Friend December 2008 “The Martyrdom of the Prophet”

Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Chapter 57: The Prophet Is Killed” Images and video

Friend October 2017 “A New Prophet”

Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith Gave their Lives for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Doctrine and Covenants 135:1–2

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 135-136”

The account of the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith can help the children feel gratitude for the testimonies and sacrifices of these great men.

• Use “Chapter 57: The Prophet Is Killed” (Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 201–5) to tell the children about how the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum Smith died. Or let one of the children tell the story. Bear your testimony that Joseph Smith was a true prophet and that he gave his life for the Lord and His gospel.
• Share with the children a few phrases from the Book of Mormon verse that Hyrum Smith read before he went to Carthage Jail, recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 135:5. Talk about how this verse might have comforted Hyrum. Share scriptures that bring you comfort when you are worried or sad.
• Ask the children to share what they know about how Joseph and Hyrum Smith were killed. If they need help, refer them to Doctrine and Covenants 135:1 or “Chapter 57: The Prophet Is Killed” (Doctrine and Covenants Stories,201–5). Invite the children to imagine they were living in Nauvoo when the Prophet died. Ask them to share how they might have felt. Bear your testimony of Joseph Smith, and invite the children to do the same.
• Display pictures of prophets (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 14, 18, 67). What are some things God asks prophets to do? Explain that the Lord promises to bless His prophets for the sacrifices they make in His service (see Matthew 10:39).

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Joseph and Hyrum Were Killed in Carthage Jail”

Additional Teaching Ideas

• “Lesson 37: Joseph and Hyrum Smith Are Martyred,” Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History 
• “Remembering the Martyrdom,” Revelations in Context, 299–306; Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, 529–40

Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God.

Doctrine and Covenants 135:3

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 135-136”

Throughout the year, the children have learned what the Lord revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith. You can help them remember and appreciate how Joseph’s work blesses their life.

• Display objects that represent the work of the Prophet Joseph Smith, such as the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, or a picture of missionaries or a temple. Using phrases from Doctrine and Covenants 135:3, share with the children some things that the Lord did through Joseph Smith for our salvation. Invite the children to choose one of these things and share why they are grateful for it.
• As the children color this week’s activity page, sing or play songs about Joseph Smith, such as “Praise to the Man” (Hymns, no. 27). Share your feelings about the Prophet.

• Read together Doctrine and Covenants 135:3, and ask the children to identify what Joseph Smith accomplished. Write on the board what they find. Invite the children to choose one of these things and share why they are grateful for it.
• Encourage the children to each think of a friend or loved one who doesn’t know very much about Joseph Smith. What would they say if that person asked, “Why is Joseph Smith so important to you?” Invite the children to practice what they would say to this person.

Friend November 2021 “Scripture Time Fun”

Friend November 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones” Look at pictures from Church magazines or websites that show scenes from Joseph Smith’s life. Help your little ones say, “Joseph Smith was a prophet.”

Image: “Joseph Smith Timeline” (January 2009 Friend)

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 135-136″

To discuss what is meant by the statement that Joseph Smith did “more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man,” consider reviewing what your family has learned about Joseph Smith this year. You could use pictures from this resource to help them remember what they have learned and invite them to share favorite stories or teachings. Why are we grateful for the Prophet Joseph Smith and for what the Lord accomplished through him? You could also watch the video “Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

The Lord Can Bless Me When I am Struggling.

After Joseph Smith was killed, the Saints were driven from Nauvoo. Brigham Young led them to Winter Quarters, where they prepared for an even longer trek to the Salt Lake Valley.

SECTION 136

The word and will of the Lord, given through President Brigham Young at Winter Quarters, the camp of Israel, Omaha Nation, on the west bank of the Missouri River, near Council Bluffs, Iowa.

1–16, How the camp of Israel is to be organized for the westward journey is explained; 17–27, The Saints are commanded to live by numerous gospel standards; 28–33, The Saints should sing, dance, pray, and learn wisdom; 34–42, Prophets are slain so that they might be honored and the wicked condemned.

Doctrine and Covenants 136:4, 10–11, 18–30

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 135-136”

• Share with the children some of the challenges the Saints faced as they left Nauvoo and gathered in Winter Quarters (see chapters 60 and 62 in Doctrine and Covenants Stories,211–16, 222–24). Place a picture of the Nauvoo Temple on one side of the room, and create a simple shelter on the other side—perhaps with a blanket and some chairs or a table. Invite the children to gather near the picture, and tell them that a year and a half after Joseph Smith died, the Saints were forced to leave Nauvoo. Invite the children to walk away from the temple and gather in the shelter to represent the journey to Winter Quarters. Invite the children to imagine how they would feel if they had to leave their homes and find a new place to live in the wilderness. Explain that in Doctrine and Covenants 136, the Lord gave counsel to help the Saints on their journey. Assign each child a few verses from this revelation, such as verses 4, 10–11, 18–30, and ask the children to each find something that could help them with their worries or fears.
• Help the children think of trials people face today. Invite them to find something in section 136 that they might share to encourage someone who is going through such a trial. Children could also find encouraging messages in “Come, Come, Ye Saints” (Hymns, no. 30), a hymn the Saints sang on their journey.

Friend July 2018 “Take Care of Each Other” Joseph Smith organized wards in Nauvoo as a way to take care of the many people who were moving there. Companies were organized when crossing the plains. These also helped take care of each other better. President Eyring’s Great grandfather was helped when he got sick on the trail west. Today, wards continue to help us take care of each other.

Additional Teaching Ideas

• “Lesson 38: Brigham Young Leads the Church,” Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Detailed story, questions, and activities
• “Lesson 39: The Saints Build Winter Quarters,” Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Detailed story, questions, and activities
• “Crossing Iowa” (October 1997 Liahona and October 1993 Friend)
  A description of the pioneers leaving Nauvoo, crossing the Mississippi River, and establishing Winter Quarters.
• “Waiting in Winter Quarters” (October 2013 Liahona and Friend)
• A photo story about Winter Quarters. Can be used in conjunction with the maps in the activities section.
• “A Song Amid a Storm” (July 2005 Friend)
• A true story about a pioneer family during a storm in Winter Quarters.

Additional Resources

• Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “Doctrine and Covenants 135–136”
• Institute Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual “Chapter 54: Doctrine and Covenants 134–36”