I Can Receive Answers to My Questions About the Scriptures.
When he 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 Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 77-80”
Learning about the things God created can help the children feel His love for them.
- Show the children pictures of animals, including insects and birds. As you read the words “beasts,” “creeping things,” and “fowls of the air” from Doctrine and Covenants 77:2, invite the children to point to the related pictures. 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).
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.
.Doctrine and Covenants 77:14.
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.
I Can Help “Advance the Cause” of Jesus Christ.
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”)
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 77-80”
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.
- Ask the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 78:4. What is the “cause” we “espoused” (accepted or chose to support) when we were baptized? Encourage them to look in scripture passages like these for possible answers: Mosiah 18:8–10; Doctrine and Covenants 20:37; Moses 1:39.
- 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.
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.
- Ask the children to pretend they are helping someone build a house, sharing food, or serving in another way. How do we feel when we are helping and sharing? Help the children think of things Jesus Christ shares with us.
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.
Jesus Christ Will Lead Me Along.
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 Should Receive “All Things 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?
- Ask the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 78:19 and find what the Lord promises to those who are thankful. Help the children understand what “an hundred fold” means, perhaps by showing a small object and then 100 of that same object.
- 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”
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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.