Apr 12 2022

Easter: Old Testament

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Table of Contents

The Old Testament Testifies of the Savior’s Atoning Sacrifice.

  • Prepare strips of paper. On half of them, write Old Testament scripture references of prophecies about Jesus Christ. On the other half, write corresponding New Testament scripture references about how these prophecies were fulfilled. (This week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families lists some examples.) Invite the children to read the verses and match the prophecies with their fulfillment.
  • Activity Idea: Print, and cut out the below scripture strips and pictures. Tape the pictures to a display board. Each child can take a strip with the Old Testament and the matching New Testament scripture. Explain that Old Testament prophets made these prophecies long before Jesus was born, and the New Testament scriptures are what happened when he was alive on the earth. Have them read their scriptures to themselves. Going in order, have them take turns telling in their own words what is said in both their scriptures, and then matching and taping the scriptures next to the picture it goes with.
Images are from Clipart Library, Super Coloring, Pinterest, & Friend magazine

Jesus Suffered and Died for Me

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

  • Older Children: Divide the children into three groups, and give each group one of the following scripture passages: Isaiah 53:4–12; Alma 7:11–13; and Doctrine and Covenants 19:16–19. Invite the children to look for words and phrases that describe the things Jesus Christ suffered for us. Ask them to write their answers on the board and share how they feel about the Savior after reading these scriptures.
  • How are we blessed because of Jesus’s sacrifice for us? Help your children look for words and phrases that answer this question in Isaiah 53:4–12; Alma 7:11–13; and Doctrine and Covenants 19:16–19. Share with each other how you feel about the Savior after reading these scriptures.

For the Strength of Youth “The Suffering Savior”

  • Read Isaiah 53:6 to the children, and show them a picture or drawing of a sheep. Let one of the children put the picture in a far corner of the room. Explain that when we make wrong choices, we are wandering away from Heavenly Father like a sheep going astray. Then invite the child to bring the sheep back, and bear your testimony that because Jesus Christ suffered and died for us, He can bring us back to Heavenly Father. (You might show a picture of Jesus as a shepherd, such as picture 64 in the Gospel Art Book.)

Friend January 1999 “The Good Shepherd” Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd. He suffered and died for us so that we could return to Heavenly Father. We are His sheep if we will listen to His voice and follow Him. We do this by keeping the commandments, studying the scriptures, and obeying the prophets and the promptings of the Holy Ghost. We may not actually see the Savior in this life. But if we have faith in Him and follow His voice, He will protect us and lead us in the correct paths.

Friend April 1999
  • Help the children memorize the third article of faith. What does this scripture teach us about Jesus Christ’s Atonement and Heavenly Father’s plan for His children?

Friend February 2015

Friend March 2011

Friend March 2011
  • Sing with the children a song about Jesus Christ, such as “I Feel My Savior’s Love” (Children’s Songbook, 74–75). Help them notice any feelings of peace and love they have as they sing. Also point out words in the song that describe the Savior’s love. How can we share His love with others?

Jesus Died and Was Resurrected for Me.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Easter” How can you help the children learn that because of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection, we and our loved ones will be resurrected someday?

  • Tell the children about Jesus’s death and Resurrection (see Mark 15–16). Use the pictures in this week’s outline, pictures 57–60 in the Gospel Art Book, or “Chapter 54: Jesus Is Risen” in New Testament Stories (pages 139–44) to help the children visualize the story.

New Testament Stories “Jesus is Risen” Images and video

  • Help the children understand that resurrection means that after we die we will live again forever with a perfect physical body and will never die again. Share your testimony of the Resurrection, and let the children work on this week’s activity page. Invite the children to use it to share with their families the story of Jesus’s Resurrection.
  • Read Alma 40:23 to the children. Show them your hand inside a glove. Tell them that your hand is like a spirit and the glove is like a physical body. Take the glove off to show that when we die, our spirit will leave our body. Put the glove back on to represent the Resurrection.

Teaching Children the Gospel: Easter Object Lesson

Resurrection Puppets
Friend September 2006
  1. Sing a song about Jesus Christ’s Resurrection, such as “Did Jesus Really Live Again?” or “Jesus Has Risen” (Children’s Songbook, 64, 70). Bear your testimony that because of Jesus Christ we will live again and have perfect bodies after we die.
  1. 1. Did Jesus really live again? Yes, when the third day came,He wakened and he left the tomb;He called Mary’s name.
  2. 2. Did Jesus come to those he loved?Yes, people touched his feet,And of the fish and honeycombHe did truly eat.
  3. 3. And there were nail-prints in his handsAnd a spear wound in his side.Did Jesus really live againAfter he had died?Oh yes! And so shall I!

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Easter” The reality of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection can bring us great hope and joy—especially when we experience the death of a loved one. How can you help the children find comfort in the Resurrection?

  • Read Moses 1:39 with the children. Ask them if they know the difference between “immortality” and “eternal life.” Invite them to look for answers in the first paragraph of “Eternal Life” (Gospel Topics, topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Who will receive immortality? What is required to receive eternal life? Bear your testimony that both of these precious gifts are possible because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
  • Sing together an Easter song or hymn, such as “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, 34–35) or “He Is Risen!” (Hymns, no. 199). Invite the children to share how they feel when they sing these songs. What do these songs teach us about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? Invite the children to write their testimonies of the Savior to share at home with their families.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Easter” .

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

Consider how you will help your children find joy in Christ this Easter. For example, you could sing together a favorite Easter hymn, such as “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” (Hymns
, no. 200) or “Gethsemane” (Gospel Library). To find other songs about the Resurrection, you could look in the topical index of Hymns and Children’s Songbook. You and your children could share with each other why you like these songs and how you feel when you sing them. What do these songs teach us about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

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

  • Gospel Library has a collection of Easter videos that your children might enjoy. Maybe you could let them pick one to watch. Ask them what they learn about Jesus Christ from the video. You might also ask them to summarize the message of the video in one sentence.

Prophets testify of Jesus Christ and His Atonement.

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

  • As you and your children watch general conference together this Easter weekend, help them notice when the Savior’s special witnesses bear testimony of the Resurrection. Perhaps you could make a game of it—invite them to stand every time they hear words like Easter or Atonement or Resurrection. Share with each other why you’re grateful for the living prophets’ testimonies of the Savior.

Additional Resources

For additional teaching ideas see “Teaching Children the Gospel: Jesus Christ: Death & Resurrection (Easter)” and Resources for Teaching Children “Easter”

For a summary of what happened during the last week of the Savior’s life, see “Holy Week” and ComeuntoChrist.org/easter-week. For scriptures about the events of the Savior’s final week, see “The Last Week: Atonement and Resurrection” in Harmony of the Gospels (in the Bible appendix).

Come Follow Me With Living Scriptures “Remember Him” Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal

Primary 6 Manual Old Testament “The Gift of the Atonement” Page 217

For the Strength of Youth March 2026 “Finding the Savior’s Atonement in the Old Testament”

Some people might think that the Old Testament, which was written before the Savior was born and doesn’t mention Jesus Christ by name, doesn’t have much to say about Easter. But as the Book of Mormon clarifies, people in ancient times knew and had faith in the Savior, too (see Jacob 4:4).

The Israelites were taught that the purpose of the law of Moses was to point them toward Christ. For example, when they were healed from venomous snake bites by looking at the brass serpent the Lord had instructed Moses to make, Moses taught them that this was symbolic of the Savior, who would come and save them from their sins (see Numbers 21:7–9; Alma 33:18–20).

Unfortunately, a lot of that clarity is missing from the Bible as we have it today, due to changes—both intentional and accidental—over the centuries (see 1 Nephi 13:23–27).

But if you look, you can still find many references to the Savior and His Atonement in the Old Testament. Let’s talk about a few!

Palm Sunday, Gethsemane, and the Trial

“Thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass” (Zechariah 9:9).

This was fulfilled on what is now known as Palm Sunday, seven days before Easter, when Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem (see Matthew 21:15).

“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted” (Isaiah 53:4).

In Gethsemane, the Savior suffered for all of the sins—and felt the sorrows, pains, sicknesses, and afflictions—of every person who had ever lived or ever would live on earth. Because of this, He knows how to comfort us in our trials (see Alma 7:11–13; see also Matthew 8:17).

“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7).

Jesus remained silent when the high priest questioned Him (see Mark 14:60–61).

  • The Sadducees were elitist, controlled the temple, and denied the resurrection. The Pharisees were scholars of the law, focused on everyday holiness, and believed in the resurrection.
  • Motivations: The Sadducees, controlling the Temple and holding political power, saw Jesus as a threat, while the Pharisees opposed Jesus over religious practices and interpretations of the Law.
  • The Trial: While both were present, some scholars believe the Sadducean elite, led by the high priest, were the primary instigators of the verdict
Crucifixion

The Crucifixion

“The assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet” (Psalm 22:16).

“They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture” (Psalm 22:18).

“They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink” (Psalm 69:21).

Crucifixion was a common method of execution at the time, but the Roman soldiers were particularly cruel in their mockery and torment of the Savior (see John 19:1–3; Matthew 27:34–35, 48).

Jesus Christ at the tomb with Mary

The Resurrection

“He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it” (Isaiah 25:8).

“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God” (Job 19:25–26).

The Lord Jesus Christ was resurrected. He is alive now! Countless scriptures and testimonies confirm this. What’s more, our Heavenly Father knew from the beginning that we would need a Savior, and He has been preparing His children to receive the Savior since Old Testament times.

Apr 6 2022

Church Around the World: Africa

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Africa

Friend February 2021 “Elder Holland Visits Africa”

Friend February 2021 “Funstuff: Country Search” There are 54 countries in Africa. Can you find these countries on the map? Which countries did Elder Holland visit?

Friend September 2020 “Children of Heavenly Parents” Lisa Harkness of the General Primary Presidency visited the people in Africa. She found that the people of Africa come from many different countries and cultures and they speak many different languages, but they are rich in their faith and their knowledge that they are children of God.

Friend February 2026 “Sacrament in the Sahara” The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world, and it spans 11 countries. It can be easy to feel small in a big place. But God never forgets us and can always be with us. Can you find the scenes above in the picture?

Kenya

Friend November 2024 “Hello from Kenya!”

Friend November 2024 “Following Jesus in Kenya”When Martin met the missionaries, they gave him a pamphlet about Jesus Christ. Martin is visually impaired, so he couldn’t read the small words. But he still wanted to learn more. The missionaries gave Martin a copy of the Book of Mormon in braille. Braille is a form of written language for people who are blind or visually impaired.

Friend January 2025 “Going to Church with Ghuka” Kelvin’s invited him to go to church with them. He was curious about a picture on the wall. The missionaries explained that it was a picture of the prophet who is a messenger from God and teaches us what God wants us to know. The missionaries gave him Book of Mormon and Kelvin was excited to learn more. The missionaries came and taught him and eventually he was baptized. When he grew up he served a mission and then attended college through BYU–Pathway Worldwide.

Nigeria

Friend April 2023 “Following Jesus in Nigeria”

Friend April 2023 “Hello from Nigeria!”

Ghana

Friend January 2021 “Meet Stella from Ghana” Stella and her family visit their 83 year old landlady almost everyday. They adopted her since she doesn’t have any family. They help her with housework to help keep her healthy. (See link for the story and photos)

Friend January 2021 “Adventures in Ghana with Margo and Paolo”

Congo

Friend October 2019 “Hello from the Democratic Republic of the Congo!”

Friend October 2019 “Food and Fun” Refreshment: Congo Chicken Stew. Activity: Jungle Search. Can you find the six hidden animals? Color in each one.

Friend October 2021 “Adventures in the Republic of the Congo with Margo and Paolo”

Friend October 2021 “Meet Nathan from the Republic of the Congo” Nathan likes to help his younger siblings Stephy and Aaron learn to read. He helps them with their homework and reads Book of Mormon stories with them. Nathan also helps his siblings make their beds and get ready for school with their snacks and backpacks. (see photo)

Nathan loves going to school. He follows Jesus by helping his younger siblings learn too.

Challenge: Getting an education is important! Make a list of all the things you have at home and in the community that can help you learn. How can you use each one to learn more? Friend October 2021 “Adventures in the Republic of the Congo with Margo and Paolo”

South Africa

Friend May 2020 “Hello From South Africa”

Friend December 2025 “Hello from South Africa!”

Friend April 2021 “Julia Mavimbela” During a time of racism and violence in South Africa, Julia wanted to bring goodness to her community, so she started a community garden. She taught love and forgiveness. Then she met missionaries and joined the church. She continued to teach love and helped start Women for Peace, a group to promote unity and peace in South Africa.

Friend September 2022 “Meet Cebisile from South Africa” (See photos and the child’s service story at link)

Friend April 2021 “Jump the Stick” A game kids play in South Africa.

  1. A player picks a starting point and sets the stick on the ground away from that point.
  2. The player jumps over the stick and then places it where they landed.
  3. The next player now has to jump from the same starting point and try to land past the stick. Then they move the stick to the new landing spot.
  4. Anybody who doesn’t jump over the stick is out. Keep going until you have a winner!

Friend August 2021 “Elder Rasband Visits South Africa” Elder Rasband dedicates the Durban South Africa Temple. (Photos)

Friend August 2021 “Find It” Here are some animals that live in South Africa, where Elder Rasband visited! Can you find and color all 10 animals in this scene?

Friend December 2021 “Dear Friend: We Love to See the Temple” Daniel and Samuel B., ages 4 and 6, visited the Johannesburg South Africa Temple.

Media Library

Friend September 2022 “Hello from South Africa!”

Friend December 2025 “Following Jesus in South Africa”

Madagascar

Friend October 2020 “Hello From Madagascar”

Friend March 2025 “Hello from Madagascar!”

Friend October 2020 “Faneva the Missionary” Missionaries taught Faneva’s family the gospel. Faneva wanted to be a missionary when he grew up to teach people about what he was learning. In Primary they sang songs about being a missionary now and he decided that is what he wanted to do. He tried to be a good example. He invited people to church. He helped his neighbors. When he was older he also went on a mission.

Friend March 2025 “Following Jesus in Madagascar”

Benin

Friend January 2021 “Géoffroy Koussemou” Geoffroy learned to rely on the Lord while going to school to learn about farming. He joined the church and served the Lord by sharing the gospel with his friends and then selling his farm and serving a mission. Because of his faith and service a branch formed in Benin, which turned into a ward and then a stake.

Ivory Coast

Friend February 2022 “Hello from Ivory Coast!”

Friend February 2022 “Meet Animan from Ivory Coast” Animan helps his family in the shop and with filling the water drum. He tries to stand up for what is right. (See photos and more story at link.)

Friend July 2019 “Elder Andersen Visits Ivory Coast” Elder Neil L. Andersen and his wife, Sister Kathy Andersen, traveled to Ivory Coast for the groundbreaking of a new temple. (Activity: Children sing the words “I love to see the temple” in many different languages. Follow the line from each of these sentences to the correct language.)

Cape Verde

Friend August 2019 “Elder Rasband Visits Cape Verde” Elder Rasband visited a school were many of the children don’t have parents to take care of them. The Church gives money to help the children’s school that Elder Rasband visited. (Activity: Four children donated money to the Church’s Humanitarian Aid Fund. Follow the shapes along the path to see what each child’s money was used for. (Also includes instructions on how to donate money to humanitarian aid.)

Tanzania

Friend December 2021 “Dear Friend: Where I Read the Friend” Sharon H., age 3, reads the Friend in English in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania!

Mali

Friend December 2021 “Christmas in Mali” Judith and her siblings were going to their branch’s Christmas party. Not many people in Mali celebrated Christmas. In this part of Africa, most people didn’t know much about Jesus. To them, Christmas was just an ordinary day of work and play.

Friend December 2021 “Meet Willard from Burundi” Willard’s family members were refugees. They had to leave their home country. Willard and his family love to serve people around them. Willard serves in many ways. (See more and photos in article)

Friend December 2021 “Adventures in Burundi with Margo and Paolo”

Togo

Friend March 2020 “Ludovic’s Piano” Ludovic learns to play hymns by ear and plays for his branch during sacrament meeting.

Cape Verde

Friend May 2023 “Hello from Cape Verde!”

Friend May 2023 “Following Jesus in Cape Verde” Raissa’s family joined the church and were sealed in the temple when she was young. Recently, she went to the open house for the Praia Cape Verde Temple. She said, “I did important things to get ready to go to the temple, like praying, going to church, studying scriptures, and learning the gospel.”

Zimbabwe

Friend September 2024 “Hello from Zimbabwe!”

Friend September 2024 “Following Jesus in Zimbabwe” Sariah follows Jesus by helping her mother.

Friend February 2025 “Walking to Church” It takes Kupa and her mom and siblings about an hour and half to walk to church each Sunday. She loves going to church! At church, during fast and testimony meeting, she shared her testimony about the wonderful gospel that she loves.

Mozambique

Friend August 2025 “Peace in a Storm” In Mozambique in 2019, Church members took shelter in the stake president’s home during a cyclone. Inside, they felt peaceful, and everyone was safe. Babies and children slept through the storm. Can you find the hidden items?

Apr 4 2022

Exodus 14–18

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Table of Contents

Crossing the Red Sea

Genesis CHAPTER 14 Israel goes out of Egypt—Israel passes through the Red Sea on dry ground—The Lord overthrows the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.

The Lord can do a “great work” in my life.

Exodus 14:5–22

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 14–17”

  • Think of ways to share the story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea in an interesting and memorable way. For example, you or another ward member could dress up like Moses to tell the story from Exodus 14:5, 9–10, 13–16, 19–22. The children could pretend that the chairs or blankets are the Red Sea, and they could follow the person portraying Moses as he makes a path between them. Or the children could pretend to be the water and move to separate sides of the room as Moses divides them. Emphasize that the Lord gave Moses the power to part the sea so the Israelites could be delivered from captivity.

The Red Crystal This site has a fun reenactment skit. (or you could use the skit below)

Friend April 2022 “Moses Parts the Red Sea” Script to act out Moses parting the Red Sea.

  • Invite the children to color the activity page as you review with them the story from Exodus 14:5–22. Then they could work together to tell the story using the activity page.

When the Lord parted the Red Sea, Moses and the Israelites saw how powerful He is. (see also “The Passover” in Old Testament Stories, 70–74). Then you could share with each other how you have seen God’s power in your lives.

Old Testament Scripture Stories “The Passover”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 14–17”

As you read Exodus 14:1–10, imagine how the Israelites might have felt as they saw Pharaoh’s army closing in. Perhaps you feel that you need a miracle to survive a difficult challenge you are facing.

Your family members might enjoy trying to “divide” the water in a bowl or a bathtub, as Moses divided the Red Sea. Help them understand that the Red Sea could not be divided without the power of God. How have we seen God’s power in our lives and the lives of our ancestors?

Friend June 2025 “Presentation Panic” Allyson hated talking in front of people, but she had to do a history presentation. She had practiced it several times, but when she got up to give it her mind went blank from fear. She said a prayer in her mind for help. As soon as she finished, her panic faded away and she was able to give her presentation.

Friend October 2023 “Timeon’s Priesthood Blessing” Timeon fell and hurt his arm when playing monkeys with his friends at an empty tree hut. He was in a lot of pain, but there were no doctors close enough to visit in the dark. The elders gave him a priesthood blessing. Soon Timeon’s arm didn’t hurt so much. He felt calm and peaceful. He was even able to fall asleep. They were able to go see a doctor in the morning. Timeon was grateful for priesthood power.

Friend February 2023 “Lost and Found Friends”. School was about to start and Leah was worried about not having a friend. She kept praying for help. Then on the first day of school she found that her best friend was in her class. Heavenly Father had helped her.

I Can Learn to Always Follow the Spirit.

Exodus 14:5–22

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 14–17”

What does Doctrine and Covenants 8:2–3 add to our understanding of the story in Exodus 14? Moses knew by revelation how to lead the Israelites across the Red Sea.

Media Library

  • Consider telling your children about an experience when the Holy Ghost told you something in your mind or heart, and invite them to talk about their experiences. You could also sing a song about the Holy Ghost, such as “Let the Holy Spirit Guide” (Hymns, no. 143).

Friend March 2020 “Check the Kittens” After everyone has gone to bed, a girl kept having the thought to go and check on their kittens. She acted on the prompting and found that a warming light had fallen over onto the kittens cardboard box and would have caught on fire. The Holy Ghost helped keep their family and kittens safe.

  • Remind the children of the story of Nephi following the Spirit when he went to get the brass plates (see 1 Nephi 4:1–6). Help the children see that Moses also had to follow the Spirit when he led his people across the Red Sea.

The Lord Provides Manna, Quail, and Water

Exodus CHAPTER 15 The children of Israel sing the song of Moses—They extol the Lord as a man of war and rejoice in their deliverance from Egypt—The waters of Marah are healed—The Lord promises to free Israel from the diseases of Egypt.

Exodus CHAPTER 16 Israel murmurs for want of bread and lusts for the fleshpots of Egypt—The Lord rains bread from heaven and sends quail for meat—Israel is given manna each day, except the Sabbath, for forty years.

The Lord can make bitter things sweet.

Exodus 15:22–25

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

  • Maybe you and your children could drink something sweet and something bitter while studying Exodus 15:22–25 together. How has the Savior made “bitter” experiences in our lives “sweet”?

Why is adversity for our good? Adversity can help us become more like Jesus Christ; It can help us to develop empathy, patience, kindness, humility, faith and trust in God, reliance on God, etc. Ask the children if they would like to share how an adversity they suffered was for their gain.

Jesus is my Living Water, my Bread of Life, and my Rock.

Exodus 15:23–25; 16:14–15; 17:1–6

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

The Red Crystal Matching activity: One page has scriptures from Exodus, the other page has scriptures that tie it to Jesus. When a match is made, read both scriptures and ask the children how the object taught them about Jesus.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 14–17” Divide the class into pairs or small groups, and assign each group to read one of the following passages: Exodus 15:23–25; 16:14–15; 17:1–6. Ask the children in each group to draw pictures representing what they read in these verses, and then ask other class members to guess what they have drawn. Help the children identify what these stories teach about Jesus Christ. What trials do people have today? How do Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ help us with our trials?

Old Testament Stories “The Israelites in the Wilderness” Video and Illustrations

Friend April 2022 “Moses and the Manna”

As you review these stories, ask the children why bread and water were so important to the children of Israel. What would have happened if they hadn’t had these things?

The accounts of the Lord providing food and water for the Israelites in the wilderness teach us that He can provide for our needs. If we turn to Jesus Christ, He can help us during difficult times in our lives, just as He helped the children of Israel.

Media Library “The Gathering of the Manna”

Additional Resources:

Israelites Prevail in Battle as Moses Hands are Held Up

Exodus CHAPTER 17 Israel murmurs for want of water—Moses smites a rock in Horeb, and water gushes forth—Aaron and Hur uphold Moses’ hands so that Joshua prevails against Amalek.

I can help “bear the burden” of doing the Lord’s work.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 14–17” The children of Israel were victorious in the battle against Amalek only when Moses had his hands raised in the air. What can we learn about sustaining our leaders from this story?

Exodus 17:8–16; 18:13–26

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

  • As you read Exodus 17:8–16, you could invite a child to hold their hands high in the air. When the child gets tired, other children could help, the way Aaron and Hur helped Moses. What does this story teach about how we can help God’s kingdom be successful? You could also read Exodus 18:13–26 and talk about the heavy responsibilities of people who serve in your ward. What can we do today to help our Church leaders, just as Aaron and Hur helped the prophet Moses?
Media Library “One Before God”

Sustaining leaders involves more than just a raised hand—it means that we stand behind them, pray for them, accept assignments and callings from them, hearken to their counsel, and refrain from criticizing them. (Come Follow Me for Aaronic Priesthood “What does it mean to sustain my Church leaders?”)

Friend October 2004 “I Can Sustain the Prophet” Cut out the strip of pictures on this page and cut them apart. Read each sentence, find the picture/word for the missing word, and glue it in place.

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.

Jethro Counsels Moses to Delegate

Exodus CHAPTER 18 Jethro comes to Moses bringing Moses’ wife and sons and offers sacrifices to the Lord—Moses sits in the judgment seat and hears all cases—Jethro counsels Moses to teach the law, to appoint lesser judges, and to delegate power to them.

I Can Help “Bear the Burden” of Doing the Lord’s Work.

Exodus 18:13–26

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 18–20” Moses learned that trying to lead the children of Israel all by himself was “not good” (Exodus 18:17). Loving and serving one another can help ease the burdens of our leaders.

  • Invite the children to draw many circles on the board to represent members of the ward. Draw a circle labeled bishop. Why would it be a problem if the bishop were the only one helping everyone else? Read together Exodus 18:13–26 to find out what advice Jethro gave when Moses was trying to do everything himself. Ask the children to label other circles to represent other ward leaders and members who help the bishop serve others. How do these other leaders and members make the bishop’s burden lighter? How can we do the same for our ward leaders? for our parents at home?

Friend December 2019 “Notes for Sister Puckett” Tyler was excited to become a deacon so he could serve and minister like his parents do. (His father takes notes in sacrament for Sister Puckett who is sick, and his mom made taco soup for her.)

  • Help the children make a list of leaders in your ward. As a class, select one and discuss what this person does to accomplish the Lord’s work and what the children can do to help. (Suggestions: Primary leaders, Primary teachers, chorister, librarians)

Friend December 2018 Match each sentence with a picture. In the blank spot, draw yourself helping at church.

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

Giving Talks, Singing, Playing Instruments

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

  • “Prayer Power” (March 2019 Liahona and Friend)
    Lucy and her family pray for their church leaders.

Friend April 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Bear One Another’s Burdens“

Activity: Have one person stand and hold their arms out. Put a book in each of their hands. Add more books until they are too heavy to hold up. Then have two people hold the person’s arms up. Is it easier to carry a burden when you have help? How can you help others? How can you ask for help?

Friend May 2020 “I Will Be Valiant” Song and Sing-along Video.

The Lord needs valiant servants,

To do His work in the latter day,

Who follow the teachings of Jesus

And serve His people in a loving way.

I will be His servant

And keep my cov’nants valiantly.

I’ll stand for truth. I’ll stand for right.

The Lord can depend on me.

Additional Resources

See Old Testament Stories & Lesson Ideas & Old Testament: Activities & Games for additional lesson resources.

Scripture Helps: Old Testament “Exodus 14-18”

Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 14–17”

Come Follow Me Kid

Mar 31 2022

Kindness: Clipart

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Helping Others Feel Welcome

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Mar 28 2022

 Exodus 7–13

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The Plagues of Egypt

Exodus CHAPTER 7 Moses is appointed to give the word of the Lord to Pharaoh—The Lord will multiply signs and wonders in Egypt—Aaron’s rod becomes a serpent—The river is turned into blood—The magicians imitate the miracles of Moses and Aaron.

Exodus CHAPTER 8 The Lord sends plagues of frogs, lice, and flies upon Egypt—Pharaoh hardens his heart.

Exodus CHAPTER 9 The Lord destroys the cattle of the Egyptians, but not of the Israelites—Boils and blains are sent upon the Egyptians—The Lord sends hail and fire upon the people of Pharaoh, but not upon the people of Israel.

Exodus CHAPTER 10 The Lord sends a plague of locusts—This is followed by thick darkness in all Egypt for three days—Moses is cast out from the presence of Pharaoh.

Exodus CHAPTER 11 The departing Israelites are authorized to ask for jewels and gold from their neighbors—The Lord promises to slay the firstborn in every Egyptian home—He puts a difference between the Egyptians and the Israelites.

The Lord Has Power Over All Things.

Exodus 7–11

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 7–13” The Israelites were in captivity and could not free themselves, but the Lord showed His power and delivered them.

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

The plagues described in Exodus 7–11 showed the Egyptians and the Israelites that the Lord has great power. The Lord will help your children throughout their lives when they have faith in His power. To help them learn from this story, you could give each child a paper divided into 10 sections, and invite them to draw pictures of the plagues described in these verses: Exodus 7:17–18; 8:1–4; 8:16–17; 8:20–22; 9:1–6; 9:8–9; 9:22–23; 10:4–5; 10:21–22; 11:4–7  (You could also give one scripture reference to each child and have them draw pictures of the plague that they read about. They could then show the picture to the class as they tell about the plague.)

The Red Crystal

See also “The Plagues of Egypt” in Old Testament Stories, 67–69. Read together Exodus 7:5 and 9:14 to explain why the Lord sent the plagues.

Old Testament Stories “The Plagues of Egypt” Illustrations and video

Old Testament Coloring Book “Plagues of Egypt”

  • Share with your children how the Lord has shown you “that there is none like [Him] in all the earth” (Exodus 9:14). Let them share how they know that the Lord is powerful. What do the plagues teach us about God’s power? Why is it important to know about His power?

The Lord Has Power to Deliver Me.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 7–13” Children face challenges and need the Lord to help them. The story of the ten plagues the Lord sent to free the Israelites can help the children understand that He also has the power to help them.

  • Ask the children about times when they felt they needed the Lord’s help. How can He help us in these situations? Encourage them to talk about times when they or their family have experienced the Lord’s power in their lives. Bear your testimony that the Lord has the power to help us.

Friend July 1988 “Power of Prayer” A pioneer father is inspired that something was wrong at home. When he arrives he finds that his daughter has fallen into the fireplace. He gives her a blessing and every promise is fulfilled.

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Friend April 2006 “Miracles”

The Lord Can Help Me Have a Soft Heart.

Exodus 8:28–32; 9:7

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

  • Show the children the bowl of water, rock, and sponge. Ask (or show) what would happen if you poured water onto the sponge, and then ask (or show) what would happen if you poured water onto the rock in the water. Just like the hard rock will not absorb water, a hard heart will not let direction from the Lord or others in. Just like a soft sponge will absorb water, a soft heart is open to the Lord’s direction and receives the word of the Lord. A soft heart is humble and teachable. You could then read together a few verses describing how Pharaoh responded to the plagues sent by the Lord (see Exodus 8:28–32; 9:7). Which of the objects best represents Pharaoh’s heart or attitude?(see Mosiah 3:19). Elder Christopher H. Kim’s message “Harden Not Your Heart” could also help your children understand the difference between a hard heart and a soft one (Liahona, May 2025, 118–20, especially the fifth paragraph).
  • You and your children could make a list of some actions that might show when we have a hard heart (for example, using unkind words or being unwilling to share). How can we show the Lord we want to have soft hearts? (The below hearts could be printed and put on the board and the children could write the lists next to the correct heart.)

The Red Crystal

Latter Day Kids “A Soft Heart” Lesson ideas

The Passover

Exodus CHAPTER 12 The Lord institutes the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread—Lambs without blemish are slain—Israel is saved by their blood—The firstborn of all Egyptians are slain—Israel is thrust out of Egypt after 430 years—No bones of the paschal lambs are to be broken.

Exodus CHAPTER 13 The firstborn of man and of beasts are to be sanctified unto the Lord—The Feast of Unleavened Bread is to be kept in the land of Canaan—Moses takes Joseph’s bones out of Egypt—The Lord attends Israel in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.

The Sacrament Helps Me Remember My Deliverance Through Jesus Christ.


Ask some of the children to read Exodus 11:5–6 to learn about the final plague the Lord sent upon the Egyptians. Ask the other children to read Exodus 12:3, 5–7, 13 to learn about how the children of Israel were saved from that plague.

Old Testament Scripture Stories “The Passover”

The sacrament can help me remember Jesus.

Exodus 12:1–13

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 7–13”

  • The Passover taught the children of Israel that the Lord delivered them from Egypt. The Passover also taught the Israelites about the Savior and the sacrifice He would one day make for us. The Passover is symbolic of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which delivers us from sin and death. The Passover taught the Israelites to look forward to the Savior and His sacrifice for us. As you explore Exodus 12:1–13 together, help your children see connections between the details of the Passover and Jesus Christ’s Atonement (see also “The Passover” in Old Testament Stories, 70–74). For example, how is Jesus like the lamb described in verse 5?

Old Testament Seminary Student Material & Old Testament Seminary Teacher Material

Lamb (Jesus Christ)

Blood (Atonement of Jesus Christ)

Bitter herbs (bondage, sin)

Unleavened bread (repentance, removal of sin)

Lamb without blemish (Exodus 12:4–6, 46) Jesus Christ, “the Lamb of God” (John 1:36), was perfect and was slain for the sins of the world. 

Blood of the lamb on the lintel and door posts (Exodus 12:6–7, 12–13) The lamb’s blood needed to be placed around the doors to protect the people inside from the destroying angel.. The Atonement of Jesus Christ can protect us from the power of Satan as we apply the conditions of repentance in our lives.

Unleavened bread (Exodus 12:8, 15) Leaven, or yeast, causes bread to become moldy. As part of our repentance, we are to rid our lives of anything that can corrupt our spirits.

Bitter herbs (Exodus 12:8) The bitter herbs reminded the Israelites of their years of bitter bondage in Egypt. The bitter bondage is like the bitterness of our sins.

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Scripture Helps: Old Testament “Exodus 7-13” On the evening before Jesus Christ was crucified, He and His disciples shared a Passover meal together. At the end of this meal, Jesus introduced the ordinance of the sacrament, which He told His disciples to repeat in remembrance of Him. The following day, in similitude of the lamb that was sacrificed as part of the Passover, the Lamb of God was sacrificed on the cross for the sins of the world. His sacrifice ended the need for animal sacrifices.

Media Library

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

  • Today, we take the sacrament to remember Jesus’s sacrifice. You could show your children a picture of the sacrament and talk about how this ordinance helps us remember Jesus Christ. You might help your children find the word “remember” in the sacrament prayers (see Moroni 4–5).
Media Library

Friend June 2023 “A Tiny Piece of Bread” Anahí was excited to take the sacrament at the church building again after Covid was over, but by the time the tray got to her there was only a small crumb left. She picked it up and put it in her mouth, but all day long she worried that it didn’t count because it was only a crumb. But her mom said, “I saw you looking at the little picture of Jesus. What were you thinking about?” Anahi said, “I was thinking about how Jesus loves me. And about the nail prints in His hands and feet. And all He did for us.” Her mom explained, “That’s why we take the bread and water. To remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us.” So the size of the bread doesn’t matter, what matters is how you feel as you remember the Savior.

  • Sing together “The Sacrament” (Children’s Songbook, 72). Or sing together a favorite hymn about the sacrament, and help your children notice the peaceful feeling they have when they think about the Savior. How can we seek that feeling when we take the sacrament?

Exodus 12:1–42.

After reading Exodus 12:1–42 together, you could write on pieces of paper things you can do as a family to remember Jesus Christ’s Atonement. Because the lamb’s blood on the door posts (see verse 23) represented the Savior, you could place these papers around a doorway in your home. You could also eat some of the foods from the Passover, such as unleavened bread (crackers or tortillas) or bitter herbs (parsley or horseradish), and discuss how the Passover helps us remember how God delivered His people. For example, the unleavened bread reminded them that there was not time for their bread to rise before they fled from captivity. The bitter herbs reminded them of the bitterness of captivity. (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 7–13”)

Additional Resources

See Old Testament Stories & Lesson Ideas & Old Testament: Activities & Games for additional lesson resources.

Lesson 19: Moses Delivers the Israelites from Bondage,” Primary 6: Old Testament

Scripture Helps: Old Testament “Exodus 7-13”

How were Pharaoh’s magicians able to imitate some of the miracles performed by Moses and Aaron?

President Dallin H. Oaks remarked: “You will remember that the magicians in Pharaoh’s court duplicated some of the miracles Moses produced through the power of God [see Exodus 7–8]. Perhaps these magicians were servants of the devil, using his power, but I think it more likely that they were simply skilled practitioners of magic tricks that they used to reinforce their position in Pharaoh’s court.”

Although the magicians of Egypt were able to perform some imitations, they were never able to prevent or overcome the plagues the Lord sent. In fact, their imitations of the first two plagues likely made circumstances worse for the people of Egypt. The contrast between the Lord’s priesthood power exercised by Moses and the imitations wrought by the magicians of Egypt illustrates that God’s power is superior to all other forms of power.

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Know That I Am the Lord” Lesson ideas

Mar 21 2022

Exodus 1-6

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Table of Contents

ISRAELITES IN BONDAGE

Exodus CHAPTER 1 The children of Israel multiply—They are placed in bondage by the Egyptians—Pharaoh seeks to destroy the sons born to Hebrew women.

MOSES IN EGYPT then MIDIAN

Exodus CHAPTER 2 Moses is born to Levite parents, is raised by Pharaoh’s daughter, slays an Egyptian in defense of an Israelite, flees to Midian, and marries Zipporah—Israel in bondage cries to the Lord.

God can work through me to fulfill His purposes.

Exodus 1–2

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 1–6

  • Moses had a major role in freeing Israel from bondage. But he wouldn’t have been able to accomplish this if his mother, his sister, Pharaoh’s daughter, and other faithful women hadn’t protected and cared for him. Help your children learn about these women in Exodus 1:15–20; Exodus 2:2–10 (see also Numbers 26:59); and Exodus 2:16–21. You could also use this week’s activity page and “Baby Moses” (in Old Testament Stories, 61–63) to tell their stories. How did these women help fulfill God’s plan?

Old Testament Stories “Baby Moses” Illustrations and video

Friend March 2022 “Scripture Hero Cards”

Lesson 18: The Birth and Calling of Moses,” Primary 6: Old Testament (Page 90-95) Tie the ends of the yarn together. Hand the yarn to a child and tell him or her to hold it up in a circle using only his or her hands. When the child cannot do so, ask another child to help, then another until all the children are helping form the yarn into a circle. (If you have only two or three children in the class, have them make a square or a six-sided figure.)

Explain that as each person was needed to help make the shape, each of us has a mission to fulfill in the kingdom of God. Tell the children that in this lesson they will learn about the prophet Moses and the mission he was called to perform.

Explain that there are many important things that Heavenly Father and Jesus need us to do. Ask the children to take turns writing their suggestions on the chalkboard. These may include being a parent, a teacher, a Church leader, or a good example. Emphasize that each of us has at least one mission to perform on earth and that God needs all of us to help build his kingdom.

  • Tell the children about people you admire because of their faithfulness in serving God and those around them, even when they serve in small ways. Invite the children to talk about people they know who have faithfully served God and others. What is our part in God’s work?

Friend March 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Story: When Moses was a baby, his mother hid him in a basket to keep him safe. His sister helped take care of him too. He grew up and became a prophet. (See Exodus 2:1–10.)

Activity: You can help others too! Go to page 12 to make a paper basket, like the one Moses was in. On pieces of paper, write ways you can serve others (and God). Then put the papers in the basket. When you want to help someone, choose a piece of paper and do what it says.

Friend March 2022 “Make a Basket for Baby Moses”

  • Sing together a song about service, such as “‘Give,’ Said the Little Stream” (Children’s Songbook, 236). Help the children think of simple things they can do to help others at home, at church, and at school.

MOSES AND THE BURNING BUSH

Exodus CHAPTER 3 The Lord appears to Moses at the burning bush—Moses is called to deliver Israel from bondage—The Lord identifies Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and as the Great I AM—He promises to smite Egypt and bring His people out with great wealth.

Exodus 3:1–5 The Lord asked Moses to remove his shoes at the burning bush as a sign of respect and reverence.

I can treat holy places with reverence.

Exodus 3:1–5

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 1–6

  • After reading Exodus 3:1–5 together, ask your children to summarize these verses in their own words (see also “Moses the Prophet” in Old Testament Stories, 64–66). You could also review the beginning of Elder Ulisses Soares’s message “Reverence for Sacred Things” (Liahona, May 2025, 108).

Old Testament Stories “Moses the Prophet” Story illustrations and Videos

  • How did Moses show reverence in the Lord’s presence? How does the Lord want us to show reverence? You might also ask your children to help you find (or draw) pictures of sacred places or activities where we should be reverent.
  • Activity ideas: Have the children sort these pictures, or the list below the pictures, into places where we should be reverent and where we don’t need to be reverent.
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The Red Crystal

Talk about how being reverent at appropriate times helps us know Heavenly Father and Jesus better and feel their presence in our lives.

  • Sing together a song about reverence, such as “Reverence Is Love” (Children’s Songbook, 31). As you do, your children could find words or phrases that explain what it means to be reverent. If we were bringing a friend to church for the first time, how would we explain what it means to be reverent?
Friend October 2016
Friend October 2016

For additional teaching ideas see Reverence.

When the Lord asks me to do something, He will help me do it.

Exodus 3–4

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 1–6

  • Using the account in Exodus 3; 4:1–17, let your children take turns pretending to be Moses. It might be fun to include objects or simple props, such as a flashlight and a plant to represent the burning bush.
Gospel Art Picture: “Moses and the Burning Bush”
  • Help your children discover how Moses felt about the assignment the Lord gave him (see Exodus 3:11; 4:1, 10). Maybe you could share with each other times when you had similar feelings. What advice would we share with Moses to help him? Read about how the Lord encouraged Moses in Exodus 3:12; 4:2–9, 11–12. Tell the children how the Savior has helped you fulfill a calling, follow a prompting, or do something else that was hard for you.

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

  • Help the children think of situations when they might be asked to do something that seems hard. Explain that just as Jesus helped Moses, Jesus will also help them. Sing a song about how Jesus helps us, such as “I Will Walk with Jesus” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Testify that the Savior will help us when we are worried or scared.

Friend June 2020 ” The Only  Bald Deacon” Carlos was losing his hair due to cancer, so he shaved the patchy hair off. He was anxious about people staring at him when he passed the sacrament. He and his family said a prayer together before going in to church, and he felt peaceful and ready. When he got into the chapel he found all the other deacons with shaved their heads too.

Friend November 2019 “The Primary Talk” Dennis was afraid to give a talk in Primary because he stutters. He prayed, prepared, and practiced but he was still nervous, so he asked his father to give him a blessing. After the blessing he was able to give the talk with only a few stutters, and he knew Heavenly Father helped him.

Additional Lesson Topic Ideas

The Lord sees our afflictions and will help as we turn to him.

Exodus 3:7

The Lord explained to Moses that He had seen the afflictions of the children of Israel, heard their prayers, and knew their sorrows (see Exodus 3:7).

  1. Assign each person an emotion based on the color they’re wearing most of:
    • Yellow = happy
    • Blue = sad
    • Red = angry
    • Green = calm
    • Orange = scared
    • Other = confused or surprised
  2. Each person will share a specific experience when they’ve felt that emotion.
  3. Can we tell how people are feeling just by their appearance or what they’re wearing?
  4. Who sees all our emotions, including our afflictions and sorrows, even when others might not be able to?
  5. Find scriptures that show how Jesus Christ knows and understands us.

Discussion: What are some trials we’ve been through? How can we know that the Lord was aware of us through those times?

Jesus Christ is my Deliverer.

Jesus Christ is also known as our “Deliverer.” What does it mean to deliver? Talk about how He has power to save us from sin and death. He also had a plan to deliver the Israelites

One of the central themes in the book of Exodus is that God has power to free His people from oppression. The enslavement of the Israelites as described in Exodus 1 could be seen as a symbol of the captivity we all face because of sin and death (see 2 Nephi 2:26–27; 9:10; Alma 36:28).

Additional Resources

See Old Testament Stories & Lesson Ideas & Old Testament: Activities & Games for additional lesson resources.

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Mar 14 2022

Genesis 42–50

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Table of Contents

JOSEPH FORGIVES HIS BROTHERS

Genesis CHAPTER 42 Jacob sends his sons to buy grain in Egypt—They bow before Joseph—He makes harsh accusations against them, imprisons Simeon, and sends them back for Benjamin.

Genesis CHAPTER 43 Jacob is persuaded to send Benjamin to Egypt—Joseph’s brothers show respect to him—They all eat and drink together.

Genesis CHAPTER 44 Joseph arranges to stop the return of his brothers to Canaan—Judah offers himself in place of Benjamin for their father’s sake.

Genesis CHAPTER 45 Joseph makes himself known to his brothers—They rejoice together—Pharaoh invites Jacob and his family to dwell in Egypt and eat the fat of the land.

I can show love and forgiveness to my family.

Genesis 42–44; 45:4–15

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 42–50” & Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 42–50”

It might be fun for your children to reenact the story of Joseph reuniting his family (see Genesis 42–44). Have fun with it—use costumes and props if you’d like. Encourage children to try to understand the emotions and perspectives of the characters.

Or they could use “Joseph and the Famine” (in Old Testament Stories, 57–60) or pictures in this outline to teach the story to each other. As they do, ask them how they think Joseph might have felt to see his brothers again or how the brothers might have felt when they finally recognized Joseph.

Old Testament Stories “Joseph and the Famine” Illustrations

Here are some questions that could help your children learn from the story:

  • What did Joseph do to show love for his family? (see Genesis 45:4–15).
  • Why do you feel Joseph forgave his brothers?
  • How do you think Joseph’s brothers felt when they found out Joseph had forgiven them? Who in your life needs to be forgiven? How can you show love and forgiveness?

What did Joseph do or say to let his brothers know he forgave them? What can we say or do when others ask us to forgive them? You or your children may want to share an experience when they forgave someone or when someone forgave them. How did they feel? (To give them time to think, share an experience of your own, and testify of the blessings that came from forgiveness.)What do we learn about forgiveness from the Savior’s example? (see Luke 23:33–34).

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

Friend May 2020 “Sister Squabble” Jaide’s little sister borrowed her tennis shoes without asking and accidentally got them muddy. Jaide was so mad that she told her sister,  “I wish you weren’t my sister.” She felt terrible about what she said.  She read a scripture about Jesus forgiving and healing someone and she realized, she needed to forgive and try and fix what she had done to her sister with her words. 

Joseph’s brothers had done terrible things to him. Yet Joseph forgave them and brought peace to his family.

Gospel Art Picture: “Joseph Greets His Brothers in Egypt”

  • You could then sing a song such as “Love One Another” (Children’s Songbook, 136) or “Help Me, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook, 99). (When you sing about forgiving in “Help Me, Dear Father”, invite the children to point to Joseph on the activity page. When you sing about repenting, invite them to point to his brothers.)

For Additional Teaching Ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Forgiveness” and Resources for Teaching Children “Forgiveness”

Heavenly Father Sent Jesus Christ to Save Me.

Genesis 45:5–11

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 42–50”

The Red Crystal

Ask your children what it means to save or rescue someone. If any of them have had an experience being saved or rescued from danger, invite them to share. How did Joseph save his brothers? (see Genesis 42:1–3; 45:5–7). Then you could look at a picture of the Savior together and ask your children to talk about how Jesus saves us.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020: 2 Nephi 6-10 Tell the children a story of a person who fell into a pit so deep that he or she could not climb out. A man came along and lifted this person out of the pit. You may want to draw a picture of this story on the board or act it out with the children. Explain that this pit is like death and the man who helped the person is like Jesus Christ, who saved all people from death by giving us the gift of resurrection. Tell the children that this same person fell into another pit. This time the rescuer gave the person a ladder to use in climbing out of the pit. Explain that this pit is like sin and the ladder is the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which allows us to repent and be forgiven of our sins. Read 2 Nephi 9:22–23, and bear your testimony of Jesus Christ and His Atonement.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 42–50” The story of Joseph saving his family from famine can teach us about Jesus Christ, who saves us from sin and death.

    For additional teaching ideas see Jesus Christ: Lesson Ideas

    JACOB GOES TO EGYPT

    Genesis CHAPTER 46 The Lord sends Jacob and his family of seventy souls to Egypt—The descendants of Jacob are named—Joseph meets Jacob.

    Genesis CHAPTER 47 The Israelites settle in Goshen—Jacob blesses Pharaoh—Joseph sells grain to the Egyptians—Pharaoh receives the Egyptians’ cattle and lands—Jacob desires to be buried with his fathers in Canaan.

    JACOB BLESSES HIS CHILDREN

    Genesis CHAPTER 48 Jacob tells of the appearance of God to him in Luz—He adopts Ephraim and Manasseh as his own children—Jacob blesses Joseph—He puts Ephraim before Manasseh—The seed of Ephraim will become a multitude of nations—The children of Israel will come again into the land of their fathers.

    Genesis Chapter 49 Jacob blesses his sons and their seed—Reuben, Simeon, and Levi are chastened—Judah will rule until Shiloh (Christ) comes—Joseph is a fruitful bough by a well—His branches (the Nephites and Lamanites) will run over the wall—The Shepherd and Stone of Israel (Christ) will bless Joseph temporally and spiritually—Jacob chooses to be buried with his fathers in Canaan—He yields up the ghost and is gathered to his people.

    The Lord helps me through priesthood blessings.

    Genesis 48:8–9

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 42–50”

    • You and your children could look at the picture of Jacob blessing his sons at the end of this outline and discuss what is happening (see Genesis 48:8–9). If needed, explain that Jacob, Joseph’s father, wanted to give priesthood blessings to his family. Perhaps you could share with each other any experiences you’ve had receiving help from God through a priesthood blessing. What are some reasons we might ask for a priesthood blessing?
    • Read to the children Genesis 48:8–9. Explain that Israel, also called Jacob, was Joseph’s father and that he wanted to give Joseph’s children a priesthood blessing. If any of the children have received a priesthood blessing, invite them to tell about their experience. Or share an experience of your own.

    Friend February 2016 “You are Special” Emma gets a father’s blessing.

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    Jacob blessed his sons and grandsons (see Genesis 48–49). Today we can receive priesthood blessings that give us comfort, healing, guidance, and spiritual strength.

    Friend September 2025 “Gospel Basics: Teach Me about Priesthood Blessings”

    • Help the children think of reasons they might ask for a priesthood blessing. Also help them name priesthood holders they could ask, such as a father, grandfather, or ministering brother.

    JOSPEPH’S PROPHECIES

    Genesis CHAPTER 50 Jacob’s body is embalmed—Joseph buries him in Canaan—Joseph comforts his brothers—The children of Israel multiply—Joseph promises that God will bring Israel out of Egypt into Canaan—Joseph dies in Egypt and is embalmed.

    Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:27–33 (in the Bible appendix)Joseph in Egypt prophesies of Moses freeing Israel from Egyptian bondage; of a branch of Joseph’s descendants being led to a faraway land, where they will be remembered in the covenants of the Lord; of God calling a latter-day prophet named Joseph to join the records of Judah and of Joseph; and of Aaron serving as a spokesman for Moses.

    Heavenly Father Prepared Joseph Smith to be a Prophet in Our Day.

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 42–50” Thousands of years in advance, Joseph of Egypt saw that the Lord would call Joseph Smith to do a great work in the latter days. Teach the children how the Lord has blessed us through the Prophet Joseph Smith.

    • Give the children descriptive clues about Joseph Smith, and invite them to guess who you are describing. Include clues from Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:27–33 (in the Bible appendix), such as “he taught us about covenants” (see verse 28), “he gave us the word of the Lord” (see verse 30), and “he was named after his father” (see verse 33). After the children guess correctly, invite them to find these clues in the verses. What else do we learn about Joseph Smith from the prophecy of Joseph in Egypt?

    Liahona February 2020 “Meet the Four Josephs” Lehi tells his son Joseph about some of the prophecies that Joseph of Egypt made about Joseph Smith, who was named after his father, Joseph. The article includes the following: What Did Joseph of Egypt Say about Joseph Smith? How Was Joseph Smith Like Joseph of Egypt? How Did Lehi Know about Joseph of Egypt?

    • Show the children pictures that represent important things Joseph Smith did or taught (see, for example, Gospel Art Book, nos. 89–95, 97, 98, 117, 118). Help the children think of blessings we have because of Joseph Smith. For example, how has his work helped us come closer to Jesus Christ?
    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 135-136”

    Additional Resources

    For additional lesson resources see Old Testament Stories & Lesson Ideas & Old Testament: Activities & Games.

    Lesson 17: Joseph Forgives His Brothers,” Primary 6: Old Testament Pages 86–89

    Scripture Helps “Genesis 42-50”

    Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel “Genesis 37-50”

    Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

    The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

    Mar 10 2022

    Preparedness

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    Friend June 2022 “The Firewood Race” In Primary, Luke hears about being prepared. He and his siblings decide to collect firewood to get prepared. That afternoon, their father said everyone had to stay inside for four days to stop the spread of Covid. It was a good thing they had collected enough firewood to last a week.

    Natural Disasters

    Earthquake

    Friend August 2024 “Giulia and the Earthquake” Giulia”s family had a special FHE to prepare in case of an earthquake. The thought of an earthquake scared her, but her mother said not to worry. They would do their best to prepare and the Lord would help them. The scriptures they read made Giulia feel calm and peaceful. A few weeks later they had an earthquake, but she remembered what to do and she felt peace because she remembered that Jesus would help them.

    Friend March 2023 “The Earthquake Prayer” Violet woke up when she felt an earthquake. She and her family ran to the kitchen and crawled under the table. They had practiced what to do in an earthquake, but Violet was scared. She said a prayer, and felt like someone was giving her a hug. She was glad Heavenly Father helped her feel peace.

    Tornado

    Friend August 2020 “Sirens and Scriptures” When a tornado warning goes off, the family goes goes to the basement where supplies are stored for such an emergency.

    Storms

    Friend April 2019 “Matt and Mandy” A big storm makes the power go out, but Matt and Mandy’s family are prepared.

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    Friend May 2019
    Friend June 2019

    Friend March 2018 “The Great Cereal Sacrifice” Hannah and her family give up cereal and instead eat oatmeal for breakfast so they can save money to buy emergency preparedness items.

    Friend March 2016 “Emergency Evacuation” A family has a FHE lesson about preparedness and then experience a real emergency situation.

    Friend March 2016
    Friend March 2016

    Friend August 2018 “Emergency Scavenger Hunt” Putting together emergency kits by doing a scavenger hunt. (Also add water, blanket, and clothes.)

    Listen to the Inspiration of the Holy Ghost

    Friend October 2023 “Heavenly Father Knew” Spencer’s parents felt inspired to get preparedness items. A few months later a volcano erupted and they needed the face masks and emergency food that his parents had prepared. Spencer was glad his family listened to the Holy Ghost!

    Gardening

    Friend March 1982
    Friend March 1982

    In Big Cities

    Friend July 2019 “Find It!” The people who live in this big city love their community garden! Can you find the hidden objects? How many veggies can you name?

    Friend August 2018

    Genesis CHAPTER 41

    Pharaoh dreams of the cattle and the ears of grain—Joseph interprets the dreams as seven years of plenty and seven of famine—He proposes a grain storage program—Pharaoh makes him ruler of all Egypt—Joseph marries Asenath—He gathers grain as the sand upon the seashore—Asenath bears Manasseh and Ephraim—Joseph sells grain to Egyptians and others during the famine.

    Genesis 41:15–36, 47–57

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 37–41” God helped Joseph understand that Pharaoh’s dreams were a warning to prepare for hard times coming in the future. Help the children understand that God can warn them of danger, including spiritual danger.

    • Scatter pictures of food around the room, and invite the children to gather them and “store” them in a container. Use this activity to tell the children about how God warned Pharaoh to prepare for a time when there wouldn’t be food (see Genesis 41:15–36, 47–57). Let the children draw pictures of the things Pharaoh dreamed about and then use their pictures to teach their families at home.
    • Show a picture of the current prophet. Tell the children about teachings or warnings God has given us through him. Explain that we will be blessed and protected as we follow the prophet. Invite the children to act out things they can do to follow the prophet’s counsel.

    Read Genesis 41:53–57, looking for what happened because Pharaoh followed Joseph’s counsel.

    What is a principle we can identify from this account about following the counsel of prophets and inspired leaders?

    Church News “Heed Warnings from President Nelson—a Modern-Day Watchman on the Tower”

    President Nelson’s Warning:

    “In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost,”

    President Nelson’s Teachings:

    • Choose to do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly.”
    • “I urge you to stretch beyond your current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation.”
    • “I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation.”
    • Humble yourself before God.
    • Pour out your heart to your Heavenly Father.
    • Turn to Him for answers and for comfort.
    • Pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears, your weaknesses—yes, the very longings of your heart.
    • Listen!
    • Write the thoughts that come to your mind.
    • Record your feelings.
    • Follow through with actions that you are prompted to take.

    Friend October 2017 “A Friendly Primary Visitor” A pilot comes to Primary and acts out flying and what could happen if he didn’t listen to the control tower. He likens the control tower to the prophet.

    Ensign August 2007 “Latter-day Prophets Speak on Preparedness” Quotes by different prophets about preparedness and food storage.

    Friend March 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Preparedness Planning”

    Story: Joseph helped the people in Egypt prepare for hard times. You can read this story on page 8 or in Genesis 41.

    Activity: Make an emergency plan. Talk about ways your family can prepare for emergencies. What can you start today?

    What can we learn about preparing for future emergencies? Discuss what you can do to be better prepared as a family. For ideas, see Gospel Topics, “Emergency Preparedness,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

    Emergency Preparedness FHE Lesson – Preparing for Natural Disasters

    Emergency Preparedness – FHE Lesson LDS Daily

    Mar 7 2022

    Family: Resolving Discord

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    Table of Contents

    Matthew 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is aangry with his brother bwithout a cause shall be cin danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, dRaca, shall be ein danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

    Burying Weapons of Contention

    News with Naylors Lesson ideas about contention in the home and finding peace. On the swords write somethings that may be causing contention such as yelling, arguing, not sharing, etc.

    Friend July 2020 “My Family Night Fun”The Anti-Nephi-Lehies made a promise with God that they wouldn’t fight again. They buried their weapons in the ground (see Alma 23:7, 24:17). Take a small piece of paper and write down something you want to stop doing, like fighting or complaining. Share what you wrote, and promise to do your best to stop doing that thing. Then rip the paper into tiny pieces and bury it in the ground.

    Friend July 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Alma 23:7 together and talk about how the Anti-Nephi-Lehies promised never to hurt people ever again. Draw weapons on pieces of paper. As you bury each one under a rug or towel, help your littles ones say, “I will be a peacemaker.”

    Friend August 2018 “The No-Fighting Promise” After a few days of staying at cousin Timmy’s house, Madi and Timmy start to fight. Timmy suggests they be like the Anti-Nephi-Lehies and make some toy swords and bury them and promise they won’t fight each other anymore. After that they found ways to compromise so they didn’t fight.

    Come Follow Me Kid

    The Red Crystal

    Ways to Resolve Family Discord

    Friend March 2022 “What’s on Your Mind?” Sometimes my siblings and I argue and fight. What can I do to get along with them better? (See more at link)

    Friend September 2019 “3 Ways to Get Along With Others” Love them, forgive them, treat them the way you wanted to be treated. (Includes Golden Rule activity and coloring page.)

    Friend May 2019 “What’s on Your Mind” Ideas on how to get along with siblings.

    Friend February 2017 “Question Corner” Children’s ideas in how to deal with family members who are being annoying.

    Friend June 2017 “For Parents of Little Ones” Ideas for helping children learn how to get along with each other.

    Friend February 2017 “Question Corner” Children’s ideas in how to deal with family members who are being annoying.

    Friend May 2017 “Hi Friends” When my brother and I fight, I sing the Primary song “Jesus Said Love Everyone.” It helps me be more like Jesus. Nora P., age 4, Florida, USA

    Remember How Special Family Relationships Are

    Lesson 13: Jacob and Esau,” Primary 6: Old Testament

    1. Have the children tell about good experiences they have had with their own brothers and sisters. Remind the children that because families can be together forever, they should love and help their brothers and sisters. Share the following quotation with the children: “Your most important friendships should be with your own brothers and sisters and with your father and mother. Love your family. Be loyal to them. Have a genuine concern for your brothers and sisters. Help carry their load” (Ezra Taft Benson, in Conference Report, Apr. 1986, p. 56; or Ensign, May 1986, p. 43).
    2. Have the children discuss family situations such as the following (adapt these if needed and add others to suit the needs of your class):
      • Your younger sister wants you to play with her instead of going to your friend’s house.
      • Your older brother is preparing dinner and asks you to help even though it is not your turn.
      • Your brother is studying for a test in school. You are watching a television program that is distracting him from his studies.How many solutions can you think of for these situations? Which solutions would bring temporary pleasure? Which solutions would bring eternal happiness? Encourage the children to be forgiving and understanding at home.

     Friend February 2018 “Peter the Pest” Matthew is angry that his little brother, Peter,  always wants to do everything he does and breaks his model dinosaur. His father explains that Matthew is probably the most important person in the world to Peter, and that is why he wants to do eerything he does.  Matthew chooses to calm down and apologize to Peter, and their relationship grows stronger.(Also see Lesson Ideas on how to control anger.)

    Friend September 2021 “My Side, Your Side” Megan and Mia argue about who’s mess is who’s when cleaning up their room. They want their own rooms. Their mom puts a curtain up in the room to divide it. At first they like it, but then they got lonely and bored. One of them suggested they make a mailbox to write notes to each other. They invite each other to play. Pretty soon they don’t want the curtain because it just gets in the way.

    Friend October 2016 “Gone Fishing” Hayden is annoyed that his noisy little brother, Dan, has come fishing with him and his dad, but when Dan disappears Hayden is fearfully worried and realizes how much he loves his little brother.

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    Friend September 2020 “Loving Our Families”When President Eyring felt frustrated with one of his children for jumping on the bed and was about to get angry, the Holy Ghost reminded him of what a special person his son is. The Holy Ghost can help us too.

    Treat Each Other Way You Want to Be Treated

    Friend September 2019

    Jesus taught the Golden Rule: “All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them” (Matthew 7:12).

    It is easy to understand why we should treat others the way we would like to be treated. It is because each of God’s sons and daughters is precious (see Matthew 25:40).

    Listen to Each Other

    Solve the Problem Together

    Try to Understand Their Feelings

    Respect Each Other’s Feelings

    Friend June 2017 “Tickling Trouble”  Lizzie and Max learn that we should listen to and respect each other. Pillow fights and tickling is only fun when everyone is having fun.

    Try to Show Love (Say and Do Nice Things)

    Friend August 2018 “Sisters and Turtles” Ellie’s sister has been grumpy; she got mad at Ellie for sitting on her bed. Ellie gives her sister a special turtle necklace that represents helping someone who gets turned over. Ellie tells her sister she wants to help her get back on her feet whenever she is sad or upset.

    Friend February 2019 “Matt and Mandy” Matt and Mandy have a fight, but by dinner time they had forgotten what it was about. They show extra kindness to each other as a way of making amends.

    Look for the Good

    Friend September 2021 “Saying the Nice Things” Jonathon wasn’t looking forward to the weekend because lately there had been more bickering and teasing in the family. He prayed for help figuring out a way to make things better. Then he had an idea for home evening. When he conducted, he started a new thing where whoever conducts says a nice thing about each family member. Everyone felt warm and happy after Jonathon said nice things about them.

    Take Time to Calm Down

    Ask Yourself “What Would Jesus Do?”

    Friend May 2017 “Hi Friends” When my brother and I fight, I sing the Primary song “Jesus Said Love Everyone.” It helps me be more like Jesus. Nora P., age 4, Florida, USA

    Apologize and Figure Out How to Make It Better

    Friend April 2024 “We Can Solve It”

    Friend August 2017 “For Parents of Little Ones” Teaching little ones empathy and how to apologize and make things right after they have hurt a sibling.

    Friend June 2021 “Trying Together” Jack was mad because his mom yelled at him. He had made several wrong choices, including fighting with his brother and not cleaning up his messes. He was also sad. He wished he hadn’t made all those bad choices. He apologized to his mother, and she apologized for yelling. Jack tried to make things right with his mother’s help.

    Friend April 2017 “The Blue Sunglasses” Sarah accidently breaks her big sister’s sunglasses. She does her best to make things right.

    Friend May 2019 “Five-Year-Olds-Only” Kyle built a great blanket fort but didn’t want to let his little sister in it because she breaks his things. He feels bad though because it made her sad and cry, so he apologizes and invites her in. Afterwards he feels like the fort is even better.

    Friend March 2023 “Carousel Kindness” Damien was excited to show his little sister the carousel and the ring game on it. But he got mad at her when she didn’t do it right. He felt bad and apologized and helped her the next time.

    Pray for Help

    Friend August 1988 “Raymond and the Horrible Little Pest” Raymond says some very mean things to his brother and feels terrible. He prays for help to know how to fix things.

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    Forgive

    Genesis 33:1–4

    Most children know what it’s like to be angry with a sibling. The story of how Jacob and Esau overcame their anger toward each other may be inspiring to them

    • Help the children remember why Esau was angry at Jacob (see Genesis 27:41 or “Jacob and Esau” in Old Testament Stories). Ask the children to show you what an angry face looks like. Explain that after many years, Jacob was afraid to visit Esau. Ask the children to show you what a scared face looks like. What should we do when we are afraid? Invite the children to pretend to pray while you read what Jacob said in his prayer (see Genesis 32:11). Then read in Genesis 33:4 what happened when Esau saw Jacob. Ask the children to show you how Jacob’s and Esau’s faces might have looked when they saw each other again.
    • Show the picture of Jacob and Esau found in this outline. Let the children describe what they see in the picture. Tell them that there had been bad feelings between these two brothers, but they chose to forgive each other. Help the children think of how they could show more love to someone in their family, just as Jacob and Esau showed love to each other.

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 28–33” After many years of hard feelings, Jacob and Esau were reunited. If Jacob and Esau could talk to us today, what might they say to help us when there is contention in our family?

    Friend May 2018 “Joseph Forgives His Brothers”


    Friend May 2020 “Sister Squabble” Jaide’s little sister borrowed her tennis shoes without asking and accidentally got them muddy. Jaide was so mad that she told her sister,  “I wish you weren’t my sister.” She felt terrible about what she said.  She read a scripture about Jesus forgiving and healing someone and she realized, she needed to forgive and try and fix what she had done to her sister with her words. 

    Friend June 2019 “The Slipper Slip-Up” Bailey loved playing princesses, and she loved the little glass slipper she kept on her shelf that reminded her of princesses. One evening, after reading her a story, her dad accidentally bumped into the shelf and knocked the slipper off and broke it. She was heartbroken, but she told her dad that she forgives him because she loves her dad more than any toy.

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    Friend March 2018 “Haircut Disaster” Max is kind to his mom and forgives her when she makes a major mistake while cutting his hair.

    Friend March 2015 Boy forgives mom for breaking Lego space jet.

    Friend March 2015
    Friend March 2015.
    Friend March 2015

    Pray for Help

    Friend March 2016

    Friend March 2016
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    Old Testament Stories “Jacob and His Family” images

    Genesis 32:6–11; 33:1–4

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 28-33” Esau was mad at Jacob, and Jacob was afraid to see Esau again, even after 20 years of being apart. But Jacob prayed for help, and Esau was able to overcome his anger.

    • Ask the children what they remember about the relationship between Jacob and Esau (see Genesis 27:41 or “Jacob and Esau” in Old Testament Stories). Explain that after being away for about 20 years, Jacob was going to meet Esau again. Read together Genesis 32:6–11. How did Jacob feel? What did he do to get help? Testify that we can ask Heavenly Father for help when our family relationships are difficult. Read together Genesis 33:1–4 to discover how the Lord answered Jacob’s prayer..
    • “Jacob and Esau” (October 1994 Friend)
      Find out what happened when Esau met Jacob by matching words to the shapes in a tent.

    Spend Quality Time Together

    Friend November 2018 “Sister Date”  Rachel and Brianna have a bad fight over which tv show to watch. The older sister, Brianna, decides they need to go on sister date and have some fun time together, and this quality time helps them become best friends again.

    Friend January 2017 “Time for Addison” Tom doesn’t want his little sister to knock over the tower he built after school, but his little sister misses him and wants to spend time with him, so he figures out something they can do together.

    Friend August 2019 “The Get Along Bucket” When Amy and Garrett fight, their mom gets out the “Get-Along Bucket.” They have to choose an activity from the bucket and then  do it together, and before long, they are having fun together.

    Friend August 2019

    Friend July 2015 – A girl learns that she controls how she reacts to annoying brother.

    Friend July 2015 .

    Mar 7 2022

    Genesis 37–41

    Featured

    Table of Contents

    JOSEPH IS SOLD INTO EGYPT

    Genesis Chapter 37 Jacob loves and favors Joseph, who is hated by his brothers—Joseph dreams that his parents and brothers make obeisance to him—His brothers sell him into Egypt.

    I Can Be Kind to My Family.

    Genesis 37

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 37–41”

    • Reading about the hard feelings in Joseph’s family could prompt a discussion about how we should treat family members. To tell the story of Joseph and his brothers from Genesis 37, you could use the pictures in this outline or in “Joseph’s Inspired Dreams” (in Old Testament Stories, 47–51). Let your children share details they know about the story.

    Old Testament Stories “Joseph’s Inspired Dreams” Illustrations

    Old Testament Study Guide for Home-Study Seminary Students “Unit 7: Day 3, Genesis 33–37” It may help you to understand the following: Sheaves (see Genesis 37:7) are bundles of wheat. To make obeisance (see Genesis 37:7) means to bow down before a superior to show deep respect. To rebuke (see Genesis 37:10) is to reprimand or correct. To observe (see Genesis 37:11), in this context, means to consider and reflect.

    You might ask your children to imagine they were in Joseph’s family. What would they have said or done to be a peacemaker in the family? For example, what does it mean to “speak peaceably” in our family? (verse 4). How is Jesus Christ a peacemaker in God’s family?

    Friend September 2021 “Saying the Nice Things” Jonathon wasn’t looking forward to the weekend because lately there had been more bickering and teasing in the family. He prayed for help figuring out a way to make things better. Then he had an idea for home evening. When he conducted, he started a new thing where whoever conducts says a nice thing about each family member. Everyone felt warm and happy after Jonathon said nice things about them.

    Friend June 2019 “Family Night Fun” Ideas for a FHE lesson on family love. For example: Write on hearts things you love about each other or things you can do to show kindness in your family. Put the hearts around your house to remind you to show love this week. Also, make a strawberry heart shish-ka-bob for the refreshment

    Ensign July 2017 Make a paper doll chain and on each doll write something you love about a family member.

    Friend October 2019 “Family Night Fun” Have each person write their name at the bottom of a paper and draw an outline of their head in the middle. Have everyone pass their paper to the person next to them. Add something to the head—like eyes or hair—to look like the person whose name is on the paper. Then write something nice about them on the page. Keep passing the papers, adding to the pictures and writing nice things, until everyone gets their own paper back. You can strengthen your family by being kind and seeing the best in each other!

    Friend July 2015 – A girl learns that she controls how she reacts to annoying brother.

    • Let the children color this week’s activity page and, in the space provided, draw a picture of a way you can be kind to your family.
    • Sing together a song about loving our families, such as “A Happy Family” (Children’s Songbook, 198). What can we do to help our families be happy?

    I Can Be Happy when Good Things Happen to Others.

    Genesis 37:3–28

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 37–41” Jealousy led Joseph’s brothers to make terrible choices. Their wrong choices hurt Joseph and broke their father’s heart. This story can help the children choose to be happy when others are blessed by the Lord.

    • Invite the children to review Genesis 37:3–11 and draw pictures of Joseph’s coat and his two dreams. How did Joseph’s brothers feel about Joseph? How could they have responded differently? Discuss why it is important to be happy when good things happen to other people.

    Old Testament Study Guide for Home-Study Seminary Students “Unit 7: Day 3, Genesis 33–37”

    “Lesson 38: Genesis 35–37,” Old Testament Seminary Student Material

    Sometimes a person might feel envious or jealous if a sibling or close friend receives an important award; is selected for an athletic team, band, orchestra, or choir; or performs the best in his or her class on an exam.

    What is the danger of feeling envious or jealous of others who experience good fortune?

    We can learn the following principle from the account of Joseph and his brothers: Choosing to hate or envy others can lead us to commit additional sins.

    Gospel Art Picture: “Joseph Is Sold by His Brothers”

    When others have possessions, talents, or attention that we would like to have, how can we avoid feelings of hatred or envy toward them? (Be happy for them, be glad that God is kind, give them a hug and say kind, glad words to them, pray for a loving heart, etc.)

    • Ask the children to share some situations in which a person might feel jealous of someone else. Sing together a song about showing love to others, such as “Love One Another” (Children’s Songbook, 136–37). Emphasize that Heavenly Father can help us replace feelings of jealousy with feelings of love.

    JOSEPH FLEES POTIPHAR’S WIFE

    Genesis Chapter 39 Joseph, prospered by the Lord, becomes ruler of Potiphar’s house—He resists the advances of Potiphar’s wife, is falsely accused, and is cast into prison—The keeper of the prison commits the prison’s affairs into Joseph’s hands.

    With the Lord’s Help, I Can Flee Temptation.

    Genesis 39:7–12

    Old Testament Stories “Joseph in Egypt” Illustrations

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 37–41”

    • Here’s an object lesson that can help your children follow Joseph’s example of fleeing from Potiphar’s wife: Use two magnets to represent Jesus Christ and Satan. Use a small metal object, like a paper clip, to represent us. Then let your children see how the influence of a magnet on the metal object is stronger when they move the object closer to it. How does Joseph’s experience in Genesis 39:7–12 illustrate this truth?

    What can we do to move away from sin and closer to Jesus? The video “Temptation Fades as We Seek Christ in Every Thought” (Gospel Library) and a song like “I Need Thee Every Hour” (Hymns, no. 98) can help with this discussion.

    As the children you teach face temptations throughout their lives, they can gain strength from Joseph’s example of fleeing temptation.

    • Show a picture of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife (see Gospel Art Book, no. 11), and share the story in Genesis 39:7–12. How did Joseph resist temptation?
    • Help your children think of temptations they might face. Let them role-play how they could “flee” from these temptations.

    Lesson 15: Joseph Was Sold into Egypt,” Primary 6: Old Testament

    1. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know that it is harder to avoid temptation when we allow ourselves to get close to it. Discuss with the children how they could distance themselves from temptation in the following situations:
      1. A plate of your favorite dessert is on the table, ready to be taken to a sick neighbor.
      2. Your parents have warned you not to swim without someone watching. You are alone by the water on a very hot day; perhaps you could just wade up to your knees …
      3. Some of your friends are trying to convince you to try smoking a cigarette. Whenever you are with them, they dare you to take just one puff.
      4. You are troubled by bad thoughts when you read a certain book.You could make a list on the chalkboard of other temptations, such as gossiping, looking at vulgar magazines, using bad language, dressing immodestly, watching inappropriate movies or television shows, telling unclean jokes or stories, listening to improper song lyrics, or using drugs. Discuss strategies for resisting evil, such as removing ourselves from the situation and replacing the temptation with something wholesome. Erase each harmful influence from the chalkboard as it is discussed.

    For additional teaching ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Temptation”

    God Can Help Me when Bad Things Happen.

    Genesis 37:18–28; 39:20–23; 41:38

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 37–41”

    • When your children face hard times, they need to know that the Lord will be with them, as He was with Joseph. Perhaps you could help your children make a list of hard things that happened to Joseph (see Genesis 37:23–28; 39:20; or “Joseph’s Inspired Dreams” and “Joseph in Egypt,” in Old Testament Stories, 47–51, 52–56). After each hardship they find, invite your children to repeat, “The Lord was with Joseph” Genesis 39:1–3, 20–23 . Invite the children to share what they think the phrase “the Lord was with Joseph” means (Genesis 39:2). Invite them to share experiences when they felt that the Lord was with them or their families during a hard time. Share similar experiences from your life.
    • Share pictures of the Savior helping people who were facing challenges (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 40–43). Invite the children to share how the Savior was helping the people. Share your testimony that the Lord can help us when bad things happen to us.

    Friend April 2018 “Trouble in Adventure Forest” When Owen’s feet get burned he learns that Heavenly Father doesn’t always stop bad things from happening, but He helps us get through them.

    Friend March 2022 “Heavenly Father Will Help Me through Hard Times”

    Friend April 2018 “Joseph Trusted God”

    For additional teaching ideas see Adversity and Resources for Teaching Children: Trials

    • Sing a song about the Savior’s loving care for us, such as “Jesus Is Our Loving Friend” (Children’s Songbook, 58). Share an experience when you have felt God’s love during a challenging time. Show a picture of Jesus, and invite the children to share how they feel about Him.

    Flipchart from The Primary Pad can be found here.

    Joseph Interprets Dreams

    Genesis CHAPTER 40 Joseph interprets the dreams of Pharaoh’s chief butler and chief baker—The butler fails to tell Pharaoh about Joseph.

    Genesis CHAPTER 41 Pharaoh dreams of the cattle and the ears of grain—Joseph interprets the dreams as seven years of plenty and seven of famine—He proposes a grain storage program—Pharaoh makes him ruler of all Egypt—Joseph marries Asenath—He gathers grain as the sand upon the seashore—Asenath bears Manasseh and Ephraim—Joseph sells grain to Egyptians and others during the famine.

    God Can Warn Me of Danger.

    Old Testament Stories for Young Readers “Joseph Prepares for Hard Times”

    Genesis 41:15–36, 47–57

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 37–41” God helped Joseph understand that Pharaoh’s dreams were a warning to prepare for hard times coming in the future. Help the children understand that God can warn them of danger, including spiritual danger.

    • Scatter pictures of food around the room, and invite the children to gather them and “store” them in a container. Use this activity to tell the children about how God warned Pharaoh to prepare for a time when there wouldn’t be food (see Genesis 41:15–36, 47–57). Let the children draw pictures of the things Pharaoh dreamed about and then use their pictures to teach their families at home.
    • Show a picture of the current prophet. Tell the children about teachings or warnings God has given us through him. Explain that we will be blessed and protected as we follow the prophet. Invite the children to act out things they can do to follow the prophet’s counsel.

    Read Genesis 41:53–57, looking for what happened because Pharaoh followed Joseph’s counsel.

    What is a principle we can identify from this account about following the counsel of prophets and inspired leaders?

    Church News “Heed Warnings from President Nelson—a Modern-Day Watchman on the Tower”

    President Nelson’s Warning:

    “In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost,”

    President Nelson’s Teachings:

    • Choose to do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly.”
    • “I urge you to stretch beyond your current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation.”
    • “I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation.”
    • Humble yourself before God.
    • Pour out your heart to your Heavenly Father.
    • Turn to Him for answers and for comfort.
    • Pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears, your weaknesses—yes, the very longings of your heart.
    • Listen!
    • Write the thoughts that come to your mind.
    • Record your feelings.
    • Follow through with actions that you are prompted to take.

    Friend October 2017 “A Friendly Primary Visitor” A pilot comes to Primary and acts out flying and what could happen if he didn’t listen to the control tower. He likens the control tower to the prophet.

    Ensign August 2007 “Latter-day Prophets Speak on Preparedness” Quotes by different prophets about preparedness and food storage.

    Friend March 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Preparedness Planning”

    Story: Joseph helped the people in Egypt prepare for hard times. You can read this story on page 8 or in Genesis 41.

    Activity: Make an emergency plan. Talk about ways your family can prepare for emergencies. What can you start today?

    What can we learn about preparing for future emergencies? Discuss what you can do to be better prepared as a family. For ideas, see Gospel Topics, “Emergency Preparedness,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

    Emergency Preparedness FHE Lesson – Preparing for Natural Disasters

    Emergency Preparedness – FHE Lesson LDS Daily

    Additional Teaching Ideas:

    For additional lesson resources see Old Testament Stories & Lesson Ideas & Old Testament: Activities & Games.

    Scripture Helps Old Testament “Genesis 37-41”

    Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel

    “Lesson 14: ” Primary 6: Old Testament “Joseph was Sold into Egypt” Pages 62-66

    Ask the children if they have ever had something small, like a piece of sand, in their eye. How did it feel? Show the children the picture of the oyster and the pearl, or, if available, show a pearl and some sand. Explain that something as beautiful as a pearl can develop from the irritation caused by a small grain of sand inside an oyster shell. Explain that there are things in our lives that can cause irritations, like being hurt, disappointed, mistreated, or misjudged. We can complain, be sad, be angry, or be jealous, or we can have a positive attitude and make the best of the situation.

    “Lesson 14: ” Primary 6: Old Testament “Joseph in Egypt” Pages 67-70

    Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

    The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

    Latter Day Kids “Joseph in Egypt” Lesson ideas

    Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “The Lord is With Us” Lesson Ideas