Table of Contents
Section 77
Section 77 Joseph Smith’s history states, “In connection with the translation of the Scriptures, I received the following explanation of the Revelation of St. John.”
1–4, Beasts have spirits and will dwell in eternal felicity; 5–7, This earth has a temporal existence of 7,000 years; 8–10, Various angels restore the gospel and minister on earth; 11, The sealing of the 144,000; 12–14, Christ will come in the beginning of the seventh thousand years; 15, Two prophets will be raised up to the Jewish nation.
I Can Receive Answers to My Questions About the Scriptures.
When Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon had questions about the book of Revelation as they worked on the inspired translation of the Bible, Joseph naturally sought wisdom from God. Section 77 contains the questions and the answers Joseph received about the book of Revelation. Ponder how you can follow the Prophet Joseph’s example when you study the scriptures. You might ask Heavenly Father, “What am I to understand?”
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 77-80”
- Ask the children if they, like Joseph, have ever felt that they didn’t understand something in the scriptures. Let them share their experiences. What did Joseph do to find answers? Tell the children about a time when Heavenly Father helped you understand something in the scriptures.
- The children you teach might enjoy reading some of the verses in the book of Revelation that Joseph Smith had questions about. Then they could look in Doctrine and Covenants 77 for what the Lord wanted him to understand. Choose a few verses you feel would be meaningful.
God Created Every Creature on Earth.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 77-80”
- As you and your children read Doctrine and Covenants 77:2 together, you might look at pictures of animals, including insects and birds. Your children could point to the pictures when you read the words “beasts,” “creeping things,” and “fowls of the air.”Testify that God created all of these things because He loves us and wants us to be happy (see also Doctrine and Covenants 59:16–20).Share with each other how God’s creations help you feel His love.
Friend July 2021 “Find It” Julia and Leo went on a nature walk with their dad and stepmom. They loved seeing all of God’s creations! Find the hidden objects below.
After reading this verse, family members could draw pictures of their favorite “beasts, … creeping things, … [or] fowls of the air” created by God. What do we learn about God’s creations from this verse? (see also Doctrine and Covenants 59:16–20). You could also sing a song about God’s creations, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook,228–29), and display the painting that accompanies this outline.
- Sing with the children a song about God’s creations, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook,228–29). Ask the children how the things they are singing about help them feel God’s love.
- See the below visuals here.
Friend July 2025 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Animal Actions” Under God’s direction, Jesus Christ created every creature on earth (see Doctrine and Covenants 77:2). Play an animal guessing game! One person pretends to be a certain animal. Everyone else tries to guess what animal they are. Once you guess it right, say something you like about that animal.
For younger children: Go on a walk with your little ones and point out animals you see. Or look at pictures of animals. Teach them that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ created every creature on earth.
Friend July 2025 “God Created Every Creature on Earth” Coloring Page
Gathering Israel
This verse explains that John ate a book that represented his mission to gather Israel. What does the symbolism of eating suggest about how we should approach our role in gathering Israel or doing other things the Lord wants us to do? Here are some other scriptures in which eating is used to teach a spiritual truth: John 6:48–51; 2 Nephi 32:3; Moroni 4. Perhaps you could make a favorite family dish to eat together during this discussion.
Section 78
Section 78 Less than two years after the Church of Jesus Christ was restored, it had grown to over 2,000 members and was spreading quickly. In March 1832 Joseph Smith met with other Church leaders “to discuss Church business”: the need to publish revelations, purchase land to gather on, and care for the poor (see Doctrine and Covenants 78, section heading). To meet these needs, the Lord called on a small number of Church leaders to form the United Firm, a group that would join their efforts to “advance the cause” of the Lord (verse 4) in these areas. (For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 77-80”)
I Can Help “Advance the Cause” of Jesus Christ.
In section 78, the Lord gave specific instructions to several Church leaders that would help them “advance the cause” of the Lord (verse 4). Help the children consider what their roles might be in advancing the Lord’s cause.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025
- To help your children think about their roles in the Lord’s work, consider reading with them Doctrine and Covenants 78:4 to identify the “cause” we “espoused” (accepted or chose to support) when we were baptized. Help them look in scripture passages like these for possible answers: Mosiah 18:8–10; Doctrine and Covenants 20:37; Moses 1:39. Your children might enjoy role-playing how they can help with the Lord’s work. For example, what does it look like to “bear one another’s burdens” or “take upon [ourselves] the name of Jesus Christ”? How does this “advance the cause” of Christ?
The Red Crystal Have the children sort the cards that they hear mentioned in the scriptures. It should look like the below image
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 77-80”
- Explain to the children that Newel K. Whitney owned a store and that the Lord asked him and other men to use some of their money to help pay for the Lord’s work (see Doctrine and Covenants 63:42–43). Invite them to read Doctrine and Covenants 78:3–7 and look for reasons these men were asked to do so. How would we have felt if we were asked to share like Newel did? Help them think of ways people contribute to the Lord’s work in our day, such as paying tithing and fast offerings, serving in callings, and so on.
See also Church Service
I Can Share What I Have with Others.
6 For if ye are not equal in earthly things ye cannot be equal in obtaining heavenly things;
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025
- To teach what it means to be “equal in earthly things” (verse 6), you could give your children pictures of people in need (hungry, injured, or cold) and objects that would help (such as food, a bandage, or a blanket). Then your children could match the pictures with the objects. What can we share to help people in need?
- To get some context for section 78, read with your children the sentences under the first two pictures of “Chapter 28: The Prophet Joseph Goes to Missouri Again” (in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 108, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library). Then your children could pretend they are helping someone build a house, sharing food, or serving in another way.
Doctrine and Covenants Scripture Stories “Chapter 28: The Prophet Joseph Goes to Missouri Again”
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 77-80”
Heavenly Father wants us to share our blessings freely with each other so that we can be “equal in earthly things” and in “heavenly things” (verse 6).
- To teach what it means to be “equal in earthly things” (verse 6), give children pictures of people in need (such as people who are hungry, injured, or cold. (Tip: Google search for images)). Then give other children objects that would help (such as food, a bandage, or a blanket). Invite these children to share what they have to help the people in the pictures. Let other children have a turn sharing. Help the children understand that Heavenly Father wants all of His children to have what they need, and to do this He often asks us to share what we have with others.
Friend March 2012 “The Coat” Young Heber J. Grant gives his new coat to a child that didn’t have one.
Friend December 2019 “Martin’s Favorite Toys” Martin was not happy about having to move, but eventually he got used to his new home. One Sunday, he noticed a lot of new people at church. He found out that they were refugees. He wanted to help them, but he didn’t want to give them any of his toys because he brought them from his old house. Then he realized that many of the children had to leave everything behind. He remembered how hard it was for him to move, but at least he got to bring his things with him. He then wanted to give them his favorite toys to help them be happier.
See also “Sharing” for additional teaching ideas.
Jesus Christ Will Lead Me Along.
18 And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025
- It may be fun for your children to talk about what it means to be a leader and then lead an activity. After reading together Doctrine and Covenants 78:18, you could discuss times when we need Jesus to lead us. Consider singing a song such as “I Will Walk with Jesus” (Gospel Library).
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”
See also “Following Jesus” for additional teaching ideas.
I can receive “all things with thankfulness.”
19 And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025
- Read with your children Doctrine and Covenants 78:19 to discover what the Lord promises to those who are thankful. Help your children understand what “an hundred fold” means, perhaps by showing them a small object and then 100 of that same object. Perhaps they could draw pictures of things they have received from God “with thankfulness.”
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 77-80”
The Lord often blesses us more if we are grateful for what He has already given us. How can you help the children you teach be grateful for their blessings?
- Sing a song about gratitude, such as “I Am Glad for Many Things” (Children’s Songbook, 151), or watch the video “Think to Thank” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Give the children time to make lists of things they are thankful for. Encourage them to list as many things as possible in the time you give them.
For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 77-80”
Family members could draw pictures of blessings from God they are thankful for. What are we doing to express our thankfulness for these blessings? You could also discuss how your family is following the counsel to receive “all things with thankfulness” (verse 19). What does the Lord promise to those who do?
Friend November 2004 “Blessings Tree”
See more teaching ideas at Gratitude.
Additional Resources:
Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resource “Doctrine and Covenants 77–80“
See also “Newel K. Whitney and the United Firm,” Revelations in Context, 142–47; “United Firm,” Church History Topics, ChurchofJesusChrist.org/study/church-history.
Liahona July 2021 “Called of the Lord”
Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas
Pingback: D&C Come Follow Me 2021 - Teaching Children the Gospel
This is such an incredible resource! Thank you for all the hard work you put into it. So many parents and children are blessed by it.
Pingback: Doctrine & Covenants Table of Contents - Teaching Children the Gospel
I love using this. Thank You!!!