Satan Tries to Get Us to Sin

Satan tempts and deceives us little by little.

Alma 47

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 43-52” Read together selected verses from Alma 47:4–19, and explain to the children how Amalickiah gained control of Lehonti’s army, even though the members of the army were “fixed in their minds” that they would not be forced to fight the Nephites. What would have happened if Amalickiah had told Lehonti what he planned to do from the beginning? What do these verses teach us about how Satan tries to deceive us?

Satan knows that most of us aren’t willing to commit big sins or believe big lies. Therefore, he uses subtle lies and temptations to lead us into seemingly small sins—as many as he thinks we will accept. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 43-52”

He wishes to destroy our lives and bring us into captivity through getting us to sin. Demonstrate how Satan takes away our freedom through sin by doing the following object lesson.

Object Lesson
Ask for a volunteer. Have the volunteer put their hands together. Wrap one layer of the masking tape around their fingers and thumbs. Ask them if they can break free. Explain that when we first make a mistake or sin we are easily able to break free of its grasp and repent. But Satan knows that if he continue to gets us to sin, little by little, eventually the sin will become accepted and then we become bound in captivity to the sin because it becomes a habit or an addiction. (Wrap the tape around the child’s hands several times, layering one area around the fingers and thumbs.) Ask the child to try and break free from the bindings. They shouldn’t be able to. Satan wants us to be miserable like he is, and he knows that sin binds us in captivity and destroys lives.

“The traitorous Amalickiah urged Lehonti to ‘come down’ and meet him in the valley. But when Lehonti left the high ground, he was poisoned ‘by degrees’ until he died, and his army fell into Amalickiah’s hands (see Alma 47). By arguments and accusations, some people bait us to leave the high ground. The high ground is where the light is. … It is the safe ground” (“Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship,”Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 74).

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 43-52” Show a picture of a house that is well maintained and a house that has been neglected, or show a picture of a healthy garden and a garden full of weeds. Let the children talk about what they see in the pictures and how these changes might have happened over time. What could the owner of the house or garden have done to prevent this? Explain that people can gradually become sinful if they do not resist Satan’s temptations to commit small sins (such as being dishonest or looking at pornography) and then bigger sins. What are some bad things that we need to resist doing in our lives?

Lesson 15 – Alma and Amulek in Ammonihah Lesson ideas

Satan Seeks to Deceive

With Counterfeit Teachings

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 30-31” Display some items (such as money or food) and toy imitations of these items. Which would the children rather have?

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 20: Korihor, the Anti-Christ,”  Write the first word of each pair below on slips of paper and hand them out to the children. Ask each child to think of a word that means the opposite of the word on his or her paper. Let each child say the opposite word he or she has thought of while the rest of the class tries to guess the positive word on the child’s paper.

Word Examples: light/dark, life/death, good/bad, love/hate, success/failure, right/wrong, true/false, peace/war, truth/lie, pure/impure, clean/dirty, happy/sad, healthy/sick, kind/mean, joy/sorrow

When everyone has had a turn, explain that just as every word in this activity has an opposite, Satan has a counterfeit or opposite teaching for every teaching of Jesus Christ. Following Heavenly Father brings us happiness; following Satan brings us unhappiness. Ask the children the difference between how people feel when they tell lies and how they feel when they tell the truth.

Teach the children that the more we learn about something, the more we can tell the difference between that thing and its opposite. The more we learn about and follow Jesus Christ’s teachings, the more we will be able to resist the temptations and deception of Satan..

Ensign March 2018 “Family Home Evening: Discerning Right from Wrong” Object Lesson. Satan tries to make good, righteous, and joyful seem miserable and evil appear to be good. Wrap a rock as a gift and put a treat in a brown paper bag.  (See more at link)

2 Nephi 28

Things Satan wants people to believe:

• You don’t need to strive to improve yourself because you are already good enough. (Verse 21)
• God will justify a little sin. He may punish you a little, but he will still allow you to be saved in His Kingdom. (Verse 8)
• There is no hell or devil. (Verse 22)
• God has already given all His words. You don’t need more. (Verse 29)
• Beware of those who say miracles still occur. Miracles don’t need to happen anymore. (Verse 6)
• There is no God.

Why would Satan want people to believe there is no God? One reason is that when a belief in God and his teachings are taken away, Satan can destroy people’s lives through getting them to sin.

Korihor said that we can’t know of things we have not seen. He argued that a person who had not seen God could not know of his existence.

• Ask the children to think of a place they have never visited that exists. Why do you believe that place exists? Just as we have other’s accounts to help us know of places we have not seen, we have the testimonies of prophets, the scriptures, and the Holy Ghost to help us know that God exists.

What could the personal consequences be for believing each of the above lies? (You could wrap some thread around someone’s wrists to represent “a flaxen cord” as the family members mention possible consequences. Then read the following: [Satan] leadeth them by the neck with a flaxen cord, until he bindeth them with his strong cords forever. 2 Nephi 26:22)

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 1–7: “Lift Up Your Head and Be of Good Cheer”

To help your family learn how Satan can deceive us, draw a body, and as your family reads 3 Nephi 2:1–3 and 6:15–17, mark the different parts of the body mentioned. According to these verses, what are some of the ways Satan tempts us to forget God and turn to sin?

• Give each child a real sugar cookie and explain that sin can leaves a bitter taste and cause lasting harm, but when we are obedient and follow Jesus then we are blessed with the sweet joys and happiness of making good choices.
• Show the children the cookies you prepared, and then give each child a napkin and let them choose a cookie. Some of the children may choose the salt cookies. Have them spit out their bites into the napkin when they taste the salt. Point out that all the cookies were beautifully decorated and looked appealing, but some were made with salt instead of sugar. Point out the not only does salt cookies taste awful, consuming large amounts of salt is harmful for the body. Explain that Satan makes sin look appealing and he even makes bad things seem good. They look appealing on the outside, but if we partake then we may consume something into our lives that would be bad and harmful. Ask the children if they can think of anything that looks appealing but is actually harmful to our souls. Inappropriate movies, violent video games, fighting, arguing,

Forgetting spiritual experiences makes me vulnerable to Satan’s temptations.

3 Nephi 1:22; 2:1–3

The Nephites started to fall into wickedness as they let themselves forget the signs of the birth of Jesus Christ and the miracles they had seen. Similarly, if we forget our spiritual experiences, it will be easier for us to drift away from the gospel. Ensign September 2020 “Come, Follow Me: Book of Mormon—Support Articles and Activities September 7–13”

Ask the children if any of them would like to share a spiritual experience they have had. Ideas could include answers to prayers, warm feelings when reading the scriptures, etc.

What can you do to better remember the past spiritual experiences you have had? Consider writing them down. You could also share them with your family (Sharing your experience can bring back the Spirit. It can also help the other person to feel the Spirit). Ensign September 2020 “How can we keep from forgetting spiritual experiences?”

“Jared’s Journal.” In this Friend story, Jared learns he can color in a journal to remember important things.

“Scripture Journal.” This activity idea from the Friend can help your children start writing what they learn from the scriptures. Includes a doorknob tag to print and cut out.

Ensign September 2020 “Family Study Fun: Remembering Jar”

Read 3 Nephi 2:1–3 together and talk about how some people “began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard.” Then play an activity to help your family remember God all week.

1. Label a jar “God loves me.”
2. Give each family member a small piece of paper and ask them to write down a blessing God has given them. Put the papers in the jar.
3. Encourage family members to add more papers to the jar as they notice blessings during the week.
4. At the end of the week, pick a handful of papers to read out loud and talk about.

Discussion: Why do you think the adversary wants us to forget the spiritual “wonders” we notice in our lives? How can we remember God every day?

Satan tries to confuse me about good and evil.

2 Nephi 15:20

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 11-19” Show your children something bitter or sour, such as a lemon slice (or pickle), inside a candy wrapper. Read together 2 Nephi 15:20. How does Satan try to make things that are evil look good?

Another idea is to make beautifully decorated cookies with salt instead of sugar. Be sure to give each child a napkin to spit the bite of cookie out into. and let them choose a cookie. Explain that Satan makes sin look appealing and he even makes bad things seem good. They look appealing on the outside, but if we partake then we may consume something into our lives that would be bad and harmful. Ask the children if they can think of anything that looks appealing but is actually harmful to our souls. Inappropriate movies, violent video games, fighting, arguing,

• You could also show the first 90 seconds of the video “You Will Be Freed” (Gospel Library). Why does the fisherman disguise his hook? Why does Satan disguise sin? How does Jesus Christ help us avoid being deceived by Satan?

Friend June 2007 “Deadly Maka-fekes” President Monson warns of attractive lures that can destroy us.

Ensign March 2018 “When Evil Appears Good and Good Appears Evil” Elder Quentin gives some examples of evil made to appear good.

• How does Jesus Christ help us avoid being deceived by Satan?

Let Christ be your secure anchor in life.

Consequences

No unclean thing can enter into [God’s] kingdom

For the Strength of Youth March 2024 “The Miracle We Need Every Day” (Lesson ideas) If God loves us, why does He ask us to change and repent? Here are some truths about sin and Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice.

Sin causes pain and suffering

Friend March 1987 “Sweet Repentance” Kelly steals her sister’s toffee and suffers many consequences.

Friend Nov 1982 A girl feels awful after stealing a bracelet

Wickedness Never Was Happiness

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 6-10” In 2 Nephi 9, Jacob used two powerful and contrasting phrases: “the merciful plan of the great Creator” and “that cunning plan of the evil one” (2 Nephi 9:6, 28). Perhaps you could draw a path and label it Heavenly Father’s Plan. Then search 2 Nephi 9:27–52. Look for warnings and invitations that Jacob gave to help us follow this plan. Write what you find beside the path. How does Satan try to lead us away from God’s plan? What do you feel inspired to do in response to Jacob’s warnings and invitations?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 6-10” Perhaps one day this week your family could search 2 Nephi 9:27–38, looking for the warnings (preceded by “wo”). Which of these seem especially important for your family to discuss? On another day, you could search 2 Nephi 9:39–44, looking for what Jacob invited his people to remember.

Come Follow Me Kid

Oh No!” Game (I Can Come Unto Christ and Receive the Glorious Blessings of His Atonement) –

• The manual says, “Jesus Christ came ‘into the world that he may save all men if they will hearken unto his voice.’ (2 Nephi 9:21). In other words, we must be willing to accept the saving blessings He offers. After describing the great plan of redemption, Jacob gave important warnings and invitations, found in 2 Nephi 9:27-54, to help us receive the blessings of the Atonement.”
• Warnings: Have them stand by the picture of Christ from the monster activity (maybe tape it onto the wall). Explain that the word “wo” in the scriptures we’re about to read isn’t really a good thing. Have them listen carefully while you read 2 Nephi 9:27-40. Each time they hear the word “wo,” they’ll say, “Oh no!” and then hop one hop away from the Christ picture. Briefly summarize what each verse means after they’ve hopped and talk about how those things would take us farther away from Christ.
  
• Invitations: Do we want to stay far away from Christ? Does He want us to be far away from Him? Read the following invitations from this chapter one at a time. As each one is read and discussed, they canhop closer to the Savior.
  
• “But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God.” (2 Nephi 2:29)
• “Give ear to my words” (2 Nephi 9:40)
• “Come unto the Lord, the Holy One” (2 Nephi 9:41)
• “And whoso knocketh, to him will he open” (2 Nephi 9:42)
• “O, my beloved brethren, remember my words” (2 Nephi 9:44)
• “O, my beloved brethren, turn away from your sins; shake off the chains of him that would bind you fast; come unto that God who is the rock of your salvation.” (2 Nephi 9:45)
• “Prepare your souls for that glorious day when justice shall be administered to the righteous, even the day of judgment, that ye may not shrink with awful fear.” (2 Nephi 9:46)
• “Behold, my beloved brethren, remember the words of your God; pray unto him continually by day, and give thanks unto his holy name by night. Let your hearts rejoice.” (2 Nephi 9:52)

I Can Resist Satan’s Temptations.

Moses 1:12–26

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

As you study Moses 1:12–26, look for things Moses did to resist Satan. How might Moses’s example help the children when they face temptations?

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

Moses 1:18.

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

13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do ^agood continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and ^benticeth to do ^cgood, and to love God, and to serve him, is ^dinspired of God.

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

Heavenly Father will help me resist temptation. (Sr)

1 Corinthians 10:13

Invite the children to read 1 Corinthians 10:13 in pairs and summarize the verse in their own words. Ask the children to share an experience in which Heavenly Father helped them avoid or resist temptation. What can we do to rely on Heavenly Father when we are tempted? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 Corinthians 8–13” )

Friend February 2019 “Yo-Yo Decision” While shopping with her mom, Lea found a yo-yo. Oscar had brought one to school and had impressed everyone with tricks. Lea wanted to do that too, but she didn’t have enough money to buy the yo-yo. A thought came into her mind that she could just put it in her pocket, but then she had a bad feeling. She realized it was the Holy Ghost warning her, so she put it back and felt peaceful and happy.

Friend November 2020 “Hyrum Beats the Bad Words” Hyrum figures out a way to help him not think about the bad words that he hears.

Write on slips of paper temptations children may face today. Invite the children to each choose a paper and share what Heavenly Father has given to help us avoid or resist these temptations. For some ideas, read together Alma 13:28–29. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 Corinthians 8–13” )

The Red Crystal has a list of temptations that could be printed off. You could use the Temptation Toolbox activity below with the temptation scenarios. Have the children read off the temptation and choose a tool, or name something else (write it on a blank tool), that could help them overcome the temptation. Have them explain how that tool could help them before putting it in the tool box.

Bring a box of tools (or pictures of tools), and label each tool with a way we can resist temptation (such as praying, singing a hymn, reading the scriptures, [remembering Jesus], or serving others). Let each child pick a tool and talk about a situation when the action written on that tool’s label could help us resist temptation. Read together verses 25–26, and testify that God will help us when we face temptation. Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 1; Abraham 3”

Gospel Home Study Packets “Resisting Temptations” Has some good temptation scenarios and an activity.

I can overcome temptation.

2 Samuel CHAPTER 11

David lies with Bathsheba, and she conceives—He then arranges for the death in battle of her husband, Uriah.

2 Samuel 11

The children you teach make small but important decisions every day. How can you help them understand the importance of choosing what’s right even when it’s hard?

• Review 2 Samuel 11 with the children, pointing out the choices David made. Ask the children what good choices David should have made. What are some things we can do when we are being tempted that can help us choose the right?

• To share an example of someone who, unlike David, resisted temptation, ask the children if they remember the story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife (see Genesis 39:7–12). You might review this story with the children and help them compare it with the story of David. What can we learn from the stories of David and of Joseph about how to resist temptation? (Watch below video until .38)

Lesson 15: Joseph Was Sold into Egypt,” Primary 6: Old Testament Tell the class that the nail, pin, or paper clip represents us. Place it between the two magnets on a flat surface so it can be attracted by one or the other. Show that the further away from “Satan” we are, the less power he has to tempt us. As you move the metal object toward the magnet representing God, explain that the closer we live to the Lord, the more we are influenced by his goodness. When we seek after good, we are less influenced by that which is evil. (What can we do to draw close to God? How can the Holy Ghost help us?)

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.

• Someone tries to show you pictures of people who are immodestly dressed. You are tempted to look.
• Someone starts to tell a dirty joke or story. You want to listen.
• A friend tells an unkind story about someone. The thought comes into your mind to spread the gossip.
• You are watching a television program that shows immoral behavior. This program is popular with your friends and you want to watch it.
• You are angry with someone and feel like punching him or her.
• You see your favorite candy bar at the store. The thought comes into your mind to steal it.

Friend June 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” The Lamb Story

Story: The prophet Nathan told a story about two men. The first man had lots of lambs. The second man had only one lamb. The man with many lambs stole the other man’s lamb. That made the man with only one lamb very sad. It also made Heavenly Father sad. (See 2 Samuel 12:1–4.)

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

Activity: Act out the story of the two men and the lambs. You could use toys or other objects for the lambs. Then act it out again, but this time change the ending! What can the first man do to be kind instead of selfish?

Lesson 30: King David and Bathsheba,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 131–34
To help the children keep their thoughts and actions pure.

Discuss some ways the children can interrupt impure thoughts that may come to them (turn away, leave the situation, replace the bad thoughts with good thoughts and actions, say a prayer, think of an uplifting song or verse of scripture, recite the thirteenth article of faith, and so forth). Challenge the class members to be prepared in advance with a specific replacement for an undesirable thought. Allow them a minute to choose something uplifting they can think of instead. To help the children practice what they will do when a bad thought comes into their mind, play the following game.

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

Jesus Christ helps me overcome the effects of sin.

2 Nephi 1:13, 15, 23

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 1-2” To help your children understand Lehi’s invitation to “shake off the chains” of sin, maybe you could work together to make a chain from slips of paper. On the slips, your children could help you write some things Satan tempts us to do. Then you could read together 2 Nephi 1:13, 15, 23 as they act out some of the phrases in these verses—including shaking off the paper chain. How is sin like a chain? How does Jesus help us “shake off the chains” of sin?

Explain that when we first make a mistake or sin we are easily able to break free of its grasp and repent. But Satan knows that if he can get us to do the sin again and again, that eventually the sin will become a habit or an addiction and then we are bound in captivity to the sin.

Object Lesson
Ask for a volunteer. Have the volunteer put their hands together. Wrap one layer of the masking tape around their fingers and thumbs. Ask them if they can break free. Explain that when we first make a mistake or sin we are easily able to break free of its grasp and repent. But Satan knows that if he can get us to do the sin again and again, that eventually the sin will become a habit or an addiction and then we are bound in captivity to the sin. (Wrap the tape around the child’s hands several times, layering one area around the fingers and thumbs.) Ask the child to try and break free from the bindings. They shouldn’t be able to.

Satan wants us to be miserable like he is, and he knows that sin destroys lives and keeps us from the many joys and blessings we could be enjoying. (Ask the child whose hands are bound to try and do some form of activity they normally could do if their hands were free such as tying their shoes. With their fingers bound they shouldn’t be able to do the activity. Afterwards, remove the tape and thank them for their help.)

Share an example, such as a person who is a drug addict may not be enjoying the following blessings: good health, good relationships with family and friends, spiritual blessings such as temple attendance, freedom (they may be locked up in prison for illegal drug transactions), financial security (due to wasting their money on drugs), integrity and the trust of others (due to lying and stealing to buy drugs), etc. Their addiction becomes more important than anything else and destroys their ability to hold onto and enjoy all the good and wholesome things in life.

Also see Ensign July 2006 “Breaking the Chains of Sin”

Ensign April 2020 “Family Study Fun” Paper Chain of Deliverance

In Mosiah 7, Limhi reminds his people of instances when God has delivered groups out of physical bondage. Likewise, the Lord is willing and able to deliver us from spiritual bondage.

1. On strips of paper, write the tools that Satan uses to keep us in spiritual bondage (pornography, alcohol, immorality, and so on).
2. Connect the paper strips to make a paper chain.
3. Bind someone’s wrists with the paper chain.
4. Read Mosiah 7:33 aloud. As you discuss ways we can turn to the Lord, trust Him, and serve Him, break the chain to represent how the Lord can deliver us.

How to Protect Ourselves from Satan’s Temptations

For the Strength of Youth March 2024 “Tougher than Temptation”

The gospel can help me overcome temptation.(Sr)

Revelation 9:1–2

Draw pictures of a sun and a dark cloud, and cut them out. Invite the children to read Revelation 9:2 and 1 Nephi 12:17 and write on the dark cloud what the smoke or mists in these verses represent. Place the dark cloud on the board, and invite the children to make a list of temptations children their age face. Then place the sun on the board and ask them to make a list of tools Heavenly Father has given us to overcome the darkness in the world.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 6–14”)

How can we help others who are in the dark spiritually? To help the children think about this question, show part of the video “Choose the Light” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), especially the last half of the video. How can we be like the person who helped the biker in the tunnel?(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 6–14”)

The truth can make me free.

John 8:31–36

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

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

The Book of Mormon Exposes Satan’s Lies

2 Nephi 28

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 26-30” “I prophesy unto you concerning the last days,” Nephi wrote (2 Nephi 26:14). In other words, he was writing about our day. And there’s reason to be concerned about what he saw: people denying the power and miracles of God, rampant envy and strife, the devil binding people with strong cords. [But he also spoke of] a book that speaks from the dust, that exposes Satan’s lies, and that gathers the righteous like a standard. That book is the Book of Mormon.

Satan Seeks to Deceive

Things Satan wants people to believe:

• You don’t need to strive to improve yourself because you are already good enough. (Verse 21)
• God will justify a little sin. He may punish you a little, but he will still allow you to be saved in His Kingdom. (Verse 8)
• There is no hell or devil. (Verse 22)
• God has already given all His words. You don’t need more. (Verse 29)
• Beware of those who say miracles still occur. Miracles don’t need to happen anymore. (Verse 6)

What could the personal consequences be for believing each of the above lies? (You could wrap some thread around someone’s wrists to represent “a flaxen cord” as the family members mention possible consequences. Then read the following: [Satan] leadeth them by the neck with a flaxen cord, until he bindeth them with his strong cords forever. 2 Nephi 26:22)

Object lesson: Ask for a volunteer. Have the volunteer put their hands together. Wrap one layer of the masking tape around their fingers and thumbs. Ask them if they can break free. Explain that when we first make a mistake or sin we are easily able to break free of its grasp and repent. But Satan knows that if he continue to gets us to sin, little by little, eventually the sin will become accepted and then we become bound in captivity to the sin because it becomes a habit or an addiction. (Wrap the tape around the child’s hands several times, layering one area around the fingers and thumbs.) Ask the child to try and break free from the bindings. They shouldn’t be able to. Satan wants us to be miserable like he is, and he knows that sin binds us in captivity and destroys lives.

I Can Flee Wickedness.

Genesis CHAPTER 19

Lot entertains holy men—The men of Sodom seek to abuse Lot’s guests and are smitten with blindness—Lot is sent out of Sodom—The Lord rains brimstone and fire upon Sodom and Gomorrah—Lot’s daughters preserve his seed in the land.

Institute: Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel “Genesis 18–23”

When these three messengers arrived in Sodom, they met Lot, Abraham’s nephew. For reasons that are not clear, Lot had moved his family from living near Sodom (see Genesis 13:12) to living in Sodom (see Genesis 14:12). In the last lesson, you learned about the great wickedness that existed in Sodom and the Lord’s decision to destroy the city (see Genesis 18).

There are two indications in the scriptures that the phrase “looked back” was an idiomatic way of saying “she turned back” or “returned to Sodom.” The implication is that Lot’s wife started back to Sodom, perhaps to save some possessions, and was caught in the destruction.

Most scholars agree that the most probable site of Sodom is now covered by the southern part of the Dead Sea, a body of water with a high salt content. If Lot’s wife returned to Sodom, she would have been caught in the destruction. Her becoming a pillar of salt could be a figurative way of expressing this outcome.

Genesis 19:15–26

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 18–23” The account of Lot and his family fleeing a wicked city could inspire the children you teach to flee evil influences in their lives.

• Summarize Genesis 19:15–26 by explaining that Lot’s family lived in a very wicked city, and angels warned them to leave. Read together verses 15–17, 26, and help the children think about what it might mean for them today to “escape” evil and “look not behind” (verse 17).

• Display a picture of the Savior, and ask the children to take a step toward it as they share one thing they can do to flee wickedness and come closer to Christ.

Avoiding temptation is easier than resisting it.

• Discuss situations in which a friend might invite the children to do something they know isn’t right. How would we “flee” these situations? What could we say to our friend?

Friend November 2017 “Peer Pressure Problems” Ideas on how to deal with peer pressure to avoid making wrong choices

Genesis 19:15–17.These verses can help your family members prepare for times when they need to flee from wicked situations. What might some of these situations be? For example, you might have a discussion about inappropriate media or the temptation to gossip. How can we flee from such situations? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 18–23”)

Friend February 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Story: Heavenly Father gives us commandments to help us and keep us safe. Angels told a man named Lot to leave his home in a wicked city. Because Lot listened and obeyed, he stayed safe.

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

Activity: Now play a game! Take turns being the leader. The leader tells others to do actions, like “jump up and down” or “run in a circle.” Everyone else follows them. How can following the commandments help you?

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

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.

Old Testament Stories “Joseph in Egypt” Illustrations

Genesis 39:7–12

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 37–41” 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 the children find words in Genesis 39:7–12 that answer this question—for example, Joseph knew that being with Potiphar’s wife would be a “sin against God” (verse 9).

Physical intimacy between husband and wife is beautiful and sacred. It is ordained of God for the creation of children and for the expression of love between husband and wife. God has commanded that [physical] intimacy be reserved for marriage.“(Sexual Purity” (in For the Strength of Youth [2011], 35–37)

• Invite the children to think of situations in which children their age might be tempted to make wrong choices. Ask them to role-play how they could follow Joseph’s example in these situations—for example, what are some ways we can remember God when we are tempted?

Lesson 15: Joseph Was Sold into Egypt,” Primary 6: Old Testament Tell the class that the nail, pin, or paper clip represents us. Place it between the two magnets on a flat surface so it can be attracted by one or the other. Show that the further away from “Satan” we are, the less power he has to tempt us. As you move the metal object toward the magnet representing God, explain that the closer we live to the Lord, the more we are influenced by his goodness. When we seek after good, we are less influenced by that which is evil. (What can we do to draw close to God? How can the Holy Ghost help us?)

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” and Resources for Teaching Children “Temptation”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 37–41” Reading these verses could provide an opportunity to discuss the law of chastity with your family. Here are some resources that could help with this discussion: Jacob 2:28; Alma 39:3–9; “Sexual Purity” (in For the Strength of Youth [2011], 35–37); “Sexual Intimacy Is Sacred and Beautiful” (in Help for Parents[2019],).

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “2 Corinthians 8–13” How could you teach your family about our “warfare” against wickedness? Would your family enjoy building a wall or a fort with chairs and blankets? This could lead to a discussion about how to cast down things that lead us away from God and how to “[bring] into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” What are the spiritual “weapons” we use to control our thoughts? (see Ephesians 6:11–18).

When Faith is Rooted in Jesus, I can resist temptation

Colossians 1:23; 2:6–7

(Satan tries to weaken our faith through temptations and false doctrines.) Invite the children to draw pictures that represent the truths they find in Colossians 1:23; 2:6–7. Let them share their pictures with the class and explain the truths their pictures represent.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Philippians; Colossians” )

  Draw a picture of your favorite fruit tree and follow the instructions to add to it throughout the lesson:

Draw deep and strong roots for your tree. Label some of the roots with attributes these people have or actions they take that you feel firmly connect them to Jesus Christ.

Just as there are natural forces that can uproot or destroy a tree, there are forces that try to uproot us from our spiritual foundations in Jesus Christ.

Around your tree, draw winds or storms that may uproot your tree. Label these winds and storms with forces that could spiritually uproot you from being grounded and settled in Jesus Christ. You may want to read Colossians 2:4, 8 to see some of the forces that the Saints in Colossae were experiencing.

• How can the roots you identified today help you receive the Savior’s power to stand strong against the forces you identified?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 30-31” Display some items (such as money or food) and toy imitations of these items. Which would the children rather have?

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 20: Korihor, the Anti-Christ,”  Write the first word of each pair below on slips of paper and hand them out to the children. Ask each child to think of a word that means the opposite of the word on his or her paper. Let each child say the opposite word he or she has thought of while the rest of the class tries to guess the positive word on the child’s paper.

Word Examples: light/dark, life/death, good/bad, love/hate, success/failure, right/wrong, true/false, peace/war, truth/lie, pure/impure, clean/dirty, happy/sad, healthy/sick, kind/mean, joy/sorrow

When everyone has had a turn, explain that just as every word in this activity has an opposite, Satan has a counterfeit or opposite teaching for every teaching of Jesus Christ. Following Heavenly Father brings us happiness; following Satan brings us unhappiness. Ask the children the difference between how people feel when they tell lies and how they feel when they tell the truth.

Teach the children that the more we learn about something, the more we can tell the difference between that thing and its opposite. The more we learn about and follow Jesus Christ’s teachings, the more we will be able to resist the temptations and deception of Satan..

Ensign March 2018 “Family Home Evening: Discerning Right from Wrong” Object Lesson. Satan tries to make good, righteous, and joyful seem miserable and evil appear to be good. Wrap a rock as a gift and put a treat in a brown paper bag.  (See more at link)

2 Nephi 28

Show the video “Spiritual Whirlwinds.” What are some temptations and false doctrines in the world today that can weaken our faith? Encourage the children to write down one thing they can do to strengthen their faith so that they are “rooted” (Colossians 2:7) in Jesus Christ. Ask them to display this somewhere they will see it each day. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Philippians; Colossians” )

God has a Pattern to Help Me not be Deceived.

Doctrine and Covenants 52:14–19

With many people claiming spiritual manifestations, the early Saints were concerned about being deceived. How could they tell who was “accepted of [God]”? (verse 15). In Doctrine and Covenants 52:14–19, the Lord gave a helpful pattern. How can you apply this pattern to detect false messages in the world? You might also use this pattern to evaluate yourself: consider using phrases from these verses to write questions such as “When I speak, is my spirit contrite?” Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 51–57”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 51–57”

In these verses, the Lord gave a pattern so “that [we] may not be deceived” (Doctrine and Covenants 52:14) by false teachers and messages.

• Show the children an example of a pattern (such as a pattern for sewing clothes or making something), and talk about why patterns are helpful. To help the children learn about a pattern from the Lord, write on the board phrases like He that______ , the same is_____ , He that______ shall be______ , and He that_____  is not_______ . Invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 52:15–18 and fill in the blanks. Why is this pattern helpful to us? (see verses 14, 19).
• Draw something simple, and invite the children to follow your pattern to make the same drawing. Then explore with them the Lord’s pattern recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 52:14–19.

As you discuss the pattern described in these verses, your family might enjoy looking at other patterns you use—such as patterns for sewing clothing or making a craft. You could work together to make something from a pattern while talking about the pattern the Lord gave for avoiding deception.Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 51–57”

Ether 4:11–12

After reading these verses, family members could write down some everyday things that influence your family (such as movies, songs, games, or people) on slips of paper and place them in a bowl. Then they could take turns picking one and discussing whether it “persuadeth [them] to do good” (Ether 4:12). What changes does your family feel inspired to make?,Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 1–5: “Rend That Veil of Unbelief””

See Armor of God

As your family reads about the Nephites’ fortifications, you could discuss how you are fortifying your home against the adversary. Children might enjoy building a fort out of objects like chairs and blankets, or they could draw what they imagine the Nephite fortifications looked like.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 43-52”

Read the Scriptures Daily

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

 God’s word in the Book of Mormon helps us see and avoid Satan’s deceptions, and He continues to give revelation to us individually, and to His prophets that teach us His words. But He reminds us that “for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.” (Review Satan’s lies pertaining to the idea of not needing to do or learn more. Also point out that Heavenly Father doesn’t expect us to know everything at once. Point out that we learn “line upon line.” Do the activity below to help the children understand the reason for that.)

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

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 30-31” Display some items (such as money or food) and toy imitations of these items. Which would the children rather have?

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 20: Korihor, the Anti-Christ,”  Write the first word of each pair below on slips of paper and hand them out to the children. Ask each child to think of a word that means the opposite of the word on his or her paper. Let each child say the opposite word he or she has thought of while the rest of the class tries to guess the positive word on the child’s paper.

Word Examples: light/dark, life/death, good/bad, love/hate, success/failure, right/wrong, true/false, peace/war, truth/lie, pure/impure, clean/dirty, happy/sad, healthy/sick, kind/mean, joy/sorrow

When everyone has had a turn, explain that just as every word in this activity has an opposite, Satan has a counterfeit or opposite teaching for every teaching of Jesus Christ. Following Heavenly Father brings us happiness; following Satan brings us unhappiness. Ask the children the difference between how people feel when they tell lies and how they feel when they tell the truth.

Teach the children that the more we learn about something, the more we can tell the difference between that thing and its opposite. The more we learn about and follow Jesus Christ’s teachings, the more we will be able to resist the temptations and deception of Satan..

Pray Daily and Always

What happens if we don’t pray daily and sincerely? We tend to lose the guidance of the Spirit, which is essential for managing the challenges and temptations of life. What was the result of the Zoramites not praying daily? They succumbed to Satan’s temptations.

Doctrine and Covenants 10:5

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 10–11: “That You May Come Off Conqueror”

Satan would prefer that we forget he exists—or that we at least fail to recognize his attempts to influence us (see 2 Nephi 28:22–23). But the Lord’s words in Doctrine and Covenants 10 reveal that Satan is in constant, active opposition to God’s work. As you read verses 1–33, identify how Satan sought to destroy God’s work in Joseph Smith’s time (see also verses 62–63). What similarities do you see with the ways Satan works today? You could ask the Lord to help you see how Satan may be tempting you. What do you learn from section 10 that can help you resist Satan’s efforts?

The Lord’s “wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil.”

Doctrine and Covenants 10:34–52

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 10–11: “That You May Come Off Conqueror”

As the translation of the Book of Mormon progressed, a question naturally arose: What should Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery do about those pages of the translation that had been lost? The logical thing might be to go back and retranslate that portion, but the Lord could see something that they could not—wicked men were plotting to alter the words on those pages to cast doubt on Joseph’s inspired work. God had a plan to thwart Satan’s efforts and compensate for what was lost. This plan was put into motion thousands of years earlier when the prophet Nephi felt inspired to create a second record that covered the same time period. Later, Mormon was inspired to include this record in the Book of Mormon “for a wise purpose” known to the Lord (see Words of Mormon 1:3–7).

Liahona February 2021 “How Does the Lord’s Wisdom Bless our Lives?” Take a look at this time line to see how the Lord had compensated for the pages He knew would be lost.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 10–11: “That You May Come Off Conqueror”

More than 2,400 years in advance, the Lord prepared to compensate for the lost pages of the Book of Mormon (see 1 Nephi 9).The record that God prepared to replace the lost manuscript is now found in 1 Nephi through Omni. How have the stories and teachings in this record [helped bless your life]?

Seek Companionship of Holy Ghost

For the Strength of Youth “Pepper Precautions” Object lesson

Family, Teachers, & Leaders Can Help

Friend September 2018 “Keep Paddling” Life is like being on a river. Our goal to return to our Heavenly Father is upstream. We paddle toward this goal by making good choices. Temptations in the world try to take us downstream, away from our goal. It helps if we are part of a team that is paddling together.  Your family is on your rowing crew. Your Primary teachers and Church leaders are also on your rowing crew too. Your crew helps you make good choices.
Make this boat and draw who the people are that are on your rowing crew.

To avoid temptation we must follow righteous counsel and examples.

While on a mission, Corianton did things he shouldn’t have. His father, Alma, counseled him on avoiding temptation by following righteous examples and counsel. Who were Corianton’s righteous examples? His father and older brothers. Alma told Corianton to counsel with his brothers. (Alma 39:10)

How can counseling with righteous family members help strengthen our resistance to temptation? They love us and want what is best for us, and being experienced in righteous living, they can help give advice on how to avoid temptation and difficulty.

Not only can we receive direction from righteous family members, but there may be other people around us who are also righteous examples.

• From what other sources can you receive righteous counsel and examples?

Object Lesson
Demonstrate how it helps to have advice and counsel from someone who knows what is right by doing the following object lesson.

Show the children the two bags or boxes, and explain that one has something undesirable in it and the other has something desirable in it. Show one of the children what is in the boxes. Tell the other children that they can ask the child yes or no questions about the items (with the exception of directly asking which is the good or bad container) until they can decide which is the good choice. Ask the children if it helped to talk to someone who was informed about which was the bad choice and which was the good choice. Point out that it also helps to counsel with those who are experienced in righteous living in order to get help and direction in making good choices in life.

Friend October 2017 Some ideas on ways to help get rid of bad thoughts.

The Lord wants Me to be Clean from Worldly Influences.

Doctrine and Covenants 133:4–5, 14–15‘

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 133-134

Doctrine and Covenants 133 can help the children understand how to keep themselves clean from the worldly influences around them.

• Invite the children to read “Babel, Babylon” in the Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org) to find out what Babylon is and what it represents. Then read together Doctrine and Covenants 133:4–5, 14–15. What does it mean to “go ye out from Babylon”? (verse 5). What are some places and situations the Lord wants us to stay away from? What can we do to avoid them?
• Place a sign on one side of the room that says “Zion,” and place another sign on the other side that says “Babylon.” Write on strips of paper words from Doctrine and Covenants 133:4–5, 14–15 that describe either Zion or Babylon (such as “wicked,” “clean,” or “destruction”), and invite the children to place each paper under the appropriate sign.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 133-134”

The spiritual opposite of Zion is Babylon—an ancient city that throughout scripture symbolizes wickedness and spiritual bondage (see D. Todd Christofferson, “Come to Zion,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 37; Guide to the Scriptures, “Babel, Babylon,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Is there anything you need to do as a family to, in a spiritual sense, “go … out from Babylon” (verse 5) and “go … forth unto … Zion”? (verse 9).

Unspotted from the World Lesson

Friend November 2015 “Be a Shing Light” Ways we can become examples so our lights will shine.

See also Ensign April 2006 “Zion in the Midst of Babylon”

I Can “Stand … in Holy Places.”

Doctrine and Covenants 87

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 85-87”

Christmas Day is usually a time to ponder messages like “peace on earth” and “good will toward men” (see Luke 2:14). But on December 25, 1832, Joseph Smith’s mind was occupied with the threat of war. South Carolina had just defied the United States government and was preparing for battle. And the Lord revealed to Joseph that this was only the beginning: “War,” He declared, “will be poured out upon all nations” (Doctrine and Covenants 87:2). It seemed like this prophecy would be fulfilled very soon.

But then it wasn’t. Within just a few weeks, South Carolina and the U.S. government reached a compromise, and war was averted. But revelation is not always fulfilled at the time or in the way we expect. Nearly 30 years later, long after Joseph Smith was martyred and the Saints had moved west, South Carolina did rebel and civil war followed. Since then, war throughout the world has caused “the earth [to] mourn” (Doctrine and Covenants 87:6). While the prophecy was ultimately fulfilled, the value of this revelation is less in predicting when calamity will come and more in teaching what to do when it does. The counsel is the same in 1831, 1861, and 2021: “Stand ye in holy places, and be not moved” (verse 8).

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 85-87”

The children you teach will face spiritual and physical dangers throughout their lives. You can help them prepare to face those dangers by teaching them to find and stand in holy places.

• Read together Doctrine and Covenants 87:6 to learn about things the Lord said would happen in the latter days. Ask the children to talk about challenges that children their age sometimes face. Invite them to find in verse 8 what the Lord said we should do during hard times. Tell the children about holy places in your life.
• Help the children make a list of holy places, holy thoughts, and holy actions that can help them face spiritual danger (for ideas, see the videos “Standing in Holy Places” and “Stand Ye in Holy Places—Bloom Where You’re Planted,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite them to keep their list with them to refer to when needed.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 45”

• Place pictures of a home, a church building, and a temple in different places throughout the room. Give clues describing these places, and invite the children to stand near the picture you are describing. Read the first line from Doctrine and Covenants 45:32. Testify that we are blessed when we spend time in holy places like our homes, our church buildings, and the temple. Ask the children to talk about how they feel when they are in holy places like these.
• Invite the children to complete this week’s activity page. Help them write “I can help my home become a holy place” and “Doctrine and Covenants 45:32” on their drawing. What can they do to help their home become a holy place?

Our Homes Can Be “Holy Places.”

Doctrine and Covenants 87

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 85-87”

No home is perfect, but there are things we can all do to make our homes into holy places of peace.

• Explain to the children that Joseph Smith was worried about things that were happening in the world. Summarize the heading to section 87, or read “Chapter 30: A Revelation about War” (Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 117–18; see also the video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Ask the children to listen for things that might have made Joseph worried. To teach what the Lord said we should do about those problems, read Doctrine and Covenants 87:8.
• Show a picture of a temple, and share why the temple is a holy place. Show a picture of a home, and help the children think of ways they can make their homes holy like the temple (see this week’s activity page). Why do we want to be in holy places?

Friend August 2021 “Bright Idea”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 85-87”

To introduce a discussion about how to make your home a holier place, you could invite family members to design a home for someone who loves the Savior. This may lead to ideas about how to “redesign” your home to make it a place of peace amid the spiritual danger in the world. Songs like “Love at Home,” “Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth” (Hymns,nos. 294, 298), or “Where Love Is” (Children’s Songbook, 138–39) could give you ideas.

Jesus loves us even when we sin and wants to help us repent.

Mark 2:15–17; Luke 7:36–50

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 8; Mark 2–4; Luke 7”The accounts in Mark 2:15–17 and Luke 7:36–50 can help the children understand that Jesus Christ loves us even when we sin. He wants to help us repent and draw close to Him.

A paralyzed man (“sick of the palsy” as used in this account means he was paralyzed)

Watch the video “Jesus Forgives Sins and Heals a Man Stricken with Palsy,” available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org, from time code 0:00 to 1:07.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “Mark 2:1–12” Some of the people present at this event questioned the Savior’s authority to forgive sins. Read Mark 2:6–12, looking for what the Savior did to demonstrate His authority to forgive. The phrase “Son of man” in verse 10 refers to Jesus Christ being the Son of “Man of Holiness,” who is God the Father (see Moses 6:57). You may also want to continue watching the video “Jesus Forgives Sins and Heals a Man Stricken with Palsy” from time code 1:07 to 2:57.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, then of the First Presidency, testified of the Savior’s power to heal spiritual illness.

Sometimes spiritual illness comes as a result of sin or emotional wounds. …Even the deepest spiritual wounds—yes, even those that may appear to be incurable—can be healed.

My dear friends, the healing power of Jesus Christ is not absent in our day. The Savior’s healing touch can transform lives in our day just as it did in His. If we will but have faith, He can take our hands, fill our souls with heavenly light and healing, and speak to us the blessed words, “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk” [ John 5:8 ].

(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Bearers of Heavenly Light,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 78)

Friend November 2009 “Jesus Heals a Sick Man”

Latter Day Kids “I Can Show Compassion for Others” Lesson ideas

• Write How does Jesus feel about sin? and How does Jesus feel about us when we sin? on the board. Ask the children to think about these questions as they read together Mark 2:15–17 and then share their answers. (You may want to read together “Publican” in Guide to the Scriptures [scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org].–In ancient Rome, a collector of taxes for the government. Publicans were generally hated by the Jews. Some publicans readily accepted the gospel) Why is it important to know that Jesus loves us, even though we aren’t perfect? How can knowing this help us when we need to repent?

• Show a picture of the Savior (such as one in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families), and ask the children what words they would use to describe Him. Invite them to find words that describe Him in Psalm 86:5, 13, 15. If needed, help them define these words. What could we say to a friend who feels that God is angry at them when they sin?

• Sing with the children a song that you feel will help them understand the Savior’s forgiving nature, such as “I Stand All Amazed” (Hymns, no. 193). Share your testimony that Jesus Christ wants to forgive us.

Friend January 2023 “What’s on Your Mind?” Jesus Christ loves you perfectly. If you make a wrong choice, He still loves you. And He can help you repent and make things right again. He is always waiting for you to follow Him. He believes in you! (See more at link.)

 If someone were to stray off a path, fall, and become injured, what would be some of the possible symptoms and effects of being injured? Answers might include: pain, shock, bruises, scrapes, cuts, bleeding, broken bones, sprain, concussion, etc.

Just like a person would suffer the effects of being injured, a person who had sinned would also suffer the consequences and results of that sin. What are some of the consequences that can occur because of sin? Answers might include: guilt, loss of the Spirit’s help and guidance, possible loss of freedom, loss of other’s trust, damaged relationships, possible loss of good health, loss of inheritance in the kingdom of God, etc.

Show the children some medical items and ask what they are used for. (To help treat and heal physical injuries and sickness.)

Who is the master physician that can heal our spiritual wounds, small or large? (Jesus Christ) The Savior said: ‘Will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you? … If ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life.’”

• A few days before class, invite one of the children and a family member to come to class prepared to share the account in Luke 7:36–50. They could draw pictures depicting parts of the story to show the class. Discuss with the children what the Lord might want us to learn from this story.

For the Strength of Youth March 2024 “Access His Strength—Now and Always” Excellent article about your worth even when we don’t feel worthy

Additional Resources

Liahona April 2024 “Satan’s Tactics—and How the Savior Can Help Us Overcome Them” Lesson ideas