Category Archives: Old Testament

Oct 25 2026

Jeremiah 31–33; 36-39; Lamentations 1; 3

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Heavenly Father and Jesus love me “with an everlasting love.”

Jeremiah 31:3

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022

  • Show the children some objects (or pictures of objects) and have them find items that last a long time, such as a metal coin, and some that do not, such as a piece of fruit. You could talk about what “everlasting” means. Read Jeremiah 31:3 and help the children understand that the love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have for them is “everlasting. Share with each other how you have felt Heavenly Father’s “everlasting love.”
Clipart Library
  • Ask the children to share how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ show Their “loving kindness” for them (Jeremiah 31:3). To give the children ideas, sing a song about Their love for us, such as “I Feel My Savior’s Love” or “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 74–75, 228–29). If possible, show pictures of things mentioned in the song. How do we feel when we think about the love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

For additional resources see Love of God.

God will help me keep my covenants.

Jeremiah 31:31–34; 32:38–41

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022

  • Draw a heart on the board, and invite half of the children to read Jeremiah 31:31–34 and the other half to read Jeremiah 32:38–41. Invite the groups to write in the heart things they learn from their verses about our covenants with God. How is having God’s law written in our hearts (see Jeremiah 31:33) different from just reading it in the scriptures? Why do we want to make covenants with the Lord? Why does He want to make covenants with us?

The Red Crystal

Come Follow Me Kid Cut apart the strips. Take turns choosing one out of a pile and discussing what it means

  • To review the covenants we make when we are baptized, invite the children to make a two-column chart on a piece of paper with the headings My Promises and God’s Promises. Ask them to fill in the chart by using Mosiah 18:10, 13. Invite the children to display the paper at home to help them remember to keep their covenants.

Friend March 2023 “Baptismal Covenants”

The scriptures are the word of God.

Jeremiah 36

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022.

Invite one child to pretend to be Jeremiah, and invite the other children to be Baruch. Help the child acting as Jeremiah say some words from Jeremiah 36:3 while the other children pretend to write them down, like Baruch did. Testify that the scriptures today are “the words of the Lord” (Jeremiah 36:4) that He asked prophets to write down.

  • Display a children’s book and a copy of the scriptures, and ask the children to talk about the differences they notice between the books. What makes the scriptures special? Help the children understand that the scriptures are God’s word written by prophets, just like the book of Jeremiah is what God told Jeremiah to write.

Friend October 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Story: The Lord told Jeremiah to write down His words (see Jeremiah 36:1–4). We can read them today in the book of Jeremiah. The scriptures help us know the words of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Song: “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109)

Activity: Play a scripture guessing game! Take turns acting out your favorite scripture story. Have everyone guess what story is being acted out. What does your favorite story teach you?

I can share what I’m learning from the scriptures.

Jeremiah 36:4–10

Children can have a great influence on those around them. Like Baruch, they can share what they are learning in the scriptures with others.

  • Invite the children to do actions that go along with the words as you read (or summarize) Jeremiah 36:4–10, such as pretending to write in a book (see verse 4), holding the bars of a jail (see verse 5), and reading the scriptures to the people (see verses 8, 10). Emphasize that Baruch had the courage to read the words of Jeremiah to the people even though the leaders in Jerusalem didn’t want him to. Help the children to remember something they have learned from the Old Testament and to think of ways they can share it with others.

Friend May 2024 “Scripture Story Time” At reading time at school, the teacher asked if anyone had a book they would like read. Nyameye raised his hand. He had brought the Book of Mormon Scripture Stories. The teacher read Nyameye’s favorite story of Lehi’s vision. After school his friend wanted to read another of the stories with him. Other classmates came to listen and some asked questions. Nyameye was glad his friends liked his favorite stories as much as he did.

  • Sing a song about the scriptures, such as “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109). Share your testimony of the scriptures, and invite the children to share their testimonies too.

I can stand up for what is right.

Jeremiah 38:6–13

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

  • You could use the picture at the end of the outline to help your children visualize the story of Ebed-melech in Jeremiah 38:6–13. Maybe you could help them find a verse where Ebed-melech did something brave to help the Lord’s prophet. What can we do to show that we know our prophet today is called of God?
I Will Surely Deliver Thee (Jeremiah 39:18)
, by Eva Timothy

Friend November 2019 “Dear Student Dictionary” After President Nelson’s special youth devotional, Matthew looked for ways to be a youth-battalion member. He was kind to others and stood up for kids being teased. After President Nelson’s conference talk about calling the church by its correct name, he wrote a letter to a student dictionary that used the name “Mormons”  and explained what the correct name of the church was.

The Savior made it possible for me to be forgiven of my sins.

Lamentations 1:1–2, 16; 3:22–26

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022

  • To introduce Lamentations, explain to the children that because the Israelites had not repented, Jerusalem and the temple there had been destroyed. Ask the children to talk about how they might have felt if they had been living in Jerusalem at that time. Read together Lamentations 1:1–2, 16. What words and phrases in these verses help us understand how the Israelites might have felt? How might the message in Lamentations 3:22–26 have given them hope?
  • You could also tell each other about times you felt sad about a bad choice you made. What do we find in Lamentations 3:22–26 that helps us understand the forgiveness Jesus Christ offers?

Friend February 2021 “Repenting and Trying Again” After yelling at his brother for breaking his toy, Raymond remembered what the bishop had said during his baptism interview, “We all make mistakes. But we can repent and try again.” Raymond apologized to his little brother for yelling.

Friend April 2026 ” Jesus Christ Rescues Us”

As the book of Lamentations poetically describes, we often feel sorrowful when we sin. These feelings can inspire us to change and ask Heavenly Father for forgiveness. (The book of Lamentations is a collection of poems written after the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple.)

Additional Resources

Latter Day Kids “Waiting on the Lord” Lesson ideas

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “His People” Lesson Ideas

Jul 19 2026

2 Chronicles 14–20; 26; 30

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King Asa and King Jehoshaphat turn to the Lord when Judah is attacked

2 Chronicles Chapter 14 Asa reigns in Judah, rebuilds the cities, and defeats and plunders the Ethiopians, who attack Judah.

2 Chronicles Chapter 15 Azariah prophesies that Judah will prosper if the people keep the commandments—Asa does away with false worship in Judah—Many from Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon migrate to Judah—The people covenant to serve the Lord and are blessed.

2 Chronicles Chapter 16 Asa employs Syria to defeat Israel—Hanani the seer reproves Asa for lack of faith—Asa suffers from disease and dies.

2 Chronicles Chapter 20 The Ammonites and others attack Judah—Jehoshaphat and all the people fast and pray—Jahaziel prophesies the deliverance of Judah—Judah’s attackers war among and destroy themselves.

I can trust God.

2 Chronicles 14–16; 20

  • To introduce the idea of trusting the Lord, you might show your children something you trust to keep you dry when it rains, like an umbrella or jacket. Let them talk about why we can trust these things. Then help them compare that to our trust in the Lord. Why do we trust Him to keep us safe spiritually?

Clipart Library

  • You could help your children discover how King Asa and King Jehoshaphat responded to challenges by trusting in the Lord (see 2 Chronicles 14:11; 20:3–5, 12). Share with each other ways you can show the Lord that you trust Him.

Friend July 2018 “Allie’s New Class” Allie has to change kindergarten classes and she is worried, but she says a prayer, and she knows she can be brave because Heavenly Father will help her.

God will hear and answer my prayers.

2 Chronicles 20:1–29

  • This week’s activity page can help your children understand the story of Jehoshaphat’s prayer and the Lord’s answer. You and your children could share times when God heard and answered your prayers. Consider including times when the answers came in ways or at times that you didn’t expect.

A song about prayer, such as “I Pray in Faith” (Children’s Songbook, 14), could help build your children’s faith.

King Uzziah

2 Chronicles Chapter 26 Uzziah reigns and prospers as long as he keeps the commandments—He transgresses, attempts to burn incense upon the altar, and is cursed with leprosy.

I can be humble.

2 Chronicles 26:3–23

  • To learn about the dangers of pride, your children could build a tower with blocks or small cups. As they place each block or cup on the tower, help them identify one of Uzziah’s accomplishments from 2 Chronicles 26:3–15. After they finish the tower, discuss with your children how Uzziah could keep it tall and strong. What could make it fall? Then, as you read verse 16, you could talk about what it means to have our hearts “lifted up to [our] destruction.” Share with your children what happened to Uzziah in verses 16–23. Let them knock down their tower. Talk about what we can do to stay humble.

The Red Crystal See this site for these printable images to put on cups. Have children stack them as you tell or read the story, then knock it down after his heart became proud.

Definition of Pride: A inflated, high opinion of one’s own importance, merit, or superiority.

What is humility? A modest opinion of one’s own importance, rank, etc.  Guide to the Scriptures: The condition of being meek and teachable. Humility includes recognizing our dependence upon God and desiring to submit to His will.

New Era February 2002 “Idea List: Fighting Pride” Ways to develop humilty: be grateful, serve others, admit mistakes, forgive others, accept counsel from others.

King Hezekiah Invite Israel to a Passover

2 Chronicles Chapter 30 Hezekiah invites all Israel to a solemn Passover in Jerusalem—Some accept the call; others laugh him to scorn—The faithful Israelites worship the Lord in Jerusalem.

I can be a peacemaker.

2 Chronicles 30

  • The picture above shows when Hezekiah invited Judah’s neighbors from the Kingdom of Israel to celebrate Passover with them. You could look at this image with your children and read 2 Chronicles 30:18–19, which explains that some of the guests had not washed themselves according to the law of Moses. What did Hezekiah do? How would this have made the guests feel? Help your children think of how they can be like Hezekiah in the way they treat others. You could also help you children discover ways President Dallin H. Oaks said we can be peacemakers in “Alive in Christ” (Liahona, May 2026, 86–87).

Friend May 2026 “Am I a Peacemaker”

Friend April 2024 “5 Ways to Be a Peacemaker”

The Red Crystal Peacemaker or Peacebreaker Activity

Additional Resources

Friend July 2026 “Weekly Scripture Fun”

Scripture Helps: Old Testament

Latter Day Kids “Seek the Lord in Times of Trouble” Lesson ideas and video

The Red Crystal

Jun 14 2026

 1 Samuel 17–18; 24–26; 2 Samuel 5–7

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DAVID AND GOLIATH

1 Samuel CHAPTER 17 Israel and the Philistines engage in war—Goliath of Gath, a giant, defies Israel and challenges any Israelite to personal combat—David goes against him in the name of the Lord—David slays Goliath with a sling and a stone—Israel defeats the Philistines.

Faith in Jesus Christ can help me have courage.

1 Samuel 17:10–54

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18” Children relate easily with young David because even though David was small, he overcame a big challenge. Help them see that the source of his courage and strength was his faith in Jesus Christ.

  • Review the story of David and Goliath with the children (see “David and Goliath” in Old Testament Stories). Then you could let them retell the story using the pictures or line drawings in this outline. Ask them what they think the Lord wants them to learn from this story. (Or assign the children to draw pictures of different parts of the story in 1 Samuel 17:20–54. Display the pictures in order on the board, and invite the children to share the story by talking about each of the pictures they drew.)

Old Testament Scripture Stories “David and Goliath” Images

  • Use this week’s activity page to show how tall Goliath might have been compared to a young boy like David. Explain that the army of Israel was afraid of Goliath. Ask the children to pretend to be scared. Then show a picture of Jesus Christ, and tell the children that because David had faith in the Lord, he could be brave. Ask them to stand up tall, like they are brave.
  • Invite the children to march like they are David going to fight Goliath while singing a song about being courageous, such as “I Will Be Valiant” (Children’s Songbook, 162).

Jesus Christ can help me overcome any challenge.

1 Samuel 17:20–54

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18” The children may be facing challenges that seem as difficult as defeating a giant like Goliath. David’s example can give them hope that the Lord will help fight their battles.

  • You and your children could also make a list of some difficult challenges they (or others) might face during their life. Then help them find things David said that can help with these challenges (see 1 Samuel 17:26, 32, 34–37, 45–47). Share how Jesus Christ has helped you during challenges.

Friend June 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Goliath Toss

Activity: Make a square on the ground with chalk or tape. Write the name “Goliath” inside. Stand back and toss pebbles into the square. Every time your pebble lands in the square, name a way Heavenly Father helps you overcome big challenges.

Come Follow Me Kid Includes an activity where you knock over Goliath with marshmallows. Could use it to have the children name a way Heavenly Father helps them overcome big challenges.

Friend May 2019 “Bright Idea” Poster or handout that says “I can conquer giant problems” next to a giant like David slew.

Lesson 28: David and Goliath,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 120–24
To encourage each child to seek Heavenly Father’s help in overcoming obstacles.

  1. Show the children a string or rope that you have cut to the length of 9 feet 9 inches (3 meters). You may want to attach it to the wall or ceiling or have children hold the two ends and pull it out to its full length so they can see how tall Goliath was. To help them visualize how much Goliath’s armor weighed, invite the children to volunteer their weights and see what combined weight would be close to the 150 pounds (67.5 kilos) that his armor is estimated to have weighed. Let the children describe how they would feel if they had to fight such an opponent.
  2. Ask the children to choose “Goliaths,” or challenges, in their lives they would like to overcome and write them on the giant. Then have them think of ways to overcome their challenges, write them on pieces of paper, and cut these papers to look like stones. Explain that all challenges can’t be overcome, but if we ask Heavenly Father for his help, he will give us strength to cope with them. Encourage each child to choose a challenge that he or she can work on and to include faith and prayer as part of the solution.

“Comfort and Courage from the Scriptures” (September 2006 Liahona and Friend)

Give the children a piece of paper, and ask them to write a trial or challenge children face today, such as immodest clothing, inappropriate media, and so on. (Younger children can draw pictures.) As the children share the trial, have them wrap the paper around a small rock and place it in the backpack. Pass the backpack to some of the children. Discuss ways Heavenly Father helps them with their trials. With each suggestion, remove several rocks. Pass the backpack again. Sing a song or hymn about the Savior. Explain that Jesus will always help us and comfort us.

Friend July 2022 “David’s Sling” Follow the paths to the matching rocks to find out ways God can help you when you follow Him.

Gospel Art Book “David Slays Goliath”

FRIENDSHIP OF DAVID AND JONATHON

1 Samuel CHAPTER 18 Jonathan loves David—Saul sets David over his armies—David is honored by the people, and Saul becomes jealous—David marries Michal, a daughter of Saul.

Good friends can be a blessing from God.

1 Samuel 18:1–4

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 How can you help your children learn from Jonathan and David’s friendship? Draw two figures on the board, one to represent David and the other to represent Jonathan. Read to the children a few phrases from 1 Samuel 18:1–4 that emphasize the love these two friends felt for each other.

Media Library
  • Give each child two paper hearts. Your children could then write or draw on their paper hearts how they can show love to a friend.

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

  • Tell the children about a good friend who helps you live the gospel or build your faith in Jesus Christ, and invite the children to share who helps them. Invite the children to act out doing something nice for a friend.

Friend April 2017 “Be a Light” Color in the sun as you figure out someone to do certain things for as a true friend such as loving, forgiving, encouraging, etc.

Friend July 2026 “Weekly Scripture Fun: Being Happy for Others”

Song: “Oh, How Great Is Our Joy” (Hymns—For Home and Church, no. 1033)

Scripture: 1 Samuel 18:1–4

Activity: Jonathan was happy for David after he beat Goliath. You can learn to show love to others like Jonathan did! Cut out the cards on page 43 and play the matching game with your family. Be kind to the winner—say things like, “Good game” or “Great job!”

Lesson 29: David and Jonathan,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 125–30
To help the children understand how to be a true friend.

DAVID SPARES SAUL’S LIFE

1 Samuel Chapter 24 David finds Saul in a cave and spares his life—Saul confesses that David is more righteous than he—David swears that he will not cut off the seed of Saul.

1Samuel Chapter 25 Samuel dies—Nabal rebuffs David and refuses to give him food—Abigail intercedes, saves Nabal, and gives David a present—David is pacified, Nabal dies, and David marries Abigail.

1 Samuel Chapter 26 David again spares Saul’s life—He again refuses to stretch forth his hand against the Lord’s anointed—Saul and David separate.

Forgiveness is the sure path to peace and healing.

1 Samuel 24–26

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

In 1 Samuel 24–26, look for lessons about pride, forgiveness, and self-control. “Spiritual poise blesses us to stay calm and focused on what matters most, especially when we are under pressure.”(“Christlike Poise”) How did David, Abigail, and others demonstrate—or fail to demonstrate—Christlike poise in these chapters? What opportunities do you have to show Christlike poise?

Sister Kristen Yee’s message “Beauty for Ashes: The Healing Path of Forgiveness” (Liahona, Nov. 2022, 36–39) can help you study 1 Samuel 25. How is Abigail like Jesus Christ?

“Cease From Anger” (February 2010 Friend)
Take this quiz to see how forgiving you are. When we are loving and forgiving, we can be peacemakers.

Friend March 2015

Friend March 2015

KING DAVID

2 Samuel CHAPTER 5 All Israel anoints David king—He takes Jerusalem and is blessed of the Lord—He conquers the Philistines.

2 Samuel CHAPTER 6 David takes the ark to the city of David—Uzzah is smitten for steadying the ark and dies—David dances before the Lord, causing a breach between him and Michal.

2 Samuel CHAPTER 7 David offers to build a house for the Lord—The Lord, through Nathan, says He has not asked David to do so—The Lord will establish David’s house and kingdom forever—David offers a prayer of thanksgiving.

Old Testament Stories “King David”

If I need guidance, I can ask Heavenly Father.

2 Samuel 5:19, 23

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 These verses describe how David prayed for guidance and direction as the king of Israel. How can you inspire the children to turn to God in prayer when they are in need?

  • In these chapters, David became the king of Israel. It might be fun for your children to pretend to be a king or queen. What laws would they make? Where would they go for help? Help your children discover that when David needed help, he “inquired,” or prayed, for answers. For example, as you read 2 Samuel 5:19, 23, invite the children to listen for the word “inquired” and to fold their arms when they hear it. Why would David need the Lord’s help in his new role?
  • Tell each other about times when you prayed for Heavenly Father’s help. What difference did it make to have Him help you? Testify that we can always pray to Heavenly Father when we need help.

Friend November 2017 “Prayers and Pumpkins”  Rachel loses her family during a pumpkin walk in Nauvoo. She prays for help and is inspired to talk to a missionary couple. The couple she finds turns out to be Elder Perry and his wife, and they helped her find her family.

  • Tell the children about a time when you prayed for Heavenly Father’s help. How did He answer your prayer? What difference did it make to have Him help you? Invite the children to share their experiences.

Jesus Christ is our King.

2 Samuel 7:16–17

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 The kings we read about in the Old Testament all had flaws, and their kingdoms all ended. Invite the children to read what the prophet Nathan told King David in 2 Samuel 7:16–17, and ask them what they think this prophecy might mean. How could David’s kingdom have no end? Help the children find and read scripture passages that teach that Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, is a King, such as Luke 1:32–33; John 18:33–37; and Revelation 19:16. Jesus Christ is a perfect King and will reign forever.

How is Jesus Christ like a king? How is Jesus different from earthly kings? What are some ways that we can show that Jesus Christ is our Eternal King?

Friend April 2018

Additional Resources

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Overcoming Temptation” Lesson ideas

Oct 30 2023

Ezekiel 1–3; 33–34; 36–37; 47

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Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Ezekiel 1–3; 33–34; 36–37; 47”

Ezekiel was a prophet in exile. Along with other Israelites, he had been captured and sent to Babylon several years before Jerusalem was finally destroyed. In Jerusalem, Ezekiel would have been a priest serving in the temple. In Babylon, he was among “them of the captivity,” and he “sat where they sat” (Ezekiel 3:15), hundreds of miles from the temple and with little hope of returning to the beloved house of God. Then one day Ezekiel had a vision. He saw “the glory of the Lord” (Ezekiel 1:28)—not back in the temple at Jerusalem but there in Babylon among the exiles. The wickedness in Jerusalem, he learned, had become so severe that God’s presence was no longer there (see Ezekiel 8–11; 33:21).

One of Ezekiel’s tasks was to warn the Israelites about the consequences of their rebellion—a warning that largely went unheeded. But there was more to Ezekiel’s message: he prophesied that, despite how bad things became, there was a way back. If God’s people would accept the invitation to “hear the word of the Lord” (Ezekiel 37:4), what was once dead could be revived. A “stony heart” could be replaced with “a new heart” (Ezekiel 36:26). “[I] shall put my spirit in you,” the Lord told them, “and ye shall live” (Ezekiel 37:14). And in the last days, the Lord would establish a new temple and a new Jerusalem, “and the name of the city from that day shall be, The Lord is there” (Ezekiel 48:35).

Prophets are like watchmen who warn us of danger.

Ezekiel 3:17; 33:1–5

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Ezekiel 1–3; 33–34; 36–37; 47”

Ezekiel was like a watchman, warning the Israelites of dangers they could not see. Help the children see how our prophets today are like watchmen.

  • Read to the children what the Lord told Ezekiel in Ezekiel 3:17. Invite them to do actions that go with the words, like pointing to their eyes, ears, and mouth when you read the words “watchman,” “hear,” and “mouth.”

The Red Crystal. Discover who the watchman is with this activity found at The Red Crystal

  • They might also like going on a hike—outdoors or just around the room. As they walk, warn them about the pretend dangers on the trail, like rivers to jump over, branches to duck under, or animals to avoid (real or pretend). This could lead to a conversation about how the Lord’s prophet warns us of dangers we cannot see.
  • Here’s another way to illustrate Ezekiel 3:17; 33:1–5. One of your children could pretend to be a “watchman” by looking out a window and telling everyone else what is happening outside. You could also watch the video “Watchman on the Tower” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). How is our living prophet like a watchman for us?

  • Show a picture of the current prophet while you sing together a song about prophets, such as the last verse of “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110–11). Tell the children how the prophet is like a watchman for you.
Media Library “Dallin H Oaks”

For the Strength of Youth October 2022 “A Watchman”

Ensign April 2016 “Watchmen on the Tower”

Latter Day Kids “Prophets are Like Watchman” Lesson ideas

Jesus Christ can help me change my heart.

Ezekiel 2:3–4; 3:7; 36:26–27

Ezekiel used phrases like “new heart” and “new spirit” to teach about the kind of change the Savior brings into our lives.

  • Ask the children to search Ezekiel 2:3–4; 3:7 for words that described the Israelites. Then invite them to read Ezekiel 36:26–27 to learn how the Savior offered to help them change. What words could describe the “new heart” and “new spirit” He gives us? (see, for example, Mosiah 3:19; 5:2).
  • Ask the children to think of things “stiffhearted” or “hardhearted” people (Ezekiel 2:4; 3:7) might do. For example, how might they react to counsel from a parent or the prophet? What might they do when they see someone in need? How do we act differently

Show your family some stones as you discuss what it means to have a “stony heart.” Let them suggest words that describe the “new heart” and “new spirit” the Savior gives us (see Mosiah 3:19; 5:2).

The Bible and the Book of Mormon help “gather” us to Jesus Christ.

Ezekiel 37:15–23

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Ezekiel 1–3; 33–34; 36–37; 47”

Friend October 2022 “Ezekiel’s Promises Come True”

Ezekiel compared the house of Israel to two sticks that become one. These sticks also symbolize the Bible and Book of Mormon, which unitedly testify of Christ.

  • Give some children copies of the Book of Mormon; give others copies of the Bible. Summarize Ezekiel 37:15–19 by explaining that the Lord told Ezekiel to write on two sticks representing the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Read verse 17, and invite each child to find someone who has a book of scripture different from theirs and “join them” together so that they “become one in [their hands].” Talk about how both the Bible and the Book of Mormon help us strengthen our faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ..

After reading Ezekiel 37:15–23 together, you and your children could find two sticks and write on one For Judah (Bible) and on the other For Joseph (Book of Mormon). Using pictures from the Gospel Art Book, you could then share stories or scriptures from the Bible and Book of Mormon that help you feel closer to the Savior and become “[His] people” (verse 23). Why is it good to have both of these two books of scripture?

The Red Crystal

  • Ezekiel’s “stick of Judah” (the Bible) and “stick of Joseph” (the Book of Mormon) work together to gather Israel to the Savior (see Ezekiel 37:19). Explain that “the stick of Joseph” refers to the Book of Mormon, which was written by the descendants of Joseph of Egypt, and “the stick of Judah” refers to the Bible, which was written mostly by the Jews. Then read together verses 21–23 and 2 Nephi 3:12, and list blessings that come from having both of these books.
  • Put a picture of Jesus in the middle of the room, and invite the children to move their chairs to different places along the walls of the room. Then ask them to use the Topical Guide to find scriptures in the Bible and Book of Mormon that teach about Jesus Christ (if needed, show them how to do this). After each child shares a scripture, invite all the children to move their chairs closer to the picture of Jesus. Continue until everyone has been “gathered” back to Him.
“The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ” Scripture Stories Coloring Book

Our hearts and families can find healing in the house of the Lord.

Ezekiel’s vision of a healing river that flowed out of a temple can help the children learn that temples bring blessings into our lives.

The water flowing from the temple in Ezekiel’s vision brought life to everything it touched. Similarly, the blessings that flow from the temple can heal us spiritually and bring us eternal life.

Ezekiel 47:1–12

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 &

  • Ezekiel 47 describes Ezekiel’s vision of water flowing from the temple and healing the Dead Sea—a sea so salty that fish and plants cannot live in it. Maybe your children could each draw one or two objects from the vision, like a temple, a river, a desert, the Dead Sea, a multitude of fish, or a fruitful tree. Then, as you read verses 1–12 together, they could share their drawing when that object is mentioned. What blessings came from the river in this vision? Help the children see how these blessings are like the blessings the Savior offers those who keep temple covenants.

The Red Crystal

Friend June 2025 “Blessings of the Temple”

Friend May 2024 “Temple Power” Kirtland Temple purchased. Blessings of temples

The video “And the River Will Grow” (Gospel Library) can help.

  • You could also sing together a song that describes temple blessings, such as “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 188). What does this song teach about how the Lord blesses us in His holy house?

Additional Resources

Scripture Helps: Old Testament

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson Ideas

How to Draw a Watchtower | Come Create with Me…

The Red Crystal

Come Follow Me With Living Scriptures “A New Heart” Lesson ideas

Jan 1 2022

Moses 1; Abraham 3

Featured

Moses 1 God reveals Himself to Moses—Moses is transfigured—He is confronted by Satan—Moses sees many inhabited worlds—Worlds without number were created by the Son—God’s work and glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

Abraham 3 Abraham learns about the sun, moon, and stars by means of the Urim and Thummim—The Lord reveals to him the eternal nature of spirits—He learns of pre-earth life, foreordination, the Creation, the choosing of a Redeemer, and the second estate of man.

I Lived with Heavenly Father Before I Was Born.

I lived as a spirit before I was born on earth.

The term intelligences can be used to describe the spirit children of God. It can also describe “the spirit element that existed before we were begotten as spirit children.” Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught, “Prophets have revealed that we first existed as intelligences and that we were given form, or spirit bodies, by God, thus becoming His spirit children—sons and daughters of heavenly parents.” Scripture Helps: Old Testament “Moses 1; Abraham 3”

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Abraham 3:22–28

  • Knowing about our premortal life can inspire your children to make choices based on eternal truths. To help them learn about it, you could give them some key words and phrases to find in Abraham 3:22–28, like “before the world was,” “spirits,” “make an earth,” and “prove.” What do these verses teach us about why Heavenly Father sent us to earth?

New Testament Stories “Our Heavenly Father’s Plan”

Friend January 2022 “Before We Came to Earth”

  • A song like “I Will Follow God’s Plan” (Children’s Songbook, 164–65) could reinforce what Abraham 3 teaches. Maybe you could invite your children to draw pictures that go with the words.

Friend January 2012 “Agency Is the Gift to Choose for Ourselves”

Friend April 2019 “What’s on Your Mind”

I Am a Child of God.

Moses 1:1–4, 6, 12

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

  • After you read together God’s message to Moses in Moses 1:4, consider letting your children look at their reflection in a mirror and giving themselves a similar message: “I am a child of God.” Then they could give the same message to each other: “You are a child of God.”

The Red Crystal

  • You might even find pictures of a variety of people and invite your children to point to each one and say, “This is a child of God.”

Friend August 2024 “We Are All Children of God”

Friend September 2020 “Everyone is Important” We’re all daughters and sons of our heavenly parents—not all the same, but all equally important, needed, valuable, and loved!

  • Share with each other why you are glad to know you are children of God. How does this knowledge change the way you treat yourselves and others?

Friend May 2021 “A Birthday Crown” Wyatt wonders if he is special because he gets to wear a birthday crown on his birthday. His father tells him he is special because he is a child of God and that everyone else is too. When a girl was afraid to go down the slide, Wyatt remembered that everyone is special to Heavenly Father and he encouraged her and praised her.

  • You and your children could compare God’s message to Moses in Moses 1:4 with Satan’s message in verse 12. How can you help your children distinguish between God’s messages to them and Satan’s?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 1; Abraham 3”

  • Sing “I Am a Child of God” (Children’s Songbook, 2–3) with the children. Let them color this week’s activity page, and use it to review the truths this song teaches.

Additional Lesson Ideas

Primary 1 (Sunbeams) “Lesson One: I Am a Child of God”

We lived in Heaven: (Click on the below picture. Print the picture, or show it on an electronic device.) Explain that before we were born on earth we lived in heaven with Heavenly Father.

Friend April 2015

We were spirits there. A spirit is what is inside of us that makes us alive. When we were spirits, we didn’t have flesh and bones like our bodies have now, but we looked the same.

(Use these puppets to demonstrate what it means to be a spirit. See here for assembly instructions.) 

Show the first picture again and explain that Heavenly Father is the father of our spirits, and we are his spirit children

Sing: I Am a Child of God. Tell the children they are going to sing the song “I Am a Child of God.” Explain that God is another name for Heavenly Father. (I like the Red Headed Hostess visual aids for the first verse of this song, but it does cost money. Jolly Jen has a flip chart that would work too, or you could use the below visual s from the Nursery Manual. Also see churchofjesuschrist.org/study for the music)

Who is a child of God?  Toss a beanbag or soft object to a child as you say the words “I know a child of God named_____ .” Have the child say his or her own name and give the beanbag back to you. Repeat the activity until everyone has had a turn.

Print and cut out this activity. Show the pictures one at a time and ask the following:

  • Is a policeman a child of God?
  • Is a grandmother or grandfather
  • Is a bishop
  • Is a soldier
  • Is a mailman or missionaries
  • Is a mom or dad
  • Is someone who doesn’t go to our church
  • Is someone who lives in a different country or culture

Have the children take turns posting each picture under the title “Child of God.” The title can be written on the board or in a file folder or display board.  You can also bring up people they know such as a neighbor.

Help the children understand that everyone is a child of God even though we may be different in age, hair color, what we do, where we live, skin color, or the church we attend, we are all children of God.

We can be like Heavenly Father 

(Print and cut out these images pdf.) Use the following questions with the images. They could also be made into a matching game.

  • What is a baby dog called?
  • What will that puppy grow up to be?
  • What is a baby chicken called?
  • What will that chick grow up to be?

Explain that just as animals grow up to be like their parents, we will grow up to be like our parents.

Friend January 2017 “Kylie’s Parents” Kylie is like her earthly parents, and she is also like her Heavenly Parents. PDF version

Heavenly Father is the father of our spirits, so we can grow to be like him. Heavenly Father is loving, good, and kind. When we are loving, good, and kind, we are being like Heavenly Father.  We should try to become more like Heavenly Father every day.

Have children tell or act out ways they can be loving, good, or kind.

(The images for the activity “Who is a Child of God?” are from the Friend magazine. Soldier 6/16, Bishop 1/16, etc.The images for the animals are from Pixabay: Free Images)

See also Child of God

Heavenly Father Wants Me to Live with Him Again.

Moses 1:39

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 1; Abraham 3”

  • Show the children pictures of some of Heavenly Father’s many creations. Read Moses 1:30, and explain that Moses asked God about the purpose of these creations. Help the children search in verse 39 to find God’s answer. Teach them that Heavenly Father’s work is to help us gain eternal life, which means becoming like Him and living with Him again.

Latter day Kids Lesson ideas

  • Invite a parent to come to class and talk about how he or she feels when a child returns home after being away (for example, at school or on a mission), or share feelings you’ve had during these experiences. Use this example to teach the children how much Heavenly Father wants us to return to Him.

Latter Day Kids “This is My Work and My Glory” Lesson ideas

See also Resources for Teaching Children “Plan of Salvation / Plan of Happiness”

I Can Resist Satan’s Temptations.

Moses 1:12–26

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022

  • Summarize Moses’s experience in Moses 1:12–26 in your own words, or ask one of the children to do so (see also the video “I Am a Son of God” [ChurchofJesusChrist.org]). Invite the children to search these verses (verses 13, 15, 18, 20–22, 26) to learn how Moses was able to overcome Satan. (Remember you are a son or daughter of God, listen to the Spirit, think of Jesus, and pray for strength.)
  • It might be fun for them to act out things they can do to resist temptation (such as praying, walking away, or asking for help). Or bring a box of tools (or pictures of tools), and help them label each tool with a way we can resist temptation (such as praying, singing a hymn, reading the scriptures, or serving others). Let each child pick a tool and talk about a situation when the action written on that tool’s label could help us resist temptation. Read together verses 25–26, and testify that God will help us when we face temptation.
Friend April 2015

Moses 1:18.

What advice can we share to help each other “judge between” God and Satan? (See also Moroni 7:12–18; Doctrine and Covenants 50:23–24.)

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.

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.

Heavenly Father has a work for me to do.

Moses 1:6, 39

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 1; Abraham 3”

  • As you read Moses 1:6 with your children, you might talk to them about the “work” God had for Moses. Consider using the Gospel Art Book, nos. 13–16, or Old Testament Stories, pages 64–84, to help your children see what Moses accomplished with Heavenly Father’s help. What is the work God has for us to do? (see, for example, Doctrine and Covenants 11:20).

The Red Crystal

God’s appointment of certain spirits to fulfill specific missions on earth is called foreordination.

Topics and Questions, “Foreordination,” Gospel Library.

“Foreordination does not guarantee that individuals will receive certain callings or responsibilities. Such opportunities come in this life as a result of the righteous exercise of agency, just as foreordination came as a result of righteousness in the premortal existence. …

“The doctrine of foreordination applies to all members of the Church, not just to the Savior and His prophets. Before the creation of the earth, faithful women were given certain responsibilities and faithful men were foreordained to certain priesthood duties. As people prove themselves worthy, they will be given opportunities to fulfill the assignments they then receive.”

Lesson 1: Heavenly Father’s Plan for Us,” Primary 6: Old Testament 

Read and discuss Abraham 3:23 with the children. What kinds of things might we have been chosen to do on earth? Explain that we are free to choose what we will do in this life, but each of us has been foreordained to do an important work on the earth.

Heavenly Father Has a Work for Me

Additional Resources

Plan of Salvation Teaching Children the Gospel

Lesson 1: Heavenly Father’s Plan for Us,” Primary 6: Old Testament Page 1

Lesson 2: Jesus Christ Was Chosen to Be Our Savior,” Primary 6: Old Testament Page 6

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

Scripture Helps

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Come Follow Me for Living Scriptures “I Am a Child of God” Lesson ideas

Old Testament Scripture Stories “About the Old Testament” Images and Video

Friend January 2022 “I Can Read the Old Testament”

The Red Crystal