SECTION 111
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Salem, Massachusetts, August 6, 1836. At this time the leaders of the Church were heavily in debt due to their labors in the ministry. Hearing that a large amount of money would be available to them in Salem, the Prophet, Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, and Oliver Cowdery traveled there from Kirtland, Ohio, to investigate this claim, along with preaching the gospel. The brethren transacted several items of Church business and did some preaching. When it became apparent that no money was to be forthcoming, they returned to Kirtland. Several of the factors prominent in the background are reflected in the wording of this revelation.
1–5, The Lord looks to the temporal needs of His servants; 6–11, He will deal mercifully with Zion and arrange all things for the good of His servants.
The Lord can “order all things for [my] good.”
.After they arrived in Salem, the Lord declared, “There are more treasures than one for you in this city” (verse 10)—treasures that included people whom He would “gather out in due time for the benefit of Zion” (verse 2; see also Exodus 19:5). Although no money was found in Salem, the converts that came from later missionary efforts there were part of the fulfillment of the Lord’s promise. (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 111-114”)
See also Matthew 6:19–21, 33; “More Treasures Than One,” Revelations in Context, 229–34.
The Things of God can be a Treasure to Me.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 111-114”
Doctrine and Covenants 111:2, 10–11
When children think of the word treasure, they may picture things that are different from the treasures implied in Doctrine and Covenants 111:2, 10. How can you help them learn to treasure the things of the Lord?
- Invite the children to draw what comes to mind when they hear the word treasure. Contrast the things the world sees as treasure with the things the Lord treasures (see Doctrine and Covenants 111:2, 10–11), such as His people, wisdom and righteousness, and making good choices.
- Help the children complete this week’s activity page. What do we learn about Jesus from the things He treasures? How can we be more like Him?
Doctrine and Covenants 111:2, 10–11 could encourage a discussion about what your family values as eternal “treasures.” You could create a treasure hunt by hiding things around the house that represent things the Lord treasures or values. As your family finds each item, discuss what you can do to show that you value it.
Friend April 2013 “Jesus Christ Restored His Church in the Latter Days”
Imagine going on a treasure hunt. Where would you look for the treasure? How would you find it? Would there be a treasure box? What would be inside?
Some treasure boxes contain beautiful jewelry and precious coins. But as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have a treasure that is even more valuable: the gospel of Jesus Christ.
After Jesus and His Apostles died, some important gospel teachings and ordinances were lost or changed, including baptism, priesthood authority, temples, living prophets, and the sacrament.
All of these gospel treasures have been restored. We receive many blessings because we have these gospel treasures.
SECTION 112
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Thomas B. Marsh, at Kirtland, Ohio, July 23, 1837, concerning the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb. This revelation was received on the day Elders Heber C. Kimball and Orson Hyde first preached the gospel in England. Thomas B. Marsh was at this time President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
1–10, The Twelve are to send the gospel and raise the warning voice to all nations and people; 11–15, They are to take up their cross, follow Jesus, and feed His sheep; 16–20, Those who receive the First Presidency receive the Lord; 21–29, Darkness covers the earth, and only those who believe and are baptized will be saved; 30–34, The First Presidency and the Twelve hold the keys of the dispensation of the fulness of times.
Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “The Apostles Preached the Gospel to All Nations”
Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 29: Missionaries Go to Other Nations,” Link includes stories, activities, and discussion questions.
The Lord Will Lead Me by the Hand and Answer My Prayers.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 111-114”
- Help the children to think of situations when it is important to hold the hand of a family member, like when crossing the street or giving comfort. They might enjoy acting out some of the examples they share. Read Doctrine and Covenants 112:10. Why do we want the Lord to “lead [us] by the hand”?
- Put a blindfold on one of the children, and ask him or her to walk across the room with another child leading him or her by the hand. Tell about an experience when you felt the Lord leading you by the hand.
Teaching Children the Gospel “Humility and Pride”
How do we humble ourselves so the Lord can lead us?
When someone is not humble they might have an inflated, high opinion of their own abilities, intelligence, and importance. They might think they are better than others and not willing to listen to anyone else’s council.
In what ways might people think they are better than others and become lifted up in pride? People may think they are better than others because of how smart, pretty or handsome, athletic, wealthy, or talented they are.
How can we humble ourselves so we are not lifted up in pride? Answers may include the following: by remembering that our gifts, talents, and abilities come from the Lord, by praying for humility, by looking for the good in others, by building love for others by praying for them and serving them.
When we are humble we become meek and teachable and we are more willing to listen to the Lord, pray for his help, and follow him and his guidance.
Latter Day Kids “Humility“ Lesson Ideas
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 111-114”
Heavenly Father wants us to be humble so He can guide us. Help the children understand how they can show humility before God by doing things such as praying to Him and accepting His counsel.
- Ask the children what it means to be humble. (They could read “Humility” in True to the Faith [pages 86–87] if needed.) Help them think of words or phrases related to “humble,” and invite them to read Doctrine and Covenants 112:10, substituting one of these words or phrases for “humble” in the verse. Why does Heavenly Father want us to be humble? To learn more, the children could read additional scriptures listed under “Humble, Humility” in Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
- Write the words of Doctrine and Covenants 112:10 on the board, and ask the children to read them aloud. Invite a child to underline blessings for those who are humble mentioned in this verse. Encourage the children to share times when they humbly sought the Lord’s help and were led by Him, such as when their prayers were answered.
Friend October 2021 “Scripture Time Fun: Listen and Lead”
- Sing “I Am a Child of God” (Children’s Songbook, 2–3).
- Jesus said, “Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers” (Doctrine and Covenants 112:10). Heavenly Father wants to help us!
- Make an obstacle course with objects outside or inside your home. Have one person wear a blindfold. Have another person take their hand and lead them carefully through the obstacle course. Take turns leading and following.
Friend October 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones” Take turns leading your family in a line while all holding hands. Help your little ones say, “Jesus Christ will lead me.”
Elder Ulisses Soares described humble people in this way: “The humble are teachable, recognizing how dependent they are on God and desiring to be subject to His will. The humble are meek and have the ability to influence others to be the same” (“Be Meek and Lowly of Heart,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 10). Consider ways to help your family understand what it means to be humble. You could sing a song about humility, such as “Be Thou Humble” (Hymns,no. 130), while one family member takes the others “by the hand” and guides them around your home. Or share experiences when the Lord has led your family members “by the hand” and given “answer to [their] prayers.”
Heavenly Father wants us to be humble so He can guide us. Help the children understand how they can show humility before God by doing things such as praying to Him and accepting His counsel.
- Ask the children what it means to be humble. (They could read “Humility” in True to the Faith [pages 86–87] if needed.) Help them think of words or phrases related to “humble,” and invite them to read Doctrine and Covenants 112:10, substituting one of these words or phrases for “humble” in the verse. Why does Heavenly Father want us to be humble? To learn more, the children could read additional scriptures listed under “Humble, Humility” in Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
- Write the words of Doctrine and Covenants 112:10 on the board, and ask the children to read them aloud. Invite a child to underline blessings for those who are humble mentioned in this verse. Encourage the children to share times when they humbly sought the Lord’s help and were led by Him, such as when their prayers were answered.
Jesus Wants Me to Love Everyone.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 111-114”
Help the children know that the Savior wants us to love everyone, even those who may not treat us kindly.
Jesus Christ was the perfect example of loving everyone, even those who mistreated Him. Joseph Smith also had to endure persecution by those who had been his friends. Help the children learn that we can love others just like the Savior and Joseph Smith did.
- As you share “Chapter 41: Trouble in Kirtland” (Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 158–60), ask the children to form a heart shape with their hands when they hear about someone doing something right. Help them understand that the Lord wants us to love everyone, even those who might make wrong choices.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 111-114”
- Draw a sad face on the board, and ask the children how we can show love for others who are unhappy (see Doctrine and Covenants 112:11). As the children share ideas, redraw the sad face to become a happy face. Share your testimony of the power that comes from loving others. Sing together a song about love, such as “Jesus Said Love Everyone” (Children’s Songbook, 61).
- Invite the children to take turns reading from “Chapter 41: Trouble in Kirtland” (Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 158–60). Who in the story made the problems in Kirtland worse? Who was trying to make them better? Invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 112:11 and talk about why it is important to love everyone.
- Why is it important to love people who are different from us? Why might Heavenly Father have given us differences? How can we “let [our] love abound unto all,” even those who are different from us? Sing with the children a song about loving others, such as “I’ll Walk with You” (Children’s Songbook, 140–41).
- Help the children think of examples of when the Savior loved those who mistreated Him (for example, see Luke 23:34).
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.
Those Who Are Truly Converted Come to Know Jesus Christ.
Doctrine and Covenants 112:12–15, 26
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 111-114”
The basic meaning of the word convert is “to turn around, to transform, or to change.” Thus, when a person is truly converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ, his whole life is changed. The scriptures refer to such a person as having been “reborn,” because he becomes a new person. Conversion is a process, not an event. Conversion comes as a result of righteous efforts to follow the Savior.
Becoming converted to Jesus Christ is a lifelong process, and it involves more than just “[professing] to know [His] name” (Doctrine and Covenants 112:26). Help the children better understand what it means to truly know the Savior.
- Share with the children that in 1837, some of the Apostles had turned against the Prophet Joseph Smith. Why is it important to follow the prophet? (see verse 15). Help the children make a list of the things the Lord told Thomas B. Marsh, the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, to do (see Doctrine and Covenants 112:12–15). Use the list to discuss how we can become more converted to Jesus Christ.
- Ask the children what they think it means to profess to know Jesus Christ but to not really know Him (see Doctrine and Covenants 112:26). What does verse 14 teach us we can do to know Him better? Help the children understand what it means to “take up [our] cross” (Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 16:25–26 [in the Bible appendix]) or to “feed [His] sheep.”
What is the difference between knowing someone’s name and knowing them? What do we learn from verses 11–14 about what it means to know the Lord?
SECTION 113
Answers to certain questions on the writings of Isaiah, given by Joseph Smith the Prophet, at or near Far West, Missouri, March 1838.
1–6, The Stem of Jesse, the rod coming therefrom, and the root of Jesse are identified; 7–10, The scattered remnants of Zion have a right to the priesthood and are called to return to the Lord.
Joseph Smith was “a servant in the hands of Christ.”
Isaiah referred to one of Jesse’s descendants as a “rod” and a “root” (Isaiah 11:1, 10). In section 113, the Lord explains that this descendant, a servant of Christ, would be instrumental in gathering the Lord’s people in the last days (see Doctrine and Covenants 113:4, 6)—a prophecy that describes the Prophet Joseph Smith quite well. How might this and other truths in section 113 have been encouraging to the Saints during the turmoil they were experiencing in Kirtland?
SECTION 114
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Far West, Missouri, April 11, 1838.
1–2, Church positions held by those who are not faithful will be given to others.
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