May 21 2023

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1; Matthew 24–25; Mark 12–13; Luke 21:

Posted on May 21, 2023 by Camilla

Before Jesus comes again, the gospel will be preached in all the world. (Younger children)
Before Jesus comes again, the gospel will be preached in all the world. (Older children)
Signs of the Savior’s Second Coming can help us face the future with faith.
We must always be ready for the Savior’s Second Coming.
I am responsible for my own conversion to Jesus Christ.
I can use the gifts God has given me.
At the Final Judgment, we will give the Lord an account of our lives.
Jesus wants me to serve others.
The Widow’s Mite
Additional Resources

JOSEPH SMITH—MATTHEW Chapter 1 An extract from the translation of the Bible as revealed to Joseph Smith the Prophet in 1831: Matthew 23:39 and chapter 24.

Matthew CHAPTER 24 Jesus foretells the doom of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple—Great calamities will precede His Second Coming—He gives the parable of the fig tree.

Matthew CHAPTER 25 Jesus gives the parables of the ten virgins, the talents, and the sheep and the goats.

Mark CHAPTER 12 Jesus gives the parable of the wicked husbandmen—He speaks of paying taxes, celestial marriage, the two great commandments, the divine sonship of Christ, and the widow’s mites.

Mark CHAPTER 13 Jesus tells of the calamities and signs preceding the Second Coming—There will be false Christs and false prophets—He gives the parable of the fig tree.

Luke CHAPTER 21 Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple and of Jerusalem—He tells of the signs to precede His Second Coming and gives the parable of the fig tree.

Before Jesus comes again, the gospel will be preached in all the world. (Younger children)

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:31

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 One sign that Jesus will return soon is that His gospel is being preached throughout the world. The children can help fulfill this prophecy by sharing the gospel.

Show a map, globe, or picture of the earth (see Gospel Art Book, no. 3) and help the children say, “This Gospel … shall be preached in all the world” (Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:31). Why does God want all of His children to hear His gospel?

Invite the children to march in place as you sing together a song about sharing the gospel, such as “I Want to Be a Missionary Now” or “Called to Serve” (Children’s Songbook, 168, 174).

Show the video “I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). As the children watch, help them count the ways they can share the gospel that they see in the video. What other ways to share the gospel can they think of?

Before Jesus comes again, the gospel will be preached in all the world. (Older children)

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:31

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 The children you teach can help preach the gospel in all the world before the Savior’s Second Coming.

Invite the children to share blessings they have received or will receive because they are members of Christ’s Church. Read together Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:31, and ask the children how they feel the gospel will bless God’s children throughout the world.

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.

Show the children a map of the world or of your country, and help them identify some places where a family member or friend has preached the gospel on a mission.

Invite a few children to come prepared to share how their family members or their ancestors were introduced to the gospel.

Ask each child to write the name of someone he or she can talk to about Jesus Christ or invite to church. Also ask the children to list things they can do to be missionaries now.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 1” Ask the children to use this week’s activity page to make an invitation they could use to invite a friend or family member to learn more about Jesus Christ. (Maybe include it in a Friend magazine or a Book of Mormon)

Friend May 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Story: Jesus Christ said that before He comes again, the gospel will be preached to all the world (see Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:31). We can help get ready for the Second Coming by sharing the gospel with others.

Song: “I Hope They Call Me on a Mission” (Children’s Songbook, 169)

Activity: Make your own missionary name tag! Write your name on a piece of paper and cut it out. On the back, write one thing you can do to share the gospel now. Pin or tape your name tag to your shirt.

Signs of the Savior’s Second Coming can help us face the future with faith.

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:21–37

“Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: New Testament 2023

Signs of the Savior’s Second Coming may be difficult for some class members to understand. It might help them to work in groups and identify signs they find in Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:21–37. It might also help them better understand the importance of these signs if they compare them to road signs. Why are road signs important? How are the signs of the Second Coming like road signs? How are they different? You might even give each group pieces of paper in the shape of road signs and invite them to write on each paper a sign that will precede the Second Coming. Let them share what they found, and invite the class to discuss evidence of these signs in the world today.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 It can be unsettling to read about the events leading up to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. But when Jesus prophesied of these events, He told His disciples to “be not troubled” (Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:23). How can you “be not troubled” as you hear about earthquakes, wars, deceptions, and famines? Think about this question as you read these verses. Mark or note any reassuring counsel you find.

See also Gospel Topics, “Second Coming of Jesus Christ,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

You could also see “ Signs of the Times ” in the Guide to the Scriptures, available on scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

We must always be ready for the Savior’s Second Coming.

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:26–27, 38–55; Matthew 25:1–13

“Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: New Testament 2023 The parables in Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:26–27, 38–55 and Matthew 25:1–13 can help class members recognize the importance of being prepared for the Second Coming. Invite class members to search these verses and share what they feel the Savior is inviting us to do.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 To help your family explore this chapter, invite them to look for the Savior’s teachings about how we can prepare for His Second Coming (see, for example, verses 22–23, 29–30, 37, 46–48). What can we do to follow this counsel? Your family might enjoy singing “When He Comes Again” (Children’s Songbook, 82–83) and drawing pictures of what they imagine the Savior’s Second Coming will be like.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023)

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) taught that false Christs and prophets are not limited to people but can also come in the form of false ideas and teachings (see Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson [2014], 132). As you study this lesson, seek the guidance of the Spirit as you look for ways you can trust in the Lord and overcome any false ideas or deception.

After teaching about other deceptions and about signs of His Coming (see Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:23–36), the Savior taught a way to overcome deception. Read Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:37 .

In your study journal, draw a piece of treasure or a treasure chest. To treasure something means you cherish, hold dear, or greatly appreciate it. When we “treasure up” the Lord’s word, we consider it sacred and protect it (see Doctrine and Covenants 43:34). Around or inside the chest, write ways we can treasure up the Lord’s word.

I am responsible for my own conversion to Jesus Christ.

Matthew 25:1–13

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 The parable of the ten virgins teaches that we cannot borrow our conversion to the Savior from others. How can you help the children take responsibility for their own conversion?

“Lesson 25: Parable of the Ten Virgins,” Primary 7: New Testament Explain that the parable of the ten virgins is based on ancient Jewish wedding customs. The bridegroom and his friends escorted the bride from her home to the home of the bridegroom. Along the way friends of the bride waited to join them. When they arrived at the bridegroom’s home, they all went inside for the wedding. These weddings usually took place in the evenings, so those waiting for the bride and bridegroom carried lamps.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “Matthew 25:1–13”

Before studying the parable, it is important to understand Jewish wedding customs during the Savior’s day. The bridegroom, accompanied by his close friends, would go at night to the bride’s house for the wedding ceremony. Following the ceremony, the wedding party would proceed to the groom’s house for a feast. Wedding guests joining the procession, including virgins or bridesmaids, were expected to carry their own lamps or torches to indicate they were part of the wedding party and to add brightness and beauty to the occasion.

The bridegroom is symbolic of the Savior, and the coming of the bridegroom represents the Second Coming (see Doctrine and Covenants 33:17 ; 88:92 ; 133:10).
President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught: “The ten virgins obviously represent members of Christ’s Church, for all were invited to the wedding feast and all knew what was required to be admitted when the bridegroom came” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Preparation for the Second Coming,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 8).
The lamps can symbolize our testimonies (see David A. Bednar, “Converted unto the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 109). Note that all ten virgins had lamps.
The oil can symbolize our conversion unto the Lord Jesus Christ (see David A. Bednar, “Converted unto the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 109). This can include our efforts to follow the guidance of the Holy Ghost and to live obediently to the Savior and His gospel (see Doctrine and Covenants 45:56–58 ; In our lives the oil of preparedness is accumulated drop by drop in righteous living. … Each act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to our store. (Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle [1972], 255–56)

Most Jewish wedding ceremonies would take place in the evening. Several scripture passages refer to the Savior coming again like a thief in the night (see Joseph Smith Translation, Luke 12:44 [in the Bible appendix]; 1 Thessalonians 5:2 ; 2 Peter 3:10 ; Doctrine and Covenants 45:19 ; 106:4). The coming of the bridegroom at midnight suggests the unexpected hour of the Savior’s return. President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) explained:

In Matthew 25:12 , notice the bridegroom’s response to the foolish virgins who tried to enter the wedding feast late and without the necessary oil. Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 25:11 clarifies that the bridegroom said, “Ye know me not” (in Matthew 25:12 , footnote a).

Remembering what the oil represents, why would the oil be essential to truly know the Savior and be ready to meet Him?
Why could the wise virgins not simply give the oil to the foolish virgins?

Ask a child to come prepared to share how he or she learned about the parable of the ten virgins at home this week.

Draw an oil lamp on the board, and label it testimony. Give each child a piece of paper shaped like a drop of oil, and ask each child to write on it something he or she will do to become more converted to the Savior. Attach their drops to the board around the lamp.

“Lesson 25: Parable of the Ten Virgins,” Primary 7: New Testament

Friend September 1995 “I Believe That Jesus Will Come Again,”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 You might cut paper in the shape of drops of oil and hide the drops around your home. You could attach the drops to objects like the scriptures or a picture of the temple. When family members find the drops, you could discuss how these things help us prepare for the Second Coming.

Invite the children to help you make a list of things to do to prepare for a special visitor. How are these things similar to or different from ways we can spiritually prepare for the Savior’s Second Coming?

Friend August 2021 “The Important Guest” Ammon mother told him to tidy his room and she told him, “We want to invite someone important to be our guest. So we want our house to be clean and neat.” That night Ammon found out that the special guest was the Holy Ghost. The family also discussed additional ways to help the Holy Ghost feel welcome in their home.

On five strips of paper, write things that cannot be borrowed. On five other strips, write things that can be borrowed. Shuffle the strips, and ask the children to sort them into these two groups. Read together Matthew 25:1–13. Why is it important not to rely on others for our conversion to Jesus Christ?

“Lesson 25: Parable of the Ten Virgins,” Primary 7: New Testament Why do you think the five wise virgins did not share their oil? (Matthew 25:9.) Why couldn’t they have given some of their oil to the others? Explain that the shape of Jewish lamps, outside lips rounded inward, made it almost impossible for someone to pour oil from one lamp to another (see the illustration at the end of the lesson). In the parable, the oil in the wise virgins’ lamps represents their righteous living and obedience. We each fill our own lamp, which represents our own life, with our obedience and righteousness. Heavenly Father’s blessings to us for our righteous actions cannot be given to the disobedient.

New Testament Coloring Book “The Ten Virgins”

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “He Will Come Again” Lesson ideas

I can use the gifts God has given me.

Matthew 25:14–30

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 Young children are discovering their gifts and abilities. Help them understand that these gifts and abilities come from Heavenly Father.

Bring several coins to use as you tell the parable of the talents, found in Matthew 25:14–30. You could ask three children to represent the three servants. Explain that in Jesus’s day, talents referred to money, but today talents can mean our gifts and abilities.

For the Strength of Youth February 2023 “The Talents” Parable of the talents

Ask the children to name ways their parents, siblings, teachers, or friends have helped them. What talents do these people have that help them serve others?

Red Crystal

Write a small note to the children telling each of them about the gifts or abilities you notice in them. As you share with each of the children the gifts you see in them, encourage them to improve their gifts and use them to serve others.

Friend December 2022 “Gifts to Share” Sometimes we don’t value or share our gifts. Maybe we are afraid that they are not as perfect as we would like. But if we don’t share our gifts, we miss a chance to bless God’s children. We miss a chance to feel God’s love.

Friend December 2022 “Talent Match”

Friend July 2015- Parable of the Talents - includes lesson ideas — Friend July 2015– Parable of the Talents – includes lesson ideas

Friend May 2021 “What Are Your Gifts?” Spiritual gifts are blessings or abilities that God has given to each of His children.

New Testament Coloring Book “Parable of the Talents”

“Lesson 26: Parable of the Talents,” Primary 7: New Testament

Ask the children to name as many talents as they can think of; list the talents on the chalkboard as they are mentioned. Encourage the children to include character traits such as being a good listener, loving others, being cheerful, and so on.
Give the children each a piece of paper and a pencil and ask them to make a list of their own talents. Tell them not to let others in the class see the list. Then ask the class members to each name a talent for every other child in the class. As each child’s talents are mentioned, suggest that the child add to his or her list any talents identified by the other children that are not already on the list. Then ask the following questions:

See additional story ideas at Talents

At the Final Judgment, we will give the Lord an account of our lives.

Matthew 25:14–46

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 After the Resurrection, the Lord will judge us based on our obedience to His commandments and acceptance of His atoning sacrifice.

The parable of the talents and the parable of the sheep and goats can inspire us to think about the account of our lives we will give to the Lord at the Final Judgment. You might read the parables together and invite each class member to share one question the Savior might ask about our lives when we are judged. “Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: New Testament 2023

Invite half of the class to read Matthew 25:14–30 and the other half to read Matthew 25:31–46. Ask the groups to act out the parables for the class. What is the Lord teaching us in these parables?

New Testament Stories “The Talents”

New Testament stories [art] — Jesus told His disciples a story about a man who gave his servants some talents. A talent was a large amount of money.

Latter Day Kids “The Parable of the Talents” Lesson ideas

For the Strength of Youth February 2023 “The Talents” Parable of the talents

Invite the children to read Matthew 25:35–36 in pairs and make a list of things they can do to show their love for Jesus Christ.

Friend September 2007 “The Master Served” Link includes lesson ideas

Friend January 2018 “Family Night Fun” Hide slips of paper with difficulties someone may be enduring written on them. When someone finds a paper, have them say how they could help that person.

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “He Will Come Again” Lesson ideas

Jesus wants me to serve others.

Matthew 25:31–46

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 We serve Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ by serving people around us. Help the children consider ways they can serve others.

Summarize the parable in Matthew 25:34–46. Help the children understand that when we are serving others, we are serving Jesus.

The “right hand”: In ancient times, being seated at the right hand of the king, or next to the king on his right side, was the most honorable position at a feast.

Hold up a picture of a child with a picture of Jesus hidden behind it. What can we do to serve this child? Remove the child’s picture and explain that when we serve each other, we are serving Jesus.

Friend September 2007 “The Master Served” Link includes lesson ideas

The Red Crystal This site has great visual aid ideas.

Invite the children to draw pictures of themselves serving others in the ways the Savior describes in Matthew 25:35–36. Ask the other children to guess what they are drawing.

35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Match the pictures as the above scripture is read.

Invite the children to share experiences when someone has shown Christlike service to them or their families.

“Lesson 27: Parable of the Sheep and the Goats,” Primary 7: New Testament

Read the following or similar situations to the children (use situations that are within the children’s experiences). Ask them what they think they should do if:

They see a younger child who is thirsty but can’t reach the water.
They know a child who hasn’t been to church for several weeks.
They know someone who doesn’t have enough to eat.
They see someone who doesn’t have a warm coat, and it is very cold.
They know someone who has been home for a long time with an illness or disability.
What would Jesus want you to do? Why do you think you should help others in situations such as these?

News with Naylors “Helping Others” Activity ideas

The Widow’s Mite

Mark 12: 41-44

New Testament Stories “The Widow’s Mite”

New Testament Coloring Book “The Widow’s Mite”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023

Coming.Mark 12:38–44; Luke 21:1–4.

What do these verses teach about how the Savior views our offerings? Show your family how to pay tithing and fast offerings to the Lord. How do these offerings help build God’s kingdom? What are some other ways we can offer “all that [we have]” to the Lord? (Mark 12:44).

Lesson 24: The Widow’s Mite,” Primary 7: New Testament Lesson, stories, and activity ideas. Tithing theme.

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal

May 13 2023

Matthew 21–23; Mark 11; Luke 19–20; John 12

Posted on May 13, 2023 by Camilla

Heavenly Father and Jesus know me by name.
As I seek the Savior, I will find Him.
The temple is a sacred place.
The temple is a sacred place that I should respect.
I can be obedient.
Jesus wants me to be righteous in my actions and my desires.
Additional Resources

Matthew CHAPTER 21 Jesus rides in triumph into Jerusalem—He cleanses the temple, curses the fig tree, and discusses authority—He gives the parables of the two sons and the wicked husbandmen.

Matthew CHAPTER 22 Jesus gives the parable of the marriage of the king’s son—Pay tribute to Cæsar and to God—Worldly marriages endure in this life only—The first commandment is to love the Lord—Jesus asks, What think ye of Christ?

Matthew CHAPTER 23 Jesus pronounces woes upon the scribes and Pharisees—They will be held responsible for killing the prophets—They will not escape the damnation of hell.

Mark CHAPTER 11 Jesus rides into Jerusalem amid shouts of hosanna—He curses a fig tree, drives the money changers from the temple, and confounds the scribes on the matter of authority.

Luke CHAPTER 19 Jesus came to save souls—He gives the parable of the pounds—He rides in triumph into Jerusalem, weeps over the city, and cleanses the temple again.

Luke CHAPTER 20 The chief priests oppose Jesus—He gives the parable of the wicked husbandmen—Render unto Cæsar and God that which is theirs—Jesus teaches the law of marriage.

John CHAPTER 12 Mary anoints Jesus’ feet—His triumphal entry into Jerusalem is recounted—He foretells His death—To receive Christ is to receive the Father.

The Savior Goes to Jerusalem

New Testament Coloring Book “Jesus’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem”

Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: New Testament 2023 A simple activity could introduce a discussion about the Savior’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem: Several class members could draw on the board things associated with a king, such as a crown or a throne, while the others guess what they are drawing. Then other class members could draw a colt and tree branches. What do these things have to do with a king? You could then show the picture of the Savior’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem from this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families and invite class members to read Mark 11:1–11. How did these people recognize Jesus as their King? How do we worship Jesus Christ as our King through our words and actions?

Heavenly Father and Jesus know me by name.

Luke 19:1–10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 21–23; Mark 11; Luke 19–20; John 12” As you read about the Savior’s interaction with Zacchaeus, what messages do you find that may bless the children you teach?

Show a picture of Zacchaeus in the Sycamore Tree (in this outline or at ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Help the children find Zacchaeus and say his name. Create actions for the children to do as you tell the story of Zacchaeus and Jesus—for example, standing on their toes to see over a crowd or pretending to climb a tree. Explain that the Savior saw Zacchaeus and called him by name. Testify that the Savior also knows each of the children and their names.

Latter Day Kids “The Story of Zacchaeus” Lesson ideas

Bring an empty picture frame to class, or make one out of paper. Invite each child to take a turn holding the frame around his or her face while the rest of the class says, “Heavenly Father and Jesus know [child’s name].”

Sing together a song about Heavenly Father’s love, such as “I Am a Child of God” (Children’s Songbook, 2–3). Help the children listen for things that help them know Heavenly Father loves them.

Friend May 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Listening Tree”

Story: Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, but a large crowd blocked his view. Zacchaeus climbed a tree so he could see and hear Jesus better. (See Luke 19:2–8.)

Song: “If I Listen with My Heart” (Music for Children, ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

Activity: Make a hand tree! On a piece of paper, trace your hand and arm. Your arm will be the trunk and your fingers will be the branches. Around each branch, write or draw ways you can listen to Jesus.

As I seek the Savior, I will find Him.

Luke 19:1–10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 21–23; Mark 11; Luke 19–20; John 12” You might use the story of Zacchaeus to help the children think of things they can do to come closer to the Savior.

Read Luke 19:1–10, pausing every few verses to discuss what the verses reveal about Zacchaeus. What did Zacchaeus do so that he could see Jesus? How did he respond when Jesus asked him to come down from the tree? Ask each child to share one reason why they would want to see Jesus. If the Savior came to our city, what would we do to prepare?

Latter Day Kids “The Story of Zacchaeus” Lesson ideas

Invite the children to think of people they know who, like Zacchaeus, might be seeking the Savior. Ask the children what they might do to help someone else learn about the Savior.

Friend February 1986 Ways to be a missionary

Invite the children to share experiences when they felt that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ were aware of them and loved them.

Friend March 2018 “Heavenly Father Listens” Elder Clayton felt the love of God as a teen when he prayed about some worries. Heavenly Father loves us and is interested in our lives just like a parent would be. (Activity page included: Find the hearts in the room of the girl who is praying.)

The temple is a sacred place.

Matthew 21:12–14

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 21–23; Mark 11; Luke 19–20; John 12” Jesus’s reverence for the temple, as described in these verses, can help the children you teach understand that the temple is a sacred place.

Show the picture Jesus Cleansing the Temple (Gospel Art Book, no. 51), and tell the story recorded in Matthew 21:12–14. Help the children find money and animals in the picture. Then discuss why the Savior wanted the money changers and the people selling animals to leave the temple.

Show pictures of temples (for examples, see Gospel Art Book, nos. 117–19), and ask the children to share how they feel when they see a temple. You might explain that the temple is a place where we go to make promises with God, seek answers to prayers, and feel close to God. Help the children identify feelings from the Holy Ghost telling them that the temple is a special place. Ask the children to act as they would if they were inside the temple. For instance, they could talk in whispers and sit reverently.

Friend July 2022 “Jesus Said”

Sing together a song about the temple, such as “I Love to See the Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 95), and invite the children to make a goal to go inside the temple someday.

The temple is a sacred place that I should respect.

Matthew 21:12–14

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 21–23; Mark 11; Luke 19–20; John 12” How can the account of the Savior cleansing the temple help you teach the children about the sacredness of temples?

Invite the children to read Matthew 21:12–14. Show the picture Jesus Cleansing the Temple (Gospel Art Book, no. 51), and ask them which verse is depicted in the picture.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “Matthew 21:12–16” Jesus went to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover and visited the temple. Worshippers who came to Jerusalem needed to exchange their money for currency that could be used at the temple to purchase animals for the sacrifices that would be made in their behalf by the priests. Even though this business was necessary and served a good purpose, handling it at the temple was disrespectful and irreverent. The phrase “a den of thieves” suggests that the moneychangers and merchants were more interested in making a financial profit than in worshipping God and helping others worship.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 How do Jesus’s words and actions in Matthew 21:12–14 show how He felt about the temple? How do we show how we feel about the temple? What can we “cast out” (verse 12) of our lives to make our home more like the temple?

Invite the children to share how they have felt when they have gone inside a temple, visited temple grounds, or looked at pictures of temples. What helped them know the temple is a sacred place? You might share with the children why you love the temple. Why is it sacred to you?

Friend July 2015 “What Do We Do in the Temple”

Invite one or more youth to come to class and talk about how they have prepared to enter the temple. If they have been to the temple, ask them to talk about how they felt when they were there.

Cut a picture of a temple into puzzle pieces, and give each child one piece. Ask the children to write on the back of their puzzle piece one thing they can do to prepare to enter the temple. As each child shares an idea, add his or her piece to the puzzle.

Friend October 2021 “Build a Temple” Cut along the dotted lines to make a puzzle of what the Bangkok Thailand Temple will look like.

On the board, write the following: can help me prepare to serve in the temple. Invite the children to suggest ways to complete this sentence. Some ideas might include “Keeping my baptismal covenants” or “The Holy Ghost.”

“The Temple—I’m going There Someday” (August 2009 Liahona and Friend)
Draw word strips and move game pieces until everyone reaches the temple.

I can be obedient.

Matthew 21:28–32

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 21–23; Mark 11; Luke 19–20; John 12” Heavenly Father wants us to be obedient. The parable of the two sons is an opportunity to teach about the importance of obedience.

Draw a picture of two sons on the board, and use the drawings as you recount the parable in Matthew 21:28–32. Which son did the right thing in the end? Ask the children to name things they can do to be obedient at home. Let them draw pictures of themselves doing one of those things.

Invite the children to share experiences they have had with being obedient to their parents. How were they blessed for being obedient?

Friend August 2018 “Puddles and Blessings” Marcel doesn’t want to go on a hike in the rain with his mom and the Young Women. His mom tells him something good might happen because there are blessings from obeying parents. At the hike he finds that his friend Noah is there and they have a blast playing in puddles together.

Friend August 2016 “Micah Obeys” Micah learns that he can help his family be happy when he obeys.

Jesus wants me to be righteous in my actions and my desires.

Matthew 23:25–28

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 21–23; Mark 11; Luke 19–20; John 12” Jesus taught the scribes and Pharisees about the importance of truly living the gospel—not just pretending to be righteous. What would help the children understand this truth?

As you read Matthew 23:25–28 with the children, consider sharing this definition of hypocrite from the Bible Dictionary: “One who pretends to be religious when he is not.” Why is it bad to be a hypocrite?

Show the children a cup that is clean on the outside but dirty on the inside to help illustrate the metaphor in Matthew 23:25. How can we make sure we are clean and pure on the inside?

“Lesson 20: ‘Woe unto You, … Hypocrites’” New Testament: Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual Explain that Jesus compared the Pharisees to a cup that is clean outside but dirty inside (Matthew 23:25–26). The Pharisees paid a great deal of attention to outward ordinances and actions that would make them appear righteous, but they were not as concerned with actually being righteous in their hearts. For this Jesus referred to them as hypocrites. This lesson will discuss the Savior’s condemnation of hypocrites—people who try to appear righteous but who do not try to live righteously.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf explained, “[Jesus] rose up in righteous anger against hypocrites like the scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees—those who tried to appear righteous in order to win the praise, influence, and wealth of the world, all the while oppressing the people they should have been blessing” (“On Being Genuine,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 81).

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

May 7 2023

Matthew 19–20; Mark 10; Luke 18

Posted on May 7, 2023 by Camilla

Heavenly Father wants us to marry in the temple and have eternal families. (Younger children)
Heavenly Father wants us to marry in the temple and have eternal families. (Older children)
Jesus wants little children to come to Him so He can bless them.
If I obey the commandments, I can receive eternal life.
Jesus can help me know what I need to do to progress.
Everyone can receive the blessing of eternal life, no matter when they accept the gospel.
The First Shall Be Last (Humility)
Additional Resources

Matthew CHAPTER 19 Jesus teaches about marriage and divorce—Eternal life is for those who keep the commandments—The Twelve Apostles will judge the house of Israel.

Matthew CHAPTER 20 Jesus gives the parable of the laborers in the vineyard—He foretells His crucifixion and resurrection—He came to give His life as a ransom for many.

Mark CHAPTER 10 Jesus teaches the higher law of marriage—He blesses little children—Jesus counsels the rich young man, foretells His own death, and heals blind Bartimæus.

Luke CHAPTER 18 Jesus gives the parables of the unjust judge and the Pharisee and publican—He invites little children to come unto Him and teaches how to gain eternal life—He tells of His coming death and resurrection and gives sight to a blind man.

Heavenly Father wants us to marry in the temple and have eternal families. (Younger children)

Mark 10:6–8

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 19–20; Mark 10; Luke 18” How can the children you teach benefit from learning about the doctrine of eternal marriage? It may be helpful for you to review truths about marriage in “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Read Mark 10:6–8 to the children, and display a picture of a married couple. Ask the children to point to the man and the woman when they hear you read the words male and female. Explain that Heavenly Father wants a man and woman to marry each other (see Genesis 1:27–28).

Display pictures of a family and a temple. Invite the children to talk about what they see in the pictures. Explain that Heavenly Father wants us to be sealed to our families in the temple so we can be with them forever. Be sensitive to children whose parents are not yet sealed.

Sing a song about families, such as “A Happy Family” (Children’s Songbook, 198). Consider singing the song several times. Invite the children to share fun things they have done with their families. Why are they thankful for their families?

Sing a song about the temple, such as “I Love to See the Temple” or “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 95, 188). Let the children hold pictures of temples or families, and invite them to hold up their pictures when they sing “temple” or “family.” Help the children think of reasons why is it important to get married in the temple.

Heavenly Father wants us to marry in the temple and have eternal families. (Older children)

Mark 10:6–8

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 19–20; Mark 10; Luke 18” The things Jesus taught about marriage can help the children look forward to marrying in the temple and raising an eternal family.

Ask one of the children to read Mark 10:6–8 out loud. Explain that cleave means to “stick to” or “hold tight to” something. Why is it important that husbands and wives join together, love each other, and work as partners?

Show some toothpicks or popsicle sticks and show how easily one by itself breaks. Stack them together and show that it is much more difficult to break them because they support each other.

United We Stand Pair up two people of relatively equal size. Have them sit on the floor back to back, arms linked. Have them stand up by pushing off each other. Repeat, but this time have only one person push. (They helped each other accomplish the goal.)

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 49–50” What truths about marriage do you learn from Doctrine and Covenants 49:15–17? Why do you feel marriage between a man and a woman is essential to Heavenly Father’s plan? Elder David A. Bednar gave two reasons: “Reason 1: The natures of male and female spirits complete and perfect each other, and therefore men and women are intended to progress together toward exaltation. … Reason 2: By divine design, both a man and a woman are needed to bring children into mortality and to provide the best setting for the rearing and nurturing of children” (“Marriage Is Essential to His Eternal Plan,” Ensign, June 2006, 83–84). See also 1 Corinthians 11:11

Ask the children to help you think of answers to questions like “Why are families important in the Church?” or “Why is it important for you to get married in the temple?” Help them find answers in resources like Mark 10:6–8; 1 Corinthians 11:11; Doctrine and Covenants 42:22; 131:1–4; Moses 3:18, 21–24; and “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.”

God has established families to bring happiness to His children, allow them to learn correct principles in a loving atmosphere, and prepare them for eternal life. The home is the best place to teach, learn, and apply gospel principles.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” The Family: A Proclamation to the World”

Help the children think of examples of things that do not last forever—food that spoils, flowers that wither, and so on. Show a picture of your family, and share how you feel about them. Testify that the Lord has made it possible, through the ordinances of the temple, for families to last forever.

Sing together a song about families, such as “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 188). Share your testimony of eternal marriage and family with the children. Invite them to share their testimonies as well.

Jesus wants little children to come to Him so He can bless them.

Mark 10:13–16

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 19–20; Mark 10; Luke 18” This account provides an opportunity to help children feel how much Jesus loves them.

In your own words, share the account in Mark 10:13–16. You might also show the video “Suffer the Little Children to Come unto Me” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Help the children think of times when they have felt Jesus’s love for them. Bear your testimony to the children that Jesus loves them and wants to bless them.

Latter Day Kids “Let the Children Come Unto Me” Lesson ideas

Friend May 2019 “Jesus Blesses the Children”

[unitegallery 2019May]

Friend September 2017 “Jesus is Kind” Jesus blesses the children.

Display the picture Christ and the Children (Gospel Art Book, no. 47). Help the children imagine what it might be like to be one of the children sitting next to Jesus in the picture. Invite the children to share how they feel about Jesus.

Let the children draw pictures of themselves being blessed by Jesus (see Mark 10:16 and this week’s activity page).

New Testament Coloring Books “Jesus Blessed the Children”

If I obey the commandments, I can receive eternal life.

Mark 10:17–22

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 19–20; Mark 10; Luke 18” Jesus taught the rich young man that to gain eternal life—a life like Heavenly Father has—he should obey the commandments.

Tell the story of the rich young man in Mark 10:17–22 to the children. (See also “Chapter 42: The Rich Young Man,” in New Testament Stories, 105–6, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.) Ask them to listen for what Jesus told the young man to do and how the young man responded.

Tell one or more stories about children who ask for advice or direction from their parents but don’t follow or obey.

“Lost in a Blizzard” (January 2004 Friend) Danny asks his dad if he can ride the snow mobile over a hill during a blizzard. His father tells him he needs to stay on the road. He doesn’t listen to his father and drives over the hill and gets lost in the blizzard.

“Listen to Learn” (July 1992 Friend)
Elder Russell M. Nelson tells a story about a young woman who asked her father if it was okay to go out with a young man. Her father had a bad feeling about it so he asked her not to go. She went anyway and died in an accident after the young man drank alcohol and went too fast around a corner.

What are some things Heavenly Father asks us to do? How do we feel when we obey His commandments?

Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon “Lesson 16” Have the children draw lines that will connect each word on the left to a word on the right to make a statement about choosing the right.

Ensign September 2016 Circle ways you can choose the right.

How do we feel when we obey His commandments?

Friend October 2018 “I was trick-or-treating with friends and found $200. I told my mom about it. Later as we were walking down the street, a lady was looking for $200 that she had lost. She was so happy that we found it, and she gave me $10 for being honest. I shared $5 with my friends. I felt warm and happy because I was honest and chose the right. Leah D., age 6, Kentucky, USA“

Friend July 2018 “Show and Tell” I was playing with a friend who showed me a video. At first it was funny, but then a character said a bad word. When I hear bad words, it feels bad in my body, so I asked him if we could do something else. He said OK. I felt happy inside! Javaan F., age 9, North Carolina, USA

Share experiences when you received personal promptings to do something to be better.

Friend April 2022 “Go Sit by Him” The Holy Ghost tells Sierra to go sit by a boy who had been bullied and was sad and alone. She felt peaceful all day after she listened to the Holy Ghost.

Friend May 2023 Come, Follow Me Activities “Service Superhero”

Story: Jesus Christ taught that we should help people in need (see Mark 10:17–22). Read “The Owl and the Orca” on page 8 to learn how a boy named Dieter followed Jesus.

Song: “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47)

Activity: Go to page 12 and become a service superhero!

Friend May 2023 “The Owl and the Orca” During conference, Dieter heard Elder Jeffrey R. Holland tell about Jesus asking a rich young man to give all his money to the poor. Dieter wanted to help the poor too, so he asked his mom to draw an owl and then he painted it. His mom posted it on online for sale and wrote that Dieter would give the money to a shelter for people without homes. Lots of people wanted to buy it. He sold it to a restaurant and other stores asked for paintings too. He was glad he could help others. (See a photo of the painting at the link.)

Friend May 2023 “Super Hero Service”

Jesus can help me know what I need to do to progress.

Mark 10:17–22

Because Jesus Christ loves us, He will help us know what we lack in our efforts to follow Him.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 19–20; Mark 10; Luke 18” The rich young man sought Jesus and received specific instruction that was meant especially for him. How can you inspire the children to seek similar guidance in their own lives?

Ask the children to find a verse in Mark 10:17–22 that describes the picture in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families. Explain that the counsel Jesus gave to the young man was personal, and we can all receive personal direction from the Lord through the Spirit.

Read together Mark 10:17–22. Invite the children to write on the board the commandments that the Savior told the rich young man to obey (see verse 19). What else did Jesus ask him to do? (see verse 21). Encourage the children to think about things they might need to begin doing or stop doing to better follow Jesus. What are some ways we can find out what Jesus wants us to do?

For the Strength of Youth April 2023 “Follow Jesus Christ and Do What Matters Most”

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “Matthew 19:16–30; Mark 10:17–31” Take some time now to ask God what He would have you change in your life. It could be something that you should stop doing, start doing, or do differently. Then reflect on your life and write down thoughts and impressions that come to you. (If your answer does not come quickly, continue to ask over time with a determination to obey the answer when you receive it. God will answer at the right time and in the best way for you.)

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families “Matthew 19–20; Mark 10; Luke 18” What is the difference between having riches and trusting in riches? (see Mark 10:23–24). As you read verse 27, you may want to point out the Joseph Smith Translation: “With men that trust in riches, it is impossible; but not impossible with men who trust in God and leave all for my sake, for with such all these things are possible” (Joseph Smith Translation, Mark 10:26 [in Mark 10:27, footnote a]). As a family, how are we showing that we trust God more than material things?

Everyone can receive the blessing of eternal life, no matter when they accept the gospel.

Matthew 20:1–16.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “Matthew 20:1–16” The word penny in these verses refers to a denarius, the Roman coin typically used to pay a laborer for a full day of

It may be helpful to know that being hired by the lord of the vineyard in this parable can symbolize entering into a covenant with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. The pay can symbolize the blessings of eternal life.

The Master’s reward in the Final Judgment will not be based on how long we have labored in the vineyard. We do not obtain our heavenly reward by punching a time clock. What is essential is that our labors in the workplace of the Lord have caused us to become something. For some of us, this requires a longer time than for others. What is important in the end is what we have become by our labors.

(Dallin H. Oaks, “The Challenge to Become,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 34)

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families “Matthew 19–20; Mark 10; Luke 18” To illustrate the principles in Matthew 20:1–16, you might set up a simple competition, such as a short race. After everyone has completed the competition, award everyone the same prize, starting with the person who finished last and ending with the person who finished first. What does this teach us about who receives the blessings of eternal life in Heavenly Father’s plan?

For the Strength of Youth December 2023 “The Laborers in the Vineyard”

The First Shall Be Last (Humility)

Matthew 20:25–28; Mark 10:42–45.
What is the meaning of the phrase “whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant”? (Matthew 20:27). How did Jesus Christ exemplify this principle? How can we follow His example in

New Testament Stories “The Pharisee and the Publican”

Luke 18:1–14.

14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Treasure in Heaven” Lesson ideas

Apr 30 2023

Luke 12–17; John 11

Posted on April 30, 2023 by Camilla

Heavenly Father wants all of His children to return to Him.
I can help Jesus find His lost sheep.
I can show my love for Heavenly Father by being grateful for my blessings. (younger children)
I can show my love for Heavenly Father by being grateful for my blessings. (older children)
We believe that Jesus is the Son of God. (younger children)
We believe that Jesus is the Son of God. (older children)
Additional Resources

Luke CHAPTER 12 Jesus teaches, Beware of hypocrisy; lay up treasures in heaven rather than on earth; prepare for the coming of the Lord; where much is given, much is required; preaching the gospel causes division.

Luke CHAPTER 13 Jesus teaches, Repent or perish—He gives the parable of the barren fig tree, heals a woman on the Sabbath, and likens the kingdom of God to a mustard seed—He discusses whether few or many are saved and laments over Jerusalem.

Luke CHAPTER 14 Jesus again heals on the Sabbath—He teaches humility and gives the parable of the great supper—Those who follow Him must forsake all else.

Luke CHAPTER 15 Jesus gives the parables of the lost sheep, the piece of silver, and the prodigal son.

Luke CHAPTER 16 Jesus gives the parable of the unjust steward—He teaches of service and condemns divorce—He gives the parable of the rich man and Lazarus.

Luke CHAPTER 17 Jesus speaks of offenses, forgiveness, and faith—Even the faithful are unprofitable servants—Ten lepers are healed—Jesus discourses on the Second Coming.

John CHAPTER 11 Jesus testifies that He is the Resurrection and the Life—Mary and Martha testify of Him—He raises Lazarus from the dead—Caiaphas speaks prophetically of the death of Jesus.

Heavenly Father wants all of His children to return to Him.

Luke 15

The Lost Sheep

The Lost Coin

The Lost Son

Friend May 2017 “Jesus Taught About Heavenly Father’s Love” Jesus teaches about the lost coin, the lost sheep, and the prodigal son.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Luke 12–17; John 11” Think about the children in your class, including those who may not attend regularly. How can you help them feel Heavenly Father’s love? How can you inspire the other children to help you reach out to them in love?

Give one child a coin, another child a picture of a sheep, and another child a picture of the prodigal son (see ChurchofJesusChrist.org or this week’s activity page). Tell the three parables found in Luke 15 and invite the children to hold up their coin or picture when you mention it. You could invite the children to retell the parables to each other in their own words.

Ask the children to share a time when they lost something. How did they find it? Explain that people can become lost spiritually when they don’t follow Heavenly Father. Testify that God wants people who are lost to come to Him, and we can help them.

Latter Day Kids “I Have Found That Which Was Lost” Lesson ideas

Friend March 2001 “The Good Shepherd Game” Play the game in family home evening by hiding a lamb and letting a member of the family find it. If you wish, you can bleat “baa” louder or softer as he or she gets closer to or farther from the lost lamb. If a lamb is lost, a good shepherd finds it and brings it back to the fold.

Invite the children to think of other children who don’t come to Primary. Help them color or write notes inviting these children to attend Primary or a Primary activity. How else can we help these children feel Heavenly Father’s love for them?

Friend July 2021 “Dear Friends” I enjoyed the activity to blow the sheep to Jesus from the Come, Follow Me ideas (Sept. 2020). Ari S., age 4, Texas, USA

New Testament Coloring Book “The Prodigal Son”

For additional teaching resources and stories see Fellowshipping.

I can help Jesus find His lost sheep.

Luke 15

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Luke 12–17; John 11” We all know someone who is in some ways like the lost sheep, the lost coin, or the prodigal son in the Savior’s parables. Consider how you can inspire the children to reach out to these people with love.

Help the children read the parable of the lost sheep or the parable of the lost coin, found in Luke 15:1–10, and share what they learned.

The Lost Sheep

The Lost Coin

The Lost Son

Write these names on the board: father, older son, and younger son. Show the video “The Prodigal Son” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) and pause it occasionally so the children can write on the board some of the feelings of the people listed. How do Heavenly Father and Jesus feel about those who have sinned?

New Testament Student Manual According to the customs of the Savior’s time, a son received his inheritance only after his father died. For a son to demand his inheritance before his father’s death (see Luke 15:12–13) would have been an enormous offense. The son’s request would have been seen as a rejection of his father, his home, his upbringing, and even his entire community.

(Symbolic of a son (or daughter) of God rejecting his Heavenly Father, his upbringing in the gospel and its teachings, and as a result suffered the miserable consequences of sin. The other son, who stayed faithful, enjoyed the blessings of living the gospel and being a faithful son and had knowledge and abilities that the younger son would now need to learn. But the younger son who has returned can once again enjoy all the blessings of the gospel.)

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “Luke 15”

The Pharisees criticized the Savior for receiving and eating with sinners.

What do you think the Savior hoped the Pharisees would learn from this parable?

One truth we learn from this parable is that Heavenly Father values and loves all His children and is waiting with open arms to welcome all who will turn to Him.

Ask a child to leave the room while the other children hide a coin or paper sheep. Have the child return and look for the coin or sheep. What are some ways people can feel “lost” like the coin or the sheep? Invite the children to suggest ways they can reach out to them. Sing with the children a related song, such as “Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd” (Hymns, no. 221), and testify of the joy that comes when people return to God.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Luke 12–17; John 11” Do your family members understand what it feels like to lose something—or to be lost? Talking about their experiences could start a discussion about the parables of the lost sheep and lost coin. Or you could play a game in which someone hides and other family members try to find him or her. How does this activity help us understand these parables?

Explain that Jesus used the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son to represent people who are “lost” because they do not have the blessings of the gospel. Invite the children to think of people they know who don’t have these blessings in their lives. What can they do to help these people feel Heavenly Father’s love for them?

Friend May 2015 “The Prodigal Son” Lesson and story ideas and crossword puzzle

Lesson 19: The Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son,” Primary 7: New Testament

Play Search and Find. Ask a child to think of a place where he or she could get lost and write it on a piece of paper or whisper it to the teacher. Have the other children ask “yes” or “no” questions to determine where the child is located (Is it in a crowded place? Is it in the mountains? Is it under something?). Help the children understand that it takes time and effort to find someone who is lost, especially someone who is spiritually lost.

For the Strength of Youth September 2023 “The Lost Sheep”

I can show my love for Heavenly Father by being grateful for my blessings. (younger children)

Luke 17:11–19

Friend May 2023 “One Thankful Man”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Luke 12–17; John 11” How might the story of the ten lepers encourage the children to be thankful?

Tell the story of the ten lepers who were healed by Jesus. Show the picture found in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families and invite the children to count to ten on their fingers. Then ask them to put down nine fingers to show the one leper who thanked Jesus. Help the children think of someone they could thank for a kind or helpful action.

See The Red Crystal “Luke 12-17, John 11” for a ten leper finger puppet printable for this part.

Invite each child to act out something he or she is grateful for, and have the rest of the children guess what it is. Ask the children to share ways we can show Heavenly Father that we are thankful for our blessings.

Friend May 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Showing Gratitude”

Story: Read the story “One Thankful man” on page 46. How can you show gratitude?

Song: “Thanks to Our Father” (Children’s Songbook, 20)

Activity: Cut out 10 strips of paper. On each strip, write (or draw) one thing you are grateful for. Loop the strips around each other and glue or tape the ends together to make a chain. Hang your gratitude chain somewhere you will see it often.

Friend May 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities for Little Ones”

Play this gratitude guessing game with your little ones! Choose something you’re grateful for, but don’t say what it is yet. List reasons why you are grateful for that person or thing until your child guesses correctly. Then it’s their turn!

Friend May 2023 “I Can Be Thankful”

For additional teaching ideas see Gratitude.

New Testament Coloring Book “The Ten Lepers”

Friend May 2013 “Coloring Page”

I can show my love for Heavenly Father by being grateful for my blessings. (older children)

Luke 17:11–19

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Luke 12–17; John 11” The story of the ten lepers might be a good way to inspire the children to express gratitude to Heavenly Father for their blessings.

Leprosy, more common anciently than today, is a skin disease that can lead to physical disfiguration and death. In biblical times, people with leprosy were separated from the rest of society and were required to call out “Unclean!” to warn anyone approaching them (see Bible Dictionary, “ Leper,” “ Leprosy ”).

Gospel Art Picture: “The Ten Lepers”

Read together the account of the ten lepers. How was the leper who gave thanks blessed for his gratitude? Why is it important to thank God for our blessings?

The Lord often blesses us more if we are grateful for what He has already given us.

Friend April 2019 “God’s Great Gift” President Nelson asked the person who daily fed some tropical fish if they had ever thanked her. He says that some people are like those fish. They are not aware of God and His goodness to them.

Invite the children to list things they are grateful for that start with each letter of their name.

Friend November 2017 “Family Night Fun” Ways you can look for blessings every day.

“Lesson 24: I Can Show Gratitude,” Primary 2: Choose the Right A

Display the empty cup, the spoon, and the container of water. Ask the children to think of the many blessings Heavenly Father has given them, and explain that each time they name a blessing they may take a spoonful of water from the container and put it into the cup.

Place the cup and the container of water in the pan or dish to catch spills, and place the pan or dish on a flat surface such as the table or floor.

You may want to use the following questions to help the children think of their blessings:

What are some of the beautiful creations Heavenly Father has given us?
Who are some special people he has blessed us with?
What things can our wonderful bodies do?

Have the children take turns naming blessings and putting spoonfuls of water in the cup until the cup is filled to overflowing. Explain that Heavenly Father loves us and has given us many blessings. When we think of these blessings, we are thankful and filled with love for Heavenly Father. Heavenly Father has given us so many blessings that we can overflow with love, just like the cup overflowed with water.

Ask the children to write thank-you notes to Heavenly Father for the blessings He gives them. They could hang the notes by their beds to remind them to express gratitude when they pray.

For additional teaching ideas see the following:

Gratitude

“Lesson 25: Remember to Say ‘Thank You’” Primary 2: Choose the Right A

“Lesson 21: Jesus Christ Heals Ten Lepers,” Primary 7: New Testament

News with Naylors “Week 19: The Ten Lepers (gratitude)” Has a fun M&M gratitude activity.

We believe that Jesus is the Son of God. (younger children)

John 11:1–46

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Luke 12–17; John 11” Martha, who was Lazarus’s sister, told Jesus: “I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God” (John 11:27). The story of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus can strengthen the children’s testimonies of Jesus Christ.

Summarize the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (see also “Chapter 43: Jesus Brings Lazarus Back to Life,” in New Testament Stories, 107–9, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Friend April 2023 “Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead”

Show the children a dead branch and a living plant, and ask them which one is dead and which one is living. Bear your testimony that because of the power of Jesus Christ, people who are dead will be resurrected and live forever.

Help the children memorize the phrase that Jesus said to Martha: “I am the resurrection, and the life” (John 11:25). Explain that because of the Savior’s Resurrection, we will once again see our loved ones who have died.

We believe that Jesus is the Son of God. (older children)

John 11:1–46

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Luke 12–17; John 11” How can you use the story of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus to help the children know, as Martha did, that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of God”? (John 11:27).

Write on the board some statements spoken by people in John 11. Ask the children to identify who said each statement, and invite them to search John 11 to check their answers. How would they feel if they were Jesus, Martha, Mary, or Lazarus? How can believing in Jesus help us when we are sad or scared?

See The Red Crystal “Luke 12-17, John 11” for a printable of different statements found in John 11.

Read Martha’s testimony, found in John 11:20–27. Ask the children to look for words and phrases that show that Martha had faith in Jesus Christ. What can we do to have faith in Him?

Ensign April 2001 “Increasing Our Faith in Jesus Christ”

We study and practice to develop the skills we need in any earthly endeavor. So also do we develop faith. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,” the Apostle Paul explains (Rom. 10:17). Elder Henry B. Eyring of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles observes that “simply hearing the words of doctrine can plant the seed of faith in the heart. And even a tiny seed of faith in Jesus Christ invites the Spirit” (“The Power of Teaching Doctrine,” Ensign, May 1999, 74).

Once the seed of faith has been planted in our hearts, it must be nourished. Our faith in Jesus Christ is nourished as we study, search, and ponder the scriptures; fast and pray; participate in sacred ordinances; keep our covenants; serve the Lord and others; sustain our Church leaders; and obey the commandments.

Friend January 1999 “Faith in Jesus Christ”

As our faith in Jesus Christ grows stronger, we learn to walk with faith in Him. “To have faith in Christ,” says Sister Sheri L. Dew, second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, “is to believe in Him, follow Him, and rely on Him. And it is to be blessed with the peace of conscience and mind that the Apostle Paul spoke of when he said, ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me’” (Philip. 4:13) (“Our Only Chance,” Ensign, May 1999, 67).

Also see Family Home Evening Resource Book “My Faith in Christ Can Grow”

Help the children memorize John 11:25. Explain that everyone will be resurrected, but only the righteous will receive eternal life and live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ again.

New Testament Coloring Book “Jesus Raised Lazarus from the Dead”

Lesson 28: Jesus Christ Raises Lazarus from the Dead,” Primary 7: New Testament

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal “Luke 12-17, John 11” Lesson ideas

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Welcome Home” Lesson ideas

Apr 25 2023

John 7–10

Posted on April 25, 2023 by Camilla

Keeping the commandments will help me know they are true. (Younger Children)
Keeping the commandments will help me know they are true. (Older Children)
Jesus obeyed His Father.
Obedience can make me free.
Jesus knows me and loves me.
Jesus is like a shepherd to me.
Additional Resources

Keeping the commandments will help me know they are true. (Younger Children)

John 7

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “John 7” During the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, Jesus explained how anyone could know for themselves that the doctrine He taught was from Heavenly Father. The Feast of Tabernacles (also called the Feast of Booths or Huts) began and ended on a Sabbath and so was eight days long. Part of this celebration included building temporary huts made from tree branches. People stayed in these huts during the feast to remind them that God blessed His people for 40 years while they lived in the wilderness of Sinai.

John 7:14–17

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 7-10” Jesus taught that we can gain a testimony of the truths He shared as we live them. The peace we feel when we obey the commandments helps us know they are true. Consider how you might teach the children this truth.

Summarize John 7:17 in words the children will understand. Help them know that obeying the commandments helps us feel closer to Jesus Christ. For example, you could sing together a song like “Keep the Commandments” or “Choose the Right Way” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47, 160–61). Ask the children to listen for how we will be blessed when we keep the commandments.

Share an experience when you gained a testimony that a commandment was from God because you lived that commandment, such as paying tithing or forgiving someone who was unkind. Invite the children to think of an experience they had when they obeyed a commandment. Ask them to share how they felt when they obeyed.

Friend February 2015 “The Blessing Quest” Nathan wants to ride bikes with his friends instead of going to church, but he learns that commandments are meant to help us be happy. He goes to church and is blessed.

Ask the children to draw pictures of themselves obeying a commandment. (Help them think of examples.) Invite them to share their pictures with each other and talk about the happiness they get from obeying that commandment.

Keeping the commandments will help me know they are true. (Older Children)

John 7:14–17

You and the children you teach may have had experiences living gospel truths and learning that they are true. How can you build on those experiences as you teach?

Write each verse of John 7:14–17 on different pieces of paper, and display them in random order. Ask the children to put them in the correct order and check John 7:14–17 to see if they are right. Invite the children to split into pairs and share their understanding of each verse with their partner. How has obedience to God’s commandments helped them know the commandments are true?
Share examples from the scriptures showing how people were blessed for living gospel truths, such as Daniel (see Daniel 6) or Elisabeth (see Luke 1:5–14). What blessings have we been given for obeying commandments?
A few days before class, invite one of the children to write about a time when he or she gained a testimony of a commandment by living it. During class, ask the child to share what he or she wrote.

Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: New Testament 2023 “John 7-10”

In some ways, gaining a testimony is like learning a skill—both require practice and experience. To illustrate this, you could invite class members who have a particular skill, such as juggling or playing a musical instrument, to explain how they developed their skill. Why isn’t it enough to read about the skill or watch someone else perform it? As a class, discuss how the effort involved in practicing a skill is similar to the spiritual pattern the Savior described in John 7:14–17. How is it different?
Perhaps class members could share experiences in which living a gospel truth helped them gain a testimony of it. Give class members time to think of a gospel principle they would like to gain a stronger testimony of, and then encourage them to set specific goals to live that principle more fully.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “John 7”

John 7:39 Why did John say that “the Holy Ghost was not yet given”?

John referred “only to the gift of the Holy Ghost not being present, since the power of the Holy Ghost was operative during the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus; otherwise no one would have received a testimony of the truths that these men taught [ Matthew 16:16–17 ; see also 1 Corinthians 12:3 ]” (Bible Dictionary, “ Holy Ghost ”).

John 8

Surely, the Savior did not condone [sin. But He also did not condemn the woman. He encouraged her to reform her life. She was motivated to change because of His compassion and mercy. The Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible attests to her resultant discipleship: “And the woman glorified God from that hour, and believed on his name” [Joseph Smith Translation, John 8:11 (in John 8:11 , footnote c)].

(Dale G. Renlund, “Our Good Shepherd,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 30)

New Testament Coloring Book “Jesus Tells Woman to Sin No More”

Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: New Testament 2023 “John 7-10” Sometimes we aren’t aware of ways in which we judge others. Here’s an activity to help class members overcome this tendency: Ask the class to help you create a list of ways we judge people (on their appearance, their behavior, their background, and so on). Give class members pieces of paper cut in the shape of a stone, and ask them to select a way of judging others that they feel they are guilty of and write it on a paper stone. What do we learn from the Savior’s words to the Pharisees in John 8:1–11? Invite the class to write on the other side of their paper stones something that will remind them not to judge (perhaps a phrase from John 8).

President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught, “In this context, the word condemn apparently refers to the final judgment.” President Oaks further explained that Jesus did not condone the woman’s sin, but He was allowing her time to repent and acknowledging that her final judgment would come later:

Jesus obeyed His Father.

John 8:29

Jesus Christ always did things that pleased His Father in Heaven. How can you help the children find ways to follow His example?

Help the children repeat what Jesus said about Heavenly Father in John 8:29: “I do always those things that please him.” Ask them to share things Jesus did that made Heavenly Father happy. Show them some pictures from the Gospel Art Book to give them ideas.
Ask the children what makes them happy. Or invite a parent of one of the children to share an experience when the child did something that made the parent feel pleased, or happy. What can we do to make Heavenly Father happy? Invite the children to draw pictures of themselves doing those activities to take home and remind them.

John 9

“Lesson 18: Jesus Christ Heals a Man Born Blind,” Primary 7: New Testament (1997), 60–62

New Testament Stories “Jesus Heals a Blind Man”

Obedience can make me free.

John 8:31–36

Some people think that living the gospel restricts them. How can you use John 8:31–36 to help the children understand that living the gospel actually makes us free?

Invite the children to read John 8:31–36 and share what they think it means to be a servant of sin. How do the teachings of Jesus help us be free?
Show a lock to represent sin and a key to represent how truths of the gospel can make us free. For example, knowing about the Savior’s Atonement can give us freedom to repent and be forgiven of our sins. Or knowing about the Word of Wisdom can give us freedom to avoid addictions.

Jesus knows me and loves me.

John 10:1–16

The parable of the good shepherd can help the children understand that Jesus loves them and knows who they are.

Give the children pictures that represent something in the parable of the good shepherd, like sheep, a shepherd, or a wolf. Select some verses from John 10:1–16 to read to the children, and ask them to hold up their pictures when they hear you read about the things in their pictures. Help the children think of ways Jesus is like a shepherd to us. Bear your testimony that the Savior loves us and will guide us back to Him.

Show the picture of Jesus and the lambs in this week’s outline in Come Follow Me—For Individuals and Families. How do we know Jesus loves the lambs? How can we tell that the lambs love Jesus? How can we show Jesus that we love Him?

Friend June 2018 “Apostles Testify of Jesus” “Shepherds lead their sheep to food, water, and shelter and protect their sheep from harm. Jesus taught that He is the Good Shepherd. When we choose to follow Him, He can lead us to safety and peace. Lead the sheep safely home through the maze!”

Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd. We are His sheep, and He loves each of us. Ask the children how they know Jesus loves children.

Make paper sheep, write on them the names of the children in the class, and hide them around the room. Display a picture of the Savior, and read Doctrine and Covenants 50:41–42. Help the children understand what these verses teach about how Jesus Christ feels about them. Let them find the sheep around the room and put them on the board near the picture of Jesus so “none of them … shall be lost” (verse 42).

Make a matching game using phrases from Doctrine and Covenants 50:40–46. For instance, you could write “Fear not, little children” on one card that would match with another card that says “for you are mine” (verse 41). Read Doctrine and Covenants 50:40–46 together. Then mix up the cards on the floor, a table, or the board, and ask the children to match the phrases. What do these phrases teach us about Jesus Christ?
To help the children understand how the Savior is like a good shepherd show the video “Jesus Declares the Parable of the Lost Sheep” and ask them to find something in the video that reminds them of what they read. How does Jesus rescue us? How can we be good shepherds to others?

Friend December 2020 “Sheep and Their Shepherd” When Elder Stanfill was young his job at the ranch was to take care of all the abandoned sheep babies. He would drive his little VW to the field and honk his horn and all the babies would run and jump in the car and he would take them to be fed. Just like the sheep knew the sound of that old Volkswagen, we can learn to hear Jesus’s voice. We will feel His love and learn to trust Him.

Friend April 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities: The Good Shepherd“

Story: Shepherds take care of their sheep and keep them safe. Jesus Christ is our Shepherd. He said, “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep” (John 10:14).

Song: “I Feel My Savior’s Love” (Children’s Songbook, 74–75)

Activity: Play a sheep guessing game! Pick one person to be the shepherd. Everyone else will be sheep. The shepherd closes their eyes while one sheep makes a baa sound. Have the shepherd guess which “sheep” made the noise. Talk about how Jesus knows each of us by name.

Latter Day Kids “The Lord is My Shepherd” Lesson ideas

Friend August 2022 “The Lord Is My Shepherd”

Friend April 2023 Come, Follow Me Activities for Little Ones Have your little ones look into a mirror. Tell them that Jesus knows their names, what they look like, what makes them happy, and what makes them sad. Help your little ones say, “Jesus knows me and loves me.”

“In Jesus’s time, the Palestinian shepherd was noted for his protection of his sheep. Unlike modern sheepherders, the shepherd always walked ahead of his flock. He led them. The shepherd knew each of the sheep and usually had a name for each. The sheep knew his voice and trusted him and would not follow a stranger. Thus, when called, the sheep would come to him. (See John 10:14, 16.)

Show the children a picture of a lamb. Ask them to name some things a lamb needs to be safe and healthy, and encourage them to look in Psalm 23:1–4 for ideas. Then show a picture of a child. What do we need to be spiritually safe and healthy? Read together Psalm 23, and ask the children how the things the shepherd does in this psalm could be compared to what Jesus Christ does for us.

Media Library “Children Portraits” and Unsplash “Lamb”

Jesus is like a shepherd to me.

John 10:1–18

As you study the parable of the good shepherd, look for truths it teaches about our relationship with the Savior. How will knowing these truths bless the children? (In this parable, the sheep of the Good Shepherd are those who hear His voice and follow Him.)

Write good shepherd and hireling on the board. Explain that a hireling is someone who is hired to do a job for money. Ask the children to list differences they find in John 10:1–18 between a good shepherd and a hireling. Why would you want to follow the good shepherd rather than the hireling? How is Jesus like a shepherd to us? (Note: A hireling is someone whose primary motive for working is getting paid.)

What is the difference between the Good Shepherd and a hireling?

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) taught:

“At night shepherds would bring their sheep to a corral called a sheepfold. High walls surrounded the sheepfold, and thorns were placed on top of these walls to prevent wild animals and thieves from climbing over.

Sometimes, however, a wild animal driven by hunger would leap over the walls into the midst of the sheep, frightening them. Such a situation separated the true shepherd—one who loved his sheep—from the hireling—one who worked only for pay and duty.

The true shepherd was willing to give his life for the sheep. He would go in amongst the sheep and fight for their welfare. The hireling, on the other hand, valued his own personal safety above the sheep and would usually flee from the danger.

Jesus used this common illustration of [H]is day to declare that He was the Good Shepherd, the True Shepherd. Because of His love for His brothers and sisters, He would willingly and voluntarily lay down His life for them. (See John 10:17–18 .)

(Ezra Taft Benson, “A Call to the Priesthood: ‘Feed My Sheep,’” Ensign, May 1983, 43)

Draw or show a picture of a door. Read together John 10:7–9, and ask the children how Jesus is like a door. According to verse 9, what blessings come to those who “enter in” the door? How do we enter the door that Jesus Christ provides us?

Why did Jesus say, “I am the door of the sheep”?

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “John 10” Shepherds in Israel stood at the entrance of a sheepfold and inspected each sheep as it entered, treating injuries as needed. After the sheep were gathered in the enclosure for the night, the shepherd would lie down to sleep in the entrance, barring the way so that predators or thieves could not hurt the sheep. The Savior’s statement “I am the door” makes clear that He was willing to “lay down [His] life for the sheep” ( John 10:7, 15) and that He ultimately will decide who will enter the kingdom of heaven. Using an image similar to a door, the Book of Mormon prophet Jacob declared that “the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel” and that “he employeth no servant there” ( 2 Nephi 9:41).

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “John 7-10”To involve family members in learning from the parable of the good shepherd, ask each of them to draw a picture of one of the following: a thief, a door, a shepherd, a hireling (a hired worker), a wolf, and a sheep. Invite them to read John 10:1–18, 27–29, and then discuss as a family what the Savior taught about the things they drew.

Additional Resources

News with Naylors “Week 18: Jesus Heals a Blind Man”

Red Crystal “John 7-10”

Apr 21 2023

Matthew 18; Luke 10

Posted on April 21, 2023 by Camilla

I should always forgive others.
Heavenly Father will forgive me as I forgive others.
Jesus taught me to see all people as my neighbors and love them.
I can love and serve others, especially those in need.
Additional Resources
- Mary and Martha

Matthew CHAPTER 18 Jesus explains how we are to treat our offending brethren—The Son of Man came to save that which was lost—All of the Twelve receive the keys of the kingdom—Jesus explains why we should forgive.

Luke CHAPTER 10 Jesus calls, empowers, and instructs the Seventy—They preach and heal—Those who receive Christ’s disciples receive Christ—The Father is revealed by the Son—Jesus gives the parable of the good Samaritan.

I should always forgive others.

Matthew 18:21–35

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 18; Luke 10” As you read Matthew 18:21–35, consider your own experiences with forgiveness and what the children need to know about this principle.

Tell the parable of the unmerciful servant (see Matthew 18:23–35). Explain that when someone is unkind or unfair, we will probably feel angry or sad at first. But forgiveness means we can feel peace again. When we forgive someone, we decide not to be angry with them anymore. (Help the children understand that if someone is being unkind or unfair to them, they should ask their parents or another trusted adult for help.)

Friend August 2017 “Jesus Forgives” Jesus teaches Peter to forgive. Jesus forgave sins, and he forgave his crucifiers.

Write I forgive you on the board, and tell the children that these words can help turn sad moments into happy ones. Draw a sad face on the board, and share some examples of children forgiving one another. After each example, invite a child to change the sad face to a happy one.

Friend April 2019 “A New Block Tower” Mason accidentally knocks down Bo’s block tower. Mason says sorry and offers to help build another one. Bo forgives him, and they both are happy.

Friend August 2021 “Not Invited” Becky isn’t invited to her friend’s birthday party. She feels really left out and sad. She prays to be able to forgive her friend and is able to play together the next day. When Becky has her birthday party she invites her.

Friend September 2022 “Matt and Mandy” Mandy is about to score her first goal and is knocked over by a player.

Sing with the children a song about forgiveness, such as “Help Me, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook, 99). Share your testimony that Heavenly Father will help us forgive others.

Heavenly Father will forgive me as I forgive others.

Matthew 18:21–35

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 18; Luke 10” The parable of the unmerciful servant can be a memorable way to teach the children that Heavenly Father wants us to forgive everyone.

Show the video “Forgive Every One Their Trespasses: The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) to help the children visualize this parable.

Read Matthew 18:23–35 with the children. Explain that the king or lord represents Heavenly Father, the servant represents us, and the fellow servant represents those who have wronged us.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “Matthew 18:21–35”

It is important to know that 10,000 talents is an unpayable debt. It would have taken a poor working man in Jesus’s day over 250,000 years to earn that much money (see Jay A. Parry and Donald W. Parry, Understanding the Parables of Jesus Christ [2006], 95).

Why do you think Jesus Christ would use an unpayable debt to teach this parable?

Read the rest of the parable in Matthew 18:28–35 , looking for how we should treat each other and why. It is helpful to know that 100 pence was around “three months’ wages of a poor working man” ( verse 28 , footnote a). One truth we can learn from this parable is that we can follow the example of Jesus Christ by forgiving others as He forgives us.

Ask the children questions like “What does this story teach about how we should treat others? When have you found it hard to forgive someone? How did you let go of those hurt feelings? When have you needed to be forgiven for a wrong choice?”

Friend April 1985 “Not a Thief” – A boy is grateful that others forgive his mistakes, so he forgives a friend who took one of his toys.

April 2004 Friend “An Experiment in Forgiving” Jared’s three year old sister ruined his science experiment, and he didn’t know if he could ever forgive her. He feels bad the whole day and decides that no science experiment was worth the pain he’d caused his little sister.

April 2004 Friend “Birthday Cookies” Leanne purposely gave Cammie a smashed cupcake with only one candy in front of everyone. Cammie wanted Leanne to know how that felt, and decides to give Leanne an ugly, smashed treat when it was her birthday the next week. But when Cammie got to Leanne’s desk she saw that Leanne was upset, expecting payback. Cammie knew she didn’t want someone else to feel like she had felt, so she gave Leanne a big, beautiful cookie instead and felt great.

Write on the board the multiplication problem 70 × 7, and help the children solve it. Ask someone to read Matthew 18:21–22, and explain that Jesus used this number to teach us that we should always forgive.

Friend September 1994 “I Forgive You”

Have you ever had a difficult time forgiving someone who has been unkind to you? If the person comes to you and says that he is sorry, it is always good to say, “I forgive you.” But if he is unkind again, what should you do then?
From the New Testament, we learn that Peter asked Jesus a similar question. Peter wanted to know how often he should forgive someone who had wronged him. He asked if forgiving someone seven times was enough.
Jesus answered, “I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven” (Matt. 18:22).
Those of you who can multiply know that 70 x 7 = 490! What a large number! Did Jesus really mean that Peter should forgive a person 490 times? Would Peter need to carry a book or a tablet to keep track of each time he forgave until he had forgiven that many times? Elder James E. Talmage, an Apostle in our time, tells us that Jesus meant that Peter—and all of us—should be willing to always forgive. (See Jesus the Christ, page 393.)
Why is forgiving others so important? When Jesus told Peter to forgive seventy times seven, was He thinking only of the person being forgiven, or was He thinking of Peter too? Would forgiving others help Peter feel peace?
Yes! Jesus knew that Peter would be blessed with a feeling of peace each time he truly forgave someone. Forgiving brings peace to those who forgive as well as to those who are forgiven. Jesus taught that we should forgive and be kind to one another, and He set the example for us.

Ask the children to help you think of a few situations where someone might need to forgive another person. Invite the children to act out how they would show forgiveness in those situations.

April 2004 Friend “Loving Our Enemies” After a family home evening lesson on loving your enemies, Curtis is nice to a boy who had been bullying him at school and shares his lunch with him. The boy stopped bullying Curtis after that.

See additional story ideas above.

Friend September 1994 “I Forgive You”

Walking in others’ shoes Activity
Often it helps us to forgive another person if we try to “walk in his shoes” by imagining how that person feels, or why he might have done or said what he did. As you read the situations, find the shoes that fit each one, and draw a line from them to the situation they match. Then “walk in those shoes” and finish the sentence with possible reasons for that person’s behavior.

Sing with the children a song about forgiveness, such as “Help Me, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook, 99). Help the children understand what the song teaches us about forgiving others.

Friend August 2015 “You Can Repent and Forgive”

Friend March 2015

“Rabbinism called upon the offender to initiate a course of reconciliation with his brother and specified that forgiveness should not be extended more than three times to any offender. His soul as yet not afire with the Holy Spirit, Peter asked a question that, as he must have then supposed, assumed a far more liberal rule than that imposed by the Rabbis. ‘Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?’ Jesus answered: ‘I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven,’ meaning there is no limit to the number of times men should forgive their brethren” (The Mortal Messiah: From Bethlehem to Calvary, 4 vols. [1979–81], 3:91).

Jesus taught me to see all people as my neighbors and love them.

Luke 10:25–37

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 18; Luke 10” The parable of the good Samaritan can show children who our neighbors are and how we should treat them. Think of ways you can inspire the children to “go, and do … likewise” (Luke 10:37).

Ask each child, “Who is your neighbor?” Summarize the account in Luke 10:25–37, and share how Jesus answered that question. What did Jesus teach about how we should treat our neighbors?

Who is my neighbor? Anyone who needs your help and love.

New Testament Stories “The Good Samaritan” Video and Images

The Good Samaritan: A Bible Story for Children

Media Library “Primary 2: Choose the Right A Cutouts 2-1, Wounded Man; 2-2, Priest; 2-3, Levite; 2-4, Samaritan”

Read Luke 10:25–37 as the children act out the parable of the good Samaritan. Help them think of ways they can be like the good Samaritan by showing love and kindness to others.

Friend October 1984

Write a few examples of situations where someone would need help, and hide the papers around the room. Ask the children to find the papers. Read the situations, and invite the children to share how they could show kindness to the person in that situation.

Lesson 28: Primary 2: Choose the Right A

As you are walking down the street, you see that someone has had a bicycle accident. As you get closer, you see that it is a boy who is always teasing you. His pant leg is caught in the chain of his bicycle. He cannot move without help.
- What could you do to be kind to the boy?
You have planned a special party for your birthday next week, and you want to invite all the children in your neighborhood except one. She is new in the neighborhood. She never smiles and isn’t much fun to play with.
- What could you do to be kind to this girl?
While playing with your friends you fell down. One of your friends called you clumsy and laughed at you. Now your friend has fallen down and is crying.
- What could you do to be kind to your friend?
A boy in your class at school uses braces to help him walk. When all the children go out to play, he gets left behind because he walks slowly. He often sits by himself, watching everyone else play ball.
- What could you do to be kind to this boy?

Friend May 2022 “Hudson the Good Samaritan”

Sing with the children a song about kindness, such as “Jesus Said Love Everyone” or “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 61, 145). Help the children think of a few ways they show love and kindness to others. They could also draw pictures of themselves doing these things.

I can love and serve others, especially those in need.

Luke 10:30–37

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 18; Luke 10” Ponder times in your own life when someone has been “a good Samaritan” to you. How can you inspire children to be “good Samaritans” to others?

Luke 10 | Parables of Jesus: Parable of the Good Samaritan

The Good Samaritan Video

Assign each child to quietly read part of the parable of the good Samaritan. Invite the children to tell their parts of the parable in the order the events happened.

New Testament Student Manual “Chapter 17: Luke 9–14” In the written law of Moses, priests and Levites were assigned to serve God and their fellowmen, both in the temple and as teachers and exemplars of God’s law. These priesthood bearers were fully aware of the commandment to “love thy neighbour as thyself” (Leviticus 19:18).

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 18; Luke 10” By Jesus’s day, the animosity between the Jews and Samaritans had lasted for centuries. The Samaritans were descendants of Jews living in Samaria who had intermarried with Gentiles. The Jews felt that the Samaritans had become corrupted by their association with Gentiles and had apostatized. Jews would travel miles out of their way to avoid passing through Samaria. (See also Luke 9:52–54; 17:11–18; John 4:9; 8:48.)

Explain to the children that the Jews disliked the Samaritans so much that when they traveled from Jerusalem to Galilee, they would go around Samaria to avoid interacting with any Samaritans. To illustrate this, show Bible map 1, “Physical Map of the Holy Land.” Why would Jesus use a Samaritan as an example of kindness in this parable? What does this story teach us about helping others in need? (See also Mosiah 4:16–22.)

Ask the children to share an experience when someone was like the good Samaritan toward them.

For the Strength of Youth April 2023 “The Good Samaritan”

Challenge the children to set a goal to be like the good Samaritan this week. You might ask them if they know someone who is sick or lonely or someone who does not attend church regularly. Ask the children how they could help that person. Help the children understand how serving others helps them keep the promises they made at baptism (see Mosiah 18:8–10).

Friend February 2019 “The Baptism Covenant” Cut out and mix up these cards. Then take turns matching cards that go together. With each match, talk about that part of the baptism covenant.

Friend April 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Love Your Neighborhood

Story: Jesus told us to take care of our neighbors (see Luke 10:25–37). Each person around us is our neighbor, even if they look or act differently than we do.

Song: “I’ll Walk with You” (Children’s Songbook, 140–41)

Activity: Draw a picture of your neighborhood. You can include your family, friends, and neighbors. Every day this week, pick a person from your drawing and do something kind for them.

Friend November 2022 “Jesus Said to Love Our Neighbor” See link for stories

Friend August 2018 Find the words below that tell how we can share the Savior’s love with others.

New Testament Coloring Book “The Good Samaritan”

Latter Day Kids “The Good Samaritan” Lesson ideas

We have many opportunities to follow the Savior’s counsel to “go, and do thou likewise” ( Luke 10:37) in many different settings we find ourselves in, such as at home, at school, online, in our ward or branch, and among strangers.

Additional Resources

“Lesson 20: Parable of the Good Samaritan,” Primary 7: New Testament Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal “Mathew 18; Luke 10” Lesson ideas

News with Naylor “Week 17: The Good Samaritan” Lesson ideas and activities

Latter Day Kids “Forgiveness” Lesson ideas

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Until Seventy times Seven” Lesson ideas

Mary and Martha

“Just because something is good is not a sufficient reason for doing it. The number of good things we can do far exceeds the time available to accomplish them. Some things are better than good, and these are the things that should command priority attention in our lives.

“Jesus taught this principle in the home of Martha. … It was praiseworthy for Martha to be ‘careful and troubled about many things’ (v. 41), but learning the gospel from the Master Teacher was more ‘needful.’ The scriptures contain other teachings that some things are more blessed than others (see Acts 20:35; Alma 32:14–15). …

“Consider how we use our time in the choices we make in viewing television, playing video games, surfing the Internet, or reading books or magazines. Of course it is good to view wholesome entertainment or to obtain interesting information. But not everything of that sort is worth the portion of our life we give to obtain it. Some things are better, and others are best. …

“Some uses of individual and family time are better, and others are best. We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families” (“Good, Better, Best,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 104–5, 107).

Apr 9 2023

Matthew 15–17; Mark 7–9

Posted on April 9, 2023 by Camilla

I can gain a testimony that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
A testimony of Jesus Christ comes through revelation.
Jesus Christ gives prophets and apostles priesthood keys to lead His Church.
The Church of Jesus Christ is led by those who hold priesthood keys.
Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
My faith can work miracles.
Additional Resources

Matthew CHAPTER 15 The scribes and Pharisees contend against Jesus—He heals the daughter of a gentile woman—He feeds the four thousand.

Matthew CHAPTER 16 Jesus warns against the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees—Peter testifies that Jesus is the Christ and is promised the keys of the kingdom—Jesus foretells His death and resurrection.

Matthew CHAPTER 17 Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John on the mount—Jesus heals a lunatic, tells of His coming death, and pays taxes in a miraculous manner.

Mark CHAPTER 7 Jesus reproves the Pharisees for their false traditions and ceremonies—He casts a devil out of the daughter of a Greek woman—He opens the ears and loosens the tongue of a person with an impediment.

Mark CHAPTER 8 Jesus feeds the four thousand—He counsels, Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees—He heals a blind man in Bethsaida—Peter testifies that Jesus is the Christ.

Mark CHAPTER 9 Jesus is transfigured on the mountain—He casts out an unclean spirit—He teaches concerning His death and resurrection, who will be greatest, and the condemnation of those who offend His little ones.

I can gain a testimony that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Matthew 16:13–17

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 15–17; Mark 7–9” Consider how you can use Peter’s testimony and Jesus’s response to teach the children what a testimony is and inspire them to seek their own.

Ask the children to listen for what Peter said as you read Matthew 16:15–17. (See also “Chapter 32: Peter Testifies of Christ,” in New Testament Stories, 76–77, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.) Explain that Peter was bearing his testimony of Jesus Christ. Read the verses again. (Or show the video again.) This time ask the children to listen for who told Peter that Jesus Christ was the Son of God.

New Testament Scripture Stories “Peter Testifies of Jesus”

Bear your testimony of Jesus Christ, and explain how you received it. Invite the children to seek their own testimonies from Heavenly Father.

Friend January 2013 “How can I get a testimony?”

Friend September 2015 “A New Feeling” – Child feels Holy Ghost while reading about Jesus in the scriptures

For additional teaching ideas see Testimony: Lesson Ideas

Latter Day Kids “What is a Testimony” Lesson ideas

A testimony of Jesus Christ comes through revelation.

Matthew 16:13–17

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 15–17; Mark 7–9” How might Peter’s testimony in Matthew 16:13–17 help the children as they build their testimonies?

Ask the children what they would say if someone asked them, “Who is Jesus?” Invite the children to read Matthew 16:13–17 to find out how Peter answered that question. How did he gain his testimony of Jesus? What can we do to strengthen our testimonies?

For the Strength of Youth April 2023 “Caesarea Philippi” Learn about the place where the Savior asked, “Whom say ye that I am?”

The backdrop for this event in the scriptures was both beautiful and instructive:

In biblical times, the spring at Caesarea Philippi seemed to burst right out of the mountain, flowing out of a cave.
Jesus Christ said that He can give us “living water,” which is “a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:11, 14).
Jesus Christ is the “source [of] a remission of [our] sins” (2 Nephi 25:26).
Jesus Christ is the source of all priesthood authority and priesthood keys on earth (see Doctrine and Covenants 107:2–4).
Revelation from God is a pure source of a testimony of Jesus Christ.

Friend January 2013 “How can I get a testimony?”

“Faith in Jesus Christ” (August 2019 Friend)
Make a path through your home that includes objects representing how you show faith in Jesus Christ.

(Or you could have pictures or objects of ways you can show your faith. Have the children choose one and tell how it shows their trust in God. Some additional ideas: a picture of people going to church, picture of a child praying, a picture of the ten commandments or children being kind and obeying the commandments.

Help the children compare the way we know spiritual truths with the ways we know other truths. For example, how do we know how tall a person is or what the weather is like? How do we know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? Tell the children how the Holy Ghost has testified to you of the Savior.

Liahona April 2023 “Preparation and Progression” Come, Follow Me Family Fun: A Sense of Revelation

Peter saw and heard the Savior’s teachings. However, he received his testimony of Christ through revelation rather than through his physical senses—his “flesh and blood” (see Matthew 16:13–17).

Gather a few objects (see ideas below). Take turns being blindfolded. Have each person use their other four senses to guess what the object is.

Ideas:

Smell a flower
Taste a treat
Listen to a song
Touch a soft sweater

Discussion: Read Doctrine and Covenants 6:14–15 and 8:2–3. How can we learn truth through the spiritual sense of revelation rather than only relying on our physical senses? Note that everyone receives a testimony through the Holy Ghost but that some feel that influence differently than others. How can personal revelation through the Holy Ghost deepen our testimonies of Christ?

Friend September 2015 “A New Feeling” – Child feels Holy Ghost while reading about Jesus in the scriptures

Friend June 2020 A testimony is a good feeling from the Holy Ghost telling you that something is true.

Bear your testimony of Jesus Christ, and challenge the children to gain or strengthen their own testimonies of Him.

Jesus Christ gives prophets and apostles priesthood keys to lead His Church.

Matthew 16:15–19

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 15–17; Mark 7–9” The Savior compared revelation to a rock and priesthood authority to keys. How can you use these comparisons to help the children have faith in those who lead His Church?

Show the children a rock as you read Matthew 16:18 with them. Repeat with them the phrase “upon this rock I will build my church,” adding actions to go along with the words. Explain that the Church is built upon the “rock” of revelation.

President Howard W. Hunter (1907–95) taught: “‘And upon this rock I will build my church.’ Upon what rock? Peter? Upon a man? No, not upon a man, upon the rock of revelation, the thing which they were talking about. He had just said, ‘… flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.’ This revelation that Jesus is the Christ is the foundation upon which he would build his Church” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1965, 112; see also Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 195).

Show the children some keys, and ask what we use keys for. Explain that Peter and the other Apostles received priesthood keys from Jesus. These keys “unlock” blessings for us and open the way to heaven. For example, priesthood keys allow us to be baptized and take the sacrament (also receive temple blessings & gift of Holy Ghost). Give the children paper keys, and have them write some blessings that priesthood keys “unlock.”

Friend February 2017 “What are Priesthood Keys?” and “Locked Out”

Show a picture of the President of the Church, and bear your testimony that he holds all of the priesthood keys today, just as Peter did.

The Church of Jesus Christ is led by those who hold priesthood keys.

Matthew 16:15–19

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 15–17; Mark 7–9” Studying Matthew 16:15–19 can build the children’s faith that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a restoration of the same Church that Jesus established while He lived on the earth.

Write Matthew 16:19 on the board, leaving out a few words, including the word “keys.” Ask the children to find the missing words.

Show the video “Where Are the Keys?” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), or review “Keys of the Priesthood” in Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What are priesthood keys? How are priesthood keys like real keys?

A key unlocks the door to a house. We cannot appropriately enter a house unless we receive the key or the owner’s permission. Likewise, except for the right that husbands and fathers have to bless their families, a man who holds the priesthood can use it only when he receives proper permission. A priest, for example, has the authority to ordain another to an office in the Aaronic Priesthood, but he cannot do it without receiving permission to do so from his bishop or branch president. This power to give permission is called the keys of the priesthood.Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood: Basic Manual for Priesthood Holders, Part B, (2000), 8–18:

President Joseph Fielding Smith explained: ‘These keys are the right of presidency; they are the power and authority to govern and direct all of the Lord’s affairs on earth. Those who hold them have power to govern and control the manner in which all others may serve in the priesthood. All [worthy men] may hold the priesthood, but [it] can only use it as authorized and directed so to do by those who hold the keys” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1972, 98; or Ensign, July 1972, 87).”
Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood: Basic Manual for Priesthood Holders, Part B “The Keys of the Priesthood”

Help the children list on the board some people who have priesthood keys. “Keys of the Priesthood” in Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org) has a list that can help them. Invite someone in your ward who holds priesthood keys to briefly share with the class why these keys are important.

New Era May 2012 “Priesthood Keys” Who has priesthood keys? Members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles hold all the keys necessary for governing the Church. Only the President of the Church has the right to exercise all of those keys. He delegates these keys to others who preside in the Church—temple presidents, mission presidents, stake presidents, district presidents, bishops, branch presidents, and quorum presidents, including deacons and teachers quorum presidents.

Hide several keys (or pictures of keys) around the room, and invite the children to find them. After each key is found, help the children think of blessings we enjoy because of priesthood keys (for example, eternal families, baptism, and the sacrament).

Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Matthew 17:1–9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 15–17; Mark 7–9” These verses describe one of the few times in the scriptures when the voice of God the Father was heard testifying of His Beloved Son. Studying this account with the children can build their faith in Jesus Christ.

Invite the children to draw pictures of the event described in Matthew 17:1–9. Ask them to explain their pictures to each other. (See “Chapter 33: Appearing in Glory: The Transfiguration,” in New Testament Stories, 78–79, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.)

Give the children time to ponder what the account in Matthew 17:1–9 teaches them about Jesus Christ. Invite them to write their thoughts on the board. Invite the children to share how they know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

My faith can work miracles.

Matthew 17:19–20

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 15–17; Mark 7–9” When you read Jesus’s promise that faith like a grain of mustard seed can move a mountain, what impressions do you receive about the children you teach?

Read Matthew 17:19–20 with the children. Invite them to take turns drawing big mountains and small seeds on the board. Explain that the mountains are like things that are hard for us to do. What are some things that can feel like mountains to us? Use this week’s activity page to help the children think about how faith can help them do things that God wants them to do.

Friend May 2021 “Faith Will Move Mountains”.

Friend May 2019 “Keeping the Orphans Warm” George Muller, a Christian, served God by helping orphans. He had strong faith that God would help him help them. Once, when the heater went out in one of his orphanages, he prayed that a warm wind would come to keep the children warm and that the workers would have a desire to get the work done quickly. His prayer was answered.

Friend January 2016 “Windows before Winter” St. George members do all they can to raise money for tabernacle windows, and they have faith the Lord will help them with what they lack.

Friend March 2022 “Overcoming Your Challenges” President Dallin H. Oaks discusses the challenges he faced growing up, such as having his father die when he was seven, or being bullied and made fun of by other kids because he couldn’t spell or do math very well. Heavenly Father and Dallin’s family helped him and things got better. President Oaks wants the children to know that Heavenly Father will help them and to not give up. (Coloring page “I Can Overcome Challenges”)

Place a picture of a mountain on one side of the room. Ask the children to name some things they can do to gain more faith in Jesus Christ. Let each child who suggests something move the mountain closer to the other side of the room. Read Matthew 17:19–20, and testify of the power of faith in your life.

Liahona April 2023 “Faith in Jesus Christ” See more about faith at the link.

Faith is a firm belief or trust in something. To have faith includes hoping for and believing in things that are true, even when we can’t see them or completely understand them (see Hebrews 11:1; Alma 32:21).

Having faith in Christ means having confidence in Him. It means relying completely on Him—trusting in His power, intelligence, and love. It also includes believing and following His teachings.

Faith in Jesus can grow when we learn of him and know who he is.

He is the creator of the world, the son of God, he has all power. He loves us and wants to help us. He is our Savior.

We learn of him by reading the scriptures and following his example.

Friend December 2016 “A Shining Light”

Sing together a song about faith, such as “Faith” (Children’s Songbook, 96–97). Give each child a seed to take home. Invite them to plant the seed and put it somewhere where they can watch it grow to help them remember to have faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Additional Resources

New Testament Stories “The Boy with an Evil Spirit”

The Red Crystal

Come Follow Me With Living Scriptures “Keys of the Kingdom” Lesson ideas

Mar 24 2023

Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 5–6

Posted on March 24, 2023 by Camilla

Jesus Christ knows what I need and can help me.
Jesus Christ teaches me about Heavenly Father.
I follow Jesus’s example when I am kind to others.
My small offerings can make a difference.
Faith in Jesus Christ can help me not be afraid.
Faith in Jesus Christ can help me not be afraid.
Additional Resources

Matthew CHAPTER 14 John the Baptist is beheaded—Jesus feeds the five thousand and walks on the sea—Those who touch the hem of His garment are made whole.

Mark CHAPTER 6 Jesus sends forth the Twelve—John the Baptist is beheaded by Herod—Our Lord feeds the five thousand, walks on the water, and heals multitudes.

John CHAPTER 5 Jesus heals an invalid on the Sabbath—He explains why men must honor the Son—Jesus promises to take the gospel to the dead—Man is resurrected, judged, and assigned his glory by the Son—Jesus obeys the divine law of witnesses.

John CHAPTER 6 Jesus feeds the five thousand—He walks on the sea—He is the living manna sent from God—Salvation is gained by eating living bread—Jesus explains how men eat His flesh and drink His blood—Peter testifies that Jesus is the Messiah.

Jesus Christ knows what I need and can help me.

John 5:1–9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 5–6” Ponder the account of Jesus healing the man at the pool of Bethesda. How can you help the children see what the story teaches about Jesus’s kindness, love, and other attributes?

Use the picture Christ Healing the Sick at Bethesda (Gospel Art Book, no. 42) to tell the children the story in John 5:1–9. Or show the video “Jesus Heals a Man on the Sabbath” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Ask the children to imagine that they are the person Jesus healed. How would they feel when Jesus healed them?

Ask the children to name some things that are hard for them or that make them sad. Tell them about a time in your life when you received help from the Savior during a difficult trial. Testify that Jesus knows about all our problems and wants to help us.

Friend August 2017 “Ralphie’s Amazing Find” A boy is upset that his best friend is moving. He takes his dog for a walk, and his dog discovers a beautiful waterfall. The boy feels God’s love for him.

Jesus Christ teaches me about Heavenly Father.

John 5:17–47

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 5–6” How can Jesus’s teachings about His Father help the children learn about Heavenly Father?

Create two sets of matching cards labeled with words that Jesus used to teach about Heavenly Father in John 5, such as love, life, and works (see John 5:20, 26, 36). Lay the cards face down, and ask the children to look for matches by flipping over two cards at a time. As each match is made, read the verse that contains the word, and ask the children what the word teaches us about Heavenly Father.

Ask the children to read John 5:30 and complete this sentence: “I seek not mine own will, but …” How did Jesus Christ do the will of His Heavenly Father? How can we do Heavenly Father’s will?

John 5: 23 That all men should ^ahonour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that ^bhonoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

Friend May 2022 “Why Do We Choose to Be Obedient?”

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?

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 February 2021 “Jesus Shared the Gospel”

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”

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.

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.”

My small offerings can make a difference.

John 6:5–14

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 5–6” It was a young boy who provided the bread and fish that Jesus used to feed the five thousand. How can you help the children you teach see how they can contribute to the work of the Lord?

Help the children imagine how large a crowd of five thousand people would be. What would it be like to feed that many people with only five loaves of bread and two fish?

New Testament Student Manual The Greek text of Mark 6:44 makes clear that the phrase “five thousand men” meant five thousand males. Matthew 14:21 makes this unmistakable by adding the statement “beside women and children.”

Friend March 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities: More Than Enough”

Story: Once Jesus Christ spent all day teaching people. Everyone was hungry. But they only had five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus blessed the bread and fish, and the disciples shared it with the people. There was enough food for more than 5,000 people! (See Matthew 14:15–21).

Song: “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79)

Activity: Make your favorite bread recipe, or try the one on page 8. Notice how something as small as yeast makes the whole loaf of bread bigger. How has Jesus made your small efforts big?

Invite a child to tell the story of the feeding of the five thousand in his or her own words. Emphasize that it was a young boy who provided the bread and fish that the Lord used to perform this miracle. How can we be like the boy described in John 6:9? Invite the children to draw loaves and fish on paper and write on them some things they can give to the Lord to help in His work.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) Because of Jesus Christ your humble offerings will be enough. When we offer the Savior all that we have, He can multiply our efforts to accomplish His purposes.

Have you ever felt your talents and gifts were too small for the task ahead? I have. But you and I can give what we have to Christ, and He will multiply our efforts. What you have to offer is more than enough—even with your human frailties and weaknesses—if you rely on the grace of God.

(Michelle D. Craig, “Divine Discontent,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 54)

What are different ways we can “give what we have to Christ”?

Friend January 2023 “Helping with Heavenly Father’s Work” Heavenly Father’s work is to help all His children to come back and live with Him (see Moses 1:39). You can help as you do four things: live, care, invite, and unite. (See lesson at link.)

Giving Talks, Singing, Playing Instruments, Help Clean the Church

Friend February 2015 “Juliana Gives a Talk” Juliana is scared to give a talk, but Heavenly Father helps her.

Friend June 2018 “A Baptism Song” Elizabeth and her sister sang at a baptism which helped those attending to feel the Spirit.

Friend December 2018 “Ellie Helps Clean the Church” Ellie’s family goes to clean the church and she wonders how she can help. Also includes a matching activity:

Match each sentence with a picture. In the blank spot, draw yourself helping at church.

I can put away a hymnbook.
I can pick up trash I see.
I can help hold up a picture.
I can sit so reverently!

[unitegallery Dece2018]

Give the children a small puzzle to complete. What would happen if one of the pieces of the puzzle were missing? Explain that we are each like a puzzle piece—we are all important, and we all need each other. Help the children name reasons they are important in their families, their Primary class, God’s family, and other groups.

Additional Resources:

“The Bread of Life” (February 1995 Friend)
An article about the importance of bread in ancient times.

New Testament Scripture Stories “The Bread of Life” Videos and Images

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “John 6:22–58” Lesson ideas about Jesus being the bread of life.

Faith in Jesus Christ can help me not be afraid.

Matthew 14:22–33

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 5–6” Peter showed great faith when he walked on the water toward Jesus. What lessons might there be for the children in this story?

New Testament Stories “Jesus Walks on the Water” Video and images

Show the picture in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families (see also Gospel Art Book, no. 43) as you tell the story from Matthew 14:22–33 in your own words. Consider using this week’s activity page to help the children tell the story back to you. You could also bring a small bowl of water and invite the children to pretend to “walk” their fingers across the surface of the water.

Friend October 2009 “Jesus Walks on the Water” Rebus

Show the video “Wherefore Didst Thou Doubt?” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), and ask the children why Peter was afraid. Then ask them to tell about times when they felt afraid and share what helped them. Help them see that faith in Jesus Christ helps us overcome fear.

Friend October 2019 “Coloring Page: Jesus Can Help Me Do Hard Things”

Friend April 2013 “Coloring Page”

New Testament Coloring Book “Jesus Walked on Water”

Faith in Jesus Christ can help me not be afraid.

Matthew 14:22–33

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 5–6” Faith and fear play prominent roles in the story of Jesus and Peter walking on the sea. What can children learn from this story?

Show the picture in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families (see also Gospel Art Book, no. 43). Ask the children to find phrases in Matthew 14:22–33 that describe the picture.

Ask the children to look for signs of faith and signs of fear as they read Matthew 14:22–33. You could also show the video “Wherefore Didst Thou Doubt?” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What does it mean to have faith in Jesus Christ? Help the children think of times when their faith helped them overcome fear.

Ask the children to imagine they were present and had a camera when Jesus and Peter walked on the sea. Which moment would they choose to photograph and why? Suggest that they search Matthew 14:22–33 for ideas. Invite them to draw a picture of the moment they chose, share their pictures, and explain why they chose that moment.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “John 6:22–58”Peter’s example teaches us what we should focus on. Remember what happened to Peter when he focused on Jesus Christ and what happened when he shifted his focus to the storm around him (see verses 28–31).

Latter Day Kids “Look to Christ in Faith” Lesson ideas

Additional Resources

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “The Bread of Life” Lesson ideas

Mar 19 2023

Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13

Posted on March 19, 2023 by Camilla

I need to prepare to learn the teachings of Jesus.
I need to prepare my heart to receive the teachings of Jesus.
Heavenly Father wants me to choose the right.
I can choose the right even when those around me do not.
My membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a treasure. (younger children)
My membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a treasure. (older children)
Parable of the Mustard Seed and Leaven
Parables
Additional Resources

Matthew CHAPTER 13 Jesus explains why He teaches with parables—He gives the parables of the sower, the wheat and the tares, the grain of mustard seed, the leaven, the treasure hidden in the field, the pearl of great price, and the net cast into the sea—A prophet is not honored by his own people.

Luke CHAPTER 8 Jesus gives and interprets the parable of the sower—He stills the tempest; casts out a legion of devils, who then enter the swine; heals a woman of an issue of blood; and raises Jairus’s daughter from death.

Luke CHAPTER 13 Jesus teaches, Repent or perish—He gives the parable of the barren fig tree, heals a woman on the Sabbath, and likens the kingdom of God to a mustard seed—He discusses whether few or many are saved and laments over Jerusalem.

I need to prepare to learn the teachings of Jesus.

Matthew 13:1–23

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13”

Display different kinds of soil (or pictures of soil) as you summarize Matthew 13:3–8. Give each child a seed, and ask what they could do to help the seeds grow. Explain that our testimonies are like seeds. How do we help our testimony “seeds” grow?

Liahona January 2023 “Prepare Your Spiritual Soil” Lesson ideas

Friend January 2019 “Testimony Plants”

A testimony is what you believe is true, like “God loves me” or “Families are forever.”
Like plants, everyone’s testimonies grow at different speeds. Heavenly Father is happy when your knowledge grows even a little.
Plants need water and sunlight to grow. Scriptures, prayer, and church are like water and light for your testimony.
Roots make plants strong. You can keep your testimony strong by remembering Heavenly Father and Jesus every day!

Friend January 2016

Use this week’s activity page to help the children understand what each type of soil described in Matthew 13 teaches about our hearts. Ask the children which type of heart Jesus wants them to have in order to learn His teachings.

Read Matthew 13:9, 15, and invite the children to point to different parts of their body when they hear them mentioned. Draw an eye, ear, and heart on the board. How can we use these body parts to learn the teachings of Jesus?

9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. 15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

Object Lesson: Take a moment to look for hidden items in the following image.

Which items were easy for you to find? Which ones required more effort?

In parables, Jesus compared familiar objects or situations to spiritual truths, and sometimes it takes effort to find the meaning.

If we seek for answers we can see, hear, feel, and understand

Ears: We can listen and pay attention when we are being taught.
Hearts: We ca pray for the Holy Ghost to help us understand.
Eyes: We can read the scriptures find answers in the footnotes or good books.
Mouth: We can ask questions like the apostles did.

I need to prepare my heart to receive the teachings of Jesus.

Matthew 13:1–23

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13” How can you help the children recognize the importance of having a soft and willing heart so that Jesus can teach them?

Assign each child to read about one of four types of soil in Matthew 13:4–8. Invite them to look for and share what happens to the seed in the type of soil they read about. How can our hearts be like the different types of soil? (see Matthew 13:19–23).

For the Strength of Youth March 2023 “The Sower”

Show the children a picture of a garden. What does the soil need to be like in order for plants to grow in it? Show a picture of rocky or thorny soil. Why would plants have a hard time growing in this kind of soil? How can we make sure our hearts are like the good soil so that we can receive the Savior’s teachings?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13” After reading the parable of the sower together, your family might discuss questions like these: What can make our “ground” (our hearts) “stony” or “choke” the word?

Stony object lesson: Show the children two clear bowls with a cup of water in each. Also show them a rock and a cup of dry dirt (or sponge). Ask what would happen if you were to put the dry dirt into the water and then ask what would happen if you put the rock into the water. Demonstrate that the dirt soaked up the water and the rock did not. Then explain that when people harden their hearts, they don’t listen or try to understand, and the words of God fall by the wayside. Or, if people don’t put effort into learning and absorbing gospel truths, they might not have enough of the word of God in their heart and their testimony of the gospel withers away when difficulty or temptation comes.

The soil that soaked up water is like our hearts ready to soak up the word of God. How can we make sure we are ready to receive the word of God?

Choke out the word: When we love certain things more than we love God, such as sports, or video games, or recreational activities, we get so caught up in them that they become more important and choke out the desire to do the things of eternal importance and choke out the spirit in our lives.

Friend January 2017 “The Next Level” Max takes a week off from playing games and he learns new things, spends time with his family, serves, and feels the Spirit.

Friend October 2016 .

Invite the children to read Matthew 13:15–17. Draw an eye, ear, and heart on the board. How do we use each of these things to learn the teachings of Jesus?

Object Lesson: Take a moment to look for hidden items in the following image.

Which items were easy for you to find? Which ones required more effort?

In parables, Jesus compared familiar objects or situations to spiritual truths, and sometimes it takes effort to find the meaning.

If we seek for answers we can see, hear, feel, and understand

Ears: We can listen and pay attention when spiritual truths are being taught.
Hearts: We ca pray for the Holy Ghost to help us understand.
Eyes: We can study and read the footnotes in the scriptures or look up answers in good books or internet sites.
Mouth: We can ask questions like the apostles did.

Why do you think some people see, hear, and understand the Lord’s messages and others do not?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13” How can you help your family members understand the importance of willingly receiving Christ’s word? To demonstrate “ears [that] are dull of hearing,” you might cover a family member’s ears while you quietly read Matthew 13:13–16. How much did that family member understand from the verses? What are ways that we can open our eyes, ears, and hearts to the word of God?

Heavenly Father wants me to choose the right.

Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43, 47–48

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13” Some of Jesus’s parables teach that at the last day, God will separate the wicked from the righteous. How can you use the parables to inspire the children to choose the right?

Let the children act out the parable of the wheat and the tares (see Matthew 13:24–30). Explain that the wheat represents people who make righteous choices, and the tares (harmful weeds) represent people who do not. One day, Heavenly Father will gather the righteous people to live with Him.

Latter Day Kids “The Parable of the Sower” Lesson ideas

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 29: “Jesus Christ Will Gather His People”

Give the children some examples of right and wrong choices. Ask the children to say “wheat choice” when you describe a right choice and “tare choice” when you describe a wrong choice.

Fighting with siblings/ Sharing with siblings

Doing chores when asked/ Complaining about chores

Getting angry after losing a game/ Choosing to congratulate the winner

Choosing to tell the truth about breaking something/ Choosing to lie so you don’t get into trouble.

Choosing to make fun of someone/ Choosing to be kind

Friend February 2020

Bring pictures of stalks of wheat, and let the children draw on the pictures some ways they can be righteous.

I can choose the right even when those around me do not.

Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13”

Invite the children to draw different scenes from the parable of the wheat and the tares, found in Matthew 13:24–30, and share their drawings with the class. Ask them to label their drawings using the interpretation of the parable found in Matthew 13:36–43. You may need to explain that tares are harmful weeds.

Lesson 17: The Parables of the Sower and the Wheat and Tares,” Primary 7: New Testament

Sower	Jesus Christ and his Apostles
Good seed (wheat)	Followers of Jesus
Field	World
Enemy	Satan
Tares (weeds)	Followers of Satan
Reapers	Angels
Harvest	Jesus’ second coming

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13” The righteous must grow among the wicked until the end of the world. One way to analyze this parable is to draw a picture of it and label it with the interpretations in Matthew 13:36–43 and Doctrine and Covenants 86:1–7. A tare is a “poisonous weed, which, until it comes into ear, is similar in appearance to wheat” (Bible Dictionary, “Tares”). What truths in this parable inspire you to remain faithful in spite of the wickedness in the world?

If possible, display a picture of wheat and tares. Explain that the wheat and tares will grow together until the harvest (the end of the world). This teaches us that we live with both good and evil around us, and we must be careful to choose the right.

Media Library “Wheat and Tares Illustration”

Ask the children to share how they can tell the difference between good and evil.

12 Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.

13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.

16 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.

17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.
Moroni 7

When a choice needs to be made, ask yourself, “Does it persaudeth men to do evil (from the devil) or does it inviteth to do good (from God).”

Read the situations below and ask the children to tell you what kind of reactions and thoughts would be from God, and what kind of reactions and thoughts would be from Satan.

Your friends have invited you to a movie. When you get there, you realize that it is not a good, wholesome one. Your friends decide to see it anyway.
Someone wants you to try drugs, smoke, or drink alcoholic beverages, saying that using such things will make you feel good.
Some of your friends won’t include you if you don’t swear with them.
Someone tells you some gossip about a friend and suggests you pass it on.

You break the cookie jar while getting some cookies. Your mother asks you what happened.
Your friends invite you to go to the circus on Sunday after your church meetings are over.
You don’t know an answer on a test at school. You promised your parents that you would try to get a good grade.
You’re very tired and get into bed before remembering to pray.
Your brother is being mean and teasing you.

My membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a treasure. (younger children)

Matthew 13:44–46

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13” How can you use the imagery of treasure and precious pearls to help the children understand the value of belonging to Christ’s Church?

What do the two men in these parables have in common? Are there additional things we should be doing as individuals and as a family to put the kingdom of God first in our lives?

Hide pictures of a treasure chest and a pearl in the room, and let the children find them. Use the pictures to teach about the parables in Matthew 13:44–46. Talk about why someone might give up everything they have for a beautiful pearl or a treasure in a field. Explain that sometimes we give up something good for something even better. Tell the children why the gospel is valuable to you.

Place in a box or chest several objects or pictures that represent “treasures” in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, such as the Savior, temples, or the Book of Mormon. Ask each child to choose an object or picture and talk about why it is a treasure.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 111-114”

Sing together “The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, 77), and ask the children to talk about reasons they’re thankful for the Savior’s Church. Testify of the blessings you’ve experienced because of your membership in the Church.

My membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a treasure. (older children)

Matthew 13:44–46

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13” Do the children you teach see their membership in the Church as a valuable treasure? Perhaps discussing the parables in Matthew 13:44–46 can help them share their feelings about the Savior’s Church.

Invite the children to read Matthew 13:44–46 to themselves and share the parables in their own words with another class member.

Cut out several circles to represent coins, and put them in a treasure box. Invite the children to pick a coin and draw or write on it one thing they love about being a member of the Church. Ask the children to share what they put on their coin.

Friend April 2013 “Jesus Christ Restored His Church in the Latter Days”

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.

Invite a ward member to share his or her conversion story with the children and tell what he or she sacrificed to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Or ask the children to talk about sacrifices they make for the Lord and His Church.

Parable of the Mustard Seed and Leaven

Liahona March 2023 Come, Follow Me Family Fun

Growing, Growing, Every Day As members of Jesus Christ’s restored Church, we are responsible to help grow the kingdom of God on earth. Matthew 13:31–32 says:

“The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:

“Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree.”

Sit in a circle and curl up small like a tiny mustard seed.
Have everyone take turns naming an activity they might do each day to help the Church grow (bear their testimony, share a scripture on social media, share a gospel truth with a friend, etc.).
Each time someone mentions an activity that helps the Church grow, everyone sits up a little straighter and then begins to stand up until they are standing tall.
Discuss with your family why it is important for each person to do his or her part to contribute to the Church’s growth.

News with Naylor’s “Week 12: Spiritual Growth (Parable of the Mustard Seed & Leaven Bread)”

Parables

Friend March 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Write Your Own Parable”

Jesus taught the gospel using stories called “parables.” One story He told was about how a tiny mustard seed can grow into a big tree (see Matthew 13:31–32). What was He teaching? What other parables did Jesus teach?

Song: “If I Listen with My Heart” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

Activity: Parables can help us understand the gospel better. Write your own parable. Share your parable with family members or friends.

Friend March 2023 “Write a Parable”

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Listen with Your Heart” Lesson ideas

Mar 13 2023

Matthew 11–12; Luke 11

Posted on March 13, 2023 by Camilla

Jesus will help me as I come unto Him. (Younger Children)
Jesus will help me as I come unto Him. (Older Children)
I can keep the Sabbath day holy.

Matthew CHAPTER 11 Jesus acclaims John as more than a prophet—The cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum are rebuked for unbelief—The Son reveals the Father—The yoke of Christ is easy, and His burden is light.

Matthew CHAPTER 12 Jesus proclaims Himself Lord of the Sabbath and heals on the Sabbath day—He is accused of casting out devils through the power of Beelzebub—He speaks of blasphemy against the Holy Ghost and says that an evil and adulterous generation seeks signs.

Luke CHAPTER 11 Jesus gives the Lord’s Prayer—He discusses the casting out of devils—He acclaims Himself as greater than Jonah and Solomon—He rebukes the Pharisees and says that the blood of all the prophets may be required of their generation.

Jesus will help me as I come unto Him. (Younger Children)

Matthew 11:28–30

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 11–12; Luke 11” Children can feel comfort knowing that Jesus will help them with their burdens when they come to Him.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) Draw a stick figure representing a [child].(Or have each of the children draw a stick figure representing themselves on a paper. Draw, or have the children draw, a backpack on the stick figure’s back to represent the burdens and stresses [children] today face. Write, or have the children write, at least five of those burdens or stresses in, on, or around the backpack.

Jesus Christ said, “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). A yoke helps two ani

Read Matthew 11:28–30, and show the picture of yoked oxen in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families. Ask the children to point to the oxen and the yoke. Explain that yoked oxen can pull more weight together than each could separately. Testify that when we feel sad, worried, or scared, we can seek Jesus and He will help us.

Ask a child to lift a heavy object. When he or she struggles, offer to help. How does Jesus help us do hard things? Share an experience when you felt Jesus help you do something hard, and ask the children to share experiences of their own.

Friend March 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Song: “If the Savior Stood Beside Me” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

Activity: Ask someone to move a heavy object across the room.

Friend December 2021 “Carrying Spotty” Abbie got a new puppy. She helped him feel safe when he was scared. She carried him when he was tired. In Primary, Abbie learned that Jesus suffered for us and took upon him our sorrows. He can carry us through our trials. She realized that Jesus helps her kind of like she helps her puppy. He helped her feel safe when she was afraid of the dark. He helped her feel stronger when she was worried.

Jesus will help me as I come unto Him. (Older Children)

Matthew 11:28–30

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 11–12; Luke 11” How can you help the children understand that the Savior will give them rest from their challenges as they come unto Him?

Invite the children to share a time when they were worried or anxious about something. Invite them to search Matthew 11:28–30 for counsel that can help them in similar circumstances. How does the Savior “give [us] rest”? (verse 28).

Jesus Christ said, “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). A yoke helps two animals pull something together. When we choose to follow Jesus, He can help us with our trials.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023)

See The Red Crystal for an illustration of Jesus lifting the backpack to help carry the load.

Friend March 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Song: “If the Savior Stood Beside Me” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

Activity: Ask someone to move a heavy object across the room. Then have them move that object with someone’s help. Talk about how our burdens are lighter when we turn to the Savior for help.

For the Strength of Youth March 2023 “Come Unto Him” Explanation of words in Matthew 11: 28-30

President Russell M. Nelson taught: “You come unto Christ to be yoked with Him and with His power, so that you’re not pulling life’s load alone. You’re pulling life’s load yoked with the Savior and Redeemer of the world, and suddenly your problems, no matter how serious they are, become lighter” (“The Mission and Ministry of the Savior: A Discussion with Elder Russell M. Nelson,” Ensign, June 2005, 18).

Latter Day kids “Take My Yoke Upon You” Lesson ideas

Also see Red Crystal for additional teaching ideas.

Invite the children to draw pictures of things they are doing to come unto Jesus and learn of Him.

In order to receive the Savior’s help and the rest He offers, we must come unto Him. Consider watching “Come unto Christ: 2014 Theme Song” (4:48) to see examples of how someone can come unto the Savior. (Have the children look for how the teenagers come unto Christ when they have difficulties such as illness, loneliness, temptation, family contention, etc. Ideas include pray for help, repent of sins, study his words in the scriptures, follow Jesus’s example and serve others, go to church and learn of him, take the sacrament and think about what Jesus has done for us, commit to keeping his commandments and remembering him always, etc.) You may also have them look for the way the Lord helped ease the burdens of the teens as they came unto him.

Help the children memorize the fourth article of faith. Talk with them about how each of the first principles and ordinances of the gospel helps us accept Jesus’s invitation, “Come unto me” (Matthew 11:28).

I can keep the Sabbath day holy.

Matthew 12:1–13

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 11–12; Luke 11” What are some fun ways you can teach the children about the Sabbath day and why we keep it holy?

Read Matthew 12:10–13 out loud. Invite the children to stand up and sit down every time you say “Sabbath,” and repeat with them the phrase “It is [right] to do well on the sabbath days” (Matthew 12:12). What do they think that means?

“For Little Friends: Doing Good on the Sabbath Day”(September 2007 Liahona and Friend)
A list of things children can do on the Sabbath day.

Show a calendar to the children, and highlight the Sabbath day for them. What do we do on other days of the week? What can we do on the Sabbath to make it different from other days? (see Isaiah 58:13–14).

Print and cut out the images. Have the children take turns putting the things that fulfill the purposes of the Sabbath on the Sunday squares and put the other things on one of the weekday squares. Before deciding where a picture goes, ask the following question: “Does it bring me closer to Heavenly Father, increase my spiritual strength, or rest my body?” As you do the activity, pay attention to all the days on the calendar that the family has to do their work, sports, and recreation, and notice that there is only one day a week that we are to set aside as a holy day of worship.

Ask the children to draw good things they can do on the Sabbath day (see this week’s activity page).

Invite the children to come up with actions to help them remember ways we get ready for the Sabbath as they sing the song “Saturday” (Children’s Songbook, 196).

Draw eyes, ears, a mouth, and hands on the chalkboard. Ask the children to tell you what each of these parts of our bodies can do to keep the Sabbath day holy.

The Sabbath is a day to do good things that bring me closer to God.

Matthew 12:1–13

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 11–12; Luke 11” The children you teach will be strengthened as you emphasize the purposes and blessings of keeping the Sabbath day holy.

Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: New Testament 2023 In their zeal to keep the Sabbath day holy, the Pharisees had implemented strict rules and man-made traditions, which eventually clouded their understanding of the true purpose of the Sabbath.

“What did the Savior mean when He said that “the sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath”? [ Mark 2:27 ]. I believe He wanted us to understand that the Sabbath was His gift to us, granting real respite [or relief] from the rigors of daily life and an opportunity for spiritual and physical renewal. God gave us this special day, not for amusement or daily labor but for a rest from duty, with physical and spiritual relief.” (Russell M. Nelson, “The Sabbath Is a Delight,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 129)

Watch the video “Share Your Sabbath” (0:53), which shares several ways to “do good” on the Sabbath day.

Invite a child to pretend to be the man whose hand was healed by the Savior (see Matthew 12:10–13). Another child could ask him or her questions about the experience.

Read together Matthew 12:12. What are some good things we can do on the Sabbath? Let the children draw their ideas on this week’s activity page, cut out the pieces, and take turns putting each other’s puzzles together.

“For Little Friends: Doing Good on the Sabbath Day”(September 2007 Liahona and Friend)
A list of things children can do on the Sabbath day.

Teaching Children the Gospel “Calendar and Chart Activity” Lists of things to do on Sunday with sticker activity

What are some of your favorite ways to come closer to Jesus Christ on Sunday?

Hide several pictures of people doing things that show love for Heavenly Father on the Sabbath day. Ask the children to find the pictures and share how doing the things in the pictures shows our love for God.

Heavenly Father gives us good gifts.

Luke 11:11–13

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 11–12; Luke 11” The Savior’s teaching in Luke 11:11–13 can help the children you teach understand that Heavenly Father loves them and wants to bless them.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “Luke 11:1–13” Jesus compared a mortal father’s desire to give gifts to his children to Heavenly Father’s desire to give us gifts. Jesus taught that if an imperfect mortal father “know[s] how to give good gifts unto [his] children” ( Luke 11:13), “how much more shall your heavenly Father give good gifts, through the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” (Joseph Smith Translation, Luke 11:14 [in Luke 11:13 , footnote a]).

Use an object lesson to illustrate the Savior’s teachings in Luke 11:11–13. For example, you could place a stone inside a bread bag or put a picture of a scorpion inside an egg carton. Ask the children to guess what is inside, and then show them. Invite them to replace the stone or picture with a piece of bread or an egg. Read Luke 11:11–13, and share your testimony that Heavenly Father loves us, answers our prayers, and gives us many blessings through His Spirit.

For the Strength of Youth June 2023 “The Friend at Midnight” Luke 11:5–13

Find the things in the picture that show Heavenly Father and Jesus’s love for us.

Sing together a song about God’s love, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29). What are some of the good gifts that He has given us? Ask the children to draw pictures of blessings from Heavenly Father that they are grateful for.

Friend February 2023 “What’s on Your Mind?”

Both my actions and my heart must be pure.

Luke 11:37–42

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 11–12; Luke 11” The Savior taught that it is not enough to appear righteous to others. Our thoughts, feelings, and private actions must also be pure.

To illustrate what these verses teach, show the children a cup or other container that is clean on the outside but dirty on the inside. Help them think about what “the outside of the cup” might represent. What does the “inward part” represent? Why is it important to clean both the outside and the inside?

Object Lesson

What we think about and put into our minds affects what actions come out.

Demonstrate this with an empty toilet paper roll or paper towel roll. Shove some dirt covered paper towels into the cardboard roll as the children tell what things might make our spirits dirty, things such as what we see and hear or thoughts that are filled with hate and anger, dishonesty, greed, pride and vanity (thinking we are better than others in appearance, abilities, intelligence, etc.) selfishness, disobedience, etc.

Ask what would happen if you continued to shove dirty paper towels into the roll. (They would come out the other end.) What happens when we fill our minds with things that are unclean? They come out and manifest themselves through unclean actions.

Show another toilet paper roll and fill it with clean paper towels. Ask the children what will come out the other end. Explain that the clean paper towels represents thinking good thoughts by filling our minds with good things like reading our scriptures, listening to talks and lessons at church, praying, watching and listening to good, uplifting media and music, etc. When we fill our lives with things that are good and uplifting, our thoughts and actions become clean. (You can also push the dirty paper towels out with clean ones to demonstrate that we can clean out unclean thoughts by replacing what we see, hear, and think with good things.)

Read together some other scriptures that emphasize righteousness both in our hearts and our actions—for example, Psalm 24:3–5; Matthew 15:7–8; Moroni 7:6–9. Discuss why the Savior wants our hearts and private actions to be spiritually clean.

The things we do and think affect our happiness in this life and the life to come.

Lesson 38: Peace Among the Nephites

Print and cutout all the signs except for the top page. Using tacky wax or removable double sided tape, attach all the small words to a piece of cardstock in random order. Tape the faces to the board or wall. Explain that after Jesus visited the Nephites they kept their spirits clean for many years and they lived in happiness. Show the cardstock to children. Have them take off the words they associate with happiness and put them under the smiley face. Explain that the scriptures tell that these are the things they experienced as a result of keeping their spirits clean. After a long period of time, wickedness started to creep in and the Nephites started experiencing terrible things as a result of the wickedness. Tape the rest of the words on the cardstock under the frowning face.

Explain that when we keep our minds and thoughts clean, we make good choices and we are happy. We can also return to live with Heavenly Father and again and enjoy the blessings of eternal life (the kind of life Heavenly Father has).

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal

Table of Contents

Before Jesus comes again, the gospel will be preached in all the world. (Younger children)

Before Jesus comes again, the gospel will be preached in all the world. (Older children)

Signs of the Savior’s Second Coming can help us face the future with faith.

We must always be ready for the Savior’s Second Coming.

I am responsible for my own conversion to Jesus Christ.

I can use the gifts God has given me.

At the Final Judgment, we will give the Lord an account of our lives.

Jesus wants me to serve others.

The Widow’s Mite

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Heavenly Father and Jesus know me by name.

As I seek the Savior, I will find Him.

The temple is a sacred place.

The temple is a sacred place that I should respect.

I can be obedient.

Jesus wants me to be righteous in my actions and my desires.

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Heavenly Father wants us to marry in the temple and have eternal families. (Younger children)

Heavenly Father wants us to marry in the temple and have eternal families. (Older children)

Jesus wants little children to come to Him so He can bless them.

If I obey the commandments, I can receive eternal life.

Jesus can help me know what I need to do to progress.

Everyone can receive the blessing of eternal life, no matter when they accept the gospel.

The First Shall Be Last (Humility)

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Heavenly Father wants all of His children to return to Him.

I can help Jesus find His lost sheep.

I can show my love for Heavenly Father by being grateful for my blessings. (younger children)

I can show my love for Heavenly Father by being grateful for my blessings. (older children)

We believe that Jesus is the Son of God. (younger children)

We believe that Jesus is the Son of God. (older children)

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Keeping the commandments will help me know they are true. (Younger Children)

Keeping the commandments will help me know they are true. (Older Children)

Jesus obeyed His Father.

Obedience can make me free.

Jesus knows me and loves me.

Jesus is like a shepherd to me.

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I should always forgive others.

Heavenly Father will forgive me as I forgive others.

Jesus taught me to see all people as my neighbors and love them.

I can love and serve others, especially those in need.

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Mary and Martha

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I can gain a testimony that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

A testimony of Jesus Christ comes through revelation.

Jesus Christ gives prophets and apostles priesthood keys to lead His Church.

The Church of Jesus Christ is led by those who hold priesthood keys.

Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

My faith can work miracles.

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Jesus Christ knows what I need and can help me.

Jesus Christ teaches me about Heavenly Father.

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

My small offerings can make a difference.

Faith in Jesus Christ can help me not be afraid.

Faith in Jesus Christ can help me not be afraid.