Friend June 2022 “Jesus Said”

The Only Way to Reach Heaven is by Following Jesus Christ.

Genesis 11:1–9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 6–11; Moses 8”

The people of Babel thought they could reach heaven by building a tower rather than by living the gospel of Jesus Christ. How can you help the children understand that following the Savior is the only way back to our Heavenly Father?

• 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.
• 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? Invite the children to tell about things they can do to follow the Savior.

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?

• Ask the children to share what they know about the story of the Tower of Babel (see Genesis 11:1–9). According to Helaman 6:28, why did the people of Babel build the tower? Why was building this tower the wrong way to reach heaven? What advice would we give to the people of Babel?
• Invite the children to search 2 Nephi 31:20–21 and Helaman 3:28 to find the right way to reach heaven. Bear your testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 6–11; Moses 8”

The prophet Mormon… wrote that it was Satan “who put it into the hearts of the people to build a tower sufficiently high that they might get to heaven” (Helaman 6:28; What warnings does the story of the Tower of Babel have for you?

It might be helpful to read Ether 1:33–43 as your family studies Genesis 11 and learns about the Tower of Babel. What do we learn from the families of Jared and his brother that can help our family find spiritual safety despite the wickedness in the world? What additional lessons do we learn from Noah and his family as they faced a similar challenge? (see Moses 8:13, 16–30).

Old Testament Coloring Book “The Tower of Babel”

Friend January 1990 “We Cannot Climb to Heaven: The Tower of Babel

Friend May 1981

Ensign February 2018 “The Tower of Babel”

Ensign March 1998 “The Tower of Babel” Lesson ideas

“Heavenly Father Prepared a Way for Me to Return to Him”(January 2014 Liahona and Friend)
An explanation of the plan of salvation with ideas for talking about it with your family and an activity.

• “On the Right Path” (February 2000 Liahona and January 2000 Friend)
  Tells about how we can stay on the path to the celestial kingdom. Includes an activity.

Liahona February 2023 “He Marked the Path and Led the Way” Elder Dale G. Renlund tells of a hike with his family up a mountain. They were unsure of the way, but people had left cairns (piles of rocks) to mark the way. As we study the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, we can learn how He navigated mortality, placing metaphorical cairns for us to follow.

Friend November 2023 “Heavenly Father’s Fabulous Plan” President Nelson taught that thinking celestial can help us make good choices. In each sun, draw or write what you could do to follow the Savior’s example.

Jesus Christ is “the way, the truth, and the life”

John 14:5–6.

Family members may enjoy taking turns leading your family on a walk along a path. How is Jesus “the way”? Where does He lead us? Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “John 14–17”

God wants you to find your way back to Him, and the Savior is the way [see John 14:6]. God wants you to learn of His Son, Jesus Christ, and experience the profound peace and joy that come from following the path of divine discipleship.(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 21)

What are some ways we can follow the Savior back to Heavenly Father?

Jesus Loves Me and Wants What is Best for Me

Handouts

Friend June 2019 “Bright Idea” Jesus loves me. Little by little, I’m learning to follow Him.

Jesus Christ wants me to follow his example.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “We Are Responsible for Our Own Learning” You and the children will read many stories from the life of Jesus Christ this year. Help the children understand that the reason we are learning these stories is so that we can better follow Jesus Christ’s perfect example.

• Tell the children about the Savior’s invitation, “Follow me,” found in Matthew 4:18–22 or Luke 18:22. Do an activity where one child does an action and then tells the other children, “Follow me.” Invite the other children to repeat the action.
• Show pictures of people following the Savior in different ways, both during His mortal ministry and in our day. You can find pictures in the Gospel Art Book or in Church magazines. You can also show the video “Light the World” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Let the children identify how the people are following the Savior.

Help the children think of things they are doing to follow the Savior. Singing “Seek the Lord Early” (Children’s Songbook, 108) could give them some ideas. Let them draw pictures of themselves doing these things.

Friend June 2022 “Jesus Said”

Missing the Mark

Jacob 4:14

The “Mark” is Christ

All the Prophets Taught of Christ
Jacob 4:4 For, for this intent have we written these things, that they may know that we knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory many hundred years before his coming; and not only we ourselves had a hope of his glory, but also all the holy prophets which were before us.

Jacob taught this about the Jews: “Wherefore, because of their blindness, which blindness came by looking beyond the mark, they must needs fall.”

The Jews misunderstood the law of Moses and its intent to lead them to the Savior. They were looking for a different kind of deliverance than the kind Jesus, the Messiah, offered them—they were looking for deliverance from foreign rule and oppression.

If we fail to keep focused on our Savior Jesus Christ, what could happen?

Activity Ideas

Ensign March 2020 “Family Study Fun” Off-Target Ball Toss

The prophet Jacob taught that the spiritual blindness of the Jews caused them to look “beyond the mark” (Jacob 4:14), which resulted in their stumbling spiritually and missing many gospel truths.

1. Place a bucket or sturdy bowl in the backyard.
2. Take turns tossing a ball into the bucket, standing a short distance away.
3. Now try tossing the ball into the bucket without looking at the bucket.

Discussion: Why was it harder to hit the target when we’re not looking at it? How did the Jews look “beyond the mark”? (Jacob 4:14). Read “Looking beyond the Mark” by Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (Ensign, Mar. 2003, 40–44). Discuss how we might find ourselves looking beyond the mark today.

Come Follow Me Kid Blank Arrows (I Can Be Reconciled to God through the Atonement of Jesus Christ) The manual asks, “What has God provided to point you to Christ? How are you using these things to draw closer to God?” Write/draw answers on blank arrows (below) and place around the bucket pointing to it.

Book of Mormon Study Guide “for Home-Study Seminary Students” Lift your pen or pencil at least two feet or one meter above this target, and try to drop it so that it hits the center of the target—“the mark.” You may want to try this several times. Think about how less effective your efforts would be if you were looking somewhere other than the target. How well do you think people would do in archery if they never looked at the target, or mark, while they were shooting or if they looked at what was beyond the mark? Read Jacob 4:14, and identify characteristics of the people Jacob prophesied would look “beyond the mark.”

Song: Wise Man and the Foolish Man

Jacob teaches that the Jews rejected the stone upon which they might build and have safe foundation. (Jacob 4:15-17)

Sing “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” See here for teaching ideas, sing-along videos, and visual aid ideas.

Jesus Christ wants me to learn about Him and follow Him.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “We Are Responsible for Our Own Learning” Think about how you have come to know Jesus Christ. What can you do to help the children learn about and follow Him?

• Invite the children to talk about a close friend they know and describe how this person became a friend. Read and discuss John 5:39 and John 14:15 to find ways we can feel close to Jesus. Ask the children to share times when they felt close to Him.

Friend October 2019 Color the picture of Jesus. 

• Take your class on a walk around the meetinghouse. Invite the children to raise their hands when they see something on the walk that reminds them of a way they can follow the Savior (such as the baptismal font or a picture). (song books, sacrament table,
• Sing with the children a song about following Jesus Christ, such as “Come, Follow Me” (Hymns, no. 116). Invite the children to share times when they have followed the Savior’s example.

I can build on a strong foundation by following Jesus.

Matthew 7:24–27

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 6–7” Using the Savior’s parable about building a house on sand or on a rock can be a memorable way to teach children about the importance of acting on what we learn.

The Wise Man and the Foolish Man Explain that “the wise man built his house upon the rock” means that wise man built his life upon the teachings of Jesus. The foolish man didn’t and his house (life) fell apart in the storms of life. Discussion Ideas: What things in our life are like the rain and wind? How does following Jesus’s teachings protect us and make our faith strong as a house built on a rock? Song: “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” (Children’s Songbook, 281) Scripture: Matthew 7:24–29

Friend March 2015 “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man”

Rock Art: Choose a smooth rock. With a marker or paint, write “Jesus Christ” on it. Talk about why it’s so important to build our lives on His teachings. Keep the rock in a place where you can see it often.

• Sing with the children “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” (Children’s Songbook, 281), and use actions to go along with the words.

• Use Matthew 7:24–27 to teach about the differences between the wise man and the foolish man. Invite the children to pretend they are building a house. How can we be like the wise man?
• Let the children draw pictures of the parable of the wise man and the foolish man.

Friend March 2018 “Food and Fun: Wisdom Rocks” Put a wise thought or scripture on a rock to inspire you.

Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 6–7” To visualize this parable, class members could work together to build a strong foundation using blocks, cups, or other materials and then test the strength of their foundations. Perhaps they could also label their building materials with things they can do to apply the Savior’s teachings. How could doing these things help us withstand the storms of life?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 6-7”

To help your family better understand the Savior’s parable of the wise man and the foolish man, you could let them pour water on sand and then on a rock. How can we build our spiritual foundations on a rock?

• “Sharing Time: Build Upon My Rock” (August 2004 Liahona and Friend)
  Includes a printable door hanger.
• “Sharing Time: Build upon My Rock” (February 1991 Friend)
  Includes instructions for a paper craft about the story of the wise man and the foolish man.
• Scripture Figures: “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” (July 1999 Friend)

God will bless me as I choose to follow Jesus Christ.

Daniel CHAPTER 3 Nebuchadnezzar creates a golden image and commands all men to worship it—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego refuse and are cast into the fiery furnace—They are preserved and come out unharmed.

• Show a picture of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego in the fiery furnace (see Gospel Art Book, no. 25), and ask the children to count the people in the furnace. Read Daniel 3:24–25 to find out who else was in the furnace. Share your testimony that the Lord is with us as we follow Him.

Friend November 2022 “Saved from the Fire”

“Lesson 41: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 180–84 Lesson ideas

Friend February 2023 “How to Have Joy” When we follow Jesus Christ, we are blessed even in hard times. Read what Jesus promised us in Matthew 5 and fill in the blanks.

Jesus Christ is a Perfect Friend

Doctrine and Covenants 84:77

How can you help the children know that the Savior loves us even more than a dear friend does?

• Display a picture of the Savior as you read Doctrine and Covenants 84:77. Invite the children to point to the picture of the Savior every time they hear the word “friends.” Explain that when we try to keep the commandments, we show Jesus that we love Him. Share what it means to you to have Jesus as your friend.
• Help the children list some things they can do to show their friends that they love them. What did Jesus do to show us that He is our friend? What can we do to show the Savior that we are His friends? Sing together a song about Jesus, such as “Jesus Is Our Loving Friend” (Children’s Songbook, 58).

Ensign July 2010 “Jesus Christ, Our Perfect Friend”

Jesus Christ Will Lead Me Along.

Doctrine and Covenants 78:18

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 77-80”

If we are willing to let the Lord “lead [us] along,” we can “be of good cheer,” even if there are things we “cannot bear … now” (verse 18).

• Invite the children to share times when they have been a leader, such as being at the front of a line or leading music. What does a leader do? Show a picture of the Savior as you read the following phrase from Doctrine and Covenants 78:18: “Be of good cheer, for I will lead you along.” Use this week’s activity page to help the children think of ways we can follow the Savior.
• Invite the children to follow Jesus, and lead them around the room as you hold a picture of Him. As you do, sing a song together about following Jesus Christ, such as “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” or “Choose the Right Way” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79, 160–61). Let the children take turns holding the picture and leading the other children.

Latter Day Kids “I Will Lead You Along” Includes video, activities, and lesson ideas

Friend July 2020 “Bright Idea” I can follow Jesus Christ in small and simple ways.

Friend December 2016 “A Shining Light”

The Good Shepherd

See above link for lesson ideas about the good shepherd.

Following Jesus

Animated Video about following Jesus from ComeUntoChrist.org

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 49-50”

• Display four paper footprints and four pictures representing believing in Jesus Christ, repenting, being baptized, and receiving the Holy Ghost. Read Doctrine and Covenants 49:12–14, and ask the children to point to the correct picture when each is mentioned in the verses. Let the children help you place the footprints on the floor with the pictures beside them, and invite the children to take turns walking on the footprints. Bear your testimony that when we do the things in these pictures, we are following Jesus Christ.
• Use this week’s activity page to make finger puppets that can help the children learn how they can follow Jesus Christ by having faith, repenting, being baptized, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.

When I Am Baptized I Promise to Follow Jesus

Friend February 2021 “Bright Idea”

Friend February 2021 “The Savior and Me” Fill out the page and look at it during the sacrament to remember Jesus and the covenant you made.

People Who Help Me Follow Jesus

Friend September 2023 “Helping Each Other”

Disciple of Jesus Christ.

A Disciple is Someone who Receives God’s Law and Obeys it.

Doctrine and Covenants 41:5

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 41–44”

• Write Doctrine and Covenants 41:5 on a piece of paper, leaving blanks where the word “disciple” should be. Ask the children to fill in the blanks, looking in Doctrine and Covenants 41:5 if they need help. What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? A disciple is someone who receives God’s law and obeys it. Share how you are striving to be a better disciple of Christ.
• After discussing Doctrine and Covenants 41:5, ask the children to think of laws we have received from the Lord. Invite them to take turns acting out obeying one of those laws while the rest of the class tries to guess what it is.
• Give each class member a strip of paper, and ask them to write on it one way they can be a better disciple. Invite each child to share what they wrote, and then tape the strips together to create a paper chain.

Come Follow Me for Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 1–7: “Lift Up Your Head and Be of Good Cheer” Read 3 Nephi 5:13, and invite the children to repeat the phrase “I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.” Teach them that a disciple of Jesus Christ tries to follow Him. Share a few things Mormon did to be like Jesus, such as teaching God’s word and obeying God’s commandments (see 3 Nephi 5:13–18). Help the children think of ways they can be disciples.

On a piece of paper, help the children trace their hand and cut it out. Write “I am a disciple of Jesus Christ” on one side, and invite them to draw something they can do to be a disciple on the other side (you might need to help them think of ideas). Sing together a song about following the Savior, such as “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79).

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 1–7: “Lift Up Your Head and Be of Good Cheer” Read 3 Nephi 5:13 and Doctrine and Covenants 41:5, and discuss what it means to be a disciple of Christ. Maybe family members could talk about times when they noticed each other being disciples. If you have small children, you might make a badge that says, “I am a disciple of Jesus Christ,” and let them wear the badge whenever you notice them following the Savior.

Latter Day Kids Video and lesson ideas about following Jesus

Come Unto Jesus

Friend May 2019 “Family Night Fun”

1. Before home evening, put a picture of Jesus on one side of the room. (You could use the picture on page 69 of *CFM.) Then sit on the other side of the room and read “Jesus Blesses the Children” on page FJ4. How can we “come unto Jesus” like in the story?
2. Have everyone stand up and take turns saying what they can do to come unto Jesus by following Him.
3. With each idea, take a step toward the picture of Christ. Keep helping each other think of good things until everyone is with Jesus together! Then talk about what it means that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. (See *CFM, page 66.)

I am a Christian because I believe in and follow Jesus Christ.

Acts 11:26

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Acts 10-15” How will you help the children learn what it means to be a Christian?

Read Acts 11:26 to the children, and invite them to stand up when they hear you say the word Christian. Ask them what they think it means to be a Christian. Explain that someone who believes in and follows Jesus Christ is called a Christian, so we are Christians.

• Friend July 2019 “I’m Christian” Poem about the ways we are Christians.

Sing with the children a song about following Jesus Christ, such as “The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, 77).

How can we show that we are followers of Jesus Christ and belong to His Church? Help the children think of things they can do to follow Jesus at home, at school, and in other places. (Print the below pictures and write their ideas on each place.)

A Christian is someone who believes in and follows Jesus Christ.

Acts 11:26

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Acts 10-15” How can you help the children understand that their words and actions show that they are Christians?

Invite the children to read Acts 11:26; 3 Nephi 27:3–8; and Doctrine and Covenants 115:4. Write Christian on the board and underline the part that says “Christ.” Ask the children to share what they think it means to be a Christian.

Ask the children to share the names of different groups they belong to, such as their family or nation. Invite them to share reasons why they are grateful to be a Christian and belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

How can we show others we are Christians?

• Friend July 2019 “I’m Christian” Poem about the ways we are Christians.

Display several objects or pictures that represent truths unique to the Church of Jesus Christ, such as a picture of the restoration of the priesthood (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 93–94). Ask a child to pick one of the objects or pictures and describe how it is a blessing in our Church. Explain that while Christians throughout the world belong to many different churches, we belong to the same Church that Jesus Christ established on the earth.

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.

The Great Apostasy “News with the Naylors” Lesson ideas

Show the video “True Christianity” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite the children to write or draw things they can do to be true Christians.

Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives

Friend January 2019 “Learn About Jesus” President Nelson says we can draw upon the power of Jesus Christ if we do these things:

Following Jesus Everyday

Friend August 2023 “Following Jesus Every Day”

Friend August 2023 “I Can Follow Jesus Christ”

Jesus Christ showed me how to serve others.

John 13:1–17

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 26; Mark 14; John 13”The account of the Savior washing His disciples’ feet can inspire the children you teach to lovingly serve people around them.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 In Jesus’s time, washing another person’s feet was a task for servants, not leaders. But Jesus wanted His disciples to think differently about what it means to lead and to serve. What messages do you find in the Savior’s words and actions in John 13:1–17?

• A few days in advance, ask one of the children to read John 13:4–9 and share the account with the class from the perspective of Peter. What was the Savior trying to teach Peter and the other Apostles? The children could talk about what they learn from this story about Jesus Christ. What do we learn about serving others?

• Read together John 13:12–17. Ask the children to each write about a time when the Savior served another person. Encourage them to include what they learn from His example. If they need help, they could look for examples in the video “Christlike Attributes” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite them to share what they wrote with the class.

Friend October 2023 “I Can Follow Jesus by Helping Others”

I can love others as Jesus did.

John 13:34–35

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 26; Mark 14; John 13” Jesus showed His love by caring for those around Him. What opportunities do the children you teach have to show their love for others?

• Show pictures of stories the children have learned this year when Jesus showed His love for others (see past outlines in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Read John 13:34–35, and help the children repeat the phrase “As I have loved you, … love one another.” How can we show our love for our family and friends?

Images of Jesus can be found here.

Friend April 2007 “Jesus Christ Loves Everyone”

Friend July 2024 “I Can Follow Jesus by Showing Love”

Friend March 2019 “Lots of Ways to Say “I Love You” Play this game with family or friends. Do the action on the square when you land on it.

• Invite a child to hold a picture of the Savior as the class sings a song about the Savior’s love, such as “Love One Another” (Children’s Songbook, 136). Give the children paper hearts and invite them to draw a picture of themselves doing something to show their love for another person.

Disciples of Jesus Christ love others as He did.

John 13:34–35

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 26; Mark 14; John 13” When we are baptized, we make covenants to become disciples of Jesus Christ. In John 13:34–35, the Savior described how we can show that we are His disciples.

• Write on the board  one another; as I have  you (John 13:34). Invite the children to look up the scripture and fill in the blanks. What other things can we do to show we are disciples of Christ? The children might think of other words that would complete the sentence on the board, such as serve and served or teach and taught.

• Invite the children to read John 13:35 and think of people they know who are examples of disciples of Jesus Christ. Ask them to share how these people show love for others as the Savior did.

Friend June 2023 “It’s Not Fair” Ephraim was the only one helping prepare his sister’s birthday dinner. He wanted to get revenge on his siblings and such as not letting them have any of the meat pie. But then he thought about what Jesus would do. Jesus would want all of them to have a piece of pie, and Jesus would want him to serve others.

Friend November 2017 “The Vegetable Thief” Earl is upset when he sees a lady taking vegetables from their garden, but he learns what charity means when his mother has him give the lady their best vegetables for her starving family.

Friend June 2017 “An Extra Dose of Love” Ashley’s mom likes to get to church early to look for people who need an extra dose of love. She sends those people cards. Ashley thinks of a friend who might need a card.

Friend January 2018 “A Friend for Mr. Maurice” Carter’s neighbor, Mr. Maurice, seems mean. Carter’s father tells him that Jesus taught that we are to love everyone. Carter tries to be kind and help Mr. Maurice and finds out Mr. Maurice is easier to love than expected.

Friend May 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Story: Jesus Christ washed the feet of His apostles (see John 13:4–16). He loved them and wanted to serve them. Jesus told them to follow His example and serve each other.

Song: “‘Give,’ Said the Little Stream” (Children’s Songbook, 236)

Activity: Play this service game. Everyone sits with their feet in a circle. One player picks a number. Starting with their own feet, the player points to each foot in the circle and counts down from that number until they reach “one.” The foot numbered “one” is out. Then that player picks a number and counts down. The last person with a foot in the circle picks a service activity for the group to do.

Jesus is the Light of the World

Click on above link for more information about Jesus being the light of the world.

Following Jesus Leads to Happy Life

Friend November 2018 “Conference Notes” Elder Bangerter tells how his family has camping devotionals where the children share messages about Jesus. At one devotional they wrote the topic of those messages on stones and buried them to remind them that following Jesus creates a foundation for a happy life.

Following Jesus by Serving

Friend January 2022 “Jesus Helped People in Need”

When He was on earth, Jesus healed people who were sick. He fed people who were hungry. He gave comfort to people who felt alone.

Jesus also taught His disciples to help others. He said they should give food, water, and clothing to people who needed them. He told them to visit people who were alone. Jesus said that when they served others, it was like they were serving Him.

Friend January 2022 “Helping Like Jesus” Lesson ideas about using our helping hands to serve others like Jesus would like us to.

Friend February 2023 “Twelve Smiley Stickers” Antonio’s Primary teacher said that one way to become like Jesus is to serve others, and she gave them each a paper and some smiley stickers. Every time they served someone they got to put a smiley sticker on their paper. That week when Antonio was serving others he saw the happiness that it brought. Pretty soon he was serving not for stickers but because he liked it and it made him feel happy as well.

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

Matthew 14:13–21

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

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

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

Friend July 2017 “Jesus Fed Many People”

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

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

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

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

• “Bread of Life” (November 2018 Friend)
  Find the hidden objects in this illustration of Jesus feeding the five thousand.
• “Jesus Feeds 5,000 People” (September 2009 Friend)
  A rebus story about this scripture story.
• Coloring page: “Jesus Christ Feeds 5,000” (March 2013 Friend)
• Gospel Art Picture: “Feeding the Five Thousand”

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

Following Jesus by Choosing the Right

Friend February 2023 “I Can Follow Jesus by Choosing the Right”

I can follow Jesus’s example of being obedient to Heavenly Father.

Luke 22:39–44

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Luke 22; John 18” Jesus showed obedience to the Father when He said, “Not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42). How can you help the children learn from Jesus’s example?

• Help the children memorize the phrase “Not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42) and discuss what it means. What can we do to obey Heavenly Father’s will?

• Help the children identify some reasons it is sometimes hard to do what Heavenly Father wants. What blessings have we received by being obedient to Heavenly Father, even when it was hard?

Friend September 2018 “Just Like Grandpa” William’s dad received a calling to preside over the sign language branch. William is sad he will have to leave his friends, but his mom helps him by telling him a story about his great grandfather Turner who sacrificed to obey the Lord.

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.

• What blessings have we received by being obedient to Heavenly Father, even when it was hard?

Liahona February 2023 “Life Isn’t Fair–and That’s OK” But there are certain blessings we can expect as we keep the commandments. We are promised to always have the Spirit to be with us (see Moroni 4:3). And as we turn to the Lord in faith, we will be given strength to face the trials that inevitably come.²

We are promised true joy and peace (the kind that is not determined by our circumstances).³ And we are also promised the greatest gift of all—eternal life. As Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has said, “Your faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will be rewarded more than you can imagine.”⁴

“… Because of Him, we can have peace in this world and be of good cheer. If we let Him, Jesus Christ will consecrate unfairness for our gain [see 2 Nephi 2:2]. He will not just console us and restore what was lost [see Job 42:10, 12–13; Jacob 3:1]; He will use the unfairness for our benefit.”⁶

“Happiness and Obedience” (August 2020 Liahona and Friend)
President Russell M. Nelson shares some blessings we receive when we try to keep all the commandments.

Ask the children if they can think of a time when they obeyed one of God’s commandments. How did they feel? Sing together a song about obedience, such as “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47), and identify blessings of obedience mentioned in the song. Discuss some of the things God has commanded us to do. How does God bless us when we keep those commandments?

Following in His Footsteps

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.

Friend May 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities” King Mosiah kept the commandments and “did walk in the ways of the Lord” (Mosiah 6:6). On a piece of paper, trace your foot and cut out the shape. Write on your footprint a way you can follow Jesus. Put your footprint where you can remember to follow Jesus Christ’s example.

For younger children: Go on a walk. Have your child practice stepping where you step. Talk about how we can follow Jesus Christ by doing things He did, like helping others and being baptized.

Following His Example

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.

Friend October 2021 “Jesus Taught Others” When Jesus was a child, He “increased in wisdom” (Luke 2:52). That means He learned many things. When Jesus was 12, Mary and Joseph found him teaching in the temple. The people were listening to Him and asking Him questions. Jesus spent His life teaching others. (What is something you can teach others? Jazim C. age 9 said, “I help my younger sister do her homework for preschool. I teach her to draw and write her name. When my family studies Come, Follow Me at night, I help my sister with the scriptures. I show her the pictures and explain them to her.”)

Friend September 2021 “Jesus Invited Others” One day Jesus saw some fishermen working in their boats. He called out to them. He invited them to follow Him and help with His work. The four fishermen followed Jesus and became Apostles. Together they served many people.

Friend August 2021 “Jesus Helped in Many Ways” When Jesus was younger, He helped His father with his carpentry work. One of His first miracles was helping His mother when the wine had run out at a wedding. When He saw someone who was blind, He healed him. He helped children feel loved and included.

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

Friend June 2021 “Jesus Served Others” Story of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples.

Friend April 2021 “Jesus Included Others” Story of Jesus telling his disciples to let the children come to him after his followers had told them to go away.

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

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

Friend January 2021 “Jesus Noticed Others” Story of Jesus noticing the woman who touched his robe to be healed. Goal card: I can notice and help others.

Friend March 2022 “Jesus Cared for the Sick” Wherever Jesus went, He cared for people who were sick or hurt.

Friend April 2022 “Jesus Prayed for Others” Jesus taught the Apostles how to pray to Heavenly Father. Jesus prayed for the Apostles to have faith. He told them to pray often too.

Friend May 2022 “Jesus Was a Peacemaker” Jesus taught, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” He helped people feel peace by serving and blessing them. He still helps us feel peace today.

Friend June 2022 “Jesus Fed the Hungry” Story of Jesus feeding 5000 with five loaves of bread and two fishes.

Friend July 2022 “Jesus Spent Time with Others” Story of Jesus visiting the Americas and spending time with the people there.

Friend August 2022 “Jesus Promised Us Comfort” Jesus Christ knew His disciples would need comfort after He died. So He taught them about the Holy Ghost. (See more at link.)

Friend September 2022 “Jesus Thought of Others” Jesus had great love for people and wanted to help them. Jesus healed and blessed them. (See more at link)

Friend October 2022 “Jesus Helped His Mother”Jesus Christ went to a wedding in Cana. His mother, Mary, was there. She told Jesus that they were out of wine. Jesus asked His mother what she wanted Him to do. He performed a miracle and turned water into wine. Jesus loved His mother and helped her.

Friend December 2022 “Jesus Was Patient” Nicodemus had some questions. Jesus was patient while he asked his questions. When Nicodemus didn’t understand, Jesus explained again.

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.

Friend July 2020 “Bright Idea” I can follow Jesus Christ in small and simple ways.

Friend March 2020“Come, Follow Me for Little Ones” Read 2 Nephi 31:16 together and help your little ones say, “I can try to be like Jesus each day.” Play a follow-the-leader game, like “Simon Says” or “Do As I’m Doing.” Talk about how Jesus Christ is the perfect example for us to follow.

Friend March 2019 “To Be Like Jesus” President Eyring discusses love being a way we can be like Jesus. Color the heart and label it with the people and activities you love. Then discuss how we can show the love in our hearts.

What Would Jesus Do

We should remember Him and follow Him like sunflowers follow the sun across the sky. Quentin L. Cook

Friend January 2016 Trace your footprint on a piece of paper and cut it out.
Write about something you have done or something you will do to stand tall in following Jesus and choosing the right. It can be something big or small.

Following Jesus’s Teachings

“Lesson 34: Jesus Christ Teaches the Nephites the Beatitudes,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon

Divide the children into pairs. If there is an uneven number of children, be a partner for one of the children. Ask the children to first listen to all the directions and then try to remember them and do them in the sequence they were given.

1. Shake hands with your partner, and tell him or her your full name.
2. Stand up and tell your partner something you admire about him or her.
3. Turn around once and tell your partner one thing you like about yourself.
4. Find out your partner’s favorite Book of Mormon prophet.
5. Sit down, and fold your arms.

Ask the children to begin. If the children have a hard time remembering everything, repeat the instructions and have them try again. Explain that if the activity were repeated several times everyone would be able to remember and do what they were asked to do. As we choose to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ throughout our lives, we will gradually learn to become like our Heavenly Father and his Son.

Reminders to Follow Jesus

Handouts

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

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.

1 Kings 18:17–39

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Kings 17–19” Elijah urged the people of Israel to make a decision to follow Jesus Christ. Help the children see that they can make this same choice.

• Explain to the children that people in Elijah’s time weren’t sure if they wanted to follow the Lord. Share the story of how Elijah invited them to choose to follow the Lord, found in 1 Kings 18:17–39 (see also “Elijah and the Priests of Baal” in Old Testament Stories). Tell the children why you choose to follow Jesus Christ, and ask them why they choose to follow Him.
• Read to the children what Elijah said to the people: “If the Lord be God, follow him” (1 Kings 18:21). 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.

1 Kings 18:17–39

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

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Kings 17–19” The Israelites were indecisive about following the Lord. Ponder how you can inspire the children to be committed in their discipleship.

• Assign each child to read several verses from 1 Kings 18:17–39 and draw a picture of what his or her verses describe. Help the children understand the verses if needed. Then let them use their pictures to tell the story. What does this story teach us about the Lord?

• 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.

Friend January 2023 “How Are You Following Jesus?” Send to Friend magazine how you are following Jesus.