See also “Word of God” for additional lesson ideas

What Are Scriptures

Friend January 2024 “What Are the Scriptures?”

The scriptures are the word of God.

Jeremiah 36:1–4

The Lord told Jeremiah to write down His words, and Jeremiah’s writings have been preserved for us in the book of Jeremiah. Help the children deepen their love for the scriptures, where we find the word of God.

• 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.
  

The scriptures are the word of God.

Jeremiah 36

The account in Jeremiah 36 can help the children learn from examples of people who accepted the word of the Lord in the scriptures.

• Write these questions on the board: Why? Who valued the scriptures? Who did not? Read together Jeremiah 36:1–3, and ask the children why the Lord wanted Jeremiah to write down His words. Then ask the children to work together in pairs to read Jeremiah 36:5–8, 20–25 and identify who showed that they valued the scriptures and who did not. Talk about why you value the scriptures. Share a scripture passage or story that is especially meaningful to you. Invite the children to share as well.
• Invite the children to use this week’s activity page to practice sharing with each other the account in Jeremiah 36. Invite them to share their testimonies of the scriptures.

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?

The scriptures are true stories

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “We Are Responsible for Our Own Learning” Children can gain a testimony that the scriptures are true even before they are able to read them. As you study the scriptures with the children this year, you can help them know for themselves that the scriptures are true.

• Invite the children to tell about favorite gifts they have received for birthdays or other occasions. Bring a gift-wrapped copy of the scriptures, let a child open it, and testify that the scriptures are a gift to us from Heavenly Father.

• Show the children some books containing fictional stories, and ask them about their favorite stories. Show them the scriptures, and testify that the scriptures contain the word of God for us. They tell of people who really lived and things that really happened.

• Share the messages found in 2 Timothy 3:15 and Moroni 10:3–5, helping the children to repeat a few phrases. Help them understand that they can know the scriptures are true for themselves.

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

• Hide a picture of the Savior, and give the children clues to help them find it. Help the children understand how searching the scriptures can help us know Jesus Christ. Let the children take turns hiding the picture and giving clues to other children.

Friend October 2019 Color the picture of Jesus. 

• Sing together a song about learning the gospel, such as “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109), and help the children make up actions to go with the words. Share with the children one or two of your favorite scriptures, and tell them how you came to know the scriptures are true. If the children have favorite scriptures or scripture stories, invite them to share.

How Do the Scriptures Help Us

Lesson 23 – Alma Counsels His Sons Helaman and Shiblon

Friend June 2024 “Why Do We Read the Scriptures?”

The scriptures are a blessing.

2 Kings 22:8–11; 23:2

Old Testament Stories “King Josiah”

Friend April 1986 Josiah

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 17–25”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 20222 “Kings 17–25” Even though younger children may not be able to read or understand everything in the scriptures, they can be blessed by the power of the scriptures. What can you do to help them have a desire to be blessed by the word of God?

• Hide a copy of the scriptures somewhere in the room, and invite the children to find it. Explain that in the days of King Josiah, many of the people weren’t learning from the scriptures until a priest found them in the temple (see 2 Kings 22:8–11). What are scriptures? Why do we need the scriptures? Tell the children why you are glad we have the scriptures today, and let them share their feelings about the scriptures.
• Read 2 Kings 23:2 to the children, and ask them to listen for what the king did with the scriptures. Why was it important for everyone to hear what was written in the scriptures? Sing a song about the scriptures, such as “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109), and ask the children to talk about how they feel when they hear teachings and stories from the scriptures.

The scriptures will help me learn truth. (Jr)

2 Timothy 3:14–17

Display a set of scriptures, and help the children become familiar with them by showing them the title pages of the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Invite a child to hold these books as you read 2 Timothy 3:15–17. Tell the children why you love the scriptures, and let the children express their feelings. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )

Ask the children to talk about their most prized possession. What do they do with it? How do they treat it? Let them take turns holding the scriptures and carefully turning the pages. What do we use the scriptures for? Why should we take good care of them? Testify that the scriptures contain truths that Heavenly Father wants us to know. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )

Friend January 2019 “The Scriptures are Special Books” Camila loves books. Her favorite book is the scriptures. She feels happy when she reads them with her family. Scriptures are special books because they teach us about Jesus and the commandments.

Help the children create actions to go with songs about the scriptures, such as “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109). (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )

Search, Ponder, and Pray Action Words Video

Friend October 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities for Little Ones”Give your little ones scriptures to hold. Explain that the scriptures are very special because they teach about Jesus Christ. Count together how many times Jesus is written in 2 Timothy 1–2. (There are 10 times.)

Latter Day Kids “The Scriptures Teach Me Truth” Lesson ideas

The Scriptures Are of Great Worth

1 Nephi 3:19–21; 5:19–22

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “1 Nephi 1-5” The scriptures were very important to Lehi’s family. To illustrate this, you could invite your children to help you tell or act out what Nephi and his brothers did to get the brass plates: they traveled a long distance, gave up their gold and silver, and hid in a cave to save their lives. Then you could read 1 Nephi 5:21 and talk about why the scriptures were so valuable to Lehi’s family. Why are they valuable to us? How can we treat the scriptures like a treasure?

Whisper Game
Tell the children they are going to play a game that will show them why Lehi and his family needed a written record of God’s commandments.

Have the children sit in a row. Whisper the following message to the first person in the row, making sure no one else can hear what is being said: “Blessed are they who hear the Lord’s commandments and obey them.”

Have that person whisper what they heard to the person sitting next to them. Have each child pass on the whispered message until the message reaches the child at the end of the row. Have the last person repeat out loud what they think they heard. They probably won’t repeat the message correctly. Tell everyone what the original message was.

Explain that the whisper game shows how easy it would be to mix up the word of God if it isn’t written down.

Brass Plates Code Activity

Hand out a copy of the “Brass Plates Code” to each child. Do not give them the answer key. Tell them they have thirty seconds to figure out what section four of the “Purpose” says. It won’t take them long to figure out there is no possible way to do it out without help.

Explain that just like the task you gave them seemed impossible to accomplish, sometimes Heavenly Father’s commandments may seem difficult to obey. But with God’s help we can accomplish all he asks of us. Direct the children to put the “Brass Plates Code” under their chair for now, and explain that you will provide a way for them to do the coded message later on in the lesson.

• What was the main reason Nephi and his family needed the brass plates? Let the children answer the question. Have them check their answer by giving them the answer key to the “Brass Plates Code”. Inform them they can now fill out section four with the help you promised. Instruct them to fill out the rest of the code later at home to find out the other purposes of the brass plates.

Answers to Purpose:

• 1. To have a record of the Jews
• 2. Genealogy of forefathers
• 3. To preserve their language
• 4. To preserve religious knowledge

Friend January 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Sharing Treasure: The scriptures are a great treasure (see 1 Nephi 5:21). Draw some gem shapes on paper and cut them out. Ask each person to write a Book of Mormon scripture on the gems. Mix up the gems and take turns choosing one and reading each scripture.

Friend January 2020 ” Coloring Page: Lehi and His Family Studied the Scriptures”

Friend November 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Sharing Treasure”

The scriptures are a great treasure (see 1 Nephi 5:21). Draw some gem shapes on paper and cut them out. Ask each person to write a Book of Mormon scripture on the gems. Mix up the gems and take turns choosing one and reading each scripture.

For younger children: Have a show-and-tell with your little ones’ favorite toys or books. Tell them that they can make the scriptures one of their favorite things by listening to them and learning the stories.

Friend January 2020 “The Book of Mormon Tells of Christ” Song

Heavenly Father gave us scriptures to help us know truth from error. (Sr)

2 Timothy 3:14–17

Invite the children to read 2 Timothy 3:15–17. Display pictures depicting a story from each of the four standard works, and invite several children to pick a picture and tell the story. (You can find pictures in the Gospel Art Book and in Come, Follow Me materials.) Ask the children to share anything else they know about that book of scripture. How do the scriptures “make [us] wise unto salvation”? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )

Show the children each of the standard works one at a time, and as you hold each one up share a little about how we got it. For example:

The Bible tells us about prophecies of Jesus Christ and about the Savior’s life and teachings when he was on the earth.

The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and tells us about the Savior’s dealings with the people on the American continent.

The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of revelations from Jesus Christ for the latter days, or our times.

The Pearl of Great Price gives us teachings and testimonies of Jesus Christ from ancient prophets as well as Joseph Smith’s history and testimony of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Friend April 2018 “Family Night Fun”

• Bring objects to represent different scripture stories. See if your family can guess the stories.
• Draw scriptures stories or act them out for others to guess.
• Show pictures from Gospel Art Book Old Testament and invite a child to secretly pick one out they could act out. Let the other children guess which story it is. Do the same with the New Testament, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants/Pearl of Great Price.

Friend February 2020 “Scripture Boats” Who Am I?  Match each person with their story. Each story has boats in it.

News with Naylors Game

Share a favorite scripture verse or an experience when the scriptures helped you build your faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Invite the children to share a favorite verse or experience of their own. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )

Friend April 2020 “Comforted by the Scriptures” When Harrison was eight he struggled with nightmares. He had been learning that the scriptures hold the answers to problems and wanted to find a scripture to help. The Holy Ghost guided him to Joseph Smith’s first vision and being reminded that the darkness Joseph felt went away when he prayed and Heavenly Father and Jesus appeared. The scripture was just what Harrison needed.

Ask a child to read Moroni 10:4–5. What did Moroni promise in these verses? Ask the children how they have gained a testimony that the scriptures are true. Invite them to read or listen to the scriptures regularly and to ask God if they are true. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )

Friend December 2020 “How I Know” Before bed, Damon’s father reads to the boys about Moroni’s promise and then he tells the boys how he prayed and gained his testimony of the Book of Mormon. That night, Damon prays to know if the Book of Mormon is true and he feels warm and good inside.

The Red Crystal

Ensign October 2023 “Family Study Fun” Scripture Treasure Hunt

Paul taught that scriptures bless us with wisdom, doctrine, correction, instruction, and faith.

1. On separate pieces of paper, write “wisdom (Acts 18:28)”; “doctrine (Titus 1:9)”; “correction (Matthew 4:3–10)”; “instruction (Acts 17:2–3)”; and “faith (Romans 10:17).”
2. Send everyone out of the room.
3. Hide the five papers in the following locations: table, window, door, pillow, book.
4. Invite everyone back. Have them read these scriptures to identify the keyword clue to find each hidden paper. (John 18:16=door; Mark 4:38=pillow; Revelation 22:7=book; Acts 20:9=window; Luke 22:21=table.)
5. Read aloud the scripture on each found paper and discuss how it’s an example of that blessing.

Discussion: What can we do to improve our personal and family scripture study?

The scriptures teach me how to follow Jesus Christ.

2 Kings 22:8–13; 23:2–3

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 20222 “Kings 17–25” After years of spiritual darkness, the Jews renewed their commitment to the Lord. This happened because King Josiah rediscovered the book of the law and read it to the people. This account can help the children understand why the scriptures are so valuable.

• Tell the children that King Josiah told his people to repair the temple, and as they did, they found something very valuable. Invite the children to read 2 Kings 22:8–11 to find out what it was. Explain that the book they found contained covenants and commandments that the children of Israel did not know about. What might happen to us if we didn’t have the scriptures? Ask the children why they are grateful to have the scriptures. Why would it be harder to follow the Savior if we didn’t have the scriptures?
• Give each child a piece of paper, and ask them to tear it. Explain that in King Josiah’s day, people sometimes tore, or “rent,” their clothes when they were upset. Ask the children to look for the word “rent” in 2 Kings 22:11. Why might Josiah have been upset? Help the children find an answer in verse 13. Why is it important for us to read the scriptures regularly?
• Read 2 Kings 23:2–3 together, and ask the children to look for how the scriptures helped Josiah and his people. Share with the children a scripture that has inspired you to “walk after the Lord” (verse 3), and invite the children to share scriptures that have helped them. Sing together “I Will Walk with Jesus” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Latter Day Kids “The Scriptures Are A Blessing” Lesson ideas

Friend July 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

The Scriptures Can Help Me

Story: King Josiah was righteous. When the lost scriptures were found, he read them to his people. He promised to keep the commandments. (See 2 Kings 23:2–3.)

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

Activity: Write, draw, or act out an Old Testament scripture story you like. How has this story helped you? Talk about why the scriptures are important.

“Lesson 37: Josiah and Ezra Read the Scriptures to the People,” Primary 6: Old Testament

Tell the children you are going to whisper something to them that you want them to try to remember. Whisper this scripture to each child: “The king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord, and to keep his commandments” (2 Chronicles 34:31). After you have whispered this to each child, ask them to repeat it. If they have a hard time remembering it, explain that the value of having written scriptures is that we can study and read them often to help us remember. Then as a class read the verse out loud from the scriptures. At the end of the lesson, ask if the children remember the scripture that you whispered to them and they read together. If you have repeated it several times, some of them will probably remember. Read it out loud in unison again. Point out that we remember important truths by hearing and reading them again and again.

1. Play charades by having a child pantomime one of the following situations. Have the rest of the class guess what they are doing.
   1. Driving to a gas station and putting fuel in the gas tank of an automobile.
   2. Eating dinner.
   3. Planting and watering a plant.
   4. Reading the scriptures.
   Play until all four situations have been correctly guessed. Discuss what similarities there are in these different activities. Point out that in each case an object needs fuel so that it will have the energy to keep going. Just as a car, a plant, or our physical bodies need fuel or food for energy, our spirit needs to be fed so that it too can be healthy. Discuss how we can feed our spirits. Discuss how often our spirits need to be fed. Read Deuteronomy 6:6–7 with the children, and emphasize that we should think of the Lord’s words to us at all times in everything we do. Challenge the children to read from the scriptures each day in the coming week.

Old Testament Coloring Book “Josiah and the Book of the Law”

Friend February 1988 “Josiah—Believer in the Scriptures”

Liahona July 2022 “The Scriptures Turn Our Hearts to God” Josiah became king of Judah when he was only eight years old. He had inherited a kingdom of people who believed in false gods, but he wanted to follow the Lord. In the eighth year of his reign, he ordered that altars and idols of false gods be destroyed throughout Judah. (Great image of Josiah tearing down the idols)

Ten years later, he asked his people to restore the temple in Jerusalem, where the high priest Hilkiah found the scriptures. When King Josiah read the book, he was inspired to follow its teachings. He then gathered his people and read the book to them.

For so long, the people had hardened their hearts against God. But the scriptures helped turn the hearts of the people back to God. King Josiah promised the people he would walk in the ways of the Lord and obey the commandments.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 17–25”

2 Kings 22:3–7.

The workers described in 2 Kings 22:3–7 were trusted with the money used to rebuild the temple “because they dealt faithfully” (verse 7). After reading these verses, you could ask family members to name things they have been entrusted with. How can we be trustworthy like the workers in these verses?2 Kings 22:8–11, 19; 23:1–3.

What impresses us about how Josiah and his people responded to the word of God? How do we respond to God’s word in the scriptures? Members of your family could share scripture passages or stories that have increased their desire to follow Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Quiz 1

1. According to 2 Kings 22:1–2, what choices did Josiah make as king?
   1. He sought for riches in wicked ways.
   2. He followed the Lord.
   3. He tried to conquer other nations.
2. According to 2 Kings 22:8, what was found in the temple?
   1. The book of the law
   2. The ark of the covenant
   3. Moses’s staff
3. What was the book of the law?
   1. The stone tables Moses received from the Lord
   2. Laws the preceding kings wrote about judging the people
   3. Scrolls that contained the Lord’s law given through Moses
4. According to 2 Kings 22:11–13, how did Josiah respond when he heard what was written in the book of the law? Select all that apply.
   1. He was afraid of the Lord’s judgment.
   2. He rent his clothes.
   3. He commanded the book to be destroyed.
5. Which of the following statements best summarizes the meaning of the phrase “all the people stood to the covenant” (2 Kings 23:3)?
   1. The people were angry with the king.
   2. The people agreed with the conditions of the covenant.
   3. The people were opposed to the conditions of the covenant.

The scriptures are a blessing.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Ezra 1; 3–7; Nehemiah 2; 4–6; 8” Even after the temple was rebuilt, the people of Jerusalem struggled spiritually, in part because, for generations, they had limited access to “the book of the law of Moses” (Nehemiah 8:1). Ezra the scribe received permission from the king of Persia to go to Jerusalem, where he “brought the law before the congregation” (Nehemiah 8:2).

Nehemiah 8:1–12

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Ezra 1; 3–7; Nehemiah 2; 4–6; 8” You can use the story of Ezra reading the law to help the children think about how blessed we are to have the scriptures.

• Tell the children that Ezra read the scriptures to the people. Read aloud some phrases from Nehemiah 8:2–3, 5–6, 8–9, 12 that describe what the people did when they heard the scriptures, and invite the children to act out these phrases. Why are we grateful to have the scriptures?
• Invite the children to color this week’s activity page. As they do, share with the children how reading the scriptures has brought you closer to the Savior.

Friend January 2024 “I Can Follow Jesus by Reading the Scriptures”

Friend January 2024 “The Scriptures Teach about Jesus”

I am blessed when I study the scriptures.

Nehemiah 8:1–12

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Ezra 1; 3–7; Nehemiah 2; 4–6; 8” The people in Jerusalem hadn’t heard the words of God in a long time before Ezra read them to the people. The story of Ezra reminds us of how important the scriptures should be to us.

• Invite the children to search Nehemiah 8:1–12 for words or phrases that show how the people felt about hearing the word of God. Ask the children to share how they feel when they read the scriptures, and share your feelings as well.
• Invite a child to read Nehemiah 8:8, and ask the children what helps them understand the scriptures. Show them how to use scripture study aids such as the Guide to the Scriptures and Gospel Topics (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite the children to share something they have learned about the Savior from the scriptures.

“Lesson 37: Josiah and Ezra Read the Scriptures to the People,” Primary 6: Old Testament 

Attention Activity

Ask the children if they remember what the first lessons of this course were about. If they remember the general topics, ask for more specific details. Explain that it is hard for us to remember information that we learned a long time ago. Show the children a journal, scrapbook, photo album, baby book, or similar book, and relate the following true experience or a personal experience you have had keeping records. (Read the story found at the link under attention activity. See the lesson for additional activities related to reading the scriptures.)

Explain that it is easy to forget things that we aren’t constantly reminded of. Important information should be studied and reviewed continually so that we do not forget it. Show the children your scriptures, and tell them these books contain Heavenly Father’s words to us. Diligent daily study of the scriptures will help us remember and keep his commandments. Tell the children that in this lesson they will learn about the people of Judah at two different historical times: during the reign of King Josiah (about 640 B.C.) and the time of Nehemiah and Ezra (about 450 B.C.) (B.C. means before the birth of Christ). Both groups of people had lost the book of the law—the scriptures the Lord gave to them through Moses—so they forgot the commandments and did not obey them.

God’s word is like a light.

Psalm 119:105

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 The children you teach are on the path back to Heavenly Father. The word of God can help keep them on that path now and throughout their lives.

• Show pictures of the things mentioned in Psalm 119:105, and invite the children to put the pictures in order as you read the verse. Ask the children to repeat phrases from the verse with you as you point to the pictures.

Latter Day Kids “A Light Unto My Path” Lesson ideas

• Invite the children to talk about what it feels like to be in the dark. What are things that are hard to do in the dark? You might invite a child to try to do something with their eyes closed, like drawing a picture. Why are these things easier to do when there is light? Help the children understand how the word of God, as found in the scriptures and the words of living prophets, lights our way back to Heavenly Father.

God’s word helps me follow His path.

Psalm 119:105

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 Although the world may seem dark at times, God’s word can illuminate our path and help us return to Him.

• Draw on the board a picture of a light (such as a lamp) and a picture of the scriptures. Invite the children to read Psalm 119:105. How does light help us? How does the word of God help us? Ask the children to write their answers on the board next to the pictures. How is the word of God like a light? How does it help us stay on the path that leads back to Heavenly Father?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 Perhaps your family could create a path and walk along it in the dark, using a light to illuminate the way ahead. As you walk, you could ask questions like “What in our lives is like this darkness?” or “How is the word of God like a light?” Singing a song about God’s light, such as “Teach Me to Walk in the Light” (Children’s Songbook, 177), can help you reinforce the principle taught in Psalm 119:105.

• Divide the children into pairs, and give each pair one of the following scripture passages: Psalm 119:47–48; Psalm 119:105; 1 Nephi 11:25; 2 Nephi 31:20. Invite them to read the passages and look for what Heavenly Father has given us to help us stay on the path back to Him. Invite the children to ponder and share what they feel inspired to do because of what they have learned.

• See God’s Word is Like a Light for additional teaching ideas.

• Sing together a song about following God’s path, such as “I Will Walk with Jesus” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What do we learn from this song about how to stay on the right path?

For the Strength of Youth “A Lamp to Our Feet” (See more at link)

The Scriptures Help Me Avoid Temptation

Lesson Four: Tree of Life Vision Looking up scriptures that help us overcome temptations. See the link for the game instructions for the below visual aids.

Scriptures can help us feel comfort and love

Friend September 2024 Scripture Reading Chain: The scriptures can help us feel comfort and love from our Heavenly Father. You can make a chain of scriptures to read when you feel worried or sad.

Lehi and His Family Studied the Scriptures

See “The Brass Plates“

Friend January 2020 “The Book of Mormon Tells of Christ” Song. Sing-along Video The first two verses talks about the importance of the brass plates. The last two verses are a about the importance of the Book of Mormon.

Friend January 2020 ” Coloring Page: Lehi and His Family Studied the Scriptures”

Friend January 2020 “Cover” Image of Lehi reading to his family from the Brass Plates.

Finding Answers in Scriptures

Friend November 2019 “James Taught the Gospel” James, the brother of Jesus, taught the gospel and helped lead the church when he grew up. One of his teachings in James 1:5. says that if we have questions, we can ask God. Many years after James wrote this scripture, a boy named Joseph Smith read it. He prayed to know which church to join. Joseph’s prayer was answered! When I have questions, I can ask God, like James taught. (Memorize James 1:5 as a family. Talk about how this verse led Joseph Smith to receive the First Vision.)

Coloring Page: I Can Learn From the Scriptures

Friend October 2017 “Jesus Visited Joseph”

Why Read Scriptures Daily

Read to the children, “Let your time be devoted to the studying of the scriptures” (Doctrine and Covenants 26:1). 

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 1: “Hearken, O Ye People”

Tell the children that in the Doctrine and Covenants they will learn about the commandments the Lord gave to the Church through Joseph Smith.

• Help the children think of some of the problems in the world today. Review Doctrine and Covenants 1:15–16 with them, and help them identify some of the problems that the Lord prophesied would occur. Invite them to discover in verses 17 and 29–30 what the Lord has done to help us face the challenges of our time.
• Ask the children to imagine they are preparing for a trip. What would they pack? How would it help them to know that it would rain during their trip or that their car would get a flat tire? Read together verse 17, and discuss what the Lord knew would happen to us and how He prepared for it. (If necessary, explain that a “calamity” is a disaster or terrible thing.) How do God’s commandments help us deal with the challenges of our time?

 2 Nephi 28:30  Heavenly Father Reveals Truth “Line Upon Line”

 God’s word in the Book of Mormon helps us see and avoid Satan’s deceptions, and God continues to give revelation to us individually, and to His prophets that teach us His words. But He reminds us that “for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.” (Review Satan’s lies pertaining to the idea of not needing to do or learn more: God has already given all His words. You don’t need more. (2 Nephi 28:29) You don’t need to strive to improve yourself because you are already good enough. (2 Nephi 28:21)) Remind the children that we learn “line upon line.” Do the activity below to help the children understand the reason for that.

Friend February 2020 “My Family Night Fun”  Sit in a circle to play this game. The first person says, “I’m going to church, and I’m going to learn ______.” The next person repeats what the first person said and adds their own item at the end. Continue going around the circle, repeating all the items and adding more one by one. Can you remember them all? Too much at once can be a little overwhelming and hard to remember. But when we try to learn a little each day, we are able to retain it better. Reading the Book of Mormon each day helps us learn “line upon line” and helps us avoid Satan’s temptations and stay on the path to Eternal Life.

“Lesson 34: Jesus Christ Teaches the Nephites the Beatitudes,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon

Divide the children into pairs. If there is an uneven number of children, be a partner for one of the children. Ask the children to first listen to all the directions and then try to remember them and do them in the sequence they were given.

1. Shake hands with your partner, and tell him or her your full name.
2. Stand up and tell your partner something you admire about him or her.
3. Turn around once and tell your partner one thing you like about yourself.
4. Find out your partner’s favorite Book of Mormon prophet.
5. Sit down, and fold your arms.

Ask the children to begin. If the children have a hard time remembering everything, repeat the instructions and have them try again. Explain that if the activity were repeated several times everyone would be able to remember and do what they were asked to do. As we choose to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ throughout our lives, we will gradually learn to become like our Heavenly Father and his Son.

2 Timothy 3:15–17

Scripture Treasure Hunt Paul taught that scriptures bless us with wisdom, doctrine, correction, instruction, and faith. On separate pieces of paper, write “wisdom (Acts 18:28)”; “doctrine (Titus 1:9)”; “correction (Matthew 4:3–10)”; “instruction (Acts 17:2–3)”; and “faith (Romans 10:17).” Send everyone out of the room. Hide the five papers in the following locations: table, window, door, pillow, book. Invite everyone back. Have them read these scriptures to identify the keyword clue to find each hidden paper. (John 18:16=door; Mark 4:38=pillow; Revelation 22:7=book; Luke 22:21=table.) Read aloud the scripture on each found paper and discuss how it’s an example of that blessing. Discussion: What can we do to improve our personal and family scripture study?

Friend January 2019 “For Parents of Little Ones” Ideas for family scripture study with small children.

Friend November 2018 “For Parents of Little Ones” Ideas for teaching scripture stories to young children.
Ensign April 2017 “Done!” Friends help each other by texting each other each day the word “done” after they have read their scriptures.

Friend May 2019 “Conference Notes” Elder Stevenson spoke about “playbooks” that sports teams use to make plans for their games. He said that the scriptures and words of the prophets can be like a playbook for our life. They help us know what to do in different situations.

Friend May 2017 “Friends By Mail” Family has tradition of reading one story from the scriptures and one story from the Friend every morning before school.

Handouts

Friend January 2022 “For Older Kids”

Friend November 2019 “Conference News” “Read and study the Book of Mormon every day, every day, every day.”

Latter Day Kids “Commandments Are a Blessing” Lesson ideas

The scriptures can help me every day.

Alma 37:38–47

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 36-38” Show or display a picture of the Liahona (such as Gospel Art Book, no. 68), and ask the children to review what they remember about the Liahona from 1 Nephi 16:10, 28. Help the children read Alma 37:38–42. How did the Liahona work? How is this similar to the way the scriptures work? Read together verses 43–47 to help answer this question. Invite the children to complete the activity page as part of this activity.

Friend August 2024 “The Scriptures Can Help Me Every Day”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 36-38”

• Draw or display a bucket. How many drops of water would it take to fill the bucket? Help the children recognize that many small drops will be needed to fill the bucket. How does this relate to Alma 37:6–7? How is reading the scriptures like adding little drops of water to a bucket?

The Red Crystal

Come Follow Me Kid

Sit in a circle and take turns putting drops into a bucket as we review people we’ve studied in the scriptures, what we’ve learned from the scriptures, blessings we get in our lives from studying and applying the scriptures, etc. Remind them that as we learn small things each day, it might not always seem like lots, but over time, it becomes bigger and will bring many blessings to our lives.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 36-38”

Invite the children to look in Alma 37:6–9 for blessings that come from the “records,” or scriptures. As a class, make a list of what they find. How has reading the scriptures blessed our lives? Share your testimony of the scriptures, and encourage the children to do the same. Or, as you read Alma 37:6–9 have the children listen for blessings that come from the “records,” or scriptures.

Help the children you teach see that reading the scriptures for even a short time each day can bring them great blessings.

Sing together a song about scripture study, such as “Search, Ponder, and Pray” or “As I Search the Holy Scriptures” (Children’s Songbook, 109; Hymns, no. 277). What blessings of scripture study are mentioned in the song?

Ensign July 2020 “Family Study Fun” Liahona Treasure Hunt: Read Alma 37:38–40 together, which describes the Liahona. When Lehi’s family was faithful, the Lord used this compass to guide them.

1. Draw a circle with an arrow in it. Ask someone to hold this pretend Liahona.
2. Pick a small object to use as treasure. Have someone leave the room while the rest hide the treasure. Then ask the person to come back in the room and try to find it.
3. If that person shares one way they can keep the commandments this week (or way they are going to be better at hearing Christ’s teachings each day (listening better during scripture study, remembering what was learned from the scriptures, applying it to their lives, etc.), the person with the Liahona can point them toward the treasure.
4. Each person takes a turn searching and holding the Liahona.

Discussion: How does God try to lead and guide us in our lives? When have you felt that God was guiding you? For additional insights, read and discuss Alma 37:41–47.

Studying the Scriptures can Help Me “Understand the Things of God” and Receive Revelation.

Doctrine and Covenants 76:12, 15–19, 114–16

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 76”

Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon received Doctrine and Covenants 76 when they were pondering the scriptures. Help the children see how studying the scriptures can invite revelation through the Holy Ghost.

• Ask the children if they know what Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon were doing when they saw the vision in Doctrine and Covenants 76. Invite them to read verses 15–19 to find out. Share a time when you received inspiration while reading the scriptures, and ask the children to talk about the spiritual feelings they have when reading the scriptures.
• Ask the children to close their eyes and try to perform a task, like coloring a picture or opening the scriptures to a specific verse. What are some things that are difficult to do when our eyes are closed spiritually? Read together Doctrine and Covenants 76:12, 15–19, 114–16 to find out what we need to do to have our eyes opened spiritually.

Search, Ponder, and Pray

I can study the scriptures for myself.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “We Are Responsible for Our Own Learning” As you read the scriptures with the children and ask them questions, you can build their confidence that they can learn from the scriptures and find valuable treasures of knowledge.

• Read together John 5:39 and Acts 17:10–11, and ask the children what they learn about how to study the scriptures.
• Select a few simple, powerful scriptures from the New Testament, write each on a piece of paper, and hide the papers. Create clues that will lead the children on a “treasure hunt” within the classroom or church building to find these scriptures. After they find each scripture, discuss what the scripture means and why it is such a treasure.

Scripture Treasure Hunt Paul taught that scriptures bless us with wisdom, doctrine, correction, instruction, and faith. On separate pieces of paper, write “wisdom (Acts 18:28)”; “doctrine (Titus 1:9)”; “correction (Matthew 4:3–10)”; “instruction (Acts 17:2–3)”; and “faith (Romans 10:17).” Read aloud the scripture on each found paper and discuss how it’s an example of that blessing. 

• Share a few scriptures you treasure and explain why they are meaningful to you. As a class, keep a list of treasured scriptures the children find in the New Testament this year—at home or during Primary.

• “Scripture Treasures” (January 2015 Friend)
  This poem tells of treasures you can find as you read the scriptures daily.

• Have a discussion with the children about why it is sometimes hard to read the scriptures. Ask the children to share advice with each other about studying the scriptures. Ask them also to share any positive experiences they have had with the scriptures.
• Help the children make simple calendars that they can use to mark how often they read the scriptures. These calendars could remind them to read the scriptures every day.

Friend January 2024 “I Can Read the Scriptures”

I can think about the scriptures day and night.

Joshua 1:8

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Joshua 1–8; 23–24” The Lord told Joshua that if he meditated on the scriptures and followed the counsel in them, he would have success leading the Israelites into the promised land. What can you do to teach the children of the great blessings that come from the scriptures?

What does this verse suggest about how we should approach our scripture study, both individually and as a family? How have the scriptures made our “way prosperous” and brought us “good success”? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Joshua 1–8; 23–24”)

Give each child a picture or drawing of the sun and the moon. Read to them from Joshua 1:8: “Meditate [on the scriptures] day and night.” Explain that meditate means to think deeply about something. Repeat the phrase several times, and invite the children to hold up the sun when you say “day” and the moon when you say “night.” Let the children repeat the phrase with you.

Friend April 1996 “Ponder, Pray, and Listen”

• Younger Children: Ask the children to name things they do during the day and things they do at night. Tell them that Joshua was told to think about the scriptures day and night. Help them think of stories or teachings from the scriptures that they could think about day and night. Invite them to draw a picture of themselves or their family studying the scriptures. Why do they like studying the scriptures? How are they blessed when they do?
• Older Children: Invite the children to write down how much time they spend in an average day on various activities. Then invite them to read Joshua 1:8, looking for something that we all need to do every day and night. Ask them to find words and phrases in this verse that teach us about the blessings of studying the scriptures. How can meditating on the scriptures help us have success in the other things we do each day?

Invite the children to read together the following scriptures: Joshua 1:8; 1 Nephi 15:23–24; 2 Nephi 31:20; 32:3; Jacob 4:6; Helaman 3:29–30. Ask the children to find a word or phrase in each passage that teaches them about the power of studying the scriptures. What goals can they set for their personal scripture study?

• “Scripture Treasures” (January 2015 Friend)
  This poem tells of treasures you can find as you read the scriptures daily.

• “How can I learn more when I read the scriptures?”(April 2009 Friend)
  Elder David A. Bednar shares five principles for reading the scriptures.

• “How can the scriptures help me?” (January 2015 Friend and Liahona)
  President Boyd K. Packer shares thoughts on the subject.

Bright Idea Poster: Elder Richard G. Scott—“Scriptures are like packets of light” (April 2013 Friend)

• “Why is it important to read the scriptures?”(February 2011 Friend)
  President Boyd K. Packer shares some thoughts on this subject.

• “Sharing Time: On the Right Path” (February 2000 Liahona and January 2000 Friend)
• Includes a “gospel road signs” activity.

When I Ponder the Scriptures, the Holy Ghost Can Help Me Understand Them.

Doctrine and Covenants 138:6–11

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 137-138”

The scriptures can sometimes be difficult to understand, especially for children. Doctrine and Covenants 138:11 teaches that the Holy Ghost can open “the eyes of [our] understanding.”

• Show a picture of President Joseph F. Smith (see Gospel Art Book, no. 127). Explain that he was the sixth President of the Church, and one day he was reading the scriptures and pondering them (thinking about what they meant). As you read Doctrine and Covenants 138:6, 11, invite the children to pretend they are President Smith and do actions that go along with the words.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 137-138”

What can the children learn from President Joseph F. Smith’s example that might improve the way they study the scriptures?

• Invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 138:1–11, and help them write a one-sentence summary of President Joseph F. Smith’s experience. What did he do that led to his remarkable vision? What does it mean to ponder or reflect on the scriptures?
• Ask the children what they do when they have questions about the gospel. Share some examples from the scriptures or your own life of when pondering the scriptures brought understanding from the Spirit (see, for example, 1 Nephi 11:1–6; Doctrine and Covenants 76:19–24; Joseph Smith—History 1:11–12).
• Tell the children about a time when you pondered something in the scriptures and the Holy Ghost helped you understand it. Sing together a song about scripture study, such as “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109). What does this song say we should do to understand the scriptures?

Ponder means to meditate and think deeply, often upon the scriptures or other things of God. When combined with prayer, pondering the things of God may bring revelation and understanding. (Guide to the Scriptures)

What does it mean to ponder? (To think about and consider) The scriptures tell us that many prophets received revelation from the Lord as they were pondering upon the things of God. We also open ourselves up to revelation as we ponder upon our problems during scripture study, during church meetings, and during our prayers.

Feast Upon the Words of Christ

2 Nephi 32:3

“Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.”

Write the following words on separate pieces of paper: sample, gorge, taste, nibble, snack, and feast. Hand the papers out to six students, without letting the other students see what is written. Have the six students come to the front of the class. Give them dishes and tell them to imagine there is food in them. Invite the six students to describe or demonstrate the word on their paper, and have the class try to guess the word. Reveal the six words. (Book of Mormon Teacher Resource Manual)

Ask the children to name some of their favorite foods, and invite them to act out how they would feast on them. To feast upon something is to enjoy it or to consume a great deal of it because it brings joy.

Doctrine and Covenants 84:43–44.

You could prepare a meal or a treat together and label each ingredient with a word or phrase from verse 44. Why is it important that we include every ingredient? Why is it important to live by every word of God? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 84”)

2 Nephi 32:3–5

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 31-33” To teach about “feasting” on the words of Christ, you could ask your children to act out how they would feast on their favorite food. In 2 Nephi 32:3, what did Nephi say we should feast on? How is feasting on God’s word different from just reading it? Maybe your children could act out the differences. Share with them the blessings you’ve received as you’ve feasted on the scriptures.

“Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 31-33” Ask the children to name some of their favorite foods, and invite them to act out how they would feast on them. (To feast upon something is to enjoy it or to consume a great deal of it because it brings joy. )Read 2 Nephi 32:3, and ask the children to listen for what Nephi says we should feast on. What does it mean to feast on the scriptures? Explain that the scriptures are one place where we can find the words of Christ.

Ask the children to imagine a feast. What food would they want there? What would they eat first? Then invite them to imagine what feasting on the scriptures might mean as you read 2 Nephi 32:3. Why did Nephi use the word feast to teach us how we should study God’s word? Why didn’t he just say read? What does it mean to feast on the scriptures? Share with the children the blessings you’ve received as you’ve feasted on the scriptures

Write the following words on separate pieces of paper: sample, gorge, taste, nibble, snack, and feast. Hand the papers out to six students, without letting the other students see what is written. Have the six students come to the front of the class. Give them dishes and tell them to imagine there is food in them. Invite the six students to describe or demonstrate the word on their paper, and have the class try to guess the word. Reveal the six words. (Book of Mormon Teacher Resource Manual)

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 31-33”

• Write the words God and Lord on the board. Invite the children to open to a page of scripture and look for these words. Give them help if needed. Testify that as we read the scriptures, we can learn about God.
• Complete the activity page with the children, and invite them to make a goal to do at least one thing to feast on the scriptures this week.

Friend March 2020 “Feasting on the Scriptures” Action Rhyme

The Wise Man and the Foolish Man Explain that “the wise man built his house upon the rock” means that wise man built his life upon the teachings of Jesus. The foolish man didn’t and his house (life) fell apart in the storms of life. Discussion Ideas: What things in our life are like the rain and wind? How does following Jesus’s teachings protect us and make our faith strong as a house built on a rock? Song: “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” (Children’s Songbook, 281) Scripture: Matthew 7:24–29  Sing-along video

Friend March 2015 “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man”

Rock Art: Choose a smooth rock. With a marker or paint, write “Jesus Christ” on it. Talk about why it’s so important to build our lives on His teachings. Keep the rock in a place where you can see it often.

The scriptures are the word of God. I can keep the word of God in my heart.

Deuteronomy 6:6–9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Deuteronomy 6–8; 15; 18; 29–30; 34”The counsel in Deuteronomy 6:6–9 was meant to help the Israelites “beware lest [they] forget the Lord” and His word (verse 12). How can you help the children make the scriptures a consistent part of their lives?

• Invite a child to hide a copy of the scriptures in the room while the rest of the children close their eyes. Then invite the children to open their eyes and try to find the scriptures. Using key phrases from Deuteronomy 6:6–9, share with the children that Moses told the Israelites to put scripture passages in places where they would see them and learn from them every day. Help the children think of places in their homes where they could put scriptures in order to see them every day.

Friend July 2020 “Eva’s Scripture Pictures” Eva loves to draw pictures of scripture stories and she puts them on the fridge to help her and her family to remember them.

• Sing a song about the scriptures, such as “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109). Share your testimony that the scriptures are the word of God, and tell the children how they bless your life.

Moses taught that we should keep the word of God in our hearts, and he gave the Israelites counsel about how to keep the word of God constantly before them. How will you inspire the children to learn from the word of God daily?

• On the board, write words and phrases from Deuteronomy 6:6–9 that indicate when and how the Israelites were to remember the word of God (such as sittest, walkest, liest down, hand, and house). Invite the children to find these words in the verses. What do these words teach about how to make the scriptures part of our everyday lives? Ask the children what they can do to remember the word of God in their daily life.

• Give each child a piece of paper, and invite them to write down a phrase from Deuteronomy 6 that is meaningful to them. Ask them to share why they chose their phrase. Suggest that they decorate their paper and display it in their home to remember it. Encourage the children to write down and display other phrases they find in the scriptures.

Friend November 2019 “For Older Kids” Jordan’s Primary teacher told the class that she posts scripture verses on her door so she can always see them and read them every day. Jordan started doing that too, and soon her door was covered in scriptures.

Friend August 2013 Some ideas to keep scriptures in our minds daily.

I can liken the scriptures to my life.

1 Nephi 19:22–24

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 Ask a child to read 1 Nephi 19:22–24 out loud, and ask the children what they think it means to “liken all scriptures” to ourselves. Help them discover how Nephi likened a scriptural account to his experience of getting the brass plates (see 1 Nephi 4:1–4; see also Exodus 14). How did remembering this story help Nephi and his brothers?

As we liken the scriptures to ourselves, we will learn and profit from them.

Review some of the stories that the children have learned about Lehi and his family from 1 Nephi, and invite them to share what they learned from these stories. Help them think of situations in their lives that might be similar to these stories. For example, the Lord asking Nephi to build a ship might remind them of times when they needed to do something difficult and sought the Lord’s help.

Friend October 2024 “Liken the Scriptures” I Can Play It!

I may not be asked to build a great big ship, Or sail my family ’cross the ocean blue, But if I had the faith and courage Nephi did, Imagine all the great things I could go and do!

Chorus: The Lord has a special message for me In every scripture story I read, And I can become who I’m striving to be When I liken the scriptures to me.

I won’t raise a tent to hear the prophet speak, But I can listen when he speaks today. And I don’t have a sword to bury ten feet deep, But I can cast my selfish words and deeds away. Chorus

Bridge: Like Enos I will fervently pray. Like the stripling warriors, I will obey. Like Abish I will share what I know, And like Ammon I’ll go where I’m called to go. Chorus

The Scriptures Teach of Jesus Christ

The scriptures testify of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Acts 17:10–12

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Acts 16-21” Though some of the children you teach might not be able to read yet, you can help them develop a love for the scriptures and see how they testify of the Savior.

Help one of the children read the phrase “They … searched the scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11). Invite the children to point to each day of the week on a calendar as they repeat this phrase with you.

• Friend June 1991 “Read the Scriptures Daily” How many times do you eat each day? How long have you gone without eating anything at all? When you go without food and water, your stomach starts to growl with hunger and your body feels weak. Just as your body needs to be fed every day to keep it strong and healthy, your spirit needs daily nourishment to be strong and to stay close to Heavenly Father. One way to do this is by reading the scriptures.

• There are thirty numbered spaces in the picture (below). Starting with number one, color one space for each day that you read the scriptures. At the end of thirty days, you will have a completed picture and will have established a scripture-reading routine.

Sing together a song that teaches about the blessings of reading the scriptures, such as “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109).

To teach the children that the scriptures testify of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, help them turn to a chapter in the scriptures, like Acts 17 or 18, and find words like God, Lord, or Jesus. (You may want to mark these words beforehand so the children can find them more easily.) Each time the children find one of these words, invite them to share something they know about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

The scriptures testify of Jesus Christ.

Acts 17:2–4, 10–12; 18:28

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Acts 16-21” All of the prophets testify of Jesus Christ. How can you teach the children to find Him in the scriptures, even when He isn’t mentioned by name?

Help the children read Acts 17:2–4, 10–12; 18:28, and invite them to look for what these passages have in common. According to these verses, what helped people believe the gospel of Jesus Christ? Invite the children to share favorite stories about Jesus that they have learned from the scriptures.

• Friend December 2008 “Stories of Jesus, Tell Them to Me”

• Have the children review the following list and then have them choose one. Click on the link to the picture and show it as they tell their favorite story of Jesus. Color the scripture on the above chart

1. Isaiah 7:14; 9:6–7GAK “The Birth of Jesus”
2. Luke 2:1–7GAK “The Nativity”
3. Luke 2:8–20GAK “The Announcement of Christ’s Birth to the Shepherds”
4. Matthew 2:1–12GAK “The Wise Men”
5. Matthew 2:13–15GAK “Flight into Egypt”
6. Luke 2:40GAK “Childhood of Jesus Christ”
7. Luke 2:41–52GAK “Boy Jesus in the Temple”
8. Matthew 3:13–17GAK “John the Baptist Baptizing Jesus”
9. John 9:1–17, 32–38GAK “Christ Healing a Blind Man”
10. Matthew 8:23–27GAK “Stilling the Storm”
11. Matthew 19:13–15GAK “Christ and the Children”
12. Matthew 5:1–10; 6:9–13GAK “Sermon on the Mount”
13. John 11:1–3, 17–27, 41–44GAK “Jesus Raising Lazarus from the Dead”
14. Luke 17:11–19GAK “Ten Lepers”
15. Matthew 21:12–15GAK “Jesus Cleansing the Temple”
16. Matthew 26:17–30GAK “The Last Supper”
17. Matthew 26:36–45GAK “Jesus Praying in Gethsemane”
18. Mark 14:42–46GAK “The Betrayal of Jesus”
19. Luke 23:32–46GAK “The Crucifixion”
20. John 20:11–18GAK “Mary and the Resurrected Lord”
21. Luke 24:36–43GAK “Jesus Shows His Wounds”
22. 3 Nephi 11:1–17GAK “Jesus Teaching in the Western Hemisphere”
23. 3 Nephi 17:1–10GAK “Jesus Healing the Nephites”
24. Joseph Smith—History 1:14–20GAK “The First Vision”
25. D&C 76:22–24GAK “The Resurrected Jesus Christ”

On slips of paper, write scripture references that teach about the Savior (you can find some in Guide to the Scriptures, “Jesus Christ,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Hide the papers around the room and invite the children to find them. Help the children look up the references they find, and ask them to share with each other what each scripture teaches about Jesus.

The Book of Mormon and the Bible Both Testify of Jesus Christ.

Mormon 7:8–10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 7–9: “I Speak unto You as If Ye Were Present”

Mormon taught that the Book of Mormon was written to help us believe the Bible and that those who believe the Bible will believe the Book of Mormon.

• Show the children the title page of the Book of Mormon, and point to the words of the title as you read it, emphasizing the word another. Help the children think of other books of scripture that teach us about Jesus. Show them that the Bible has the Old Testament and the New Testament. Help the children say “Old Testament, New Testament” when you point to the Bible and “Another Testament” when you point to the Book of Mormon.
• Display a world map or the activity page for this outline, along with a Bible and Book of Mormon. Use these items to teach the children that the Bible is a record of Jesus’s teachings in and around Jerusalem and the Book of Mormon is a record of His teachings in the Americas.

• Choose several events and truths that both the Bible and the Book of Mormon testify of, such as Jesus’s birth, death, and Resurrection. Show pictures from the Gospel Art Bookthat depict these events and truths. Ask the children to describe what they see in the pictures, and tell them that both the Bible and the Book of Mormon teach about these things.

• Write Mormon 7:9 on the board, but leave blanks in place of the words this and that. Also write on the board this = the Book of Mormon and that = the Bible. Invite the children to read Mormon 7:9 out loud and use the phrases on the board to fill in the blanks. What do we learn about the Bible and the Book of Mormon from this verse?
• Display a Book of Mormon and a Bible. Share a few stories from each book, showing pictures if available (see the Gospel Art Book). Invite the children to point to the book the story comes from. Why do we need both books?
• Write each word of the eighth article of faith on separate pieces of paper. Give one or two words to each child, and invite the children to work together to put the words in the correct order. Then ask them to repeat the article of faith several times. What does it teach us?

Friend November 2020 “Family Night Fun: Book of Mormon Treasure Hunt”

Friend February 2024 “Come Follow Me Activities: Scripture Teamwork” The Book of Mormon and the Bible work together to teach us about Jesus Christ (see 2 Nephi 3:12). Play a game about working together! Have one person crumple up pieces of paper into balls and throw them in a bowl. Have another person try to stop the papers from going in. Now try it with two people throwing papers. Which time was it easier to get papers in the bowl?

Friend October 2019 “For Parents of Little Ones”  A few tips from parents who found creative ways to make the Come Follow Me lessons a positive part of their regular routines.

The scriptures teach me about Jesus Christ.

Ezekiel 37:15–19

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Ezekiel 1–3; 33–34; 36–37; 47” 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.
• Using pictures from the Gospel Art Book or from past years’ Come, Follow Me books, help the children share stories about Jesus from the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Ask them to share why they are thankful to have these two books of scripture.

Family members could find two sticks and write on one For Judah (Bible) and on the other For Joseph (Book of Mormon) (see verses 16–19). They could then share stories or scriptures from the Bible and Book of Mormon that help them feel closer to the Savior and become “[His] people” (verse 23).

Friend January 2023 “The Bible Teaches about Jesus” Coloring page

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

Ezekiel 37:19–23

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Ezekiel 1–3; 33–34; 36–37; 47” 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).

• Hold up a copy of the Bible and the Book of Mormon, and ask the children why they feel it’s good to have both of these books. Read to them Ezekiel 37:19, and 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.

Book of Mormon and Bible Work Together

Many Plain and Precious Things Removed from Bible

1 Nephi 13:26–29, 35–36, 40

Draw a picture on the board, and invite the children to change or remove parts of the picture to make it look different. Help them understand that, like this picture, some things in the Bible were changed and taken out over time. Read parts of 1 Nephi 13:40 that teach how the Book of Mormon (which Nephi calls “these last records”) helps us understand the “plain and precious things” that were lost from the Bible.

Hide around the room pictures representing gospel truths that are clarified in the Book of Mormon, such as baptism, the sacrament, and resurrection. Invite the children to find these pictures. Explain that the Book of Mormon brought back gospel truths that had been lost. Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 Why is it helpful to have more than one witness? Draw a dot on the board, label it Bible, and invite each child to draw a different straight line passing through the dot to illustrate that teachings in the Bible can be interpreted many ways when the Bible stands alone. Erase the lines, and draw a second dot labeled Book of Mormon. Invite a child to draw a straight line that passes through both dots to show that there is only one way to interpret the gospel when the Bible and Book of Mormon are used together.

The Lord Commanded Joseph Smith to Restore Precious Truths that were Lost from the Bible.

Doctrine and Covenants 73:3

Friend May 2009 “Restoring Plain and Precious Truths”

As part of his calling as the prophet, Joseph Smith was commanded by the Lord to make inspired revisions to the Bible. These revisions, which the Lord called a “translation” (Doctrine and Covenants 90:13), restored important truths that had been lost or removed from the Bible over the centuries.

• Explain that when Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon returned from a short mission near Kirtland, Ohio, the Lord wanted them to resume work on an important project. Invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 73:3 to find out what that project was. To help the children understand what the Lord wanted Joseph and Sidney to translate, read with them parts of the Bible Dictionary entry “Joseph Smith Translation (JST).”
• Pass around a copy of the Bible, and allow the children to open it and see how many pages are in it. Invite the children to imagine they were asked to translate the Bible into another language. What are the chances they might make some mistakes? Explain that when people translated or copied the Bible before Joseph Smith’s time, they made some mistakes, and sometimes they removed important truths. The Lord commanded the Prophet Joseph Smith to make inspired corrections. Why is Joseph Smith’s work valuable to us? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 71–75”)

Would your family benefit from learning about the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible? (see Bible Dictionary, “Joseph Smith Translation”). You could explore a few of the passages that were revised in the Joseph Smith Translation and discuss the precious truths the Lord revealed through the Prophet. For some examples, see the Joseph Smith Translation of Genesis 14:25–40 and Genesis 50:24–38 in the Bible appendix; various footnotes in Matthew 4:1–11; and Luke 2:46, footnote c. (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 71–75”)

Additional Teaching Ideas: Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 20: Joseph Smith Translates the Bible and Other Scriptures,”  

The Book of Mormon teaches precious truths.

1 Nephi 13:26–29, 35–36, 40

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “1 Nephi 11-15” To help your children value the “plain and precious” truths in the Book of Mormon, you could draw a picture and invite your children to change or remove parts of the picture to make it look different. You could use this to teach that things in the Bible were changed and taken out over time. Read together 1 Nephi 13:40 and talk about how the Book of Mormon (“these last records”) helps us understand the “plain and precious things” that were lost from the Bible (the “first” records). What “plain and precious” truths have you learned from the Book of Mormon?

Nephi saw that many Plain and Precious Things would be Removed from Bible

Draw a picture on the board, and invite the children to change or remove parts of the picture to make it look different. Help them understand that, like this picture, some things in the Bible were changed and taken out over time. Read parts of 1 Nephi 13:40 that teach how the Book of Mormon (which Nephi calls “these last records”) helps us understand the “plain and precious things” that were lost from the Bible.

Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) A bicycle is a simple and effective form of transportation. Cycling can also be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. What are some of the essential parts that allow a person to operate a bicycle safely and effectively? Imagine you owned a bicycle and someone intentionally removed certain essential parts from it.

• What might those actions indicate about his or her feelings toward you?
• What could happen if you attempted to operate the bicycle with missing parts?
• Who might you contact to repair and restore your bicycle to function properly?

In a similar way, Satan has sought to harm and confuse God’s children by removing and changing important parts of Jesus Christ’s gospel. As you study 1 Nephi 13, look for what the Savior has done to help us overcome Satan’s obstacles.

The video “The Book of Mormon—a Book from God” (Gospel Library) could help your children see why it’s important to have both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Children might enjoy re-creating the illustration from the video. (watch to 5:41)

Why is it helpful to have more than one witness? Draw a dot on the board, label it Bible, and invite each child to draw a different straight line passing through the dot to illustrate that teachings in the Bible can be interpreted many ways when the Bible stands alone. Erase the lines, and draw a second dot labeled Book of Mormon. Invite a child to draw a straight line that passes through both dots to show that there is only one way to interpret the gospel when the Bible and Book of Mormon are used together.

Read 1 Nephi 13:26–29 together, and invite the children to look for what happens when people do not have the “plain and precious” truths of the gospel. How did the Lord restore truths that had been lost? (see verses 35–36, 40). Invite the children to share their testimonies of truths they have learned from the Book of Mormon, or share your own.

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 20: Joseph Smith Translates the Bible and Other Scriptures,”  (See more at link) Have the children stand in a line. Whisper the two- or three-sentence message into the ear of the first child in line. Have each child in turn whisper the message to the next child. Instruct each child to say the message only once. Continue until the message reaches the last child in line. Ask the last child to repeat the message aloud. Compare the message the last child received with the original message to see how the message changed.

• How had the message changed by the time it reached the end of the line? What was left out? What was added?
• Why do you think the message changed as it passed from person to person?

Explain to the children that just as their message changed as it was passed from person to person, over many years some of the scriptures in the Bible had been changed as people translated the Bible and made copies of it by hand. Mistakes were made: some incorrect teachings had been added to the Bible, and some important teachings had been left out. (see Articles of Faith 1:8).

Watch the following video until 3.12

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “1 Nephi 11-15 Hide around the room pictures representing gospel truths that are clarified in the Book of Mormon, such as baptism, the sacrament, and resurrection. Invite the children to find these pictures. Explain that the Book of Mormon brought back gospel truths that had been lost (during the apostasy).

Ensign January 2020

• Help the children memorize the eighth article of faith. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

Church News “The Book of Mormon Restores Precious Truths” By Elder Merrill J. Bateman

I Can Know the Scriptures are True

Doctrine and Covenants 18:1-5

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 18–19: “The Worth of Souls Is Great”

Perhaps family members could share some of the “many instances” (verse 2) in which the Spirit has manifested to them that the scriptures are true, just as He did for Oliver Cowdery. How can your family “rely upon the things which are written” (verse 3) in the scriptures? How can you build your family’s foundation on the “rock” (verse 4) of the gospel?

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

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 20: Joseph Smith Translates the Bible and Other Scriptures,”  See more at link

Have the children stand in a line. Whisper the two- or three-sentence message into the ear of the first child in line. Have each child in turn whisper the message to the next child. Instruct each child to say the message only once. Continue until the message reaches the last child in line. Ask the last child to repeat the message aloud. Compare the message the last child received with the original message to see how the message changed.

• How had the message changed by the time it reached the end of the line? What was left out? What was added?
• Why do you think the message changed as it passed from person to person?

Explain to the children that just as their message changed as it was passed from person to person, over many years some of the scriptures in the Bible had been changed as people translated the Bible and made copies of it by hand. Mistakes were made: some incorrect teachings had been added to the Bible, and some important teachings had been left out. The Lord commanded Joseph Smith to prepare a translation of the Bible that would restore the correct teachings (see Articles of Faith 1:8).

Latter Day Kids “Personal Revelation” Lesson ideas

The Standard Works

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 22: The Latter-day Revelations Are Published,”

Show the children each of the standard works one at a time, and as you hold each one up share a little about how we got it. For example:

The Bible tells us about prophecies of Jesus Christ and about the Savior’s life and teachings when he was on the earth.

The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and tells us about the Savior’s dealings with the people on the American continent.

The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of revelations from Jesus Christ for the latter days, or our times.

The Pearl of Great Price gives us teachings and testimonies of Jesus Christ from ancient prophets as well as Joseph Smith’s history and testimony of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Game

Give each child four small pieces of paper, and show the children how to fold each piece in half so it resembles a book. Help the children label their “books” Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price.Ask the following questions and have the children hold up the appropriate paper “book” to answer each question:

Which book tells the most about the dealings of the Lord with his people in the Holy Land, beginning with the creation of the earth? (Bible.)

Which book tells about Jesus Christ’s visit to the American continent? (Book of Mormon.)

Which book tells the most about Jesus Christ’s birth and life on earth? (Bible.)

Which book contains a record of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ’s appearance to Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove? (Pearl of Great Price.)

Which book contains revelations on how the Church should be established in the latter days, given by Jesus Christ to Joseph Smith? (Doctrine and Covenants.) Remind the children that each of the standard works is a testament of Jesus Christ and that we should study all of the scriptures.

Hold up the Doctrine and Covenants, share with the children what makes this book of scripture unique (for example, it contains revelations given in our day).

How to Understand the Scriptures Better

I Can Receive Answers to My Questions About the Scriptures.

Doctrine and Covenants 77

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 77-80”

When he and Sidney Rigdon had questions about the book of Revelation as they worked on the inspired translation of the Bible, Joseph naturally sought wisdom from God. Section 77 contains the questions and the answers Joseph received about the book of Revelation. Ponder how you can follow the Prophet Joseph’s example when you study the scriptures. You might ask Heavenly Father, “What am I to understand?”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 77-80”

• Ask the children if they, like Joseph, have ever felt that they didn’t understand something in the scriptures. Let them share their experiences. What did Joseph do to find answers? Tell the children about a time when Heavenly Father helped you understand something in the scriptures.
• The children you teach might enjoy reading some of the verses in the book of Revelation that Joseph Smith had questions about. Then they could look in Doctrine and Covenants 77 for what the Lord wanted him to understand. Choose a few verses you feel would be meaningful.

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.

Possible Activities

• 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.
• 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.