Oct 9 2022

 Jeremiah 1–3; 7; 16–18; 20

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Old Testament Stories “Jeremiah the Prophet” Images and Video

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Jeremiah 1–3; 7; 16–18; 20” At first, Jeremiah didn’t think he would make a good prophet. “Behold, I cannot speak,” he protested when the Lord first called him (Jeremiah 1:6). The Lord reassured him, “I have put my words in thy mouth” (verse 9). Jeremiah felt that he was an inexperienced “child” (verse 6), but the Lord explained that he was actually more prepared than he realized—he had been ordained to this calling even before he was born (see verse 5). So Jeremiah set aside his fears and accepted the call. He warned Jerusalem’s kings and priests that their pretended holiness would not save them from destruction. The “child” who thought he could not speak came to feel God’s word “in [his] heart as a burning fire” and could not be silent (Jeremiah 20:9).

Jeremiah 1:7

Prophets are called to speak the words of the Lord.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Jeremiah 1–3; 7; 16–18; 20” The calling of Jeremiah shows what the Lord asks prophets to do. How can you help the children you teach strengthen their desire to follow the living prophet?

  • Show the children a picture of the living prophet, and invite them to share what they know about him.

Friend June 2022 “I Will Follow the Prophet”

  • What do prophets do? Read to the children what the Lord said to another prophet, Jeremiah, in Jeremiah 1:7. Invite the children to walk in place when you read “go to all that I shall send thee” and to pretend to speak when you read “whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.” Share your testimony that prophets do and say what the Lord commands.
Ensign April 2016
Ensign April 2016
  • Show pictures of prophets from the scriptures (see the Gospel Art Book, Church magazines, and Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Let the children tell you what they know about these prophets. Briefly tell the children about something each one did to help with God’s work. Bear your testimony that prophets are called of God to speak His words and serve His people.

Media Library “Four Prophets”

Friend March 2010 “Follow the Prophet”

Prophets are called to speak the Lord’s word.

Jeremiah 1:4–19

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Jeremiah 1–3; 7; 16–18; 20” How can you help the children strengthen their faith in and understanding of the role of prophets in God’s kingdom?

  • Select a few key verses from Jeremiah 1 that teach important truths about prophets, such as verses 5, 7, 10, and 19. Invite each child to pick one of the verses, read it, and share something he or she learns about prophets from the verse. Invite a few children to share their testimonies of following the prophet.

Verse 5

Foreordination See Gospel Topics: Foreordination

Verse 7 God speaks through his prophets

Play a simple game by giving instructions to one child and asking him or her to repeat the instructions for the other children. Help them see that following the child’s instructions is the same as following your instructions and that following the prophet is the same as following the Lord. Read to them the last line of Doctrine and Covenants 1:38: “Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.”

The Gathering of Israel

Verse 10

Prophets warn the nations, but if they do not heed the prophets words…

When the Lord first called Jeremiah to be a prophet, He told him that his mission would be “to root out, and to pull down” (Jeremiah 1:10)—and in Jerusalem, there was plenty of wickedness to root out and pull down.

Prophets also build and help us grow.

Ensign June 2016 “We Believe in Following the Prophet”

Verse 1: We listen to a prophet’s voice and hear the Savior too. With love he bids us do the work the Lord would have us do. The Savior calls his chosen seer to preach the word of God, That men might learn to find the path marked by the iron rod.

Verse 2. In ev’ry land, in ev’ry tongue, our prophet will be heard; How swiftly round the world his voice reveals the gospel word! The sacred message that he brings will witness and agree, With ev’ry prophet called of God throughout earth’s history.

  • Help the children make a list of things the living prophet has asked us to do. Select a recent conference message from the prophet, and help the children find counsel in his message. How are we following the prophet? Discuss how counsel from the prophets helps us follow Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ better.

October 2022 General Conference. Quotes from Russel M. Nelson

  • Show the video “Why Do We Have Prophets?” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), and ask the children how they would explain to a friend why it’s a blessing to have a living prophet (see Articles of Faith 1:6, 9). Invite the children to share their feelings about the living prophet.
Scripture Stories Coloring Book “6th Article of Faith”

“Article of Faith 6” (May 2015 Friend) A pastor means a spiritual leader. Bishops are pastors in their wards. Evangelist is another word for patriarch, or a priesthood holder called to give special blessings.

  • “Article of Faith 6” (June 2011 Friend)
    Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the sixth article of faith, then find the words in the word search

Heavenly Father knew me before I was born.

Jeremiah 1:5

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Jeremiah 1–3; 7; 16–18; 20” Because we lived with God before we came to earth, He knows us, even if we can’t remember Him. How will you help the children you teach understand this important truth?

  • Read to the children Jeremiah 1:5, and explain that God knew the prophet Jeremiah before he was born. Tell each child, individually, that Heavenly Father also knew him or her before he or she was born and that He sent each of us here for a purpose.

We lived in Heaven: Explain that before we were born on earth we lived in heaven with Heavenly Father.

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

  • Show the children a picture of a baby, and ask the children if they know where this baby lived before he or she was born. Sing together a song that teaches about our premortal life with God, such as “I Am a Child of God” or “I Lived in Heaven” (Children’s Songbook, 2–3, 4). Talk about the spiritual feelings the song brings. Bear your testimony that we all once lived with Heavenly Father and that He sent us here to earth.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Jeremiah 1–3; 7; 16–18; 20”

You could use this verse to talk about our life with Heavenly Father before we were born. Resources like “I Lived in Heaven” (Children’s Songbook, 4) and “Introduction: Our Heavenly Father’s Plan” (in New Testament Stories, 1–5) could help. How can knowing about our premortal life affect the way we live our mortal life?

Latter Day Kids “My Heavenly Father Knows Me” Lesson ideas

I can help Heavenly Father’s children come back to Him.

Jeremiah 16:16

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Jeremiah 1–3; 7; 16–18; 20” Citing Jeremiah 16:16, President Russell M. Nelson said, “Our missionaries have searched for those of scattered Israel; they have hunted for them ‘out of the holes of the rocks’; and they have fished for them as in ancient days” (“The Gathering of Scattered Israel,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2006, 81).

  • While you read Jeremiah 16:16, invite the children to pretend to fish or hunt. Explain that the fishers and hunters in this verse can represent missionaries. Invite the children to pretend to be missionaries. What do missionaries do? How can we help them?

Friend October 2022 “Come Follow Me Activites: Fishers of Men”

Friend October 2022 “Fishing Game”

  • Create a matching game using this week’s activity page. When a child finds matching pictures, talk about what that picture shows we can do to help Heavenly Father’s children return to Him.

Jeremiah 16:16.

President Russell M. Nelson has compared the fishers and hunters in this verse to latter-day missionaries (see “The Gathering of Scattered Israel,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2006, 81). Family members could “hunt” for objects around your home and talk about how you can help “fish” and “hunt” for scattered Israel. (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Jeremiah 1–3; 7; 16–18; 20”)

I can be part of the gathering of Israel.

Jeremiah 16:14–15

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Jeremiah 1–3; 7; 16–18; 20” The message about the gathering of Israel found in Jeremiah 16:14–15 can provide a great opportunity to talk to the children about missionary and family history work. This is one way that we “stand as witnesses of God” (Mosiah 18:9).

  • Read together Jeremiah 16:14, and ask the children to share details they remember about how “the Lord … brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt” (see Exodus 14). Invite them to read Jeremiah 16:15 to find out what event Jeremiah said would be even more memorable than that. Explain that Israel was scattered throughout the earth, but God promised to gather them back to Him and His Church. This is called the gathering of Israel. How is this similar to delivering people out of captivity?

  • Share this statement from President Russell M. Nelson: “Anytime you do anything that helps anyone—on either side of the veil—take a step toward making covenants with God and receiving their essential baptismal and temple ordinances, you are helping to gather Israel” (Russell M. Nelson and Wendy W. Nelson, “Hope of Israel” [worldwide youth devotional, June 3, 2018], supplement to the New Era and Ensign, Aug. 2018, 15, ChurchofJesusChrist.org). How can we help gather Israel?

  • Sing together a song about missionary work, such as “I Hope They Call Me on a Mission” or “Called to Serve” (Children’s Songbook, 169, 174), or show the video “Your Day for a Mission” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Ask the children what they learn from the song or the video about why someone would choose to serve a mission.

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal “Jeremiah 1–3; 7; 16–18; 20”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Jeremiah 1–3; 7; 16–18; 20”

Jeremiah 2:13; 17:13–14.

To help family members visualize these verses, you could demonstrate what happens when you put water in a cracked or broken container. What might the “fountain of living waters” and “broken cisterns” represent? (Jeremiah 2:13). How do we drink from the Lord’s living water?

Jeremiah 18:1–6.

To explore these verses, you might discuss or show how pottery is made. What message does the Lord have for Israel in Jeremiah 18:1–6? What does it mean to be clay in the Lord’s hands? (see also Isaiah 64:8). For another story that compares us to potter’s clay, see Elder Richard J. Maynes’s message “The Joy of Living a Christ-Centered Life” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 27–30).

Oct 3 2022

Isaiah 58–66

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Fasting blesses me and others in need.

Isaiah 58:6–11

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 58–66” Some of the children you teach may be old enough to fast. But even those who are not can benefit from learning about the Lord’s law of the fast and preparing to fast when they are ready.

  • Write on the board Why do we fast? and How do we fast? Invite the children to write possible answers on the board. Encourage them to review “Fast, Fasting” in Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org) and Isaiah 58:6–11 to find additional answers. How might Isaiah 58:6–11 help us when fasting is difficult?

Friend Feb 1983 “Why do we Fast”

Friend September 2015
Friend September 2015

“Fasting and Fast Offerings” You can fast for many purposes. You can fast as you ask Heavenly Father to bless the sick or afflicted (see Matthew 17:14–21). Fasting may help you and those you love receive personal revelation and become converted to the truth (see Alma 5:46; 6:6). Through fasting you can gain strength to resist temptation (see Isaiah 58:6). You can fast as you strive to humble yourself before God and exercise faith in Jesus Christ (see Omni 1:26; Helaman 3:35). You may fast to receive guidance in sharing the gospel and magnifying Church callings (see Acts 13:2–3; Alma 17:3, 9; 3 Nephi 27:1–2). 

Encourage the children to think of a reason they might need special help from the Lord, and suggest they make that reason part of their fast during the next fast Sunday.

New Era August 2013 “Blessings of Fasting”

  • Share with the children a personal experience with fasting, or share a story from a Church magazine about fasting. Emphasize the blessings that come from fasting with a spiritual purpose. If any of the children have fasted, invite them to share their experiences. Encourage the children to talk to their parents next fast Sunday about what it means to fast. Help them understand what it means to fast with a sincere purpose and a prayerful heart.

Friend September 2000 “Fasting and Prayer” Dad told the family that their grandma was very sick. They decided to pray and fast for her. That night their mom called to say that their grandma was going to be okay. They realized that fasting helped them feel closer to Heavenly Father, and it wasn’t as hard to do because they were fasting for their grandmother.

  • Read together Isaiah 58:6–7, and explain that one way we “deal [our] bread to the hungry” when we fast is by donating the money we would have spent on food as a fast offering. Show the children a donation slip for tithing and fast offerings, and explain how to fill it out. Invite the children to read Isaiah 58:8–10, looking for the blessings we are promised when we fast. How can fasting bless us and those in need?

Friend January 2016

Friend November 2019 “Searching for Sir Crunch-a-Lot” Mackenzie’s family shop at the bishop’s storehouse for their food because they didn’t have much money after her dad lost his job. Mackenzie wishes she didn’t have to eat boring food like granola instead of her favorite cereal brand, and sandwiches instead of pizza at school. But then she finds out that a friend sitting next to her isn’t eating lunch because she is fasting for a family member. Mackenzie realizes how hard it must be to fast, and she is grateful for all the people who fast and give fast offerings so she and her family don’t go hungry.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 58–66”

These verses suggest that to many ancient Israelites, fasting was more of a burden than a blessing. Family members might better understand Isaiah’s message about fasting if they act out the type of fasting described in Isaiah 58:3–5 and the type of fasting described in Isaiah 58:6–8. How can we make our fasts more like “the fast that [God has] chosen”? What blessings have we seen from fasting?

The Sabbath can be a delight to me.

Isaiah 58:13–14

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 58–66”The Sabbath day is a time for us to remember the Lord and rest from our weekly activities. How can you help the children you teach make the Sabbath a delight?

  • Ask the children to repeat the phrase “Call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord” (Isaiah 58:13) several times. Explain that “delight” means something that brings us joy. Ask the children to share some things that bring them joy. Testify that the Lord gave us the Sabbath day because He wants us to have joy. Tell the children why the Sabbath is a delight to you.
  • Read to the children from Isaiah 58:14: “Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord.” Explain to the children that the Sabbath is a special day—a time when we can think about the things Heavenly Father and Jesus did to help us be happy. Help the children think of things they can do on the Sabbath to remember Heavenly Father and Jesus. Invite them to draw their ideas and share their pictures with one another and their families.
  • What is the difference between “finding [our] own pleasure” and finding “delight … in the Lord” on the Sabbath? How can we make the Sabbath “a delight”?

Latter Day Kids “The Sabbath is a Delight” Lesson ideas

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

I can shine the Savior’s light for others.

Isaiah 60:1–3

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 58–66” Isaiah prophesied that in the last days, the Lord’s people would be like a light for those who are in darkness. Consider how you can help the children “arise” and “shine.”

  • Invite the children to close their eyes as you read Isaiah 60:1–3. Ask them to open their eyes when they hear the word “light” and close them when they hear the word “darkness.” Explain that Jesus Christ and His gospel are like a light that helps us see our way back to Heavenly Father.
Ensign August 2015
Ensign August 2015
  • Give each child a picture of a light (such as a sun, a candle, or a light bulb). Help them think of ways they can share the Savior’s light with others. As each idea is shared, invite them to “arise” and “shine” their light by holding up their picture. Tell the children about ways you have seen them sharing the Savior’s light.

Friend December 2016 “A Shining Light”

Friend December 2016

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

  • Sing together a song about sharing light, such as “Shine On” (Children’s Songbook, 144). Help the children notice words in the song that reinforce what they learn from Isaiah 60:1–3.

Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer.

Isaiah 61:1–3

Isaiah 61:1–3 gives a powerful description of the Savior’s mission of teaching and healing. Ponder how you might best use Isaiah’s words to strengthen the children’s testimonies of Jesus Christ as their Savior and Redeemer.

  • Let the children hold pictures of Jesus teaching, healing, and helping others as you read Isaiah 61:1 (see the Gospel Art Book). Explain that God sent Jesus Christ to do these things for all of us. Ask the children to share their feelings about Jesus Christ. Testify of the Savior’s love for each of the children. (Or you could tape them to the board and let the children choose one they think best described each line of the scripture.)
Church of Jesus Christ: search Images of Jesus Christ
  • Give the children a few minutes to read Isaiah 61:1–3 on their own. Then invite them to write on a piece of paper or in a study journal what these verses teach them about Jesus Christ. Invite a few of the children to share their thoughts.
  • Invite the children to share a phrase from these verses that is especially meaningful to them and explain why. How do these verses help us understand what Jesus Christ was sent to earth to do?
  • Isaiah 61:3 describes those who listen to and obey the Lord as “trees of righteousness.” Draw a tree on the board, and invite the children to think of righteous things they can do. For each idea, let the children draw a leaf on the tree.

Friend October 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Trees of Righteousness”

Story: Isaiah taught that Jesus Christ would come to heal and comfort those who are sad or need help (see Isaiah 61:1). He also said that those who obey Jesus’s teachings would be like “trees of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:3).

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

Activity: Draw a picture of a tree. Cut out some leaves. Write on the leaves ways Jesus helps you when you obey His teachings. Then glue the leaves onto the tree.

The Millennium will be a time of peace and joy.

Isaiah 65:17–25

Isaiah saw a time when God’s people will have peace and joy. This prophecy will be fulfilled when Jesus Christ returns to earth and reigns for a thousand years—an era called the Millennium.

  • Isaiah 65:17–25 describes what the earth will be like when the Savior comes again. Divide the children into small groups, giving each group a few of these verses to read. After a few minutes, make a list together on the board of how life will be different in the “new earth” described in these verses (verse 17). Why will this be a time to be “glad and rejoice for ever”? (verse 18).
Friend March 2013 Cover
  • Before class, prepare word strips with words and phrases from the tenth article of faith. Invite one of the children to recite the article of faith, and ask the children to put the word strips in order. Help the children understand what this article of faith teaches us about the Millennium.
A Jubilant Hope

Friend September 2015

In the Old Testament, the prophet Jacob (or Israel) had 12 sons. Their families, or tribes, were scattered across the earth. Heavenly Father wants all of them to come back together and learn the gospel.

Zion is a name for those who love God and for the place where they live. The New Jerusalem is the city that faithful people will build before Jesus returns to earth. When Jesus returns, He will be our King. The earth will be beautiful and clean again, like a paradise (or paradisiacal).

“Article of Faith 10” (September 2011 Friend)
The pictures help illustrate what the tenth article of faith means.

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal “Isaiah 58-66” Lesson ideas

Sep 27 2022

Isaiah 50–57

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The Lord invites me to “put on [my] strength.”

Isaiah 51–52

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 50–57” In Isaiah 51 and 52, the Lord used phrases like “awake,” “stand up,” and “put on thy strength” to inspire His people to live up to their divine potential. Consider how these phrases could inspire the children you teach.

  • Before class, write on the board several phrases from Isaiah 51–52 that express actions the Lord wanted His people to do, such as “Lift up your eyes,” “Awake,” “Stand up,” “Shake thyself from the dust,” and “Break forth into joy” (Isaiah 51:6, 17; 52:2, 9). Let the children take turns acting out one of the phrases while the rest of the class tries to guess what the action is. After each turn, show the children the phrase in the scriptures, and discuss with them the spiritual meaning of the phrase. What is the Lord asking us to do? How can we do each of these things?
  • Invite the children to read Isaiah 51:1, 4, 7 and identify who the Lord is speaking to and what He wants them to do. What does it mean to “hearken unto” the Lord? To illustrate, ask one of the children to give simple instructions that the others have to follow. Why is it sometimes hard to listen to and obey the Lord? How can we show the Lord that we “hearken unto” Him?
  • Why do you think the invitation to “hearken” (or “listen with the intent to obey”) is repeated so often?

Friend August 2020 “Let God Prevail!” President Russel M. Nelson tells what it means to let God prevail in our lives.

Jesus Christ suffered for me because He loves me.

Isaiah 53:4

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 50–57”Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus Christ suffered for our sins and took upon Himself “our griefs” and “our sorrows.” How will you testify to the children of the Savior’s Atonement?

  • Display pictures of the Savior suffering on the cross and in the Garden of Gethsemane (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 56, 57, or chapters 51–53 in New Testament Stories). Ask the children to describe what they see in the pictures and share what they know about what is happening. Why did Jesus suffer for us?
  • Read to the children from Isaiah 53:4: “He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows.” Show the children a heavy object (or a picture of one), and invite them to pretend to lift something heavy. Explain that “grief” and “sorrow” (or sadness) can feel heavy and hard to carry. Testify that Jesus Christ will help us carry these things because He loves us.

Latter Day Kids “He Will Carry Our Sorrows” Lesson ideas

Jesus Christ took upon Himself my sins and sorrows.

He bore—for all people and specifically for you. You might replace words like “we” and “our” with “I” and “my” as you read. (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 50–57”)

Isaiah 53:3–9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 50–57” How can you use the words of Isaiah to help the children understand more deeply what the Savior did for them?

  • Display several pictures depicting the suffering and death of Jesus Christ (see, for example, Gospel Art Book, nos. 56, 57, 58). Read together Isaiah 53:3–6, 9, and invite the children to look for phrases that describe the events in the pictures. Testify that hundreds of years before Jesus Christ suffered for us, prophets like Isaiah were teaching about these important events. Why would it be important for people to know these things so many years in advance? (see Alma 39:15–19).
Gospel Art Book
  • Invite the children to read Isaiah 53:4–7 and find words that describe what the Savior suffered for us. Ask them to write these words on the board. Why did He suffer our “griefs,” “sorrows,” and “iniquities”? (see also Alma 7:11–12). Share with the children how the Savior has helped you carry your griefs and sorrows. Let them share how they feel about the Savior and what He has done for them.

Come Follow Me Lesson – He Was Wounded for Our Transgressions: Isaiah 50-57 Lesson ideas

I can seek the Lord and call upon Him.

Isaiah 55:6

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 50–57” Consider how you can help the children understand what it means to “seek” Jesus throughout their lives.

  • Hide a picture of Jesus somewhere in the room, and invite the children to find it. Read the words “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found” from Isaiah 55:6. Ask the children to name some ways they can seek the Lord—which means that they try hard to learn about Him and come close to Him. Each time a child gives an answer, hide the picture again, and invite the child to “seek” for it.

Friend September 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Story: Isaiah taught, “Seek ye the Lord” (Isaiah 55:6). That means we should pray, keep the commandments, and learn about the gospel. This will help us feel closer to Jesus Christ.

Song: “Seek the Lord Early” (Children’s Songbook, 108)

Activity: Choose one person to be the seeker. While their eyes are closed, hide a picture of Jesus. Softly sing a Primary song while the seeker looks for the picture. When they get closer, sing louder and louder until they find it. Take turns being the seeker. How can you seek Jesus Christ?

  • Help the children learn the words to the song “Seek the Lord Early” (Children’s Songbook, 108) or another song about coming closer to the Savior. Use this week’s activity page to help the children choose something they will do to “seek … the Lord.”
  • Read the phrase “Call ye upon him while he is near” from Isaiah 55:6. How do we call upon Heavenly Father? Ask the children to talk about what they say in their prayers. Testify that Heavenly Father loves them and hears them when they pray.

The Lord’s ways are higher than my ways.

Isaiah 55:7–9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 50–57” When we understand that the Lord’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours, it becomes easier to trust in Him.

  • Ask the children who they would go to if they were having a difficult problem, and why. Read with the children Isaiah 55:8–9, and ask them to listen for why we should seek the Lord’s guidance when we need help.
  • Draw on the board the sky and the ground, and label them Heavens and Earth. Then invite the children to read Isaiah 55:9 to find out what the Lord compared to the heavens and the earth, and ask them to add these other labels to the drawings. What does it mean that the Lord’s ways and thoughts are “higher” than ours? Why is it important to know this?

Heavenly Father sees and knows all things. He can help us get to a higher place so we can see as well.

Photo by TANSU TOPUZOĞLU

When we are up high we can see more. We can see which way to go to move away from difficult places and get to safe places.

Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz
  • Discuss with the children some of the Lord’s ways that are higher than our ways. For example, what is His way of treating sinners? (see Mark 2:15–17). What is His way of leading others? (see Matthew 20:25–28). How are His ways different from the ways of others? Tell the children how you have learned to trust the Lord’s higher ways and thoughts.

Activity: Print the scriptures below (on colored paper.) Cut them out. Tape them onto the board or hand them out to children.

Read a situation below and then have the children tell what the world’s way is and write that on the ground that is drawn on the board. Have the children look at the scripture cards and have them find the Lord’s way for the situation. Discuss why the Lord’s way is higher and better. Have a child tape that scripture card on the board in the sky. Continue until all scripture cards are on the board.

Friend February 1989

1 Your friends have invited you to a movie. When you get there, you realize that it is not a good, wholesome one. Your friends decide to see it anyway. What choice will you make?

2 Someone wants you to try drugs, smoke, or drink alcoholic beverages, saying that using such things will make you feel good. Will you do it to see if he is right?

3 You break the cookie jar while getting some cookies. Your mother asks you what happened. Will you avoid the blame by telling her that you don’t know who broke it?

4 Some of your friends swear. Will you swear, too, so that you can be more acceptable to the group?

5 Your friends invite you to go to the circus on Sunday after your church meetings are over. What will you tell them?

6 You don’t know an answer on a test at school. You promised your parents that you would try to get a good grade. Will you look at your neighbor’s paper for the right answer?

7 You earn some money to buy a new toy. When you go to pay for it, it costs more than you thought. Will you add your tithing money to what you have saved so that you can buy the toy?

8 Someone tells you some gossip about a friend. Will you pass it on to your other friends?

9 You’re very tired and get into bed before remembering to pray. Will you skip praying for one night?

10 Your brother is being mean and teasing you, and you want to get even with him. What will you do?

11 Your mother asks you to do your chores. Your friends just called you to play a game of ball. Which will you do first?

12 You see a student put some money into his desk at school. Will you take it so that you can buy some candy on the way home?

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal “Isaiah 50-57”

Sharing the Gospel

Liahona October 2022 “Missionary Work in the Last Days” Come, Follow Me Family Fun

Links of Love

Isaiah 52

In Isaiah 52:7, the prophet tells us that Christ will give us peace, the gospel, and salvation.

  1. Discuss ways you can share these great blessings through missionary work. List as many as your family can think of. (Examples: share the gospel with your friends; take your ancestors’ names to the temple to complete their ordinances.)
  2. Place a Book of Mormon on one side of the room. Have one person stand at the other side and, without moving his or her feet, reach for the book. (Make sure the book is placed out of reach.)
  3. Have each member of your family line up between the person at the side of the room and the Book of Mormon. Link hands, creating a chain of people, and pass the Book of Mormon to the first person. (By knowing how many people are in your group, you can estimate how far away to start the first person.)

Discussion: What kind of actions in our lives might create “links” to help others recognize the blessings of the gospel?

Sep 19 2022

Isaiah 40–49

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I can help prepare “the way of the Lord.”

Isaiah 40:3–5

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 40–49” We help fulfill the prophecy in Isaiah 40:3–5 by helping others receive the Lord in their lives.

  • Ask one child to read Isaiah 40:3 while the other children each read one of the following passages and look for similar words and phrases: Mark 1:3–4 (John the Baptist); Alma 7:9 (Alma); Doctrine and Covenants 33:10–11 (latter-day missionaries). Help them identify who is preparing “the way of the Lord” in each passage. How did these people prepare the way of the Lord? What can we do to help?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 40-49”To explore what it might mean to “prepare … the way of the Lord,” your family could straighten something that’s crooked, clear a cluttered floor, or make a clear path in rocky ground. You could also show pictures of John the Baptist and Joseph Smith (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 35, 87). How did they prepare the way for the Lord’s coming?

If you get something straight, you make sure that you understand it properly or that someone else does.

Friend December 1991 “I Have a Testimony of Jesus Christ”

  • You are playing with a group of friends. Two of you are wearing CTR rings. One of the other children asks what the letters mean.
  • You have a friend who is ill or injured, and you visit her. She is very discouraged. What can you say to help her understand that Heavenly Father loves her and will bless her?
  • A repairman comes to your house and sees a Book of Mormon sitting on the table. He asks what it is about. What would you tell him?
image

While we’ll all experience stumbling blocks in life, we can make a straight path to Christ for ourselves and others by removing what obstacles we can. We can be dedicated to making our wards and branches welcoming places for all types of people from all walks of life. We can address concerns, answer questions, and sit with someone through doubt until they’re ready to take another step. (LDS Daily “What It Means to Make the Lord’s Path Straight”)

  • Draw a path on the board, and read with the children Isaiah 40:3–5. Ask the children to list obstacles that might prevent people from following the Savior, and invite them to draw obstacles on the path. Let them erase the obstacles as you talk about ways we can help people overcome them.
    • Suggestions might include the following: not understanding things that are being taught in Primary, not knowing anyone at church, never having prayed before, never having read the scriptures before, not knowing anything about Jesus, not understanding what the sacrament is for, not believing that Heavenly Father and Jesus could appear to Joseph Smith, etc.

4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:

Latter Day Kids “Preparing the Way for the Lord” Lesson ideas

I can be a witness of the Lord.

Isaiah 43:10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 40–49” The Lord reminded the Israelites that they had witnessed many great things that He had done for them. He wanted them (and all of us) to be His witnesses, helping others know of His power and goodness.

  • Tell the children about something you have witnessed. Help them think of things they have experienced that they can tell each other about or be a “witness” of—for example, a delicious food they have tasted, a place they have visited, or a person they know. Read to the children from Isaiah 43:10: “Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen.” Tell the children that when we are baptized we promise to be a witness of Jesus Christ (see Mosiah 18:9). What does it mean to be the Lord’s witness?

Friend November 2008 “Sharing a Testimony”

The other day I had a friend over who is not a member of the Church. He saw a picture of Jesus on our refrigerator, and told me that he did not believe that Jesus was real. I said, “Jesus is real, and I believe in Him!” I then told him that Jesus really lived on this earth a long time ago and that He died, but on the third day He was resurrected. I told him that because of Jesus, we will be able to live again after we die too.

My friend listened to what I was saying as he looked at the picture of Jesus. He seemed to believe that what I was telling him was true. I want to give him a Book of Mormon with my testimony written in it for his birthday. I know this Church is true, and I am thankful when I can share my testimony with my friends. (Brigham P., age 6, Montana)

Friend November 2019 “Jesus is Real” Everyone at Ismay’s table at school were excitedly talking about Christmas and their favorite traditions such as going to a church service. Suddenly Charlotte spoke up and said, “Jesus isn’t even real.” Ismay was sad to hear this and she quietly bore her testimony to Charlotte that Jesus was real, and that she felt it in her heart. She was glad she had spoken up and planted a seed about Jesus.

  • Ask the children to share what they know about Jesus Christ and His gospel. Show them pictures to give them ideas (for example, pictures of the Savior’s Resurrection, the Book of Mormon, the temple, and the living prophet). Invite them to talk about what they could share with others as witnesses of the Lord.

Friend September 1999 “We Can Testify of Jesus Christ and His Gospel” Lesson 

The Lord is with me in my trials.

Isaiah 41:10; 43:1–5; 48:10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 40–49” When we make covenants with the Lord, He makes promises to be with us—even during our trials. Help the children see themselves as part of the Lord’s covenant people and as recipients of His promises.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 40-49” It must have been discouraging, even devastating, for the Israelites to find themselves captive in Babylon. Many may have wondered if they had forever lost their place as God’s chosen, covenant people. Isaiah’s message to them and to us is simple: “Fear not” (Isaiah 43:1). All is not lost. The Lord has not forgotten you, and He has power over situations that seem out of your control. “Return unto me,” He pleads, “for I have redeemed thee” (Isaiah 44:22). He can heal, restore, strengthen, forgive, and comfort—whatever is needed for you.

We are also part of God’s covenant people.

Rachel’s Booknook
  • Write on the board I am … and I will … Invite the children to read Isaiah 41:10 and Isaiah 43:1–5 to find out who the Lord says He is and what He says He will do. What other phrases are repeated in these verses? How might these messages give us comfort and hope during hard times?
Friend April 2019

Friend September 2019 “The Diabetes Dilemma” Joe prayed that his sister didn’t have diabetes. When they found out she did have diabetes, he was devastated. He didn’t understand why Heavenly Father didn’t answer his prayer. His mom explained that answers to prayers don’t always happen the way we want. Sometimes, instead of taking something hard away, He answers by giving us peace and helping us be strong. Joe then realizes that Heavenly Father was blessing his sister and family with peace.

  • Read together Isaiah 48:10, and talk about what a furnace is and different ways it is used. Explain that metals are purified in a furnace. Why is a furnace a good way to describe affliction? How can our afflictions purify us? (see Alma 62:41).
Image from Pexels

The Lord will never forget me.

Isaiah 49:14–16

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 40–49” When we feel distant from the Lord because of sin, trials, or any other reason, the message of Isaiah 49:14–16 can bring comfort.

  • Ask the children to read Isaiah 49:14. What might make people feel forgotten or forsaken? How can we help others know that the Lord has not forgotten them? How do we know He has not forgotten us?
  • Invite the children to talk about someone they know who they will never forget, like a family member or friend. Discuss how a loving mother feels about her children and how the Lord feels about us. Then ask the children to read Isaiah 49:15–16. According to these verses, why will the Lord never forget us? Invite the children to share their feelings about Jesus Christ.
I am a child of God

“Beside me there is no saviour.”

Isaiah 43:11

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 40–49” Jesus Christ is the only one who can save us from sin and death. Ponder how you will inspire the children to put their trust in Him.

  • Invite the children to imagine a situation in which they might need help (such as being sick or caught in a storm). Show several objects (or pictures of objects), some that would help them in the situation and others that would not. For example, an umbrella would help in a storm, but a glass of water and a pencil would not. Ask the children to pick the object that would help in that situation. Show pictures of the Savior to help the children talk about how He helps us.

What would help us if we are sick?

What would help us if we were caught in a storm?

  • Read to the children Isaiah 43:11, and ask them to point to a picture of Jesus when they hear the word “saviour.” Testify that because Jesus Christ suffered and died for us and was resurrected, He is the only one who can save us from our sins and from death.

What can save us from death? Medicine, exercise, science, eating healthy? These things may extend our life, but everyone eventually dies.

Who can save us from our sins? The bishop, a policeman, our parents?

Friend August 2015
Friend August 2015

Jesus paid the price for our sins so that we could be forgiven if we repent.

Keeping God’s commandments brings peace.

Isaiah 48:18

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 40–49”The Lord promises peace like “a river” and righteousness like “the waves of the sea” to those who keep His commandments.

  • Read to the children Isaiah 48:18. Invite them to move their hands and arms like a river and waves. Talk about how keeping God’s commandments has helped you feel peaceful like a river or strong like a wave.
  • Draw a river on the board. Help the children think of commandments God has given us. Write those commandments on pieces of paper (or draw simple pictures of them), and let the children take turns attaching the commandments to the river on the board. Help the children learn how keeping the commandments brings peace.

Red Crystal has some good activity ideas for this part of the lesson.

  • Sing together a song about commandments, such as “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47). What does this song teach about why we should keep God’s commandments?

Friend September 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Waves of the Seas

Story: Isaiah taught that if we keep the commandments, we will have peace like a river and “righteousness as the waves of the sea” (Isaiah 48:18).

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

Activity: Make your own “waves of the sea”! Fill an empty bottle or jar halfway with water and turn it blue with food coloring. Fill the rest with oil. Put the cap on tightly. Then gently tilt the bottle back and forth to watch the waves! How does keeping the commandments help you feel peace?

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal “Isaiah 40-49”

Sep 12 2022

Isaiah 13–14; 24–30; 35

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There was a war in heaven.

Isaiah 14:12–14

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 13–14; 24–30; 35” Before the world was created, Heavenly Father chose Jesus Christ to be our Savior. Isaiah 14:12–14 describes the pride that Satan showed in the premortal Council in Heaven.

  • Use “Introduction: Our Heavenly Father’s Plan” (in New Testament Stories, 1–3) or the song “I Lived in Heaven” (Children’s Songbook, 4) to tell the children about the War in Heaven before we were born. (As you do, include phrases from Isaiah 14:12–14 that describe Satan.) Then invite the children to take turns telling the story back to you. Emphasize that Jesus Christ followed Heavenly Father’s plan and became our Savior.

New Testament Stories “Introduction to Our Heavenly Father’s Plan” Images and video

  • On the board, draw a heart with the word Satan and a sad face inside it. Explain that Satan said in his heart, “I will exalt my throne above the stars of God” (Isaiah 14:13), which means that he wanted to be better than Heavenly Father. Invite a child to draw another heart, this one with the word Jesus and a happy face inside it. Help the children understand that Jesus wanted to do what Heavenly Father asked Him to do (see Moses 4:1–2). How can we follow Jesus’s example?

Jesus Christ was resurrected.

Isaiah 25:8

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 13–14; 24–30; 35” Jesus Christ can comfort the sorrow we feel about death. Because He gained victory over death, we will all be resurrected too.

  • Show a picture of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and ask the children to share what they know about the picture. If needed, share with them the story of Jesus being resurrected (see “Jesus Is Risen,” in New Testament Stories, 139–44). Play or sing a song about the Resurrection, such as “Jesus Has Risen” (Children’s Songbook, 70), and invite the children to share how it makes them feel to know that Jesus rose from the dead.
Christ and Mary at the Tomb

New Testament Stories “Jesus is Risen” Images and video

  • Tell the children about someone you know who has died. How do we feel when someone we love dies? Invite the children to draw a face of someone crying. Then read Isaiah 25:8 to them. What will Jesus do to our tears when we miss someone who has died? Invite the children to draw a happy face. Bear your testimony that because Jesus Christ was resurrected, we can feel comforted when someone dies and know that we will all be resurrected one day.

Friend December 2020 “A Christmas Song for Grandpa” Jennifer’s grandfather passed away on the day she is supposed to sing a solo at the Christmas community program. She is heartbroken but remembers that because of Jesus she will see her grandfather again. She decides to sing about Jesus at the program so she can share the light and hope Jesus gives.

Friend December 2020

Latter Day Kids “Death and Resurrection”

For additional teaching resources see also Jesus Christ: Death & Resurrection

Apostasy means turning away from the Lord and His prophets.

Isaiah 24:3–5; 29:7–10; 30:8–14

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 13–14; 24–30; 35” Reading Isaiah’s warnings about the dangers of apostasy can help the children resolve to stay true to the Lord and follow His prophets.

  • Write the word apostasy on the board. Invite the children to find a definition in “Apostasy” in the Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite them to read Isaiah 24:5; 30:9–11 and make a list of things people were doing in Isaiah’s time that led them to apostasy. Then invite the children to change the items in the list to things we can do to stay true to the Lord.
  • Divide the class into pairs, and assign each pair to read one of the following passages: Isaiah 24:3–5; Isaiah 29:7–10; or Isaiah 30:8–14. Invite them to draw pictures that represent what they read. As they share their drawings, help them discuss what Isaiah’s words teach about why we should stay true to the Lord.

When individuals or groups of people turn away from the principles of the gospel, they are in a state of apostasy.

To warn about the consequences of turning away from the Lord and rejecting His prophets, Isaiah used a variety of metaphors. These include an empty earth (Isaiah 24:1–12), drunkenness (Isaiah 28:7–8), hunger and thirst (Isaiah 29:7–10), and a broken wall or vessel (Isaiah 30:8–14). Based on what you read in these verses, why is it important to keep our covenants? Consider what you are doing to stay true to the Lord and His servants. (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 13–14; 24–30; 35”)

The Great Apostasy “News with the Naylors” Lesson ideas

Media Library “Apostasy”

Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Introduction: Before the Doctrine and Covenants” Story, images and video. The last part is about the apostasy and restoration

The Lord restored His Church through Joseph Smith.

Isaiah 29:12, 14

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 13–14; 24–30; 35” The Restoration of the gospel is “a marvellous work and a wonder” (Isaiah 29:14). Share with the children some of the marvelous things the Lord did—and continues to do—to restore His gospel in our day.

  • Invite the children to tell you what they know about Joseph Smith. If needed, share with them “Joseph Smith’s First Vision” (in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 9–12). Read Isaiah 29:12, and explain that even though Joseph Smith was not considered “learned” by many people, Jesus Christ restored the gospel through him.

Doctrine and Covenant Stories “Joseph Smith’s First Vision”

Friend April 2020 “Jesus Christ’s Church” A father explains to his young daughter what restoration means.

  • Read Isaiah 29:14 to the children, and share with them other words that mean the same thing as “marvellous” and “wonder.”

Marvellous

  1. causing great wonder; extraordinary.
  2. extremely good or pleasing; splendid.”

Wonder

  1. feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable.
background by kjpargeter on Freepik
  • Display items that represent some of the Lord’s marvelous works during the latter days, such as a picture of the First Vision or of Joseph Smith receiving the priesthood (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 90, 93, 94) or a copy of the Book of Mormon. Invite the children to choose an item and share why it is marvelous to them.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 135-136”

Friend April 2018 “What the Restoration Means to Me”

The Restoration of the gospel is a “marvellous work.”

Isaiah 29:13–15, 18, 24

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 13–14; 24–30; 35” How can you help the children understand that they are part of the Lord’s “marvellous work” (Isaiah 29:14) of the latter days?

  • Show pictures of some of the marvelous events that happened as the gospel was restored (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 90–95, or this week’s activity page). Read together Isaiah 29:14, 18, 24, and invite the children to find words and phrases that relate to the events in the pictures. Ask the children how they can help with the Lord’s “marvellous work” (verse 14).
Church History Gospel Art

Friend April 2020 “Helping with the Restoration” In 1820, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith. The Restoration of the gospel began that day 200 years ago. It continues today! Here are four ways you can help with the Restoration and prepare for the time when Jesus will return:

  • Share a brief experience to help the children understand what restoration means. For example, talk about something that was lost and how you found it. Help the children compare this to the Restoration of the gospel. According to Isaiah 29:13–15, why do we need the Restoration? What marvelous works did the Lord do to restore His gospel?

Friend May 2007 “Restoration” Whitney’s mother wants to restore her grandmother’s old armoire because it reminds her of her grandmother. Whitney suggests they could paint it white and add fancy handles. But her mother says, “No, I want to restore it. Restore means to bring something back to the way it was originally. I want it to look just the way it did when my grandmother used it.” (Activity: Cut out the puzzle pieces and put them together to form a picture. When you have all of the pieces in the right places, the picture will be “restored”!

Friend May 2011 “The Church of Jesus Christ Has Been Restored” Hidden in the picture of Joseph in the Sacred Grove are items related to the restoration of the Church.

  • Gold plates (the word of the Lord)
  • Kirtland Temple (temple work)
  • Sacrament tray (remembering Jesus Christ)
  • Missionary name tag (missionary work)
  • Baptismal font (covenanting with the Lord)
  • Keys (the priesthood)
  • Dove (the Holy Ghost)

Isaiah’s teachings point me to Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 14:3; 25:8; 28:16

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 13–14; 24–30; 35” Isaiah’s teachings can point the children you teach to the Savior and help them remember the things He has done for them.

Friend September 2022 “Isaiah Teaches about Jesus Christ”

  • Write the following scripture references on separate pieces of paper: Isaiah 14:3; Isaiah 25:8; Isaiah 28:16; Matthew 11:28–30; 1 Corinthians 15:53–57; Helaman 5:12. Give the papers to the children, and invite them to write on the papers the truths they learn from the verses and work together to match the verses that teach similar truths. According to these verses, what great things has the Lord done for us?
  • Ask the children to choose a phrase from Isaiah 14:3; 25:8; or 28:16 that reminds them of Jesus Christ. Invite them to write the phrase on a piece of paper and draw a picture of the Savior that they can display in their homes.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 13–14; 24–30; 35”

Has your family ever experienced the blessing of a safe shelter during a storm or of shade on a hot summer day? (see verse 4). Talk about this as you read these verses and other descriptions of the Lord found in Isaiah 25:4–9. How is the Lord like these things?

Isaiah 29:11–18.

Showing pictures of the Savior in Gethsemane, on the cross, and after His Resurrection can help your family see connections between these verses and Jesus Christ (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 56, 57, 58, 59). Invite your family to share why they “rejoice in his salvation” (Isaiah 25:9).

Friend September 2022 “Scripture Match-up”

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal “Sept. 12-18, Isaiah 13-14”

Sep 5 2022

Isaiah 1–12

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Isaiah CHAPTER 1 The people of Israel are apostate, rebellious, and corrupt; only a few remain faithful—The people’s sacrifices and feasts are rejected—They are called upon to repent and work righteousness—Zion will be redeemed in the day of restoration.

Who Is Isaiah?

Friend March 2024 “Who is Isaiah”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 Engraving on metal plates is not easy, and space on Nephi’s small plates was limited. So why would Nephi go to the tedious effort of copying a large amount of Isaiah’s writings into his record? In an article in the Ensign September 1998,  it explains that Nephi’s own commentary on Isaiah begins in 1 Nephi 19, where he tells us that in order to “more fully persuade them [Nephi’s people] to believe in the Lord their Redeemer” he would turn particularly to the prophet Isaiah (see 1 Ne. 19:23).

Friend December 2008 “Isaiah’s Prophecies” Prophecies from an Old Testament prophet regarding the life and second coming of the Savior.

Friend August 1994 “Isaiah and the Time Machine” Anthony was having a hard time following along during his family’s Book of Mormon study time. They were reading the words of Isaiah in 2 Nephi, and he didn’t understand them. Anthony loved playing in his pretend time machine and his father decided to help the children understand Isaiah by using the time machine. (Excellent story!)

Liahona February 2020 “Who Was Isaiah?”

Liahona March 2012  “How Can I Understand the Words of Isaiah?” Article includes the following: know Isaiah’s main topics, the reasons for studying Isaiah, the events of Isaiah’s days that he used symbolically, helpful hints to understanding his words,  etc.

Friend November 1994 “Isaiah” Isaiah prophesied of many things that would happen in his day and in the future. This article includes an explanation of Isaiah’s most quoted prophecies.

Because of Jesus Christ, I can repent and be clean.

Isaiah 1:2–4, 16–19

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 1–12” Isaiah lived in a time when many of his people had turned away from the Lord. But the Lord promised them that their sins could be forgiven if they repented. He makes this promise to us as well.

  • Ask the children to read Isaiah 1:2–4 and talk about some of the reasons the Lord was not happy with the people of Judah. Then read Isaiah 1:16–19 together to learn what the Lord invited the people to do. As needed, help the children understand difficult words and phrases. To help them visualize verse 18, display something bright red and something pure white. What do we learn about Jesus Christ’s mercy from these verses? Invite the children to share how they feel about Jesus Christ’s gift of forgiveness, and share your feelings as well.

Friend February 1996 “Matt and Mandy”

Gathering Zion (Facebook)

Or you could demonstrate how stains can be removed from clothing. How is the Lord’s message in these verses different from what Satan wants us to believe?

See also: New Era February 2016 “Scarlet, Crimson, Snow, and Wool”

  • Help the children memorize Isaiah 1:18. Write the verse on the board, and invite the children to recite it several times, erasing one word each time until they can recite it from memory. You could also use paper strips with words from the verse written on them. Why is it important to always remember what this verse teaches? Discuss how being baptized and partaking of the sacrament make this promise available to us.

Have a child cover the words below with paper strips after each time the class repeats the scripture.

In the temple we learn about Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 2:2–3

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 1–12” Isaiah foresaw a time when the temple, “the mountain of the Lord’s house,” would attract people from “all nations.” You can use this prophecy to help the children look forward to the time when they can go to the temple.

  • Ask the children to draw a picture of their home. Then read together Isaiah 2:2, and invite them to draw a picture of “the Lord’s house,” which is a temple. Read verse 3 together, and invite them to add to their pictures many people coming to the temple, including their families. Why do we want to go to the Lord’s house? Share your testimony of the blessings that come as we learn about the Lord in His house.

Friend September 2019 “Funstuff: Temples in Our Day” Pioneers worked very hard to build temples. In fact, the Salt Lake Temple took 40 years of hard work and sacrifice to finish. Try drawing this holy temple using the letter A!

Friend July 2016

Friend July 2016
Rexburg Idaho Temple—“Holiness to the Lord: The House of the Lord”

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 11-19” Isaiah described the temple as “the mountain of the Lord’s house.” Your children might enjoy pretending to climb a mountain as you read 2 Nephi 12:2–3. Help them find phrases in these verses that describe why we have temples.

For the Strength of Youth “Ascend into the Hill of the Lord”

3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the chouse of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

  • To illustrate the phrase “we will walk in his paths” from 2 Nephi 12:3, you could make a path on the floor, leading to a picture of a temple. As your children walk on the path, they could name things they can do to walk in the Lord’s paths.

Friend July 2020 “Bright Idea” I can follow Jesus Christ in small and simple ways.

Friend August 2023 “I Can Follow Jesus Christ”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020

  • Let a child hold a picture of a temple, and ask the children to talk about what they see in the picture. Ask them what they like about the temple. Read together Isaiah 2:2–3 and have them listen for more reasons why we can love the temple. Tell the children why you love the temple.
  • Sing with the children a song about the temple, such as “I Love to See the Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 95). Help them find words and phrases in the song that teach what the temple is and what we do there.
  • Draw a path on the board, and place a picture of the temple or the Savior at one end (see Personal Development: Children’s Guidebook, 2–3). Let the children take turns drawing themselves walking on the path. As they do, invite them to repeat this phrase from Isaiah 2:3: “We will walk in his paths.” What can we do to walk in the Lord’s paths?

Friend October 2021 “Our Strong Foundation”

Friend November 2019 “Being an Example” Activity Included: Draw a line to match the pictures of Jesus with ways you can be kind too.

Friend July 2020 “Bright Idea” I can follow Jesus Christ in small and simple ways.

Friend December 2016

Friend March 2018 “Family Night Fun” Each person makes a pair of sandals and then writes on their shoes one way they want to follow Jesus.

Isaiah 2:1–5.

Family members could pick one of these verses and draw what it describes. What does the temple teach us about the Lord’s ways? How are we blessed as we “walk in the light of the Lord”? (Isaiah 2:5). (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 1-12”)

In the temple we learn about Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 2:2–5

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 1–12” Isaiah’s prophecy about “the mountain of the Lord’s house” reveals some of the blessings that come from worshipping in the temple, along with other blessings to come in the last days. Ponder how you will inspire the children to seek these blessings.

  • Ask the children to read about what Isaiah saw in Isaiah 2:2–3 and draw a picture of what they think it might have looked like. Explain that Isaiah called the temple “the mountain of the Lord’s house.” Why is a mountain a good symbol for the temple?

In ancient times, it was common for a prophet to go to the top of a mountain to commune with the Lord God. Thus, the term “mountain of the Lord” symbolically denotes any location where the Lord makes His divine will known to His holy prophets. Church News

  • Invite the children to read Isaiah 2:2–3, 5 and identify in each of these verses something that inspires them to go to the temple someday. Then read verse 4 together, and discuss how the temple helps bring about the peace described in this verse. Help them think of ways they can prepare now to go to the temple someday.

Liahona October 2010 “Your Path to the Temple” What happens inside the temple, the temple recommend, preparing now to enter the temple.

Friend September 2019 “What’s on Your Mind? The questions the Bishop or Branch President will ask during the temple recommend interview.

For the Strength of Youth “Ascend into the Hill of the Lord”

Isaiah prophesied of Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 9:6

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 1–12” All prophets testify of Jesus Christ, including those who lived long before He was born, like Isaiah. Consider what the children can learn about Jesus from Isaiah’s prophecy in Isaiah 9:6.

  • Share with the children “Isaiah the Prophet” (in Old Testament Stories). Pause periodically so the children can talk about what Isaiah knew about Jesus Christ many years before He was born. Read to the children Isaiah 9:6, and invite them to repeat with you each “name” that Isaiah said Jesus Christ “shall be called.”

Old Testament Scripture Stories “Isaiah the Prophet”

Friend September 2022 “Isaiah Teaches about Jesus Christ”

Write on slips of paper a few of the titles of Jesus Christ found in Isaiah 9:6 (see this week’s activity page). Invite each child to pick one, and help the child read the title to the class. Talk to the children about what each title means to you. Give a picture of Christ to one of the children, and ask him or her to share something about Jesus and then pass the picture to another child. Repeat this activity until all the children have had a chance to share.

  • Ask the children to give examples of titles a person might have, such as titles associated with a job, a calling, a team, or a family. What do these titles say about the person who has them? Help the children find titles of Jesus Christ in Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6–7. What does each of these titles teach us about Him? What else do we learn about Jesus Christ from these verses?
POLICEMAN
FATHER
FOOTBALL PLAYER
PROPHET

“How can Jesus Christ be both the Father and the Son? It really isn’t as complicated as it sounds. Though He is the Son of God, He is the head of the Church, which is the family of believers. When we are spiritually born again, we are adopted into His family. He becomes our Father or leader. …(M. Russell Ballard, “Building Bridges of Understanding,” Ensign, June 1998, 66–67).

Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon
Media Library

Additional Resources

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Learning from Isaiah” Introduction to Isaiah. Lesson ideas

Aug 28 2022

Proverbs 1–4; 15–16; 22; 31; Ecclesiastes 1–3; 11–12

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Table of Contents

Proverbs is a book of wise sayings.

A proverb is a short saying that is intended to teach a lesson about life. The book of Proverbs is a collection of many wise sayings collected by the Israelites. Some of these proverbs are attributed to King Solomon. Old Testament Seminary Student Material “Lesson 116: Proverbs 1–30”

Seek Wisdom

The book of Proverbs is filled with insights about wisdom. Consider marking the word “wisdom” and related words, like “knowledge” and “understanding,” as you find them chapters 1–4 and 15–16. Consider how you are seeking the Lord’s help to be “wise in heart” (Proverbs 16:21).

Your family might enjoy creating your own “book of Proverbs”—a collection of wise counsel from the scriptures and latter-day prophets.

Proverbs CHAPTER 1 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge—If sinners entice you, do not consent—Those who hearken to wisdom will dwell safely.

Proverbs CHAPTER 2 The Lord gives wisdom, knowledge, and understanding—Walk in the way of good men.

To “fear God” means to love and obey Him.

Proverbs 1:7; 2:5; 15:33; 16:6; Ecclesiastes 12:13

“Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022” One of the important messages in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes is to “fear God, and keep his commandments” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Ponder how you can help the children understand what it means to fear God.

  • Invite the children to list some things that people might fear. Then ask them to read Proverbs 1:7 and Ecclesiastes 12:13. What does it mean to fear God? To help answer this question, ask a child to read the verses again, replacing the word “fear” with the word “reverence.” Repeat this activity with words like “love,” “obedience,” or “obey.” How does this change our understanding of what it means to fear God?

As used in this verse, fear means reverence, or “profound respect mingled with love. … Reverence embraces regard, deference [respect], honor, and esteem” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay [2003], 30).

  • Invite each child to choose one of the following verses to read, looking for the word “fear”: Proverbs 1:7; 2:5; 15:33; 16:6. Ask the children to share what their verse teaches about blessings that come when we fear the Lord, which means that we show reverence and respect toward Him (see also Proverbs 14:26–27). How can we show the Lord that we love and respect Him?

Friend June 2021 “Respect for Sacred Things”

Friend October 2016
Friend October 2016

Friend June 1999 “Keep the Commandments”

Proverbs CHAPTER 3 Write mercy and truth upon the tablet of your heart—Trust in the Lord—Honor Him with your substance—Whom the Lord loves He corrects—Happy is the man who finds wisdom.

I can trust in the Lord with all my heart.

Proverbs 3:5

“Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022” When we trust in the Lord with all our hearts, we have faith in Him and know that He will help us.

  • Let one of the children hold a picture of the Savior as you read Proverbs 3:5. Tell the children what trusting in the Lord means to you. Invite the children to make a heart with their hands or hold their hands over their hearts while repeating the phrase “trust in the Lord with all thine heart” several times.

Friend June 1998 When we trust someone, we believe in him or her. We feel sure the person will do what he or she promises to do. There is Someone we can always trust. We can always trust the Lord.

  • Draw a large heart on the board, and help the children think of things they can do to show that they trust the Lord. Invite them to draw their ideas inside the heart or on a piece of paper. Encourage them to share their ideas with their families.

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

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

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart.”

Proverbs 3:5–7

  • Read together Proverbs 3:5–7, and invite the children to list the things these verses say we should do and should not do. Ask them what they feel each of these things might mean. What qualities do we find in people we trust? What qualities does the Lord have that help us trust Him?
  • To show what it means to “lean not unto thine own understanding,” let the children try leaning a stick or a pencil against various objects, such as a book or a piece of paper. Which objects worked best? Why is it important to “trust in the Lord” and not lean on our “own understanding”?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families Old Testament 2022 To help family members visualize what these verses teach, you could invite them to lean against something sturdy and stable, like a wall. Then they could try leaning against something that is not sturdy, like a broom. Why should we “lean not unto [our] own understanding”? How can we show that we trust Jesus Christ with all our hearts?

Friend November 2019)

In English the word lean has a connotation of physically listing or moving to one side. When we physically lean toward one side or another, we move off center, we are out of balance, and we tip. When we spiritually lean to our own understanding, we lean away from our Savior. If we lean, we are not centered; we are not balanced; we are not focused on Christ. (Ensign May 2017 “Trust in the Lord and Lean Not ”

Proverbs 4 describes wisdom and righteousness as a “path” or a “way” (see also Proverbs 3:5–6). As you read this chapter, you might find passages that help you ponder “the path of thy feet” (verse 26) and how your steps are drawing you closer to the Lord. For example, what do verses 11–12 and 18–19 teach about the blessings of following the right path? What do verses 26 and 27 mean to you?

“Ponder the path of thy feet.”

Proverbs CHAPTER 4 Keep the commandments and live—With all your getting, get understanding—Go not in the way of evil men.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families Old Testament 2022

Proverbs 4 describes wisdom and righteousness as a “path” or a “way” (see also Proverbs 3:5–6). As you read this chapter, you might find passages that help you ponder “the path of thy feet” (verse 26) and how your steps are drawing you closer to the Lord. For example, what do verses 11–12 and 18–19 teach about the blessings of following the right path? What do verses 26 and 27 mean to you? See also 2 Nephi 31:18–21.

Liahona September 2022 “Seeking Spiritual Guidance: Come, Follow Me Family Fun”

  1. Place a picture of the Savior on one side of a large open area or room.
  2. Stand on the opposite side of the room. Take turns blindfolding each family member, spinning them in a circle, and then seeing if they can walk to the picture of Jesus Christ without any help.
  3. Read Proverbs 4:26–27.

Discussion: What types of help have we been given in this life to keep us on a path that leads to Jesus Christ? For further discussion, read Proverbs 3:5–6. What actions do we need to take to trust the Lord with all our hearts?

I can use kind words.

Proverbs 15:1, 18

“Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022” In tense or frustrating situations, we may be tempted to respond with anger. Proverbs 15:1, 18 teaches us how we can turn away anger.

  • Read Proverbs 15:1 to the children, and explain any words or phrases that might be unfamiliar to them. Share a few examples of situations in which a child might feel angry (such as an argument with a brother or sister). Help them think of “soft answers,” or kind words, they could use instead of angry words. Help them practice saying these things softly or in a calm voice.

Friend October 2019 “Words Matter” The words we say make a big difference. Trace your finger along the lines to see how the words you say can make others feel. Also, make some kind notes to give to others.

Friend January 2018 “Lucas and the Bully” Lucas stood up to a bully, but the words he used hurt the bullies feelings. Lucas apologizes and invites the bully to play and they become friends

Latter Day Kids “Kind Words” Lesson ideas

Friend September 2022 “Jack Uses Kind Words” Throughout the day Jack uses kind words like please and thank you. (Read the story to the children, then read each of the kind words on the list and have them repeat them. Next read each sentence in the story again and have the children tell you which word was the kind word.)

Friend May 2019 “Choosing Kind Words” Selene called Adriana a mean name when she missed the ball. Adriana told Selene that it hurt her feelings and asked her not to say that. Selene apologized. (Also a lesson idea about kind words children can use and when to use them. Have children tell which ones Adriana and Selene used.)

  • Sing a song about kindness, such as “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145). What does the song teach us about being kind?
  • To help the children understand what it means to be “slow to anger” (Proverbs 15:18), tell a personal story about when you (or someone you know) felt angry but chose to be kind. Let the children share their own experiences too. Help the children think of things they can do instead of becoming angry. For example, they could think about Jesus, ask Heavenly Father to help them, sing a Primary song to themselves, or, if possible, just walk away.

Friend May 2019 “Choose to Be Kind” A girl pushed her way to the front of the line at the bus stop and sat where Samuel and his friend, Mike, had planned on sitting. This started an argument, but Samuel chooses to be kind instead of right, and figures out a solution.

Friend September 2018 “Show and Tell” “One day I wanted to sit by a bully at school to be friends with her. She yelled at me to go away. I wanted to get her back with my words. But I held my tongue and said, “It’s OK. I’ll sit by someone else.” When I walked away, I felt good for what I did.” Elijah V., age 12, Arizona, USA

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)

Practice: How do our words affect the spirit in our home? Perhaps family members could practice giving “a soft answer” to “grievous words” and try to use what they learn in their interactions with each other. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families Old Testament 2022

“A soft answer turneth away wrath.”

Proverbs 15:1, 18; 16:32

“Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022” Speaking in anger often makes a tense situation even worse. These verses teach that our words and our attitudes can turn away wrath or anger.

  • Write the words wrath and strife on the board, and share an example of an argument that children might have. Then ask the children to read Proverbs 15:1, 18; 16:32 and find advice they could give to the children who are arguing. Each time the children share an idea, invite them to erase part of the words on the board. Invite them to replace those words with others describing Christlike attributes that bring peace.


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

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Friend May 2019 “Choose to Be Kind” A girl pushed her way to the front of the line at the bus stop and sat where Samuel and his friend, Mike, had planned on sitting. This started an argument, but Samuel chooses to be kind instead of right, and figures out a solution.

Friend September 2018 “Show and Tell” “One day I wanted to sit by a bully at school to be friends with her. She yelled at me to go away. I wanted to get her back with my words. But I held my tongue and said, “It’s OK. I’ll sit by someone else.” When I walked away, I felt good for what I did.” Elijah V., age 12, Arizona, USA

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

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  • Help the children think of accounts in the scriptures when the Savior exemplified what is taught in Proverbs 15:1, 18; 16:32. For ideas, they could look in John 8:1–11; 18:1–11. Sing together a song about the Savior’s example, such as “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79). How can we follow Jesus’s example as we interact with family members, friends, and others?
Media Library ” The Betrayal of Jesus Christ”
Media Library “Life of Jesus Christ: Woman Taken in Adultery”

Friend September 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Story: Proverbs is a book of wise sayings. One proverb says to “trust in the Lord with all thine heart” (Proverbs 3:5). Another proverb says that “a soft answer turneth away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1).

Song: “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145)

Activity: On page 40 read about using kind words. Then cut out some paper hearts and write kind notes or helpful sayings on them to give to others. You could even hide the hearts for others to find!

Friend September 2022 “What’s on Your Mind”

Friend November 2019 “Kindness Flowers” A kindness game like the game “hangman” you can play with a friend or family member. Think of a kind word that describes the other person.Have the other person guess which letters are in the mystery word. If they guess correctly, write that letter in the blank. If they guess a letter that’s not in the word, draw a petal on the flower and write that letter in it.’

I can share what I have with others.

Proverbs 22:9

“Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022” Young children can learn to help people around them who are in need. How can you inspire them to share what they have with others?

  • Show the children several pictures of others serving or helping people in need, including pictures of the Savior (such as Gospel Art Book, nos. 42, 44, 46). Ask the children to tell you what is happening in each picture. Read to the children Proverbs 22:9. Explain that one way we can serve is by giving “bread to the poor,” but there are many other ways to help those in need. Invite the children to draw a picture of themselves helping someone.
  • Bring to class several objects that you can share with the children, such as pictures or crayons. As you give one to each child, say, “I will share with [child’s name].” Let the children take turns sharing the objects with each other. What are some other things we can share with others?

Friend March 2020 “Harry Shares” Harry is playing with toys. He is having fun. Harry sees a girl who looks sad. Harry shares toys with her. Now they are both having fun!

  • Sing together a song about service, such as “‘Give,’ Said the Little Stream” (Children’s Songbook, 236). Or show the video “Gordon Hinckley: Lessons I Learned as a Boy” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Ask the children how they feel when they help others.

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal