and protect it (see Doctrine and Covenants 43:34). Around or inside the chest, write ways we can treasure up the Lord’s word.

I am responsible for my own conversion to Jesus Christ.

Matthew 25:1–13

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 The parable of the ten virgins teaches that we cannot borrow our conversion to the Savior from others. How can you help the children take responsibility for their own conversion?

“Lesson 25: Parable of the Ten Virgins,” Primary 7: New Testament Explain that the parable of the ten virgins is based on ancient Jewish wedding customs. The bridegroom and his friends escorted the bride from her home to the home of the bridegroom. Along the way friends of the bride waited to join them. When they arrived at the bridegroom’s home, they all went inside for the wedding. These weddings usually took place in the evenings, so those waiting for the bride and bridegroom carried lamps.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “Matthew 25:1–13”

Before studying the parable, it is important to understand Jewish wedding customs during the Savior’s day. The bridegroom, accompanied by his close friends, would go at night to the bride’s house for the wedding ceremony. Following the ceremony, the wedding party would proceed to the groom’s house for a feast. Wedding guests joining the procession, including virgins or bridesmaids, were expected to carry their own lamps or torches to indicate they were part of the wedding party and to add brightness and beauty to the occasion.

  1. The bridegroom is symbolic of the Savior, and the coming of the bridegroom represents the Second Coming (see Doctrine and Covenants 33:17 ; 88:92 ; 133:10).
  2. President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught: “The ten virgins obviously represent members of Christ’s Church, for all were invited to the wedding feast and all knew what was required to be admitted when the bridegroom came” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Preparation for the Second Coming,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 8).
  3. The lamps can symbolize our testimonies (see David A. Bednar, “Converted unto the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 109). Note that all ten virgins had lamps.
  4. The oil can symbolize our conversion unto the Lord Jesus Christ (see David A. Bednar, “Converted unto the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 109). This can include our efforts to follow the guidance of the Holy Ghost and to live obediently to the Savior and His gospel (see Doctrine and Covenants 45:56–58 ; In our lives the oil of preparedness is accumulated drop by drop in righteous living. … Each act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to our store. (Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle [1972], 255–56)

Most Jewish wedding ceremonies would take place in the evening. Several scripture passages refer to the Savior coming again like a thief in the night (see Joseph Smith Translation, Luke 12:44 [in the Bible appendix]; 1 Thessalonians 5:2 ; 2 Peter 3:10 ; Doctrine and Covenants 45:19 ; 106:4). The coming of the bridegroom at midnight suggests the unexpected hour of the Savior’s return. President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) explained:

In Matthew 25:12 , notice the bridegroom’s response to the foolish virgins who tried to enter the wedding feast late and without the necessary oil. Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 25:11 clarifies that the bridegroom said, “Ye know me not” (in Matthew 25:12 , footnote a).

  • Remembering what the oil represents, why would the oil be essential to truly know the Savior and be ready to meet Him?
  • Why could the wise virgins not simply give the oil to the foolish virgins?
  • Ask a child to come prepared to share how he or she learned about the parable of the ten virgins at home this week.

  • Draw an oil lamp on the board, and label it testimony. Give each child a piece of paper shaped like a drop of oil, and ask each child to write on it something he or she will do to become more converted to the Savior. Attach their drops to the board around the lamp.

“Lesson 25: Parable of the Ten Virgins,” Primary 7: New Testament

Friend September 1995 “I Believe That Jesus Will Come Again,”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 You might cut paper in the shape of drops of oil and hide the drops around your home. You could attach the drops to objects like the scriptures or a picture of the temple. When family members find the drops, you could discuss how these things help us prepare for the Second Coming.

  • Invite the children to help you make a list of things to do to prepare for a special visitor. How are these things similar to or different from ways we can spiritually prepare for the Savior’s Second Coming?

Friend August 2021 “The Important Guest” Ammon mother told him to tidy his room and she told him, “We want to invite someone important to be our guest. So we want our house to be clean and neat.” That night Ammon found out that the special guest was the Holy Ghost. The family also discussed additional ways to help the Holy Ghost feel welcome in their home.

  • On five strips of paper, write things that cannot be borrowed. On five other strips, write things that can be borrowed. Shuffle the strips, and ask the children to sort them into these two groups. Read together Matthew 25:1–13. Why is it important not to rely on others for our conversion to Jesus Christ?

“Lesson 25: Parable of the Ten Virgins,” Primary 7: New Testament Why do you think the five wise virgins did not share their oil? (Matthew 25:9.) Why couldn’t they have given some of their oil to the others? Explain that the shape of Jewish lamps, outside lips rounded inward, made it almost impossible for someone to pour oil from one lamp to another (see the illustration at the end of the lesson). In the parable, the oil in the wise virgins’ lamps represents their righteous living and obedience. We each fill our own lamp, which represents our own life, with our obedience and righteousness. Heavenly Father’s blessings to us for our righteous actions cannot be given to the disobedient.

New Testament Coloring Book “The Ten Virgins”

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “He Will Come Again” Lesson ideas

I can use the gifts God has given me.

Matthew 25:14–30

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 Young children are discovering their gifts and abilities. Help them understand that these gifts and abilities come from Heavenly Father.

  • Bring several coins to use as you tell the parable of the talents, found in Matthew 25:14–30. You could ask three children to represent the three servants. Explain that in Jesus’s day, talents referred to money, but today talents can mean our gifts and abilities.

For the Strength of Youth February 2023 “The Talents” Parable of the talents

  • Ask the children to name ways their parents, siblings, teachers, or friends have helped them. What talents do these people have that help them serve others?

Red Crystal

  • Write a small note to the children telling each of them about the gifts or abilities you notice in them. As you share with each of the children the gifts you see in them, encourage them to improve their gifts and use them to serve others.

Friend December 2022 “Gifts to Share” Sometimes we don’t value or share our gifts. Maybe we are afraid that they are not as perfect as we would like. But if we don’t share our gifts, we miss a chance to bless God’s children. We miss a chance to feel God’s love.

Friend December 2022 “Talent Match”

Friend May 2021 “What Are Your Gifts?” Spiritual gifts are blessings or abilities that God has given to each of His children.

New Testament Coloring Book “Parable of the Talents”

“Lesson 26: Parable of the Talents,” Primary 7: New Testament 

  1. Ask the children to name as many talents as they can think of; list the talents on the chalkboard as they are mentioned. Encourage the children to include character traits such as being a good listener, loving others, being cheerful, and so on.
  2. Give the children each a piece of paper and a pencil and ask them to make a list of their own talents. Tell them not to let others in the class see the list. Then ask the class members to each name a talent for every other child in the class. As each child’s talents are mentioned, suggest that the child add to his or her list any talents identified by the other children that are not already on the list. Then ask the following questions:

See additional story ideas at Talents

At the Final Judgment, we will give the Lord an account of our lives.

Matthew 25:14–46

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 After the Resurrection, the Lord will judge us based on our obedience to His commandments and acceptance of His atoning sacrifice.

The parable of the talents and the parable of the sheep and goats can inspire us to think about the account of our lives we will give to the Lord at the Final Judgment. You might read the parables together and invite each class member to share one question the Savior might ask about our lives when we are judged. “Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: New Testament 2023

  • Invite half of the class to read Matthew 25:14–30 and the other half to read Matthew 25:31–46. Ask the groups to act out the parables for the class. What is the Lord teaching us in these parables?

New Testament Stories “The Talents”

Latter Day Kids “The Parable of the Talents” Lesson ideas

For the Strength of Youth February 2023 “The Talents” Parable of the talents

Friend December 2022 “Gifts to Share” Sometimes we don’t value or share our gifts. Maybe we are afraid that they are not as perfect as we would like. But if we don’t share our gifts, we miss a chance to bless God’s children. We miss a chance to feel God’s love.

  • Invite the children to read Matthew 25:35–36 in pairs and make a list of things they can do to show their love for Jesus Christ.

Friend September 2007 “The Master Served” Link includes lesson ideas

Friend January 2018 “Family Night Fun” Hide slips of paper with difficulties someone may be enduring written on them. When someone finds a paper, have them say how they could help that person.

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “He Will Come Again” Lesson ideas

Jesus wants me to serve others.

Matthew 25:31–46

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 We serve Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ by serving people around us. Help the children consider ways they can serve others.

  • Summarize the parable in Matthew 25:34–46. Help the children understand that when we are serving others, we are serving Jesus.

The “right hand”: In ancient times, being seated at the right hand of the king, or next to the king on his right side, was the most honorable position at a feast.

  • Hold up a picture of a child with a picture of Jesus hidden behind it. What can we do to serve this child? Remove the child’s picture and explain that when we serve each other, we are serving Jesus.

Friend September 2007 “The Master Served” Link includes lesson ideas

The Red Crystal This site has great visual aid ideas.

  • Invite the children to draw pictures of themselves serving others in the ways the Savior describes in Matthew 25:35–36. Ask the other children to guess what they are drawing.

3For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Match the pictures as the above scripture is read.

  • Invite the children to share experiences when someone has shown Christlike service to them or their families.

“Lesson 27: Parable of the Sheep and the Goats,” Primary 7: New Testament

Read the following or similar situations to the children (use situations that are within the children’s experiences). Ask them what they think they should do if:

  • They see a younger child who is thirsty but can’t reach the water.
  • They know a child who hasn’t been to church for several weeks.
  • They know someone who doesn’t have enough to eat.
  • They see someone who doesn’t have a warm coat, and it is very cold.
  • They know someone who has been home for a long time with an illness or disability.
  • What would Jesus want you to do? Why do you think you should help others in situations such as these?

News with Naylors “Helping Others” Activity ideas

The Widow’s Mite

Mark 12: 41-44

New Testament Stories “The Widow’s Mite”

New Testament Coloring Book “The Widow’s Mite”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023

Coming.Mark 12:38–44Luke 21:1–4.

What do these verses teach about how the Savior views our offerings? Show your family how to pay tithing and fast offerings to the Lord. How do these offerings help build God’s kingdom? What are some other ways we can offer “all that [we have]” to the Lord? (Mark 12:44).

Lesson 24: The Widow’s Mite,” Primary 7: New Testament  Lesson, stories, and activity ideas. Tithing theme.

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal


Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 5–6

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Matthew CHAPTER 14 John the Baptist is beheaded—Jesus feeds the five thousand and walks on the sea—Those who touch the hem of His garment are made whole.

Mark CHAPTER 6 Jesus sends forth the Twelve—John the Baptist is beheaded by Herod—Our Lord feeds the five thousand, walks on the water, and heals multitudes.

John CHAPTER 5 Jesus heals an invalid on the Sabbath—He explains why men must honor the Son—Jesus promises to take the gospel to the dead—Man is resurrected, judged, and assigned his glory by the Son—Jesus obeys the divine law of witnesses.

John CHAPTER 6 Jesus feeds the five thousand—He walks on the sea—He is the living manna sent from God—Salvation is gained by eating living bread—Jesus explains how men eat His flesh and drink His blood—Peter testifies that Jesus is the Messiah.

Jesus Christ knows what I need and can help me.

John 5:1–9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 5–6” Ponder the account of Jesus healing the man at the pool of Bethesda. How can you help the children see what the story teaches about Jesus’s kindness, love, and other attributes?

Use the picture Christ Healing the Sick at Bethesda (Gospel Art Book, no. 42) to tell the children the story in John 5:1–9. Or show the video “Jesus Heals a Man on the Sabbath” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Ask the children to imagine that they are the person Jesus healed. How would they feel when Jesus healed them?

Ask the children to name some things that are hard for them or that make them sad. Tell them about a time in your life when you received help from the Savior during a difficult trial. Testify that Jesus knows about all our problems and wants to help us.

Friend August 2017 “Ralphie’s Amazing Find” A boy is upset that his best friend is moving. He takes his dog for a walk, and his dog discovers a beautiful waterfall. The boy feels God’s love for him.

Jesus Christ teaches me about Heavenly Father.

John 5:17–47

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 5–6” How can Jesus’s teachings about His Father help the children learn about Heavenly Father?

Create two sets of matching cards labeled with words that Jesus used to teach about Heavenly Father in John 5, such as lovelife, and works (see John 5:20, 26, 36). Lay the cards face down, and ask the children to look for matches by flipping over two cards at a time. As each match is made, read the verse that contains the word, and ask the children what the word teaches us about Heavenly Father.

Ask the children to read John 5:30 and complete this sentence: “I seek not mine own will, but …” How did Jesus Christ do the will of His Heavenly Father? How can we do Heavenly Father’s will?

John 5: 23 That all men should ahonour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that bhonoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

Friend May 2022 “Why Do We Choose to Be Obedient?”

I follow Jesus’s example when I am kind to others.

Matthew 14:13–21

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 5–6” One way Jesus showed love was to feed His followers when they were hungry. How can you help the children learn to serve others like Jesus did?

Show the children a basket and some bread as you tell the story in Matthew 14:13–21. Explain that even though Jesus had tried to find a place to be alone, the people wanted to be near Him. Share the rest of the story with the children, and ask them to listen for what Jesus did to show kindness and love for the people.

Friend July 2017 “Jesus Fed Many People”

New Testament Scripture Stories “Chapter 28: Jesus Feeds 5,000 People” Images and Video

Ask the children to share ways in which someone has been kind to them. Then help them think of things they can do this week to be kind to others. For every answer they give, draw a loaf of bread or a fish on the board. Tell the children that when they do these things, they are following the example Jesus set when He fed the five thousand people who were hungry.

Friend March 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities for Little Ones” Prepare a healthy snack for your little ones. Tell about the miracle of the loaves and the fishes (see Matthew 14:15–21). Help them say, “Jesus knows what I need and can help me.”

Friend July 2021 “Jesus Shared with Others” Story of Jesus sharing fish and bread with his disciples.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) After Jesus Christ learned that John the Baptist had been beheaded, He traveled with His Apostles to a solitary place. They were followed by a multitude. Even though He was suffering, the Savior had compassion on the crowd and taught and fed the people—5,000 men plus women and children. This lesson can help you be more compassionate and selfless like Jesus Christ.

We can follow the example of Jesus Christ by showing compassion and serving others even while we are experiencing our own difficulties.Note that a “desert place” ( verse 13) is a solitary place, and “victuals” ( verse 15) means “food.”

My small offerings can make a difference.

John 6:5–14

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 5–6” It was a young boy who provided the bread and fish that Jesus used to feed the five thousand. How can you help the children you teach see how they can contribute to the work of the Lord?

Help the children imagine how large a crowd of five thousand people would be. What would it be like to feed that many people with only five loaves of bread and two fish?

New Testament Student Manual  The Greek text of Mark 6:44 makes clear that the phrase “five thousand men” meant five thousand malesMatthew 14:21 makes this unmistakable by adding the statement “beside women and children.”

Friend March 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities: More Than Enough”

Story: Once Jesus Christ spent all day teaching people. Everyone was hungry. But they only had five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus blessed the bread and fish, and the disciples shared it with the people. There was enough food for more than 5,000 people! (See Matthew 14:15–21).

Song: “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79)

Activity: Make your favorite bread recipe, or try the one on page 8. Notice how something as small as yeast makes the whole loaf of bread bigger. How has Jesus made your small efforts big?

Invite a child to tell the story of the feeding of the five thousand in his or her own words. Emphasize that it was a young boy who provided the bread and fish that the Lord used to perform this miracle. How can we be like the boy described in John 6:9? Invite the children to draw loaves and fish on paper and write on them some things they can give to the Lord to help in His work.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) Because of Jesus Christ your humble offerings will be enough. When we offer the Savior all that we have, He can multiply our efforts to accomplish His purposes.

Have you ever felt your talents and gifts were too small for the task ahead? I have. But you and I can give what we have to Christ, and He will multiply our efforts. What you have to offer is more than enough—even with your human frailties and weaknesses—if you rely on the grace of God.

(Michelle D. Craig, “Divine Discontent,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 54)

What are different ways we can “give what we have to Christ”?

Friend January 2023 “Helping with Heavenly Father’s Work” Heavenly Father’s work is to help all His children to come back and live with Him (see Moses 1:39). You can help as you do four things: live, care, invite, and unite. (See lesson at link.)

Giving Talks, Singing, Playing Instruments, Help Clean the Church

Friend February 2015 “Juliana Gives a Talk” Juliana is scared to give a talk, but Heavenly Father helps her.


Friend June 2018 “A Baptism Song” Elizabeth and her sister sang at a baptism which helped those attending to feel the Spirit.

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Friend December 2018 “Ellie Helps Clean the Church” Ellie’s family goes to clean the church and she wonders how she can help. Also includes a matching activity:

Match each sentence with a picture. In the blank spot, draw yourself helping at church.

  • I can put away a hymnbook.
  • I can pick up trash I see.
  • I can help hold up a picture.
  • I can sit so reverently!

Give the children a small puzzle to complete. What would happen if one of the pieces of the puzzle were missing? Explain that we are each like a puzzle piece—we are all important, and we all need each other. Help the children name reasons they are important in their families, their Primary class, God’s family, and other groups.

Additional Resources:

“The Bread of Life” (February 1995 Friend)
An article about the importance of bread in ancient times.

New Testament Scripture Stories “The Bread of Life” Videos and Images

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “John 6:22–58” Lesson ideas about Jesus being the bread of life.

Faith in Jesus Christ can help me not be afraid.

Matthew 14:22–33

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 5–6” Peter showed great faith when he walked on the water toward Jesus. What lessons might there be for the children in this story?

New Testament Stories “Jesus Walks on the Water” Video and images

Show the picture in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families (see also Gospel Art Book, no. 43) as you tell the story from Matthew 14:22–33 in your own words. Consider using this week’s activity page to help the children tell the story back to you. You could also bring a small bowl of water and invite the children to pretend to “walk” their fingers across the surface of the water.

Friend October 2009 “Jesus Walks on the Water” Rebus

Show the video “Wherefore Didst Thou Doubt?” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), and ask the children why Peter was afraid. Then ask them to tell about times when they felt afraid and share what helped them. Help them see that faith in Jesus Christ helps us overcome fear.

Friend October 2019 “Coloring Page: Jesus Can Help Me Do Hard Things”

Friend April 2013 “Coloring Page”

New Testament Coloring Book “Jesus Walked on Water”

Faith in Jesus Christ can help me not be afraid.

Matthew 14:22–33

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 5–6” Faith and fear play prominent roles in the story of Jesus and Peter walking on the sea. What can children learn from this story?

Show the picture in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families (see also Gospel Art Book, no. 43). Ask the children to find phrases in Matthew 14:22–33 that describe the picture.

Ask the children to look for signs of faith and signs of fear as they read Matthew 14:22–33. You could also show the video “Wherefore Didst Thou Doubt?” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What does it mean to have faith in Jesus Christ? Help the children think of times when their faith helped them overcome fear.

Ask the children to imagine they were present and had a camera when Jesus and Peter walked on the sea. Which moment would they choose to photograph and why? Suggest that they search Matthew 14:22–33 for ideas. Invite them to draw a picture of the moment they chose, share their pictures, and explain why they chose that moment.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “John 6:22–58”Peter’s example teaches us what we should focus on. Remember what happened to Peter when he focused on Jesus Christ and what happened when he shifted his focus to the storm around him (see verses 28–31).

Latter Day Kids “Look to Christ in Faith” Lesson ideas

Additional Resources

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “The Bread of Life” Lesson ideas


Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13

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Matthew CHAPTER 13 Jesus explains why He teaches with parables—He gives the parables of the sower, the wheat and the tares, the grain of mustard seed, the leaven, the treasure hidden in the field, the pearl of great price, and the net cast into the sea—A prophet is not honored by his own people.

Luke CHAPTER 8 Jesus gives and interprets the parable of the sower—He stills the tempest; casts out a legion of devils, who then enter the swine; heals a woman of an issue of blood; and raises Jairus’s daughter from death.

Luke CHAPTER 13 Jesus teaches, Repent or perish—He gives the parable of the barren fig tree, heals a woman on the Sabbath, and likens the kingdom of God to a mustard seed—He discusses whether few or many are saved and laments over Jerusalem.

I need to prepare to learn the teachings of Jesus.

Matthew 13:1–23

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13”

Display different kinds of soil (or pictures of soil) as you summarize Matthew 13:3–8. Give each child a seed, and ask what they could do to help the seeds grow. Explain that our testimonies are like seeds. How do we help our testimony “seeds” grow?

Friend January 2019 “Testimony Plants”

  • A testimony is what you believe is true, like “God loves me” or “Families are forever.”
  • Like plants, everyone’s testimonies grow at different speeds. Heavenly Father is happy when your knowledge grows even a little.
  • Plants need water and sunlight to grow. Scriptures, prayer, and church are like water and light for your testimony.
  • Roots make plants strong. You can keep your testimony strong by remembering Heavenly Father and Jesus every day!

Friend January 2016

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Use this week’s activity page to help the children understand what each type of soil described in Matthew 13 teaches about our hearts. Ask the children which type of heart Jesus wants them to have in order to learn His teachings.

Read Matthew 13:9, 15, and invite the children to point to different parts of their body when they hear them mentioned. Draw an eye, ear, and heart on the board. How can we use these body parts to learn the teachings of Jesus?

Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. 15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

Object Lesson: Take a moment to look for hidden items in the following image.

Which items were easy for you to find? Which ones required more effort?

In parables, Jesus compared familiar objects or situations to spiritual truths, and sometimes it takes effort to find the meaning.

If we seek for answers we can see, hear, feel, and understand

  • Ears: We can listen and pay attention when we are being taught.
  • Hearts: We ca pray for the Holy Ghost to help us understand.
  • Eyes: We can read the scriptures find answers in the footnotes or good books.
  • Mouth: We can ask questions like the apostles did.

I need to prepare my heart to receive the teachings of Jesus.

Matthew 13:1–23

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13” How can you help the children recognize the importance of having a soft and willing heart so that Jesus can teach them?

Assign each child to read about one of four types of soil in Matthew 13:4–8. Invite them to look for and share what happens to the seed in the type of soil they read about. How can our hearts be like the different types of soil? (see Matthew 13:19–23).

For the Strength of Youth March 2023 “The Sower”

Show the children a picture of a garden. What does the soil need to be like in order for plants to grow in it? Show a picture of rocky or thorny soil. Why would plants have a hard time growing in this kind of soil? How can we make sure our hearts are like the good soil so that we can receive the Savior’s teachings?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13” After reading the parable of the sower together, your family might discuss questions like these: What can make our “ground” (our hearts) “stony” or “choke” the word?

Stony object lesson: Show the children two clear bowls with a cup of water in each. Also show them a rock and a cup of dry dirt (or sponge). Ask what would happen if you were to put the dry dirt into the water and then ask what would happen if you put the rock into the water. Demonstrate that the dirt soaked up the water and the rock did not. Then explain that when people harden their hearts, they don’t listen or try to understand, and the words of God fall by the wayside. Or, if people don’t put effort into learning and absorbing gospel truths, they might not have enough of the word of God in their heart and their testimony of the gospel withers away when difficulty or temptation comes.

The soil that soaked up water is like our hearts ready to soak up the word of God. How can we make sure we are ready to receive the word of God?

Choke out the word: When we love certain things more than we love God, such as sports, or video games, or recreational activities, we get so caught up in them that they become more important and choke out the desire to do the things of eternal importance and choke out the spirit in our lives.

Friend January 2017 “The Next Level” Max takes a week off from playing games and he learns new things, spends time with his family, serves, and feels the Spirit.

Friend October 2016 .

Invite the children to read Matthew 13:15–17. Draw an eye, ear, and heart on the board. How do we use each of these things to learn the teachings of Jesus?

Object Lesson: Take a moment to look for hidden items in the following image.

Which items were easy for you to find? Which ones required more effort?

In parables, Jesus compared familiar objects or situations to spiritual truths, and sometimes it takes effort to find the meaning.

If we seek for answers we can see, hear, feel, and understand

  • Ears: We can listen and pay attention when spiritual truths are being taught.
  • Hearts: We ca pray for the Holy Ghost to help us understand.
  • Eyes: We can study and read the footnotes in the scriptures or look up answers in good books or internet sites.
  • Mouth: We can ask questions like the apostles did.

Why do you think some people see, hear, and understand the Lord’s messages and others do not?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13” How can you help your family members understand the importance of willingly receiving Christ’s word? To demonstrate “ears [that] are dull of hearing,” you might cover a family member’s ears while you quietly read Matthew 13:13–16. How much did that family member understand from the verses? What are ways that we can open our eyes, ears, and hearts to the word of God?

Heavenly Father wants me to choose the right.

Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43, 47–48

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13” Some of Jesus’s parables teach that at the last day, God will separate the wicked from the righteous. How can you use the parables to inspire the children to choose the right?

Let the children act out the parable of the wheat and the tares (see Matthew 13:24–30). Explain that the wheat represents people who make righteous choices, and the tares (harmful weeds) represent people who do not. One day, Heavenly Father will gather the righteous people to live with Him.

Latter Day Kids “The Parable of the Sower” Lesson ideas

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 29: “Jesus Christ Will Gather His People”

Give the children some examples of right and wrong choices. Ask the children to say “wheat choice” when you describe a right choice and “tare choice” when you describe a wrong choice.

Fighting with siblings/ Sharing with siblings

Doing chores when asked/ Complaining about chores

Getting angry after losing a game/ Choosing to congratulate the winner

Choosing to tell the truth about breaking something/ Choosing to lie so you don’t get into trouble.

Choosing to make fun of someone/ Choosing to be kind

Friend Jan 2015

Friend February 2020

Bring pictures of stalks of wheat, and let the children draw on the pictures some ways they can be righteous.

I can choose the right even when those around me do not.

Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13”

Invite the children to draw different scenes from the parable of the wheat and the tares, found in Matthew 13:24–30, and share their drawings with the class. Ask them to label their drawings using the interpretation of the parable found in Matthew 13:36–43. You may need to explain that tares are harmful weeds.

Lesson 17: The Parables of the Sower and the Wheat and Tares,” Primary 7: New Testament 

SowerJesus Christ and his Apostles
Good seed (wheat)Followers of Jesus
FieldWorld
EnemySatan
Tares (weeds)Followers of Satan
ReapersAngels
HarvestJesus’ second coming

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13” The righteous must grow among the wicked until the end of the world. One way to analyze this parable is to draw a picture of it and label it with the interpretations in Matthew 13:36–43 and Doctrine and Covenants 86:1–7. A tare is a “poisonous weed, which, until it comes into ear, is similar in appearance to wheat” (Bible Dictionary, “Tares”). What truths in this parable inspire you to remain faithful in spite of the wickedness in the world?

If possible, display a picture of wheat and tares. Explain that the wheat and tares will grow together until the harvest (the end of the world). This teaches us that we live with both good and evil around us, and we must be careful to choose the right.

 Ask the children to share how they can tell the difference between good and evil.

12 Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.

13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.

16 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.

17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.

Moroni 7 

When a choice needs to be made, ask yourself, “Does it persaudeth men to do evil (from the devil) or does it inviteth to do good (from God).”

Read the situations below and ask the children to tell you what kind of reactions and thoughts would be from God, and what kind of reactions and thoughts would be from Satan.

  •  Your friends have invited you to a movie. When you get there, you realize that it is not a good, wholesome one. Your friends decide to see it anyway.
  • Someone wants you to try drugs, smoke, or drink alcoholic beverages, saying that using such things will make you feel good.
  • Some of your friends won’t include you if you don’t swear with them.
  • Someone tells you some gossip about a friend and suggests you pass it on.
  • You break the cookie jar while getting some cookies. Your mother asks you what happened.
  • Your friends invite you to go to the circus on Sunday after your church meetings are over.
  • You don’t know an answer on a test at school. You promised your parents that you would try to get a good grade.
  • You’re very tired and get into bed before remembering to pray.
  • Your brother is being mean and teasing you.

My membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a treasure. (younger children)

Matthew 13:44–46

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13” How can you use the imagery of treasure and precious pearls to help the children understand the value of belonging to Christ’s Church?

What do the two men in these parables have in common? Are there additional things we should be doing as individuals and as a family to put the kingdom of God first in our lives?

Hide pictures of a treasure chest and a pearl in the room, and let the children find them. Use the pictures to teach about the parables in Matthew 13:44–46. Talk about why someone might give up everything they have for a beautiful pearl or a treasure in a field. Explain that sometimes we give up something good for something even better. Tell the children why the gospel is valuable to you.

Place in a box or chest several objects or pictures that represent “treasures” in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, such as the Savior, temples, or the Book of Mormon. Ask each child to choose an object or picture and talk about why it is a treasure.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 111-114”

Sing together “The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, 77), and ask the children to talk about reasons they’re thankful for the Savior’s Church. Testify of the blessings you’ve experienced because of your membership in the Church.

My membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a treasure. (older children)

Matthew 13:44–46

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13” Do the children you teach see their membership in the Church as a valuable treasure? Perhaps discussing the parables in Matthew 13:44–46 can help them share their feelings about the Savior’s Church.

Invite the children to read Matthew 13:44–46 to themselves and share the parables in their own words with another class member.

Cut out several circles to represent coins, and put them in a treasure box. Invite the children to pick a coin and draw or write on it one thing they love about being a member of the Church. Ask the children to share what they put on their coin.

Friend April 2013 “Jesus Christ Restored His Church in the Latter Days”

Blessings of the gospel Activity: Read the clues below (not the answer) and let the children pick which picture it is describing.

  • Prophet: Because of this blessing of the gospel we have the privilege to hear Gods words and direction about current issues and challenges we face. This gift is God’s living spokesman.
  • Book of Mormon: Because of this blessing of the gospel we know the purpose of life. We also know what we need to do to gain eternal salvation and how to live happy lives.  
  • Temples: This blessing of the gospel allows us the opportunity to receive saving ordinances for ourselves and our dead. We can also be sealed to our family so that we can be with them forever.
  • Priesthood: Because of this blessing of the gospel we can receive healing blessings for the sick, blessings of comfort and guidance, and have authority to act in Gods name and perform saving ordinances, such as baptism.
  • Baptism Because this blessing of the gospel, when performed by proper priesthood authority, we can receive a remission of our sins and enter into the gate that leads to eternal life.
  • Holy Ghost Because of this blessing of the gospel we can receive personal revelation and guidance throughout our lives. We can also receive comfort during difficult times.

Invite a ward member to share his or her conversion story with the children and tell what he or she sacrificed to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Or ask the children to talk about sacrifices they make for the Lord and His Church.

Parable of the Mustard Seed and Leaven

Liahona March 2023 Come, Follow Me Family Fun

Growing, Growing, Every Day As members of Jesus Christ’s restored Church, we are responsible to help grow the kingdom of God on earth. Matthew 13:31–32 says:

“The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:

“Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree.”

  1. Sit in a circle and curl up small like a tiny mustard seed.
  2. Have everyone take turns naming an activity they might do each day to help the Church grow (bear their testimony, share a scripture on social media, share a gospel truth with a friend, etc.).
  3. Each time someone mentions an activity that helps the Church grow, everyone sits up a little straighter and then begins to stand up until they are standing tall.
  4. Discuss with your family why it is important for each person to do his or her part to contribute to the Church’s growth.

News with Naylor’s “Week 12: Spiritual Growth (Parable of the Mustard Seed & Leaven Bread)”

Parables

Friend March 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Write Your Own Parable”

Jesus taught the gospel using stories called “parables.” One story He told was about how a tiny mustard seed can grow into a big tree (see Matthew 13:31–32). What was He teaching? What other parables did Jesus teach?

Song: “If I Listen with My Heart” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

Activity: Parables can help us understand the gospel better. Write your own parable. Share your parable with family members or friends.

Friend March 2023 “Write a Parable”

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Listen with Your Heart” Lesson ideas


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


John 2–4

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John CHAPTER 2 Jesus turns water into wine in Cana—He attends the Passover, cleanses the temple, foretells His death and resurrection, and performs miracles.

John CHAPTER 3 Jesus tells Nicodemus that men must be born again—God so loved the world that He sent His Only Begotten Son to save men—John the Baptist testifies that he that believes on the Son has everlasting life.

John CHAPTER 4 Jesus teaches a woman of Samaria—All must worship the Father in spirit and truth—Those who harvest souls gain eternal life—Many Samaritans believe—Jesus heals a nobleman’s son.

Jesus Turns Water into Wine

Jesus Turns Water into Wine video

I can honor my mother as Jesus did.

John 2:1–11

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 2–4” At the wedding in Cana, Mary told Jesus that the wine had run out. According to the Joseph Smith Translation, Jesus responded to His mother by asking, “Woman, what wilt thou have me to do for thee? that will I do” (in John 2:4, footnote a). Jesus is an example of how we should treat our mothers.

  • Invite the children to read John 2:1–11 and take turns retelling the story in their own words.
  • Ask the children to list things their mother might need help with. Invite them to practice what they could say to her using some of Jesus’s words: “What wilt thou have me to do for thee?” (John 2:4, footnote a).

Friend November 2022 “A Happy Helper” Felix helps his mom get ready for Grandpa’s visit. A

  • Invite some mothers to visit your class and share what their children do to show respect for them.

To honor your parents means to love, respect, and obey them.

Friend November 2021 “Jesus Honored His Parents” As He grew up, Jesus obeyed His earthly parents. He loved and cared for them. Even when He was dying on the cross, He asked one of His disciples to take care of His mother. He also honored His Heavenly Father by keeping the commandments.

New Era March 2017 “20 Ways to Honor Mom and Dad”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “John 2-4” At a marriage feast in Cana, Christ changed water into wine—an event John called the “beginning of miracles” (John 2:11). That’s true in more than one sense. While this was the first miracle Jesus performed publicly, it can also symbolize another miraculous beginning—the process of our hearts being transformed as we become ever more like our Savior. This miracle of a lifetime begins with the decision to follow Jesus Christ, to change and live a better life through Him.

Jesus Cleanses the Temple

Jesus Cleanses the Temple Video

What impure influences does your family need to keep out of your home so it will be a sacred place—like the temple? What will you do to keep those things out? Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “John 2-4”

“Lesson 8: Jesus Christ Cleanses the Temple,” Primary 7: New Testament  Draw a horizontal line across the chalkboard. Write RESPECT above the line and DISRESPECT below. Ask the children to pretend a friend is coming to their home. Tell them you are going to draw a “respect line” on the chalkboard. Mention things the friend does (see below), and have the class decide if the friend is showing respect or disrespect for you and your home. Draw a continuous line, intersecting the horizontal line on the chalkboard, moving up for situations showing respect and down for ones showing disrespect. Use situations such as the following:

The friend:

  • Waits quietly outside until invited in.
  • Walks in with muddy feet.
  • Thanks you for the invitation to come.
  • Shouts and yells loudly in your home.
  • Greets your parents politely.
  • Demands something to eat.
  • Treats your possessions carefully.
  • Ignores your parents when they speak to him or her.
  • Invites you to visit at his or her house.

Your “respect line” may look something like this:

respect line

Have the children answer the following questions to themselves:

  • When you visit a friend’s home, what does your “respect line” look like?
  • When you come to Primary, what does your “respect line” look like?
  • What does your “respect line” look like when you are in your own home?
  • Help the children understand that this temple was a sacred place, just as our temples and church meetinghouses are today, and Jesus wants us to respect these holy places.
  • Draw another “respect line” on the chalkboard as the children give examples of actions that show respect or disrespect in the church building. We show reverence for the temple by …

Divide students into groups of two or three. Invite the groups to write on a piece of paper as many ways to complete the statement as they can. After a minute or two, ask one group to share its list with the class. While the first group shares, ask the other groups to put a check mark next to each item on their lists that is mentioned. Next, have another group share the items on its list that were not mentioned by the first group. Repeat this process until all of the groups have shared. New Testament Seminary Teacher Manual “John 2”

Nicodemus

Explain that as “a ruler of the Jews” (John 3:1), Nicodemus was a member of the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin was a governing council made up of Pharisees and Sadducees that directed many of the civil and religious affairs of the Jewish people.

Jesus Teaches of Being Born Again Video

I need to be baptized and confirmed to return to live with Heavenly Father.

John 3:1–10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 2–4” The children you teach are preparing to take important steps to live with Heavenly Father again by being baptized (born of water) and confirmed (born of the Spirit). How can you help them understand the importance of these two ordinances?

What does it mean to be “born again into the kingdom of heaven”?

To have the Spirit of the Lord cause a mighty change in a person’s heart so that he has no more desire to do evil, but rather desires to seek the things of God. (Guide to the Scriptures, “Born Again, Born of God” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org) For additional information click on link.

  • Summarize the story of Jesus teaching Nicodemus (see John 3:1–10). Promise the children that when they are baptized, Heavenly Father will give them the gift of the Holy Ghost.
  • Show the children this week’s activity page, and ask them to describe the drawings. Read John 3:5, and testify that we need to be baptized and confirmed to live with Heavenly Father again.
  • Ask the children to talk about what they do to wash their hands. Show the picture Girl Being Baptized (Gospel Art Book, no. 104), and help the children compare washing our hands with water to becoming spiritually clean through baptism.

Being baptized and confirmed is like being born again.

John 3:1–8

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 2–4” When we are baptized, which Jesus called being “born of water,” we receive a remission of our sins and can “enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). How can you help the children you teach understand what being born again means?

  • Make word strips showing the Savior’s words in John 3:3, and let the children put them in the correct order. How is being baptized and confirmed like being born again?

What does it mean to be born again?

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught: “We begin the process of being born again through exercising faith in Christ, repenting of our sins, and being baptized by immersion for the remission of sins by one having priesthood authority. …

President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “In addition to the physical ordinance of baptism and the laying on of hands, one must be spiritually born again to gain exaltation and eternal life” (“Born of God,” Ensign, July 1989, 2–4). Therefore, being born again requires more than simply being baptized and confirmed. In order to be born again one needs to live in such a manner that the Holy Ghost changes the heart.

Elder David A. Bednar taught: “Conversion … is mighty, not minor—a spiritual rebirth and fundamental change of what we feel and desire, what we think and do, and what we are. As we choose to follow the Master, we choose to be changed—to be spiritually reborn” (“Ye Must Be Born Again,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 20).in order to realize the intended blessings of this born-again status, we must still keep our covenants and endure to the end” (“Have You Been Saved?,” Ensign, May 1998, 56).

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “John 2-4” Talk with your family about the miracle of pregnancy and birth—the process of creating a living, intelligent being. Jesus taught that we must be reborn before entering the kingdom of God. Why is rebirth a good metaphor for the change required of us before we can enter the kingdom of God? How can we experience the process of spiritual rebirth? (It takes time for an living intelligent being to grow in the womb and be born. Being born again is also a process and doesn’t happen instantly. )

“Total immersion in and saturation with the Savior’s gospel are essential steps in the process of being born again” (“Ye Must Be Born Again,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 21).

  • Display a picture of a newborn baby and of someone getting baptized and confirmed (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 104–5). How are we like a newborn baby after we are baptized and confirmed? (see John 3:3–5).
  • Invite the children to share memories of their baptisms. Read Mosiah 18:8–10 and Doctrine and Covenants 20:37 to review the baptismal covenant. Teach the children that taking the sacrament thoughtfully every week is a way to continue the process of being born again.

Friend June 2002 “The Sacrament and Repentance” Dallin H. Oaks “We are commanded to repent of our sins and to come to the Lord with a broken heart and a contrite spirit and partake of the sacrament in [keeping our part of] its covenants. When we renew our baptismal covenants in this way, the Lord renews the cleansing effect of our baptism. In this way we are made clean and can always have His Spirit to be with us. (Ensign, November 1998, page 38.)

“Lesson 33: The Sacrament Reminds Us of Our Covenants,” Primary 3 

  1. Hand out scissors, glue, and copies of the following handout to the children. Read the top part of the page with the class. Instruct the children to cut along the dotted lines and put the words in proper order. When the children have done this, the words should read “always remember Jesus Christ” and “obey the commandments.” Have them glue the word pieces in place to complete the sentence.

Help the children memorize the fourth article of faith. Print the below article of faith pages; give each person in the class a phrase to memorize. Have each child memorize their phrase. Have the class repeat or sing the Fourth Article of Faith song and have the children stand up in order in a row as they hear their phrase. Then have them repeat their phrases in order. Repeat this process until the article is memorized.

Or

Write the fourth article of faith on the board, and invite the children to read it. Then erase a word or two, and ask them to read it again, filling in the missing words from memory. Repeat this process until the children have learned the article of faith.

John 3:7–8. Why did Jesus compare being “born again” to the wind?

. New Testament Seminary Teacher Manual “John

In response to Nicodemus’s confusion about being born again, the Savior compared being born of the Spirit to the wind. (The Greek word for spirit is pneuma, which may also be translated as breath or wind.) Just as the wind is difficult to see, so it is difficult to see the process of being born again. We can see the effects of the wind but struggle to know when it starts and when it ends as well as where it comes from. A similar conclusion can be drawn about the process of being born again. It is difficult to see exactly when it starts or when it ends, but its effects are very visible as actions and desires change.

Heavenly Father loves me, so He gave me a Savior.

For God So Loved the World Video

John 3:16

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 2–4”

  • Ask the children to complete sentences like this one: “Because my parents love me, they …” Read John 3:16. Then help each child repeat John 3:16, replacing the words “the world” with his or her own name. Help the children notice what this verse says Heavenly Father did because He loves us. Invite the children to draw a picture of Jesus. Let them share their drawings with each other and express their love for the Savior.

Friend March 2022 “How do We Know Heavenly Father Loves Us?”

Video “For God So Loved the World”

  • Sing together a song about Jesus, such as “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, 34–35). Let the children hold up a picture of Jesus every time they sing a word like “Son,” “Jesus,” or “Savior.”

Heavenly Father loves me, so He sent His Son.

John 3:16–17

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 2–4” How can you help the children know that Jesus Christ was sent to earth as an expression of Heavenly Father’s love?

  • Ask the children to draw a picture of their favorite gift and the person who gave them that gift. Then ask a child to read John 3:16. What gift did Heavenly Father give us? How does this gift show His love?

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, “There is no greater evidence of the infinite power and perfection of God’s love than is declared by the Apostle John [in John 3:16]. … Think how it must have grieved our Heavenly Father to send His Son to endure incomprehensible suffering for our sins. That is the greatest evidence of His love for each of us!” (“Love and Law,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 26).

If we believe in Jesus Christ, which includes repenting of our sins and obeying His word, we can have everlasting life through His Atonement

  • Ask the children to find answers to the question “Why did Heavenly Father send us Jesus Christ?” as they read John 3:16–17 or sing or listen to “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, 34–35).

Friend April 2017 “Family Night Fun” Object lesson to explain the Atonement.

  • Pour some salt onto a plate. This represents us before we sin.

  • Now sprinkle pepper on the salt. The pepper is like sin. It keeps us away from Heavenly Father.

  • Rub the spoon on a towel. Then move it slowly above the salt and pepper. The pepper will stick to the spoon. Jesus’s Atonement lets us repent and get rid of our sins

Friend July 2020 “What’s on Your Mind”

Latter Day Kids “Heavenly Father Sent His Son” Lesson ideas

Woman at the Well

Jesus Teaches a Samaritan Woman Video

Jesus Christ is my “living water.”

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “John 4 Part 1” During the Savior’s time, Jews traveling between Judea and Galilee often took a longer route to avoid passing through Samaria because of hatred that existed between the Jews and Samaritans. Great animosity had developed between the Jews and the Samaritans “because the Samaritans had apostatized from the Israelite religion” (Guide to the Scriptures “ Samaritans,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org; see also Bible Dictionary, “ Samaritans ”). However, John noted that Jesus Christ “must needs go through Samaria” ( John 4:4), clearly highlighting the Savior’s intention for the work He would do there.

John 4:5–15

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 2–4” Children in your class can all relate to feeling thirsty. How can you use that experience to help them understand how much we need the living water Jesus Christ offers?

  • Use the picture in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families to tell the story of Jesus and the woman at the well (see John 4:5–15). Ask the children to retell the story.
  • Show a glass of water, and talk with the children about why we need water. Briefly summarize John 4:5–15, and testify that Jesus Christ and His gospel give life to our spirits, just as water gives life to our bodies.
  • Why do we need to drink water every day? How is the gospel the same?

Jesus Christ offers me “living water.”

John 4:5–23

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 2–4” Just as Jesus used water to teach the woman of Samaria, you can use water to teach the children why we need the gospel of Jesus Christ.

  • Using John 4:5–23, write summary sentences from the story of the woman at the well. Ask the children to refer to these verses to put the sentences in the correct order. What was Jesus trying to teach the woman?

What Is the Living Water? The living water is the gospel of Jesus Christ. “The fountain of living waters … [is] a representation of the love of God” (1 Nephi 11:25).

David A. Bednar, “A Reservoir of Living Water” The living water referred to in [ John 4:10 ] is a representation of the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel. And as water is necessary to sustain physical life, so the Savior and His doctrines, principles, and ordinances are essential for eternal life. You and I need His living water daily and in ample supply to sustain our ongoing spiritual growth and development.The scriptures contain the words of Christ and are a reservoir of living water to which we have ready access and from which we can drink deeply and long. You and I must look to and come unto Christ, who is “the fountain of living waters” ( 1 Nephi 11:25 ; (David A. Bednar, “A Reservoir of Living Water” [Church Educational System fireside for young adults, Feb. 4, 2007], 1, broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

What do people sometimes turn to for happiness and fulfillment that can leave them feeling spiritually thirsty or unsatisfied? (TV Shows and Movies, Sports, Video Games, Etc)

  • Give the children a drink of water, and ask them to share experiences when they were thirsty. Talk about how it felt to finally get a drink of water. Invite the children to name things that, like a cup of water, satisfy us for the moment. What things are like “living water” that can satisfy us forever?
  • Write on the board How is the gospel like water? Ask the children to think about how they would answer this question as they read John 4:5–23.
  • Why do we need to drink water every day? How is the gospel the same?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “John 2-4” Rebirth is just the beginning of the path of discipleship. Christ’s words to the Samaritan woman at the well remind us that if we continue on this path, eventually the gospel will become “a well of water” inside us, “springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14).

Additional Resources

Red Crystal “John 2-4”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “John 2-4”

Is God a spirit?

John 4:24

Some may be confused by Jesus’s statement that God is a spirit. The Joseph Smith Translation of this verse provides an important clarification: “For unto such hath God promised his Spirit” (in John 4:24, footnote a). Modern revelation also teaches that God has a body of flesh and bones (see Doctrine and Covenants 130:22–23; see also Genesis 5:1–3Hebrews 1:1–3).

John 3:22–36

John the Baptist teaches that Jesus is the Christ. See New Testament Seminary Teacher Manual “John 3” for lesson ideas


Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3

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Matthew Chapter 3 John the Baptist preaches in Judæa—Jesus is baptized, and the Father acclaims Him as His Beloved Son.

Mark Chapter 1 Jesus is baptized by John—He preaches the gospel, calls disciples, casts out devils, heals the sick, and cleanses a leper.

Luke Chapter 3 John the Baptist preaches and baptizes—Jesus is baptized, and God acclaims Him as His Son—Jesus’ genealogy back to Adam is given.

I can be baptized as Jesus was.

Matthew 3:13–17

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3” How can you use the account of Jesus’s baptism to help the children prepare to be baptized?

  • Summarize the story of the Savior’s baptism (see Matthew 3:13–17; see also “Chapter 10: Jesus Is Baptized,” in New Testament Stories, 26–29, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Explain that Jesus was baptized by immersion by someone who had priesthood authority. Repeat the story several times and invite the children to share the details they remember.

Immersion means a person is “immersed” all the way under water and brought back up. Baptism by immersion is beautifully symbolic, not only of the washing away of sins, but of death, burial, and resurrection. Baptism signifies the end of your old way of life and birth to a life committed to following Jesus Christ.  (Come Unto Christ “Baptism”)

Priesthood Authority

  • What authority did John the Baptist have to baptize? (The Aaronic Priesthood.)
  • What authority must the person who is baptizing us have to baptize? (He must be a priest in the Aaronic Priesthood or hold the Melchizedek Priesthood.)
  • Show a picture of Jesus being baptized and this week’s activity page. Let the children point out similarities between the two pictures. (There’s a picture of Jesus being baptized in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families.)

Feel sorry for our sins

Have a desire to follow Jesus (keep his commandments)

Have a desire to be baptized

Desire to help others

Willing to be a witness of Jesus Christ (Tell others of Jesus and the gospel)

  • Invite a member of the bishopric to tell the children about the baptismal interview they will have before they are baptized.

Friend August 2019 “Ready to Be Baptized” Trevan’s baptism interview with the bishop was coming up and he was worried that he might not know the answers. The missionaries came for dinner and they talk about baptism and baptismal covenants

  • Sing together a song about baptism, such as “Baptism” (Children’s Songbook, 100–101). Consider asking a child to lead the other children while they sing.

The Holy Ghost helps me.

Matthew 3:11, 16

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3” In addition to preparing for baptism, the children are also preparing to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. How can you help them?

  • Use Matthew 3:11, 16 to teach the children that the Holy Ghost descended on Jesus when He was baptized (a dove appeared as a sign to show that this had happened). Show the picture The Gift of the Holy Ghost (Gospel Art Book, no. 105), and explain that we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost when we are confirmed.
  • Bring a box containing things such as a picture of Jesus, a comforting blanket, and a compass or map. Invite the children to select an item, and let them explain how each object represents a way the Holy Ghost can help us—He testifies of Jesus (see John 15:26), comforts us (see John 14:26), and shows us the right way (see 2 Nephi 32:5).

Friend June 2019 “The Holy Ghost is…”  

Friend March 2020 “How Does Heavenly Father Speak to Us?”

  1. A feeling that Jesus loves us and that the gospel is true
  2. A comforting feeling when we are sad or lonely
  3. A happy feeling after we have repented
  4. A good feeling when we hear beautiful music or see inspiring art
  5. A peaceful feeling that something is a good choice
  6. A warning feeling that something is wrong
  • Share your own experiences with receiving help from the Holy Ghost.

Friend February 2020 “Show and Tell” On our way driving home from a swim meet, it was dark and snowing. My mom was worried and asked us to pray. I remembered how Jesus taught us to pray when we need help. So I bowed my head and closed my eyes to pray to get home safely. After I prayed and opened my eyes, I felt a warm feeling in my heart. Then I heard a still, small voice whisper, “Everything will be all right.” Peichi C., age 10, Massachusetts, USA

Friend February 2021 “A Warm Feeling” After his baptism and his confirmation, Joshua’s dad said, “The Holy Ghost can always be with you. You’ll never really be alone.” A few months later, Joshua had to go to the doctor because his stomach hurt so bad. When he found out he had to have surgery and his parents couldn’t come in with him, he was scared. He then remembered what his father had said about the Holy Ghost, and he had a warm feeling in his heart. He woke up feeling better, and he knew he was going to be okay.

Friend May 2017 “A Quiet Warning” The Holy Ghost warns Rykin about the presence of a snake.

  • Invite the children to listen for ways the Holy Ghost helps us as they sing a song about Him, such as “The Holy Ghost” (Children’s Songbook, 105).

The Holy Ghost can guide me.

Matthew 3:11, 16

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3” Children are learning how to recognize and follow the Holy Ghost’s guidance. Help them understand that keeping their baptismal covenants will help them be worthy to receive His guidance.

Still small voice

Peace

Leadeth to do good

Fill your soul with joy

Enlighten your mind (Gives greater knowledge and understanding about a subject or situation.)

In your mind and in your heart

Light:

Friend January 2021 “The Party Problem” Luz felt uneasy about going to a graduation party. It didn’t sound like the kind of party where she’d be able to feel the Holy Ghost. She thought about it, made her choice not to go, and then asked Heavenly Father if that was the right choice. Afterwards she felt a wave of warmth and light and knew she had made the right choice. 

Comfort:

Image by Freepik

Friend October 2017 “Sarah and the MRI” Sarah had to have another scary MRI where she was all alone in a tube. Her mother reminder her that there was someone who could be with her to comfort her—the Holy Ghost. Her dad blessed her that she would feel the comfort of the Holy Ghost, and she did. The Holy Ghost felt warm and comforting like being wrapped in a blanket.

Refine: Fire can help refine gold and burns off the impurities that can’t be seen.

Ensign April 2016 “Always Retain a Remission of Your Sins” Conference address by Elder David A Bednar

“Additionally, the Holy Ghost is a sanctifier13 who cleanses and burns dross and evil out of human souls as though by fire.

The Savior Himself proclaimed, “Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.”25

Receiving the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost in our lives creates the possibility of an ongoing cleansing of our soul from sin. This joyous blessing is vital because “no unclean thing can dwell with God.”26

With the help of the Lord and through the power of His Spirit to “teach [us] all things,”31 indeed we can be blessed to realize our spiritual possibilities.”

Friend May 2017 “Why Do We Need the Gift of the Holy Ghost”

  • Invite the children to close their eyes and hold out their hands. Then lightly brush their palms with a feather or string. Invite them to tell you when they feel it. What does this activity teach about recognizing the impressions of the Holy Ghost?
  • Invite the children to share experiences they have had with the Holy Ghost. Why does keeping our covenants help us to have the guidance of the Holy Ghost?

I am blessed by the ordinances of the Aaronic Priesthood.

Matthew 3

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3” John the Baptist held the Aaronic Priesthood, so reading about him in Matthew 3 is a good opportunity to teach the children about the Aaronic Priesthood. Help them recognize the blessings and power that come to us through this priesthood.

  • Invite the children to make a list of Aaronic Priesthood duties, using Doctrine and Covenants 20:46, 58–6084:111. Ask the children to look in Matthew 3 for examples of John fulfilling some of these duties. How can all of us invite others to come unto Christ, as John did?
  • Display some pictures of Aaronic Priesthood holders performing the ordinances of baptism and the sacrament (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 103–4107–8). Discuss how these ordinances prepare us to receive Jesus Christ and the blessings of His Atonement.

Friend May 2017 “Making the Sacrament Special” Fill in the missing words of the sacrament prayer for the bread. Then cut out the colored card and keep it in your scriptures to help make the sacrament special to you every Sunday!

  • Read together Doctrine and Covenants 13:1, and testify that John the Baptist restored the Aaronic Priesthood to Joseph Smith. Ask the children how they have been blessed because the Aaronic Priesthood was restored.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 12–13; Joseph Smith—History 1:66–75: “Upon You My Fellow Servants”

I can keep my baptismal covenants.

Matthew 3:13–17Mark 1:1–11Luke 3:2–18

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3” Learning about the account of Jesus’s baptism provides a good opportunity to help the children review their baptismal covenants and recommit to keeping them.

  • Invite the children to take turns reading verses from Mark 1:1–11. Discuss why Heavenly Father wants us to be baptized. Why was Jesus baptized, even though He did not need to be cleansed from sin? Help the children find answers to this question in Matthew 3:13–15 and 2 Nephi 31:6–7.

Why was the Savior baptized 2 Nephi 31: 4-13

  • To Be Obedient to the Father & To be an Example for Us 

7) But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments.

  • To Show us that We Need to Enter the Gate (Baptism) that Leads to the Path Towards Eternal Life

9) And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3” When you were baptized, you followed the example of the Savior. Compare what you learn from the accounts of the Savior’s baptism with what happened during your baptism.

The Savior’s BaptismMy Baptism
Who baptized Jesus, and what authority did he hold?Who baptized you, and what authority did he hold?
Where was Jesus baptized?Where were you baptized?
How was Jesus baptized?How were you baptized?
Why was Jesus baptized?Why were you baptized?
How did Heavenly Father show that He was pleased with Jesus?How did Heavenly Father show that He was pleased when you were baptized? How has He shown His approval since then?
  • Prepare several pairs of cards with matching phrases or pictures that represent our baptismal covenants. Place the cards facedown. Invite the children to take turns turning over two at a time, looking for a match. After a match is made, invite children to share ways they have kept that covenant.

Friend February 2019 “The Baptism Covenant” Cut out and mix up these cards. Then take turns matching cards that go together. With each match, talk about that part of the baptism covenant.

  • Share how keeping your baptismal covenants has blessed you.

Additional Resources

Red Crystal Lesson Ideas

Latter Day Kids “Jesus was Baptized” Lesson ideas

“Lesson 6: The Baptism of Jesus Christ,” Primary 7: New Testament

Have two children come to the front of the class, face each other, and hold hands above their heads to form an area the other children can walk under. Explain that these children represent a very important gate. Tell the children that this gate is the entrance to the strait and narrow path that leads to eternal life. Have a child read 2 Nephi 31:17. Explain that one of the first steps to eternal life is going through the gate (being baptized). Have the children walk through the gate.

  1. Write the following questions about baptism and their scripture references on the chalkboard or a piece of paper: Why are we baptized? (D&C 49:132 Nephi 31:18.) How are we baptized? (D&C 20:72–74.) By whom are we baptized? (D&C 20:73.) When are we baptized? (D&C 68:27.) Have the children look up the scriptures and discuss the answers.
  2. Write each of the following phrases on a separate piece of paper:
    • For the remission of our sins
    • To become members of the Church
    • So we can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost
    • To be obedient
    • To get on the strait and narrow path
    Have the children pass through the gate used at the beginning of the lesson. As each child goes through, hand him or her one of the papers. Explain that these are reasons why we must be baptized. Discuss with the children how we can keep our baptismal covenants.

Friend February 2023 “Baptism”

Friend February 2019 “Jesus was Baptized”

We Need to Follow His Example and be Baptized

5) And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfill all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!

10) And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me 

Friend March 2017 “Jesus Was Baptized”

Friend February 2019 “Coloring Page”

Friend Feb 2015
Friend Feb 2015

Sing “When Jesus Christ Was Baptized” (Children’s Songbook, 102). Explain that Jesus was baptized to obey Heavenly Father. One day, your little ones can choose to be baptized too! Tell your children about your baptism. Why was it special to you? Friend January 2023

New Testament Coloring Book “Jesus’s Baptism”

  • “Baptism” (January 2003 Liahona and Friend)
    Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles tells how Jesus Christ set an example for us by being baptized.
  • “The Baptism of Jesus Christ” (August 1999 Friend)
    The story of the baptism of Jesus Christ. Includes figures to cut out and use to tell the story.
  • “Jesus Is Baptized” (February 2011 Friend)
    A retelling of the story of Jesus Christ’s baptism taken from the New Testament.

Friend February 2015 “Jesus Was Baptized” Scripture jar questions. Link also includes other lesson ideas.

We need to bring forth “fruits worthy of repentance.”

Luke 3:2–14

Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3”

  • In Luke 3:8, John the Baptist taught the people that before they could be baptized, they needed to show “fruits,” or evidence, of their repentance. How can you help class members recognize the evidence of their own repentance? You might ask them to search Luke 3:8–14 and look for what John considered “fruits” of repentance. They could also review Moroni 6:1–3 and Doctrine and Covenants 20:37. You might draw a fruit tree on the board and let class members label the fruit on the tree with the “fruits” of repentance they find. This could also be a good time to talk about what it means to truly repent.

Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3”

Elder David A. Bednar taught: “The baptismal covenant includes three fundamental commitments: (1) to be willing to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, (2) to always remember Him, and (3) to keep His commandments. The promised blessing for honoring this covenant is ‘that [we] may always have his Spirit to be with [us]’ [Doctrine and Covenants 20:77]. Thus, baptism is the essential preparation to receive the authorized opportunity for the constant companionship of the third member of the Godhead” (“Always Retain a Remission of Your Sins,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 60). For an example of a young boy keeping his baptismal covenants, see the story at the beginning of Sister Carole M. Stephens’s message “We Have Great Reason to Rejoice” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 115–17).

Who were the Pharisees and Sadducees?

Matthew 3:7Luke 3:7

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3” The Pharisees were members of a Jewish religious party who prided themselves on strict observance of the law of Moses and its rituals. The Sadducees were a wealthy Jewish class with great religious and political influence; they did not believe in the doctrine of resurrection. Both groups had strayed from the original intent of God’s laws.

See also Matthew 23:23–28; Bible Dictionary, “Pharisees,” “Sadducees.”

The members of the Godhead are three separate beings.

Matthew 3:16–17Mark 1:9–11Luke 3:21–22

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3”The Bible contains numerous evidences that the members of the Godhead are three separate beings. The accounts of the Savior’s baptism are one example. As you read these accounts, ponder what you learn about the godhead. Why are these doctrines important to you?

See also Genesis 1:26Matthew 17:1–5John 17:1–3Acts 7:55–56Doctrine and Covenants 130:22.


Jesus: Shepherd

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Also could be Following Jesus

Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd and He Loves Me

Doctrine and Covenants 50:41–44

Friend June 2018 “Apostles Testify of Jesus”  “Shepherds lead their sheep to food, water, and shelter and protect their sheep from harm. Jesus taught that He is the Good Shepherd. When we choose to follow Him, He can lead us to safety and peace. Lead the sheep safely home through the maze!”

Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd. We are His sheep, and He loves each of us. Ask the children how they know Jesus loves children.

Make paper sheep, write on them the names of the children in the class, and hide them around the room. Display a picture of the Savior, and read Doctrine and Covenants 50:41–42. Help the children understand what these verses teach about how Jesus Christ feels about them. Let them find the sheep around the room and put them on the board near the picture of Jesus so “none of them … shall be lost” (verse 42).

  • Make a matching game using phrases from Doctrine and Covenants 50:40–46. For instance, you could write “Fear not, little children” on one card that would match with another card that says “for you are mine” (verse 41). Read Doctrine and Covenants 50:40–46 together. Then mix up the cards on the floor, a table, or the board, and ask the children to match the phrases. What do these phrases teach us about Jesus Christ?
  • To help the children understand how the Savior is like a good shepherd show the video “Jesus Declares the Parable of the Lost Sheep” and ask them to find something in the video that reminds them of what they read. How does Jesus rescue us? How can we be good shepherds to others?

Friend December 2020 “Sheep and Their Shepherd” When Elder Stanfill was young his job at the ranch was to take care of all the abandoned sheep babies. He would drive his little VW to the field and honk his horn and all the babies would run and jump in the car and he would take them to be fed. Just like the sheep knew the sound of that old Volkswagen, we can learn to hear Jesus’s voice. We will feel His love and learn to trust Him.

Jesus knows me and loves me.

John 10:1–16

The parable of the good shepherd can help the children understand that Jesus loves them and knows who they are.

  • Give the children pictures that represent something in the parable of the good shepherd, like sheep, a shepherd, or a wolf. Select some verses from John 10:1–16 to read to the children, and ask them to hold up their pictures when they hear you read about the things in their pictures. Help the children think of ways Jesus is like a shepherd to us. Bear your testimony that the Savior loves us and will guide us back to Him.
  • Show the picture of Jesus and the lambs in this week’s outline in Come Follow Me—For Individuals and Families. How do we know Jesus loves the lambs? How can we tell that the lambs love Jesus? How can we show Jesus that we love Him?

Following Jesus’s example of being a Shepherd

Friend August 1983 “A dream come true” – a boy learns to be a shepherd and take care of a flock

Friend June 2015

Friend July 2021 “Dear Friends” I enjoyed the activity to blow the sheep to Jesus from the Come, Follow Me ideas (Sept. 2020). Ari S., age 4, Texas, USA

“The Lord is my shepherd.”

PSALM 23 David declares, The Lord is my shepherd.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Psalms 1–2; 8; 19–33; 40; 46”If the children can learn at a young age that the Lord is their shepherd, they will be more likely to follow Him “in the paths of righteousness.”

  • Give each child a copy of this week’s activity page, or give each of them a picture from the activity page. Invite them to listen as you read Psalm 23. Ask them to point to or hold up a picture when they hear it mentioned in the psalm. Bear your testimony that Jesus takes care of us, just as a shepherd takes care of his sheep.
  • Tell the children some ways you know that the Savior loves you. Invite the children to stand one at a time and share some ways they know Jesus loves them. Sing together a song that could give them ideas, such as “I Feel My Savior’s Love” (Children’s Songbook, 74–75).

Latter Day Kids “The Lord is My Shepherd” Lesson ideas

Friend August 2022 “The Lord Is My Shepherd”

Psalm 23 was the inspiration for several hymns, such as “The Lord Is My Shepherd” and “The Lord My Pasture Will Prepare” (Hymns, nos. 108, 109). Perhaps your family would like to sing one of these hymns and identify words in the psalm that might have inspired the lyrics. Or they might enjoy drawing pictures of something they find in the psalm or the hymn and letting family members guess the verses or lyrics that go with the pictures. How is the Lord like a shepherd to us? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 ” Psalms 1–2; 8; 19–33; 40; 46″)

PSALM 25 David pleads for truth and asks for pardon—Mercy and truth are for those who keep the commandments.

PSALM 26 David says that he has walked in integrity and obedience—He loves the Lord’s house.

The Lord offers me peace, strength, and guidance.

Psalms 2327–283246

PSALM 23 David declares, The Lord is my shepherd.

PSALM 27 David says, The Lord is my light and my salvation—He desires to dwell in the house of the Lord forever—He counsels, Wait on the Lord and be of good courage.

PSALM 28 David pleads with the Lord to hear his voice and grant his petitions—David prays, Save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance.

PSALM 32 David says, Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputes not iniquity—David acknowledges his sin—He recommends that the righteous be glad in the Lord and rejoice.

PSALM 46 God is our refuge and strength—He dwells in His city, does marvelous things, and says, Be still and know that I am God.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Psalms 1–2; 8; 19–33; 40; 46” Many of the Psalms testify of the Lord’s blessings in our lives. You can use the Psalms to help the children learn to trust Him and turn to Him.

  • Write on the board The Lord is . Let the children choose one or more of the following scriptures to read: Psalms 23:127:128:128:732:746:1. Ask them to complete the sentence on the board using what they learn from their scripture. Help the children discuss what these symbols teach us about the Lord.
  • Show the children a picture of a lamb. Ask them to name some things a lamb needs to be safe and healthy, and encourage them to look in Psalm 23:1–4 for ideas. Then show a picture of a child. What do we need to be spiritually safe and healthy? Read together Psalm 23, and ask the children how the things the shepherd does in this psalm could be compared to what Jesus Christ does for us.

Friend April 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities: The Good Shepherd

Story: Shepherds take care of their sheep and keep them safe. Jesus Christ is our Shepherd. He said, “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep” (John 10:14).

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

Activity: Play a sheep guessing game! Pick one person to be the shepherd. Everyone else will be sheep. The shepherd closes their eyes while one sheep makes a baa sound. Have the shepherd guess which “sheep” made the noise. Talk about how Jesus knows each of us by name.

Friend April 2023 Come, Follow Me Activities for Little Ones Have your little ones look into a mirror. Tell them that Jesus knows their names, what they look like, what makes them happy, and what makes them sad. Help your little ones say, “Jesus knows me and loves me.”

“In Jesus’s time, the Palestinian shepherd was noted for his protection of his sheep. Unlike modern sheepherders, the shepherd always walked ahead of his flock. He led them. The shepherd knew each of the sheep and usually had a name for each. The sheep knew his voice and trusted him and would not follow a stranger. Thus, when called, the sheep would come to him. (See John 10:14, 16.)

Jesus is like a shepherd to me.

John 10:1–18

As you study the parable of the good shepherd, look for truths it teaches about our relationship with the Savior. How will knowing these truths bless the children? (In this parable, the sheep of the Good Shepherd are those who hear His voice and follow Him.)

  • Write good shepherd and hireling on the board. Explain that a hireling is someone who is hired to do a job for money. Ask the children to list differences they find in John 10:1–18 between a good shepherd and a hireling. Why would you want to follow the good shepherd rather than the hireling? How is Jesus like a shepherd to us? (Note: A hireling is someone whose primary motive for working is getting paid.)

What is the difference between the Good Shepherd and a hireling?

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) taught:

“At night shepherds would bring their sheep to a corral called a sheepfold. High walls surrounded the sheepfold, and thorns were placed on top of these walls to prevent wild animals and thieves from climbing over.

Sometimes, however, a wild animal driven by hunger would leap over the walls into the midst of the sheep, frightening them. Such a situation separated the true shepherd—one who loved his sheep—from the hireling—one who worked only for pay and duty.

The true shepherd was willing to give his life for the sheep. He would go in amongst the sheep and fight for their welfare. The hireling, on the other hand, valued his own personal safety above the sheep and would usually flee from the danger.

Jesus used this common illustration of [H]is day to declare that He was the Good Shepherd, the True Shepherd. Because of His love for His brothers and sisters, He would willingly and voluntarily lay down His life for them. (See John 10:17–18 .)

(Ezra Taft Benson, “A Call to the Priesthood: ‘Feed My Sheep,’” Ensign, May 1983, 43)

  • Draw or show a picture of a door. Read together John 10:7–9, and ask the children how Jesus is like a door. According to verse 9, what blessings come to those who “enter in” the door? How do we enter the door that Jesus Christ provides us?

Why did Jesus say, “I am the door of the sheep”?

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “John 10” Shepherds in Israel stood at the entrance of a sheepfold and inspected each sheep as it entered, treating injuries as needed. After the sheep were gathered in the enclosure for the night, the shepherd would lie down to sleep in the entrance, barring the way so that predators or thieves could not hurt the sheep. The Savior’s statement “I am the door” makes clear that He was willing to “lay down [His] life for the sheep” ( John 10:7, 15) and that He ultimately will decide who will enter the kingdom of heaven. Using an image similar to a door, the Book of Mormon prophet Jacob declared that “the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel” and that “he employeth no servant there” ( 2 Nephi 9:41).

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “John 7-10”To involve family members in learning from the parable of the good shepherd, ask each of them to draw a picture of one of the following: a thief, a door, a shepherd, a hireling (a hired worker), a wolf, and a sheep. Invite them to read John 10:1–18, 27–29, and then discuss as a family what the Savior taught about the things they drew.


Second Coming: Preparation

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Preparing for the Second Coming

1 Thessalonians 5:2

Second Coming Surprise Jesus Christ will come again “as a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2), meaning unexpectedly and at an unknown time. Are we preparing each day for that event? On small, individual slips of paper, have family members write down what they did yesterday (soccer practice, school, and so on). Put the slips into a hat (or bag). Parents secretly add another slip that reads: “Second Coming.”Take turns drawing an activity from the hat and reading it aloud. When someone draws “Second Coming,” the game’s over. Discussion: Which of the activities drawn from the hat helped prepare our family for Christ’s return? What should we add to our daily routines to prepare us more?

Story Images

I can prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ by choosing the right. (Jr)

Revelation 19:7

Ask the children if they have ever been to a wedding. What was it like? Why are people happy at a wedding? Display the picture of the Savior’s Second Coming in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families, and read Revelation 19:7. Explain that the “marriage of the Lamb” represents the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Why will we rejoice when the Savior comes again? Help the children compare the joy of a wedding to the joy of the Savior’s return. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 15–22”)

Share with the children why you are looking forward to Jesus’s Second Coming. You could also sing together a song about the Second Coming, such as “When He Comes Again” (Children’s Songbook, 82–83). (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 15–22”)

“Article of Faith 10” (September 2011 Friend)
The pictures help illustrate what the tenth article of faith means.

Invite the children to share what they do to get ready for church on Sunday. Why do we do these things before we come to church? Why should we prepare for Christ’s Second Coming? On this week’s activity page, let the children draw what they can do to prepare for the Second Coming.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 15–22”)

I can prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ by choosing the right. (Sr)

Revelation 19:7–8

How can you help the children you teach understand that the Second Coming of Jesus Christ will be a joyous event for the righteous?

Read together Revelation 19:7–8, and help the children understand the symbolism in these verses—the marriage is the Savior’s Second Coming, the Lamb is the Savior, and His wife is the Church (or all of us). What things might we do to prepare for the Savior to come again?(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 15–22”)

Review and memorize Articles of Faith 1:10 with the children. Explain that this article of faith describes exciting, glorious events that will happen when Jesus comes again. Display the picture of Jesus’s Second Coming in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families, and invite the children to draw what they think Jesus’s Second Coming will be like. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 15–22”)

“Article of Faith 10” (September 2011 Friend)
The pictures help illustrate what the tenth article of faith means.

As I follow God’s commandments, I will be ready for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. (Jr)

1 Thessalonians 5:1–6

Invite a mother to briefly share what it was like to wait for her baby to be born. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:2–3, and tell the children that Jesus Christ will come to earth again, but no one knows exactly when—just as a mother doesn’t know exactly when her baby will be born.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Thessalonians” )

Clipart Library

Ask the children to talk about a time when they prepared for a trip or event. What did they do to prepare? Bring a suitcase or bag, and let the children pretend to pack it to get ready for a trip. With each item they pretend to pack, help the children think of one way we can prepare for Jesus Christ to come again. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Thessalonians” )

The Red Crystal

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:6 to the children, and explain that if we are not preparing for Jesus to come again, it’s like we have fallen asleep and we won’t be ready for Him. Invite the children to pretend they are asleep. Explain that if we do prepare, it’s like we are awake and waiting for Him. Invite them to wake up.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Thessalonians” )

Sing together a song about the Second Coming, such as “When He Comes Again” (Children’s Songbook, 82–83).(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Thessalonians” )

Latter Day Kids “Preparing for the Second Coming” Lesson ideas

As I follow God’s commandments, I will be ready for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. (Sr)

1 Thessalonians 5:1–6

Invite a child to read 1 Thessalonians 5:1–6 while the other children follow along. After each verse, ask a child to summarize what he or she thinks the verse is saying. You may want to explain that “the day of the Lord” means the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Why is the Second Coming compared to a thief in the night or a woman about to have a baby? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Thessalonians” )

Ensign October 2019 “Family Study Fun”


Second Coming Surprise Jesus Christ will come again “as a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2), meaning unexpectedly and at an unknown time. Are we preparing each day for that event? On small, individual slips of paper, have family members write down what they did yesterday (soccer practice, school, and so on). Put the slips into a hat (or bag). Parents secretly add another slip that reads: “Second Coming.”Take turns drawing an activity from the hat and reading it aloud. When someone draws “Second Coming,” the game’s over. Discussion: Which of the activities drawn from the hat helped prepare our family for Christ’s return? What should we add to our daily routines to prepare us more?

Story Images

Tell the children to imagine that the Savior will be visiting your class sometime today. How can we prepare for His visit? Help the children think of things we can do to prepare ourselves for the day Jesus Christ returns. For example, we can repent, forgive, improve our relationships with our family, follow the prophet, seek to have the Holy Ghost’s influence, and keep our covenants. Encourage the children to choose one thing they will do to prepare themselves to receive the Savior at His Coming.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Thessalonians” )

Sharing Time: What a Joyful Day” (December 2001 Friend)
Includes an activity to color various pictures of activities that can prepare children for the Second Coming.

Primary 7: New Testament “Lesson 46: Jesus Christ Will Come Again”

I can prepare to meet the Savior.

Doctrine and Covenants 29:2–11

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 29” Someday, each of us will be in the presence of Jesus Christ. While that day may be far into the future, the children can still think about what it will be like and how they can prepare for it.

Show a picture of the Second Coming and help a child read Doctrine and Covenants 29:11. Help the children notice phrases in the scripture that describe what they see in the picture. Share with the children how you feel about Jesus Christ coming to earth again.

Friend October 2019 “The Living Christ” Second Coming of Jesus Christ

Show the children pictures of things they can do to prepare to meet the Savior (such as the ones below) . Help the children find other ways to prepare for the Second Coming in Doctrine and Covenants 29:2–10.

Sing a song about the Second Coming, such as “When He Comes Again” (Children’s Songbook, 82–83).

Parable of the Ten Virgins

Matthew 25:1–13

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 The parable of the ten virgins teaches that we cannot borrow our conversion to the Savior from others. How can you help the children take responsibility for their own conversion?

“Lesson 25: Parable of the Ten Virgins,” Primary 7: New Testament Explain that the parable of the ten virgins is based on ancient Jewish wedding customs. The bridegroom and his friends escorted the bride from her home to the home of the bridegroom. Along the way friends of the bride waited to join them. When they arrived at the bridegroom’s home, they all went inside for the wedding. These weddings usually took place in the evenings, so those waiting for the bride and bridegroom carried lamps.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “Matthew 25:1–13”

Before studying the parable, it is important to understand Jewish wedding customs during the Savior’s day. The bridegroom, accompanied by his close friends, would go at night to the bride’s house for the wedding ceremony. Following the ceremony, the wedding party would proceed to the groom’s house for a feast. Wedding guests joining the procession, including virgins or bridesmaids, were expected to carry their own lamps or torches to indicate they were part of the wedding party and to add brightness and beauty to the occasion.

  1. The bridegroom is symbolic of the Savior, and the coming of the bridegroom represents the Second Coming (see Doctrine and Covenants 33:17 ; 88:92 ; 133:10).
  2. President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught: “The ten virgins obviously represent members of Christ’s Church, for all were invited to the wedding feast and all knew what was required to be admitted when the bridegroom came” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Preparation for the Second Coming,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 8).
  3. The lamps can symbolize our testimonies (see David A. Bednar, “Converted unto the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 109). Note that all ten virgins had lamps.
  4. The oil can symbolize our conversion unto the Lord Jesus Christ (see David A. Bednar, “Converted unto the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 109). This can include our efforts to follow the guidance of the Holy Ghost and to live obediently to the Savior and His gospel (see Doctrine and Covenants 45:56–58 ; In our lives the oil of preparedness is accumulated drop by drop in righteous living. … Each act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to our store. (Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle [1972], 255–56)

Most Jewish wedding ceremonies would take place in the evening. Several scripture passages refer to the Savior coming again like a thief in the night (see Joseph Smith Translation, Luke 12:44 [in the Bible appendix]; 1 Thessalonians 5:2 ; 2 Peter 3:10 ; Doctrine and Covenants 45:19 ; 106:4). The coming of the bridegroom at midnight suggests the unexpected hour of the Savior’s return. President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) explained:

In Matthew 25:12 , notice the bridegroom’s response to the foolish virgins who tried to enter the wedding feast late and without the necessary oil. Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 25:11 clarifies that the bridegroom said, “Ye know me not” (in Matthew 25:12 , footnote a).

  • Remembering what the oil represents, why would the oil be essential to truly know the Savior and be ready to meet Him?
  • Why could the wise virgins not simply give the oil to the foolish virgins?
  • Ask a child to come prepared to share how he or she learned about the parable of the ten virgins at home this week.

  • Draw an oil lamp on the board, and label it testimony. Give each child a piece of paper shaped like a drop of oil, and ask each child to write on it something he or she will do to become more converted to the Savior. Attach their drops to the board around the lamp.

“Lesson 25: Parable of the Ten Virgins,” Primary 7: New Testament

Friend September 1995 “I Believe That Jesus Will Come Again,”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 You might cut paper in the shape of drops of oil and hide the drops around your home. You could attach the drops to objects like the scriptures or a picture of the temple. When family members find the drops, you could discuss how these things help us prepare for the Second Coming.

  • Invite the children to help you make a list of things to do to prepare for a special visitor. How are these things similar to or different from ways we can spiritually prepare for the Savior’s Second Coming?

Friend August 2021 “The Important Guest” Ammon mother told him to tidy his room and she told him, “We want to invite someone important to be our guest. So we want our house to be clean and neat.” That night Ammon found out that the special guest was the Holy Ghost. The family also discussed additional ways to help the Holy Ghost feel welcome in their home.

  • On five strips of paper, write things that cannot be borrowed. On five other strips, write things that can be borrowed. Shuffle the strips, and ask the children to sort them into these two groups. Read together Matthew 25:1–13. Why is it important not to rely on others for our conversion to Jesus Christ?

“Lesson 25: Parable of the Ten Virgins,” Primary 7: New Testament Why do you think the five wise virgins did not share their oil? (Matthew 25:9.) Why couldn’t they have given some of their oil to the others? Explain that the shape of Jewish lamps, outside lips rounded inward, made it almost impossible for someone to pour oil from one lamp to another (see the illustration at the end of the lesson). In the parable, the oil in the wise virgins’ lamps represents their righteous living and obedience. We each fill our own lamp, which represents our own life, with our obedience and righteousness. Heavenly Father’s blessings to us for our righteous actions cannot be given to the disobedient.

New Testament Coloring Book “The Ten Virgins”

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “He Will Come Again” Lesson ideas

Stand in Holy Places

Doctrine and Covenants 45

Christ revealed signs of His coming as given on the Mount of Olives; 24–38, The gospel will be restored, the times of the Gentiles will be fulfilled, and a desolating sickness will cover the land; 39–47, Signs, wonders, and the Resurrection are to attend the Second Coming; 48–53, Christ will stand on the Mount of Olives, and the Jews will see the wounds in His hands and feet; 54–59, The Lord will reign during the Millennium; 60–62,The Prophet is instructed to begin the translation of the New Testament, through which important information will be made known; 63–75, The Saints are commanded to gather and build the New Jerusalem, to which people from all nations will come.

Doctrine and Covenants 45:32

32 But my disciples shall astand in holy places, and shall not be moved;

One reason the Savior and His prophets teach us about the signs of the Second Coming is to help us prepare. What do you learn in Doctrine and Covenants 45:31–32, 56–57 about preparing for the Lord’s Second Coming? It might be helpful to review the parable of the ten virgins, found in Matthew 25:1–13. The Savior compared the oil in this parable to truth and to the Holy Spirit (see Doctrine and Covenants 45:57). 

In Doctrine and Covenants 45:32, the Lord taught that His disciples will find safety in the last days by standing in holy places—places that are special to the Lord.

Friend May 2021 “Scripture Time Fun”

  • Sing “Choose the Right Way” (Children’s Songbook, 160).
  • Jesus Christ taught that we should “stand in holy places” (Doctrine and Covenants 45:32). A holy place can be anywhere we have the Holy Ghost with us.
  • With your family, list some things that help you stand in holy places, like being kind or praying. How do those things prepare us for Jesus Christ’s coming? Stick the list somewhere you’ll see it often.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

The Savior compared the oil in this parable to truth and to the Holy Spirit (see Doctrine and Covenants 45:57). 

56 And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins.

57 For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.

Friend May 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones”

For Doctrine and Covenants 45: Read Doctrine and Covenants 45:32 and help your little ones say, “I can stand in holy places.” Play a game to see who can stand up first and say one good thing they did that day.

What are our “holy places”? What does it mean to “not be moved”? How can we make our home a holy place?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 45”

  • Place pictures of a home, a church building, and a temple in different places throughout the room. Give clues describing these places, and invite the children to stand near the picture you are describing. Read the first line from Doctrine and Covenants 45:32. Testify that we are blessed when we spend time in holy places like our homes, our church buildings, and the temple. Ask the children to talk about how they feel when they are in holy places like these.
  • Invite the children to complete this week’s activity page. Help them write “I can help my home become a holy place” and “Doctrine and Covenants 45:32” on their drawing. What can they do to help their home become a holy place?
  • To help the children think about what it means to “not be moved,” ask them to stand still without moving for one minute. Read the first line from Doctrine and Covenants 45:32. Help the children understand that to “stand in holy places, and … not be moved” means to choose the right at all times, no matter what is happening. Invite them to “not be moved” away from righteous thoughts and actions.

Our Homes Can Be “Holy Places.”

Doctrine and Covenants 87

And it shall come to pass also that the aremnants who are left of the land will marshal themselves, and shall become exceedingly angry, and shall vex the Gentiles with a sore vexation.

And thus, with the asword and by bloodshed the inhabitants of the earth shall bmourn; and with cfamine, and plague, and earthquake, and the thunder of heaven, and the fierce and vivid lightning also, shall the inhabitants of the earth be made to feel the wrath, and indignation, and dchastening ehand of an Almighty God, until the consumption decreed hath made a full fend of all gnations;

That the cry of the saints, and of the ablood of the saints, shall cease to come up into the ears of the Lord of bSabaoth, from the earth, to be avenged of their enemies.

8 Wherefore, astand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold, it cometh bquickly, saith the Lord. Amen.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 85-87” The children you teach will face spiritual and physical dangers throughout their lives. You can help them prepare to face those dangers by teaching them to find and stand in holy places. No home is perfect, but there are things we can all do to make our homes into holy places of peace.

  • Read together Doctrine and Covenants 87:6 to learn about things the Lord said would happen in the latter days. Ask the children to talk about challenges that children their age sometimes face. Invite them to find in verse 8 what the Lord said we should do during hard times. Tell the children about holy places in your life.
  • Help the children make a list of holy places, holy thoughts, and holy actions that can help them face spiritual danger (for ideas, see the videos “Standing in Holy Places” and “Stand Ye in Holy Places—Bloom Where You’re Planted,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite them to keep their list with them to refer to when needed.
  • Show a picture of a temple, and share why the temple is a holy place. Show a picture of a home, and help the children think of ways they can make their homes holy like the temple (see this week’s activity page). Why do we want to be in holy places?

Friend August 2021 “Bright Idea”

Treasure Up God’s Word

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 To help your family explore this chapter, invite them to look for the Savior’s teachings about how we can prepare for His Second Coming (see, for example, verses 22–23, 29–30, 37, 46–48). What can we do to follow this counsel? Your family might enjoy singing “When He Comes Again” (Children’s Songbook, 82–83) and drawing pictures of what they imagine the Savior’s Second Coming will be like.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023)

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) taught that false Christs and prophets are not limited to people but can also come in the form of false ideas and teachings (see Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson [2014], 132). As you study this lesson, seek the guidance of the Spirit as you look for ways you can trust in the Lord and overcome any false ideas or deception.

After teaching about other deceptions and about signs of His Coming (see Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:23–36), the Savior taught a way to overcome deception. Read Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:37 .

Treasure Chest

In your study journal, draw a piece of treasure or a treasure chest. To treasure something means you cherish, hold dear, or greatly appreciate it. When we “treasure up” the Lord’s word, we consider it sacred and protect it (see Doctrine and Covenants 43:34). Around or inside the chest, write ways we can treasure up the Lord’s word.


Jesus Christ: Stories

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 The Life of Jesus Christ Bible Videos

Premortal Life

Friend January 2017 “Jesus Loves Me” Jesus was chosen in the premortal life to be our Savior. On earth he taught us the right way to live and he atoned for our sins because he loves us.

Childhood

Friend January 2019 “Jesus Learned and Grew”

Friend February 2017 “When Jesus was a Child” Jesus found teaching in the temple as a child.

Baptism

Friend March 2023 “Jesus Christ Was Baptized”

Friend February 2019 “Jesus was Baptized”

Why was the Savior baptized 2 Nephi 31: 4-13

  • To Be Obedient to the Father & To be an Example for Us 

7) But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments.

  • To Show us that We Need to Enter the Gate (Baptism) that Leads to the Path Towards Eternal Life

9) And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them

We Need to Follow His Example and be Baptized

5) And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!

10) And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me 

Friend March 2017 “Jesus Was Baptized”

Friend January 2015 “Jesus Was Baptized”  Scripture story and explanation of words.

Friend Jan 2015

Friend March 2023 “Jesus Christ Was Baptized”

Jesus Calls His Disciples

Friend November 2017 “I Want to Follow Jesus”

Jesus Parables and Teachings

Friend May 2017 “Jesus Taught About Heavenly Father’s Love” Jesus teaches about the lost coin, the lost sheep, and the prodigal son.

For the Strength of Youth July 2023 “The Prodigal Son”

Friend August 2017 “Jesus Forgives” Jesus teaches Peter to forgive. Jesus forgave sins, and he forgave his crucifiers.

Jesus Healed the Sick and Raised the Dead

Friend May 2019 “The Story of the Ten Lepers” You can read this story in .

Friend June 2017 “Jesus Healed People” Story of Jarius’s daughter being raised from the dead, and the story of the women with an issue of blood being healed when she touches the hem of Jesus’s robe.

Friend March 2021 “Jesus Comforted Others” Story of Jesus comforting Mary and Martha after their brother Lazarus died.

Friend November 2023 “Jesus Christ Healed a Man”

Feeding the Multitude

Friend February 2021 “Jesus Shared the Gospel” Story of Jesus feeding the people with fishes and loaves of bread, but most importantly feeding them spiritual food.

Friend July 2017 “Jesus Fed Many People”

The Rich Young Man

For the Strength of Youth April 2023 “Follow Jesus Christ and Do What Matters Most”

Jesus Blesses the Children

Friend May 2019 “Jesus Blesses the Children”

Friend September 2017 “Jesus is Kind” Jesus blesses the children.

The Last Supper: The Sacrament

Friend June 2019 “Jesus Taught about the Sacrament”


Friend April 2017 “Jesus Gave Us the Sacrament”

“The Sacrament Helps Us Remember Jesus” Friend September 2015 

Friend April 2017 “Jesus Gave Us the Sacrament”

Jesus Atonement, Crucifixion, and Resurrection

After Jesus’s Resurrection

Friend August 2019 “Open Your Hear to the Holy Ghost” When Jesus was about to leave His disciples, He told them how He would give them His peace:

Friend July 2019 “Jesus Said to Share the Gospel”