Psalms 1–2; 8; 19–33; 40; 46

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Esther”

The Red Crystal “Job“

Latter Day Kids “Job-Trials Can Lift Us Higher” Lesson Ideas

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Becoming Better, Not Bitter” Lesson ideas

Jul 27 2022

Esther

Featured

KING OF PERSIA CHOOSES ESTHER AS QUEEN
- I can serve my family.
ESTHER SAVES HER PEOPLE

KING OF PERSIA CHOOSES ESTHER AS QUEEN

Esther CHAPTER 1 Ahasuerus of Persia and Media makes royal feasts—Vashti disobeys the king and is deposed as queen.

Esther CHAPTER 2 Ahasuerus seeks a new queen—Mordecai presents Esther—Esther pleases the king and is chosen as queen—Mordecai exposes a plot against the king.

I can serve my family.

Esther 2:5–7

When Esther’s parents died, her cousin Mordecai took care of her. You can use their experience as an opportunity to talk about serving members of our families.

You might feel inspired to use Esther 2:7 to teach your children about helping family members in need, as Mordecai did for Esther. You could read the verse together or summarize it in your own words. Then you and your children could think of family members who might need your help. Make a plan to help them.

What can we learn from Mordecai’s example about helping family members in times of trial? Who in our family needs our support? Make a plan to help them.

Invite some of the children to act out something kind they could do to serve someone in their families, and ask the other children to guess what they are doing. Invite them to talk about things they do to bless their families, and tell about some of the things you do.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Esther”

Sing a song about helping our families, such as “When We’re Helping” (Children’s Songbook, 198). Share your testimony that helping our families makes us happy.

ESTHER SAVES HER PEOPLE

Esther CHAPTER 3 Mordecai, the Jew, refuses to bow to Haman—Haman arranges a decree to kill all the Jews in the kingdom.

Esther CHAPTER 4 Mordecai and the Jews mourn and fast because of the king’s decree—Esther, at the peril of her life, prepares to go in unto the king.

The Lord can help me be brave.

Esther 3:1–11; 4:10–17

The children you teach will face situations when they need the Lord’s help to be brave. How will you help them learn from Esther’s example of courage?

The examples of Esther and Mordecai can help your children understand that bravery means doing what is right even when you are afraid. Consider writing the phrases Mordecai was brave when he … and Esther was brave when she … . As you learn the story of Esther together, your children could suggest ways to finish the sentences. You could read Esther 3:1–11; 4:10–17 or “Queen Esther” (in Old Testament Stories, 166–70).

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Esther”

Old Testament Stories “Queen Esther” Images and video

Friend October 2018 “Esther the Queen” Video

You could also learn about times when Jesus Christ was brave—for example, when He suffered for our sins in Gethsemane and on the cross (see Matthew 26:36–39; 27:33–35). Ask your children to share a time when they were brave, and share your own experiences as well.

What helped them be brave? Tell the children how the Lord has helped you be brave when you were afraid.

Friend August 2020 “Maddy’s Courage” Maddy didn’t want to start school because she was afraid. Her mom reminded her of sometimes we have to do brave and hard things, such as Daniel facing the lions, or Nephi crossing the ocean, or Esther talking to the king. And just like Heavenly Father helped all of those people, He would help her too.

Let the children use the figures on this week’s activity page to retell the story.

Show a picture of Esther (see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Sing with the children a song about being brave, such as “I Will Be Valiant” (Children’s Songbook, 162). Point out words and phrases in the song that describe Esther, and testify that the Savior can help the children be brave.

Heavenly Father helps me have courage when I am afraid.

Esther 3:1–11; 4:10–17

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Esther” When have you seen the children you teach be courageous? What experiences can you share when you needed the Lord’s help to be brave?

Invite the children to think of situations they face in which it might be hard to do the right thing. Write on the board Esther’s courageous words “So will I go in unto the king, … and if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). Help the children apply Esther’s words to themselves by replacing “go in unto the king” with a righteous but difficult choice they might have to make. Then invite them to replace “perish” with something unpleasant that might come from doing what is right. Why is it better to do the right thing, even if there are difficult consequences?

“Scared to Say Sorry” Friend August 2026

Show the video “Choose the Harder Right” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), and invite the children to decide on a “harder right” in their lives that they will choose. Discuss how Jesus Christ is an example of this principle.

Write I will be brave by … , and invite your children to list things Heavenly Father wants them to do that require courage. A song about courage, such as “Dare to Do Right” (Children’s Songbook, 158), could help.

I can be an instrument in God’s hands.

Esther 4:14

Help your children understand that when Esther was afraid, Mordecai encouraged her by explaining that the Lord had helped her become the queen “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). What did Mordecai mean by this? Talk with each other about how Esther was an instrument for the Lord. How can we be instruments for the Lord?

Poster: Bright Idea (November 2013 Friend)

How could you help your children understand what an instrument is? Maybe you could invite someone to play a song on a musical instrument or show a picture of someone using a tool. You could then talk about what it means to be an instrument in God’s hands.

Fasting brings the Lord’s blessings.

Esther 4:1–3, 10–17

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Esther”

Invite the children to make a list of things they could fast for (if needed, they could look at “Fasting and Fast Offerings” in True to the Faith, 66–69). Then ask them to read Esther 4:1–3, 10–17 to find out why the Jews and Esther fasted. Encourage the children to think of a reason they might need special help from the Lord, and suggest they make that reason part of their fast during the next fast Sunday.

“Fasting for Shem” (July 2013 Friend)
When Tim is worried about his friend Shem in the hospital, he decides to pray and fast for him.

Invite the children to pretend they are explaining to a friend why they fast. What would they say? Point them to Guide to the Scriptures, “Fast, Fasting” (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org) if they need help. Share an experience when you fasted to receive the Lord’s help. Invite the children to share experiences they have had with fasting.

Friend June 2025 “Power-Up Prayer” Noah was sad when he realized it was fast sunday and he wouldn’t be getting cinnamon french toast. His mother told him that fasting helps our relationship with God and brings us closer to Jesus Christ. He also learned that fasting is a way to strengthen our prayers. It’s like giving our prayers a power-up. Noah was excited and ran to his room and thought about what he wanted fast forbecause this was not just any prayer, it was a power-up prayer, a prayer with a boost.

“Lesson 38: Esther Saves Her People,” Primary 6: Old Testament To teach the children how fasting can bless their lives

See Fasting for additional teaching resources

Esther CHAPTER 5 The king receives Esther—She invites him and Haman to a banquet—Haman plans to have Mordecai hanged.

Esther CHAPTER 6 Mordecai receives great honors—Haman mourns and is counseled by his wife.

Esther CHAPTER 7 Esther reveals Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews—He is hanged on his own gallows.

Esther CHAPTER 8 Mordecai is honored and placed over the house of Haman—Ahasuerus issues a decree to preserve the Jews.

Esther CHAPTER 9 The Jews slay their enemies, including Haman’s ten sons—The Feast of Purim is instituted to commemorate their deliverance and victory.

Esther CHAPTER 10 Mordecai, the Jew, stands next to Ahasuerus in power and might.

Jul 18 2022

Ezra 1; 3–7; Nehemiah 2; 4–6; 8

Featured

KING CYRUS LETS THE JEWS TO GO BACK TO JERUSALEM TO BUILD THE TEMPLE
ZERUBBABEL BUILDS THE TEMPLE DESPITE OPPOSITION
- I can help the work of God advance despite opposition.
THE DEDICATION OF THE TEMPLE
- The temple gives me reason to rejoice.
NEHEMIAH REBUILDS THE JERUSALEM WALL
- The Lord will help me do His “great work.”
- The Lord will strengthen me to do “a great work.”
EZRA READS THE SCRIPTURES TO THE PEOPLE
- The scriptures are a blessing.
Additional Resources

KING CYRUS LETS THE JEWS TO GO BACK TO JERUSALEM TO BUILD THE TEMPLE

Ezra CHAPTER 1 King Cyrus of Persia lets the Jews go back to Jerusalem to build the temple—Cyrus returns the vessels of the house of the Lord taken by Nebuchadnezzar.

Lesson 107: Ezra,” Old Testament Seminary Student Material (2018) We read in Ezra 1–2 that 70 years after the Jews were carried away captive to Babylon, Cyrus, the king of Persia, conquered the Babylonians and became the Jews’ new ruler. Cyrus was inspired by the Lord to let a group of Jews return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. To help them in their efforts, Cyrus gave them “silver,” “gold,” and other “precious things” as well as the “vessels” that King Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple years earlier (see Ezra 1:6–7). About 50,000 people, led by Zerubbabel and Jeshua, returned to Jerusalem to work on the temple.

THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE TEMPLE ARE LAID

Ezra CHAPTER 3 The altar is rebuilt—Regular sacrifices are reinstituted—The foundations of the temple are laid amid great rejoicing.

The house of the Lord is a place of joy.

Ezra 3:8–13; 6:16–22

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Ezra 1; 3–7; Nehemiah 2; 4–6; 8”

To teach your children about the joy the Jews felt when their temple was rebuilt, you could show them a picture like the one below. Talk about why these people might be happy to be at the house of the Lord. You could also tell your children why the temple is a place of joy for you. How has the temple helped you feel closer to Heavenly Father and the Savior?

As you read Ezra 3:10–13 with your children, help them find words that show how the Jews felt when the temple was being rebuilt. When you get to the end of verse 13, maybe you could shout for joy together. Help your children think of reasons to be joyful that the Lord has given us temples. How can we show that joy?

The Red Crystal Pass out the puzzle pieces and have the children write on the back some things that bring them joy from the temple, like eternal families or peace. Then put the puzzle together and shout for joy.

Here are some of the key blessings associated with LDS temples:

Protection and Power: The covenants and ordinances performed in the temple are believed to provide spiritual protection and power from God, including the power to resist temptation and overcome worldly challenges.

Participation in Ordinances: Temples are the only places where certain sacred ordinances — such as the Endowment, sealing of couples in marriage for eternity, and baptism for the dead — can be performed. These ordinances are considered essential for individual progression and salvation.

Eternal Families: The temple is where families can be sealed together, meaning they can be together forever, not just “until death do us part.” This sealing extends to children as well, who are considered to be sealed to their parents for eternity.

Learning and Instruction: In the temple, individuals receive instruction and make covenants related to the Plan of Salvation and their relationship with God. These teachings provide guidance for personal development and spiritual growth.

Personal Revelation: Many members of the LDS Church report that the peaceful, sacred atmosphere of the temple is conducive to receiving personal revelation and divine guidance.

Service to Others: In the temple, members perform vicarious ordinances on behalf of those who have died, providing them with the opportunity to accept these ordinances in the afterlife. This service to others is considered a significant blessing and a manifestation of love and selflessness.

Peace and Comfort: Many Latter-day Saints find that attending the temple provides a sense of peace and comfort, offering a spiritual refuge from the world. It can be a place to seek comfort, find answers to prayers, and feel closer to God.

Communion with the Divine: Temples are considered “Houses of the Lord,” and as such, are places where individuals can feel a special closeness to God and Jesus Christ.

Consider singing a song about the temple with your children, such as the second verse of “Welcome Home” (Hymns for Home and Church, Gospel Library). After each line, you could pause to ask a child to share something he or she loves about the temple. You might also look at pictures of temples while you sing.

The temple can bring me joy.

How did the Jews celebrate when the foundation of the temple was laid? Select all that apply:

They sang.
They shouted with joy.
They danced.
They praised and thanked the Lord.

Friend October 2021 “A Temple Birthday” Lydia wants to visit the temple for her birthday because it is a happy place where we can feel close to Jesus.

Friend July 2022 “Temple Tour”

Sing with the children a song about the temple, such as “I Love to See the Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 95). After each line, pause to ask a child to share something he or she loves about the temple.

For additional teaching ideas see Temples.

ZERUBBABEL BUILDS THE TEMPLE DESPITE OPPOSITION

Ezra CHAPTER 4 The Samaritans offer help, then hinder the work—The building of the temple and of the walls of Jerusalem ceases.

Ezra CHAPTER 5 Haggai and Zechariah prophesy—Zerubbabel renews the building of the temple—The Samaritans challenge the Jews’ right to continue their building work.

I can help the work of God advance despite opposition.

When the 50,000 Jews returned to Jerusalem, they encountered a group of people living nearby called Samaritans. The Samaritans were the “people who lived in Samaria after the northern kingdom of Israel was captured by the Assyrians. The Samaritans were partly Israelite and partly Gentile. Their religion was a mixture of Jewish and pagan beliefs and practices” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Samaritans,” scriptures.churchofjesuschrist.org/study). Lesson 107: Ezra,” Old Testament Seminary Student Material (2018)

According to verses 1–2, what did the Samaritans want to do?

Stop the Jews from building the temple
Build a different kind of temple
Help the Jews build the temple

2. What did Zerubbabel and the other Jewish leaders tell the Samaritans?

The Jews would build the temple themselves.
The Jews would be happy to have the Samaritans’ help.
The Samaritans must wait until the next year to help them.

3. How did the Samaritans respond when Zerubbabel and the other Jewish leaders rejected their offer?

They went away and left the Jews alone.
They discouraged the Jews from building the temple and created opposition.
They gave the Jews supplies for the building of the temple.

As a result of the Samaritans’ opposition, the temple’s construction stopped for several years (see Ezra 4:1–24; Haggai 1:2–6).

Our spiritual progress may halt if we don’t choose the right or if we listen to the opposition and give in.

Friend February 2020 “Matt & Mandy” When some kids find a wallet, Matt and his friend stand for the right by telling a boy, who wants to keep the money, that they need to return the wallet to its owner.

Friend September 2017 “Matt and Mandy” Matt tells some boys he doesn’t want to hear a bad joke even though they call him chicken.

Lesson 107: Ezra,” Old Testament Seminary Student Material (2018) We read in Ezra 5:1–2 that some of the Jews began to rebuild the temple again. When local Persian-appointed governors learned that the Jews had resumed building the temple, they questioned the Jews’ authority to do so and looked for ways to stop the construction.

Read Ezra 5:5, looking for why the local governors could not stop the Jews from rebuilding the temple.

What principle can we identify from the Jews’ experience of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem?

One principle we can identify from Ezra 5:5 is that God watches over and helps us as we seek to obey Him.

Friend July 2022 “Stand for What You Believe”David stood for what he believed. He wasn’t alone. God’s power was with him. He beat Goliath. God will help us even when we face Goliath-sized challenges.

THE DEDICATION OF THE TEMPLE

Ezra CHAPTER 6 Darius renews the decree of Cyrus to build the temple—It is finished and dedicated, and sacrifices and feasts commence again.

With the encouragement of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, the Jews finished building the temple (see Ezra 6:14).

The temple gives me reason to rejoice.

Lesson 107: Ezra,” Old Testament Seminary Student Material (2018) Read Ezra 6:16, 22, looking for how the Lord blessed the people during the dedication of the temple.

What principle might we identify from these verses about the blessings of building temples and participating in temple work?

One principle we can identify from Ezra 6:16, 22 is that as we participate in temple work, we will be blessed with joy.

How have you or someone you know experienced joy through participating in temple work, including family history work?

Friend March 2021 “Forever” A family adopts a little girl and then are sealed together at the temple.

Friend November 2021 “Family History Blessings” Antonella got a Family Search account when she was baptized. She’s learned more about her family and loves her family even more now. She also wants to help others unite their families for eternity.

Share with the children your feelings about the temple. How has the temple helped you feel closer to Heavenly Father and the Savior? Why do we celebrate when a temple is dedicated? Give the children time to write down how they feel about the temple, and encourage them to share what they wrote with their families.

Friend December 2017 “The House of the Lord” Idea: Place each item on a folder layout or board as you discuss temple open houses and dedications.

For modern examples of rejoicing at the building of temples, see the videos “Practice, Celebration, Dedication: Temple Blessings in El Salvador” and “The Laie Hawaii Temple Youth Cultural Celebration” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Friend July 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Temple Craft

Story: The temple in Jerusalem was destroyed. Years later, the people rebuilt it. They were so happy! They “praised the Lord” and “shouted aloud for joy” (Ezra 3:11, 12).

Song: “I Love to See the Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 95)

Activity: Fold a piece of paper in half. Draw or glue a picture of the temple on the front. Then open the fold and draw or glue a picture of yourself inside. Write the words, “I’ll go inside someday.” Talk about how going to the temple can make us happy.

(see temples.ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

For additional teaching ideas see Temples.

NEHEMIAH REBUILDS THE JERUSALEM WALL

Nehemiah CHAPTER 2 Artaxerxes sends Nehemiah to Jerusalem—Sanballat and others oppose Nehemiah in rebuilding the walls and gates of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah CHAPTER 4 The Jews’ enemies seek to prevent them from rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem—Nehemiah arms the laborers and keeps the work progressing.

Nehemiah CHAPTER 5 Many Jews are in bondage to their fellow Jews—At Nehemiah’s direction they are freed, their lands are restored, and the taking of usury is discontinued.

Nehemiah CHAPTER 6 Sanballat engages in intrigue against Nehemiah and the building of the wall—The Jews finish the construction of the wall.

Remember that previously (approximately 90 years earlier), the Persian king Cyrus had allowed many Jews to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and establish a community there. The city, which at that time was without walls, was unsafe to live in. The people were in “great affliction” (verse 3), and the temple was in danger of being destroyed again.

The Lord will help me do His “great work.”

Nehemiah 2:17–20; 6:1–9

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Share with your children the story of Nehemiah (see Nehemiah 2:17–20; 6:1–9; or “Nehemiah” in Old Testament Stories, 173–74).

As you read Nehemiah 2:20, you and your children could “arise” and pretend to help build the walls of Jerusalem. Or your children might enjoy building a wall with blocks or other objects. As they do, you could help them think of important things Heavenly Father wants us to do. (Or, let the children use the blocks to help you build a wall (or draw a wall on the board). Help the children think of some important things Heavenly Father might ask them to do, like learning how to read the scriptures. With each idea they share, invite them to add a block to the wall.

As you read Nehemiah 6:9, invite your children to raise their hands when they hear you say “strengthen my hands.” Tell the children about a time when you felt God strengthen your hands to do His work.

Friend November 2019 “The Primary Talk” Dennis was afraid to give a talk in Primary. He prayed, prepared, and practiced but he was still nervous, so he asked his father to give him a blessing. After the blessing he was able to give the talk with only a few stutters, and he knew Heavenly Father helped him.

How can we follow Nehemiah’s example in verse 9 when it’s difficult to do what God has asked us to do?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Ezra 1; 3–7; Nehemiah 2; 4–6; 8” When Nehemiah was repairing the walls surrounding Jerusalem, his enemies tried to get him to stop, but he remained faithful to his task. What are some important things the Lord wants the children to do, and how can you inspire them to be faithful to that work?

Share with the children the story of Nehemiah (see Nehemiah 2:17–20; 6:1–9; Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “We Are Doing a Great Work and Cannot Come Down,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 59–62).

But as the walls of the city began to rise, opposition intensified. Nehemiah’s enemies threatened, conspired, and ridiculed. Their threats were very real, and they grew so intimidating that Nehemiah confessed, “They all made us afraid.” In spite of the danger and the ever-present threat of invasion, the work progressed. It was a time of stress, for every builder “had his sword girded by his side, and so builded.”

As the work continued, Nehemiah’s enemies became more desperate. Four times they entreated him to leave the safety of the city and meet with them under the pretense of resolving the conflict, but Nehemiah knew that their intent was to do him harm. Each time they approached him, he responded with the same answer: “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down.”

The Lord is seeking men like Nehemiah—He seeks to enlist unfaltering souls who diligently go about the work of building the kingdom of God—those who, when faced with opposition and temptation, say in their hearts, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down.”

Describe how you can apply the phrase “I am doing a great work and cannot come down” (see Nehemiah 6:3) when you face opposition in doing God’s will.

The Lord will strengthen me to do “a great work.”

Nehemiah 2; 4; 6

Review with the children the story about Nehemiah repairing the walls surrounding Jerusalem, including the opposition he faced. Read together Nehemiah 2:19, and ask the children to share situations in which someone might laugh at us for doing the right thing. According to Nehemiah 2:20, how did Nehemiah respond? How can we respond when people make fun of us or criticize us for doing the right thing?

Friend November 2018 “Finders Keepers?” Mike finds some money on the school grounds and takes it to the office even though his friends think they should keep it and spend it.

EZRA READS THE SCRIPTURES TO THE PEOPLE

Ezra CHAPTER 7 Ezra goes up to Jerusalem—Artaxerxes provides for beautifying the temple and sustains the Jews in their worship.

Nehemiah CHAPTER 8 Ezra reads and interprets the law of Moses to the people—They keep the Feast of Tabernacles.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Ezra 1; 3–7; Nehemiah 2; 4–6; 8” Even after the temple was rebuilt, the people of Jerusalem struggled spiritually, in part because, for generations, they had limited access to “the book of the law of Moses” (Nehemiah 8:1). Ezra the scribe received permission from the king of Persia to go to Jerusalem, where he “brought the law before the congregation” (Nehemiah 8:2).

Nehemiah 8:1–12

The scriptures are a blessing.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Read aloud some phrases from Nehemiah 8:2–3, 5–6, 8–9, 12 that describe what the people did when they heard Ezra read the scriptures. As you read, your children could act out these phrases. Then you could share with each other how you feel when you read or hear the scriptures.

As you read together Nehemiah 8:8, you could ask your children what helps them understand the scriptures. Show them how to use scripture study aids like the Guide to the Scriptures and Topics and Questions (Gospel Library). Invite your children to share something they have learned about the Savior from the scriptures.
Invite the children to color this week’s activity page. As they do, share with the children how reading the scriptures has brought you closer to the Savior.

Friend October 2022 “Scripture Hero Cards”

“Lesson 37: Josiah and Ezra Read the Scriptures to the People,” Primary 6: Old Testament

Attention Activity

Ask the children if they remember what the first lessons of this course were about. If they remember the general topics, ask for more specific details. Explain that it is hard for us to remember information that we learned a long time ago. Show the children a journal, scrapbook, photo album, baby book, or similar book, and relate the following true experience or a personal experience you have had keeping records. (Read the story found at the link under attention activity. See the lesson for additional activities related to reading the scriptures.)

Explain that it is easy to forget things that we aren’t constantly reminded of. Important information should be studied and reviewed continually so that we do not forget it. Show the children your scriptures, and tell them these books contain Heavenly Father’s words to us. Diligent daily study of the scriptures will help us remember and keep his commandments. Tell the children that in this lesson they will learn about the people of Judah at two different historical times: during the reign of King Josiah (about 640 B.C.) and the time of Nehemiah and Ezra (about 450 B.C.) (B.C. means before the birth of Christ). Both groups of people had lost the book of the law—the scriptures the Lord gave to them through Moses—so they forgot the commandments and did not obey them.

See Scriptures for additional ideas

Additional Resources

Old Testament Student Manual Kings-Malachi “The Exiles Return”

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

Latter Day Kids “Nehemiah Rebuilds the Walls of Jerusalem” Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal “Come Follow Me- For Primary, Free LDS primary lesson helps, July 18-24” The Red Crystal has some great lesson ideas such as the activity page below. Check them out at the link.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 20222 “Kings 17–25”

Jul 12 2022

2 Kings 16–25

Featured

TEN TRIBES CARRIED AWAY BY ASSYRIANS
HEZEKIAH REIGNS IN RIGHTEOUSNESS IN JUDAH
- I can trust Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
JOSIAH REIGNS IN RIGHTEOUSNESS IN JUDAH
Additional Resources

TEN TRIBES CARRIED AWAY BY ASSYRIANS

2 Kings Chapter 17 Hoshea reigns in Israel and is subject to the Assyrians—The Israelites forsake the Lord, worship idols, serve Baal, and reject all that the Lord has given them—The ten tribes are carried away captive by the kings of Assyria—The land of Israel (Samaria) is repopulated by other people—Many forms of false worship are found among the Samaritans.

2 Kings Chapter16 Ahaz reigns in wickedness in Judah—He offers his son in heathen sacrifice—He makes a new altar, destroys the brazen sea, and changes the method for sacrificing in the temple.

Despite the prophet Elisha’s impressive ministry, the spirituality of the Northern Kingdom of Israel kept declining. Wicked kings promoted idolatry, and war and apostasy abounded. Finally the Assyrian Empire conquered and scattered the ten tribes of Israel.

Meanwhile, the Southern Kingdom of Judah wasn’t doing much better; idolatry was also widespread there. But amid all this spiritual decay, the scriptural accounts mention two righteous kings who, for a time, turned their people back to the Lord. One was Hezekiah. During his reign, the Assyrians, fresh from their victory in the north, conquered much of the south. But Hezekiah and his people showed faith in the Lord, who delivered Jerusalem in a miraculous way. Later, after another period of apostasy, Josiah began to reign. Inspired in part by a rediscovery of the book of the law, Josiah brought reforms that revived the religious life of many of his people. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 17–25”

HEZEKIAH REIGNS IN RIGHTEOUSNESS IN JUDAH

2 Kings CHAPTER 18 Hezekiah reigns in righteousness in Judah—He destroys idolatry and breaks the brazen serpent made by Moses because the children of Israel burn incense to it—Sennacherib, king of Assyria, invades Judah—In a blasphemous speech, Rabshakeh asks Jerusalem to surrender to the Assyrians.

2 Kings CHAPTER 19 Hezekiah seeks counsel from Isaiah to save Jerusalem—Isaiah prophesies the defeat of the Assyrians and the death of Sennacherib—Hezekiah prays for deliverance—Sennacherib sends a blasphemous letter—Isaiah prophesies that the Assyrians will be destroyed and that a remnant of Judah will flourish—An angel slays 185,000 Assyrians—Sennacherib is slain by his sons.

2 Kings CHAPTER 20 Hezekiah is told he will die and pleads with the Lord; his life is lengthened fifteen years—The shadow goes back ten degrees on the sundial of Ahaz—Isaiah prophesies the Babylonian captivity of Judah.

I can trust Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

2 Kings 18:3–6; 19:14–19

Using Bible map 3, “The Division of the 12 Tribes,” briefly explain to the children that the Northern Kingdom of Israel was conquered by people called the Assyrians. Explain that the Assyrians later tried to conquer the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Invite the children to imagine how they would feel if they lived in Judah and knew that the Assyrians were coming to destroy the city. Ask the children to read 2 Kings 18:3, 5–6 to find out why Hezekiah, the king of Judah, was able to be brave when the Assyrians came.

Invite the children to read 2 Kings 19:14–19, looking for what Hezekiah did when the Assyrians threatened his kingdom. How did doing these things show that he trusted in the Lord? What can we do to show our trust in the Lord when we need help?

Help the children understand what it means to trust someone. Talk about people you trust, and let the children do so too. Show a picture of Jesus Christ. Why can we trust Jesus Christ? Express your trust that Jesus Christ loves us and will help us return to live forever with Heavenly Father. How can we show that we trust the Lord?

Friend June 1998 When we trust someone, we believe in him or her. We feel sure the person will do what he or she promises to do. There is someone we can always trust. We can always trust the Lord.

Book of Mormon Stories for Young Readers

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “The Scattering of Israel” Lesson ideas

“Lesson 36: The Prophet Isaiah,” Primary 6: Old Testament Hezekiah Prays for Guidance and Follows Isaiah’s Counsel

What kind of person was Hezekiah? (2 Kings 18:3, 5–6.) What did he do to stop the people from worshiping idols? (2 Kings 18:4.) How was he blessed for his righteousness? (2 Kings 18:7.)
After the Assyrian army conquered many of the cities of Judah, where did Hezekiah turn for help? (Isaiah 37:2, 15.) What did the Lord tell Hezekiah through Isaiah? (Isaiah 37:6–7, 33–34.) If we are ridiculed for trusting in God, how can we receive strength? (Through praying, fasting, and reading the scriptures and obeying the words of the living prophet.)
How did the Lord protect the people of Jerusalem? (Isaiah 37:36–38.) What happened to the king of Assyria? Help the children understand that although we may not see such dramatic results when we pray, our prayers will be heard and answered. Share an appropriate experience when you have prayed for help and received an answer. Invite the children to also share their experiences. Emphasize that Heavenly Father may not take away our problems, but he will give us strength and comfort.
When Hezekiah learned he was going to die, what did he ask the Lord to remember? (Isaiah 38:3.) How did the Lord answer his prayer? (Isaiah 38:5–6.) When we ask Heavenly Father to heal us or a loved one, our prayer may be answered in several ways. We must be willing to accept Heavenly Father’s will.

JOSIAH REIGNS IN RIGHTEOUSNESS IN JUDAH

2 Kings CHAPTER 21 Manasseh turns Judah to idolatry, even sacrificing a son to a heathen god—Prophets foretell the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem—Wickedness continues under Amon.

2 Kings CHAPTER 22 Josiah reigns in righteousness in Judah—Hilkiah repairs the temple and finds the book of the law—Josiah sorrows because of the wickedness of his fathers—Huldah prophesies wrath upon the people but blessings upon Josiah.

2 Kings CHAPTER 23 Josiah reads the book of the covenant to the people—They covenant to keep the commandments—Josiah overturns the worship of false gods, removes the sodomites, and puts down idolatry—Idolatrous priests are slain—Judah holds a solemn Passover—Egypt subjects the land of Judah.

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ can trust me.

2 Kings 22:1–7

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

In 2 Kings 22:1, help your children discover how old Josiah was when he became king. What do we learn about Josiah in verse 2? Consider an activity that could illustrate following the Lord and not turning “aside to the right hand or to the left.”
The workers described in 2 Kings 22:3–7 were trusted with the money to rebuild the temple “because they dealt faithfully” (verse 7). After reading these verses, you and your children could talk about things you have been trusted with. How can we be trustworthy like the workers in these verses?

Old Testament Stories “King Josiah”

Friend September 2018 “Map Champ” During a map game at school, Linda doesn’t hear the teacher because the kids are being too loud. Her teacher trusts her because she doesn’t lie, and the teacher gives her another chance.

Friend April 1986 Josiah

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 17–25”

The scriptures teach me to follow Jesus Christ.

2 Kings 22:8–11; 23:2–3

Liahona July 2022 “The Scriptures Turn Our Hearts to God” Josiah became king of Judah when he was only eight years old. He had inherited a kingdom of people who believed in false gods, but he wanted to follow the Lord. In the eighth year of his reign, he ordered that altars and idols of false gods be destroyed throughout Judah. (Great image of Josiah tearing down the idols)

Ten years later, he asked his people to restore the temple in Jerusalem,

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Kings 17–25”

Tell the children that King Josiah told his people to repair the temple, and as they did, they found something very valuable. Invite the children to read 2 Kings 22:8–11 to find out what it was. Explain that the book they found contained covenants and commandments that the children of Israel did not know about. What might happen to us if we didn’t have the scriptures? Ask the children why they are grateful to have the scriptures. Why would it be harder to follow the Savior if we didn’t have the scriptures?

Friend March 2025 “Teach Me about the Scriptures”

Read 2 Kings 23:2 to the children, and ask them to listen for what the king did with the scriptures. Why was it important for everyone to hear what was written in the scriptures?

“Lesson 37: Josiah and Ezra Read the Scriptures to the People,” Primary 6: Old Testament

Tell the children you are going to whisper something to them that you want them to try to remember. Whisper this scripture to each child: “The king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord, and to keep his commandments” (2 Chronicles 34:31). After you have whispered this to each child, ask them to repeat it. If they have a hard time remembering it, explain that the value of having written scriptures is that we can study and read them often to help us remember. Then as a class read the verse out loud from the scriptures. At the end of the lesson, ask if the children remember the scripture that you whispered to them and they read together. If you have repeated it several times, some of them will probably remember. Read it out loud in unison again. Point out that we remember important truths by hearing and reading them again and again.

Friend July 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” The Scriptures Can Help Me

Activity: (You and your children could talk about scriptures that have inspired you to “walk after the Lord” (verse 3).) Write, draw, or act out an Old Testament scripture story you like. How has this story helped you? Talk about why the scriptures are important.

Friend July 2020 “Helping a Sleepy Sister” While doing family scripture study, Berrett noticed his sister was tired from studying late and he decided to be like Jesus and help her. He made her breakfast and lunch and wrote her a note saying he loved her.

Sing a song about the scriptures, such as “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109), and ask the children to talk about how they feel when they hear teachings and stories from the scriptures.

Give each child a piece of paper, and ask them to tear it. Explain that in King Josiah’s day, people sometimes tore, or “rent,” their clothes when they were upset. Ask the children to look for the word “rent” in 2 Kings 22:11. Why might Josiah have been upset? Help the children find an answer in verse 13. Why is it important for us to read the scriptures regularly?

Latter Day Kids “The Scriptures Are A Blessing” Lesson ideas

Old Testament Coloring Book “Josiah and the Book of the Law”

Friend February 1988 “Josiah—Believer in the Scriptures”

For so long, the people had hardened their hearts against God. But the scriptures helped turn the hearts of the people back to God. King Josiah promised the people he would walk in the ways of the Lord and obey the commandments.

What impresses us about how Josiah and his people responded to the word of God? How do we respond to God’s word in the scriptures?

See Scriptures for additional teaching ideas

I will keep my covenants with God.

2 Kings 23:1–3

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

When Josiah and his people learned the commandments of God, they made a covenant to live them. Read about this with your children in 2 Kings 23:1–3, and help them find words or phrases that show how the people felt about the Lord’s commandments. Maybe your children could stand and talk about what it might mean to “[stand] to the covenant.” Then they could walk in place and talk about what it might mean to “walk after the Lord.” (Consider sharing the story at the beginning of Elder Edward B. Rowe’s message “Choose Jesus Christ as Your Guide” [Liahona, May 2026, 66] as part of this conversation.) Next, they could place their hands on their hearts and suggest ways we can keep our covenants “with all [our] heart.”

Friend November 2024 “What Are Covenants?”

Help the children make a list of promises they made at baptism (see Mosiah 18:10; Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, 77, 79). What does God promise us if we keep our covenants? What do we learn from 2 Kings 23:3 about how we should keep our covenants?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 17–25”

2 Kings 23:25

What stands out to us about the description of Josiah in this verse? Your family could draw on paper hearts things they can do this week to turn to the Lord with all their heart.

See Covenants and Promises for additional teaching ideas

Additional Resources

“Lesson 105: 2 Kings 21–25,” Old Testament Seminary Student Material (2018)

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

Play charades by having a child pantomime one of the following situations. Have the rest of the class guess what they are doing.

Driving to a gas station and putting fuel in the gas tank of an automobile.Eating dinner.Planting and watering a plant.Reading the scriptures.

Play until all four situations have been correctly guessed. Discuss what similarities there are in these different activities. Point out that in each case an object needs fuel so that it will have the energy to keep going. Just as a car, a plant, or our physical bodies need fuel or food for energy, our spirit needs to be fed so that it too can be healthy. Discuss how we can feed our spirits. Discuss how often our spirits need to be fed. Read Deuteronomy 6:6–7 with the children, and emphasize that we should think of the Lord’s words to us at all times in everything we do. Challenge the children to read from the scriptures each day in the coming week.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 2-7”

Jul 6 2022

2 Kings 2–7

Featured

ELIJAH IS TRANSLATED. THE MANTEL OF ELIJAH FALLS ON ELISHA
ELISHA PERFORMS MANY MIRACLES
- God can work miracles in my life.
NAAMAN COMES TO ELISHA TO BE HEALED OF LEPROSY
- I can choose to do what God commands through His prophet.
ELISHA'S SERVANT IS AFRAID AND IS ALLOWED TO SEE THE LORD'S ARMY
- I am not alone.
Additional Resources

ELIJAH IS TRANSLATED. THE MANTEL OF ELIJAH FALLS ON ELISHA

2 Kings CHAPTER 2 Elisha and the prophets know that Elijah is to be translated—Elijah divides the waters of the Jordan and is taken up into heaven in a whirlwind—The mantle of Elijah falls on Elisha, who also divides the waters of the Jordan—Elisha heals the waters of Jericho—Youths are torn by bears for mocking Elisha.

2 Kings CHAPTER 3 Jehoram of Israel and Jehoshaphat of Judah join forces against Moab—Elisha promises them water for their animals and victory in the war—The Moabites are defeated.

ELISHA PERFORMS MANY MIRACLES

2 Kings CHAPTER 4 Elisha multiplies the widow’s oil—He promises a son to a Shunammite woman—The child dies and is raised to life by Elisha—He makes the poisonous food harmless—Bread and grain are multiplied for the people to eat.

God can work miracles in my life.

2 Kings 4

Ask the children to talk about what a miracle is. If they need help, they could review “Miracle” in Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

After helping your children understand what a miracle is, invite the children to write on the board, or on a piece of paper, as many miracles as they can remember from the scriptures. Pictures in the Gospel Art Book or Come, Follow Me can help. Give them time to review 2 Kings 4–5 and add to their list (see 2 Kings 4:1–7, 14–17, 32–35, 38–41, 42–44). What do these miracles teach about Heavenly Father?

Old Testament Stories “Elisha the Prophet”

You and your children could talk about how God has shown His love through miracles.

Talk about how you have seen God’s power in your life. You might include daily miracles such as feelings of peace, the gift of daily life, or help with daily tasks. Invite the children to talk about miracles in their lives, both large and small.

You could also sing together a song such as “God’s Gracious Love” (Hymns for Home and Church, Gospel Library).

NAAMAN COMES TO ELISHA TO BE HEALED OF LEPROSY

2 Kings CHAPTER 5 Naaman, the Syrian, comes to Elisha to be healed of leprosy—He rejects the prophet’s instruction at first but relents and dips himself in the Jordan seven times; he is healed—Elisha refuses to accept a reward—Gehazi accepts a gift from Naaman and is cursed with leprosy.

I can choose to do what God commands through His prophet.

2 Kings 5:1–15

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 2-7”

Help your children learn the story in 2 Kings 5:1–3, 9–14. Consider using “Elisha Heals Naaman” (in Old Testament Stories, 134–37) or the picture of Naaman in this week’s outline.

Old Testament Stories “Elisha Heals Naaman”

Why didn’t Naaman want to wash in the Jordan River, even though Elisha said that this would heal his disease? How was Naaman blessed when he followed Elisha’s instructions? You might share with each other experiences when you obeyed the Lord, even when you weren’t sure you wanted to.

Read 2 Kings 5:13 to the children, and explain that Naaman’s servants helped him decide to obey the prophet Elisha. Help the children think of ways they could help their friends or family members listen to and obey the prophet.

Media Library “Naaman and Elisha”

Invite the children to complete the activity page and share with a family member or friend something they learned from the story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5:1–15.

“Lesson 35: Naaman Is Healed,” Primary 6: Old Testament To strengthen each child’s desire to obey righteous leaders.

ELISHA’S SERVANT IS AFRAID AND IS ALLOWED TO SEE THE LORD’S ARMY

2 Kings CHAPTER 6 Elisha causes an ax to float—He reveals to the king how to conduct a war with Syria—Horses and chariots of fire protect Elisha—The Syrians are smitten with blindness—Benhadad besieges Samaria, and foodstuff sells for a great price.

I am not alone.

2 Kings 6:8–17

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 2-7”

The children you teach may sometimes feel like the servant of Elisha—unsure of how to meet the challenges before them. You can use the account in 2 Kings 6:8–17 to teach them to “fear not” because the Lord has not left them alone.

You and your children could imagine you are surrounded by an army with swords, horses, and chariots. How would you feel? What would you do? Your children could then close their eyes while you read 2 Kings 6:16–17 to them. (See also “Elisha and the Lord’s Army,” in Old Testament Stories, 138–39, or the picture at the end of this outline.) When you get to the words “open his eyes” (verse 17), ask the children to open their eyes. Talk about what the servant saw. Share with your children ways you have felt that the Lord was with you during your challenges, even when it seemed like you were alone.

Sing together a song about God’s care for us, such as the first verse of “Dearest Children, God Is Near You” (Hymns, no. 96). Replace words in the song with names of the children to emphasize that God is watching over them.

Liahona July 2022 “You Are Never Alone”

Family members might enjoy drawing a picture of the experience of Elisha and his servant described in these verses. How can these verses help us when we feel alone or overwhelmed?

Additional Resources

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Jun 29 2022

1 Kings 12-13; 17–22

Featured

ELIJAH IS FED BY RAVENS AND A WIDOW
- The Lord blesses me as I have faith in Him.
ELIJAH AND THE PRIESTS OF BAAL
- I can choose to follow Jesus Christ.
- I can choose to follow Jesus Christ. (Older Children)
THE LORD SPEAKS TO ELIJAH, NOT IN THE WIND, EARTHQUAKE, OR FIRE
- The Lord speaks to me through the still, small voice of the Holy Ghost.
Additional Resources

After the death of Solomon, his son Rehoboam became king and increased the people’s burdens. The people revolted and were divided into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Jeroboam, king of the Northern Kingdom, introduced idolatry and other wicked practices among his people. Later, Elijah was a prophet during the reign of Ahab in the Northern Kingdom.The Lord sent a drought according to Elijah’s word.

“Lesson 32: Rehoboam” Primary 6: Old Testament To encourage each child to be a positive influence on others and to withstand negative peer pressure.

ELIJAH IS FED BY RAVENS AND A WIDOW

1 Kings Chapter 17 Elijah seals the heavens and is fed by the ravens—At his command the barrel of flour and the jar of oil of the widow of Zarephath never become empty—He raises her son from death.

The Lord blesses me as I have faith in Him.

1 Kings 17

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022

Display pictures or objects that go with the stories in 1 Kings 17, such as birds, bread, or a boy. Tell these stories to the children (“Elijah the Prophet” in Old Testament Stories can help), and invite them to find the picture or object that goes with each story (Elijah was fed by ravens during a famine, a widow and her son had their food multiplied, and Elijah raised the widow’s son from the dead.) Emphasize that Elijah and the widow had faith in Jesus Christ and received great blessings.

Old Testament Stories for Young Readers “Elijah and the Widow” Video

Friend September 2018 “Elijah and the Widow”

Friend Sept 2014

Help the children think of ways they can show that they have faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, which means that they believe in Them and trust Them. Sing with them a song about faith, such as “I Know My Father Lives” (Children’s Songbook, 5).

1 Kings 17:8–16

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Kings 17–19” The widow of Zarephath trusted the Lord and His prophet, even though she was asked to make a great sacrifice. This story could help the children when the Lord asks them to make sacrifices.

Read to the children 1 Kings 17:8–16. Invite them to act out the story as you read it a second time. Pause at various points and ask them how they would feel if they were Elijah or the widow. Invite them to share what they learn from this story.
Invite a child to draw on the board a picture of what the Lord asked the widow to give Elijah (see 1 Kings 17:12–13). Invite another child to draw what the widow received in return (see 1 Kings 17:15–16). What are some things the Lord asks us to sacrifice? Ask the children to share how they have been blessed for making sacrifices.

Old Testament Coloring Book “Elijah and the Widow”

“Lesson 33: Elijah Uses the Priesthood,” Primary 6: Old Testament To help the children have a greater understanding of how the priesthood blesses their lives.

ELIJAH AND THE PRIESTS OF BAAL

1 Kings CHAPTER 18 Elijah is sent to meet Ahab—Obadiah saves a hundred prophets and meets Elijah—Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to call down fire from heaven—They fail—He calls down fire, slays the prophets of Baal, and opens the heavens for rain.

I can choose to follow Jesus Christ.

1 Kings 18:17–39

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022

As you read 1 Kings 18:17–39 together, your children could pick a verse and draw a picture of what it describes. They could use their pictures to tell the story in their own words. (See also “Elijah and the Priests of Baal,” in Old Testament Stories, 125–28.)

Help your children think of situations when they might need to decide whether or not to follow Jesus Christ. Maybe they could draw pictures of themselves making the right choice. Share with each other why you choose to follow Jesus.

What does it mean to follow Jesus Christ? Help the children think of specific things they will do to follow Jesus Christ, and invite them to draw pictures of themselves doing those things.

Friend March 2018 “Family Night Fun” Each person makes a pair of sandals and then writes on their shoes one way they want to follow Jesus.

I can choose to follow Jesus Christ. (Older Children)

Ask the children to talk about times when they had to decide between two different things. What helped them decide? Help them think of situations when they might need to decide whether or not to follow Jesus Christ. What truths from the story in 1 Kings 18:17–39 could help them decide?

For the Strength of Youth July 2022 “The Choice” Ben forgot to write a book report that was due the next day. He has to make a choice whether he will follow God or cheat and copy a book report from the internet.

“Lesson 34: Elijah and the False Prophets of Baal,” Primary 6: Old Testament To encourage the children to worship Heavenly Father diligently..

THE LORD SPEAKS TO ELIJAH, NOT IN THE WIND, EARTHQUAKE, OR FIRE

1 Kings CHAPTER 19 Jezebel seeks the life of Elijah—An angel sends him to Horeb—The Lord speaks to Elijah, not in the wind nor the earthquake nor the fire, but in a still, small voice—Elisha joins Elijah.

The Lord speaks to me through the still, small voice of the Holy Ghost.

1 Kings 19:9–12

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022

As you summarize 1 Kings 19:9–12, invite your children to do actions to represent the strong wind, the earthquake, and the fire. Then invite them to sit still as you say together, in a quiet voice, “after the fire a still small voice” (verse 12). (See also “The Lord Speaks to Elijah,” in Old Testament Stories, 129–31.) Tell your children about times when you have experienced the still, small voice of the Holy Ghost.

Old Testament Stories “The Lord Speaks to Elijah”

Friend July 2022 “Elijah and the Still, Small Voice”

Latter Day Kids “Elijah and the Still Small Voice” Lesson ideas

Quietly sing a song about the Spirit, such as “The Still Small Voice” (Children’s Songbook, 106–7) or “Elijah and the Still, Small Voice” (Hymns for Home and Church, Gospel Library). What can distract us from recognizing the Spirit? What can help us hear Him?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Kings 17–19” With some guidance, young children can recognize the influence of the Holy Ghost in their lives. Ponder how you can help them.

Friend September 2015 “Sister Pettigrew’s Lesson” Elder Ronald A. Rasband tells how he learned to listen to the still, small voice

Help the children recognize when they may have felt the Holy Ghost’s influence. For example, play or sing a reverent song about Jesus, and ask them how they feel when they think about Him. Ask them how they feel during other reverent activities, such as praying with their families or partaking of the sacrament. Explain that these feelings come from the Holy Ghost. Tell the children how the power of the Holy Ghost has blessed your life.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Kings 17–19” The world is full of distracting noises that make it difficult to hear the still, small voice of the Spirit. How will you help the children hear it?

Ask the children to listen closely as you read 1 Kings 19:11–12 to them very quietly. Invite them to search 1 Kings 19 to find the verses you read and learn what Elijah was doing. Talk about what they had to do to hear what you were saying, and help them compare this to what we have to do to hear the “still small voice” of the Spirit. Let the children take turns quietly reading other verses from 1 Kings 19 while other children find those verses in the scriptures.
. Ask the children to talk about times when they have felt the Holy Ghost guiding them or testifying to them. What were they doing? What can distract us from recognizing the Spirit? Read together Moroni 4:3, and encourage the children to choose one thing they will do so they can “always have his Spirit to be with them.”

“Lesson 33: Elijah Uses the Priesthood,” Primary 6: Old Testament To help the children have a greater understanding of how the priesthood blesses their lives.

Friend July 2026 “Weekly Scripture Fun” The Holy Ghost speaks in a still, small voice. Have one person read the verses above in a quiet voice. While they read, everyone else makes storm noises as loud as they can! Can you hear what the scriptures are saying? Then have everyone be quiet and listen to the scriptures again. What do you learn about the Holy Ghost and how He speaks to us?

Additional Resources

See Old Testament Stories & Lesson Ideas & Old Testament: Activities & Games for additional lesson resources.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Jun 20 2022

2 Samuel 11–12; 1 Kings 3; 6-9; 11

Featured

DAVID AND BATHSHEBA
- The Lord can help me when I am tempted.
THE WISDOM OF KING SOLOMON
- I can walk in the ways of God.
THE TEMPLE OF SOLOMON
- Making covenants in the Lord’s house—and keeping them—helps me walk in His ways.
SOLOMON TURNS FROM GOD
- I can put the Lord first in my life.
Additional Resources

DAVID AND BATHSHEBA

2 Samuel CHAPTER 11 David lies with Bathsheba, and she conceives—He then arranges for the death in battle of her husband, Uriah.

2 Samuel CHAPTER 12 Nathan tells David the parable of the ewe lamb—The Lord gave many wives to David, who is now cursed for taking Bathsheba—David fasts and prays for his son, but the Lord takes him—Solomon is born—David conquers the royal city of the Ammonites.

The Lord can help me when I am tempted.

2 Samuel 11

“King David” in Old Testament Stories, 117–20, can help you tell your children the story in 2 Samuel 11. You might ask your children to identify the wrong choices David made and suggest good choices he could have made instead. What are some things we can do when we are being tempted that can help us make the right choice?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022

The children you teach make small but important decisions every day. How can you help them understand the importance of choosing what’s right even when it’s hard?

To share an example of someone who, unlike David, resisted temptation, ask the children if they remember the story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife (see Genesis 39:7–12). You might review this story with the children and help them compare it with the story of David. What can we learn from the stories of David and of Joseph about how to resist temptation? (Watch below video until .38)

Lesson 15: Joseph Was Sold into Egypt,” Primary 6: Old Testament Tell the class that the nail, pin, or paper clip represents us. Place it between the two magnets on a flat surface so it can be attracted by one or the other. Show that the further away from “Satan” we are, the less power he has to tempt us. As you move the metal object toward the magnet representing God, explain that the closer we live to the Lord, the more we are influenced by his goodness. When we seek after good, we are less influenced by that which is evil. (What can we do to draw close to God? How can the Holy Ghost help us?)

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know that it is harder to avoid temptation when we allow ourselves to get close to it. Discuss with the children how they could distance themselves from temptation in the following situations:
1. You could make a list on the chalkboard of temptations, Discuss strategies for resisting evil, such as removing ourselves from the situation and replacing the temptation with something wholesome. Erase each harmful influence from the chalkboard as it is discussed.

Friend June 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” The Lamb Story

Story: The prophet Nathan told a story about two men. The first man had lots of lambs. The second man had only one lamb. The man with many lambs stole the other man’s lamb. That made the man with only one lamb very sad. It also made Heavenly Father sad. (See 2 Samuel 12:1–4.)

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

Activity: Act out the story of the two men and the lambs. You could use toys or other objects for the lambs. Then act it out again, but this time change the ending! What can the first man do to be kind instead of selfish?

Lesson 30: King David and Bathsheba,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 131–34
To help the children keep their thoughts and actions pure.

Reading about David’s tragic sins might be a good opportunity to discuss the dangers of pornography. The video “What Should I Do When I See Pornography?” (Gospel Library) has helpful guidance. Help your children make a plan about what they will do when they encounter pornography.

Video tells story of David. President Oaks compares David’s story to looking at pornography.

Discuss some ways the children can interrupt impure thoughts that may come to them (turn away, leave the situation, replace the bad thoughts with good thoughts and actions, say a prayer, think of an uplifting song or verse of scripture, recite the thirteenth article of faith, and so forth). Challenge the class members to be prepared in advance with a specific replacement for an undesirable thought. Allow them a minute to choose something uplifting they can think of instead.

For additional teaching ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Temptation”

THE WISDOM OF KING SOLOMON

1 Kings CHAPTER 3 Solomon loves the Lord and keeps His commandments—The Lord appears to Solomon and promises him a wise and an understanding heart—He judges between two harlots and determines who is the mother of a child.

I can walk in the ways of God.

“Lesson 31: The Wisdom of King Solomon,” Primary 6: Old Testament Lesson includes great questions and lesson and story ideas

Attention Activity

Ask the children to name things they would ask for if they knew they could ask Heavenly Father for anything and he would give it to them. Write the children’s ideas on the chalkboard.

Show the children some waterproof items that could represent worldly goods, such as a piece of jewelry, a coin, a pretty rock, and so on. Put the items in a large pitcher or container as you talk about them and discuss how some people spend most of their efforts accumulating material goods. Then add some water to the container to represent good deeds or spiritual gifts as you discuss the kind deeds we can do and the spiritual gifts we can develop, such as helping a family member or friend, gaining a testimony, being honest, or having an understanding heart. Pour the contents of the container through a strainer into another container. Explain that the first container represents someone’s life, the strainer represents death, and the second container represents life after death. Discuss how we cannot take material goods with us when we die, but we do take with us the spiritual gifts we have developed and the good deeds we have done.

Ask the children which of the items on the chalkboard represent things that could last forever and if they would like to change anything they named before. Tell the children that they are going to learn about someone who was able to ask God for one thing, and he chose an eternal, spiritual gift instead of a temporary, earthly one.

Write knowledge, wisdom, and an understanding heart on the chalkboard. Discuss the meaning of each one. Explain that knowledge is learning gained through study or experience; wisdom is using what we have learned in the best way to make right choices; and an understanding heart enables us to know how others feel.

Have the children find the book of Proverbs in their Bibles. Explain that most of these proverbs (wise sayings) were written by Solomon, and because of his great wisdom, these sayings can help us today. (See the lesson link for a list of some of the wise sayings found in Proverbs.)

Two Women, One Baby

“Lesson 96: 1 Kings 1–10,” Old Testament Seminary Student Material We read in 1 Kings 3:16–23 that two women petitioned King Solomon to judge a difficult situation. The two women lived in one house and had borne children at about the same time. One night, one of the women woke up to find that her baby had died. Rather than mourn the loss of her baby, she switched her dead baby with the other woman’s baby. The next morning, when the second woman awoke to nurse her child, she found the other woman’s dead baby in her arms instead of her son. When the women came before Solomon, the first woman fervently denied the other woman’s accusation that she had switched the babies.

Read 1 Kings 3:24–27 to find out how Solomon identified the child’s rightful mother.

We read in 1 Kings 3:28 that all of Israel heard of this experience and recognized that God had blessed Solomon with wisdom. According to 1 Kings 4, knowledge of Solomon’s wisdom spread to other nations.

Friend July 2026 “Weekly Scripture Fun: Walk in His Ways

Song: “I Will Walk with Jesus” (Hymns—For Home and Church, no. 1004)

Scripture: 1 Kings 8:57–58

Activity: When we follow Jesus Christ, we walk in His ways. Make a path outside using chalk, leaves, or rocks. If you can’t make a path outside, make one inside using towels and blankets! Now follow the path together. Talk about things you can do to walk in His way, like keeping the commandments.

THE TEMPLE OF SOLOMON

I Kings Chapter 6 Solomon builds the temple—The Lord promises to dwell among the Israelites if they are obedient—The ornaments of the temple are described.

1 Kings Chapter 7 Solomon builds himself a house—Hiram of Tyre makes the two pillars, the molten sea, the ten bases, the ten lavers, and all the vessels for the temple—The molten sea (baptismal font) rests on the backs of twelve oxen.

1 Kings CHAPTER 8 The ark, containing the two tablets of stone, is placed in the holy of holies—The glory of the Lord fills the temple—Solomon offers the dedicatory prayer—He asks for temporal and spiritual blessings upon repentant and prayerful Israel—The people sacrifice and worship for fourteen days.

I Kings Chapter 9 The Lord again appears to Solomon—The Lord promises great blessings if the Israelites are obedient and great cursings if they forsake Him—Solomon reigns in splendor, levies tribute upon the non-Israelites, and builds a navy of ships.

Making covenants in the Lord’s house—and keeping them—helps me walk in His ways.

Explain to the children that David, Solomon’s father, had wanted to build a temple but was denied the privilege. The Lord instead chose Solomon to direct the seven years of construction. When the elaborate temple (much of it was overlaid with gold) was finished, the priests carried the ark of the covenant, which contained the two tablets of stone the Lord gave Moses, “to the most holy place” of the building (1 Kings 8:6). Then the glory of the Lord filled the temple (see 1 Kings 8:10–11), and Solomon offered the dedicatory prayer (see 1 Kings 8:22–53.)

For the Israelites, building and dedicating the temple was an opportunity to turn their hearts to the Lord and recommit to “walk in all his ways” (1 Kings 8:58). How can you help the children you teach “walk in all his ways”?

1 Kings 8:22–61

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

As you and your children learn about the dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8, you could look at the pictures of temples in this week’s outline. Let your children talk about details they see in the pictures. You might emphasize verses 57–58. What does it mean to “walk in all [the Lord’s] ways”? (1 Kings 8:58). Maybe your children could take a step for each answer they give.

Tell your children how keeping the covenants you make in the temple helps you walk in the Lord’s ways. You might tell them what these covenants are (see General Handbook, 27.2, Gospel Library).

Help the children understand that we walk in the Lord’s ways when we follow Jesus and try to become like Him. Ask the children what they do to walk in the Savior’s ways. You could sing a song about following Jesus, such as “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79).

For additional lesson ideas see Temple

Old Testament Coloring Book “The Temple of Solomon”

SOLOMON TURNS FROM GOD

1 Kings CHAPTER 11 Solomon marries non-Israelite women, and his wives turn his heart to the worship of false gods—The Lord stirs up adversaries against him, including Jeroboam, the son of Nebat—Ahijah promises Jeroboam that he will be the king of the ten tribes—Solomon dies and Rehoboam reigns in his stead.

I can put the Lord first in my life.

1 Kings 11:1–11

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Reading about how Solomon’s wives influenced him could lead to a conversation about examples of “other gods”—or things that people worship or love instead of the Lord. How do we show that we love Him more than anything else in our lives?

Additional Resources

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Latter Day Kids “Walk in His Ways” Lesson ideas

Jun 14 2022

1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–16

Featured

ISRAELITES WANT A KING. SAUL IS CALLED
- Jesus Christ is my King.
DAVID IS CALLED TO BE KING

ISRAELITES WANT A KING. SAUL IS CALLED

1 Samuel CHAPTER 8 Samuel’s sons take bribes and pervert judgment—The Israelites seek for a king to rule over them—Samuel rehearses the nature and evils of kingly rule—The Lord consents to give them a king.

1 Samuel CHAPTER 9 Saul, the son of Kish, a Benjamite, is a choice and goodly person—He is sent to seek his father’s asses—The Lord reveals to Samuel the seer that Saul is to be king—Saul goes to Samuel and is entertained by him.).

1 Samuel CHAPTER 10 Samuel anoints Saul to be captain over the Lord’s inheritance—Samuel manifests the gift of seership—Saul prophesies among the prophets, and the Lord gives him a new heart—He is chosen king at Mizpeh.

Jesus Christ is my King.

1 Samuel 8

As you read 1 Samuel 8 with your children, help them find reasons Samuel told the Israelites that having a king was a bad idea. Why is it better to have Jesus Christ as our king? Maybe you could make a paper crown together and take turns wearing it and sharing something we can do to show that we want Jesus to be our King. (See also Jeremiah 23:5; Doctrine and Covenants 45:59.)

DAVID IS CALLED TO BE KING

1 Samuel CHAPTER 15 Saul is commanded to smite and destroy the Amalekites and all that they have—He saves some animals to sacrifice—Saul is rejected as king and told that to obey is better than sacrifice—Samuel destroys Agag.

1 Samuel CHAPTER 16 The Lord chooses David of Bethlehem as king—He is anointed by Samuel—Saul chooses David as his companion and armor bearer.

The Lord looks on the heart.

Old Testament Scripture Stories “Young David”

1 Samuel 16:1–13

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18” It’s natural to judge others based on what we can see, but part of becoming more like Jesus is learning how to see as He does—by looking “on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

Invite the children to imagine they were asked to pick someone to be a king. What qualities would they look for? Read together 1 Samuel 16:6–7 to find out what the Lord said to Samuel as he was looking for a new king for Israel. What do we learn from the Lord’s instructions?

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

An object lesson could help your children understand the principle in 1 Samuel 16:7. For example, you could show them some food or a book with a wrapper or cover that doesn’t match its true contents. What do 1 Samuel 16:7 and this object lesson suggest about how we should view ourselves and other people? Sing a song that emphasizes this principle, such as “Love One Another” (Children’s Songbook, 136).

What are some ways people judge others “on the outward appearance”? Present an object lesson to illustrate to the children that judgments we make based on “the outward appearance” (verse 7) may not be correct.

A cantelope is rough and drab on the outside but sweet and colorful on the inside.

You and your children could share experiences in which you learned why you should “look on the heart,” not just “the outward appearance” (verse 7). You might also take turns telling each other about the good qualities you see in each other’s hearts.

Activity Idea: Make one copy of the hearts page for each child. Put the child’s name on the top of their page. Have the children each write something good about that person on a heart.

Friend July 2026 “Weekly Scripture Fun” The Lord knows Our Hearts

Song: “To Love like Thee” (Hymns—For Home and Church, no. 1019)

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:7

Activity: The Lord cares most about what is in our hearts, not what we look like. Try seeing someone the way the Lord sees them. Draw a big heart on a paper and cut it out. Pick someone you know and love. Write some of their best traits and Christlike attributes on the heart and give it to them.

Friend May 2025 “The Mystery Can” Sadie’s family all try to guess what is inside of a tin can that didn’t have a label. They all guessed things that didn’t sound good, but when they opened it they found it was filled with lots of yummy fruit. They had a discussion about how sometimes we label people like that, and that we shouldn’t label people based on what we see on the outside, or believe false labels given to us. Because only God knows what we truly are inside.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18”

1 Samuel 9:20-21; 16:7. Reading these verses along with the following words from Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf could inspire a discussion about why the Lord chose Saul and David: “If we look at ourselves only through our mortal eyes, we may not see ourselves as good enough. But our Heavenly Father sees us as who we truly are and who we can become” (“It Works Wonderfully!” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 23). Perhaps family members could take turns talking about what good qualities they see in each other’s hearts (see 1 Samuel 16:7).

Friend August 2022 “For Older Kids”

Friend January 2017 “Min-Jun Measures Up” Min-Jun and his grandfather walk to church during a storm and arrive muddy and wet. Min-Jun doesn’t feel good enough to go in, but his grandfather teaches him that the Lord doesn’t measure us by our appearance, he measures us by what is in our hearts, and Min-Jan’s intentions are pure.

People who serve in the Church are called by God.

1 Samuel 8:6; 9:15–17; 10:1–24; 16:1–13

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

The accounts of God choosing Saul and David to be kings can help your children understand how people are called to serve in the Church today by revelation. To teach them these stories, you could write down events from the stories on strips of paper, and your children could put them in the correct order as you read the scripture passages together (see also “Young David” in Old Testament Stories, 110–11). Then you could talk about times when God blessed you with spiritual power to fulfill an assignment or calling (see 1 Samuel 10:9–10).

The Red Crystal Click on the Red Crystal link to find and print these cards.

This might also be a good time to teach your children the fifth article of faith. Tell them how you received your calling in the Church. How do you know that you were called of God?

Testify that God inspires leaders to call people to serve.

“Article of Faith 5” (May 2011 Friend) Number pictures relating to how a person receives a calling in the right order.

Additional Resources

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Latter Day Kids “The Lord Looketh on the Heart” Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Jun 7 2022

Ruth; 1 Samuel 1–7

Featured

RUTH & NAOMI
- I can show love and kindness to people around me.
- I can have faith in the Lord.
HANNAH
- Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers.
- The Lord has done many wonderful things for me.
SAMUEL
- I can hear and obey the Lord’s voice.
Additional Resources

RUTH & NAOMI

Ruth CHAPTER 1 Elimelech and his family go to Moab because of famine—His sons marry—The father and sons die—Ruth, the Moabitess, her husband having died, remains constant to Naomi—They come to Bethlehem.

Ruth CHAPTER 2 Ruth gleans in the fields of Boaz, a near relative of Naomi—He treats Ruth kindly.

Ruth CHAPTER 3 By Naomi’s instruction, Ruth lies at the feet of Boaz—He promises as a relative to take her as his wife.

Ruth CHAPTER 4 The nearest relative declines, and Boaz takes Ruth to wife—Ruth bears Obed, through whom came David the king.

I can show love and kindness to people around me.

Ruth

Life is hard for a widow in any era. But when Ruth’s husband died, her situation was especially hard. In Israelite culture at the time, a woman without a husband or sons had no right to property and very few ways to earn a living. As you read Ruth’s story, notice how the Lord turned tragedy into great blessings.

As you share with your children the story of Ruth (you could use “Ruth and Naomi” in Old Testament Stories, 100–103), invite them to raise their hands every time they hear an act of kindness in the story. How do we feel when people are kind to us? How do we feel when we are kind to others? How has the Savior been kind to us? How can we follow His example? (see “Kindness Begins with Me,” Children’s Songbook, 145).

Old Testament Stories “Ruth and Naomi”

Friend June 2022 “Ruth and Naomi”

Sing together a song about being kind, such as “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145). Help the children think of ways they can be kind to their family and friends. If they need help, show them pictures of people showing kindness. For every idea mentioned, let the children draw a heart on the board.

Liahona June 2022 “We Follow Jesus Christ and His Prophet” : Family Support Game

Ruth supported Naomi by staying with her. Try this activity to learn about supporting family:

Choose a family member and stand back-to-back. Place any object (a small ball or a book) between each other’s backs.
Working as a team, see how many steps you can take together without letting the object fall.
Take turns as a family until everyone has had a chance to work as a team to help each other.

Discussion: How did Ruth and Naomi help each other? Ruth believed in Heavenly Father and had faith, so she stayed with Naomi. How was she blessed? How can we support each other and trust the Lord when we have difficulties?

Friend June 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Grains of Service

Story: Read about Ruth in the scripture story on page 8. She worked hard and gathered grain to take care of her husband’s mother. God blessed her for serving others.

Song: “When We’re Helping” (Children’s Songbook, 198)

Activity: Cut out pieces of paper in the shape of grain kernels. Use a stick or long piece of paper as a stem. Glue or tape your kernels to the stem to make a stalk of grain. Whenever you serve someone, pull off a kernel. Keep going until the stem is bare!

Friend July 2026 “Basket Craft Service” Make this basket with pieces of wheat to remember Ruth and her kindness! On each piece, write one way you can serve someone this week. When you do that service, put that piece of wheat into your basket.

I can have faith in the Lord.

Ruth; 1 Samuel 1

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022

The stories of Ruth and Hannah can inspire your children to stay faithful during hard times. Consider helping them create a simple chart with the headings Trials, Actions, Blessings. Then you could read together Ruth 1:3–5, 8, 16; 2:1–3, 8–12; 4:13–17; 1 Samuel 1:1–18 and write under the headings what they find in these verses. How did Ruth and Hannah show their faith in the Lord? You or your children could then share examples of how the Lord has blessed you during hard times.

The Red Crystal Include these in the chart activity, or use them for a match up activity.

Friend January 2017 “Will Heavenly Father Answer My Prayers” When Elder Oaks was seven his father died. Dallin’s mother had faith and trusted in the Lord’s will.

Sing together a song about faith, such as “The Lord Is My Light” (Hymns, no. 89) or “Faith” (Children’s Songbook, 96–97). What does the song teach us about trusting the Lord? How can we have faith in Jesus Christ even during difficult times?

HANNAH

1 Samuel CHAPTER 1 Hannah prays for a son and vows to give him to the Lord—Eli the priest blesses her—Samuel is born—Hannah loans him to the Lord.

1 Samuel CHAPTER 2 Hannah sings praises to the Lord—Samuel ministers before the Lord—Eli blesses Elkanah and Hannah, and they have sons and daughters—The sons of Eli reject the Lord and live in wickedness—The Lord rejects the house of Eli.

Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers.

1 Samuel 1:1–18

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

To learn about Hannah, your children could read 1 Samuel 1:1–18 or “Hannah” in Old Testament Stories (104–5) or watch “Hannah’s Faith” (video, Gospel Library). Afterward, toss a ball or small object to one child and invite him or her to tell part of the story before passing the ball to the next child to tell another part of the story. When the story is complete, ask the children to share something they learned from Hannah’s example.

Old Testament Stories “Hannah” Images

Why was Hannah was sad? What can we do when we are sad? Read to the children 1 Samuel 1:10, and invite the children to listen for what Hannah did. Ask the children how they feel when they pray. Read from verse 18 to explain that after her prayer, Hannah “was no more sad.” Help the children see that they can always pray to Heavenly Father, especially when they are sad.

Use this week’s activity page to teach the children that they can pray to Heavenly Father and He will help them. While the children are coloring, sing or play a recording of a song that teaches about prayer, such as “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13).

Read together 1 Samuel 1:15, and discuss what it means to pour out our souls before the Lord. Maybe you could pour something out of a container to help family members visualize what Hannah meant when she said, “I … have poured out my soul before the Lord.” Why is this a good way to describe what our prayers should be like? How can we improve our personal and family prayers? Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Ruth; 1 Samuel 1–3”

Friend June 2022 “Scripture Hero Cards”

The Lord has done many wonderful things for me.

1 Samuel 2:1–10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Ruth; 1 Samuel 1–3” Hannah showed her gratitude to the Lord with a beautiful poem of praise. Her example can help the children think about the many things they can thank Heavenly Father for.

Old Testament Stories for Young Readers “Hannah and Samuel”

Read to the children some of what Hannah said after the Lord blessed her with a son (see 1 Samuel 2:1–2). Share with the children a blessing you have received from the Lord and how it made you feel. Then invite the children to talk about blessings the Lord has given them. How can we show our gratitude to Him?

Friend October 2017 “Bread and Gratitude” For each letter of the alphabet, come up with something you’re thankful for!

Sing a song together that describes some of the blessings the Lord gives us, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29). Invite the children to draw pictures of blessings they have received from the Lord.

Hannah’s poem of praise to the Lord may lead you to think of songs that you use to praise the Lord. You could sing some together. Your family members might also think of other ways to express their feelings for Jesus Christ. For example, they could draw pictures that show why they love the Savior. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Ruth; 1 Samuel 1–3”

SAMUEL

1 Samuel CHAPTER 3 The Lord calls Samuel—The house of Eli will not be purged by sacrifices and offerings—Samuel is recognized as a prophet by all Israel—The Lord appears to him.

1 Samuel CHAPTER 4 The Israelites are smitten and defeated by the Philistines, who also capture the ark of God—Eli’s sons are slain, Eli dies in an accident, and his daughter-in-law dies in childbirth.

I can hear and obey the Lord’s voice.

1 Samuel 3:1–10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Ruth; 1 Samuel 1–3” When Samuel was a young boy, he heard the voice of the Lord but did not recognize it at first. How can you help the children you teach hear and act on the promptings they receive?

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Perhaps a simple role-play could help your children learn from Samuel’s experience with revelation. One child could pretend to be Samuel, and another could pretend to be Eli as you read 1 Samuel 3:1–10 (see also “Samuel the Prophet” in Old Testament Stories, 106–9, or the video “Samuel and Eli,” Gospel Library). What do we learn from Samuel about how to hear the voice of the Lord? How do we show that we are willing to hear when the Lord speaks to us?

Old Testament Stories “Samuel the Prophet” Images

Ask your children how they would explain to someone how the Lord speaks to them. You could help them look for answers in Doctrine and Covenants 6:22–23; 8:2–3; 9:7–9.

Family members could talk about times when they have felt the Lord speaking to them and how they acted on His words. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Ruth; 1 Samuel 1–3”

Liahona June 2022 “We Follow Jesus Christ and His Prophet” Hear Him

Samuel heard the Lord’s voice when he was a young boy but did not recognize it at first. Try this activity to learn about listening:

Blindfold one person or have them cover their eyes.
From another room, a family member will say the blindfolded person’s name.
If the blindfolded person can guess who spoke, the speaking person will give directions to help the blindfolded person find him or her.
Take turns being the blindfolded person and the person saying the name.

Discussion: We can hear the voice of the Lord in the scriptures, the temple, and the teachings of living prophets. How do you hear His voice? Read or listen to President Russell M. Nelson’s April 2020 general conference talk “Hear Him” and look for ways we can hear the Lord’s voice better in our own lives. Talk about how you as a family can “hear Him.”

Old Testament Stories for Young Readers “Hannah and Samuel”

Coloring Page: “The Lord Calls to Samuel” (June 2010 Liahona and Friend)

Image: Scripture Stories, Primary Symbols, “Lord Calls Samuel”

“Lesson 27: Samuel, the Boy Prophet,” Primary 6: Old Testament To encourage the children to listen for the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

Ask the children the following question: When an impression or idea comes, how can we know it is from God? On the chalkboard or a large piece of paper write From God and Not from God. Then write Moroni 7:13, 16–17 and Doctrine and Covenants 6:23; 9:8–9. Read and discuss the references with the children, and put their ideas under the appropriate heading.

From God

Warm feeling inside
You want to do good
You want to love and serve God
Peace in your mind

Not From God

Confusion
You want to do what is wrong
You do not want to follow Jesus
You doubt Jesus Christ

Additional Resources

Lesson 26: Ruth and Naomi,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 114–16

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

Latter Day Kids “Showing Kindness to Others” Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Be a Loyal Servant” Lesson ideas

“Lesson 27: Samuel, the Boy Prophet,” Primary 6: Old Testament After the children have entered the classroom, choose a child to go outside and knock at the door. Have another class member let the child in; then show the picture Jesus at the Door. Read and discuss Revelation 3:20. Let the children discuss why the artist painted the outside of the door with no doorknob. (Jesus is waiting to help us, but we must open the door ourselves to invite him in.) Ask the children how they can let the Savior into their lives. Help the children understand that one way the Lord speaks to us is through his Holy Spirit. If we listen to the Holy Ghost, we can receive guidance from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Tell the class that this lesson is about a young boy who heard the voice of the Lord, listened, and obeyed.

May 30 2022

Judges 2–4; 6–8; 13–16

Featured

THE ISRAELITES FORGET THE LORD
- Always Remember Him
- Jesus Christ is my Deliverer.
DEBORAH THE PROPHETESS
- I can inspire others to have faith in the Lord.
THE ARMY OF GIDEON
- The Lord can use small things to do great work.
SAMSON
- Keeping covenants gives me strength.
Additional Resources

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Judges 2–4; 6–8; 13–16” We all know what it’s like to make a mistake, feel bad about it, and then repent and resolve to change our ways. But in some cases we forget our earlier resolve, and, when we face temptation, we may find ourselves making the mistake again. This tragic pattern is typical of the Israelites’ experiences described in the book of Judges. Influenced by the beliefs and worship practices of the Canaanites—whom they were supposed to drive out of the land—the Israelites broke their covenants with the Lord and turned away from worshipping Him. As a result, they lost His protection and fell into captivity. And yet each time this happened, the Lord gave them the chance to repent and raised up a deliverer, a military leader called a “judge.” Not all of the judges in the book of Judges were righteous, but some of them exercised great faith in delivering the children of Israel and restoring them to their covenant relationship with the Lord. These stories remind us that no matter what has led us away from Jesus Christ, He is the Redeemer of Israel and is always willing to deliver us and welcome us back to Him.

THE ISRAELITES FORGET THE LORD

Judges CHAPTER 2 An angel rebukes Israel for not serving the Lord—As a pattern of future events, a new generation arises that forsakes the Lord and serves Baal and Ashtaroth—The Lord is angry with the children of Israel and ceases to preserve them—He raises up judges to guide and lead them—The Canaanites are left in the land to test Israel.

Judges CHAPTER 3 The children of Israel intermarry with the Canaanites, worship false gods, and are cursed—Othniel judges the Israelites—They serve Moab and are delivered by Ehud, who slays Eglon.

Always Remember Him

Judges 2:10.

After Joshua died, the next generation of Israelites “knew not the Lord.” Talk with your family about how they know the Lord and “the works which he [has] done” for them. How will you ensure that this knowledge will be preserved for future generations? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Judges 2–4; 6–8; 13–16”)

How do we come to know the Lord? Through scripture study, prayer, sacrament, living the commandments. etc.

Friend June 2019 “The Sacrament Reminds Us of Jesus Christ” Ways to prepare for the sacrament before hand, what to do during the sacrament, and remembering Jesus and following him after the sacrament.

New Era March 2008 “How Can I Come to Know Christ?”

Friend November 2017 “Family Night Fun” Ways you can look for blessings every day.

Jesus Christ is my Deliverer.

Judges 3:9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Judges 2–4; 6–8; 13–16” When the Israelites prayed to the Lord, He raised up a deliverer for them. Help the children see that Jesus Christ is the Deliverer whom God has raised up for us.

Judges 3:7–9, 12–15

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022

Junior Primary

Explain to the children that when the Israelites stopped keeping God’s commandments, they lost His protection and were defeated by their enemies. Read from Judges 3:9 the phrase “the children of Israel cried unto the Lord.” What did the Israelites do when they needed help? Share an experience when you prayed for help and God answered your prayer.
Read from Judges 3:9 the phrase “the Lord raised up a deliverer,” and invite the children to repeat it with you a few times. Explain that a deliverer is someone who saves us.

Senior Primary

Write the following on the board: “did evil,” “cried unto the Lord,” and “raised up a deliverer.” Invite some of the children to find these phrases in Judges 3:7–9, and invite others to find them in Judges 3:12–15. Explain to the children that over and over in the book of Judges, the Israelites “did evil.” Then, when their enemies attacked, they “cried unto the Lord,” and the Lord “raised up a deliverer” to help them. What do we learn about the Lord from this cycle?

What might lead us to forget the Lord? How can He deliver us? How can we be more consistently faithful to Him.

Both:

To emphasize that Jesus Christ is our Deliverer, you could gather several pictures of people, including a picture of Jesus, and place them face down. Let your children take turns flipping over the pictures. When they find the picture of Jesus, sing a song about Him, such as “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, 34–35). R. Testify that Jesus Christ is the Deliverer whom God has raised up to save us from sin, trials, sorrow, and death. Tell your children about how He has delivered you.

DEBORAH THE PROPHETESS

Judges CHAPTER 4 Deborah, a prophetess, judges Israel—She and Barak deliver Israel from the Canaanites—Jael, a woman, slays Sisera, the Canaanite.

I can inspire others to have faith in the Lord.

Judges 4:1–15

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022

Although many of the Israelites fell away from the Lord, some remained true to Him and were able to help many others return to righteousness. How can you encourage the children to stay true to the Lord no matter what others are doing?

You can use “Deborah the Prophetess” in Old Testament Stories, 92–95, to tell your children the story in Judges 4. Share with each other what you admire about Deborah. How did her faith in the Lord bless the people around her? What can we do to help others have more faith in Jesus Christ?

Old Testament Scripture Stories “Deborah the Prophetess”

Read together Judges 4:14, and ask the children to find something Deborah said that showed that her faith in the Lord was strong. Then ask them to read Doctrine and Covenants 84:88 to find a principle that is also in Judges 4:14. Encourage them to share what the Lord’s promise “I will go before your face” means to them.

Friend June 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Deborah and the Palm Tree

Story: Deborah was a righteous leader. She sat under a palm tree and listened to her people (see Judges 4:4–5). She helped them repent and follow God.

Activity: Psalm 92:12 says, “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree.” Make the palm tree on page 36. Talk about ways you can follow God.

Friend June 2022 “Deborah under the Palm Tree” Color the pieces and cut them out along the blue lines. (Do not cut along the top of Deborah’s head—leave her attached to the base.) Fold the tab and then bend the tree base to glue the tab to the other side. Glue or tape the leaves to the top.

Sing a song about obeying the commandments, such as “Choose the Right” (Hymns, no. 239) or “Choose the Right Way” (Children’s Songbook, 160–61). How can we stand for righteousness and obey the commandments even when others around us do not?

Friend July 2022 “Scripture Hero Cards”

THE ARMY OF GIDEON

Judges CHAPTER 6 Israel is in bondage to the Midianites—An angel appears to Gideon and calls him to deliver Israel—He overthrows the altar of Baal, the Spirit of the Lord rests upon him, and the Lord gives him a sign to show he is called to deliver Israel.

Judges CHAPTER 7 Gideon’s army is reduced to 300—They frighten the Midianite armies with trumpets and lights—The Midianites fight among themselves, flee, and are defeated by Israel.

Judges CHAPTER 8 Gideon pursues and destroys the Midianites—He frees the children of Israel but refuses their invitation to reign as king over them—Gideon dies, and Israel returns to idolatry.

The Lord can use small things to do great work.

Judges 6:11–16; 7:1–21

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Use Judges 7:4–7, this week’s activity page, or “The Army of Gideon” in Old Testament Stories, 96–99, to teach your children about how the Lord made Israel’s army smaller.

Ask the children to imagine that they needed to gather an army together to go to battle. How many people would they want in their army? Using Judges 7:4–7, invite the children to act out how the Lord helped Gideon choose the army that would deliver Israel from the Midianites. Why did the Lord want Gideon’s army to be so small? (see Judges 7:2).

Old Testament Stories “The Army of Gideon”

Use this week’s activity page to teach the children about how the Lord made Israel’s army smaller so the Israelites would know that His power had saved them from their enemies. Share examples of small things that do a great work, such as bees gathering nectar to make honey. Bear your testimony that God can help us do a great work, even when we feel small.

Invite the children to draw pictures of a sword, shield, trumpet, lamp, and pitcher. Ask the children which of these objects they would take with them into a battle. Then they could read Judges 7:16 to learn what the Lord told Gideon’s army to use. Why would it have taken courage and faith to do this? Read together Judges 7:19–21 to learn how the army used the trumpets and pitchers to defeat the Midianites. What do we learn about the Lord from this story?

Read Judges 6:15 to the children, and ask them why Gideon didn’t feel he could do what the Lord wanted. Read verse 16, and ask them who the Lord said would help Gideon. Tell the children about a time when the Lord asked you to do something difficult to serve Him and you felt He was with you.
Gideon considered himself poor and insignificant, but God saw him as a “mighty man of valour” (Judges 6:12). Help the children see that even if they feel small, God can work through them to do important things (see Alma 37:6–7).

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

Display pictures of children or youth doing great things in the service of God (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 19, 23, 90, 102),

Media Library, Old Testament Gospel Art Book

Friend July 2022 “Scripture Hero Cards”

“Lesson 24: Gideon,” Primary 6: Old Testament

SAMSON

Judges CHAPTER 13 Israel is in Philistine bondage for forty years—An angel comes to Manoah’s wife and promises a son who will begin to deliver Israel—The angel comes again; he ascends in a flame from the altar—Samson is born, and the Spirit of the Lord moves upon him.

Judges CHAPTER 14 Samson slays a young lion with his bare hands—He marries a Philistine wife, propounds a riddle, is deceived by his wife, and slays thirty Philistines.

Judges CHAPTER 15 Samson burns the grain of the Philistines—They burn his wife and father-in-law—Samson slays a thousand Philistines at Lehi with the jawbone of an ass.

Judges CHAPTER 16 Samson carries away the doors of the gate of Gaza—He loves Delilah, who delivers him to the Philistines—He destroys a building, killing himself and 3,000 others.

Keeping covenants gives me strength.

Judges 13–16

“Lesson 25: Samson,” Primary 6: Old Testament Samson’s mission would require physical strength. The Lord made a covenant with Samson that as long as he obeyed the Lord, he would be physically strong. Samson’s long hair (see Judges 13:5) was a sign of this covenant. When Samson kept his covenants he was blessed with the ability to help his people, but when he broke his covenants he lost both his spiritual and physical strength.

Ask for a volunteer to demonstrate how to flex his or her arm muscles. Let the whole class try it to see if they can feel their own muscles. How do muscles help us? Discuss what happens when we exercise our muscles and what happens when we do not use them. Help the children realize that exercise helps us develop strong muscles.

Explain that our spirits also need to grow stronger. How can we become stronger spiritually? (By keeping our baptismal covenants, obeying our parents, praying, attending church, reading the scriptures, and so on.)

What happens when people become spiritually weak? (They give in to temptations, they sin, they lose the guidance of the Holy Ghost, and they lose the ability to fulfill their callings and bless others.)

Why is it important to become spiritually strong? (So we can avoid temptation, be guided in our decisions by the Holy Ghost, and know good from evil.)

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022

Samson’s covenants with the Lord gave him physical strength, just as our covenants give us spiritual strength. Your children might enjoy doing some physical exercises and discussing how those exercises can help make our bodies strong. What can we do to help us become spiritually stronger? For some ideas, the class could read Mosiah 18:8–10; Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79. How does keeping our covenants make our spirits strong? .

Samson lost both his physical strength and his spiritual strength because he violated his covenants with God,

Media Library “Samson Pulls Down the Pillars”

Additional Resources

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Latter Day Kids “Jesus Delivers Us” Lesson ideas

Come Follow Me With Living Scriptures “True Strength” Lesson ideas

May 25 2022

Joshua 1–8; 23–24

Featured

Joshua Sends Spies to Jericho
- “Be strong and of a good courage.”
- Studying the scriptures brings me blessings.
The Israelites Cross the River Jordan on Dry Ground
Jericho is Destroyed
- Obedience brings God’s power into my life.
Joshua's Final Words to the Israelites
- I can choose to serve Jesus Christ.
Additional Resources:

Joshua Sends Spies to Jericho

Joshua CHAPTER 1 The Lord speaks to Joshua—He is commanded to be of good courage, to meditate upon the law, and to keep the commandments—He prepares Israel to enter Canaan.

Joshua CHAPTER 2 Joshua sends spies to Jericho—They are received and concealed by Rahab—They promise to preserve Rahab and her household.

“Be strong and of a good courage.”

Joshua 1–4; 6

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Joshua 1–8; 23–24” After Joshua became the leader of the Israelites, the Lord encouraged him by saying, “Be strong and of a good courage” (Joshua 1:6).

Here is one way to help your children “be strong and of a good courage” (Joshua 1:6) through Jesus Christ. Invite them to find a phrase that is repeated in Joshua 1:6, 9, and 18, and write it down or memorize it. Help your children think of situations where they might need this message, just as Joshua did. You could also review together some of the stories in Joshua 1–4; 6 (see also “Joshua the Prophet” and “Rahab and the Spies” in Old Testament Stories, 85–91). How did the people in these stories show courage and strength in the Lord?

Old Testament Stories “Joshua the Prophet”

Friend May 2022 “Joshua’s Courage”

Old Testament Stories “Rahab and the Spies”

Friend May 2022 “Scripture Hero Cards”

For additional teaching resources see Courage.

Studying the scriptures brings me blessings.

Joshua 1:8

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Joshua 1–8; 23–24” The Lord told Joshua that if he meditated on the scriptures and followed the counsel in them, he would have success leading the Israelites into the promised land. What can you do to teach the children of the great blessings that come from the scriptures?

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 Reading Joshua 1:8 could inspire your children to read the scriptures on their own. Help them find words in this verse that teach them how and why we should read the scriptures. They could look for the same thing in 1 Nephi 15:23–24; 2 Nephi 31:20; 32:3; Jacob 4:6; Helaman 3:29–30. Ask them to find words and phrases in this verse that teach us about the blessings of studying the scriptures. How can meditating on the scriptures help us have success in the other things we do each day? You could also help them make and carry out a plan to read the scriptures.

Friend April 1996 “Ponder, Pray, and Listen”

Give each child a picture or drawing of the sun and the moon. Read to them from Joshua 1:8: “Meditate [on the scriptures] day and night.” Explain that meditate means to think deeply about something. Repeat the phrase several times, and invite the children to hold up the sun when you say “day” and the moon when you say “night.” Let the children repeat the phrase with you.

Older Children: Invite the children to write down how much time they spend in an average day on various activities. Then invite them to read Joshua 1:8, looking for something that we all need to do every day and night.

“How can I learn more when I read the scriptures?”(April 2009 Friend)
Elder David A. Bednar shares five principles for reading the scriptures.

“How can the scriptures help me?” (January 2015 Friend and Liahona)
President Boyd K. Packer shares thoughts on the subject.

Bright Idea Poster: Elder Richard G. Scott—“Scriptures are like packets of light” (April 2013 Friend)

“Sharing Time: On the Right Path” (February 2000 Liahona and January 2000 Friend)
Includes a “gospel road signs” activity.

For additional lesson ideas see Scriptures

The Israelites Cross the River Jordan on Dry Ground

Joshua CHAPTER 3 Joshua leads Israel to the Jordan—The Lord cuts off the water of the Jordan; it stands up as a heap, and Israel passes over on dry ground.

Joshua CHAPTER 4 Joshua places twelve stones to commemorate the crossing of the Jordan—Joshua is magnified before the children of Israel as they cross the Jordan—After the priests bearing the ark pass over, the river returns to its course.

Joshua CHAPTER 5 The inhabitants of Canaan fear Israel—The males of Israel are circumcised—Israel keeps the Passover, eats the fruit of the land, and manna ceases—The captain of the Lord’s host appears to Joshua.

I must be baptized to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Joshua 3–4

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Joshua 1–8; 23–24” The story of Joshua leading the Israelites through the Jordan River into the promised land provides an opportunity to teach the children that we must be baptized to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

You might use the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River as a symbol of baptism—giving up our old life in the wilderness and starting a new one in a covenant relationship with God. So as you read together Joshua 3–4 (or “Joshua the Prophet” in Old Testament Stories, 85–89), you could also look at a picture of Jesus being baptized and explain that Jesus was baptized in the same river the Israelites crossed. You could then sing a song such as “Baptism” (Children’s Songbook, 100–101). Share with each other how being baptized is like starting a new life in Jesus Christ’s kingdom.

Remembering our Blessings

Joshua 4

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Joshua 1–8; 23–24” After reading what the Lord wanted the Israelites to do with stones from the Jordan River, your family could talk about some of the great things the Lord has done for you. Then you could give each family member a stone and invite them to write or draw on it something the Lord has done for them.

Friend May 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Remembrance Rocks

Story: God helped Joshua part the River Jordan so the people could walk across on dry ground. Then God asked Joshua and his people to collect stones from the river to remember how God helped them (see Joshua 4:5–7).

Song: “Where Love Is” (Children’s Songbook, 138–39)

Activity: Find rocks to paint or color. Write the word remember on them. While you decorate them, talk about ways God has helped you.

Faith Precedes the Miracle

Joshua 3

Miracle of the parting of the River Jordan didn’t occur until after the Israelites exercised faith and walked into the river.

Jericho is Destroyed

Joshua CHAPTER 6 Jericho is taken and destroyed—Only Rahab and her household are saved.

Joshua CHAPTER 7 Israel is defeated by the people of Ai—Joshua complains to the Lord—Achan and his household are destroyed because he disobeyed the Lord by taking the spoils of Jericho.

Joshua CHAPTER 8 Joshua uses an ambush, takes Ai, and slays its inhabitants—He builds an altar in Mount Ebal—The words of the law, both blessings and cursings, are read to the people.

Obedience brings God’s power into my life.

Joshua 6–8

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Joshua 1–8; 23–24” These chapters deal with battles over the lands of Jericho and Ai. What do you learn about how God can help you and what you need to do to access His power? As you read them, consider how you battle temptation in your own life (for example, see Joshua 7:10–13). What impresses you about the Lord’s instructions for taking Jericho? (see Joshua 6:1–5). Perhaps the account in Joshua 7 will inspire you to determine if “there is an accursed thing” in your life that you need to remove (Joshua 7:13).

Your family might have fun acting out the instructions the Lord gave to the Israelites in order to conquer Jericho. What might the Lord want us to learn from this story?

Old Testament Stories “Joshua the Prophet”

Joshua led the Israelite army to the land of Canaan. They arrived at a city called Jericho. The city was very strong and had high walls. The Lord told Joshua how to conquer Jericho. He said the Israelites should march around Jericho every day for six days. Joshua obeyed the Lord.

Joshua told the priests to carry the ark of the covenant in front of the Israelites. Each day, the army marched around Jericho, and seven priests blew their horns. All the other Israelites were silent.

On the seventh day, the army marched around Jericho seven times. As the priests blew their horns, Joshua told the Israelites to shout. Suddenly Jericho’s walls fell to the ground, and Joshua’s army took the city.

Media Library “Joshua Taking Jericho (The Taking of Jericho)”

Old Testament Coloring Book “The City of Jericho”

Joshua’s Final Words to the Israelites

Joshua CHAPTER 23 Joshua exhorts Israel to be courageous, keep the commandments, love the Lord, and neither marry among nor cleave unto the remnants of the Canaanites who remain in the land—When the children of Israel serve other gods, they will be cursed and dispossessed.

Joshua CHAPTER 24 Joshua recites how the Lord has blessed and led Israel—Joshua and all the people covenant to choose the Lord and serve Him only—Joshua and Eleazar die—The bones of Joseph, taken from Egypt, are buried in Shechem.

I can choose to serve Jesus Christ.

Joshua 24:15

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Joshua 1–8; 23–24” Among Joshua’s final words to the Israelites was a plea to “choose … this day whom ye will serve.” Ponder how this counsel could also bless the children you teach.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 Joshua’s final teachings to the Israelites in Joshua 23–24 include important warnings, counsel, and promised blessings. Perhaps you could make a list of what you find. Considering everything the Israelites had been through, why do you think Joshua chose to tell them these things at the end of his life? What do you find that inspires you to “cleave unto the Lord”? (Joshua 23:8).

Ask the children to talk about some of the choices they have made today. Read to the children from Joshua 24:15: “Choose you this day whom ye will serve; … but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” How have the children chosen to serve the Lord today? What are some ways we can choose to serve Him every day?

Invite the children to suggest situations in which they might have to decide to choose God over other things. Ask them to consider what they would do. Why is it important to “choose … this day” rather than waiting for the situation to arise? How will we be blessed when we make the right choice?

Friend April 2017 “Game Changer” Caleb feels like it is hard to have to make different choices than his friends, but the Holy Ghost comforts him and and helps him.

Friend September 2015 – “To Cheat or not to Cheat” Boy chooses not to cheat on a test

Sing a song about making good choices, such as “Choose the Right Way” (Children’s Songbook, 160–61). How do we feel when we choose to serve Jesus Christ? Invite the children to draw pictures of themselves doing something to serve the Lord. Share a story from your life or from a Church magazine about choosing to serve the Lord.

For additional teachings ideas see “Priorities“

Additional Resources:

Lesson 23: Joshua Leads Israel,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 101–5
To help the children choose to serve the Lord

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

Latter Day Kids “Choose You This Day” Lesson ideas

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Deuteronomy 6–8; 15; 18; 29–30; 34”

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Have Courage and Serve God” Lesson ideas

May 18 2022

Deuteronomy 6–8; 15; 18; 29–30; 34

Featured

Moses' Farewell

Moses’ Farewell

DEUTERONOMY CHAPTER 6

Moses proclaims, The Lord our God is one Lord, and, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God—The children of Israel are commanded to teach their children—Moses exhorts them to keep the commandments, testimonies, and statutes of the Lord that they may prosper.

Moses had spent his life preparing the children of Israel to enter that promised land, and the book of Deuteronomy records his final instructions, reminders, exhortations, and pleadings with the Israelites.(Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022)

I can love God with all my heart.

Deuteronomy 6:5

To help your children understand Deuteronomy 6:5, you could draw a heart, an outline of a body, and a strong arm. Your children could point to the pictures as you read the words “heart,” “soul,” and “might” in the verse. How do we show the Lord that we love Him with all our heart, soul, and might?

Friend May 2026 “Weekly Scripture Fun”

Friend May 2026 “I Can Love God with All My Heart”

Ensign September “What Does it Mean to Love God with All Your Heart?” As we love someone else with all our hearts, we make them a priority in our lives. We give them our time, energy, talent, and resources.

Jesus Christ taught: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)

I can keep the word of God in my heart.

Deuteronomy 6:6–15

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Deuteronomy 6–8; 15; 18; 29–30; 34”

Read with your children the Lord’s counsel to the Israelites to put scripture passages where they would see them every day (see Deuteronomy 6:6–9). This might inspire you and your children to think of ways to make sure you don’t “forget the Lord” (verse 12) and to remember what He has done for you.

On the board, write words and phrases from Deuteronomy 6:6–9 that indicate when and how the Israelites were to remember the word of God (such as sittest, walkest, liest down, hand, and house). Invite the children to find these words in the verses. What do these words teach about how to make the scriptures part of our everyday lives? Ask the children what they can do to remember the word of God in their daily life.

Friend July 2020 “Eva’s Scripture Pictures” Eva loves to draw pictures of scripture stories and she puts them on the fridge to help her and her family to remember them.

Give each child a piece of paper, and invite them to write down a phrase from Deuteronomy 6 that is meaningful to them. Ask them to share why they chose their phrase. Suggest that they decorate their paper and display it in their home to remember it. Encourage the children to write down and display other phrases they find in the scriptures.

Friend November 2019 “For Older Kids” Jordan’s Primary teacher told the class that she posts scripture verses on her door so she can always see them and read them every day. Jordan started doing that too, and soon her door was covered in scriptures.

You might point out that Deuteronomy 6:13, 16 and 8:3 helped the Savior during an important moment in His life. To see how, read together Matthew 4:1–10. Then you could share with each other some scripture passages that have helped you in times of need.

DEUTERONOMY CHAPTERS 7-8

Chosen to be a special people

Deuteronomy CHAPTER 7 Israel is to destroy the seven nations of Canaan—Marriages with them are forbidden lest apostasy result—Israel has a mission as a holy and chosen people—The Lord shows mercy unto those who love Him and keep His commandments—He promises to remove sickness from the children of Israel if they obey.

Deuteronomy CHAPTER 8 The Lord tested the children of Israel in the wilderness for forty years—Eating manna taught them that man lives by the word of God—Their clothing did not wear out—The Lord chastened them—If they serve other gods, they will perish.

DEUTERONOMY CHAPTER 15

Deuteronomy CHAPTER 15 Every seven years, all debts are to be released—The people are admonished to care for the poor—Hebrew servants are to be released and given gifts during the seventh year—The firstling males of herds and flocks are the Lord’s.

I can joyfully serve those in need.

Deuteronomy 15:7–11

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Deuteronomy 6–8; 15; 18; 29–30; 34”

The teachings in Deuteronomy 15:7–11 can help the children you teach understand that helping others involves more than just actions. It should be done with a willing heart.

Write who, why, and how on the board. Invite the children to read Deuteronomy 15:7–11 to find out who we should help, why we should help them, and how our hearts should feel about helping. Let them write on the board what they find. Sing a song that reinforces the message in these verses, such as “Have I Done Any Good?” (Hymns, no. 223).

Friend January 2021 “You Can Help Like Jesus” When Jesus was on the earth, he helped all he saw. Today many people in the world need our help. Each of us can do something to help, even children. About years ago, children helped build the Primary Children’s hospital by collecting pennies. (See more at link)

Friend November 2019 “Helping Our Brothers and Sisters”

President Nelson told about some ways people need help in the world today, such as 1 out of 9 people don’t have enough food and many don’t have clean water to drink. The article discusses how the church helps and how we can help people in need. (The article includes photos of the ways people need help, a quote handout idea, and a coloring page.)

Ask the children to think of someone they could help—especially in their own family. Provide time for them to write down what they will do this week to help that person. If possible, make plans to reach out as a class to someone in need.

Friend January 2018

Friend May 2020 “Doing What Jesus Would Do” Care Package Ideas

See additional ideas at Service

DEUTERONOMY CHAPTER 18

Deuteronomy CHAPTER 18 How priests are supported—Divination, spiritualism, and the like are abominations—A Prophet (Christ) will arise like unto Moses.

Prophets teach us about Jesus Christ.

Deuteronomy 18:15–18

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022

Moses prophesied that Jesus Christ would come and that we should listen to the words Jesus would teach.

As you read Deuteronomy 18:18 together, help your children understand that the Prophet like Moses in this verse is Jesus Christ.

Institute Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel “Deuteronomy 17–33”

At least four other scriptures refer to the prophet like unto Moses (see Acts 3:22–23; 1 Nephi 22:21; 3 Nephi 20:23; JS—H 1:40). In each instance these scriptures make it clear that the prophet like unto Moses was the Savior, Jesus Christ. When Jesus visited the Nephites, as recorded in the Book of Mormon, He identified Himself in this way:

“Behold, I am he of whom Moses spake, saying: A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass that every soul who will not hear that prophet shall be cut off from among the people.” (3 Nephi 20:23.)

Maybe you could look at pictures of things Moses did and things Jesus Christ did, and let your children match them (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 15, 16, 38, 39).

Deuteronomy 29:12–13; 30:8–10

Show the children a picture of our prophet today, and share something he has taught about the Savior.

Coming Closer to Christ: President Oaks emphasized increasing humility, studying the scriptures, and serving others as key ways to strengthen personal faith and hear the Savior’s voice.

The Saving Atonement: He teaches that Jesus has done everything essential for our mortal journey out of love, offering forgiveness and overcoming the challenges of mortality.

Following His Teachings: He has urged members to embrace the Savior’s command to love one’s enemies, particularly in times of conflict, and to become peacemakers.

Friend May 2003 Prophets taught about Jesus Christ

DEUTERONOMY CHAPTERS 29-30

Deuteronomy CHAPTER 29 The children of Israel make a covenant with the Lord under which they will be blessed if they are obedient, and cursed if they are disobedient—If they are disobedient, their land will be as brimstone and salt.

Deuteronomy CHAPTER 30 The scattered Israelites will be gathered from all nations when they remember the covenant—Moses places life or death, blessing or cursing, before the people.

Because of my covenants, I am part of God’s people.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022

Talking about Deuteronomy 29:12–13 provides an opportunity for you and your children to talk about covenants Ask the children what a covenant is (if they need help, suggest that they find a definition in “Covenant” in the Guide to the Scriptures [scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org]).

Draw a two-column chart on the board with these headings: Israelites’ promises and God’s promises. Invite the children to search Deuteronomy 30:8–10 and fill in the chart. (If necessary, help the children understand the meanings of phrases in verse 9.) Testify of blessings that have come to you from keeping your covenants.

What promises have we made with God? (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, 77).
Invite the children to list on the board the promises we make at baptism and the promises Heavenly Father makes to us. How do these promises connect us with Him? (By keeping our covenants, we can receive heavenly help and strength.)

Friend March 2023 “Baptismal Covenants”

Consider singing together a song about covenants, such as “Standing on the Promises” (Gospel Library).

For Additional Teaching Ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Covenants” and Resources for Teaching Children “Covenants”

DEUTERONOMY CHAPTER 34

Deuteronomy Chapter 34 Moses sees the promised land and is taken by the Lord—Joshua leads Israel—Moses was Israel’s greatest prophet.

What happened to Moses?

Deuteronomy 34:5–8

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 Even though Deuteronomy 34:5–8 says that Moses died, latter-day understanding clarifies that he was translated, or changed so that he would not suffer pain or death until being resurrected (see Alma 45:18–19; Bible Dictionary, “Moses”; Guide to the Scriptures, “Translated Beings,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). It was necessary for Moses to be translated because he needed to have a physical body in order to give priesthood keys to Peter, James, and John on the Mount of Transfiguration (see Matthew 17:1–13).

Additional Resources

Gathering Israel

Friend May 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Gathering Israel Puzzle

Story: God loves all His children. He wants them to be gathered together in His Church. Part of gathering Israel is bringing God’s children back to Him (see Deuteronomy 30:3).

Song: “Israel, Israel, God Is Calling” (Hymns, no. 7)

Activity: Cut out the puzzle pieces on page 27. Then have someone hide the pieces around the room. Have everyone else search for the pieces. Once all the pieces are gathered, put the puzzle together. Why does God want all of His children to return to Him?

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Inspiring Words” Lesson ideas

Latter Day Kids “Love God with All Thine Heart” Lesson ideas

May 9 2022

Numbers 11–14; 20–24; 27

Featured

Quail is Provided when Israelites Lust for Meat
- I can be thankful for what God has given me.
Miriam and Aaron Speak Against Moses
- The Lord wants me to follow His prophet.
Israelite Spies Fear the Strength of Canaan
- Faith can help me not be afraid.
Moses and the Brass Serpent
- I can look to Jesus Christ.
  - Jesus Christ has the power to heal me spiritually.
Balak Asks Balaam to Curse the Israelites
- I can follow God’s will, even if others try to persuade me not to.
Joshua is Set Apart to Lead Isreal
Additional Resources

Quail is Provided when Israelites Lust for Meat

Numbers CHAPTER 11 Fire from the Lord consumes the rebels in Israel—Israel murmurs and lusts for meat instead of manna—Moses complains that he cannot bear the burden alone—He is commanded to choose seventy elders to assist him—The Lord promises meat until it becomes loathsome to the Israelites—The seventy elders are chosen, they prophesy, the Lord comes down, and Eldad and Medad prophesy in the camp—Israel is provided with quail—The people lust, a great plague follows, and many die.

I can be thankful for what God has given me.

Numbers 11:4–10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Numbers 11–14; 20–24” Even though the Lord had done wonderful things for the children of Israel, they often focused instead on what they didn’t have. Help the children learn to be thankful for what God has given them.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Ask your children if they remember some of the miracles the Lord performed to help the Israelites (see “The Plagues of Egypt” and “The Passover” in Old Testament Stories, 67–74). Then you could summarize for them Numbers 11:4–10, emphasizing that the Israelites had forgotten their blessings and were complaining. What blessings do we sometimes forget?

Friend May 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Gratitude Game

Story: Sometimes the Israelites forgot how the Lord had helped them. God wants us to remember to be grateful. It makes us happier too!

Song: “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29)

Activity: Play a gratitude game! Mark some sticks with one of three colors. Then take turns choosing a stick. For one color, name a person you are thankful for. For another color, say a place you are thankful for. For the third color, say a thing you are thankful for.

Friend May 2026 “Weekly Scripture Fun”

Sing together a song about gratitude, such as “Count Your Blessings” (Hymns, no. 241). Invite each child to draw pictures of blessings the Lord has given them or their families. Encourage them to think about or look at their picture whenever they are tempted to complain about something they don’t have.

This video is not produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints or any of its members, but it has visuals and words to help you sing the song.

For additional teaching ideas see Gratitude

Miriam and Aaron Speak Against Moses

Numbers CHAPTER 12 Aaron and Miriam complain against Moses, the most meek of all men—The Lord promises to speak to Moses mouth to mouth and to reveal to him the similitude of the Lord—Miriam becomes leprous for a week.

The Lord wants me to follow His prophet.

Numbers 12

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

To introduce Numbers 12, you could tell your children that the Lord was unhappy with Aaron and Miriam, Moses’s brother and sister. Invite them to read Numbers 12:1–8 to find out why.

This video is not produced by the church or any of its members, but it carefully follows the scripture account.

Consider using the Gospel Art Book to help your children find examples of people in the scriptures who respected the Lord’s prophet and were blessed. How are we blessed when we follow the Lord’s prophet?

“Sharing Time: Blessings Come When We Follow the Prophet” (June 2001 Liahona and Friend)
An illustrated matching game that pairs prophets with their teachings.

For additional teaching ideas see Prophets: Lesson Ideas

Israelite Spies Fear the Strength of Canaan

Numbers CHAPTER 13 Moses sends twelve spies to search the land of Canaan—Ten of them bring an evil report, telling only of the strength of the inhabitants.

Numbers CHAPTER 14 Israel murmurs and speaks of returning to Egypt—Joshua and Caleb give a good report of Canaan—Moses mediates between Israel and the Lord—The adults of Israel will not enter the promised land—The Lord slays the false spies by a plague—Some rebels try to go alone and are slain by the Amalekites and Canaanites.

Faith can help me not be afraid.

Numbers 13:17–33; 14:6–9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Numbers 11–14; 20–24” When Moses sent 12 men to find out about the promised land, 10 of them came back afraid because of the mighty people who lived there. Two of them, Caleb and Joshua, were not afraid, because they had faith in the Lord.

Use pictures or drawings of grapes, honey, giants, and grasshoppers to briefly tell the children about the 12 men Moses sent to explore the promised land (see Numbers 13:17–33). Explain that they found a lot of fruit and other foods (invite the children to pretend to eat the food), but they also were afraid because the people there were large and strong (invite the children to pretend to be afraid). Show a picture of Jesus, and point out that two Israelites, Caleb and Joshua, were not afraid because they had faith in Jesus Christ.

Read Numbers 14:9 to the children, and talk about a time when you were afraid but your faith in Jesus Christ helped you have courage. Help the children think of any similar experiences they’ve had.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Numbers 11–14; 20–24”

Two (or more) members of your family could pretend to “spy out” (Numbers 13:17) another part of your home as if it were the promised land. Then they could each give a report based on Numbers 13:27–33 or Numbers 14:6–9. What do we learn about faith from the two different reports in these verses? How can we be more like Caleb and Joshua?

For additional teaching ideas see Faith: Lesson Ideas

Moses and the Brass Serpent

Numbers CHAPTER 20 Miriam dies—Moses smites a rock at Meribah and brings forth water—The king of Edom refuses to let Israel pass peacefully through his land—Aaron dies, and Eleazar becomes the high priest.

Numbers CHAPTER 21 The children of Israel destroy those Canaanites who fight against them—The Israelites are plagued with fiery serpents—Moses lifts up a serpent of brass to save those who look thereon—Israel defeats the Amorites, destroys the people of Bashan, and occupies their lands.

I can look to Jesus Christ.

Numbers 21:6–9

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Numbers 11–14; 20–24”

You could use “Moses and the Brass Serpent” in Old Testament Stories, 83–84, to help your children learn what happened in Numbers 21:6–9.

Old Testament Stories “Moses and the Brass Serpent” Images and video

Just as the children of Israel were healed by looking at the serpent of brass, the children in your class receive salvation by looking to the Savior.

How is the brass serpent like Jesus Christ? (see John 3:14–15). Your children might enjoy making a serpent out of paper and write on it some simple things they can do to “look upon the Son of God with faith” (Helaman 8:15).

The brass serpent represented Christ taking upon Himself the “sins” or, in this case, the venomous consequences of rebellion, allowing for healing.The healing was not in the object itself, but in the deliberate action of looking, which was a required show of faith in God’s plan

Latter Day Kids “Look to Christ and Live” Lesson ideas

Using this week’s activity page, tell the children what happened when “fiery serpents” came into the Israelites’ camp (see Numbers 21:6–9). Help them see how the brass serpent is like Jesus Christ (see John 3:14–15). Then let the children take turns using the picture to tell the story to each other.

Ask the children to close their eyes while you place a picture of the Savior somewhere in the room. Then invite the children to open their eyes, find the picture, and look at it. Let them take turns being the one to place the picture. Each time the children find the picture, help them think of something they can do to look to the Savior.

Jesus Christ has the power to heal me spiritually.

Numbers 21:4–9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Numbers 11–14; 20–24” Many Israelites died because they did not have faith that the Lord would heal them if they looked at the brass serpent (see Alma 33:18–20).

Invite the children to draw pictures of what they read in Numbers 21:4–9. Let them use their pictures to tell the story. Ask each child to choose one of the following scriptures and share what it adds to our understanding of the story: John 3:14–15; 1 Nephi 17:41; Alma 33:18–20; Helaman 8:13–15; Doctrine and Covenants 6:36.
Write on the board a question like What can we do to “look upon the Son of God with faith”? (Helaman 8:15). Give each of the children a piece of paper, and invite them to write as many answers to the question as they can think of. Collect the papers, read a few answers aloud, and invite the children to talk about how doing these things can help us when we need the Savior’s healing power.

Ask how each item helps grow or show faith in Jesus Christ as the family walks the path.

Friend October 2016 — Children’s Songbook

Balak Asks Balaam to Curse the Israelites

Numbers CHAPTER 22 Balak offers money, cattle, and great honors to Balaam to curse Israel—The Lord forbids Balaam to do so—An angel opposes Balaam on the way.

Numbers CHAPTER 23 The Lord commands Balaam to bless Israel—He does so, saying, Who can count the dust of Jacob? and, What hath God wrought!

Numbers CHAPTER 24 Balaam sees in vision and prophesies of the destiny of Israel—He prophesies of the Messiah: There will come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre will rise out of Israel.

I can follow God’s will, even if others try to persuade me not to.

Come Follow Me With Living Scriptures “Look and Live” Lesson ideas

Numbers 22–24

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Numbers 11–14; 20–24” Balak tried to persuade Balaam to curse the Israelites, but Balaam knew that this was against God’s will. Balaam’s example could help the children when they face pressure to disobey God.

Summarize Numbers 22:1–18 for the children, emphasizing how Balaam refused to curse God’s people, even though Balak, the king of Moab, offered him honor and riches. Ask the children to search the following verses for phrases that they feel show Balaam’s determination to follow God: Numbers 22:18; 23:26; 24:13. Invite the children to pick one phrase they like and write it on a card to help them remember to obey the Lord.
Talk with the children about situations when friends or others might try to persuade them to do something wrong, as Balak did to Balaam. How did Balaam’s commitment to the Lord help him resist pressure from Balak? Invite the children to practice responding to these situations using words like Balaam’s.

“Treehouse” (August 2003 Friend)
Jordan refuses when his friends try to get him to use a bad word as the password for their club.
“The Strength to Choose” (April 2010 Friend) Chris’s friend tries to get him to smoke a cigarette.
“Tag, You’re It” (August 2015 Friend and Liahona) Lauren decides to not follow Tami’s plan to be mean to Ally.
“Garbage Can Graffiti” (September 2010 Friend) Joe makes a bad decision after he listens to his friend instead of the Holy Ghost.

Joshua is Set Apart to Lead Isreal

Numbers Chapter 27 The law of inheritances to sons, daughters, and kinsmen is explained—Moses will see but not enter the promised land—Joshua is called and set apart to lead Israel.

Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel “Numbers 13–36: Wilderness Wanderings, Part 2”

“‘According to the order of God,’ ordination to offices in the priesthood is performed by the laying on of hands. (Alma 6:1; Acts 6:5–6; 1 Tim. 5:22.) Setting apart to positions of presidency, administration, or special responsibility comes in the same way. (Fifth Article of Faith; Num. 27:18–23; Deut. 34:9.)” (McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 438.)

Additional Resources

Primary Old Testament Lesson 22: Israel and the Brass Serpent

Institute: Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel “Numbers 1–12” According to Josephus, when Moses was a general of the Egyptian army in the attack against the Ethiopians, he married an Ethiopian woman as a political alliance to end the war (see Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, bk. 2, chap. 10, par. 1).

The ostensible reason for Miriam’s and Aaron’s complaining was that the Ethiopians were non-Israelite descendants of Cush. The real reason for the complaint, however, seems to have been jealousy motivated by Moses’ position as spiritual leader and prophet of Israel. Miriam was the instigator of the attack on Moses’ right to preside and was punished with leprosy. Even if Moses’ wish had been granted and every soul in Israel had received the gift of prophecy (see Numbers 11:29), Moses would still have been the one chosen by the Lord to preside. (See additional information at link and #17-24 Why Did Miriam and Aaron Oppose Moses?)

Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel “Numbers 13–36: Wilderness Wanderings, Part 2”

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas Snake Bite Game: Each person find a small object to use as their game piece. Roll a die to determine how many spaces to move forward. If someone lands on a “SNAKE BITE!” space, they will automatically be out of the game unless they state something they can do to look to the Savior in their lives. Print up the picture on page 5 below and tape it up on the wall. Have each person write down the ways they’ll look to the Savior on this page.

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

May 3 2022

Exodus 35–40; Leviticus 1; 16; 19

Featured

Building the Tabernacle
- God has given me gifts to help with His work.
Tabernacle is Complete and Aaron is Anointed
- I can feel the Lord’s presence in holy places.
Burnt Sacrifice Offerings in Tabernacle
- Because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, I can be forgiven.
Additional Resources

Building the Tabernacle

Exodus CHAPTER 35 Israel is admonished to observe the Sabbath—Free gifts are offered for the tabernacle—The calls and inspiration of certain artisans are confirmed.

Exodus CHAPTER 36 Wise-hearted men are chosen to work on the tabernacle—Moses restrains the people from donating any more material.

Exodus CHAPTER 37 Bezaleel makes the ark, the mercy seat, and the cherubims—He makes the table, the vessels, the candlestick, the incense altar, the holy anointing oil, and the sweet incense.

Exodus CHAPTER 38 Bezaleel and others make the altar of burnt offerings and all things pertaining to the tabernacle—Offerings are made by 603,550 men.

Friend May 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Build a Tabernacle

Story: The Lord asked Moses and his people to build a tabernacle. A tabernacle is like a temple. The Lord told them to build it like a tent so they could take it with them as they traveled to the promised land. You can read about it in Exodus 39:33–43.

Song: “I Love to See the Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 95)

Activity: Build a tent like the tabernacle. You can use blankets, towels, chairs, and anything else in your home. Then sit in your tent and talk about why temples are important. Or you could make a small tabernacle with blocks or other items.

God has given me gifts to help with His work.

Exodus 35:20–29; 36:1

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 35–40; Leviticus 1; 16; 19”

Consider reading with them Exodus 36:1 to find out what the Lord gave Bezaleel and Aholiab to help build the tabernacle. Testify that God has “put” gifts into each of His children. Every one of Heavenly Father’s children has something to contribute to His work. The children you teach may need your help to recognize how they can use their gifts to help in God’s work. You could then talk with your children about what you feel the Lord has given them to help build His kingdom. How can we use these things to bless others?

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

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

Friend June 2024 “I Can Serve at Church”

At the end of this outline is a picture of the Israelites’ wilderness tabernacle. You might want to look at it with your children and ask them what materials would have been needed to build the tabernacle. Then you could read together Exodus 35:20–29 to find out how these materials were provided. How has the Lord invited us to contribute to building His kingdom?

The Ancient Tabernacle, by Bradley Clark

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 35–40; Leviticus 1; 16; 19” In Exodus 36:1–7, What do we learn from the way the Israelites responded to the command to build the tabernacle? As a family, you could think of ways the Lord has invited us to participate in His work. How can we follow the Israelites’ example?

Tell the children why you want to help with the Lord’s work. Help them think of ways they can participate too. Write their ideas on slips of paper, put them in a container, and invite each child to choose one and act out the action on the slip of paper. Ideas might include:
Put away a hymnbook.
Pick up trash I see.
Help hold up a picture.
Help clean the church building.
Give talks
Give prayers
Learn about an ancestor
Share something you learned at church with a friend.

For additional teaching ideas see Church Service

Tabernacle is Complete and Aaron is Anointed

Exodus CHAPTER 39 Holy garments are made for Aaron and the priests—The breastplate is made—The tabernacle of the congregation is finished—Moses blesses the people.

Exodus CHAPTER 40 The tabernacle is reared—Aaron and his sons are washed and anointed and given an everlasting priesthood—The glory of the Lord fills the tabernacle—A cloud covers the tabernacle by day, and fire rests on it by night.

Moses Calls Aaron to the Ministry, by Harry Anderson

Scripture Helps: Old Testament “Exodus 35–40; Leviticus 1; 4; 16; 19”

Aaron and his sons received the Aaronic (or Levitical) Priesthood and were appointed as priests. Aaron was further designated as the first high priest, or the presiding officer of the Levitical Priesthood.

The Lord command Moses to wash, anoint, and clothe Aaron and his sons. The act of washing symbolized being spiritually cleansed. When Moses anointed Aaron and his sons with sacred oil, he set them apart to perform their special duties in the service of God.

I can feel the Lord’s presence in holy places.

Exodus 40:17–34

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Exodus 40:17–34 lists things that were part of the Israelites’ tabernacle. Maybe you and your children could find them in these verses and in the picture of the tabernacle at the end of this outline. Talk about how each part of the tabernacle could teach about the Savior or Heavenly Father. For example, the ark of testimony could remind us of God’s commandments, the altar could remind us of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, and so on.

Scripture Helps: Old Testament The following objects were contained in the ancient tabernacle:

Altar of sacrifice The altar in the outer courtyard was used for animal sacrifices. Animal sacrifices were symbolic of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Laver of water Here the priests washed their hands and feet before entering the tabernacle or officiating at the altar of sacrifice. This was a reminder for the Israelites of the need to be clean as they participated in sacred ordinances and prepared to enter the Lord’s presence.

Table of shewbread The 12 loaves of unleavened bread on the table of shewbread (pronounced showbread) served as a reminder to the Israelites that Jehovah was their continual provider. He is the bread of life.

Candlestick Light is a symbol of Jesus Christ, who is “the light of the world.” The light from the lamps can also symbolize other sources of light the Lord has blessed us with, including the Holy Ghost and the scriptures.

Altar of incense The altar of incense was placed in front of the veil leading to the Holy of Holies. The high priest burned incense each morning and night at this altar. The smoke from the incense represented the prayers of the faithful ascending to God.

Veil The veil symbolized the “separation between God and man.” Just as the veil of the temple gave the high priest access to the Holy of Holies, it is only through Jesus Christ and His Atonement that we can enter God’s presence.

Ark of the covenant The mercy seat represented the throne of God. After the Lord gave Moses instructions for creating the ark of the covenant, He promised, “There I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat.”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 35–40; Leviticus 1; 16; 19”The Lord commanded the children of Israel to build the tabernacle so He could “dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8). You can help the children learn about the holy places God has given us today to help us feel His presence. The tabernacle not only allowed the children of Israel to have the presence of God with them, but it also taught them things they could do to become more like God.

What holy places do we have today that help us feel closer to Jesus Christ? As part of this conversation, you could watch together the video “Temples” (Gospel Library). You could also sing a song like “Holy Places” (Gospel Library). Share with each other how you feel about sacred places like the temple.

Complete the activity page with the children. As you do, sing a song with them about the temple, such as “I Love to See the Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 95).

Burnt Sacrifice Offerings in Tabernacle

Leviticus CHAPTER 1 Animals without blemish are sacrificed as an atonement for sins—Burnt offerings are a sweet savor unto the Lord.

Leviticus CHAPTER 16 How and when Aaron must enter the holy place is explained—Sacrifices are offered to reconcile Israel to God—The scapegoat carries away the sins of the people—The sins of all Israel are forgiven on the Day of Atonement.

Because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, I can be forgiven.

Leviticus 1:1–4

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

The animal sacrifices described in the Old Testament were meant to teach the children of Israel about forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Consider how reading about these sacrifices could do the same for your children. You could show pictures of Jesus Christ in Gethsemane and on the cross (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 56, 57) as you read with the children Leviticus 1:1–4. Help them find words or phrases that remind them of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 35–40; Leviticus 1; 16; 19”

Show a picture of Jesus Christ visiting the people in the Americas (such as Gospel Art Book, no. 82). Explain that after Jesus Christ was crucified and resurrected, He taught the people in America why they no longer needed to sacrifice animals. Read together 3 Nephi 9:19–20, and ask the children what we are commanded to sacrifice instead. What does it mean to offer a sacrifice of a broken heart and contrite spirit? Suggest that they search “Broken Heart” in Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org) for help answering this question. Invite them to ponder how they can offer a broken heart and contrite spirit to the Lord.

Leviticus CHAPTER 19 Israel is commanded: Be holy, live righteously, love your neighbor, and keep the commandments—The Lord reveals and reaffirms sundry laws and commandments—Enchantments, wizardry, prostitution, and all evil practices are forbidden.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 35–40; Leviticus 1; 16; 19” Family members could each find a verse in this chapter that they feel will help them “be holy” (Leviticus 19:2) and share it with the family.

Additional Resources

See Old Testament Stories & Lesson Ideas & Old Testament: Activities & Games for additional lesson resources.

Old Testament Seminary Student Material “Leviticus

Scripture Helps: Old Testament “Exodus 35–40; Leviticus 1; 4; 16; 19”

Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel “Exodus 25–30; 35–40: The House of the Lord in the Wilderness”

Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel “Leviticus 1–10: A Law of Performances and Ordinances, Part 1: Sacrifices and Offerings”

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 18–20”

Apr 18 2022

Exodus 19–20; 24; 31–34

Featured

The Ten Commandments
- God gives me commandments because He wants me to be happy.
Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods Before Me
The Golden Calf
- I will not “turn aside” from God’s ways.
I Can Stand for Righteousness.
The Lord Talked to Moses Face to Face.
Additional Resources

The Ten Commandments

Exodus CHAPTER 19 The Lord covenants to make Israel a peculiar treasure, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation—The people sanctify themselves—The Lord appears on Sinai amid fire, smoke, and earthquakes.

Exodus CHAPTER 20 The Lord reveals the Ten Commandments—Israel is to bear witness that the Lord has spoken from heaven—The children of Israel are forbidden to make gods of silver or gold—They are to make altars of unhewn stones and sacrifice to the Lord thereon.

God gives me commandments because He wants me to be happy.

Exodus 20:3–17

How can you make learning about the Ten Commandments fun for your children? As you read Exodus 20:3–17 together, let your children help you find or draw a picture to represent each of the Ten Commandments. Then your children could take turns choosing a picture and talking about how they can live that commandment. Share with each other how living that commandment brings you happiness.

Old Testament Coloring Book “The Ten Commandments”

Lesson 21: The Ten Commandments,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 90–94 Explain that rules are necessary aspects of our lives. Ask the children to name some rules we should follow to be safe, to have good health, to have good relationships with others, or to have eternal life. Point out that rules bring order into our lives and are necessary for us to know how to live happily. Tell the children that in this lesson they will learn about Moses and the children of Israel receiving the Ten Commandments, which are laws given by God to help us know what to do and how to live so we can be happy..

Notice that all of the Ten Commandments fit under the two great commandments that Jesus Christ gave in Matthew 22:37–40: to love God and to love our neighbors. Write Love God and Love Neighbors on the chalkboard. Let the children take turns reading each commandment from Exodus 20:3–17 or from the chart. Have them write on the chalkboard a few key words from each commandment under the appropriate heading. Discuss specific ways to live these commandments, and challenge the children to choose one specific way to show love for God and to show love for their neighbors this week.

Liahona April 2022 “Jesus Christ Is Our Savior” Applying the Ten Commandments to Our Lives

Read the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3–17). God gave these laws to the Israelites to help them grow spiritually and live better lives. The commandments are also found in the Book of Mormon (see Mosiah 13:11–24) and in the Doctrine and Covenants (see 42:18–29; 59). How can the commandments help us today?

You could also sing a song like “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47). Help your children find words in the song that teach them why God wants us to keep His commandments.

Sing with the children a song about how Heavenly Father blesses us when we obey the commandments, such as “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47). Invite the children to listen to the words to find out what blessings we can receive when we obey.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 18–20” The children will be more likely to keep the commandments if they see them as expressions of God’s love and as opportunities to express their love for Him.

Tell the story about Chloe from Sister Carole M. Stephens’s message “If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 118–20). How does the story help us understand why the Lord gives us commandments? How does being obedient show our love for God?

See also Commandments

Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods Before Me

It Is Important to Put the Lord First in My Life.

Exodus 20:1–7

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 18–20” The first two of the Ten Commandments the Lord gave the children of Israel were “Thou shalt have no other gods before me,” and “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.” (Ex. 20:3–4.)

Read together Exodus 20:1–7, and explain that anything we put before God in our lives can be like the “others gods” and “graven image[s]” mentioned in verses 3–4. Ask the children why Heavenly Father wants us to put Him first. (One possible answer might be: Because he loves us and wants us to be happy. He knows we will be happiest if we live the kind of life he wants us to live and return and live with him again.)

Ask the children if they can name some things that we might be tempted to put before God in our lives. (Answers may even be good things such as recreational activities. If something is taking a lot of our focus and time and is getting in the way of putting the Lord first, it might be considered idolatry. (The worship of idols is an excessive attachment or devotion to anything.)

Ask the children how we can show Heavenly Father that He is more important than anything else in our lives.

For the Strength of Youth April 2022 “The Best Day”

Think of a task that has an important first step, such as washing our hands before we eat or putting on socks before putting on shoes. What could happen if we didn’t do the important things first? How is this like putting Heavenly Father first in our lives? Share your testimony of how putting God first has blessed you, and invite the children to share their testimonies, too.

New Era July 2020 “Making Good Use of Your Time” Object Lesson: Pour all the sand into the jar first, then add the larger rocks on top. When you add the sand first, there isn’t enough space for all the larger rocks—just like how when we prioritize other activities over the things Heavenly Father has commanded us to do, we may run out of time for the things that are most important.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Screen-Shot-2020-07-01-at-10.21.19-PM.png

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Screen-Shot-2020-07-01-at-10.21.14-PM.png

Sing a song about Heavenly Father, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29). What do we learn from the song about why it is important to put Heavenly Father first in our lives?

The Lord wants me to honor my parents.

Exodus 20:12

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Help your children learn the phrase “Honour thy father and thy mother” (Exodus 20:12). You may want to explain that to “honor” someone can mean to show respect for them or to bring them happiness. What did Jesus do to honor His mortal mother and His Heavenly Father? (see Luke 2:48–51; John 19:26–27). Perhaps your children could take turns acting out things they can do to honor their parents, while the other children guess what they are doing.

Friend March 2019 “A Lesson From My Parents” Color the pictures and circle the things a parent has taught you. What else can you think of?

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 Wats to Honor Mom and Dad”

Invite the children to make a thank-you card for their parents. They could write or draw inside the card something they will do to honor their parents.

Friend September 2020 “Loving Our Families” Cut out the strips of paper and put them in a bowl. After you do one of the activities, add a link to your chain of hearts.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Screen-Shot-2020-08-26-at-8.49.55-AM-820x1024.png

Honoring the Sabbath is a Sign of My Love for the Lord.

Exodus CHAPTER 3 Artisans are inspired in building and furnishing the tabernacle—Israel is commanded to keep the Lord’s Sabbaths—The death penalty is decreed for Sabbath desecration—Moses receives the stone tablets.

Exodus 31:13, 16–17

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Your children might enjoy looking at examples of signs—such as road signs or signs on a building. What are the purposes of signs? Your children could then find the word “sign” in Exodus 31:13, 16–17. What did the Lord say is a sign between us and Him? Share with each other some of the ways you and your family try to show your love for the Lord on the Sabbath.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 24; 31–34” The Lord told Moses that when the children of Israel kept the Sabbath day holy, they showed Him that they wanted to be His people.

Draw a heart on the board, and ask the children what this symbol can mean. Help them think of other things that can be a sign for love, like a hug or an act of service. Read to them Exodus 31:13. Help them understand that when we keep the Sabbath day holy, it is a sign to the Lord that we love Him.

Latter Day Kids “The Sabbath Day” Lesson ideas

Tell the children about some of the ways you try to show your love for the Lord on the Sabbath. Let them share how they and their families do this. Invite them to use this week’s activity page to share more ideas.

Invite the children to take turns explaining why they choose to honor the Sabbath. Videos like “The Sabbath Is for You” or “Upon My Holy Day—Honoring the Sabbath” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) can help.

The Sabbath is For You

Teaching Children the Gospel “Calendar and Chart Activity” Lists of things to do on Sunday with sticker activity

For additional teaching resources see Sabbath Day and Resources for Teaching Children “Sabbath Day”

The Golden Calf

Exodus CHAPTER 32 Aaron makes a golden calf, which Israel worships—Moses serves as a mediator between God and rebellious Israel—Moses breaks the tablets of stone—The Levites slay about 3,000 rebels—Moses pleads and intercedes for the people.

I will not “turn aside” from God’s ways.

Exodus 32:1–8, 19–24; 34:6–7

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Consider using “Moses on Mount Sinai” (in Old Testament Stories, 77–82) to help your children learn the story in Exodus 32:1–8, 19–24. Why was it wrong for the Israelites to worship a statue instead of God?

It might be fun to create a path on the floor (or find one near your home) to illustrate these words from Exodus 32:8: “They have turned aside quickly out of the way.” While walking on the path, your children could talk about temptations we face to turn away from God. What helps us remain on God’s path—and return to it if we have strayed? (see Exodus 34:6–7).

Friend Special Issue: Baptism and Confirmation “Walking along the Covenant Path”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 24; 31–34”

Younger Children: Show a picture of Jesus Christ, along with pictures of other things that children might spend time on, such as toys, games, and so on. Ask the children to find the picture that shows what should be most important to us. Share with the children how you are blessed for putting the Lord first in your life—even before other things that are good.
Older Children: Help the children think of examples of things people may be tempted to worship instead of the Lord—things that draw our attention away from Him. Then ask them to share examples of things that help them focus on the Savior and worship Him.

Read together Helaman 7:20–21, and ask the children what they think it means to forget God. Explain that the word forget can also mean “to neglect” or “ignore.” Display a picture of the Savior, and invite the children to draw things they might spend too much time doing that could cause them to forget the Lord. Put their drawings in front of the picture of Jesus. Ask the children to think of things they can do each day to remember Heavenly Father and Jesus. As they share their thoughts, take away the drawings one by one until the picture of the Savior is revealed. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 7–12: “Remember the Lord”)

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.

One message from the account in Exodus 32 is the importance of keeping the first two of the Ten Commandments—do not worship anyone or anything other than the Lord.

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Worship the Lord” Lesson ideas

I Can Stand for Righteousness.

Exodus 32:1–5, 21–24

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 24; 31–34” When the Israelites told Aaron to make a golden idol, he agreed to do it, even though this was wrong (see Deuteronomy 9:20). Consider how you can encourage the children to stand for righteousness, even when others pressure them not to.

Invite the children to read Exodus 32:1–5, 21–24, individually or in pairs, and share what they think Aaron should have done when the Israelites asked him to make a golden calf. How might Aaron have helped the people?
Help the children think of situations they might face when other people ask them to do something they know is wrong. Ask the children to share ideas with each other about what to do in those situations.

Friend April 2019 “What’s on Your Mind” Fill in the the speaking bubbles with what you could say when someone tries to get you to do something that is not right. Try explaining why it’s important to you. Even if others don’t understand your reasons, ask them to be respectful.

Friend November 2017 “Peer Pressure Problems” Ideas on how to deal with peer pressure to avoid making wrong choices.
For additional teaching ideas also see Stand for the Right.

The Lord Talked to Moses Face to Face.

Exodus CHAPTER 33 The Lord promises to be with Israel and drive out the people of the land—The tabernacle of the congregation is moved away from the camp—The Lord speaks to Moses face to face in the tabernacle—Later, Moses sees the glory of God but not His face.

Exodus 33:11

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 24; 31–34”

Tell the children how you feel when you talk with a good friend, and ask them how they feel. Read to them the first sentence of Exodus 33:11. Ask the children how they think the prophet Moses might have felt. Tell the children about times when you have felt close to the Lord, even if you didn’t see Him with your eyes.

Ensign July 2010 “Jesus Christ, Our Perfect Friend”

Sing together a song that expresses how Heavenly Father or Jesus feels about us, such as “Jesus Is Our Loving Friend” (Children’s Songbook, 58). Show pictures of the Savior showing love to others (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 36, 41–43, 46–47). Encourage the children to share how they feel about Heavenly Father and Jesus.

Exodus CHAPTER 34 Moses hews new tables of stone—He goes up into Mount Sinai for forty days—The Lord proclaims His name and attributes and reveals His law—He makes another covenant with Israel—The skin of Moses’ face shines, and he wears a veil.

Friend April 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Tablets from a Mountain

Story: God gave commandments to Moses on stone tablets. The Israelites promised to obey them (see Exodus 24:7).

Song: “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47)

Activity: You can promise to obey too. Make pretend tablets out of paper. Then draw or write on them ways that you keep the commandments.

Additional Resources

See Old Testament Stories & Lesson Ideas & Old Testament: Activities & Games for additional lesson resources.

Come Follow Me Kid “All that the Lord Has Spoken We Will Do”

Come Follow Me Kid “My Presence Shall Go Before Thee”

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 14–17”

Apr 4 2022

Exodus 14–18

Featured

Crossing the Red Sea
- The Lord can do a “great work” in my life.
- I Can Learn to Always Follow the Spirit.
The Lord Provides Manna, Quail, and Water
- The Lord can make bitter things sweet.
- Jesus is my Living Water, my Bread of Life, and my Rock.
Israelites Prevail in Battle as Moses Hands are Held Up
- I can help “bear the burden” of doing the Lord’s work.
Jethro Counsels Moses to Delegate
- I Can Help “Bear the Burden” of Doing the Lord’s Work.
Additional Resources

Crossing the Red Sea

Genesis CHAPTER 14 Israel goes out of Egypt—Israel passes through the Red Sea on dry ground—The Lord overthrows the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.

The Lord can do a “great work” in my life.

Exodus 14:5–22

Think of ways to share the story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea in an interesting and memorable way. For example, you or another ward member could dress up like Moses to tell the story from Exodus 14:5, 9–10, 13–16, 19–22. The children could pretend that the chairs or blankets are the Red Sea, and they could follow the person portraying Moses as he makes a path between them. Or the children could pretend to be the water and move to separate sides of the room as Moses divides them. Emphasize that the Lord gave Moses the power to part the sea so the Israelites could be delivered from captivity.

The Red Crystal This site has a fun reenactment skit. (or you could use the skit below)

Friend April 2022 “Moses Parts the Red Sea” Script to act out Moses parting the Red Sea.

Invite the children to color the activity page as you review with them the story from Exodus 14:5–22. Then they could work together to tell the story using the activity page.

When the Lord parted the Red Sea, Moses and the Israelites saw how powerful He is. (see also “The Passover” in Old Testament Stories, 70–74). Then you could share with each other how you have seen God’s power in your lives.

Old Testament Scripture Stories “The Passover”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 14–17”

As you read Exodus 14:1–10, imagine how the Israelites might have felt as they saw Pharaoh’s army closing in. Perhaps you feel that you need a miracle to survive a difficult challenge you are facing.

Your family members might enjoy trying to “divide” the water in a bowl or a bathtub, as Moses divided the Red Sea. Help them understand that the Red Sea could not be divided without the power of God. How have we seen God’s power in our lives and the lives of our ancestors?

Friend June 2025 “Presentation Panic” Allyson hated talking in front of people, but she had to do a history presentation. She had practiced it several times, but when she got up to give it her mind went blank from fear. She said a prayer in her mind for help. As soon as she finished, her panic faded away and she was able to give her presentation.

Friend October 2023 “Timeon’s Priesthood Blessing” Timeon fell and hurt his arm when playing monkeys with his friends at an empty tree hut. He was in a lot of pain, but there were no doctors close enough to visit in the dark. The elders gave him a priesthood blessing. Soon Timeon’s arm didn’t hurt so much. He felt calm and peaceful. He was even able to fall asleep. They were able to go see a doctor in the morning. Timeon was grateful for priesthood power.

Friend February 2023 “Lost and Found Friends”. School was about to start and Leah was worried about not having a friend. She kept praying for help. Then on the first day of school she found that her best friend was in her class. Heavenly Father had helped her.

I Can Learn to Always Follow the Spirit.

Exodus 14:5–22

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 14–17”

What does Doctrine and Covenants 8:2–3 add to our understanding of the story in Exodus 14? Moses knew by revelation how to lead the Israelites across the Red Sea.

Media Library

Consider telling your children about an experience when the Holy Ghost told you something in your mind or heart, and invite them to talk about their experiences. You could also sing a song about the Holy Ghost, such as “Let the Holy Spirit Guide” (Hymns, no. 143).

Friend March 2020 “Check the Kittens” After everyone has gone to bed, a girl kept having the thought to go and check on their kittens. She acted on the prompting and found that a warming light had fallen over onto the kittens cardboard box and would have caught on fire. The Holy Ghost helped keep their family and kittens safe.

Remind the children of the story of Nephi following the Spirit when he went to get the brass plates (see 1 Nephi 4:1–6). Help the children see that Moses also had to follow the Spirit when he led his people across the Red Sea.

The Lord Provides Manna, Quail, and Water

Exodus CHAPTER 15 The children of Israel sing the song of Moses—They extol the Lord as a man of war and rejoice in their deliverance from Egypt—The waters of Marah are healed—The Lord promises to free Israel from the diseases of Egypt.

Exodus CHAPTER 16 Israel murmurs for want of bread and lusts for the fleshpots of Egypt—The Lord rains bread from heaven and sends quail for meat—Israel is given manna each day, except the Sabbath, for forty years.

The Lord can make bitter things sweet.

Exodus 15:22–25

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Maybe you and your children could drink something sweet and something bitter while studying Exodus 15:22–25 together. How has the Savior made “bitter” experiences in our lives “sweet”?

Why is adversity for our good? Adversity can help us become more like Jesus Christ; It can help us to develop empathy, patience, kindness, humility, faith and trust in God, reliance on God, etc. Ask the children if they would like to share how an adversity they suffered was for their gain.

Jesus is my Living Water, my Bread of Life, and my Rock.

Exodus 15:23–25; 16:14–15; 17:1–6

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Help the children act out the events in Exodus 15:23–25; 16:14–15; 17:1–6, pretending to be Moses or the Israelites. If possible, bring an object to help tell each story, such as a branch (to heal the water at Marah), a jar or pot (to fill with manna), and a stick and rock (for the water at Horeb). As you and your children read Exodus 15:23–25; 16:14–15; 17:1–6, let them help you find objects to help tell each story. What do these stories remind us about what Jesus Christ does for us? As part of your discussion, you might read Matthew 7:24–27; John 4:10–14; 6:29–35, 48–51; Helaman 5:12; Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79.

The Red Crystal Matching activity: One page has scriptures from Exodus, the other page has scriptures that tie it to Jesus. When a match is made, read both scriptures and ask the children how the object taught them about Jesus.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 14–17” Divide the class into pairs or small groups, and assign each group to read one of the following passages: Exodus 15:23–25; 16:14–15; 17:1–6. Ask the children in each group to draw pictures representing what they read in these verses, and then ask other class members to guess what they have drawn. Help the children identify what these stories teach about Jesus Christ. What trials do people have today? How do Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ help us with our trials?

Old Testament Stories “The Israelites in the Wilderness” Video and Illustrations

Friend April 2022 “Moses and the Manna”

As you review these stories, ask the children why bread and water were so important to the children of Israel. What would have happened if they hadn’t had these things?

The accounts of the Lord providing food and water for the Israelites in the wilderness teach us that He can provide for our needs. If we turn to Jesus Christ, He can help us during difficult times in our lives, just as He helped the children of Israel.

Media Library “The Gathering of the Manna”

Additional Resources:

Lesson 20: The Israelites Receive Food from Heaven,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 85–89
Purpose: To help each child observe the Sabbath as a day of worship and joy
For the Strength of Youth April 2022 “Manna”
Institute: Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel “Exodus 11–19”

Israelites Prevail in Battle as Moses Hands are Held Up

Exodus CHAPTER 17 Israel murmurs for want of water—Moses smites a rock in Horeb, and water gushes forth—Aaron and Hur uphold Moses’ hands so that Joshua prevails against Amalek.

I can help “bear the burden” of doing the Lord’s work.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 14–17” The children of Israel were victorious in the battle against Amalek only when Moses had his hands raised in the air. What can we learn about sustaining our leaders from this story?

Exodus 17:8–16; 18:13–26

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

As you read Exodus 17:8–16, you could invite a child to hold their hands high in the air. When the child gets tired, other children could help, the way Aaron and Hur helped Moses. What does this story teach about how we can help God’s kingdom be successful? You could also read Exodus 18:13–26 and talk about the heavy responsibilities of people who serve in your ward. What can we do today to help our Church leaders, just as Aaron and Hur helped the prophet Moses?

Sustaining leaders involves more than just a raised hand—it means that we stand behind them, pray for them, accept assignments and callings from them, hearken to their counsel, and refrain from criticizing them. (Come Follow Me for Aaronic Priesthood “What does it mean to sustain my Church leaders?”)

Friend October 2004 “I Can Sustain the Prophet” Cut out the strip of pictures on this page and cut them apart. Read each sentence, find the picture/word for the missing word, and glue it in place.

Friend November 2019 “Dear Student Dictionary” After President Nelson’s special youth devotional, Matthew looked for ways to be a youth-battalion member. He was kind to others and stood up for kids being teased. After President Nelson’s conference talk about calling the church by its correct name, he wrote a letter to a student dictionary that used the name “Mormons” and explained what the correct name of the church was.

Jethro Counsels Moses to Delegate

Exodus CHAPTER 18 Jethro comes to Moses bringing Moses’ wife and sons and offers sacrifices to the Lord—Moses sits in the judgment seat and hears all cases—Jethro counsels Moses to teach the law, to appoint lesser judges, and to delegate power to them.

I Can Help “Bear the Burden” of Doing the Lord’s Work.

Exodus 18:13–26

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 18–20” Moses learned that trying to lead the children of Israel all by himself was “not good” (Exodus 18:17). Loving and serving one another can help ease the burdens of our leaders.

Invite the children to draw many circles on the board to represent members of the ward. Draw a circle labeled bishop. Why would it be a problem if the bishop were the only one helping everyone else? Read together Exodus 18:13–26 to find out what advice Jethro gave when Moses was trying to do everything himself. Ask the children to label other circles to represent other ward leaders and members who help the bishop serve others. How do these other leaders and members make the bishop’s burden lighter? How can we do the same for our ward leaders? for our parents at home?

Friend December 2019 “Notes for Sister Puckett” Tyler was excited to become a deacon so he could serve and minister like his parents do. (His father takes notes in sacrament for Sister Puckett who is sick, and his mom made taco soup for her.)

Help the children make a list of leaders in your ward. As a class, select one and discuss what this person does to accomplish the Lord’s work and what the children can do to help. (Suggestions: Primary leaders, Primary teachers, chorister, librarians)

Friend December 2018 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!

Giving Talks, Singing, Playing Instruments

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

“Prayer Power” (March 2019 Liahona and Friend)
Lucy and her family pray for their church leaders.

Friend April 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Bear One Another’s Burdens“

Activity: Have one person stand and hold their arms out. Put a book in each of their hands. Add more books until they are too heavy to hold up. Then have two people hold the person’s arms up. Is it easier to carry a burden when you have help? How can you help others? How can you ask for help?

Friend May 2020 “I Will Be Valiant” Song and Sing-along Video.

The Lord needs valiant servants,

To do His work in the latter day,

Who follow the teachings of Jesus

And serve His people in a loving way.

I will be His servant

And keep my cov’nants valiantly.

I’ll stand for truth. I’ll stand for right.

The Lord can depend on me.

Additional Resources

See Old Testament Stories & Lesson Ideas & Old Testament: Activities & Games for additional lesson resources.

Scripture Helps: Old Testament “Exodus 14-18”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 14–17”

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Follow the Prophet” Lesson ideas

Mar 28 2022

Exodus 7–13

Featured

The Plagues of Egypt
The Passover
- The Sacrament Helps Me Remember My Deliverance Through Jesus Christ.
  - The sacrament can help me remember Jesus.
Additional Resources

The Plagues of Egypt

Exodus CHAPTER 7 Moses is appointed to give the word of the Lord to Pharaoh—The Lord will multiply signs and wonders in Egypt—Aaron’s rod becomes a serpent—The river is turned into blood—The magicians imitate the miracles of Moses and Aaron.

Exodus CHAPTER 8 The Lord sends plagues of frogs, lice, and flies upon Egypt—Pharaoh hardens his heart.

Exodus CHAPTER 9 The Lord destroys the cattle of the Egyptians, but not of the Israelites—Boils and blains are sent upon the Egyptians—The Lord sends hail and fire upon the people of Pharaoh, but not upon the people of Israel.

Exodus CHAPTER 10 The Lord sends a plague of locusts—This is followed by thick darkness in all Egypt for three days—Moses is cast out from the presence of Pharaoh.

Exodus CHAPTER 11 The departing Israelites are authorized to ask for jewels and gold from their neighbors—The Lord promises to slay the firstborn in every Egyptian home—He puts a difference between the Egyptians and the Israelites.

The Lord Has Power Over All Things.

Exodus 7–11

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 7–13” The Israelites were in captivity and could not free themselves, but the Lord showed His power and delivered them.

The plagues described in Exodus 7–11 showed the Egyptians and the Israelites that the Lord has great power. The Lord will help your children throughout their lives when they have faith in His power. To help them learn from this story, you could give each child a paper divided into 10 sections, and invite them to draw pictures of the plagues described in these verses: Exodus 7:17–18; 8:1–4; 8:16–17; 8:20–22; 9:1–6; 9:8–9; 9:22–23; 10:4–5; 10:21–22; 11:4–7 (You could also give one scripture reference to each child and have them draw pictures of the plague that they read about. They could then show the picture to the class as they tell about the plague.)

Old Testament Coloring Book “Plagues of Egypt”

See also “The Plagues of Egypt” in Old Testament Stories, 67–69. Read together Exodus 7:5 and 9:14 to explain why the Lord sent the plagues.

Old Testament Stories “The Plagues of Egypt” Illustrations and video

Share with your children how the Lord has shown you “that there is none like [Him] in all the earth” (Exodus 9:14). Let them share how they know that the Lord is powerful. What do the plagues teach us about God’s power? Why is it important to know about His power?

The Lord Has Power to Deliver Me.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 7–13” Children face challenges and need the Lord to help them. The story of the ten plagues the Lord sent to free the Israelites can help the children understand that He also has the power to help them.

Ask the children about times when they felt they needed the Lord’s help. How can He help us in these situations? Encourage them to talk about times when they or their family have experienced the Lord’s power in their lives. Bear your testimony that the Lord has the power to help us.

Friend July 1988 “Power of Prayer” A pioneer father is inspired that something was wrong at home. When he arrives he finds that his daughter has fallen into the fireplace. He gives her a blessing and every promise is fulfilled.

Friend April 2006 “Miracles”

The Lord Can Help Me Have a Soft Heart.

Exodus 8:28–32; 9:7

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Show the children the bowl of water, rock, and sponge. Ask (or show) what would happen if you poured water onto the sponge, and then ask (or show) what would happen if you poured water onto the rock in the water. Just like the hard rock will not absorb water, a hard heart will not let direction from the Lord or others in. Just like a soft sponge will absorb water, a soft heart is open to the Lord’s direction and receives the word of the Lord. A soft heart is humble and teachable. You could then read together a few verses describing how Pharaoh responded to the plagues sent by the Lord (see Exodus 8:28–32; 9:7). Which of the objects best represents Pharaoh’s heart or attitude?(see Mosiah 3:19). Elder Christopher H. Kim’s message “Harden Not Your Heart” could also help your children understand the difference between a hard heart and a soft one (Liahona, May 2025, 118–20, especially the fifth paragraph).

You and your children could make a list of some actions that might show when we have a hard heart (for example, using unkind words or being unwilling to share). How can we show the Lord we want to have soft hearts? (The below hearts could be printed and put on the board and the children could write the lists next to the correct heart.)

Old Testament Scripture Stories “The Passover”

Latter Day Kids “A Soft Heart” Lesson ideas

The Passover

Exodus CHAPTER 12 The Lord institutes the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread—Lambs without blemish are slain—Israel is saved by their blood—The firstborn of all Egyptians are slain—Israel is thrust out of Egypt after 430 years—No bones of the paschal lambs are to be broken.

Exodus CHAPTER 13 The firstborn of man and of beasts are to be sanctified unto the Lord—The Feast of Unleavened Bread is to be kept in the land of Canaan—Moses takes Joseph’s bones out of Egypt—The Lord attends Israel in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.

The Sacrament Helps Me Remember My Deliverance Through Jesus Christ.

Ask some of the children to read Exodus 11:5–6 to learn about the final plague the Lord sent upon the Egyptians. Ask the other children to read Exodus 12:3, 5–7, 13 to learn about how the children of Israel were saved from that plague.

The sacrament can help me remember Jesus.

Exodus 12:1–13

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 7–13”

The Passover taught the children of Israel that the Lord delivered them from Egypt. The Passover also taught the Israelites about the Savior and the sacrifice He would one day make for us. The Passover is symbolic of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which delivers us from sin and death. The Passover taught the Israelites to look forward to the Savior and His sacrifice for us. As you explore Exodus 12:1–13 together, help your children see connections between the details of the Passover and Jesus Christ’s Atonement (see also “The Passover” in Old Testament Stories, 70–74). For example, how is Jesus like the lamb described in verse 5?

Old Testament Seminary Student Material & Old Testament Seminary Teacher Material

Lamb (Jesus Christ)

Blood (Atonement of Jesus Christ)

Bitter herbs (bondage, sin)

Unleavened bread (repentance, removal of sin)

Lamb without blemish (Exodus 12:4–6, 46) Jesus Christ, “the Lamb of God” (John 1:36), was perfect and was slain for the sins of the world.

Blood of the lamb on the lintel and door posts (Exodus 12:6–7, 12–13) The lamb’s blood needed to be placed around the doors to protect the people inside from the destroying angel.. The Atonement of Jesus Christ can protect us from the power of Satan as we apply the conditions of repentance in our lives.

Unleavened bread (Exodus 12:8, 15) Leaven, or yeast, causes bread to become moldy. As part of our repentance, we are to rid our lives of anything that can corrupt our spirits.

Bitter herbs (Exodus 12:8) The bitter herbs reminded the Israelites of their years of bitter bondage in Egypt. The bitter bondage is like the bitterness of our sins.

Scripture Helps: Old Testament “Exodus 7-13” On the evening before Jesus Christ was crucified, He and His disciples shared a Passover meal together. At the end of this meal, Jesus introduced the ordinance of the sacrament, which He told His disciples to repeat in remembrance of Him. The following day, in similitude of the lamb that was sacrificed as part of the Passover, the Lamb of God was sacrificed on the cross for the sins of the world. His sacrifice ended the need for animal sacrifices.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Today, we take the sacrament to remember Jesus’s sacrifice. You could show your children a picture of the sacrament and talk about how this ordinance helps us remember Jesus Christ. You might help your children find the word “remember” in the sacrament prayers (see Moroni 4–5).

Friend June 2023 “A Tiny Piece of Bread” Anahí was excited to take the sacrament at the church building again after Covid was over, but by the time the tray got to her there was only a small crumb left. She picked it up and put it in her mouth, but all day long she worried that it didn’t count because it was only a crumb. But her mom said, “I saw you looking at the little picture of Jesus. What were you thinking about?” Anahi said, “I was thinking about how Jesus loves me. And about the nail prints in His hands and feet. And all He did for us.” Her mom explained, “That’s why we take the bread and water. To remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us.” So the size of the bread doesn’t matter, what matters is how you feel as you remember the Savior.

Sing together “The Sacrament” (Children’s Songbook, 72). Or sing together a favorite hymn about the sacrament, and help your children notice the peaceful feeling they have when they think about the Savior. How can we seek that feeling when we take the sacrament?

Exodus 12:1–42.

After reading Exodus 12:1–42 together, you could write on pieces of paper things you can do as a family to remember Jesus Christ’s Atonement. Because the lamb’s blood on the door posts (see verse 23) represented the Savior, you could place these papers around a doorway in your home. You could also eat some of the foods from the Passover, such as unleavened bread (crackers or tortillas) or bitter herbs (parsley or horseradish), and discuss how the Passover helps us remember how God delivered His people. For example, the unleavened bread reminded them that there was not time for their bread to rise before they fled from captivity. The bitter herbs reminded them of the bitterness of captivity. (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 7–13”)

Additional Resources

See Old Testament Stories & Lesson Ideas & Old Testament: Activities & Games for additional lesson resources.

Lesson 19: Moses Delivers the Israelites from Bondage,” Primary 6: Old Testament

Scripture Helps: Old Testament “Exodus 7-13”

How were Pharaoh’s magicians able to imitate some of the miracles performed by Moses and Aaron?

President Dallin H. Oaks remarked: “You will remember that the magicians in Pharaoh’s court duplicated some of the miracles Moses produced through the power of God [see Exodus 7–8]. Perhaps these magicians were servants of the devil, using his power, but I think it more likely that they were simply skilled practitioners of magic tricks that they used to reinforce their position in Pharaoh’s court.”

Although the magicians of Egypt were able to perform some imitations, they were never able to prevent or overcome the plagues the Lord sent. In fact, their imitations of the first two plagues likely made circumstances worse for the people of Egypt. The contrast between the Lord’s priesthood power exercised by Moses and the imitations wrought by the magicians of Egypt illustrates that God’s power is superior to all other forms of power.

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Know That I Am the Lord” Lesson ideas

Mar 21 2022

Exodus 1-6

Featured

ISRAELITES IN BONDAGE
MOSES IN EGYPT then MIDIAN
- God can work through me to fulfill His purposes.
MOSES AND THE BURNING BUSH
- I can treat holy places with reverence.
- When the Lord asks me to do something, He will help me do it.
Additional Lesson Topic Ideas
- The Lord sees our afflictions and will help as we turn to him.
- Jesus Christ is my Deliverer.
Additional Resources

ISRAELITES IN BONDAGE

Exodus CHAPTER 1 The children of Israel multiply—They are placed in bondage by the Egyptians—Pharaoh seeks to destroy the sons born to Hebrew women.

MOSES IN EGYPT then MIDIAN

Exodus CHAPTER 2 Moses is born to Levite parents, is raised by Pharaoh’s daughter, slays an Egyptian in defense of an Israelite, flees to Midian, and marries Zipporah—Israel in bondage cries to the Lord.

God can work through me to fulfill His purposes.

Exodus 1–2

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 1–6

Moses had a major role in freeing Israel from bondage. But he wouldn’t have been able to accomplish this if his mother, his sister, Pharaoh’s daughter, and other faithful women hadn’t protected and cared for him. Help your children learn about these women in Exodus 1:15–20; Exodus 2:2–10 (see also Numbers 26:59); and Exodus 2:16–21. You could also use this week’s activity page and “Baby Moses” (in Old Testament Stories, 61–63) to tell their stories. How did these women help fulfill God’s plan?

Old Testament Stories “Baby Moses” Illustrations and video

Friend March 2022 “Scripture Hero Cards”

Lesson 18: The Birth and Calling of Moses,” Primary 6: Old Testament (Page 90-95) Tie the ends of the yarn together. Hand the yarn to a child and tell him or her to hold it up in a circle using only his or her hands. When the child cannot do so, ask another child to help, then another until all the children are helping form the yarn into a circle. (If you have only two or three children in the class, have them make a square or a six-sided figure.)

Explain that as each person was needed to help make the shape, each of us has a mission to fulfill in the kingdom of God. Tell the children that in this lesson they will learn about the prophet Moses and the mission he was called to perform.

Explain that there are many important things that Heavenly Father and Jesus need us to do. Ask the children to take turns writing their suggestions on the chalkboard. These may include being a parent, a teacher, a Church leader, or a good example. Emphasize that each of us has at least one mission to perform on earth and that God needs all of us to help build his kingdom.

Tell the children about people you admire because of their faithfulness in serving God and those around them, even when they serve in small ways. Invite the children to talk about people they know who have faithfully served God and others. What is our part in God’s work?

Friend March 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Story: When Moses was a baby, his mother hid him in a basket to keep him safe. His sister helped take care of him too. He grew up and became a prophet. (See Exodus 2:1–10.)

Activity: You can help others too! Go to page 12 to make a paper basket, like the one Moses was in. On pieces of paper, write ways you can serve others (and God). Then put the papers in the basket. When you want to help someone, choose a piece of paper and do what it says.

Friend March 2022 “Make a Basket for Baby Moses”

Sing together a song about service, such as “‘Give,’ Said the Little Stream” (Children’s Songbook, 236). Help the children think of simple things they can do to help others at home, at church, and at school.

MOSES AND THE BURNING BUSH

Exodus CHAPTER 3 The Lord appears to Moses at the burning bush—Moses is called to deliver Israel from bondage—The Lord identifies Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and as the Great I AM—He promises to smite Egypt and bring His people out with great wealth.

Exodus 3:1–5 The Lord asked Moses to remove his shoes at the burning bush as a sign of respect and reverence.

I can treat holy places with reverence.

Exodus 3:1–5

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 1–6

After reading Exodus 3:1–5 together, ask your children to summarize these verses in their own words (see also “Moses the Prophet” in Old Testament Stories, 64–66). You could also review the beginning of Elder Ulisses Soares’s message “Reverence for Sacred Things” (Liahona, May 2025, 108).

Old Testament Stories “Moses the Prophet” Story illustrations and Videos

How did Moses show reverence in the Lord’s presence? How does the Lord want us to show reverence? You might also ask your children to help you find (or draw) pictures of sacred places or activities where we should be reverent.
Activity ideas: Have the children sort these pictures, or the list below the pictures, into places where we should be reverent and where we don’t need to be reverent.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 1–6

Talk about how being reverent at appropriate times helps us know Heavenly Father and Jesus better and feel their presence in our lives.

Sing together a song about reverence, such as “Reverence Is Love” (Children’s Songbook, 31). As you do, your children could find words or phrases that explain what it means to be reverent. If we were bringing a friend to church for the first time, how would we explain what it means to be reverent?

For additional teaching ideas see Reverence.

When the Lord asks me to do something, He will help me do it.

Exodus 3–4

Using the account in Exodus 3; 4:1–17, let your children take turns pretending to be Moses. It might be fun to include objects or simple props, such as a flashlight and a plant to represent the burning bush.

Gospel Art Picture: “Moses and the Burning Bush”

Help your children discover how Moses felt about the assignment the Lord gave him (see Exodus 3:11; 4:1, 10). Maybe you could share with each other times when you had similar feelings. What advice would we share with Moses to help him? Read about how the Lord encouraged Moses in Exodus 3:12; 4:2–9, 11–12. Tell the children how the Savior has helped you fulfill a calling, follow a prompting, or do something else that was hard for you.

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

Help the children think of situations when they might be asked to do something that seems hard. Explain that just as Jesus helped Moses, Jesus will also help them. Sing a song about how Jesus helps us, such as “I Will Walk with Jesus” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Testify that the Savior will help us when we are worried or scared.

Friend June 2020 ” The Only Bald Deacon” Carlos was losing his hair due to cancer, so he shaved the patchy hair off. He was anxious about people staring at him when he passed the sacrament. He and his family said a prayer together before going in to church, and he felt peaceful and ready. When he got into the chapel he found all the other deacons with shaved their heads too.

Friend November 2019 “The Primary Talk” Dennis was afraid to give a talk in Primary because he stutters. He prayed, prepared, and practiced but he was still nervous, so he asked his father to give him a blessing. After the blessing he was able to give the talk with only a few stutters, and he knew Heavenly Father helped him.

Additional Lesson Topic Ideas

The Lord sees our afflictions and will help as we turn to him.

Exodus 3:7

The Lord explained to Moses that He had seen the afflictions of the children of Israel, heard their prayers, and knew their sorrows (see Exodus 3:7).

Assign each person an emotion based on the color they’re wearing most of:
- Yellow = happy
- Blue = sad
- Red = angry
- Green = calm
- Orange = scared
- Other = confused or surprised
Each person will share a specific experience when they’ve felt that emotion.
Can we tell how people are feeling just by their appearance or what they’re wearing?
Who sees all our emotions, including our afflictions and sorrows, even when others might not be able to?
Find scriptures that show how Jesus Christ knows and understands us.

Discussion: What are some trials we’ve been through? How can we know that the Lord was aware of us through those times?

Jesus Christ is my Deliverer.

Jesus Christ is also known as our “Deliverer.” What does it mean to deliver? Talk about how He has power to save us from sin and death. He also had a plan to deliver the Israelites

One of the central themes in the book of Exodus is that God has power to free His people from oppression. The enslavement of the Israelites as described in Exodus 1 could be seen as a symbol of the captivity we all face because of sin and death (see 2 Nephi 2:26–27; 9:10; Alma 36:28).

Additional Resources

See Old Testament Stories & Lesson Ideas & Old Testament: Activities & Games for additional lesson resources.

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Mar 14 2022

Genesis 42–50

Featured

JOSEPH FORGIVES HIS BROTHERS
- I can show love and forgiveness to my family.
- Heavenly Father Sent Jesus Christ to Save Me.
JACOB GOES TO EGYPT
JACOB BLESSES HIS CHILDREN
- The Lord helps me through priesthood blessings.
JOSPEPH'S PROPHECIES
- Heavenly Father Prepared Joseph Smith to be a Prophet in Our Day.
Additional Resources

JOSEPH FORGIVES HIS BROTHERS

Genesis CHAPTER 42 Jacob sends his sons to buy grain in Egypt—They bow before Joseph—He makes harsh accusations against them, imprisons Simeon, and sends them back for Benjamin.

Genesis CHAPTER 43 Jacob is persuaded to send Benjamin to Egypt—Joseph’s brothers show respect to him—They all eat and drink together.

Genesis CHAPTER 44 Joseph arranges to stop the return of his brothers to Canaan—Judah offers himself in place of Benjamin for their father’s sake.

Genesis CHAPTER 45 Joseph makes himself known to his brothers—They rejoice together—Pharaoh invites Jacob and his family to dwell in Egypt and eat the fat of the land.

I can show love and forgiveness to my family.

Genesis 42–44; 45:4–15

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 42–50” & Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 42–50”

It might be fun for your children to reenact the story of Joseph reuniting his family (see Genesis 42–44). Have fun with it—use costumes and props if you’d like. Encourage children to try to understand the emotions and perspectives of the characters.

Or they could use “Joseph and the Famine” (in Old Testament Stories, 57–60) or pictures in this outline to teach the story to each other. As they do, ask them how they think Joseph might have felt to see his brothers again or how the brothers might have felt when they finally recognized Joseph.

Old Testament Stories “Joseph and the Famine” Illustrations

Here are some questions that could help your children learn from the story:

What did Joseph do to show love for his family? (see Genesis 45:4–15).
Why do you feel Joseph forgave his brothers?
How do you think Joseph’s brothers felt when they found out Joseph had forgiven them? Who in your life needs to be forgiven? How can you show love and forgiveness?

What did Joseph do or say to let his brothers know he forgave them? What can we say or do when others ask us to forgive them? You or your children may want to share an experience when they forgave someone or when someone forgave them. How did they feel? (To give them time to think, share an experience of your own, and testify of the blessings that came from forgiveness.)What do we learn about forgiveness from the Savior’s example? (see Luke 23:33–34).

Friend August 2021 “Not Invited” Becky isn’t invited to her friend’s birthday party. She feels really left out and sad. She prays to be able to forgive her friend and is able to play together the next day. When Becky has her birthday party she invites her.

Friend May 2020 “Sister Squabble” Jaide’s little sister borrowed her tennis shoes without asking and accidentally got them muddy. Jaide was so mad that she told her sister, “I wish you weren’t my sister.” She felt terrible about what she said. She read a scripture about Jesus forgiving and healing someone and she realized, she needed to forgive and try and fix what she had done to her sister with her words.

Joseph’s brothers had done terrible things to him. Yet Joseph forgave them and brought peace to his family.

Gospel Art Picture: “Joseph Greets His Brothers in Egypt”

You could then sing a song such as “Love One Another” (Children’s Songbook, 136) or “Help Me, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook, 99). (When you sing about forgiving in “Help Me, Dear Father”, invite the children to point to Joseph on the activity page. When you sing about repenting, invite them to point to his brothers.)

For Additional Teaching Ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Forgiveness” and Resources for Teaching Children “Forgiveness”

Heavenly Father Sent Jesus Christ to Save Me.

Genesis 45:5–11

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 42–50”

How can you help your children see the Savior in the story of Joseph saving his family from famine? Consider making a chart with two columns labeled Joseph and Jesus Christ. Help your children search the following pairs of scriptures and fill in the chart with things that Joseph and Jesus have in common: Genesis 37:3 and Matthew 3:17; Genesis 37:26–28 and Matthew 26:14–16; Genesis 45:5–7 and Luke 4:18; and Genesis 47:12 and John 6:35.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 42–50”

Ask your children what it means to save or rescue someone. If any of them have had an experience being saved or rescued from danger, invite them to share. How did Joseph save his brothers? (see Genesis 42:1–3; 45:5–7). Then you could look at a picture of the Savior together and ask your children to talk about how Jesus saves us.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020: 2 Nephi 6-10 Tell the children a story of a person who fell into a pit so deep that he or she could not climb out. A man came along and lifted this person out of the pit. You may want to draw a picture of this story on the board or act it out with the children. Explain that this pit is like death and the man who helped the person is like Jesus Christ, who saved all people from death by giving us the gift of resurrection. Tell the children that this same person fell into another pit. This time the rescuer gave the person a ladder to use in climbing out of the pit. Explain that this pit is like sin and the ladder is the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which allows us to repent and be forgiven of our sins. Read 2 Nephi 9:22–23, and bear your testimony of Jesus Christ and His Atonement.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 42–50” The story of Joseph saving his family from famine can teach us about Jesus Christ, who saves us from sin and death.

For additional teaching ideas see Jesus Christ: Lesson Ideas

JACOB GOES TO EGYPT

Genesis CHAPTER 46 The Lord sends Jacob and his family of seventy souls to Egypt—The descendants of Jacob are named—Joseph meets Jacob.

Genesis CHAPTER 47 The Israelites settle in Goshen—Jacob blesses Pharaoh—Joseph sells grain to the Egyptians—Pharaoh receives the Egyptians’ cattle and lands—Jacob desires to be buried with his fathers in Canaan.

JACOB BLESSES HIS CHILDREN

Genesis CHAPTER 48 Jacob tells of the appearance of God to him in Luz—He adopts Ephraim and Manasseh as his own children—Jacob blesses Joseph—He puts Ephraim before Manasseh—The seed of Ephraim will become a multitude of nations—The children of Israel will come again into the land of their fathers.

Genesis Chapter 49 Jacob blesses his sons and their seed—Reuben, Simeon, and Levi are chastened—Judah will rule until Shiloh (Christ) comes—Joseph is a fruitful bough by a well—His branches (the Nephites and Lamanites) will run over the wall—The Shepherd and Stone of Israel (Christ) will bless Joseph temporally and spiritually—Jacob chooses to be buried with his fathers in Canaan—He yields up the ghost and is gathered to his people.

The Lord helps me through priesthood blessings.

Genesis 48:8–9

You and your children could look at the picture of Jacob blessing his sons at the end of this outline and discuss what is happening (see Genesis 48:8–9). If needed, explain that Jacob, Joseph’s father, wanted to give priesthood blessings to his family. Perhaps you could share with each other any experiences you’ve had receiving help from God through a priesthood blessing. What are some reasons we might ask for a priesthood blessing?

Read to the children Genesis 48:8–9. Explain that Israel, also called Jacob, was Joseph’s father and that he wanted to give Joseph’s children a priesthood blessing. If any of the children have received a priesthood blessing, invite them to tell about their experience. Or share an experience of your own.

Friend February 2016 “You are Special” Emma gets a father’s blessing.

Jacob blessed his sons and grandsons (see Genesis 48–49). Today we can receive priesthood blessings that give us comfort, healing, guidance, and spiritual strength.

Friend September 2025 “Gospel Basics: Teach Me about Priesthood Blessings”

Help the children think of reasons they might ask for a priesthood blessing. Also help them name priesthood holders they could ask, such as a father, grandfather, or ministering brother.

JOSPEPH’S PROPHECIES

Genesis CHAPTER 50 Jacob’s body is embalmed—Joseph buries him in Canaan—Joseph comforts his brothers—The children of Israel multiply—Joseph promises that God will bring Israel out of Egypt into Canaan—Joseph dies in Egypt and is embalmed.

Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:27–33 (in the Bible appendix)Joseph in Egypt prophesies of Moses freeing Israel from Egyptian bondage; of a branch of Joseph’s descendants being led to a faraway land, where they will be remembered in the covenants of the Lord; of God calling a latter-day prophet named Joseph to join the records of Judah and of Joseph; and of Aaron serving as a spokesman for Moses.

Heavenly Father Prepared Joseph Smith to be a Prophet in Our Day.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 42–50” Thousands of years in advance, Joseph of Egypt saw that the Lord would call Joseph Smith to do a great work in the latter days. Teach the children how the Lord has blessed us through the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Give the children descriptive clues about Joseph Smith, and invite them to guess who you are describing. Include clues from Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:27–33 (in the Bible appendix), such as “he taught us about covenants” (see verse 28), “he gave us the word of the Lord” (see verse 30), and “he was named after his father” (see verse 33). After the children guess correctly, invite them to find these clues in the verses. What else do we learn about Joseph Smith from the prophecy of Joseph in Egypt?

Liahona February 2020 “Meet the Four Josephs” Lehi tells his son Joseph about some of the prophecies that Joseph of Egypt made about Joseph Smith, who was named after his father, Joseph. The article includes the following: What Did Joseph of Egypt Say about Joseph Smith? How Was Joseph Smith Like Joseph of Egypt? How Did Lehi Know about Joseph of Egypt?

Show the children pictures that represent important things Joseph Smith did or taught (see, for example, Gospel Art Book, nos. 89–95, 97, 98, 117, 118). Help the children think of blessings we have because of Joseph Smith. For example, how has his work helped us come closer to Jesus Christ?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 135-136”

Additional Resources

For additional lesson resources see Old Testament Stories & Lesson Ideas & Old Testament: Activities & Games.

Lesson 17: Joseph Forgives His Brothers,” Primary 6: Old Testament Pages 86–89

Scripture Helps “Genesis 42-50”

Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel “Genesis 37-50”

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Mar 7 2022

Genesis 37–41

Featured

JOSEPH IS SOLD INTO EGYPT
- I Can Be Kind to My Family.
- I Can Be Happy when Good Things Happen to Others.
JOSEPH FLEES POTIPHAR'S WIFE
- With the Lord’s Help, I Can Flee Temptation.
- God Can Help Me when Bad Things Happen.
Joseph Interprets Dreams
- God Can Warn Me of Danger.
Additional Teaching Ideas:

JOSEPH IS SOLD INTO EGYPT

Genesis Chapter 37 Jacob loves and favors Joseph, who is hated by his brothers—Joseph dreams that his parents and brothers make obeisance to him—His brothers sell him into Egypt.

I Can Be Kind to My Family.

Genesis 37

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 37–41”

Reading about the hard feelings in Joseph’s family could prompt a discussion about how we should treat family members. To tell the story of Joseph and his brothers from Genesis 37, you could use the pictures in this outline or in “Joseph’s Inspired Dreams” (in Old Testament Stories, 47–51). Let your children share details they know about the story.

Old Testament Stories “Joseph’s Inspired Dreams” Illustrations

“Joseph, Son of Israel (Part 1)” (May 1990 Friend)
An illustrated retelling of the story of Joseph’s brothers being angry and selling him into slavery.

Old Testament Study Guide for Home-Study Seminary Students “Unit 7: Day 3, Genesis 33–37” It may help you to understand the following: Sheaves (see Genesis 37:7) are bundles of wheat. To make obeisance (see Genesis 37:7) means to bow down before a superior to show deep respect. To rebuke (see Genesis 37:10) is to reprimand or correct. To observe (see Genesis 37:11), in this context, means to consider and reflect.

You might ask your children to imagine they were in Joseph’s family. What would they have said or done to be a peacemaker in the family? For example, what does it mean to “speak peaceably” in our family? (verse 4). How is Jesus Christ a peacemaker in God’s family?

Friend September 2021 “Saying the Nice Things” Jonathon wasn’t looking forward to the weekend because lately there had been more bickering and teasing in the family. He prayed for help figuring out a way to make things better. Then he had an idea for home evening. When he conducted, he started a new thing where whoever conducts says a nice thing about each family member. Everyone felt warm and happy after Jonathon said nice things about them.

Friend June 2019 “Family Night Fun” Ideas for a FHE lesson on family love. For example: Write on hearts things you love about each other or things you can do to show kindness in your family. Put the hearts around your house to remind you to show love this week. Also, make a strawberry heart shish-ka-bob for the refreshment

Ensign July 2017 Make a paper doll chain and on each doll write something you love about a family member.

Friend October 2019 “Family Night Fun” Have each person write their name at the bottom of a paper and draw an outline of their head in the middle. Have everyone pass their paper to the person next to them. Add something to the head—like eyes or hair—to look like the person whose name is on the paper. Then write something nice about them on the page. Keep passing the papers, adding to the pictures and writing nice things, until everyone gets their own paper back. You can strengthen your family by being kind and seeing the best in each other!

Friend July 2015 – A girl learns that she controls how she reacts to annoying brother.

Let the children color this week’s activity page and, in the space provided, draw a picture of a way you can be kind to your family.

Sing together a song about loving our families, such as “A Happy Family” (Children’s Songbook, 198). What can we do to help our families be happy?

I Can Be Happy when Good Things Happen to Others.

Genesis 37:3–28

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 37–41” Jealousy led Joseph’s brothers to make terrible choices. Their wrong choices hurt Joseph and broke their father’s heart. This story can help the children choose to be happy when others are blessed by the Lord.

Invite the children to review Genesis 37:3–11 and draw pictures of Joseph’s coat and his two dreams. How did Joseph’s brothers feel about Joseph? How could they have responded differently? Discuss why it is important to be happy when good things happen to other people.

Old Testament Study Guide for Home-Study Seminary Students “Unit 7: Day 3, Genesis 33–37”

“Lesson 38: Genesis 35–37,” Old Testament Seminary Student Material

Sometimes a person might feel envious or jealous if a sibling or close friend receives an important award; is selected for an athletic team, band, orchestra, or choir; or performs the best in his or her class on an exam.

What is the danger of feeling envious or jealous of others who experience good fortune?

We can learn the following principle from the account of Joseph and his brothers: Choosing to hate or envy others can lead us to commit additional sins.

Gospel Art Picture: “Joseph Is Sold by His Brothers”

When others have possessions, talents, or attention that we would like to have, how can we avoid feelings of hatred or envy toward them? (Be happy for them, be glad that God is kind, give them a hug and say kind, glad words to them, pray for a loving heart, etc.)

“Why is it important not to be jealous of others?” (August 2013 Liahona and Friend)
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shares some thoughts on this subject.

Ask the children to share some situations in which a person might feel jealous of someone else. Sing together a song about showing love to others, such as “Love One Another” (Children’s Songbook, 136–37). Emphasize that Heavenly Father can help us replace feelings of jealousy with feelings of love.

“Matt and Mandy” (May 2009 Friend) Matt and Mandy learn it’s good that others are better at some things because then we can learn from them
“Lesson 15: Joseph Was Sold into Egypt,” Primary 6: Old Testament

JOSEPH FLEES POTIPHAR’S WIFE

Genesis Chapter 39 Joseph, prospered by the Lord, becomes ruler of Potiphar’s house—He resists the advances of Potiphar’s wife, is falsely accused, and is cast into prison—The keeper of the prison commits the prison’s affairs into Joseph’s hands.

With the Lord’s Help, I Can Flee Temptation.

Genesis 39:7–12

Old Testament Stories “Joseph in Egypt” Illustrations

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 37–41”

Here’s an object lesson that can help your children follow Joseph’s example of fleeing from Potiphar’s wife: Use two magnets to represent Jesus Christ and Satan. Use a small metal object, like a paper clip, to represent us. Then let your children see how the influence of a magnet on the metal object is stronger when they move the object closer to it. How does Joseph’s experience in Genesis 39:7–12 illustrate this truth?

What can we do to move away from sin and closer to Jesus? The video “Temptation Fades as We Seek Christ in Every Thought” (Gospel Library) and a song like “I Need Thee Every Hour” (Hymns, no. 98) can help with this discussion.

As the children you teach face temptations throughout their lives, they can gain strength from Joseph’s example of fleeing temptation.

Show a picture of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife (see Gospel Art Book, no. 11), and share the story in Genesis 39:7–12. How did Joseph resist temptation?

Help your children think of temptations they might face. Let them role-play how they could “flee” from these temptations.

Lesson 15: Joseph Was Sold into Egypt,” Primary 6: Old Testament

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know that it is harder to avoid temptation when we allow ourselves to get close to it. Discuss with the children how they could distance themselves from temptation in the following situations:
1. A plate of your favorite dessert is on the table, ready to be taken to a sick neighbor.
2. Your parents have warned you not to swim without someone watching. You are alone by the water on a very hot day; perhaps you could just wade up to your knees …
3. Some of your friends are trying to convince you to try smoking a cigarette. Whenever you are with them, they dare you to take just one puff.
4. You are troubled by bad thoughts when you read a certain book.You could make a list on the chalkboard of other temptations, such as gossiping, looking at vulgar magazines, using bad language, dressing immodestly, watching inappropriate movies or television shows, telling unclean jokes or stories, listening to improper song lyrics, or using drugs. Discuss strategies for resisting evil, such as removing ourselves from the situation and replacing the temptation with something wholesome. Erase each harmful influence from the chalkboard as it is discussed.

For additional teaching ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Temptation”

God Can Help Me when Bad Things Happen.

Genesis 37:18–28; 39:20–23; 41:38

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 37–41”

When your children face hard times, they need to know that the Lord will be with them, as He was with Joseph. Perhaps you could help your children make a list of hard things that happened to Joseph (see Genesis 37:23–28; 39:20; or “Joseph’s Inspired Dreams” and “Joseph in Egypt,” in Old Testament Stories, 47–51, 52–56). After each hardship they find, invite your children to repeat, “The Lord was with Joseph” Genesis 39:1–3, 20–23 . Invite the children to share what they think the phrase “the Lord was with Joseph” means (Genesis 39:2). Invite them to share experiences when they felt that the Lord was with them or their families during a hard time. Share similar experiences from your life.

Share pictures of the Savior helping people who were facing challenges (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 40–43). Invite the children to share how the Savior was helping the people. Share your testimony that the Lord can help us when bad things happen to us.

Friend April 2018 “Trouble in Adventure Forest” When Owen’s feet get burned he learns that Heavenly Father doesn’t always stop bad things from happening, but He helps us get through them.

Friend March 2022 “Heavenly Father Will Help Me through Hard Times”

Friend April 2018 “Joseph Trusted God”

For additional teaching ideas see Adversity and Resources for Teaching Children: Trials

Sing a song about the Savior’s loving care for us, such as “Jesus Is Our Loving Friend” (Children’s Songbook, 58). Share an experience when you have felt God’s love during a challenging time. Show a picture of Jesus, and invite the children to share how they feel about Him.

Flipchart from The Primary Pad can be found here.

Joseph Interprets Dreams

Genesis CHAPTER 40 Joseph interprets the dreams of Pharaoh’s chief butler and chief baker—The butler fails to tell Pharaoh about Joseph.

Genesis CHAPTER 41 Pharaoh dreams of the cattle and the ears of grain—Joseph interprets the dreams as seven years of plenty and seven of famine—He proposes a grain storage program—Pharaoh makes him ruler of all Egypt—Joseph marries Asenath—He gathers grain as the sand upon the seashore—Asenath bears Manasseh and Ephraim—Joseph sells grain to Egyptians and others during the famine.

God Can Warn Me of Danger.

Old Testament Stories for Young Readers “Joseph Prepares for Hard Times”

Genesis 41:15–36, 47–57

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 37–41” God helped Joseph understand that Pharaoh’s dreams were a warning to prepare for hard times coming in the future. Help the children understand that God can warn them of danger, including spiritual danger.

Scatter pictures of food around the room, and invite the children to gather them and “store” them in a container. Use this activity to tell the children about how God warned Pharaoh to prepare for a time when there wouldn’t be food (see Genesis 41:15–36, 47–57). Let the children draw pictures of the things Pharaoh dreamed about and then use their pictures to teach their families at home.
Show a picture of the current prophet. Tell the children about teachings or warnings God has given us through him. Explain that we will be blessed and protected as we follow the prophet. Invite the children to act out things they can do to follow the prophet’s counsel.

Read Genesis 41:53–57, looking for what happened because Pharaoh followed Joseph’s counsel.

What is a principle we can identify from this account about following the counsel of prophets and inspired leaders?

Church News “Heed Warnings from President Nelson—a Modern-Day Watchman on the Tower”

President Nelson’s Warning:

“In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost,”

President Nelson’s Teachings:

Choose to do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly.”
“I urge you to stretch beyond your current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation.”
“I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation.”
Humble yourself before God.
Pour out your heart to your Heavenly Father.
Turn to Him for answers and for comfort.
Pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears, your weaknesses—yes, the very longings of your heart.
Listen!
Write the thoughts that come to your mind.
Record your feelings.
Follow through with actions that you are prompted to take.

Friend October 2017 “A Friendly Primary Visitor” A pilot comes to Primary and acts out flying and what could happen if he didn’t listen to the control tower. He likens the control tower to the prophet.

Ensign August 2007 “Latter-day Prophets Speak on Preparedness” Quotes by different prophets about preparedness and food storage.

Friend March 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Preparedness Planning”

Story: Joseph helped the people in Egypt prepare for hard times. You can read this story on page 8 or in Genesis 41.

Activity: Make an emergency plan. Talk about ways your family can prepare for emergencies. What can you start today?

What can we learn about preparing for future emergencies? Discuss what you can do to be better prepared as a family. For ideas, see Gospel Topics, “Emergency Preparedness,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Emergency Preparedness FHE Lesson – Preparing for Natural Disasters

Emergency Preparedness – FHE Lesson LDS Daily

Additional Teaching Ideas:

For additional lesson resources see Old Testament Stories & Lesson Ideas & Old Testament: Activities & Games.

Scripture Helps Old Testament “Genesis 37-41”

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 24–27”

“Lesson 14: ” Primary 6: Old Testament “Joseph was Sold into Egypt” Pages 62-66

Ask the children if they have ever had something small, like a piece of sand, in their eye. How did it feel? Show the children the picture of the oyster and the pearl, or, if available, show a pearl and some sand. Explain that something as beautiful as a pearl can develop from the irritation caused by a small grain of sand inside an oyster shell. Explain that there are things in our lives that can cause irritations, like being hurt, disappointed, mistreated, or misjudged. We can complain, be sad, be angry, or be jealous, or we can have a positive attitude and make the best of the situation.

“Lesson 14: ” Primary 6: Old Testament “Joseph in Egypt” Pages 67-70

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Latter Day Kids “Joseph in Egypt” Lesson ideas

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “The Lord is With Us” Lesson Ideas

Mar 1 2022

Genesis 24–27

Featured

ISAAC AND REBEKAH
- I Can Be Kind to Others.
JACOB AND ESAU
- Eternal things are more important than worldly things.
GENESIS 28-33 Lesson ideas
- Additional Resources

ISAAC AND REBEKAH

Genesis CHAPTER 24 Abraham commands that Isaac shall not marry a Canaanite—The Lord guides Abraham’s servant in choosing Rebekah as a wife for Isaac—Rebekah is blessed to be the mother of thousands of millions—She marries Isaac.

I Can Be Kind to Others.

Genesis 24:10–21

To highlight Rebekah’s impressive example of kindness, you could show your children the picture below or this week’s activity page as you summarize the story in Genesis 24:10–21. This could lead to a conversation a.

Show the picture of Rebekah in this week’s activity page. Point out details in the picture as you summarize the story in Genesis 24:10–21, in which Rebekah showed kindness to the servant of Abraham. Point out that her words and act of kindness were the sign that Rebekah was the one that God wanted to marry Abraham’s son Isaac.

Your children might enjoy acting out the story. Invite the children to pretend to be the servant arriving with his camels or Rebekah getting water for them. Give them phrases to recite from the scriptures, such as “Let me … drink a little water” (verse 17) and “I will draw water for thy camels also” (verse 19). Why is it important for us to be kind to others?

Latter Day Kids “Rebekah at the Well” Lesson ideas

Tell a story about how the Savior showed kindness to someone. Invite some of the children to share their own experiences of showing kindness, or they could tell of acts of kindness they have seen.

Friend July 2023 “The Making Things Better Club” Josie and Ashlyn start a “Making Things Better Club.” They looked for people to help, like kids that need a friend. Soon Josie was doing it without thinking and realized that it was making her better.

How can we be kind like Rebekah?

Consider singing a song about kindness together, such as “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145). Your children could listen for the word “kindness” (or a similar word) and stand when they hear it.

Friend April 2018

JACOB AND ESAU

Genesis CHAPTER 25 Abraham marries, has descendants, dies, and is buried in the cave of Machpelah—His descendants through Ishmael are listed—Rebekah conceives, and Jacob and Esau struggle in her womb—The Lord reveals their destiny to Rebekah—Esau sells his birthright for a mess of pottage.

Genesis Chapter 26 The Lord promises Isaac posterity as the stars of heaven in number—In his seed, all nations will be blessed—The Lord prospers Isaac, temporally and spiritually, for Abraham’s sake—Isaac offers sacrifices—Esau marries Hittite wives to the sorrow of his parents.

Genesis Chapter 27 Rebekah guides Jacob in seeking blessings—Jacob is blessed to have dominion and rule over peoples and nations—Esau hates Jacob and plans to slay him—Rebekah fears that Jacob may marry one of the daughters of Heth.

Eternal things are more important than worldly things.

Genesis 25:21–34

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 24–27”

Consider using “Jacob and Esau” (in Old Testament Stories, 38–41) to help your children understand the story in Genesis 25:21–34.

Old Testament Stories “Jacob and Esau”

What things matter eternally to you and your children? Perhaps your children could find pictures or objects that represent things of great spiritual worth (like a temple) and pictures of things that bring only temporary happiness (such as a game, toy, or treat).(Temporary: lasting only a short while, not permanent. Eternal: something that will last forever.) The choices we make show what our values are, or what is most important to us. How can we show the Lord that the things of eternal value are important to us?

For example: If you had to choose between going on a picnic and being baptized, which would you choose? You are tempted to miss church to watch a sports event or go hunting. You are tempted to buy a toy rather than pay your tithing. Which would give temporary pleasure? Which would make eternal happiness possible?

The Red Crystal See link for printable activity

Friend August 2018 “Soccer and Sundays” When we try to live the gospel and put the most important things first, we are blessed! Follow the path of scriptures to help the boy get to church.

Sing a song about making good choices, such as “Choose the Right Way” (Children’s Songbook, 160–61) with the children. Testify that we are blessed and happy when we choose the right.

Tell about a time when you had to sacrifice something good for something else of greater value. Or show the video “Continue in Patience” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). How does your story or the story in the video relate to the choice Esau made in Genesis 25:29–34? Help the children think of blessings Heavenly Father wants to give them (such as a stronger testimony, temple blessings, or eternal life with Him). Encourage them to think of things they would be willing to sacrifice in order to receive these valuable blessings.

See “What is a birthright” below or the Bible Dictionary if they need help understanding what a birthright is. Invite the children to imagine that Esau asked for our advice about whether he should trade his birthright for the pottage; what would we say to him?

What is a Birthright?

“Lesson 33: Genesis 25–27,” Old Testament Seminary Student Material Isaac received more than Abraham’s other children because of Isaac’s birthright. A son who held the birthright not only inherited his father’s lands and possessions, but he also took his father’s position as the spiritual leader of the family and received the “authority to preside” (see Bible Dictionary, “Birthright”). The birthright son was then responsible to provide for the family’s needs. The birthright was often passed from a father to his eldest son. However, righteousness was more important than being the firstborn son. The birthright Isaac received from Abraham also included all the blessings and responsibilities of the Abrahamic covenant.

GENESIS 28-33 Lesson ideas

Additional Resources

See Old Testament Stories & Lesson Ideas & Old Testament: Activities & Games for additional lesson resources.

After Isaac learned that he had unknowingly bestowed the blessing on Jacob, he could have revoked the blessing and bestowed it upon Esau. However, he chose not to. Isaac thus confirmed that the blessing was given to the person the Lord intended.

Lesson 13: Jacob and Esau,” Primary 6: Old Testament (Pages 52–55)

Have a child put a large coin or cardboard circle up to one eye, close the other one, and then slowly move the object away from the eye that is open. Have the child tell what he or she could see with the coin up close and how much more there is to see when the coin is moved away.Explain that the coin could represent an immediate desire, such as hunger, that blinds us to other things around us. Like Esau, sometimes we experience failure or unhappiness because we trade what we want most for what we want at the moment. Present several situations such as the following for the children to discuss:
- You are tempted to miss church to watch a sports event or go hunting. You are tempted to buy a toy rather than pay your tithing.
Explain that temptations, like the coin, keep us from seeing the entire picture. Encourage the children not to be blinded by such temptations.

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Our Divine Birthright” Lesson ideas

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 &

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

Bracelets and Scriptures – The manual suggests, “Your family could look in these verses for attributes
that made Rebekah a worthy eternal companion for Isaac. Encourage family members to pick
one of these attributes that they feel they should develop.”

Scriptures: Read Genesis 24:15–28, 55–60 and let each person choose one way they want to be more like Rebekah.
Bracelet: Write that attribute on a strip of paper and draw specific things you might do if you have that attribute. Tape/staple the strip to make a bracelet. Wear it to remind you of the story of Rebekah. Could also write the attribute on the below jewels and cut them into two strips to make a bracelet.

Feb 28 2022

Genesis 28–33

Featured

JACOB'S LADDER VISION
- Covenants Help Me Return to Heavenly Father.
JACOB SERVES SEVEN YEARS FOR RACHEL
- I Should Always Keep My Promises. I Believe in Being Honest.
JACOB AND ESAU RECONCILE
- Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ Can Help Me Love My Family.
Additional Resources

Genesis CHAPTER 28 Isaac forbids Jacob to marry a Canaanite—He blesses Jacob and his seed with the blessings of Abraham—Esau marries a daughter of Ishmael—Jacob sees in vision a ladder reaching up into heaven—The Lord promises him seed as the dust of the earth in number—The Lord also promises Jacob that in him and in his seed all the families of the earth will be blessed—Jacob covenants to pay tithes.

Jacob left his home to escape his angry brother Esau. Jacob’s father blessed him to find and marry a woman who loved the Lord and kept His commandments.

“Lesson 34: Genesis 28–30,” Old Testament Seminary Student Material According to Genesis 28:1–2, Isaac instructed his son Jacob to marry one of the daughters of Laban and not a Canaanite woman. The Canaanites worshipped idols and engaged in other practices that were offensive to God. A daughter of Canaan would not be worthy to join Jacob in entering into a marriage covenant with the Lord. If Jacob were to marry a daughter of Canaan, he would be marrying out of the covenant.

When we are married in the temple, we make covenants with the Lord. Marriage in the temple is covenant marriage. If we keep our covenants, we qualify for all the blessings that were promised to Abraham.

JACOB’S LADDER VISION

Covenants Help Me Return to Heavenly Father.

Genesis 28:10–22

As Jacob was traveling to Rebecca’s brother to find a wife, one night he had a dream. Jacob saw a ladder leading up to heaven. The steps on the ladder can represent covenants we make with God, because these covenants help prepare us to return to His presence.

As you read Genesis 28:10–22 together, you could use a ladder or a staircase (or a picture like the one at the end of this outline) to talk about how our covenants are like a ladder. Maybe your children could pretend to climb a ladder, and with each step, talk about times when we promise to obey God, such as when we are baptized, take the sacrament, or go to the temple. How do our covenants bring us closer to God?

Illustration by Shawna Tenney For the Strength of Youth

Teaching Children the Gospel “Ordinance (and Covenants) Progression Lesson” We must receive the saving ordinances of the gospel and keep the associated covenants in order to return to the presence of the Lord.

Explain that the ladder represented a way for Jacob to return to God. What has God given to help us return to Him? (see this week’s activity page). Remind the children of their baptismal covenant. How does living this covenant bring us closer to God?

When Jacob woke up he said, Surely the Lord is in this place.

Institute Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel “Genesis 24–36” “Because he had met the Lord and entered into covenants with him there, Jacob considered the site so sacred that he named the place Bethel, a contraction of Beth-Elohim, which means literally ‘the House of the Lord.’ He said of it: ‘… this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.’ (Gen. 28:17.)

What places serve as Houses of God on the earth today? Temples are to us what Bethel was to Jacob. Even more, they are also the gates to heaven for all of our unendowed kindred dead.

Rexburg Idaho Temple—“Holiness to the Lord: The House of the Lord”

Show a picture of a temple, and write on the board key phrases from Genesis 28:15–17, such as: “I am with thee,” “The Lord is in this place,” “The house of God,” or “The gate of heaven.” Invite the children to find these phrases. Tell the children about how the temple and temple covenants help you feel close to the Lord.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 Cut out the windows with the ordinances that are done inside the temple, and match them with the pictures in the windows of the temple.

“Genesis 28: Jacob’s Sacred Experience,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide

Draw Your Ladder to Heaven
1. Draw a ladder in your notebook. Label the rungs or steps with ordinances you must receive and covenants you must make with God in order to obtain eternal life.
2. Show your drawing to your parents or Church leaders to see if you have left anything out.
3. Write about what you are doing in your life right now to obtain these covenants or what you are doing to be worthy of the blessings of the covenants you have already entered into.

Friend February 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Climb the Ladder”

Story: Jacob had a dream about a ladder leading up to heaven. The steps on the ladder represent the steps we take to get closer to God. (See Genesis 28:10–16.)

Song: “Stand for the Right” (Children’s Songbook, 159)

Activity: Make a pretend ladder on the ground with chalk or sticks. Take turns saying one thing that we promise Heavenly Father when we get baptized. Each time, move one step forward on the ladder. (See Doctrine and Covenants 20:77and Mosiah 18:8–10.)

Latter Day Kids “Line Upon Line” Lesson ideas to go with the below video

“Lesson 34: Genesis 28–30,” Old Testament Seminary Student Material We read in Genesis 28:16–19, 22 that Jacob described the place where he had his dream. The phrases “he was afraid” and “how dreadful is this place” in verse 17 refer to his feelings of reverence and awe. These phrases indicate that Jacob understood the seriousness of entering the presence of God.

JACOB SERVES SEVEN YEARS FOR RACHEL

Genesis CHAPTER 29 Jacob meets Rachel at the well—He serves Laban seven years for her—Laban gives to Jacob first Leah then Rachel in marriage—Jacob serves another seven years—Leah bears Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah.

Genesis CHAPTER 30 Jacob marries Bilhah, and she bears Dan and Naphtali—He marries Zilpah, and she bears Gad and Asher—Leah bears Issachar and Zebulun and a daughter, Dinah—Then Rachel conceives and bears Joseph—Jacob works for Laban for wages of cattle and sheep.

I Should Always Keep My Promises. I Believe in Being Honest.

Genesis 29:16–30

Old Testament Stories “Jacob and His Family” Images

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 28-33” Jacob agreed to work for Laban for seven years so that he could marry Laban’s daughter Rachel. Jacob kept this agreement, but Laban did not. Consider using this story to teach the children about the importance of keeping our promises. How can you use this story to help the children understand the importance of being honest even when others are dishonest?

On the board write What happens when we are dishonest? and What happens when we are honest? Invite the children to find answers by reading “Honesty and Integrity” (in For the Strength of Youth [2011], 19).

Friend September 2019 “Making Things Right” After shopping, a boy’s mother notices that the cashier didn’t charge them for all their items. She decides to go back and fix it. The boy wonders why they have to go back since it wasn’t their mistake. His mom explains that being honest matters to Heavenly Father and it might matter to someone else. When they get back to the store they find out that the cashier would have had to pay for the mistake.

“Lesson 14: Jacob and His Family,” Primary 6: Old Testament

Write each of the children’s names on separate slips of paper and place them in a container. Read one of the following situations; then draw a name from the container and ask that child to tell what should be done. Afterward, let that child draw out the next name. If the class is small, replace the names in the container after each use so a child may answer more than one question. You might want to add other examples.

You are given too much change at the store.
You forgot to do a school assignment. You are tempted to tell the teacher you were ill.
You are playing with a friend’s toy when it breaks.
You want some money to buy a treat and your mother’s purse is on the table.
You used one of your father’s belongings without permission and lost it.
Your friend left a toy at your house by mistake. It is something you would really like to have.
You are setting out a game to play while your friend goes to get a drink of water. You realize that while she is out of the room you could arrange the game so you would win.
You accidentally knock over a breakable object belonging to someone else. Your friend tells you that if it is an accident, you don’t need to admit you did it.

JACOB AND ESAU RECONCILE

Genesis CHAPTER 31 The Lord commands Jacob to return to Canaan, and Jacob departs secretly—Laban pursues him; they resolve their differences and make a covenant of peace—Laban blesses his descendants, and he and Jacob part company.

Genesis CHAPTER 32 Jacob sees angels—He asks God to preserve him from Esau, for whom he prepares presents—He wrestles all night with a messenger of God—Jacob’s name is changed to Israel—He sees God face to face.

Genesis CHAPTER 33 Jacob and Esau meet and are reconciled—Esau receives Jacob’s presents—Jacob settles in Canaan, where he builds an altar.

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ Can Help Me Love My Family.

Genesis 32:6–11; 33:1–4

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 28-33”

Ask the children what they remember about the relationship between Jacob and Esau (see Genesis 27:41 Explain that after being away for about 20 years, Jacob was going to meet Esau again. Read together Genesis 32:6–11. How did Jacob feel? What did he do to get help? Read together Genesis 33:1–4 to discover how the Lord answered Jacob’s prayer.

Old Testament Stories “Jacob and His Family” images

Genesis 32:24–32.

You might have family members who like to wrestle. Why is “wrestling” a good way to describe seeking blessings from the Lord? What do Enos 1:1–5; Alma 8:9–10 suggest about what it means to “wrestle … before God”? Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 28–33”

Friend May 2019 “What’s on Your Mind” Ideas on how to get along with siblings.

See additional teaching ideas at Family: Resolving Discord

Additional Resources

See Old Testament Stories & Lesson Ideas & Old Testament: Activities & Games for additional lesson resources.

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “The House of Israel” Lesson ideas

Feb 13 2022

Genesis 18–23

Featured

ABRAHAM & SARAH HAVE A SON, ISAAC
- I can trust God to keep His promises.
LOT AND SODOM AND GOMORRAH
- I Can Flee Wickedness.
ABRAHAM AND ISAAC, SACRIFICE
- Abraham Obeyed the Lord.
Additional Resources

ABRAHAM & SARAH HAVE A SON, ISAAC

Genesis CHAPTER 18 Abraham entertains three holy men—They promise that Sarah will have a son—Abraham will command his children to be just—The Lord appears to him—They discuss the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Genesis CHAPTER 21 Sarah bears Isaac—He is circumcised—Hagar and her son are cast out of Abraham’s household—The Lord saves Hagar and Ishmael—Abraham and Abimelech deal honorably with each other.

I can trust God to keep His promises.

Genesis 17:15–21; 18:14; 21:1–7

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 18–23”

Even though God had promised that Sarah and Abraham were going to have a son, as they got older it seemed impossible—Abraham was 100 years old, and Sarah was 90 (see Genesis 17:17).

Write on the chalkboard: Is anything too hard for the Lord? Invite the children to discuss this question. Or write each word from the first sentence of Genesis 18:14 on a separate piece of paper, and give one to each child. Then ask the class to put the words in the correct order.

You and your children could then read Genesis 17:15–21; 21:1–7 to find an example of something the Lord did that seemed impossible. Share with your children your faith that the Lord will fulfill His promises, even if they seem impossible or take a long time.

Abraham and Sarah had a baby boy, just as the Lord promised. They named him Isaac. Genesis 17:9; 21:1–3

To learn about Abraham and Sarah’s trust in God’s promises, you and your children could talk about a time when they had to wait for something they really wanted. You could then look at the picture of Sarah and Isaac and talk about the promise God made to her and Abraham. Help your children think of things that God has promised us if we are faithful. Encourage them to be patient and trust that God will keep His promises.

The below handout is from Rachel’s Booknook

With the children, sing a song that testifies of God’s promises, such as “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47). Help the children identify things that God has promised us if we are faithful.

This video is going too fast during the second verse and you will need to use the pictures below during that part.

Additional Teaching Ideas:

“Lesson 11: Abraham and Isaac,” Primary 6: Old Testament (Pages 35-38) Show the pictures The Crossing of the Red Sea, Daniel in the Lions’ Den, and Three Men in the Fiery Furnace. Briefly explain that the Lord parted the waters of the Red Sea to let Moses and the Israelites escape from the Egyptian army, he protected Daniel from a den of lions, and he kept three young men from being burned when they were cast into a fiery furnace. (Note: Do not teach these stories in detail. Tell the children that they will learn more about these stories later in the year.) Point out that these people trusted in the Lord and had faith that his will would be done. Their faith was rewarded with miracles.

Friend February 2022 “Abraham and Sarah”

LOT AND SODOM AND GOMORRAH

Genesis CHAPTER 19 Lot entertains holy men—The men of Sodom seek to abuse Lot’s guests and are smitten with blindness—Lot is sent out of Sodom—The Lord rains brimstone and fire upon Sodom and Gomorrah—Lot’s daughters preserve his seed in the land.

I Can Flee Wickedness.

Genesis 19:15–26

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Ask your children about situations in which someone might invite them to do something they know isn’t right. How would we “flee” these situations?

“Lesson 28: Genesis 18,” Old Testament Seminary Student Material (2018)

Friend November 2017 “Peer Pressure Problems” Ideas on how to deal with peer pressure to avoid making wrong choices

Summarize Genesis 19:15–26 by explaining that Lot’s family lived in a very wicked city and angels warned them to leave. As you and your children read together verses 15–17, 26, ask them what it might mean for us today to “escape” evil and “look not behind” (verse 17).

Media Library “Fleeing Sodom and Gomorrah”

Display a picture of the Savior, and ask the children to take a step toward it as they share one thing they can do to flee wickedness and come closer to Christ.

Additional Resources

According to Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 18:3 (in Genesis 18:3, footnote a), the three messengers who visited Abraham were referred to as “My brethren” instead of “My Lord,” indicating that the Lord was not one of the three men. Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 18:23 (in Genesis 18:22, footnote a) clarifies that these three messengers were “holy men … sent forth after the order of God.” In the King James Version of the Bible, the word angels, which was used in reference to these men (see Genesis 19:1), was translated from the Hebrew word malakhim, which can also mean “messengers.”

Although we do not know the identity of the three messengers, Abraham treated them as if they were presiding authorities of the Lord’s kingdom then on the earth, and their messages were directly from the Lord (see Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary[1973], 3:235; Sidney B. Sperry, “Abraham’s Three Visitors,” Improvement Era, Aug. 1931, 583, 585).

ABRAHAM AND ISAAC, SACRIFICE

Genesis CHAPTER 22 Abraham is commanded to sacrifice Isaac, his son—Both father and son yield to the will of God—Abraham’s seed will be as the stars and the sand in number—In his seed, all nations will be blessed—Rebekah is born to Bethuel.

Old Testament Stories “Abraham and Isaac” Illustrations

Abraham Obeyed the Lord.

Genesis 22:1–14

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Using pictures of Abraham and Isaac and of the Crucifixion (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 9, 57) can help your children compare the story in Genesis 22 with the Savior’s sacrifice. How does the story of Abraham and Isaac remind us of the sacrifice Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ made for us.

Media Library “Abraham Taking Isaac to Be Sacrificed”

Scripture Helps Old Testament

Isaac	Jesus Christ
Isaac was Abraham and Sarah’s only son (see Genesis 22:2).	Jesus was the Only Begotten Son of the Father (see John 3:16).
Isaac was to be offered on a mountain in the land of Moriah, which tradition holds was the temple mount in Jerusalem (see Genesis 22:2; 2 Chronicles 3:1).	Jesus was crucified on a hill outside of Jerusalem (see Mark 15:22).
Isaac was to be a burnt offering (see Genesis 22:2).	All sacrifices are to be done in similitude of Jesus Christ (see Moses 5:5–7).
Isaac carried the wood for the sacrifice (see Genesis 22:6).	Jesus carried His cross (see John 19:17).
Abraham said God would provide a lamb (see Genesis 22:8).	Jesus was the Lamb offered up for us (see 1 Peter 1:19).
Isaac was bound and laid upon the altar (see Genesis 22:9).	Jesus was nailed to the cross (see Luke 23:33).
Isaac submitted to the will of his father (see Genesis 22:9).	Jesus submitted to the will of His Father (see Luke 22:42).
Abraham did not withhold his son (see Genesis 22:11).	God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son (see John 3:16).

Can you think of a simple game to play with your children that requires them to follow directions? Maybe the directions could lead to a hidden picture of the Savior. The game could prompt a conversation about things Heavenly Father has commanded us to do so we can live with Him and Jesus Christ again. Consider singing a song such as “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47). This week’s activity page could help as well.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2”

Additional Resources

Show the video “For God So Loved the World” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), or sing together a song about the Savior’s sacrifice, such as “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook,34–35). Invite the children to talk about how Jesus’s sacrifice shows Heavenly Father’s love for us.

What have we been asked to sacrifice as a family? How have these sacrifices brought us closer to God?

Additional Resources

Additional Chapters

Genesis CHAPTER 20 Abimelech desires Sarah, who is preserved by the Lord—Abraham prays for Abimelech, and the Lord blesses him and his household.

Genesis CHAPTER 23 Sarah dies and is buried in the cave of Machpelah, which Abraham buys from Ephron the Hittite.

See Old Testament Stories & Lesson Ideas & Old Testament: Activities & Games for additional lesson resources.

Feb 7 2022

Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2

Featured

Abraham
- Jesus Christ will lead me by the hand.
The Lord Delivers Abraham from Wicked Priests
- Heavenly Father Hears and Answers My Prayers.
  - God hears me.
Hagar
Abraham Gives Lot His Choice of Land
- I Can Be a Peacemaker.
Abraham Pays His Tithes
The Lord Makes Covenants with Abraham
- God wants me to make Covenants with Him.
- I Can Keep the Covenants I Make with Heavenly Father.
Additional Resources

Abraham

Abraham CHAPTER 1 Abraham seeks the blessings of the patriarchal order—He is persecuted by false priests in Chaldea—Jehovah saves him—The origins and government of Egypt are reviewed.

Abraham CHAPTER 2 Abraham leaves Ur to go to Canaan—Jehovah appears to him at Haran—All gospel blessings are promised to his seed and through his seed to all—He goes to Canaan and on to Egypt.

Genesis CHAPTER 12 Abram will become a great nation—He and his seed will bless all the families of the earth—He travels from Haran to the land of Canaan—Because of famine, he goes down into Egypt—Abram and Sarai are tested in Pharaoh’s court.

Old Testament Scripture Stories “Abraham and Sarah” Illustrations and video

Jesus Christ will lead me by the hand.

Abraham 1:18; 2:8

As you and your children read Abraham 1:18 and 2:8, you could invite them to listen for a part of the body that is mentioned in both verses. Maybe you could play a game in which a child closes their eyes and you lead the child somewhere by the hand. How would it feel to have Jesus Christ lead us by the hand or to have His hand protecting us?

Gospel Media “He Will Lead Thee”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2” Abraham wanted to be righteous even though members of his family were wicked. The Lord said to him, “I will lead thee by my hand” (Abraham 1:18). Just as God promised to help Abraham, He can lead the children you teach when they desire to choose the right. Testify that Jesus leads us by guiding us through His Spirit.

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.

Sing a song related to this principle, such as “Teach Me to Walk in the Light” (Children’s Songbook, 177).

The Lord Delivers Abraham from Wicked Priests

Heavenly Father Hears and Answers My Prayers.

Abraham 1:12–17; Genesis 16:7–11

God hears me.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2”

When Abraham’s life was in danger, he called on God. When Hagar was alone in the wilderness, she learned that God heard her. Consider sharing these two stories with your children: “Abraham and Sarah” and “Hagar” in Old Testament Stories, 28–31, 32–33. What do we learn about God from these stories? Then you could share with each other experiences when you felt that God heard you. A song like “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13) could reinforce this principle.

Display the picture An Angel Saves Abraham (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), and invite the children to share what they know about the story it depicts, found in Abraham 1:12, 15–17. Ask the children to read these verses and share things they learn about prayer.

President Joseph Fielding Smith, commenting on the human sacrifices that took place during the time of Abraham, wrote: “Abraham was of the [tenth] generation from Noah. Several hundred years had passed since the flood, and people had multiplied and spread over the face of the earth. The civilizations of Egypt, Chaldea, Assyria and the petty nations of Canaan, had been established. In the midst of this scattering the true worship of the Father was nearly lost. Sacrifice instituted in the days of Adam and continued in the practice and teaching of Noah, in the similitude of the great sacrifice of the Son of Man, had become perverted. Instead of offering clean animals, such as the lamb and bullock, the apostate nations had dwindled in unbelief to the extent that human sacrifice was offered to their idol gods” (The Way to Perfection, 85).

Hagar

Old Testament Scripture Stories “Hagar”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2” Reading about Hagar could be an opportunity to discuss how the Lord helps us when we feel wronged. You might point out that “Ishmael” means “God hears.” When have we felt that the Lord heard and helped us when we felt wronged? (see Genesis 16:11).

Invite the children to share experiences when Heavenly Father answered their prayers, and share one of your own experiences.

Friend October 2018 “Canyon Prayer” Carsen and some family members get lost in a canyon while hiking. Carsen knew that Heavenly Father knew the way out so he suggested they pray. He then receives a prompting on which way to go, and they are able to quickly find their way out.

Abraham Gives Lot His Choice of Land

I Can Be a Peacemaker.

Genesis 13:5–12

Genesis CHAPTER 13 Abram returns from Egypt—He and Lot part—The Lord will make Abram’s seed as the dust of the earth in number—Abram settles in Hebron.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2” When Abraham’s herdsmen and Lot’s herdsmen disagreed over their grazing land, Abraham proposed a solution that brought peace.

Your children might enjoy acting out the story from Genesis 13:5–12, pretending to be Abraham, Lot, and the herdsmen. How can we follow Abraham’s example of being a peacemaker with our family or friends? Try role-playing their answers.

Latter Day Kids “Abraham and Lot” Lesson ideas to go with the above video

Read Matthew 5:9, and explain that Jesus wants us to be peacemakers. Help the children think of what they can do to be peacemakers at home or with friends. Invite them to draw a picture of themselves being a peacemaker. Ask the children to share how they feel when they are peacemakers like Jesus Christ.

“Cease From Anger” (February 2010 Friend)
Take this quiz to see how forgiving you are. When we are loving and forgiving, we can be peacemakers.

For the Strength of Youth January 2023 “Being a Peacemaker: Your New SUPERPOWER”

Older Kids:

Come Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2” We all face situations that tempt us to become frustrated and contentious. Consider how the story of Abraham and Lot could help the children be peacemakers in such situations.

Write Main Characters, Setting, Problem, and Solution on the board. Invite the children to read Genesis 13:5–12 and identify the parts of the story listed on the board. Help the children think of situations when they could be peacemakers, such as when someone argues or tries to fight. Then invite them to role-play how they could be peacemakers in those situations.
Help the children find the topics “Peace” and “Peacemaker” in the Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite each child to select a scripture about peace and share what he or she learns with the class. Help them think of some examples of the Savior being a peacemaker, such as in Luke 22:50–51. How can we follow His example?

“Matt and Mandy” (October 1994 Friend)
Mandy learns to be a peacemaker by watching her mother’s example.

Bright Idea Poster: “Blessed are the peacemakers”(October 2010 Friend)

Friend June 2018 “Coloring Page”

Lesson 10: Abraham and Lot,” Primary 6: Old Testament Pages 39–42 To strengthen each child’s desire to show love to others.

Additional teaching ideas: Teaching Children the Gospel: Peacemaker and Resources for Teaching Children “Peacemaker”

Abraham Pays His Tithes

Genesis CHAPTER 14 Lot is captured in the battles of the kings—He is rescued by Abram—Melchizedek administers bread and wine and blesses Abram—Abram pays tithes—He declines to accept the spoils of conquest.

What do we learn about Melchizedek from Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 14:25–40? (in the Bible appendix; see also Alma 13:13–19). How can we “[establish] righteousness” as Melchizedek did? (verse 36). What else about Melchizedek’s ministry inspires us? Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2”

Friend April 1994 “Melchizedek” Story of Melchizedek

Media Library “Melchizedek Blesses Abram”

Liahona February 2022 “Teaching about God’s Promises” Tithing Brings Gratitude

In Genesis 14:20, we read that Abraham paid tithing. Elder David A. Bednar has taught that spiritual blessings “are poured out through the windows of heaven and into our lives as we honor the law of tithing” (“The Windows of Heaven,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 18).

As a family, discuss the blessings you’ve seen from obeying the law of tithing.
Have one person write the blessings down.
Together, go through the list again and discuss some of the ways these blessings make your life better.

Elder Bednar also taught that “a subtle but significant blessing we receive [as we honor the law of tithing] is the spiritual gift of gratitude that enables our appreciation for what we have. … A grateful person is rich in contentment” (“The Windows of Heaven,” 18). How has your family seen gratitude as a blessing of paying tithing?

The Lord Makes Covenants with Abraham

Genesis CHAPTER 15 Abram desires offspring—The Lord promises him seed in number as the stars—Abram believes the promise—His seed will be strangers in Egypt—Then, after four generations, they will inherit Canaan.

Genesis CHAPTER 16 Sarai gives Hagar to Abram as his wife—Hagar flees from Sarai—An angel commands Hagar to return and submit herself to Sarai—Hagar bears Ishmael.

Genesis CHAPTER 17 Abram is commanded to be perfect—He will be a father of many nations—His name is changed to Abraham—The Lord covenants to be a God unto Abraham and his seed forever—Also, the Lord gives Abraham the land of Canaan for an everlasting possession—Circumcision becomes a token of the everlasting covenant between God and Abraham—Sarai’s name is changed to Sarah—She will bear Isaac, with whom the Lord will establish His covenant—Abraham and the men of his house are circumcised.

Old Testament Stories for Young Readers “Abraham and Sarah”

God wants me to make Covenants with Him.

Genesis 13:16; Genesis 15:1–6; 17:1–8; Abraham 2:9–11

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2”

Consider showing your children a container of sand, the stars in the night sky, or the picture at the end of this outline. This could help them understand God’s promises in Genesis 13:16; 15:1–6. Talk about how you’ve learned to trust God’s promises, even when they seemed impossible.

To teach your children about covenants, ask them to tell you about a time when they made a promise or someone made a promise to them.

Friend April 2021 “Trouble at the Creek” Brian doesn’t keep his promise to his mom to stay away from the creek after the storm. He crosses it on a fallen log and gets his foot stuck.

Sometimes keeping our promises helps keep us physically safe, such as in the the story above. Keeping the covenants we make with Heavenly Father can also help keep us safe, spiritually and physically, and help us to become more like our Heavenly Father

Share some examples of your own—including covenants you’ve made with God at baptism or in the temple. How have your covenants affected your relationship with God?

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.

Help the children understand that Abraham and Sarah promised to obey God. Choose a few phrases from Genesis 15:1–6; 17:1–8; Abraham 2:9–11 to share some of the blessings God promised to them. These might include “Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield,” “Thou shalt be a father of many nations,” or “All the families of the earth [shall] be blessed.”

Friend February 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Story: God told the prophet Abraham, “Fear not … I am thy shield” (Genesis 15:1). He told Abraham that He would help and protect him.

Song: “I Want to Live the Gospel” (Children’s Songbook, 148)

Activity: Draw or make a shield. Write on your shield ways you can obey God.

Liahona February 2022 “The Abrahamic Covenant” God promised Abraham that “as many as receive this Gospel shall be … thy seed” (Abraham 2:10). Our covenants at baptism and in the temple allow us access to the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant and make us part of the covenant people of God, as long as we are faithful (see Ezekiel 11:20).

To help your children prepare to make a covenant with God when they are baptized, you could use some of the activity ideas suggested in appendix A or appendix B.

I Can Keep the Covenants I Make with Heavenly Father.

Come Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2”

Come Follow Me Kid Keeping Promises – Talk about the importance of keeping promises and why it’s important to do what we say we will do.

Assign simple tasks, such as: go wash your hands, go find something red, do 5 jumping jacks, etc.
With each task, promise to give them some kind of small reward in return (M&M, Skittle, a sticker, high five, etc.).
Ask: How would it feel if you didn’t get what you were promised after doing that task?
Explain that when we keep our promises, it helps form a relationship of trust with that person.
Can we ALWAYS trust God to do what He says He will? Remind them that God always keeps His promises to us

“Abraham and Sarah Made Covenants” (March 2018 Liahona and Friend)
Some information and a hero card about Abraham and Sarah.

Come Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2”

For Additional Teaching Ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Covenants” and Resources for Teaching Children “Covenants”

Additional Resources

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 Explains more about the Abrahamic Covenant

Institute: Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel Abraham could validly state that Sarah was his sister. In the Bible the Hebrew words brother and sister are often used for other blood relatives. (See Genesis 14:14, in which Lot, Abraham’s nephew, is called “his brother.”) Because Abraham and Haran, Sarah’s father, were brothers, Sarah was Abraham’s niece and thus could be called sister. The accompanying pedigree chart shows this relationship.

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2: I Will Lead Thee” Lesson Ideas

Jan 31 2022

Genesis 6–11; Moses 8

Featured

Noah
- There is Spiritual Safety in Following the Lord’s Prophet.
  - Following the Lord’s prophet will bless me and my family.
- We Need to Remember Our Covenants.
  - God will keep His promises to me.
Tower of Babel
- Following Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven.
Additional Resources

Noah

Genesis CHAPTER 6 The sons of God marry the daughters of men—Men turn to wickedness, the earth is filled with violence, and all flesh is corrupted—The Flood is promised—God establishes His covenant with Noah, who builds an ark to save his family and various living things.

Genesis CHAPTER 7 Noah’s family and various beasts and fowl enter the ark—The Flood comes, and water covers the whole earth—All other life that breathes is destroyed.

Genesis CHAPTER 8 The Flood ceases—Noah sends forth a dove, which returns with an olive leaf—He releases all living things from the ark—He offers sacrifices—Seedtime, harvest, and seasons are ensured.

Moses CHAPTER 8 Methuselah prophesies—Noah and his sons preach the gospel—Great wickedness prevails—The call to repentance is unheeded—God decrees the destruction of all flesh by the Flood.

Old Testament Stories “Noah and His Family” Images and video

There is Spiritual Safety in Following the Lord’s Prophet.

Following the Lord’s prophet will bless me and my family.

Genesis 6:14–22; 7–8; Moses 8:16–24

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 6–11; Moses 8”

Most children love the story of Noah and the ark. Consider giving your children opportunities to share what they know about it. To help them, you could use the pictures in this outline, “Noah and His Family” in Old Testament Stories (22–25), and the third verse of “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110–11). Your children might enjoy acting out parts of the story—for example, by pretending to use a tool to build the ark or walking like animals entering the ark.

You could use the below pictures or help the children choose verses from Genesis 6:14–22; 7–8 that they could depict in a drawing, and have them take turns using their drawings to teach them the story of Noah. Ask the children to share what they learn from the story.

Friend March 2018 “Noah”

These cutouts are from old Primary manuals.

Help the children understand that Noah was a prophet and that his family was saved from the Flood because they followed him. Ask the children if they know who our prophet is today. Show a picture of him, and help the children repeat his name.

As you talk about Noah together, help your children see how blessed we are to have a prophet of God today. Help your children search Moses 8:16, 19–20, 23–24to find things Noah taught that the Lord’s prophets still teach today. How are we blessed when we obey these teachings?

Here is an ark puzzle they can write the things that prophets teach today on the back before they put it together.

How are these teachings like the ark that Noah built?

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

Have each person draw themselves obeying something specific that the prophet has taught us to do.
Place their pictures in the ark below while reminding them that it will bring safety and peace to their lives.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Additional Noah’s Ark Resources

Latter Day Kids “Noah’s Ark” Lesson ideas to go with below video

For Additional Teaching Ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Prophets” and Resources for Teaching Children “Prophets”

We Need to Remember Our Covenants.

Genesis CHAPTER 9 Noah and his sons are commanded to multiply and fill the earth—They are given dominion over all forms of life—The death penalty is decreed for murder—God will not again destroy the earth by a flood—Canaan is cursed; Shem and Japheth are blessed.

Genesis 9:15–17

God will keep His promises to me.

Your children might enjoy drawing or coloring a rainbow while you talk about what it represents (see Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 9:21–25 [in the Bible appendix]). What did God want Noah and his family to think of whenever they saw a rainbow?

Clipart Library

You could also show your children something you have that reminds you of something important in your life, such as a wedding ring, a picture, or a journal. Let your children share their own examples. This could lead to a conversation about things that help us remember our covenants, such as the sacrament, which helps us remember our baptismal covenant to follow Jesus Christ (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:75–79).

Friend February 2025 “Covenants with God” Decorate this shield to remind you of the covenants you have made or will make! As we keep our covenants, Heavenly Father protects us, and we can stay close to Him.

For the Strength of Youth February 2026 “A Necklace with a Promise” After a temple open house Megan’ grandfather gave her a necklace with a chandelier crystal to remind her of the temple. He asked her to promise she would go to the temple someday. Every time she wore her crystal necklace she would think of the temple and how she wanted to go inside. (The article suggests making their own reminder and gives some ideas.)

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 6–11; Moses 8”

It is important for children to know that God keeps His promises, especially as they prepare to make covenants with Him when they are baptized.

Talk with the children about some of God’s promises—for example, that we can return to Heavenly Father if we follow Jesus Christ or that God will send the Holy Ghost to comfort us. Bear your testimony that God always keeps His promises.

Friend March 2023 “Baptismal Covenants”

Friend March 2018

Use pictures to tell the children about covenants we make with God, such as pictures of a child being baptized, the sacrament, and a temple (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 104, 108, 120).

For Additional Teaching Ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Covenants” and Resources for Teaching Children “Covenants”

Genesis CHAPTER 10 The descendants of Noah are Japheth, whose descendants are Gentiles; Ham, whose descendants include the Canaanites; and Shem, of whom came Peleg (in whose days the earth was divided).

Tower of Babel

Genesis CHAPTER 11 All men speak the same language—They build the Tower of Babel—The Lord confounds their language and scatters them over all the earth—The generations of Shem include Abram, whose wife is Sarai—Abram leaves Ur and settles in Haran.

Following Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven.

Genesis 11:1–9

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 6–11; Moses 8”

Tell the story of the Tower of Babel in your own words, or read the story found in “The Tower of Babel” (in Old Testament Stories). Encourage the children to help you by sharing what they know about the story.

Old Testament Stories “The Tower of Babel” Illustrations and video

Let the children build a tower out of blocks or other objects. Then show the children a picture of the Savior, and ask them which is the way to return to Heavenly Father—building a tower or following Jesus Christ? Help the children understand that following the Savior is the only way back to our Heavenly Father. Invite the children to tell about things they can do to follow the Savior.

Friend August 2023 “I Can Follow Jesus Christ”

Friend December 2016

In addition to reading the story of the tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1–9, you and your children could read Helaman 6:28. According to this verse, why did the people of Babel build the tower? Why was building this tower the wrong way to reach heaven? Invite the children to search 2 Nephi 31:20–21 and Helaman 3:28 to find the right way to reach heaven. What advice would we give to the people of Babel?

While people today might not try to build towers in order to reach heaven, many try to find peace and happiness by following paths other than the one Jesus Christ has established. How might you use the story of the Tower of Babel to teach this principle?

Additional Resources

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal “Come Follow Me- for Primary. Jan. 31–Feb. 6, Genesis 6–11; Moses 8” Free LDS primary lesson helps

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Follow the Prophet” Lesson ides

Jan 24 2022

Moses 7

Featured

God wants us to be “of one heart and one mind.”
Heavenly Father wants me to choose to follow Him.
Jesus Christ Will Come Again in the Last Days.
- Jesus will come back to earth.
Additional Resources

Moses 7 Enoch continued preaching repentance. The Lord protected His people from their enemies. Enoch established the city of Zion on the principles of righteousness. He saw a vision of the earth’s history from his own day to the Millennium. He saw the influence of the adversary and watched God weep for the suffering of His children. Enoch also foresaw the coming of the Savior, the eventual Restoration of the gospel, the gathering of Israel, and the return of the city of Zion upon the earth. Enoch and his city were translated. (Scripture Helps: Old Testament “Moses 7”)

Friend February 2026 “Weekly Scripture Fun”

Activity: The Lord helped Enoch teach the gospel. Teach the gospel like Enoch by sharing your testimony! Say a prayer to receive help from Heavenly Father. Write or draw something you believe. Then share your testimony with someone you love.

God wants us to be “of one heart and one mind.”

Moses 7:18–21, 62–63, 68–69

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

To help your children learn about Enoch and Zion, you could use “Enoch the Prophet” in Old Testament Stories (19–21) or the second verse of “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110–11). Then you could ask your children to help you retell the story in their own words. The pictures of Enoch in this outline might help.

Old Testament Stories “Enoch the Prophet” Images, story, and video

Here’s one way to help your children understand what it means to be of “one heart and one mind” (Moses 7:18): Make a paper heart and cut it into pieces, enough for each child to have one. Let them write their name on their piece and work together to put the heart together. As they do, you might talk about things you love about each child.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 7”

Help your children count how many times the word “Zion” appears in Moses 7:18–21, 62–63, 68–69. Each time they find the word, help them discover what the verse says about Zion (see also Guide to the Scriptures, “Zion,” Gospel Library). How can we be more like the people described in these verses?

Ask the children to look for words that describe Enoch’s people, also known as Zion, as they read Moses 7:18. Write these words as headings at the top of the board, and invite the children to write, under each heading, things they can do to be more like Enoch’s people. After they share, ask the children how they can make their homes more like Zion. They might find some ideas in 4 Nephi 1:15–18.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 7”

Moses 7:18

Help the children think of actions related to the phrase “one heart and one mind” (Moses 7:18). Explain that this phrase means that the people of Enoch loved and were kind to each other. Invite them to use this week’s activity page to draw a way they can show love.

Friend January 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Building Love

Story: Enoch and his people built a city called Zion. The people in Zion were righteous and “were of one heart and one mind” (Moses 7:18). That means they loved and cared for each other. They didn’t fight or hurt each other.

Song: “Love at Home” (Hymns, no. 294)

Activity: Read Moses 7:19–21. Then build a city with blocks, stones, or sticks. As you build, talk about how you can make your family more like Zion. You can send pictures of your finished city to the Friend!

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 7”

Sing a song about loving one another, such as “Love at Home” (Hymns, no. 294). Bring pictures that illustrate key phrases in the song to help the children learn the words. Ask the children to share ways they can show love to each other in Primary and in their homes. Then let them act out their ideas.

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 16: The Saints Gather to Kirtland, Ohio,”

Read Doctrine and Covenants 38:24-25 What does it mean to esteem someone as yourself? We need to value others as much as we value ourselves. Have the children tell what different parts of the body does. Explain that each part of the body is important and needed. Just like our body parts are united, we need to be united as people [and help, support, and take care of each other.]

The Redwood trees are joined together as one.

“The giant redwood trees that grow in northern California [USA] … have a very shallow root system. But when they are surrounded by other redwood trees, the strongest, fiercest wind cannot blow them over. The roots of the giant redwood trees intertwine and strengthen each other. When a storm comes, they actually hold each other up” (Conference Report, Oct. 1994, p. 103; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, p. 78).

Sing “We Are Different” (Children’s Songbook,140–41, 263).

1. I know you, and you know me. We are as diff’rent as the sun and the sea I know you, and you know me, And that’s the way it’s supposed to be.

2. I help you, and you help me. We learn from problems, and we’re starting to see. I help you, and you help me, And that’s the way it’s supposed to be.

3. I love you, and you love me We reach together for the best we can be I love you, and you love me, And that’s the way it’s supposed to be.

Heavenly Father wants me to choose to follow Him.

Moses 7:28–33

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

To introduce Moses 7:32–33 to your children, you might talk to them about a choice they had to make recently. Then you could read the verses together to find out what Heavenly Father wants us to choose. What choices can we make to show that we choose Him? Perhaps your children could take turns acting out one of these choices while the others guess what the action represents.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 7”

Help the children think of things that make Heavenly Father happy. Read Moses 7:28 with the children, and explain that Heavenly Father was sad because the people were very wicked (see verses 32–33).
Invite the children to play a game in which they act out things they can do that make Heavenly Father happy. Ask the other children to guess what they are doing. Share with each of the children something you have seen them do that makes Heavenly Father happy.

Jesus Christ Will Come Again in the Last Days.

Moses 7:59–67

Jesus will come back to earth.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 7”

In Moses 7:59, Enoch asks the Lord a question. Invite your children to find it, and then ask them to find the answer in verse 60. You might also talk with them about a time when they were expecting someone special to visit or return home. Ask them how they felt and what they did to prepare for the visit? What are some ways we can prepare for Jesus to come again?

Friend November 2021 “Jesus Will Come Again”

Consider showing pictures of times when the Savior appeared to people (such as Gospel Art Book, nos. 60, 82, 83, and 84). What are the people doing in the pictures? How might the people have felt when they met Jesus?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 7”

You could also sing a song about the Savior’s Second Coming, such as “When He Comes Again” (Children’s Songbook, 82–83), and ask the children what they think it will be like when Jesus comes again. Let the children share how they feel about seeing Jesus when He comes again.

As your family reads Moses 7:59–67, try marking or noting things the Lord tells Enoch about the last days—for example, that God will “gather out [His] elect” (verse 62) and that there will be “great tribulations among the wicked” (verse 66). How can we have faith and hope despite the wickedness in the last days? As part of this discussion, consider reading these words from Elder Ronald A. Rasband: “Take heart, brothers and sisters. Yes, we live in perilous times, but as we stay on the covenant path, we need not fear. I bless you that as you do so, you will not be troubled by the times in which we live or the troubles that come your way. I bless you to choose to stand in holy places and be not moved. I bless you to believe in the promises of Jesus Christ, that He lives and that He is watching over us, caring for us and standing by us” (“Be Not Troubled,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 21).

For additional Second Coming Resources see here.

Additional Resources

Old Testament Stories and Lesson Ideas

Pearl of Great Price Lesson, Stories, & Activities

Old Testament: Activities and Games

Primary 6 Manual: Old Testament “Enoch and a Zion People” (Page 27)

Gospel Art Picture: “The City of Enoch”

Liahona January 2022 “Old Testament Art: Enoch and the City of Zion” Illustration by Justin Kunz

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

Old Testament Stories: Adam and Eve’s Family

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Building Zion” Lesson ideas

Scripture Explorers “The City of Zion”

Latter Day Kids “Building Zion” Lesson ideas to go with the below video

Jan 17 2022

Genesis 5; Moses 6

Featured

Book of Remembrance
God Can Help Me Do Hard Things.
The Gospel Teaches Me How to Return to Heavenly Father.
- Faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost prepare me to return to God.
Heavenly Father Wants Parents to Teach Their Children.
Additional Resources

Genesis Chapter 5 The generations of Adam are Adam, Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch (who walked with God), Methuselah, Lamech, and Noah (who begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth).

Moses Chapter 6 Adam’s seed keep a book of remembrance—His righteous posterity preach repentance—God reveals Himself to Enoch—Enoch preaches the gospel—The plan of salvation was revealed to Adam—He received baptism and the priesthood.

Old Testament Stories “Adam and Eve’s Family” Images and Video

Book of Remembrance

Genesis 5; Moses 6:5–25, 46.

Adam and Eve’s family kept a book of remembrance. They wrote their family history in the book. They wrote about how the Lord helped them.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 5; Moses 6” Reading about the “book of remembrance” that Adam and Eve’s family kept may inspire your family to make your own book of remembrance. Discuss as a family what you would like to include. Maybe you have photos, stories, or documents from your family history. You might choose to include things that are happening in your family now. What will future generations find valuable? You could also discuss how the phrases “by the spirit of inspiration” (Moses 6:5) and “the pattern given by the finger of God” (Moses 6:46) could guide your efforts. Consider saving information from your book of remembrance on FamilySearch.org.

Scripture Stories Coloring Book: Pearl of Great Price “Adam’s Book of Remembrance”

Friend January 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Family Testimony Book”

Story: Adam and Eve’s family made a “book of remembrance” (Moses 6:5). They wrote about Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father’s plan. This book was the beginning of the scriptures.

Song: “Love Is Spoken Here” (Children’s Songbook, 190–91)

Activity: You can make a book of remembrance too! Ask everyone in your family to write down their testimony of Jesus Christ. Then attach the pages together to make a book.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 5; Moses 6”

God Can Help Me Do Hard Things.

Moses 6:26–34

Ask the children to share a time when they were asked to do something that was hard or scary for them. Share the story of, or read together, Enoch’s call to be a prophet, found in Moses 6:27, 31–34 (see also “Enoch the Prophet” in Old Testament Stories).

When Enoch was called to preach the gospel, he worried that he would fail. But God helped him do great things. Why did Enoch feel that he couldn’t preach the gospel? (see Moses 6:31). How did God help Enoch? (see Moses 6:32–34; 7:13).

Liahona January 2022 “Who Was Enoch”

Enoch was not the only prophet who felt inadequate when the Lord called him. Read about Moses’s and Jeremiah’s reactions in Exodus 4:10–12 and Jeremiah 1:4–9.

Your children might enjoy sharing or acting out other examples of when God helped people do difficult things—for example, Noah building the ark, David fighting Goliath, Ammon defending the king’s flocks, or Samuel the Lamanite preaching. (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 7, 19, 78, 81). You could also share an experience of your own and let your children talk about how God helps them do hard things.

Invite the children to name some difficult things that children their age sometimes do (such as completing an assignment for school, being kind to someone who is unkind, or telling the truth when they have made a mistake). Help the children find phrases in Moses 6:32–34 that can help them. Ask the children to share a time when God helped them do something difficult. Share your own experiences too.

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

The Gospel Teaches Me How to Return to Heavenly Father.

Moses 6:50–62

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 5; Moses 6”

Faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost prepare me to return to God.

Adam and Enoch taught their people the first principles and ordinances of the gospel: faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost (see also Articles of Faith 1:4).

Moses 6:50–62

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

God taught Adam what we need to do to return to Him—have faith in Jesus Christ, repent, be baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Help your children find these principles in Moses 6:52, 57. Then you could help them write a short talk about one of the principles. Each talk could include a scripture from Moses 6, an experience, and a testimony. Let them share their talks with each other.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 5; Moses 6”

You could also display pictures that represent the first principles of the gospel (see the fourth article of faith). Place them in a line leading to a picture of Jesus Christ. As you read Moses 6:52, your children could stand next to the correct picture when they hear the words the picture represents.

Friend April 2011 link includes discussion info.

Your children might enjoy singing songs that teach the principles in Moses 6:52, such as “Faith,” “When I Am Baptized,” and “The Holy Ghost” (Children’s Songbook, 96–97, 103, 105). Help them find these principles in Moses 6:52.

How would we answer Adam’s question found in Moses 6:53? What answers do we find in verses 57–62?

What does it mean to be “born again into the kingdom of heaven”? (Moses 6:59) (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.)
What can we do to continue to be born again throughout our lives?

Coloring Pages

Scripture Stories Coloring Book: Pearl of Great Price “4th Article of Faith”

Friend March 2000 Link includes some sharing time and music time ideas.

Heavenly Father Wants Parents to Teach Their Children.

Moses 6:57–58

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 5; Moses 6”

From the time of Adam and Eve, parents have been commanded to teach their children the gospel. How can you encourage the children to listen to and follow the righteous teachings of their parents?

To encourage your children to support their parents in their role as gospel teachers, consider asking a child to read Moses 6:58 and identify the commandment God gave to parents. Then you could show a picture of Adam and Eve teaching their children (like the one at the end of this outline) and let your children talk about what they see in the picture. Your children could draw pictures of their families reading the scriptures together, praying together, or playing together. Ask the children what they can do to support their parents when they teach them the gospel.

Friend March 2019 “A Lesson From My Parents” Color the pictures and circle the things a parent or other family member has taught you. What else can you think of?

Coloring Page: “Adam and Eve Teach Their Children” (Feb. 2010 Friend)

Latter Day Kids “Teach These Things” Lesson ideas to go with the below video.

Additional Resources

All things bear record of Christ

Moses 6:63.

What are some of the things that “bear record of [Christ]”? (see also 2 Nephi 11:4). Consider inviting family members to share something that they see “in the heavens above” or “on the earth” that helps them learn about Jesus Christ. For example, how do trees, rocks, or the sun remind us of the Savior? What do the titles “living water” and “bread of life” teach us about Him? (John 4:10–14; 6:35). (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 5; Moses 6” )

How did Adam become a “son of God”?

Moses 6:64–68

Enoch taught that after Adam was baptized, “the Spirit of God descended upon him, and thus he was born of the Spirit, and became quickened in the inner man.” After this sacred experience, Adam heard a voice from heaven saying, “Behold, thou art one in me, a son of God; and thus may all become my sons.”

The title “son of God” now had two different meanings for Adam. Not only was he a literal spirit son of God created in His image, but Adam was also a son of God because he had been born again through Jesus Christ. Those who experience spiritual rebirth and receive the ordinances of the Savior’s gospel are also sometimes referred to as “children of Christ.” (Scripture Helps: Old Testament “Genesis 5, Moses 6: How does the Fall affect us?”)

All people must repent and be baptized.

Scripture Helps: Old Testament “Genesis 5, Moses 6: How does the Fall affect us?”

Enoch taught that Adam asked God why all people must repent and be baptized. In response, God taught Adam important truths that clarified how the Fall would impact the posterity of Adam and Eve.

First, God made it clear not only that Adam and Eve were forgiven for their transgression in the Garden of Eden, but also that the consequences of their sins would not be passed down to their children. The Prophet Joseph Smith reiterated this truth when he taught, “We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.”

God also taught Adam that his posterity would be “conceived in sin” (or “born into a world of sin”). As mortal people living in a fallen world, we commit sin, which makes us unclean and separates us from God. While this experience gives us opportunity to “prize the good” after we “taste the bitter,” we also must be cleansed from our sins through Jesus Christ, for “no unclean thing can dwell” in God’s presence.

God commanded Adam to teach his children to repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Ghost so they could be sanctified from their sins through Jesus Christ. God declared, “This is the plan of salvation unto all men, through the blood of mine Only Begotten.”

Primary 6 Manual: Old Testament “Adam and Eve Lived the Gospel of Jesus Christ” (Page 23) Lesson ideas

Primary 6 Manual: Old Testament “Enoch and a Zion People” (Page 27)

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 3–4; Moses 4–5”

Jan 9 2022

Genesis 3–4; Moses 4–5

Featured

The Fall of Adam and Eve was Part of God’s Plan.
Jesus Christ Saves Us from the Fall.
I Can Choose the Right
I Can Pray to Heavenly Father.
- Additional Resources

The Fall of Adam and Eve was Part of God’s Plan.

Old Testament Stories “Adam and Eve” Images and video

Friend February 2018 “Adam and Eve”

The Garden of Eden was beautiful. But Adam and Eve needed something more than beautiful surroundings. They needed—and we all need—an opportunity to grow. Leaving the Garden of Eden was the necessary first step toward returning to God and eventually becoming like Him.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 3–4; Moses 4–5” If Adam and Eve had stayed in the Garden of Eden, they would not have had children and would not have progressed to become like Heavenly Father. We are grateful for their choice to partake of the fruit because this choice made possible our mortal life and our opportunity for eternal life.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

To help your children better understand the Fall of Adam and Eve, you could copy the pictures from “Adam and Eve” (in Old Testament Stories, 13–16) and cut them out. Then you could work together to put the pictures in order as you discuss the experiences of Adam and Eve. As you do, talk about why it was important, in Heavenly Father’s plan, for Adam and Eve to leave the Garden of Eden.

Friend January 2026 “Adam and Eve”

Invite the children to work together to tell the story of the Fall of Adam and Eve in their own words. Share verses from Genesis 3 to help them.

Jesus Christ Saves Us from the Fall.

Genesis 3; Moses 4; Moses 5:4–15

Moses 5:4–15

Media Library: Similitude By Walter Rane

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 3–4; Moses 4–5”

Write two titles on the board: Because of Fall of Adam and Eve,(I…) and Because of Jesus Christ, (I…) Help the children identify the consequences of the Fall as you read together Moses 4:23-25; 6:48; Romans 5:12; 2 Nephi 2:22–23. Let them write what they learn under the first title. Then help them identify how Jesus Christ overcame sin and death as you read together Moses 5:8–11, 14–15; 6:59; Alma 11:42. Let them write what they learn under the second title. Why are we thankful for Jesus Christ? Your children can feel gratitude for the Atonement of Jesus Christ as they understand how He overcomes the effects of the Fall.

Lesson 4: The Fall of Adam and Eve,” Primary 6: Old Testament Page 13

Ideas for under the title “Because of Fall of Adam and Eve” could include the following:

- We could choose to be born on the earth.
- We know good from evil.
- We became separated from Heavenly Father.
- We will someday die.

Ideas for under the title “Because of Jesus Christ” could include the following:

- We will live again after we die
- We can return to Heavenly Father if we will repent.
- We have a perfect example to follow.

Show a video about the Savior’s Atonement, such as “Because of Him” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite the children to share how they feel about Jesus Christ.

Friend January 2026 “The Plan of Happiness and You!”

I Can Choose the Right

Moses 4:1–4

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Consider a simple object lesson to introduce the principle of agency: invite your children to color this week’s activity page, but give them only one color to use. Why would it be better to have choices? You could then read together Moses 4:1–4 and talk about why God wants us to be able to choose between right and wrong. How do Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ help us make good choices?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 1-5” Make a booklet about the ways we are like Adam and Eve, such as we have agency

Friend January 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Good Choices Toss” Activity: Sit in a circle and toss a ball around. When you catch the ball, tell about a good choice you made this week.

Help your children think of and draw pictures of good choices they can make to follow Jesus Christ. Or you could sing together a song about making good choices, such as “Choose the Right Way” (Children’s Songbook, 160–61). You might tell each other about a time when you made a good choice and talk about how you felt afterward.

I Can Pray to Heavenly Father.

Moses 5:4, 8

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

When Adam and Eve had to leave the Garden of Eden, they couldn’t be with Heavenly Father anymore. Read Moses 5:4, 8 with your children, and help them find what Adam and Eve did to feel near to Him and hear Him.

Explain that we pray to Heavenly Father in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ (see Moses 5:8). What are some things we can say to Heavenly Father in our prayers?

Friend January 2025 “Teach Me About Prayer”

Friend April 2024 “The Miracle of Prayer”

Friend January 2021 “Talking to My Heavenly Father” Action Rhyme

Sing with the children a song about prayer, such as “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13).

Additional Resources

Lesson 4: The Fall of Adam and Eve,” Primary 6: Old Testament Place the picture of Adam and Eve next to the one of God the Father and Jesus Christ. Explain that when Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden, they could walk and talk with Heavenly Father and Jesus. To help the children understand why the result of Adam and Eve’s choice is known as the Fall, take the picture of Adam and Eve and move it down below the picture of God the Father and Jesus Christ as you tell of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit. Adam and Eve “fell” or were removed from the presence of God. Explain that because Adam and Eve could no longer freely associate with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, this is referred to as the Fall. Adam and Eve’s separation from Heavenly Father and Jesus began mortal life on earth.

Lesson 5: Adam and Eve and Their Family Offered Sacrifices,” Primary 6: Old Testament , Page 18–22 To help the children want to always remember Jesus Christ.

Lesson 6: Adam and Eve Lived the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” Primary 6: Old Testament, Pages 23–26 To help the children understand that the gospel of Jesus Christ is eternal and is based on truths that will help us gain exaltation.

Lesson 4: The Fall of Adam and Eve,” Primary 6: Old Testament Ask the children to think of opposites—such as happy and sad, hot and cold, hard and soft, smooth and rough, heavy and light, high and low, or fast and slow—to illustrate the importance of opposition (see 2 Nephi 2:11, 15). Let the children describe their experiences with opposites. To help them get started, you might use the following examples: After someone has been sick, they can better appreciate feeling well. Or without darkness, you cannot recognize light, which is why you cannot see the stars during the day. To illustrate this second example, you might bring a flashlight and show how its light is barely noticeable in a well-lit room, but the light is much brighter when you darken the room.

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

Gospel Media “Adam and Eve Teaching Their Children”

Article of Faith 2

Memorizing Tip: Adam and Eve were the first two people to live on the earth, and Article of Faith 2 is about Adam.

To transgress means to break a law or commandment. In the Garden of Eden, God told Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, but they ate it anyway. We are each responsible for our own decisions. We can’t be punished for someone else’s sins. (Friend Jan 2015)

Friend Feb 2011

Adam and Eve’s Family

Old Testament Stories “Adam and Eve’s Family” Images and Video

Friend February 2018 ”Adam and Eve Taught their Family” Link also includes info about Adam and Eve and how we can be like them.

Coloring Page: “Adam and Eve Teach Their Children” (Feb. 2010 Friend)

Agency

• In the preexistence Satan had a plan to destroy the freedoms and agency of the people who came to earth. What did Satan hope to gain from implementing his plan? (Glory and power for himself)

(Possible activity to demonstrate life without agency) • What would life be like without agency? To help the children imagine what it might be like to live under Lucifer’s plan, tell them that for the next few minutes they must do exactly what you say and nothing else (make sure they know they cannot talk). Have them stand and remain standing perfectly still for a few seconds. Then tell each child where to sit. (Do not sit friends near each other.) Tell the children they must sit erect, feet flat to the floor, looking straight ahead, not moving or speaking. Have them hold the position until you tell them otherwise. After about thirty seconds, let them stand again and sit where they want. (Walk in His Ways pg 62)

Latter Day Kids “Free to Choose” Lesson ideas

Come Follow Me With Living Scriptures” Free to Choose” Lesson ideas

Jan 5 2022

Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5

Featured

Jesus Christ Created the Earth Under the Direction of Heavenly Father.
- Gratitude for the Earth
I Was Created in God’s Image.
The Sabbath Day is Holy.
Additional Resources

Jesus Christ Created the Earth Under the Direction of Heavenly Father.

Genesis 1:1–25; Moses 2:1–25; Abraham 4:1–25

Friend November 1996 “For Little Friends: Window Picture” (Print the picture of the earth and the picture of Jesus back to back.) Show the picture of the earth and ask who created it. Have the children hold it up to a light or window to check their answer or find the answer. Explain that the earth was created by Jesus under the direction of Heavenly Father. Question: Why did Heavenly Father want the earth created? (See Abraham 3:24-26 – For us to gain a body and be tried and tested to see if we would learn to exercise control over our bodies and keep the commandments.)

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5”

Help the children think of times when they made something by following another person’s directions. For example, maybe they have made a recipe with a parent or sibling guiding them. Write Who created the earth? on the board, and invite the children to find the answer in Moses 2:1. Testify that Jesus Christ created the earth under the direction of Heavenly Father.

The Pearl of Great Price Student Manual

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that to “create … does not mean to create out of nothing; it means to organize, the same as a man would organize materials and build a ship.”¹ The Hebrew word for “create” means to shape, fashion, organize, and form (see Genesis 1:1; Abraham 3:24).
“The Earth, After It Was Formed, Was Empty and Desolate”The Prophet Joseph Smith indicated that the translation “without form, and void” (see Genesis 1:2 and Moses 2:2) should read “empty and desolate” (see Abraham 4:2;

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Your children might also look at pictures of things Jesus created (see “The Creation of the Earth” in Old Testament Stories, 8–12). Then you and your children could talk about how you feel about Jesus Christ after reading about the Creation.

Old Testament Stories “The Creation of the Earth” Images and Video

Creation Lesson for Little Ones – Teaching the creation story using flannel figures.

President Russell M. Nelson explained that “the physical Creation itself was staged through ordered periods of time,” not calendar days. Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that a day in the Creation accounts “is a specified time period; it is an age, an eon, a division of eternity; it is the time between two identifiable events. And each day, of whatever length, has the duration needed for its purposes. …

How will you make learning about the Creation fun for your children? You could take them on a search outside for the kinds of things that were made during each period of Creation.

Or:

Each person [could] take a turn acting out a day or part of the Creation. The rest of the family members guess the day or the part of Creation that was chosen. (Liahona January 2022 “God’s Plan Is for You: Come, Follow Me Family Fun” )
Assign each child verses in Moses 2 related to one of the days of creation, and ask him or her to draw a picture of the things Heavenly Father and Jesus created on that day. Ask the children to hold their pictures and stand in the order of the days of Creation, and then invite each child to teach the rest of the children what happened on the day they were assigned. What do we learn about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ from the story of the Creation? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5” )
You [could ]show pictures of things created in each period and invite family members to put the pictures in order after reading one of the accounts of the Creation together. What do these creations teach us about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5”)

Friend March 2002 “For Little Friends” Place the correct picture and label on the chart according to which “day” it took place in the creation (one square will get two pictures). Check your answers in Genesis 1:1-27, and move pieces to their correct position as needed (Visuals: Black and white game board. Note: Color cardstock can be used for the game boards.)

Consider singing a song together about our beautiful world, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29). Maybe your children could add to the song other things God has created that help them feel His love.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5”

Share your testimony that Jesus Christ made these things because He and Heavenly Father love us.

For additional teaching resources see Creation

Gratitude for the Earth

One way to approach the Creation story is to invite your family to find how many times in Genesis 1 or Moses 2 God calls the things that he made “good.” What does this suggest about how we should treat God’s creations—including ourselves? What do we learn from the way these events are worded in Abraham 4?

Friend January 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Thankful Memory Game

Activity: Now play a game! The first person says, “I am thankful for …” and then says something Heavenly Father and Jesus created. The next person repeats it and then adds something new. Keep going around in a circle as long as you can.

Liahona January 2022 “God’s Plan Is for You: Come, Follow Me Family Fun”

Stewards over the Earth: Moses 2:28 explains that humankind was given dominion over all living things. President Russell M. Nelson said, “We should care for the earth, be wise stewards over it, and preserve it for future generations” (“The Creation,” Liahona, July 2000, 104).

Discussion: In what ways do Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ take care of us? How can we follow Their examples as we take care of the living things around us? In what ways can our actions show our gratitude for God’s creations? (Submitted by Mitzi Schoneman)

Friend February 2018 “Caring for the Earth”

See more ideas at Taking Care of the Earth

Additional Creation Resources

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5” While there’s a lot we don’t know about exactly how the world was created, ponder what you learn about the Creation from what God has revealed in Genesis 1:1–25; Moses 2:1–25; and Abraham 4:1–25. What do you notice in these accounts that is similar? What do you notice that is different?

Lesson 3: The Creation,” Primary 6: Old Testament Pg 9–12
Primary 1 Manual This manual breaks up each day of the creation into lessons for little ones.
Seminary Old Testament Student Manual “Lesson 10: Moses 2 (Genesis 1; Abraham 4)”
Behold Your Little Ones: Nursery Manual “Jesus Christ Created the World for Me”

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “The Creation” Lesson ideas

Latter Day Kids “The Creation” Lesson ideas

I Was Created in God’s Image.

Genesis 1:26–27; Moses 2:26–27; Abraham 4:26–27

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Your children can develop a sense of reverence and respect for their own and others’ bodies as they learn that we were all created in God’s image. To help them understand what this means, you could let your children look at their image in a mirror or picture while you read Moses 2:26–27 to them.
You could also show them how baby animals are often in the “likeness” of their parents (see the picture in this outline, for example). This could lead to a conversation about why it’s important to you to know that you are created in your Heavenly Father’s image.

You and your children might enjoy drawing a human body and cutting the drawings into puzzles. As your children put their puzzles together, they could talk about ways they can show Heavenly Father that they are thankful for their bodies. (or invite the children to choose a part of the body and write next to it why they are thankful for it.) Express your gratitude for your body, and testify that we were created in God’s image.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; braham 4–5”

Help the children repeat “I, God, created man in mine own image” several times (Moses 2:27).

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 129-132”

[Using the picture below, invite the children] to point to His eyes, mouth, and other parts of His body. Then invite them to stand and point to those same parts of their own bodies. Read from Doctrine and Covenants 130:22: “The Father has a body of flesh and bones … ; the Son also.” Testify that our bodies are like Heavenly Father’s and Jesus’s bodies.

Friend November 2020 “Like Him”

LessonPix “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” Song idea. Print the pictures, cut them apart into cards, and then use them to sing the song. To make the song more interesting, have the children mix up the pictures on the top two rows and/or the bottom two rows and then have them do the actions and sing the words in their mixed up order.

Head Shoulders Knees & Toes

Visual support to sing Head Shoulders Knees & Toes.

By kpochter at LessonPix.com

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5” The world will give children many false messages about their bodies. The doctrine in Moses 2:26–27 is powerful motivation to respect and care for our bodies.

Read together Moses 2:26–27. What do these verses teach us about our bodies? Show the video “God’s Greatest Creation” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), or play the game “Your Body Is a Temple” (Friend, Aug. 2019, 24–25). You could also read together related quotations from President Russell M. Nelson’s message “Your Body: A Magnificent Gift to Cherish” (New Era, Aug. 2019, 2–7) that will help the children feel gratitude to Heavenly Father for their bodies.

Friend August 2019 “Your Body is a Temple” Activity comparing how the body is like a temple.

For the Strength of Youth “Your Body: A Priceless Gift”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5” Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are Creators. They can transform us into the beautiful creations we were meant to be. That’s part of what it means to be created in God’s image, after His likeness (see Genesis 1:26). We have the potential to become like Him: exalted, glorified, celestial beings.

For additional teaching ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Body” and Resources for Teaching Children “Body”

The Sabbath Day is Holy.

Genesis 2:2–3; Moses 3:2–3; Abraham 5:2–3

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

As you read Moses 3:2–3, ask your children to listen for what God did on the seventh day.

Help your children find or draw pictures of things they can do on Sunday to make it a holy day and different from other days. Share with each other why it is important to you to keep the Sabbath day holy.

Or,

Give the children a few minutes to write a list of as many things as they can think of that they can do to make the Sabbath a holy day. Invite the children to share their lists, and encourage them to add to their lists as others share suggestions they didn’t think of. Suggest that the children take the lists home with them and refer to them when they need ideas of good things to do on the Sabbath.
Or do the below sorting activity:

Teaching Children the Gospel “Sabbath Day: Lesson Item 4” Sort the activity ideas onto days of the week or Sunday

Children may have to explain to their friends why they treat Sunday different from other days. Help your children role-play explaining to a friend why they choose to do things on Sunday that honor Heavenly Father and Jesus. Suggest that they use Genesis 2:2–3 in their explanations. How does keeping the Sabbath day holy show our love and respect for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

Friend October 2015 “The Sabbath is a Delight”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5” Children who develop a habit of keeping the Sabbath day holy when they are young are more likely to keep this commandment when life becomes busier and more demanding.

A few days before class, invite one of the children and his or her parents to come prepared to share things they do in their family to keep the Sabbath day holy. Invite the other children to share what their families do.

For additional teaching ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Sabbath Day” and Resources for Teaching Children “Sabbath Day”

Nursery Manual “Lesson 8: Sunday Is a Day to Remember Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ”

Additional Resources

Scripture Helps Old Testament

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Jan 1 2022

Moses 1; Abraham 3

Featured

I Lived with Heavenly Father Before I Was Born.
- I lived as a spirit before I was born on earth.
I Am a Child of God.
Heavenly Father Wants Me to Live with Him Again.
I Can Resist Satan’s Temptations.
Heavenly Father has a work for me to do.
Additional Resources
- - Scripture Helps

Moses 1 God reveals Himself to Moses—Moses is transfigured—He is confronted by Satan—Moses sees many inhabited worlds—Worlds without number were created by the Son—God’s work and glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

Abraham 3 Abraham learns about the sun, moon, and stars by means of the Urim and Thummim—The Lord reveals to him the eternal nature of spirits—He learns of pre-earth life, foreordination, the Creation, the choosing of a Redeemer, and the second estate of man.

I Lived with Heavenly Father Before I Was Born.

I lived as a spirit before I was born on earth.

The term intelligences can be used to describe the spirit children of God. It can also describe “the spirit element that existed before we were begotten as spirit children.” Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught, “Prophets have revealed that we first existed as intelligences and that we were given form, or spirit bodies, by God, thus becoming His spirit children—sons and daughters of heavenly parents.” Scripture Helps: Old Testament “Moses 1; Abraham 3”

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Abraham 3:22–28

Knowing about our premortal life can inspire your children to make choices based on eternal truths. To help them learn about it, you could give them some key words and phrases to find in Abraham 3:22–28, like “before the world was,” “spirits,” “make an earth,” and “prove.” What do these verses teach us about why Heavenly Father sent us to earth?

New Testament Stories “Our Heavenly Father’s Plan”

Friend January 2022 “Before We Came to Earth”

A song like “I Will Follow God’s Plan” (Children’s Songbook, 164–65) could reinforce what Abraham 3 teaches. Maybe you could invite your children to draw pictures that go with the words.

Help your children think of situations in which they have to choose whether or not to do what God has asked them to (see Abraham 3:25; see also For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices). Let them practice possible responses to these situations. How can the Savior help us when we make a wrong choice?

Friend January 2012 “Agency Is the Gift to Choose for Ourselves”

Friend April 2019 “What’s on Your Mind”

I Am a Child of God.

Moses 1:1–4, 6, 12

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

After you read together God’s message to Moses in Moses 1:4, consider letting your children look at their reflection in a mirror and giving themselves a similar message: “I am a child of God.” Then they could give the same message to each other: “You are a child of God.”

Friend August 2024 “We Are All Children of God”

You might even find pictures of a variety of people and invite your children to point to each one and say, “This is a child of God.”

Friend September 2020 “Everyone is Important” We’re all daughters and sons of our heavenly parents—not all the same, but all equally important, needed, valuable, and loved!

Share with each other why you are glad to know you are children of God. How does this knowledge change the way you treat yourselves and others?

Friend May 2021 “A Birthday Crown” Wyatt wonders if he is special because he gets to wear a birthday crown on his birthday. His father tells him he is special because he is a child of God and that everyone else is too. When a girl was afraid to go down the slide, Wyatt remembered that everyone is special to Heavenly Father and he encouraged her and praised her.

You and your children could compare God’s message to Moses in Moses 1:4 with Satan’s message in verse 12. How can you help your children distinguish between God’s messages to them and Satan’s?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 1; Abraham 3”

Sing “I Am a Child of God” (Children’s Songbook, 2–3) with the children. Let them color this week’s activity page, and use it to review the truths this song teaches.

Additional Lesson Ideas

Primary 1 (Sunbeams) “Lesson One: I Am a Child of God”

We lived in Heaven: (Click on the below picture. Print the picture, or show it on an electronic device.) Explain that before we were born on earth we lived in heaven with Heavenly Father.

Friend April 2015

We were spirits there. A spirit is what is inside of us that makes us alive. When we were spirits, we didn’t have flesh and bones like our bodies have now, but we looked the same.

(Use these puppets to demonstrate what it means to be a spirit. See here for assembly instructions.)

Show the first picture again and explain that Heavenly Father is the father of our spirits, and we are his spirit children

Sing: I Am a Child of God. Tell the children they are going to sing the song “I Am a Child of God.” Explain that God is another name for Heavenly Father. (I like the Red Headed Hostess visual aids for the first verse of this song, but it does cost money. Jolly Jen has a flip chart that would work too, or you could use the below visual s from the Nursery Manual. Also see churchofjesuschrist.org/study for the music)

Who is a child of God? Toss a beanbag or soft object to a child as you say the words “I know a child of God named_____ .” Have the child say his or her own name and give the beanbag back to you. Repeat the activity until everyone has had a turn.

Print and cut out this activity. Show the pictures one at a time and ask the following:

Is a policeman a child of God?
Is a grandmother or grandfather
Is a bishop
Is a soldier
Is a mailman or missionaries
Is a mom or dad
Is someone who doesn’t go to our church
Is someone who lives in a different country or culture

Have the children take turns posting each picture under the title “Child of God.” The title can be written on the board or in a file folder or display board. You can also bring up people they know such as a neighbor.

Help the children understand that everyone is a child of God even though we may be different in age, hair color, what we do, where we live, skin color, or the church we attend, we are all children of God.

We can be like Heavenly Father

(Print and cut out these images pdf.) Use the following questions with the images. They could also be made into a matching game.

What is a baby dog called?
What will that puppy grow up to be?
What is a baby chicken called?
What will that chick grow up to be?

Explain that just as animals grow up to be like their parents, we will grow up to be like our parents.

Friend January 2017 “Kylie’s Parents” Kylie is like her earthly parents, and she is also like her Heavenly Parents. PDF version

Heavenly Father is the father of our spirits, so we can grow to be like him. Heavenly Father is loving, good, and kind. When we are loving, good, and kind, we are being like Heavenly Father. We should try to become more like Heavenly Father every day.

Have children tell or act out ways they can be loving, good, or kind.

(The images for the activity “Who is a Child of God?” are from the Friend magazine. Soldier 6/16, Bishop 1/16, etc.The images for the animals are from Pixabay: Free Images)

See also Child of God

Heavenly Father Wants Me to Live with Him Again.

Moses 1:39

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 1; Abraham 3”

Show the children pictures of some of Heavenly Father’s many creations. Read Moses 1:30, and explain that Moses asked God about the purpose of these creations. Help the children search in verse 39 to find God’s answer. Teach them that Heavenly Father’s work is to help us gain eternal life, which means becoming like Him and living with Him again.

Latter day Kids Lesson ideas

Invite a parent to come to class and talk about how he or she feels when a child returns home after being away (for example, at school or on a mission), or share feelings you’ve had during these experiences. Use this example to teach the children how much Heavenly Father wants us to return to Him.

Latter Day Kids “This is My Work and My Glory” Lesson ideas

I Can Resist Satan’s Temptations.

Moses 1:12–26

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022

Summarize Moses’s experience in Moses 1:12–26 in your own words, or ask one of the children to do so (see also the video “I Am a Son of God” [ChurchofJesusChrist.org]). Invite the children to search these verses (verses 13, 15, 18, 20–22, 26) to learn how Moses was able to overcome Satan. (Remember you are a son or daughter of God, listen to the Spirit, think of Jesus, and pray for strength.)

It might be fun for them to act out things they can do to resist temptation (such as praying, walking away, or asking for help). Or bring a box of tools (or pictures of tools), and help them label each tool with a way we can resist temptation (such as praying, singing a hymn, reading the scriptures, or serving others). Let each child pick a tool and talk about a situation when the action written on that tool’s label could help us resist temptation. Read together verses 25–26, and testify that God will help us when we face temptation.

Moses 1:18.

What advice can we share to help each other “judge between” God and Satan? (See also Moroni 7:12–18; Doctrine and Covenants 50:23–24.)

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.

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.

Heavenly Father has a work for me to do.

Moses 1:6, 39

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 1; Abraham 3”

As you read Moses 1:6 with your children, you might talk to them about the “work” God had for Moses. Consider using the Gospel Art Book, nos. 13–16, or Old Testament Stories, pages 64–84, to help your children see what Moses accomplished with Heavenly Father’s help. What is the work God has for us to do? (see, for example, Doctrine and Covenants 11:20).

Lesson 1: Heavenly Father’s Plan for Us,” Primary 6: Old Testament

God’s appointment of certain spirits to fulfill specific missions on earth is called foreordination.

Topics and Questions, “Foreordination,” Gospel Library.

“Foreordination does not guarantee that individuals will receive certain callings or responsibilities. Such opportunities come in this life as a result of the righteous exercise of agency, just as foreordination came as a result of righteousness in the premortal existence. …

“The doctrine of foreordination applies to all members of the Church, not just to the Savior and His prophets. Before the creation of the earth, faithful women were given certain responsibilities and faithful men were foreordained to certain priesthood duties. As people prove themselves worthy, they will be given opportunities to fulfill the assignments they then receive.”

Read and discuss Abraham 3:23 with the children. What kinds of things might we have been chosen to do on earth? Explain that we are free to choose what we will do in this life, but each of us has been foreordained to do an important work on the earth.

Additional Resources

Plan of Salvation Teaching Children the Gospel

Lesson 1: Heavenly Father’s Plan for Us,” Primary 6: Old Testament Page 1

Lesson 2: Jesus Christ Was Chosen to Be Our Savior,” Primary 6: Old Testament Page 6

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

Scripture Helps

Click to see more.

Come Follow Me for Living Scriptures “I Am a Child of God” Lesson ideas

Old Testament Scripture Stories “About the Old Testament” Images and Video

Friend January 2022 “I Can Read the Old Testament”

Friend May 2026 “Am I a Peacemaker”

Aug 11 2026

Insects: Clipart

Posted on August 11, 2026 by Camilla

Primary clipart can be found here.

Jul 19 2026

2 Chronicles 14–20; 26; 30

Posted on July 19, 2026 by Camilla

King Asa and King Jehoshaphat turn to the Lord when Judah is attacked
- I can trust God.
- God will hear and answer my prayers.
King Uzziah
- I can be humble.
King Hezekiah Invite Israel to a Passover
- I can be a peacemaker.
Additional Resources

King Asa and King Jehoshaphat turn to the Lord when Judah is attacked

2 Chronicles Chapter 14 Asa reigns in Judah, rebuilds the cities, and defeats and plunders the Ethiopians, who attack Judah.

2 Chronicles Chapter 15 Azariah prophesies that Judah will prosper if the people keep the commandments—Asa does away with false worship in Judah—Many from Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon migrate to Judah—The people covenant to serve the Lord and are blessed.

2 Chronicles Chapter 16 Asa employs Syria to defeat Israel—Hanani the seer reproves Asa for lack of faith—Asa suffers from disease and dies.

2 Chronicles Chapter 20 The Ammonites and others attack Judah—Jehoshaphat and all the people fast and pray—Jahaziel prophesies the deliverance of Judah—Judah’s attackers war among and destroy themselves.

I can trust God.

2 Chronicles 14–16; 20

To introduce the idea of trusting the Lord, you might show your children something you trust to keep you dry when it rains, like an umbrella or jacket. Let them talk about why we can trust these things. Then help them compare that to our trust in the Lord. Why do we trust Him to keep us safe spiritually?

Clipart Library

You could help your children discover how King Asa and King Jehoshaphat responded to challenges by trusting in the Lord (see 2 Chronicles 14:11; 20:3–5, 12). Share with each other ways you can show the Lord that you trust Him.

Friend July 2018 “Allie’s New Class” Allie has to change kindergarten classes and she is worried, but she says a prayer, and she knows she can be brave because Heavenly Father will help her.

God will hear and answer my prayers.

2 Chronicles 20:1–29

This week’s activity page can help your children understand the story of Jehoshaphat’s prayer and the Lord’s answer. You and your children could share times when God heard and answered your prayers. Consider including times when the answers came in ways or at times that you didn’t expect.

A song about prayer, such as “I Pray in Faith” (Children’s Songbook, 14), could help build your children’s faith.

King Uzziah

2 Chronicles Chapter 26 Uzziah reigns and prospers as long as he keeps the commandments—He transgresses, attempts to burn incense upon the altar, and is cursed with leprosy.

I can be humble.

2 Chronicles 26:3–23

To learn about the dangers of pride, your children could build a tower with blocks or small cups. As they place each block or cup on the tower, help them identify one of Uzziah’s accomplishments from 2 Chronicles 26:3–15. After they finish the tower, discuss with your children how Uzziah could keep it tall and strong. What could make it fall? Then, as you read verse 16, you could talk about what it means to have our hearts “lifted up to [our] destruction.” Share with your children what happened to Uzziah in verses 16–23. Let them knock down their tower. Talk about what we can do to stay humble.

The Red Crystal See this site for these printable images to put on cups. Have children stack them as you tell or read the story, then knock it down after his heart became proud.

Definition of Pride: A inflated, high opinion of one’s own importance, merit, or superiority.

What is humility? A modest opinion of one’s own importance, rank, etc. Guide to the Scriptures: The condition of being meek and teachable. Humility includes recognizing our dependence upon God and desiring to submit to His will.

New Era February 2002 “Idea List: Fighting Pride” Ways to develop humilty: be grateful, serve others, admit mistakes, forgive others, accept counsel from others.

King Hezekiah Invite Israel to a Passover

2 Chronicles Chapter 30 Hezekiah invites all Israel to a solemn Passover in Jerusalem—Some accept the call; others laugh him to scorn—The faithful Israelites worship the Lord in Jerusalem.

I can be a peacemaker.

2 Chronicles 30

The picture above shows when Hezekiah invited Judah’s neighbors from the Kingdom of Israel to celebrate Passover with them. You could look at this image with your children and read 2 Chronicles 30:18–19, which explains that some of the guests had not washed themselves according to the law of Moses. What did Hezekiah do? How would this have made the guests feel? Help your children think of how they can be like Hezekiah in the way they treat others. You could also help you children discover ways President Dallin H. Oaks said we can be peacemakers in “Alive in Christ” (Liahona, May 2026, 86–87).

Friend April 2024 “5 Ways to Be a Peacemaker”

The Red Crystal Peacemaker or Peacebreaker Activity

Additional Resources

Friend July 2026 “Weekly Scripture Fun”

Latter Day Kids “Seek the Lord in Times of Trouble” Lesson ideas and video

Friend June 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Jun 14 2026

1 Samuel 17–18; 24–26; 2 Samuel 5–7

Posted on June 14, 2026 by Camilla

DAVID AND GOLIATH
- Faith in Jesus Christ can help me have courage.
- Jesus Christ can help me overcome any challenge.
FRIENDSHIP OF DAVID AND JONATHON
- Good friends can be a blessing from God.
DAVID SPARES SAUL'S LIFE
- Forgiveness is the sure path to peace and healing.
KING DAVID
- If I need guidance, I can ask Heavenly Father.
- Jesus Christ is our King.
Additional Resources

DAVID AND GOLIATH

1 Samuel CHAPTER 17 Israel and the Philistines engage in war—Goliath of Gath, a giant, defies Israel and challenges any Israelite to personal combat—David goes against him in the name of the Lord—David slays Goliath with a sling and a stone—Israel defeats the Philistines.

Faith in Jesus Christ can help me have courage.

1 Samuel 17:10–54

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18” Children relate easily with young David because even though David was small, he overcame a big challenge. Help them see that the source of his courage and strength was his faith in Jesus Christ.

Review the story of David and Goliath with the children (see “David and Goliath” in Old Testament Stories). Then you could let them retell the story using the pictures or line drawings in this outline. Ask them what they think the Lord wants them to learn from this story. (Or assign the children to draw pictures of different parts of the story in 1 Samuel 17:20–54. Display the pictures in order on the board, and invite the children to share the story by talking about each of the pictures they drew.)

Old Testament Scripture Stories “David and Goliath” Images

Use this week’s activity page to show how tall Goliath might have been compared to a young boy like David. Explain that the army of Israel was afraid of Goliath. Ask the children to pretend to be scared. Then show a picture of Jesus Christ, and tell the children that because David had faith in the Lord, he could be brave. Ask them to stand up tall, like they are brave.

Invite the children to march like they are David going to fight Goliath while singing a song about being courageous, such as “I Will Be Valiant” (Children’s Songbook, 162).

Jesus Christ can help me overcome any challenge.

1 Samuel 17:20–54

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18” The children may be facing challenges that seem as difficult as defeating a giant like Goliath. David’s example can give them hope that the Lord will help fight their battles.

You and your children could also make a list of some difficult challenges they (or others) might face during their life. Then help them find things David said that can help with these challenges (see 1 Samuel 17:26, 32, 34–37, 45–47). Share how Jesus Christ has helped you during challenges.

Goliath Toss

Activity: Make a square on the ground with chalk or tape. Write the name “Goliath” inside. Stand back and toss pebbles into the square. Every time your pebble lands in the square, name a way Heavenly Father helps you overcome big challenges.

Come Follow Me Kid Includes an activity where you knock over Goliath with marshmallows. Could use it to have the children name a way Heavenly Father helps them overcome big challenges.

Friend May 2019 “Bright Idea” Poster or handout that says “I can conquer giant problems” next to a giant like David slew.

Lesson 28: David and Goliath,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 120–24
To encourage each child to seek Heavenly Father’s help in overcoming obstacles.

Show the children a string or rope that you have cut to the length of 9 feet 9 inches (3 meters). You may want to attach it to the wall or ceiling or have children hold the two ends and pull it out to its full length so they can see how tall Goliath was. To help them visualize how much Goliath’s armor weighed, invite the children to volunteer their weights and see what combined weight would be close to the 150 pounds (67.5 kilos) that his armor is estimated to have weighed. Let the children describe how they would feel if they had to fight such an opponent.
Ask the children to choose “Goliaths,” or challenges, in their lives they would like to overcome and write them on the giant. Then have them think of ways to overcome their challenges, write them on pieces of paper, and cut these papers to look like stones. Explain that all challenges can’t be overcome, but if we ask Heavenly Father for his help, he will give us strength to cope with them. Encourage each child to choose a challenge that he or she can work on and to include faith and prayer as part of the solution.

“Comfort and Courage from the Scriptures” (September 2006 Liahona and Friend)

Give the children a piece of paper, and ask them to write a trial or challenge children face today, such as immodest clothing, inappropriate media, and so on. (Younger children can draw pictures.) As the children share the trial, have them wrap the paper around a small rock and place it in the backpack. Pass the backpack to some of the children. Discuss ways Heavenly Father helps them with their trials. With each suggestion, remove several rocks. Pass the backpack again. Sing a song or hymn about the Savior. Explain that Jesus will always help us and comfort us.

Friend July 2022 “David’s Sling” Follow the paths to the matching rocks to find out ways God can help you when you follow Him.

Gospel Art Book “David Slays Goliath”

FRIENDSHIP OF DAVID AND JONATHON

1 Samuel CHAPTER 18 Jonathan loves David—Saul sets David over his armies—David is honored by the people, and Saul becomes jealous—David marries Michal, a daughter of Saul.

Good friends can be a blessing from God.

1 Samuel 18:1–4

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 How can you help your children learn from Jonathan and David’s friendship? Draw two figures on the board, one to represent David and the other to represent Jonathan. Read to the children a few phrases from 1 Samuel 18:1–4 that emphasize the love these two friends felt for each other.

Give each child two paper hearts. Your children could then write or draw on their paper hearts how they can show love to a friend.

Friend August 2018 Find the words below that tell how we can share the Savior’s love with others.

Tell the children about a good friend who helps you live the gospel or build your faith in Jesus Christ, and invite the children to share who helps them. Invite the children to act out doing something nice for a friend.

Friend April 2017 “Be a Light” Color in the sun as you figure out someone to do certain things for as a true friend such as loving, forgiving, encouraging, etc.

Friend July 2026 “Weekly Scripture Fun: Being Happy for Others”

Song: “Oh, How Great Is Our Joy” (Hymns—For Home and Church, no. 1033)

Scripture: 1 Samuel 18:1–4

Activity: Jonathan was happy for David after he beat Goliath. You can learn to show love to others like Jonathan did! Cut out the cards on page 43 and play the matching game with your family. Be kind to the winner—say things like, “Good game” or “Great job!”

Lesson 29: David and Jonathan,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 125–30
To help the children understand how to be a true friend.

DAVID SPARES SAUL’S LIFE

1 Samuel Chapter 24 David finds Saul in a cave and spares his life—Saul confesses that David is more righteous than he—David swears that he will not cut off the seed of Saul.

1Samuel Chapter 25 Samuel dies—Nabal rebuffs David and refuses to give him food—Abigail intercedes, saves Nabal, and gives David a present—David is pacified, Nabal dies, and David marries Abigail.

1 Samuel Chapter 26 David again spares Saul’s life—He again refuses to stretch forth his hand against the Lord’s anointed—Saul and David separate.

Forgiveness is the sure path to peace and healing.

1 Samuel 24–26

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

In 1 Samuel 24–26, look for lessons about pride, forgiveness, and self-control. “Spiritual poise blesses us to stay calm and focused on what matters most, especially when we are under pressure.”(“Christlike Poise”) How did David, Abigail, and others demonstrate—or fail to demonstrate—Christlike poise in these chapters? What opportunities do you have to show Christlike poise?

Sister Kristen Yee’s message “Beauty for Ashes: The Healing Path of Forgiveness” (Liahona, Nov. 2022, 36–39) can help you study 1 Samuel 25. How is Abigail like Jesus Christ?

“Cease From Anger” (February 2010 Friend)
Take this quiz to see how forgiving you are. When we are loving and forgiving, we can be peacemakers.

Friend March 2015

KING DAVID

2 Samuel CHAPTER 5 All Israel anoints David king—He takes Jerusalem and is blessed of the Lord—He conquers the Philistines.

2 Samuel CHAPTER 6 David takes the ark to the city of David—Uzzah is smitten for steadying the ark and dies—David dances before the Lord, causing a breach between him and Michal.

2 Samuel CHAPTER 7 David offers to build a house for the Lord—The Lord, through Nathan, says He has not asked David to do so—The Lord will establish David’s house and kingdom forever—David offers a prayer of thanksgiving.

Old Testament Stories “King David”

If I need guidance, I can ask Heavenly Father.

2 Samuel 5:19, 23

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 These verses describe how David prayed for guidance and direction as the king of Israel. How can you inspire the children to turn to God in prayer when they are in need?

In these chapters, David became the king of Israel. It might be fun for your children to pretend to be a king or queen. What laws would they make? Where would they go for help? Help your children discover that when David needed help, he “inquired,” or prayed, for answers. For example, as you read 2 Samuel 5:19, 23, invite the children to listen for the word “inquired” and to fold their arms when they hear it. Why would David need the Lord’s help in his new role?
Tell each other about times when you prayed for Heavenly Father’s help. What difference did it make to have Him help you? Testify that we can always pray to Heavenly Father when we need help.

Friend November 2017 “Prayers and Pumpkins” Rachel loses her family during a pumpkin walk in Nauvoo. She prays for help and is inspired to talk to a missionary couple. The couple she finds turns out to be Elder Perry and his wife, and they helped her find her family.

Tell the children about a time when you prayed for Heavenly Father’s help. How did He answer your prayer? What difference did it make to have Him help you? Invite the children to share their experiences.

Jesus Christ is our King.

2 Samuel 7:16–17

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 The kings we read about in the Old Testament all had flaws, and their kingdoms all ended. Invite the children to read what the prophet Nathan told King David in 2 Samuel 7:16–17, and ask them what they think this prophecy might mean. How could David’s kingdom have no end? Help the children find and read scripture passages that teach that Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, is a King, such as Luke 1:32–33; John 18:33–37; and Revelation 19:16. Jesus Christ is a perfect King and will reign forever.

How is Jesus Christ like a king? How is Jesus different from earthly kings? What are some ways that we can show that Jesus Christ is our Eternal King?

As the children complete this week’s activity page, sing or play recordings of songs that refer to Christ as our King, such as “He Died That We Might Live Again,” “Called to Serve,” “Rejoice, the Lord Is King!” or “I Believe in Christ” “Jesus, Once of Humble Birth” Children’s Songbook, 65, 174–75; Hymns, nos. 66, 134, 196). Ask the children to listen for the word “King” and hold up a picture of Jesus when they hear it. How do we feel when we sing about Jesus?

Additional Resources

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Overcoming Temptation” Lesson ideas

Dec 28 2025

Introduction to the Old Testament

Posted on December 28, 2025 by Camilla

I can learn of Jesus Christ in the Old Testament.
Heavenly Father wants to make covenants with me.
Jesus Christ is Jehovah in the Old Testament.
Additional Resources

Tell the children that this year they will be studying the gospel mostly from the Old Testament and Pearl of Great Price. Show the children a copy of each of these books, or if they have their own set of scriptures, have them locate each of these books. Explain that the Old Testament is the history of God’s dealings with his people from the creation of the earth until about four hundred years before Jesus Christ was born. The Pearl of Great Price contains sacred writings by several prophets, including two Old Testament prophets, Moses and Abraham. They tell about our premortal life, the early history of the world, Heavenly Father’s plan for us, and the restoration of the gospel. Lesson 1: Heavenly Father’s Plan for Us,” Primary 6: Old Testament pg 1

I can learn of Jesus Christ in the Old Testament.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

The words and culture of the Old Testament may be difficult for children to understand, but you can help them see Jesus Christ in symbols and stories. Perhaps you and your children could look at the image below, The Prophet Isaiah Foretells Christ’s Birth. Let your children point out details they see. Draw their attention, in particular, to the baby Jesus. Then you could read with them what Isaiah wrote about the Savior’s birth in Isaiah 7:14; 9:6. Share with your children how you feel about looking for the Savior in the Old Testament this year.

You and your children could also read Psalm 23 or Isaiah 53:3–9 and find words that remind you of Jesus Christ. What do these words teach us about His life and Atonement?

Friend January 2026 “Scripture Hide and Seek” You can learn about Jesus Christ in the Old Testament! Cut out the cards and have one person hide them around the room. Then search for the hidden cards. When you find one, look up the scripture and read it together.

Red Crystal Distribute the pieces with scriptures for students to look up. Then let them match them to the pictures on the page. The scriptures’ shapes will go over the top of the pictures that they feel match.

Heavenly Father wants to make covenants with me.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Covenants are a major theme in the Old Testament. To introduce this theme to your children, you could talk with them about promises they make and keep with family or friends and why keeping these promises is important. You could then look at a picture of a baptism and talk about the promise, or covenant, we make with God when we are baptized (see Mosiah 18:10, 13). You could also show a picture of the temple and share your feelings about the covenants we make there.

The below handout is from Rachel’s Booknook

Friend February 2021 “Your Baptism 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.

Friend December 2023 “Preparing for More Covenants”

Keeping the covenants we make with Heavenly Father can also help keep us safe, spiritually and physically, and help us to become more like our Heavenly Father.

This week’s activity page could help your children be excited to make and keep covenants with Heavenly Father. You could also sing a song about making covenants, like “When I Am Baptized” (Children’s Songbook, 103).

See more teaching ideas at Covenants

Jesus Christ is Jehovah in the Old Testament.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Do your children know anyone who goes by different names in different settings? Perhaps a parent or teacher is addressed differently at work, at home, and at church. Talk about those names; then read Exodus 6:3 together and invite your children to find the names Jesus Christ was known by before He was born (see also the Joseph Smith Translation in footnote c).

3 And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob. I am the Lord God Almighty; the Lord Jehovah. And was not my name known unto them?

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 7: Joseph Smith Translates the Gold Plates,”

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal Reading Chart

Jun 1 2025

6th Article of Faith

Posted on June 1, 2025 by Camilla

Friend May 2025 “Articles of Faith” What this means: When Jesus Christ lived on the earth, He organized His Church. He called apostles, prophets, teachers, missionaries, and others. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is organized now in the same way as it was back then!

Friend May 2021 “Matt and Mandy” The Coopers learn the sixth article of faith.

Friend June 1987

Feb 2 2025

Doctrine and Covenants 6–9

Posted on February 2, 2025 by Camilla

Heavenly Father speaks to me through the Holy Ghost.
The Holy Ghost speaks to my mind and my heart.

Oliver Tries Translating

Riches of Eternal Life
Because of Jesus Christ, I can “fear not.”
“Fear not to do good.”
I can look to Jesus Christ in every thought.
I can ask in faith.

Additional Resources

Emma Smith

Doctrine & Covenants Section 6 Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, April 1829. Oliver Cowdery began his labors as scribe in the translation of the Book of Mormon, April 7, 1829. He had already received a divine manifestation of the truth of the Prophet’s testimony respecting the plates on which was engraved the Book of Mormon record. The Prophet inquired of the Lord through the Urim and Thummim and received this response.

Doctrine & Covenants Section 7 Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, April 1829, when they inquired through the Urim and Thummim as to whether John, the beloved disciple, tarried in the flesh or had died. The revelation is a translated version of the record made on parchment by John and hidden up by himself. 1–3, John the Beloved will live until the Lord comes; 4–8, Peter, James, and John hold gospel keys.

Doctrine & Covenants Section 8 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Oliver Cowdery, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, April 1829. In the course of the translation of the Book of Mormon, Oliver, who continued to serve as scribe, writing at the Prophet’s dictation, desired to be endowed with the gift of translation. The Lord responded to his supplication by granting this revelation.

Doctrine & Covenants Section 9 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Oliver Cowdery, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, April 1829. Oliver is admonished to be patient and is urged to be content to write, for the time being, at the dictation of the translator, rather than to attempt to translate.

Because of the lost 116 pages of manuscript, the angel Moroni took the gold plates and the Urim and Thummim away from Joseph Smith for a time (see lesson 6). After Joseph repented, these items were returned. As Joseph continued the translation, he found that he did not have time to take care of his family and farm and still translate as fast as he wanted to. The work of translation was also slowed because Joseph had no scribe to write for him as he translated. Martin Harris was no longer allowed to be Joseph’s scribe. Emma sometimes served as scribe, but she had other work to do also. Joseph knew that the translation was not going as fast as it needed to, so he prayed and asked Heavenly Father for help.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 6–9: “This Is the Spirit of Revelation””

In the fall of 1828, a young schoolteacher named Oliver Cowdery took a teaching job in Manchester, New York, and stayed with the family of Lucy and Joseph Smith Sr. Oliver had heard about their son Joseph, who was now living in Harmony, Pennsylvania, and Oliver, who considered himself a seeker of truth, wanted to know more. The Smiths described visits from angels, an ancient record, and the gift to translate by the power of God. Oliver was fascinated. Could it be true? Lucy and Joseph Sr. gave him advice that applies to anyone seeking truth: pray and ask the Lord. Oliver did, and the Lord answered, speaking peace and reassurance to Oliver’s mind.
In spring 1829 Oliver Cowdery traveled to Harmony and volunteered to be Joseph Smith’s scribe as he translated the Book of Mormon.

For the Strength of Youth January 2021 “An Answer for Oliver”

Heavenly Father speaks to me through the Holy Ghost.

Doctrine and Covenants 6:5, 15–16, 22–23; 8:2; 9:7–9

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 6-9

The truths Oliver Cowdery learned about personal revelation can help your children as they develop their ability to recognize the Holy Ghost. You could use “Chapter 5: Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery” (in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 22–25, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library) to teach them about Oliver and what he learned. Share with each other your favorite parts of the story. As you do, emphasize things the Lord taught Oliver about how to hear God’s voice, and read relevant verses, such as Doctrine and Covenants 6:23 or 9:7–9.

Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Chapter 5: Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery” Video and Images

The Holy Ghost speaks to my mind and my heart.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 6-9 & CFM Primary 2021

Invite the children to touch their heads and their chests as you read the words “mind” and “heart” in Doctrine and Covenants 8:2. Help them understand that Heavenly Father speaks to us through the Holy Ghost, who gives us thoughts and feelings.

Feelings in Our Heart

Thoughts in Our Mind

Friend May 2024 “Listening to the Holy Ghost” At FHE Warner’s mom taught that often the Holy Ghost speaks by giving you a thought in your mind.

“When she said that, I was so surprised. Just earlier, I had prayed and asked my Heavenly Father to help me hear the Holy Ghost. All my life I’d had thoughts that guided me to choose the right. Now I knew that those thoughts came from the Holy Ghost!

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Oliver Received Answers from the Lord”

Sing together a song about the Holy Ghost, such as “The Holy Ghost” (Children’s Songbook, 105). What does the song teach about how the Spirit speaks to us?

Oliver Tries Translating

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 7: Joseph Smith Translates the Gold Plates,”

With Oliver assisting, the translation of the Book of Mormon went faster. After working as scribe for some time, Oliver wanted to translate. He was given permission to translate but failed when he tried. Oliver thought that the ability to translate would be given to him by merely asking Heavenly Father for it, but he learned that it required great mental and spiritual effort. The ability to translate had to come through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost

Friend February 2025 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Flashlight Fun”

God can give us answers to our questions through the Holy Ghost (see Doctrine and Covenants 6:23). Sometimes we need to really focus to understand the message. Get a flashlight and turn off the lights in a room. One person uses the flashlight to draw a picture or letters on the wall. The others try to guess what it is. How is the flashlight like the Holy Ghost?

Write on the board How does the Holy Ghost speak to us? Invite the children to search in Doctrine and Covenants 6:15–16, 22–23; 8:2; 9:7–9 for answers to the question.

Study the problem or question in your mind. Think about how you could solve the problem or answer the question.
Decide what you think you should do.
Ask Heavenly Father if your decision is right.
Listen with your heart and mind. If your decision is right, the Holy Ghost will give you a good feeling about it. If your decision is wrong, you will not feel good about it, and you need to make a different choice.

Latter Day Kids “The Holy Ghost” Lesson, song, and activity ideas

Riches of Eternal Life

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 6–9: “This Is the Spirit of Revelation””

Doctrine and Covenants 6: 7, 13

How can you help your family understand that real “riches” are found in eternal life? (verse 7). You could invite family members to make pretend money and write or draw on it some of the many blessings your family has received because of the restored gospel.

Liahona February 2025 ” Treasures in Heaven”

Because of Jesus Christ, I can “fear not.”

Doctrine and Covenants 6:34

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 6–9: “This Is the Spirit of Revelation”

Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery had many reasons to be afraid—persecution and poverty were just some of the challenges they faced. The Lord’s message to Joseph and Oliver can also encourage the children when they feel afraid.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 6-9

The Lord told Joseph and Oliver, “Fear not, little flock” (Doctrine and Covenants 6:34). You might invite your children to repeat that phrase with you several times. They might also enjoy pretending to be a flock of frightened sheep. What might sheep be afraid of?

Then you and your children could look at a picture of the Savior as a shepherd (there’s one at the end of this outline) and talk about how He watches over us like a shepherd watches over His sheep.

Sing together a song about the Savior, such as “Little Lambs So White and Fair” (Children’s Songbook, 58)

Help the children think of ways that they can “look unto,” or remember, the Savior during the coming week (see also this week’s activity page).

Come Follow Me Kid “D&C 6-9”

Each person will write their name on a sheep. Take turns sharing something that makes us fearful. Either
write/draw those fears on the back of the sheep or just share them out loud. After sharing, that person will place their sheep on the “I Will Encircle Thee in the Arms of My Love” picture of Jesus Christ. He loves us and can help us with our fears. Remind them that we are part of His flock. Every one of us is important to Him, and He wants to take care of us.

Color the outline of one of these people to look like yourself. Glue it onto the “I Will Encircle Thee in the Arms of My Love” page.

“Jesus Is My True Light”

“Fear not to do good.”

Doctrine and Covenants 6:33–37

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 6–9: “This Is the Spirit of Revelation”

The children you teach may at times feel afraid to stand for the right. Doctrine and Covenants 6:33–37 can inspire them to be courageous, even in difficult circumstances.

Read together Doctrine and Covenants 6:33, and discuss why someone might fear to do good (see also verses 28–29). Help children find words or phrases in verses 33–37 that help give them the courage to do good.

Consider playing or singing a song about finding courage in Christ, such as “Dare to Do Right” (Children’s Songbook, 158) or “Let Us All Press On” (Hymns, no. 243). What does the song teach about how the Savior helps us not be afraid? Ask the children to find in the song some reasons why we should “fear not” (verse 36).

Come Follow Me Kid “D&C 6-9” Cut apart the following strips and spread them out far enough in a room so that the kids will need to hop from one strip to another. Make sure to keep them in the correct order. Have them stand by the first one and help them say the top line out loud. Explain what it means. Then have them jump to the next one and do the same thing until they’ve jumped on each of them, said them out loud, and discussed them one at a time. Then have them start back at the beginning and practice saying the phrases from D&C 6:33 in order while hopping from strip to strip again. Try going a little faster each time. Repeat as many times as wanted/needed.

For the Strength of Youth February 2021 “Fear Not” A line-by-line explanation for the words in D&C 6:33-37

I can look to Jesus Christ in every thought.

Doctrine and Covenants 6:36

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 6-9

After reading together Doctrine and Covenants 6:36, you and your children could make drawings to help you remember to “look unto [Jesus Christ] in every thought.” Share with each other your drawings, and help your children think of places they could put them so they will see them often.

Friend August 2020 “Let God Prevail!” President Russel M. Nelson tells what it means to let God prevail in our lives.

I can ask in faith.

Doctrine and Covenants 8:10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 6–9: “This Is the Spirit of Revelation”

Write on the board Without_______ you can do nothing; therefore ask in ________ . Invite the children to try to think of a word that fits in both blanks. Then read together Doctrine and Covenants 8:10 to find the answer. What are some things we can do if we have faith?

Additional Resources

Saints, 1:58–64

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints “Gospel Media: Days of Harmony” Video of Oliver Cowdery’s experience as Joseph Smith’s scribe during the translation of the Book of Mormon

Click to see more

Emma Smith

“When my husband was translating the Book of Mormon, I wrote a part of it, as he dictated each sentence, word for word, and when he came to proper names he could not pronounce, or long words, he spelled them out, and while I was writing them, if I made any mistake in spelling, he would stop me and correct my spelling although it was impossible for him to see how I was writing them down at the time. Even the word Sarah he could not pronounce at first, but had to spell it, and I would pronounce it for him.”⁴

“The plates often lay on the table without any attempt at concealment, wrapped in a small linen tablecloth, which I had given him to fold them in. I once felt of the plates, as they thus lay on the table, tracing their outline and shape. They seemed to be pliable like thick paper, and would rustle with a metallic sound when the edges were moved by the thumb, as one does sometimes thumb the edges of a book. …

“My belief is that the Book of Mormon is of divine authenticity—I have not the slightest doubt of it. I am satisfied that no man could have dictated the writing of the manuscripts unless he was inspired; for, when acting as his scribe, [Joseph] would dictate to me hour after hour; and when returning after meals, or after interruptions, he would at once begin where he had left off, without either seeing the manuscript or having any portion of it read to him. This was a usual thing for him to do. It would have been improbable that a learned man could do this; and, for one so ignorant and unlearned as he was, it was simply impossible.”⁵

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Translation of the Book of Mormon”

Jan 26 2025

Doctrine and Covenants 3–5

Posted on January 26, 2025 by Camilla

Translating the Gold Plates
Martin Harris and the Lost 116 Pages
Additional Resources

Doctrine and Covenants Section 3 Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, July 1828, relating to the loss of 116 pages of manuscript translated from the first part of the Book of Mormon, which was called the book of Lehi. The Prophet had reluctantly allowed these pages to pass from his custody to that of Martin Harris, who had served for a brief period as scribe in the translation of the Book of Mormon. The revelation was given through the Urim and Thummim. (See section 10.)

Doctrine and Covenants Section 4 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to his father, Joseph Smith Sr., at Harmony, Pennsylvania, February 1829.Harris. 1–4, Valiant service saves the Lord’s ministers; 5–6, Godly attributes qualify them for the ministry; 7, The things of God must be sought after.

Doctrine and Covenants Section 5 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, March 1829, at the request of Martin Harris. 1–10, This generation will receive the Lord’s word through Joseph Smith; 11–18, Three witnesses will testify of the Book of Mormon; 19–20, The word of the Lord will be verified as in previous times; 21–35, Martin Harris may repent and be one of the witnesses.

Translating the Gold Plates

Primary 5 Manual: Doctrine and Covenants “Lesson 6: Joseph Smith Begins to Translate the Gold Plates” Lesson includes the story of the lost 116 pages, questions ideas, activity ideas, etc.

Once Joseph and Emma Smith were settled in Harmony, Pennsylvania, Joseph began to translate the gold plates. At first Joseph spent a lot of time becoming familiar with the plates and the language in which they were written.

Display the page “Book of Mormon Titles.” Ask the children if they can read any of the words or characters. Help the children identify each language.

Discuss the many languages used throughout the world, and explain that the word translate means to change writing or speech from one language to another.

What was the language of the writings on the gold plates? (Reformed Egyptian.)

Explain that usually translators need to understand both of the languages they work with. Joseph Smith, however, had had very little schooling and could not speak or read languages other than English. The reformed Egyptian characters on the plates were very strange to him. As he studied and prayed, the Urim and Thummim helped him understand the characters on the plates. Joseph learned that the process of translation requires faith, hard work, worthiness, patience, and obedience.

Martin Harris and the Lost 116 Pages

Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual “Doctrine and Covenants 3”

Martin Harris was a respected citizen of Palmyra and successful farmer who was one of only a few people in the area who believed Joseph Smith. Though almost twice his age, Martin was Joseph’s friend and gave him money so he could move to Harmony, Pennsylvania, to translate the Book of Mormon undisturbed. Martin also sacrificed to travel there himself and serve as scribe. As Joseph read out loud from the plates, Martin Harris wrote down the words Joseph read.

Martin’s wife, Lucy, was not supportive of his involvement with the Book of Mormon translation. Martin asked Joseph if he could show the first 116 pages of the translation to Lucy as evidence of their work. Joseph prayed about it twice and each time was told not to allow Martin to take the pages.

Joseph prayed a third time, and the Lord gave permission with strict conditions. Martin took the pages to Palmyra to show them to his wife.

Why do you think Joseph did not follow through with the first two responses he received from the Lord?

The day after Martin left, Emma Smith gave birth to her and Joseph’s first child, a son. Tragically, the infant lived only a few hours, and it seemed Emma might die too. Thankfully, Emma’s health started improving after a couple weeks. Though Joseph did not want to leave her side, Emma urged him to travel to Palmyra and inquire about the manuscript.

When Joseph arrived at his parents’ home, they invited Martin to join them for breakfast. Martin didn’t come for more than four hours. When he finally arrived and sat down, he mournfully exclaimed, “I have lost my soul!” He had not followed the strict guidelines and had lost the manuscript.

“Oh, my God, my God. All is lost!” Joseph said. “Must I return to my wife with such a tale? And how shall I appear before the Lord?”

After Joseph returned to Harmony, Moroni appeared and took the plates from him. (See Saints, 1:50–54.)

Shortly after this experience, the Lord spoke to Joseph Smith, chastising him and giving him words of comfort.

Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Chapter 4: Martin Harris and the Lost Pages” Video and Images

Below Video: An elderly Martin Harris tells a young man the story of the lost manuscript

Primary 5 Manual: Doctrine and Covenants “Lesson 6: Joseph Smith Begins to Translate the Gold Plates”
Explain that even though Martin Harris lost the 116 pages of translation, he repented and went on to make important contributions to the Church. He was not permitted to assist Joseph further in the translation of the gold plates, but later he sold part of his farm to help pay for the printing of the Book of Mormon. He was one of the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon and testified of the truthfulness of the book throughout his life. Show the children “The Testimony of Three Witnesses,” printed at the front of the Book of Mormon.

Explain that the Lord told Joseph that Satan had influenced some wicked people
to take the pages. These people intended to change the words so people would
not believe the Book of Mormon (see D&C 10:10–19). Joseph was told not to
retranslate the first portion of the plates (see D&C 10:30–31). Because the Lord
knows all things, he knew that this incident would happen. He had therefore
commanded the ancient prophet Mormon to write a similar account of what
was included in the 116 pages in another part of the gold plates (see Words
of Mormon 1:3–7). Joseph translated this part instead of retranslating the lost
part (see D&C 10:38–42). Joseph learned that Satan and wicked people could
not stop Heavenly Father’s work (see D&C 3:1; 10:43).

I can choose the right when others try to get me to do wrong.

Doctrine and Covenants 3:5–10; 5:21–22

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 3-5” & C FM Primary 2021

To start a discussion about learning to trust Heavenly Father, you might want to review the story of the lost manuscript pages (see Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 18–21). Give the children time to think about a situation where a friend might try to get them to do something wrong. Invite them to find a passage in Doctrine and Covenants 3:5–8; 5:21–22 that could help them during those situations. Role-play a few examples.

Cole’s friends ask him if he will share his answers from a homework assignment they did not do.
See more situations at Come Follow Me Kid

Friend April 2015 “Courage and Clubs” Kate chooses not to join her friend’s club because the requirement to join is to say a bad word.

See more peer pressure stories at Choices: Stories

I should care more about pleasing God than pleasing others.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 3–5: “My Work Shall Go Forth”

Read these words from Doctrine and Covenants 3:8: “He would have extended his arm and supported you.” Invite the children to stand and extend their arms as you read the phrase again. Share with them some ways the Lord may extend His arm to help them when others try to get them to do wrong things. Let them take turns extending their arms as they tell about other ways the Lord extends His arm to help us.

Friend January 2021 “Come Follow Me“

Help From God Activity – If we’re faithful against pressures to disobey God, how will He help us? Read D&C 3:7-8 and listen for what He’ll do for us (He’ll extend His arm and support us against all the fiery darts of the adversary, and He’ll be with us in every time of trouble).

Talk about what some of the “fiery darts of the adversary” could be. How does Satan try to attack us? Take turns throwing something soft at family members (Nerf gun darts, crumpled papers that say some of the ways Satan tries to attack us, etc.). Whoever is throwing will share something Satan might do to try to attack us with temptations.
Another person will stretch out their arms and block the attacks toward that person. Relate this to how God will protect us and strengthen us if we’re faithful to Him.

Friend August 2020 “Choosing the Channel” Camille’s best friend told her about a TV show, but it had some bad words in it so she turned it off. Camille was afraid to tell her friend that she didn’t watch it. They were best friends that did everything together and liked the same things. She was afraid they wouldn’t be friends anymore. She prayed for help, and her friend was understanding and said they could find a show they both liked.

When we fear God more than man, He will support us during times of trouble (see Doctrine and Covenants 3:7–8).

The fear of God means the love of God or respect for Him and His law. …

Primary 5 Manual: Doctrine and Covenants “Lesson 6: Joseph Smith Begins to Translate the Gold Plates” Write the following on the chalkboard: “When the Lord commands, do it.” Explain that Joseph Smith learned from his mistakes and challenges. Even though he faced despair when the 116 pages were lost, he learned the importance of obedience, repentance, and accepting the will of Heavenly Father. He learned to listen to the promptings of the Spirit and grew in his ability to use the Urim and Thummim. Later in life he was able to say, “I made this my rule: When the Lord commands, do it” (History of the Church, 2:170).

The Lord invites me to help with His work.

Doctrine and Covenants 4

Though he had not yet associated himself with any organized religion, Joseph Smith Sr. believed what his son shared about his heavenly visions and supported him in his translation of the Book of Mormon. Joseph Sr. wanted to serve God but did not know what to do. In February 1829, he and his wife visited Joseph Jr. in Harmony, Pennsylvania. During that visit, the Prophet Joseph received Doctrine and Covenants 4 in answer to his father’s question. (Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual “Doctrine & Covenants 4”)

Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery”

Joseph and Emma Smith lived on a little farm near Harmony, Pennsylvania. Joseph’s father came to visit them. They were happy to see him. Joseph’s father was a good man.

Jesus gave Joseph a revelation for his father. The revelation told how people could help Jesus. They should love Jesus. They should work hard to teach the gospel. They should love and help other people.

People who want to help Jesus should also pray and have faith. Jesus said people who help Him will be blessed.

Joseph’s father went home and tried to do the things Jesus had told him to do. He shared the gospel with many of his family members.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 3-5”

Each verse in Doctrine and Covenants 4 contains precious truths that can help your children learn about serving God. Here are some ideas to help them discover these truths:

1. You could read together Doctrine and Covenants 4:1 and show pictures that depict God’s “marvelous” latter-day work (such as missionaries, temples, and the Book of Mormon).

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.

2. Your children could think of actions or draw pictures depicting the phrase “serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength” (Doctrine and Covenants 4:2).

(It might help to explain that our heart refers to our feelings and love and our mind refers to our thoughts.)

Friend June 2021 “One Peach at a Time” When Sister Eubanks was a child she went to a church farm to help pick peaches. Pretty soon she and her sister didn’t want to do it anymore because the peach fuzz was making their arms itch. Their mother explained that the peaches would be going to feed families who needed food. After that they stopped worrying about their itchy arms because they were helping to feed families who needed food! (They had a willing heart and mind.)

Friend September 2013 “I Will Serve God with All My Heart, Might, Mind, and Strength” Article includes a story of a child serving with her heart. It also describes what it means to serve with each of the following: heart, mind, and strength.

(Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual “Doctrine & Covenants 4”)

Imagine someone doing one of the following acts of service for you:

Talking to you to see how you are doing
Helping you with a task you have to do
Praying for you

How might it affect you if they served in the following ways? Why?

Wholeheartedly or half-heartedly
Patiently or impatiently
Motivated by love for you or by something else

Friend December 2018 Match each sentence with a picture. In the blank spot, draw yourself helping at church.

Friend February 2025 “Come, Follow Me Activities” We can follow Jesus Christ with all our hearts (see Doctrine and Covenants 4:2). Cut out 10 small paper hearts. On each heart, write one way you can follow the Savior. Place the hearts overlapping each other in a circle and glue in place to make a wreath.

For younger children: Cut out a heart for your child to color. As they color, tell them how you try to follow Jesus Christ with all your heart.

Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual “Doctrine & Covenants 4”

What blessings do these verses contain for those who serve God with all their heart, might, mind, and strength?

May stand blameless before God at the last day. Vs 2
Bringeth salvation to his soul. Vs 4

After teaching about the blessings of serving God with all our heart, might, mind, and strength, the Lord listed multiple attributes that can help us as we serve. Jesus Christ possesses each of these attributes and invites us to develop them in our own lives. As we do so, we become more like Him and can serve as He serves.

3. Bring tools (or pictures of tools) that someone might use to work in a field. How do these tools help us? Then your children could find things in Doctrine and Covenants 4:5–6 that are like tools for doing God’s work.

Come Follow Me Kid The Lord’s Worker Hat – Talk about different jobs and what qualifies people to do those jobs (bakers need to know how to combine ingredients, mailmen need to know how to drive and where the different envelopes and packages go, etc.). What do people need to know about and be able to do if their job is to be a grocery store clerk? Doctor? Garbage man? Etc. The manual says, “Section 4 is often applied to full-time missionaries. However, it’s interesting to note that this revelation was given originally to Joseph Smith Sr., who wasn’t being called on a mission but still had ‘desires to serve God’ (verse 3). One way to read this section is to imagine it as a job description for someone who wants to do the Lord’s work. What are the qualifications? Why are these skills or characteristics necessary?”

Hat: Give them a “The Lord’s Worker” hat (on pages 3, 4, and 5 below) and tell them that the Lord has said He’s doing a “marvelous” work right now and we get to be his working helpers! While putting the hat together, discuss specific things we might to do to help the Lord with His work (be kind to others, stand up for what’s right, etc.).
What if our job was to do the Lord’s work? What kinds of things would we need to know? What would we need to be able to do? What kind of people should we be?
Stars: Glue the “job description” stars (on page 5 below) onto the hat while discussing each. Explain that we’re not expected to have all of these characteristics automatically. They take time to develop and improve. The student manual says, “The Lord does not require a person to be physically gifted or intellectually brilliant to help with His work. He asks that the person strive to develop Christlike attributes.”
Put the hat on and take turns sharing ways you can be a worker for the Lord at home, school, and with friends.

(In verse 4, the Lord compares wheat that is ready to harvest to people who are ready to receive the gospel. A sickle is a tool for harvesting.)

Ensign August 2015 “Thrust in Your Sickle”

You could sing together a song about missionary work, such as “I Want to Be a Missionary Now” (Children’s Songbook, 168).

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 3–5: “My Work .

Latter Day Kids “The Field is White” Includes lesson, song and activity ideas.

“I Will Be Valiant” (Children’s Songbook, 162)

I can be a witness that the Book of Mormon is true.

Doctrine and Covenants 5:1–7, 11, 16, 23–24

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 3-5”

To teach your children about witnesses, you could ask them to imagine that a friend told them they saw a cat walking on its front legs. Would they believe it? What if another friend said the same thing? Talk about what a “witness” is and why witnesses are important.
You could then help your children search Doctrine and Covenants 5:1–3, 7, 11 for answers to questions like these:

1)What did Martin Harris want to know?

Lucy Harris, the wife of Martin Harris, was upset about the time and money her husband was dedicating to the publication of the Book of Mormon. She filed a legal complaint against Joseph Smith and gathered several people who were willing to testify that he had lied about the existence of the plates. Martin was warned that if he did not join them in testifying against Joseph, Martin could also be sent to prison. Though Martin had previously been a scribe for Joseph, had shown characters from the plates to scholars to verify their antiquity, and had lost 116 pages of the original manuscript, Martin still sought a further witness of the reality of the gold plates. He traveled to Joseph Smith’s home, where Joseph inquired of the Lord and received the revelation in Doctrine and Covenants 5. Although Martin was not allowed to see the gold plates at that time, this revelation strengthened him in a way that enabled him to bear powerful testimony of the Prophet. (Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual “Doctrine & Covenants 5”)

2) Who could Joseph Smith show the gold plates to?

3 That you should not show them except to those persons to whom I commanded you;

11 And in addition to your testimony, the testimony of three of my servants, whom I shall call and ordain, unto whom I will show these things, and they shall go forth with my words that are given through you.

3) Why would seeing the plates probably not convince someone the Book of Mormon is true?

7 Behold, if they will not believe my words, they would not believe you, my servant Joseph, if it were possible that you should show them all these things which I have committed unto you.

“There is no other way to gain a testimony but through the witness of the Holy Ghost. You can rely on nothing else. … We have numerous scriptural examples of how pointless a physical manifestation can be without the accompanying receipt of the witness of the Holy Ghost. Conversion comes not by physical manifestations from heaven.” (Glenn L. Pace, “The Elusive Balance,” New Era, Mar. 1989, 49)

Martin Harris was promised that he could be one of the witnesses of the gold plates if he was faithful [and humbled himself]. We won’t see the plates like Martin did, but we can receive a spiritual witness of the Book of Mormon.

Friend June 2016 “Jason’s Study Buddy” Jason reads the entire Book of Mormon before his baptism. His testimony grows.

4) What can we do to be witnesses of the Book of Mormon? (see Doctrine and Covenants 5:16; Moroni 10:3–5).

Friend August 2020 “Matt and Mandy” Mandy shares with her friend a time when she prayed about the Book of Mormon and felt it was true. She also shared that she is still praying and reading to help her faith grow stronger.

Have the children think of ways they can be witnesses of the Book of Mormon and its teachings. List their answers on the chalkboard. Have the children dramatize what they could do to be witnesses in particular situations, such as when someone asks them what their church believes or what the Book of Mormon says.

We have received the word of God through Joseph Smith.

Doctrine and Covenants 5:10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 3–5: “My Work Shall Go Forth”

Hide a picture of Joseph Smith somewhere in the room (see Gospel Art Book, no. 87). Read Doctrine and Covenants 5:10 “But this generation shall have my word through you,” and invite the children to look for the picture to find out who the word “you” is referring to. Show the children copies of the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants. Explain that God gave us these scriptures through Joseph Smith.

Additional Resources

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas
The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Jan 19 2025

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

Posted on January 19, 2025 by Camilla

The Angel Moroni Visits Joseph Smith
Joseph and Emma
- Heavenly Father wants families to be sealed in the temple.
- Learning about my ancestors can bring me joy
Martin Harris Visits Professor Anthon
Additional Resources
- Review Ideas

Joseph Smith History 27-65 Moroni appears to Joseph Smith—Joseph’s name is to be known for good and evil among all nations—Moroni tells him of the Book of Mormon and of the coming judgments of the Lord and quotes many scriptures—The hiding place of the gold plates is revealed—Moroni continues to instruct the Prophet.(Verses 21–26.) Joseph Smith marries Emma Hale—He receives the gold plates from Moroni and translates some of the characters—Martin Harris shows the characters and translation to Professor Anthon, who says, “I cannot read a sealed book.” (Verses 55–65.)

Doctrine and Covenants 2 An extract from Joseph Smith’s history relating the words of the angel Moroni to Joseph Smith the Prophet, while in the house of the Prophet’s father at Manchester, New York, on the evening of September 21, 1823. Moroni was the last of a long line of historians who had made the record that is now before the world as the Book of Mormon. (Compare Malachi 4:5–6; also sections 27:9; 110:13–16; and 128:18.)

The Angel Moroni Visits Joseph Smith

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Doctrine and Covenants Stories “The Angel Moroni Visits Joseph Smith”

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

One night, after everyone was asleep, Joseph decided to pray. God had answered his prayers before, and Joseph knew He would answer them again.

While Joseph was praying, light filled the room. Joseph saw an angel standing in the air by his bed. The angel said that his name was Moroni. God had sent him. He said God had forgiven Joseph and had a work for him to do.

I can repent and be forgiven.

Joseph Smith—History 1:28–29

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025

We all sometimes feel “condemned for [our] weakness and imperfections,” as Joseph Smith did. You and your children could study Joseph Smith—History 1:29 together, looking for what Joseph did when he felt that way. What can we learn from his example that can help us when we make mistakes? Why is it important to know that Joseph was called by God even though he was not perfect?

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

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

Friend April 2023 “Repentance” What is repentance and how is it possible. Also, the steps of repentance.

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

Joseph Smith—History 1:27–54

Moroni said there was a book made of gold pages or plates. It was buried in a hill near Joseph’s home. The book was about people who lived in the Americas long ago. They knew about Jesus Christ and His gospel. Moroni said God would help Joseph translate the book so people could read it.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65:

Read with the children Joseph Smith—History 1:33–35, and ask them to listen for what Moroni wanted Joseph to know about the work Joseph was called to do. How we are blessed as a result. For example, how have we been blessed because Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon? How has his work helped us come closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? Invite the children to read the Book of Mormon regularly.

Draw students’ attention to Moroni’s prophecy about Joseph Smith’s name in Joseph Smith History—1:33. Why do you think there is so much opposition to the Prophet Joseph Smith? You could point out that Satan always opposes truth.

What are ways you can help fulfill Moroni’s prophecy to speak good of Joseph Smith?

Why do you think Moroni appeared to Joseph four times (three times during the night and once the next morning), giving him the same message each time?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65:

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

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

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65

Display a picture of Moroni visiting Joseph Smith (see Gospel Art Book, no. 91). Ask the children to point out things they notice in the picture. Summarize the account of Moroni’s visits to Joseph.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 and CFM Primary 2021

Your children might have fun pretending to be Joseph Smith as you tell the account of Moroni’s visits in Joseph Smith—History 1:27–54 or “Chapter 3: The Angel Moroni and the Gold Plates” (in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 13–17, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library). For example, they could fold their arms like they are praying or pretend to climb the Hill Cumorah, and so on.

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

Or, invite the children to act out or draw pictures of events from Joseph Smith—History 1:30–54, such as Moroni appearing to Joseph (verses 30–47), Joseph talking to his father (verses 48–50), and Joseph finding the plates (verses 51–54). What do we learn from this account about the work Joseph was called to do?
Let the kids have fun showing how the angel came back twice more while Joseph was in bed, and then showing Joseph going back to Hill Cumorah each year.

“Receiving the Gold Plates” (June 2008 Liahona and May 2008 Friend)
An illustrated retelling of the story of Joseph Smith receiving the plates from Moroni.

Friend May 2008

Friend January 2021 “Getting the Gold Plates” Coloring Page

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

*Link to additional resources about Joseph Receives the Gold Plates

God has a work for me to do.

Joseph Smith—History 1:27–33

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025

It’s one thing to believe that God had a work for Joseph Smith to do—we can look back on his life and clearly see what he accomplished. But have you ever considered that God has a work for you too?

Elder Gary E. Stevenson taught: “As we come unto Christ and help others do the same, we participate in God’s work of salvation and exaltation.

God will prepare me to work in His kingdom.

Joseph Smith—History 1:48–60

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

Tell the children that you would like them to help you prepare some things for the lesson. Give some of the children blank wordstrips and pens or pencils, and have them write the following words on the wordstrips: Joseph Smith, prayer, light, Moroni, message, four times. Have another child display the picture of Moroni appearing to Joseph Smith. Thank the children for helping you prepare.

Why is it important that we prepare for certain events, such as taking a test in school or giving a talk in Primary? What happens when we do not prepare? Using the wordstrips and the appropriate pictures, have the children help you review what they learned in lesson 3 about Moroni’s visits to Joseph Smith. Remind the children that Joseph was not allowed to take the plates the first time
he saw them. Explain that Joseph had a great work to do, but he needed to be better prepared in order to do it.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025

Joseph was only 17 years old when he first saw the gold plates. They weren’t entrusted to his care, however, until four years later. Read Joseph Smith—History 1:48–60, looking for what happened in Joseph’s life during that time. How do you think these events prepared him for the work God called him to do? What experiences have you had that have prepared you to serve God and others? What are you currently experiencing that can help you prepare for future service?

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

What have Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ given us to help us prepare to
serve them? (Answers may include scriptures, parents, prophets, teachers,
the gift of the Holy Ghost, and Primary.) Write the children’s answers to this
question under the heading Heavenly Father helps me prepare by:.

What is our responsibility to help prepare ourselves? Using the items
listed on the chalkboard, discuss with the children what each of us needs
to do with the things that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have given us
(for example: scriptures—study them daily; parents—follow their counsel).
Summarize their answers under the heading I can prepare myself by:.
What are we preparing to do? (Serve Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ
and others, in positions such as teacher, missionary, or parent.) How does
this preparation help us now? How will it help us in the future? Help the
children realize their responsibility to prepare themselves now to serve (See more at lesson link.)

Joseph and Emma

Saints volume 1 “Chapter 4 “Be Watchful”

“Emma Hale, the Prophet’s Wife” (April 2008 Friend)
An illustrated retelling of the story of Joseph and Emma meeting and getting married.

Heavenly Father wants families to be sealed in the temple.

Doctrine and Covenants 2

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2

Moroni told Joseph Smith that Elijah would come to “reveal … the Priesthood” (verse 1). This refers to the sealing power of the priesthood that allows families to be united eternally and enables us to receive ordinances for our ancestors in the temple.

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

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025

Perhaps you and your children would enjoy looking at some pictures of your family, possibly including a picture of your family at a temple (or see Gospel Art Book, no. 120).

You could then read Doctrine and Covenants 2 and share with each other your thoughts about why we have temples and why Heavenly Father wants families to be together forever.
Consider singing together “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 188). What does this song say we can do to be with our family forever?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2

Ask the children to read or listen to the prophecy in Doctrine and Covenants 2:1. Ask them to look for who the Lord would send in the last days and what this person would reveal. Display a picture of Elijah in the Kirtland Temple (see Gospel Art Book, no. 95), and talk about how this prophecy was fulfilled 13 years after Moroni’s visit (see Doctrine and Covenants 110:13–15).

Explain that Elijah restored priesthood keys that allow families to be sealed together eternally. Show some objects that could help the children understand what it means to seal something, such as a can of food or a plastic storage bag with a zipper lock. How do these objects help us understand what it means for a family to be sealed?

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

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

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65

Learning about my ancestors can bring me joy

Doctrine and Covenants 2

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025

Children can become excited about and feel the joy of family history. To help them, you could share stories or pictures of your ancestors. Talk with your children about what life was like for their ancestors when they were children. Your children could also enjoy some of the family history activities on FamilySearch.org/discovery.

Friend July 2018 “Find the people in your family tree who were pioneers, such as the first person to join the church or the first to graduate from college.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65

How have you felt your heart turn toward your ancestors? Think of ways you can experience such feelings more often. Perhaps you could ask a relative to share a story with you about one of your ancestors—even better, you could record it. Or you could invite [a family member] to learn about an ancestor and to share what they learn with the rest of the family.

Maybe you could identify a deceased ancestor who never received gospel ordinances and then have a family member perform that work in the temple.

Friend August 2018 “Temple Tracker” Some of your ancestors might need ordinances done for them in the temple. Use the chart below to keep track.

Why does the Lord want us to learn about our family members and perform temple ordinances for them?

Most of Heavenly Father’s children don’t know about His plan. They don’t know about Jesus Christ. They don’t know they can be baptized or sealed to their families. Heavenly Father wants us to help gather His children so they can come home to Him. And you can help, starting with your ancestors. (Friend October 2022 “Gathering Heavenly Father’s Children”)

Friend January 2021 “Come Follow Me” When we turn our hearts to our families, we remember them and do temple work for them.

Cut out paper hearts. Write a family member’s name on each one. Take turns holding up the hearts and sharing stories about each person. You could ask your parents to tell stories about their parents or grandparents.

How are we blessed when we participate in family history and temple work?

Friend January 2025 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

When we learn more about our ancestors, we feel closer to them and to Heavenly Father (see Doctrine and Covenants 2). Ask a family member to tell you a story from their life or from the life of one of your ancestors. Then recreate the story as a play or drawing!

For younger children: To teach your little ones about family history, teach them the name of someone in your family that they didn’t know before.

Gospel Media: Hearts of the Children Sing-along video

Additional Family History Resources

Martin Harris Visits Professor Anthon

Replica of gold plate and ancient Egyptian type writing from article in Church News

Teach the children about Martin Harris’s experiences with Professor Anthon and Dr. Mitchell, as recorded in Joseph Smith—History 1:62–65. Help the children understand that these events fulfilled a prophecy made by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 29:11–12; see also 2 Nephi 27:15–20) thousands of years before Joseph Smith’s time. (Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History: Lesson 5)

Church History Topics “Martin Harris’s Consultations with Scholars” This article tells the story and has pictures of Martin Harris and Professor Anthon.

What did Professor Anthon say when Martin Harris first showed him a copy of some of the Book of Mormon writings? (JS—H 1:64.) Why do you think Professor Anthon tore up the certificate when he learned that an angel had shown Joseph Smith where to find the gold plates? (JS—H 1:65.

Additional Resources

Review Ideas

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

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

Answers:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Answer:

Joseph Smith—History 1:3–14

Jan 12 2025

Joseph Smith History 1:1-26

Posted on January 12, 2025 by Camilla

Joseph Smith's Childhood
- Joseph Smith was prepared to be a prophet of God.
Joseph Smith's First Vision
Additional Resources

Joseph Smith—History Chapter 1 Joseph Smith tells of his ancestry, family members, and their early abodes—An unusual excitement about religion prevails in western New York—He determines to seek wisdom as directed by James—The Father and the Son appear, and Joseph is called to his prophetic ministry. (Verses 1–20.)

Joseph Smith’s Childhood

Joseph Smith was prepared to be a prophet of God.

The home life and nurture provided by Joseph Smith’s parents and siblings shaped much of Joseph’s early prophetic work. His attention to prayer and Bible study owed much to his parents’ religious commitments. (Church History Topics: Joseph Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith Family)

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26”

Learning about Joseph Smith’s youth could help your children relate to him as they learn from his experiences. Maybe they could hold a picture of Joseph Smith and share what they know about him. If needed, you might add some facts about him from Joseph Smith—History 1:3–14 (see also “Chapter 1: Joseph Smith and His Family,” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 6–8, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library). What did Joseph experience that helped prepare him to become a prophet? What might God be preparing us to do?

Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Chapter 1: Joseph Smith and His Family” Images and Video

Friend January 2017 “The Smith Family”

Primary 5 Manual “Doctrine and Covenants and Church History” “Lesson 1: Joseph Smith and the First Vision,” (See the lesson for additional story, activity, and question ideas.)

Joseph Smith was born in 1805 in the state of Vermont in the United States of America. He was the fourth of nine children. When Joseph was ten years old, he and his family moved to the state of New York, settling near the town of Palmyra (point out this area on the map). The Smith family was poor, and all the members of the family had to work hard to provide food and other necessities for the family. The family had moved many times before settling near Palmyra, where they found farmland on which crops would grow well.

Joseph did not have much opportunity to attend school, so he learned only the basics of reading, writing, and simple arithmetic. Joseph’s mother said that he seemed just like other boys his age until the time of his vision. She said he was quiet and well-mannered and liked to study and think about important things. He was a tall, athletic, cheerful boy who seldom got angry.

Friend February 2008 “An Operation on Joseph’s Leg”

Latter Day Kids “”My Servant Joseph” Lesson, story, and song ideas

See more about Joseph Smith’s childhood here

Joseph Smith’s First Vision

Primary 5 Manual “Doctrine and Covenants and Church History” “Lesson 1: Joseph Smith and the First Vision,” (See the lesson for additional story, activity, and question ideas.)

Ask a child to leave the room for a moment. Show the two containers to the rest of the class without letting them see inside. Divide the class into two groups and give each a container. Tell the children in each group that when the child who left the room returns, they are to try to persuade him or her to choose their container. Invite the child to return to the room and choose one of the containers. Ask the child who chose the container questions such as the following:

Why did you choose that container?
How did you feel when others were trying to tell you what to do?

Explain that when Joseph Smith was fourteen years old, he was confused about a choice he needed to make. He was trying to decide which church he should join. Other people tried to help him choose a church, but he only became more confused. He felt that he needed more information to make a wise decision: he wanted to know which church was true. Joseph’s situation was similar to that of the child who had to choose between the two containers. Everyone wanted him to choose their church, but he did not know which church was the right choice.

Why was Joseph confused about which church he should join? (JS—H 1:5–10.)

New Era February 2020 “Joseph’s Search for the Truth”

God can answer my questions through the scriptures.

Joseph Smith—History 1:10–13

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26” and CMF for D&C Primary 2021

Consider showing your children a variety of books, (like an encyclopedia or a cookbook), and help them think of questions these books could answer. Then show them a copy of the scriptures. What questions can these books answer? Then you could read together Joseph Smith—History 1:10–11 to find out what questions Joseph Smith had and what answers he found in the scriptures.

Your children might be able to find words in verse 12 that describe how reading James 1:5 affected Joseph. Then you could share experiences with each other in which a passage of scripture had a powerful influence on you.

Friend November 2023 “James Says “Ask of God”

New Era January 2017 “Line upon Line: James 1:5–6”

Come Follow Me Kid Hop from one scripture line to another and read it out loud and then discuss what it means. For memorizing the scripture have them do it again and say the phrases, and maybe a little faster each time.

Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers.

Joseph Smith—History 1:10–19

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26” and CMF for D&C Primary 2021

To start a discussion about how we communicate with Heavenly Father, perhaps you and your children could ask each other questions using various communication methods, like a text message, a phone call, or a handwritten note.

How do we ask questions to Heavenly Father? How do we show Him that we love and honor Him in our prayers? Read together Joseph Smith—History 1:16–19 and discuss how Heavenly Father answered Joseph Smith’s prayer. You and your children could then share experiences when you asked God for help and received an answer.

New Era February 2020 “Joseph’s Search for the Truth”

Friend January 2025 “Coloring Page: Heavenly Father Hears and Answers My Prayers”

Friend January 2025 “My Own Sacred Grove” I Can Play It

Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Joseph Smith—History 1:17–19

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26” and CMF for D&C Primary 2021

Young children might enjoy standing with outstretched arms pretending to be trees in the Sacred Grove while you tell them about the First Vision. Ask the children to sway as if being blown by the wind while you talk about Joseph praying. Then ask them to stand very still and quiet when you tell them Heavenly Father and Jesus appeared to Joseph.

Gospel Art Picture: “The First Vision”

Older children might enjoy using one or more of the pictures in this outline to tell you what they know about the First Vision. Encourage them to refer to Joseph Smith—History 1:14–17 and to share their thoughts and feelings about Joseph’s experience (see also “Chapter 2: Joseph Smith’s First Vision,” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 9–12, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library).

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26: “I Saw a Pillar of Light”

To review the account of the First Vision, write summaries of each verse from Joseph Smith—History 1:14–19 on separate slips of paper. Place the papers in a container, and invite the children to choose them one by one and place them on the board in the correct order.

Invite the children to color this week’s activity page and use it to tell the story of the First Vision.

Primary 5 Manual “Doctrine and Covenants and Church History” “Lesson 1: Joseph Smith and the First Vision,” (See the lesson for additional story, activity, and question ideas.)

I can remain true to what I know, even if others reject me.

Joseph Smith—History 1:21–26

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26: “I Saw a Pillar of Light”

Read together Joseph’s testimony in Joseph Smith—History 1:25. Ask the children to look for words and phrases that show Joseph’s faith. How can we remain faithful to God and our testimonies when other people disagree with us?

Friend November 2019 “Jesus is Real” Everyone at Ismay’s table at school were excitedly talking about Christmas and their favorite traditions such as going to a church service. Suddenly Charlotte spoke up and said, “Jesus isn’t even real.” Ismay was sad to hear this and she quietly bore her testimony to Charlotte that Jesus was real, and that she felt it in her heart. She was glad she had spoken up and planted a seed about Jesus.

Additional Resources

More resources about the First Vision can be found here

For the Strength of Youth January 2021 “The Doctrine and Covenants: An Overview”

Jan 5 2025

Doctrine & Covenants 1

Posted on January 5, 2025 by Camilla

The Doctrine and Covenants
Doctrine and Covenants 1
Additional Resources

Doctrine and Covenants “Section 1” Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, on November 1, 1831, during a special conference of elders of the Church, held at Hiram, Ohio. Many revelations had been received from the Lord prior to this time, and the compilation of these for publication in book form was one of the principal subjects passed upon at the conference. This section constitutes the Lord’s preface to the doctrines, covenants, and commandments given in this dispensation.

The Doctrine and Covenants

Reading Charts

Friend January 2021 “Hear Him” Doctrine and Covenants reading chart

About the Doctrine and Covenants

Doctrine and Covenants Scripture Stories “Chapter 23: The Doctrine and Covenants: August–November 1831” Images and Video

Friend March 2021 “Getting to Know the Doctrine and Covenants” Jesus gave Joseph Smith special messages, called revelations, to help set up His Church. These messages were written down so people could remember them. Then Church leaders put these messages together in a book. That’s how we got the Doctrine and Covenants! (Match each scripture to the special message taught in the Doctrine and Covenants.)

Friend January 1989 Information about the Doctrine & Covenants

Ensign January 2021 “Prophets and Revelation: Family Study Fun” President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) taught, “Virtually every page of … the Doctrine and Covenants … teaches about the Master.”¹ Doctrine and Covenants teaches us of Christ.

Finding Christ Activity

Set a timer for two minutes.
Family members will quickly look through the beginning of the Doctrine and Covenants to count the number of references they can find to Christ. Start in the introduction and end with section 9.
After the time is up, give additional time for each person to choose one of these verses that is especially meaningful to them. Take turns sharing.

Ensign January 2021 “Prophets and Revelation: Family Study Fun The Doctrine and Covenants accompanies the Bible and the Book of Mormon in teaching us of Christ and His revelations to us. The introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants explains that we can hear “the tender but firm voice of the Lord Jesus Christ” in the revelations contained in this book.

1,2,3, He Speaks to Me Activity

Secretly assign each family member a number: (1) Bible, (2) Book of Mormon, or (3) Doctrine and Covenants.
Each person will find a meaningful verse in that book which has the “tender and firm voice” of the Lord teaching or explaining principles to us.
Without revealing scripture references, take turns sharing verses out loud. Others will hold up either 1, 2, or 3 fingers to guess which book of scriptures each verse came from.

Discussion: How do scriptures from ancient times work together with modern revelations found in the Doctrine and Covenants to help us learn more of Christ and hear His voice?

Title Page

“This title which the Lord gave when they got out this edition—let me refer to the title page: ‘The Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’—is very significant and tells the story of what this book actually is. It contains the doctrine of the Church; it contains the covenants the Lord will make with the Church, if we are willing to receive them.” (Joseph Fielding Smith Doctrines of Salvation, volume 3, page 198)

For the Strength of Youth January 2021 “Hear, Hearken, and Heed” “The very first word in the Doctrine and Covenants is hearken (see Doctrine and Covenants 1:1). It means “to listen with the intent to obey.” To hearken means to “hear Him”—to hear what the Savior says and then to heed His counsel. Where can we go to hear Him? We can go to the scriptures. We also hear Him more clearly as we refine our ability to recognize the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. And, finally, we hear Him as we heed the words of prophets, seers, and revelators.”(President Russell M. Nelson)

Doctrine and Covenants 1

Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual “Doctrine and Covenants 1”

Prior to the printing of the Book of Commandments, which later became part of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Prophet Joseph Smith petitioned the Lord for a preface to the book. In response, the Lord revealed what is now Doctrine and Covenants section 1 as an introduction of the revelations to the world. This lesson can help students understand why the Lord gives warnings to the world.

Through His prophets, the Lord warns me of spiritual danger.

Doctrine and Covenants 1:4, 37–39

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Doctrine and Covenants 1” & 2021

To start a discussion about warnings from the Lord, you could talk about warnings we receive from other people about dangers we cannot see. Some examples might include a slippery floor, a coming storm, or an approaching car. Maybe you and your children could look at examples of warning signs and compare these warnings to the warnings the Lord gives us. Testify that He warns us because He loves us and wants us to be safe (see also this week’s activity page).

According to Doctrine and Covenants 1:4, 37–39, how does the Lord warn us? What has He warned us about recently? Perhaps you could watch or read parts of recent general conference messages and look for examples of God’s “voice of warning.” Talk about how you are following the prophet’s counsel.

Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual “Doctrine and Covenants 1”

Let the children hold pictures of warning signs—such as traffic hazards, bad weather, or poison—and talk about how they warn us of danger. Or tell a story about a time when you obeyed a warning. Compare these warnings to the warnings the Lord gives us through His prophets.

Imagine that a friend is making a decision that will lead to negative consequences. (Invite students to share realistic examples of what this decision could be. Some examples might be lying to parents, breaking the Word of Wisdom, cheating in school, or leaving the Church.)

Why would you want to warn your friend about this decision?

The Savior also gives a “voice of warning” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:4). Ponder the following questions:

Why might the Savior warn us?
What does this teach you about Him?

Latter Day Kids “The Voice of Warning” See link for more lesson ideas and questions to ask after watching the video.

Sing together a song about prophets, such as the last verse of “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 111). Share your testimony that the prophet speaks the word of God.

The Lord knew the challenges we would face. The Restoration helps me face the challenges of the latter days.

Doctrine and Covenants 1:15–17

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Doctrine and Covenants 1” & CFM Primary 2021

To encourage discussion about Doctrine and Covenants 1:17, you and your children could imagine you are preparing for a trip. What would you pack? If you knew ahead of time that it would rain or that your car or bus would get a flat tire, how would that affect the way you prepared for the trip?