Mothers: Activities & Games

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Mother’s Day

Friend October 2021 “For Little Friends” Sam is making a necklace for his mom. Can you figure out the pattern? Which color should the next bead be?

Friend May 2020 “Mother’s Day Card” Make a pop up umbrella card.

Friend May 2019 “Funstuff: Mother’s Day Wreath” Write things you love about your mom on paper hearts, and then follow the directions and make a wreath with the hearts.

Friend May 1987
Friend May 1987 1of2
Friend May 1987
Friend May 1987 2of2

Mosiah 18-24

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Mosiah CHAPTER 18 Alma preaches in private—He sets forth the covenant of baptism and baptizes at the waters of Mormon—He organizes the Church of Christ and ordains priests—They support themselves and teach the people—Alma and his people flee from King Noah into the wilderness. About 147–145 B.C.

Mosiah CHAPTER 19 Gideon seeks to slay King Noah—The Lamanites invade the land—King Noah suffers death by fire—Limhi rules as a tributary monarch. About 145–121 B.C.

Mosiah CHAPTER 20 Some Lamanite daughters are abducted by the priests of Noah—The Lamanites wage war upon Limhi and his people—The Lamanite hosts are repulsed and pacified. About 145–123 B.C.

Mosiah CHAPTER 20 Some Lamanite daughters are abducted by the priests of Noah—The Lamanites wage war upon Limhi and his people—The Lamanite hosts are repulsed and pacified. About 145–123 B.C.

Mosiah CHAPTER 21 Limhi’s people are smitten and defeated by the Lamanites—Limhi’s people meet Ammon and are converted—They tell Ammon of the twenty-four Jaredite plates. About 122–121 B.C.

Mosiah CHAPTER 22 Plans are made for the people to escape from Lamanite bondage—The Lamanites are made drunk—The people escape, return to Zarahemla, and become subject to King Mosiah. About 121–120 B.C.

Mosiah CHAPTER 23 Alma refuses to be king—He serves as high priest—The Lord chastens His people, and the Lamanites conquer the land of Helam—Amulon, leader of King Noah’s wicked priests, rules subject to the Lamanite monarch. About 145–121 B.C.

Mosiah CHAPTER 24 Amulon persecutes Alma and his people—They are to be put to death if they pray—The Lord makes their burdens seem light—He delivers them from bondage, and they return to Zarahemla. About 145–120 B.C.

Alma Baptizes at the Waters of Mormon

Mosiah 18

Friend May 2020 “Alma Believed Abinadi” VIDEO

Book of Mormon Stories “Alma Teaches and Baptizes” Images and Video

Friend April 2016 “Alma Baptizes Many People” For Young Readers VIDEO

Friend April 2000 “Covenants at the Waters of Mormon:”

Introduction Ideas

Give each child a copy of the nine-dot diagram, or draw it on the chalkboard. Tell the children that they are to connect all the dots by drawing four continuous straight lines without lifting the pencil off the paper or chalk off the chalkboard. After they have tried several solutions, show one child the correct solution without telling the others. Have that child show another child, and so on until all the children can connect the dots. Explain that when we learn something, we can help other people when we teach them what we know. When we learn about Heavenly Father, we can help other people by telling them about him. Primary 4 Manual “Lesson 11- Abinadi and King Noah”

There is a saying that you can count the seeds in an apple, but you can’t count the apples that come from one seed. Only one person was receptive to Abinadi’s testimony, but that one person—Alma—influenced generations of Nephites. Perhaps you could use a fruit with seeds to demonstrate this principle. What can we do to share our testimonies with others?(Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 18-24”)

The Cozy Red Cottage

When I am baptized, I make a covenant with God.

Mosiah 18:7–17

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 18-24”

  • One important way to help your children prepare for baptism is to teach them about the covenant they will make when they are baptized. This could be as simple as showing the picture at the end of this week’s outline and reading about the covenant with them in Mosiah 18:9–10. Consider inviting a child who has already been baptized to teach this to the younger children. Your children might enjoy hearing about your baptism. How has keeping your covenants with God blessed your life?

Primary 4 Manual “Lesson 12: Alma Baptizes at the Waters of Mormon” Display a key. Ask the children what a key is used for. You might have a child use the key to open a lock. Hold the paper key so the children cannot see the word Covenant, and tear it in half. Explain that a key would not work if you had only half of it. Turn the pieces of the key over to show the word Covenant. Ask the children if they know what this word means. Explain that in the gospel a covenant is a sacred agreement or promise between Heavenly Father and his children. When we keep our covenants with Heavenly Father, he will always fulfill his part. But if we do not keep our covenant promises, the covenant is broken. Keeping our baptismal covenants is a key to blessings and eternal life. Explain that eternal life is becoming like Heavenly Father and living with him forever. 

Teaching Children the Gospel “Alma Baptizes at Waters of Mormon” Lesson ideas

Friend February 2019 “The Baptism Covenant” Cut out and mix up these cards. Then take turns matching cards that go together. With each match, talk about that part of the baptism covenant.

The Red Crystal

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 18-24”

  • Older Kids: Give each child a piece of paper. Read together Mosiah 18:8–10, and invite the children to write or draw on one side of their paper the promises we make at baptism and, on the other side, the blessings Heavenly Father promises us. Let them share with the class what they find. As they share, ask questions like these: How can we “mourn with those that mourn”? What does it mean to be a witness of God “in all places”? (verse 9). What can we do to keep our covenants?

Primary 4 Manual “Lesson 12: Alma Baptizes at the Waters of Mormon”

Bear One Another’s Burdens

Primary 4 Manual “Lesson 12: Alma Baptizes at the Waters of Mormon” Ask a child to hold on one hand a moderately heavy book with his or her arm straight out while you talk to the class about the baptismal covenants. Ask the child holding the book if his or her arm is getting tired. Have another child help hold the book. Explain that one of the promises we make when we are baptized is to “bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light.” Discuss some burdens children their age might feel, such as being made fun of, being sick, having problems with family members, wanting to belong, or having difficulties in school. Ask the children how they can help make each other’s burdens lighter.

The Cozy Red Cottage

Fill a bag with heavy objects (to represent burdens), and invite a child to hold the bag. Explain that when we are sad, sick, or have other troubles, it can feel like carrying something heavy. Invite the children to take turns helping the child carry the bag so that it becomes lighter. Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 18-24”

Stand as a Witness

The Cozy Red Cottage

Comfort those that stand in need of comfort

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 18-24”

They will promise to follow Heavenly Father and Jesus by comforting people who are sad. Share a story of how you or someone you know has kept these promises. (See also Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79; Carole M. Stephens, “We Have Great Reason to Rejoice,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 115–17.)

Friend May 2020 “My Family Night Fun” Care Package

Friend May 2020 “Doing What Jesus Would Do” When Julia heard that her friend’s beloved dog had died, she was sad. She wanted to do something to help her friend feel better, so she made her a care package. (Article also includes ideas for care packages.)

Friend February 2019 “Promise to Try” Tatsuki‘s teacher came to his house to talk to him about his upcoming baptism. He became concened when he learned about the covenants he would be making. He didn’t think he would be like Jesus every day. Then his mom reminded him of the kind things he had done and told him that he was following Jesus by doing those things. He also learned that he could repent and be forgiven if he made mistakes. He was then happy that he could be baptized and try to be like Jesus.

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For younger children: Ask your child one thing they love about each person in the family. Tell your child something they do that shows love to others!

We renew our covenants during the sacrament

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 18-24”

Children who have been baptized could use frequent reminders about the covenants they made and renew each week with the sacrament. Perhaps your children could compare the baptismal covenant described in Mosiah 18:8–10 with the sacrament prayers (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79). How can we make the sacrament a special, reverent time, just like our baptisms were?

The Red Crystal

Explain that each Sunday they renew their baptismal covenant when they partake of the sacrament. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah)

Friend May 2020 “Alma’s Baptismal Talk” Wouldn’t it be amazing if a prophet gave a talk at your baptism? In Mosiah 18:7–11, Alma talked to a group of people who wanted to be baptized. Here’s what he taught them.

Come Follow Me Kid Below is an easier version of the above article for younger children.

Gospel Art Book

Scripture Stories Coloring Book—Book of Mormon: Alma Baptized at the Waters of Mormon

Friend May 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones: Joy in Baptism” Read Mosiah 18:10–11 about how Alma’s people clapped for joy when they learned about baptism. Find a picture of someone being baptized and point out what is happening in the scene. Then take turns hiding the picture and finding it. Whenever your child finds it, help them say, “I’m happy I can be baptized” and clap together for joy!

When I am baptized, I become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ.

Mosiah 18:17–28

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 18-24”

Do your children know what it means to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? Consider helping them find pictures that represent things Church members did in Mosiah 18:17–28. For example, the pictures Ordination to the Priesthood and Payment of Tithing (Gospel Art Book, nos. 106113) might represent verses 18 and 27–28. Tell them why you are grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ.

The Red Crystal

Sing with the children or read the words to “The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, 77), and invite them to listen for things that we promise to do as members of the Church. Help them think of ways they can keep these promises.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 18-24”

Helping children feel “knit together in unity and in love” (Mosiah 18:21) helps them stay connected to the Church throughout their lives. Consider inviting your children to read Mosiah 18:17–28. What did members of Christ’s Church in Alma’s day do to love and serve one another? How can we do this in our ward, branch, or community? A song about love, such as “I’ll Walk with You” (Children’s Songbook, 140), could reinforce this message.

Friend May 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Hearts Knit in Unity” Alma taught us to have our “hearts knit together in unity and in love” (Mosiah 18:21). That means we should work together and show love to others. Make a string of hearts to remind you! Cut out some paper hearts and write a family member’s name on each one. Poke a hole in each heart and put a string through them so the hearts are connected. Hang up your string of hearts where you will see it often!

The Cozy Red Cottage

King Noah is Put to Death by His People

Mosiah 19

Book of Mormon Scriptures Stories “King Noah and King Limhi”

The People of Limhi

Mosiah 20-22

Book of Mormon Scriptures Stories “King Noah and King Limhi”

Book of Mormon Stories “King Limhi and his People Escape” Video and Images

Teaching the Scripture Readers

The People of Alma

Mosiah 23-24

Book of Mormon Stories “Alma and His People”

Book of Mormon Stories “Alma and His People Escape” Video and Images

God can make my burdens light.

Mosiah 24:8–17

Friend May 2024 “Alma’s People Pray in Their Hearts”

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 18-24”

  • A simple object lesson can make learning more memorable. Consider filling a bag with heavy objects (to represent burdens) and inviting a child to hold the bag. As you read Mosiah 24:8–17 with your children, ask them to remove an item from the bag every time they hear about something Alma and his people did to seek God’s help with their burdens. You could then talk with them about how Heavenly Father can make our burdens lighter when we seek His help.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 18-24” The story of Alma’s people can show the children that sometimes God helps by strengthening us to endure our trials instead of taking them away.

  • Help the children identify main events from the accounts of Limhi’s people in Mosiah 21:1–5, 13–16; and 22:1–11 and Alma’s people in Mosiah 24:8–22. Then ask each child to draw one of these events. Invite the children to put their drawings in the correct order to tell the story. As they do, emphasize that God helped the people bear their burdens.

Teaching Children the Gospel “Lesson 13 – The People of Alma and the People of King Limhi”

  • Invite the children to read Mosiah 21:14–15 and 24:13–14. How did the Lord respond to the prayers of Limhi’s people and Alma’s people? Ask the children to share times when they prayed for help with a trial and Heavenly Father helped them, or share your own experience.

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal

Friend August 1988 “Scriptural Giants: Gideon” part two

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Mosiah 7-10

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Mosiah CHAPTER 7 Ammon finds the land of Lehi-Nephi, where Limhi is king—Limhi’s people are in bondage to the Lamanites—Limhi recounts their history—A prophet (Abinadi) had testified that Christ is the God and Father of all things—Those who sow filthiness reap the whirlwind, and those who put their trust in the Lord will be delivered. About 121 B.C.

Mosiah CHAPTER 8 Ammon teaches the people of Limhi—He learns of the twenty-four Jaredite plates—Ancient records can be translated by seers—No gift is greater than seership. About 121 B.C.

Mosiah CHAPTER 9 Zeniff leads a group from Zarahemla to possess the land of Lehi-Nephi—The Lamanite king permits them to inherit the land—There is war between the Lamanites and Zeniff’s people. About 200–187 B.C.

Mosiah CHAPTER 10 King Laman dies—His people are wild and ferocious and believe in false traditions—Zeniff and his people prevail against them. About 187–160 B.C.

While King Mosiah’s people were enjoying “continual peace” in Zarahemla (Mosiah 7:1), their thoughts turned to another group of Nephites, who many years before had left to dwell in the land of Lehi-Nephi. Generations had passed, and Mosiah’s people had heard nothing from them. So Mosiah asked Ammon to lead a search party to find the Nephites who had left. The search party found that the Nephites, “because of iniquity” (Mosiah 7:24), were in captivity to the Lamanites. But with the arrival of Ammon and his brethren, suddenly there was hope for deliverance. (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 7-10”)

Ammon searches for people of Limhi

Mosiah 7

One day King Limhi saw some strangers outside the city. He had them put in prison. The strangers were Nephites from Zarahemla.

Ammon talking to Limhi
Their leader was named Ammon. King Limhi was happy to see him. He knew that Ammon could help his people escape from the Lamanites.
King Limhi talking to people
King Limhi called his people together. He reminded them that their wickedness was the reason they were being held by the Lamanites.
Limhi talking
He told his people to repent, trust God, and obey the commandments. Then God would help them escape.

God helped people in the scriptures, and He can help me.

Mosiah 7:19

Explain that King Limhi’s people were in trouble, so he shared a story to help them have faith. Read Mosiah 7:19 to the children, see “The Passover” and “The Israelites in the Wilderness” and Moses Parting the Red Sea, ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Maybe your children would like to act them out. How did the Lord help the people in these stories? How can He help us?

Old Testament Scripture Stories “The Passover”

Friend April 2022 “Moses and the Manna”

Latter Day Kids “He Will Deliver You” Lesson ideas

For more examples of how the Lord helps us, select some verses of “Book of Mormon Stories” or “Nephi’s Courage” (Children’s Songbook, 118–19, 120–21) to sing with your children. Help them identify how the Lord helped people in the Book of Mormon—and how He can help us.

The Primary Pad “Book of Mormon Stories”

How did the people in these stories show that they trusted in God? How did the Lord help these people?

What stories from our lives or our ancestors’ lives can we share to inspire greater trust in God?

Friend April 2020 “Family Night Fun” Heroes with God’s Help: Make your own faith hero cards! Draw pictures of people in the scriptures who did something hard with God’s help. On one of your hero cards, draw a picture of yourself. What hard things can you do with God’s help?

The Red Crystal

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 7-10”

  • Read Mosiah 7:33 to the children, and help them understand what the verse teaches us to do to receive help from the Lord. Help the children think of actions to represent these things, and repeat the verse while they do the actions. What are some things we need help with? How can we show that we trust the Lord? Share an experience when you trusted the Lord and He helped you.
  • Invite three children to write a trial or challenge they face on the board. Ask a child to read Mosiah 7:33, and encourage the other children to erase one of the trials or challenges each time they hear something they can do to receive the Lord’s help. How can trusting in the Lord help us overcome our challenges?

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.

Discussion: What does it mean to “turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart”? How do we “serve him with all diligence of mind”?

The Red Crystal

Limhi tells of 24 gold plates found in ruins

Mosiah 8

Limhi and his people want to escape bondage so they sought help from the Nephites in the Land of Zarahemla. Limhi sent a group of people to the land of Zarahemla to try to get help, but they lost their way. They traveled far past the land of Zarahemla and found some ruins of a large civilization. They found bones, armor, and 24 gold plates with engravings in an unfamiliar language in the ruins. This group came back to show King Limhi what they found.

King Limhi hoped that Ammon could translate the record or knew someone who could (see Mosiah 8:6, 11–12).

Read Mosiah 8:13–14, looking for who Ammon said could translate the record and why.

God has given us prophets, seers, and revelators.

Mosiah 8:16–18

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 7-10”

  • One way to teach about seers is to compare them to things that help us see better, like glasses, binoculars, or a microscope. [Show the children how to hold their hands up to their eyes as if they were looking through glasses or binoculars. Read Mosiah 8:17, ask the children to put on their “glasses” each time they hear the word “seer.”] (see also Moses 6:35–36). Talk with them about things that the Lord helps prophets “see” that we can’t. What have our prophets or seers, such as Joseph Smith, revealed to us?

Clipart Library

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 7-10” Show the children pictures of tools that help us see things we couldn’t otherwise see, such as binoculars, a telescope, or a microscope. How are these tools like a seer? (see Moses 6:35–36). What can seers see that we do not? Explain that God has given us prophets and that one of the roles of a prophet is to be a “seer” because he can “see” things to come. Share some examples of things that prophets have seen and revealed to us (including the scriptures), or share an example of when a prophet was acting as a seer (such as 1 Nephi 11:20–21).

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 7-10”

  • After reading Mosiah 8:16–18 with your children, you could help them think of ways to complete a sentence like A seer is like a … who helps us … . For example, a seer is like a traffic sign who points us to Jesus.
  • Ask the children to review Mosiah 8:16–18 to learn what a seer is. Write this sentence on the board: A seer is like . Help the children think of ways to complete the sentence to explain why a seer is a blessing to us—for example, a seer is like a lifeguard, who warns us of danger.(Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 7-10”)

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 7-10”

Show a short clip of a recent conference message from the President of the Church (or show a picture of him and read something he has taught). Bear your testimony that he is a prophet, seer, and revelator.

Friend May 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities”Ammon taught that prophets can see things to come (see Mosiah 8:16–17). Turn to page 2 to read President Nelson’s message from general conference. What did he teach us? Draw a picture about it.

In our day, “the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve are sustained as prophets, seers, and revelators” (Bible Dictionary, “Seer”). You might show pictures of our living prophets, seers, and revelators. You might show pictures of our living prophets, seers, and revelators and ask your family what they know about them. How are we following them?

Media Library “First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles”

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 7-10”

You could also make paper footprints and invite your children to draw pictures on them of things that prophets, seers, and revelators have counseled us to do. Place the footprints in a path around the room, and let your children walk on these footprints. How can a seer be “a great benefit” to us? (see Mosiah 8:17–18).

The Red Crystal

For younger children: Sing “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110–11) with your kids. Every time you sing the word prophet, point to a picture of the prophet.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 7-10”

  • Pick a phrase from Mosiah 8:16–17, and write it on the board, replacing each word with a made-up symbol. Give the children a list of the symbols and the words they represent, and let them decode or “translate” the phrase as seers do. What are some other ways that prophets, seers, and revelators are “a great benefit” to us? (Mosiah 8:18).
  • Display the picture in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families, and ask the children to describe what they see. Explain that the Prophet Joseph Smith was a seer. What evidence do we have that Joseph Smith was a seer? The Lord gave him tools called the Urim and Thummim and a seer stone to use in translating the Book of Mormon.

Zeniff leads a group to the land of Lehi-Nephi

Mosiah 9-10

King Limhi brought forth the records of what had transpired with his people from the time Zeniff left Zarahemla to their current time.

Book of Mormon Stories “Zeniff” Images and video

Teaching Children the Gospel “Lesson 11: Abinadi and King Noah” The first part of this lesson is about Zeniff.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 7-10”

Zeniff admitted that he had made mistakes. He was overzealous at times, and he had put his people—the ancestors of Limhi’s people—in a difficult situation by making an ill-advised agreement with King Laman. But later, when he went to battle against the Lamanites, he helped his people face their challenges with faith. As you read Mosiah 9–10, look for what Zeniff’s people did to show their faith. How did God strengthen them? What does it mean to you to go forth “in the strength of the Lord”? (Mosiah 9:1710:10–11).

When I am weak, the Lord can strengthen me.

Mosiah 9:14–1810:10–11

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 7-10”

  • When children face challenges, they sometimes feel weak and helpless. How will you help your children rely on the Lord’s strength? You could ask them what we do to become physically strong. What does it mean to have “the strength of men”? (see Mosiah 10:11). What does it mean to have “the strength of the Lord”? (see Mosiah 9:17–1810:10). How do we receive the strength of the Lord? Your children could draw a picture of things that help them receive the strength of the Lord.

The Red Crystal

The Cozy Red Cottage Download activity at link

Friend April 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Mosiah 9:17–18 together and help your little ones say, “God will help me be strong.” Set out objects of different weights and have your children try to lift each one. Then show them that with your help, they can lift so much more! Testify that God will help us be strong enough to do hard things when we trust Him.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 7-10” Invite the children to draw a picture of someone who they feel has the strength of the Lord and share why they drew this person.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 7-10” When the Lamanites attacked, the people of Zeniff were physically and spiritually ready. What can we learn from Zeniff and his people about preparing for challenges?

News with Naylors

My choices can influence generations.

According to Mosiah 10:11–17, how did the actions and attitudes of the Lamanites’ ancestors prevent the Lamanites from knowing the truth? How did the choices of the Lamanites’ ancestors affect future generations?

Additional Resources

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 7-10

The Cozy Red Cottage See activities at link

The Red Crystal


5th Article of Faith

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 Friend April 2021 “Matt and Mandy” Matt and Mandy and their parents discuss sustaining during conference. They also discuss how they can know that the prophet is called of God like the fifth Article of Faith states.

Friend May 1987

Friend May 1987

Friend March 1984  Word Search

Friend April 2015 “Article of Faith 5”

Friend April 2015

Those who serve in the Church are called by God.

1 Samuel CHAPTER 9

Saul, the son of Kish, a Benjamite, is a choice and goodly person—He is sent to seek his father’s asses—The Lord reveals to Samuel the seer that Saul is to be king—Saul goes to Samuel and is entertained by him.).

1 Samuel 8:69:15–1710:1–2416:1–13

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18” The accounts of God choosing Saul and David to be kings can help your class understand how people are called to serve in the Church today. These accounts can build faith that callings come from God through His authorized servants.

  • On separate strips of paper, write the following statements and scriptures: the people wanted a king (1 Samuel 8:6); the Lord told Samuel that Saul would be king (1 Samuel 9:15–17); Samuel anointed Saul (1 Samuel 10:1); Samuel presented Saul to the people (1 Samuel 10:24). Ask the children to read the scripture passages and put them in the correct order.
  • Learn together the fifth article of faith. Briefly tell the children how you received your calling to teach in Primary. How do you know that you were called of God? Testify that God inspires leaders to call people to serve.

“Article of Faith 5” (May 2011 Friend) Number pictures relating to how a person receives a calling in the right order.



Book of Mormon is a Second Witness of Jesus Christ: Easter

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Book of Mormon Prophets Knew that Jesus Christ Would Come.

Click on the image below to play an interactive matching game.

Launch Presentation

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

The Atonement of Jesus Christ cleanses me and helps perfect me.

Watch this video to learn about the Atonement.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=aY3yGPdSF3o%3F

It could be said that the Book of Mormon is largely an account of people who changed because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Activity

Divide into three groups and give each group one of the scriptures below to read (or read or watch the illustrated Book of Mormon Stories Enos, Alma the Younger, Anti-Nephi, Lehies. Have each group share how that person or group changed because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

(Enos) Enos 1:2–8; (Alma the Younger) Mosiah 27:8–24; (The Anti-Nephi-Lehies) Alma 13:11–1224:7–19

See also Teaching Children the Gospel “Jesus Christ: Atonement

Jesus Christ took upon Himself my sins, pains, and sicknesses.

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

In addition to suffering for our sins, the Savior also suffered our pains, sicknesses, and other infirmities so He would know how to comfort us.

Activity

Read the scriptures below and have the children list the things that Jesus suffered in the blue box below. (It will open in a new tab.)

 Mosiah 3:7 And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people. 

Mosiah 15:5 And thus the flesh becoming subject to the Spirit, or the Son to the Father, being one God, suffereth temptation, and yieldeth not to the temptation, but suffereth himself to be mocked, and scourged, and cast out, and disowned by his people.

 Alma 7:11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

Isaiah 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Launch Presentation

Invite them to think of times when they have felt some of these things.

According to Alma 7:12, why did Jesus suffer all of this?

12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

What does succor mean? (Give assistance and support in times of hardship and distress.)

Jesus Christ was Resurrected

Resources

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Pz00iuorG2Q%3F
https://youtube.com/watch?v=bAuaSpJ7zGs%3F

Prayer: Activities & Games

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Friend March 2022 “Connect and Color”

Friend February 2022 “I Can Trust God” Coloring page

Answers to Prayers

Friend March 2020 “How Does Heavenly Father Speak to Us” Dot to dot of children praying.

Friend October 2016 “Prayer Match-Up” Draw a line to match the name with the scripture story. Then draw a line to the answer Heavenly Father gave.

Remember to Pray

Friend March 2019 “Family Night Fun” Have family members decorate white pillow cases to remind them to say their morning and evening prayers.

Friend February 2025

Get Help Through Prayer

Friend October 2016 “Funstuff: Picture Puzzle” Does the world ever seem big and confusing? There’s a way to find help whenever you need it! Solve the puzzle to find out how to get that help. (Answer: Pray Every Day)

Learning About Prayer

Friend November 1984 “Funstuff” Use the scripture reference to complete each statement about prayer by combining the words in the first column with the appropriate words in the second column.

Friend June 2015 “Pray to Our Father” Have an adventure searching the scriptures to learn more about prayer! Look up each scripture on the map. On the blank lines, write a few words to describe what the scripture says about prayer.

What Should We Pray For?

Friend March 1985 “Sharing Time: What Shall I Say When I Pray?” Cut out the words and picture. Glue each title on separate piece of colored paper. Decide where you think each picture belongs—is it something you are grateful for, or is it something you might ask a blessing for? Some pictures may go either place. Glue each picture under title you have chosen. Add your own drawings as you think of other things.

Coloring Pages

Friend March 2019 Jesus Taught Us to Pray

Friend July 2021 “For Little Friends” Draw lines between the dots to finish the picture.

Friend April 2024 “I Can Pray to Heavenly Father”

Drawing Activity

Friend January 2025 “For Little Ones”


Jacob 5-7

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Jacob CHAPTER 5 Jacob quotes Zenos relative to the allegory of the tame and wild olive trees—They are a likeness of Israel and the Gentiles—The scattering and gathering of Israel are prefigured—Allusions are made to the Nephites and Lamanites and all the house of Israel—The Gentiles will be grafted into Israel—Eventually the vineyard will be burned. About 544–421 B.C.

Jacob CHAPTER 6 The Lord will recover Israel in the last days—The world will be burned with fire—Men must follow Christ to avoid the lake of fire and brimstone. About 544–421 B.C.

Jacob CHAPTER 7 Sherem denies Christ, contends with Jacob, demands a sign, and is smitten of God—All of the prophets have spoken of Christ and His Atonement—The Nephites lived out their days as wanderers, born in tribulation, and hated by the Lamanites. About 544–421 B.C.

Friend April 2024 After you read, color part of the picture. You can read these scriptures that go along with each week’s reading from Come, Follow Me.

Allegory of the Olive Tree

As Jacob taught his people, he quoted an allegory given by a prophet named Zenos (see Jacob 5:1). An allegory, like a parable, is a story that uses symbolic characters, and familiar objects and actions to teach truths. This allegory is about people who have turned away from the Lord in sin and the Lord’s efforts to help them return to Him. As you study Jacob 5, consider how the Lord is always reaching out to you even when you have sinned.

Jacob 5 is a long chapter—the longest in the Book of Mormon. Perhaps it would help to divide it into the following sections, which describe periods of the world’s history:

Verses 3-14 The scattering of Israel before the time of Christ

To save the house of Israel, He plucks off the most wicked branches (people) and destroys them.“Now in that parable the olive tree is the House of Israel. … In its native land it began to die. So the Lord took branches like the Nephites, like the lost tribes, and like others that the Lord led off that we do not know anything about, to other parts of the earth. He planted them all over his vineyard, which is the world.

Verses 15–28. The ministry of Christ and the Apostles

Verses 29–49. The Great Apostasy

Verses 50–76. The gathering of Israel in the latter days

Verses 76–77. The Millennium and end of the world

The chapter ends with the Millennium and the earth’s final cleansing. The rest of Jacob 5 represents the Lord’s and His servants’ efforts to save those who live in the last days. He gathers his people and nourishes them one last time ( Book of Mormon Study Guide for Home-Study Seminary Students “Unit 10”)

  • Pruning removes dead branches and bad fruit from a tree. The master cut off the dead branches and cast them into the fire (see Jacob 5:9). How does God help us “prune” our lives of sins and weaknesses?
  • Digging includes clearing away obstacles, such as weeds, from around a tree. Digging ensures nothing will hinder the tree’s ability to grow. What obstacles keep us from growing spiritually?
  • Nourishing keeps a tree healthy by providing minerals and other nutrients. Like trees, our spirits need nourishment. How can we nourish our spirits? Ensign March 2020 “What Can We Learn from the Allegory of the Olive Tree?”

Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) ” Jacob 5:1-53″ After this first visit, the master of the vineyard took two other important actions to save his tame olive tree:

  1. He commanded that the main decaying branches of the olive tree be removed and that some branches from a wild olive tree be grafted to the main tree (see Jacob 5:7–10). This grafting can represent the Lord’s efforts to help Gentiles become part of His covenant people through baptism and conversion.
  2. He took young and tender branches from the main olive tree and grafted them into different portions of the vineyard (see Jacob 5:8, 13–14). This can represent the scattering of Israel to different portions of the world. Some of those who were scattered were righteous, such as Lehi’s family (see 1 Nephi 10:12–13). Others were scattered because of wickedness.
  • What did you notice about the state of the trees and the fruit during these visits?
  • What did you notice about the words and actions of the lord of the vineyard during these visits?
  • What do these words and actions teach you about Jesus Christ? (Add your insights to your journal page.)

Friend April 2024 “The Story of the Olive Trees”

The video below is great to help children understand this story. The only problem with this video is that it calls the wild branches bad. The wild branches are the Gentiles who have not made covenants with the Lord. The children should know that all can repent and join with God’s covenant people and and produce good works, but all those who do not change from their wicked ways will have God’s judgements come upon them–represented by the fire.

For additional insights about the allegory, see the diagram and charts below.

SymbolMeaning
Tame olive tree (verse 3)The house of Israel, God’s covenant people
The vineyard (verse 3)The world
Decay (verse 3)Sin and apostasy
Master of the vineyard (verse 4)Jesus Christ
Pruning, digging, and nourishing (verse 4)The Lord’s efforts to help us be righteous and produce good works
Branches (verse 6)Groups of people
Wild olive tree (verse 7)Gentiles—those who have not made covenants with the Lord. Later in the allegory, natural olive trees, representing portions of the house of Israel in apostasy, are also described as “wild.”
Plucking and grafting branches (verses 7–8)The scattering and gathering of the Lord’s covenant people. In addition, the grafting of wild olive branches into the tame olive tree represents the conversion of Gentiles who become part of the Lord’s covenant people through baptism.
Burning branches (verse 7)God’s judgments upon the wicked
Fruit (verse 8)The lives or works of people
Roots of the tame olive tree (verse 11)The covenants the Lord makes with those who follow Him. Roots may also represent individuals with whom the Lord covenanted anciently, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see Jacob 6:4).

Ponder the phrase “It grieveth me that I should lose this tree.” What emotions do you think the Lord expressed here, and why?

Read the phrase again, and this time insert your name in place of “this tree”: “It grieveth me that I should lose [your name].” By inserting your name throughout Jacob 5 in places that are meaningful and appropriate, you will be able to relate the allegory to yourself and learn more about the Lord’s concern for you. You may also insert the word I or me in suitable places in the scriptures.

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Allegory of the Olive Tree”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Jacob 5-7” Some families have found it helpful to draw the symbols from the allegory of the olive trees as they read it. Your family might enjoy that approach, or there could be another way you can help family members visualize the symbols in the allegory. Maybe you could mark an area on a table or floor to represent the vineyard (or the world) and depict the tame olive tree (or the house of Israel) with an object, such as a puzzle, that can be divided into pieces (to represent the scattering of Israel) and then brought back together (to represent the gathering of Israel). What does this allegory teach us about the Lord? about His servants?

The Red Crystal

The Lord cares for His people.

Jacob 5

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Jacob 5-7”

  • How can you share the story of the olive trees in a way that your children can understand? One way is to take a walk outside to look at a tree and briefly review the main points of the story. What did the Lord of the vineyard do for His trees? How can we be like workers in the story and help others feel the Savior’s love?
  • Jacob shared the story of the olive trees to invite his people to come unto Christ. It can do the same for your children. Perhaps you could summarize the story with verses such as Jacob 5:3–4, 28–29, 47, and 70–72 (see also “Old Testament Olive Vineyard” , Gospel Library). You or your children could then read Jacob 5:11, 41, 47, and 72, looking for things that show how much the Lord of the vineyard (Jesus Christ) cared about the trees. What does the Savior do to show that He cares about us?’

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020: Jacob 5-7

  • Read and explain to the children key verses summarizing the allegory of the olive trees, such as Jacob 5:3–4, 28–29, 47, and 70–72, and invite the children to draw pictures of what these verses describe. What do we learn from these verses about how the Lord feels about His people? Ask the children to pretend to take care of an olive tree as you briefly summarize verses 61–71 (they might act out digging, watering, and so on). Invite a few children to read Jacob 5:11, 41, 47, and 72, looking for things that show how much the Lord of the vineyard (Jesus Christ) cared about the trees. What does the Savior do to show He cares about us? The video “Old Testament Olive Vineyard” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) can help with this activity.
  • List some of the symbols in Jacob 5 on the board, such as the vineyard, the lord of the vineyard, the servant, and the olive trees. Then make another list, in random order, of the things these symbols might represent, such as the world, the Savior, Church leaders or missionaries, and God’s people. Read together verses from Jacob 5 that mention these symbols, and help the children draw lines on the board connecting the symbols with their possible meanings (see, for example, verses 3–4, 28–29, 47, 70–72).

God invites me to help Him gather His children.

Jacob 5:61-75

“Today Latter-day Saints are going to all parts of the world as servants in the vineyard to gather this fruit and lay it in store for the time of the coming of the Master. 

Watch this video from the church media library: The Olive Tree

The story of the Lord and his vineyard in Jacob 5 is an allegorical telling of the scattering and gathering of Israel. We are living in the time of the final gathering. The “other servants” (Jacob 5:70) who were called into the Lord’s vineyard include people like you. What can we do to help gather Israel in preparation for the Savior’s Second Coming?

Fruit Fun

  • Sing “Dare to Do Right” (Children’s Songbook, 158).
  • The prophet Jacob taught about missionary work by telling a story about trees. He compared sharing the gospel to helping trees grow good fruit (see Jacob 5).
  • Cut out paper fruit in different colors. Have everyone write one way they can share the gospel. You could even make a tasty fruit treat for dessert (see Treat Time)! Friend March 2020 “My Family Night Fun{“

Read Jacob 5:61 together and help your little ones say, “I can teach people about Jesus.” Then color nametags and dress up like missionaries! Practice talking about the scriptures and Jesus. You could sing a missionary song together, like “I Want to Be a Missionary Now” (Children’s Songbook, 168). Friend March 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones”

The allegory of the olive tree teaches us that we have a duty to help gather Israel, both among the living and beyond the veil.

  1. Open the Family Tree app on your phone (or go to FamilySearch.org).
  2. Select “Temple.” If you don’t already have a name prepared for the temple, select “Ordinances Ready.”
  3. Choose the ordinance you’d like to perform, and the names of any ancestors who need that ordinance will appear.
  4. Create a bar code to print the names at the temple or print them at home.
  5. Set a date in the near future to go to the temple and do the ordinances.

Discussion: How does it make you feel to know you are assisting the Lord in gathering His people? Ensign March 2020 “Family Study Fun”

Missionaries serve Heavenly Father’s children.

Jacob 5

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020: Jacob 5-7

  • Show a picture of a tree, or take a walk outside to look at a tree, and briefly review the main points of the allegory of the olive trees in Jacob 5. For example: the Lord of the vineyard (who could represent Jesus) worked very hard to look after his olive trees (which could represent the people on earth) because He cared so much about them. He called laborers (who could represent missionaries) to help care for the trees. Pick one or two verses from Jacob 5 to read to the children (such as verses 71–72).
  • Ask the children if they know someone who has served a mission, or talk about someone you know. Help the children locate on a map the places where those missionaries are serving. Explain that Jacob compared the world to a group of olive trees. The trees are like the people on earth, and caring for those trees is like what missionaries do for God’s children. What do missionaries do to bless Heavenly Father’s children? Look together for some answers to this question in a song such as “Called to Serve” (Children’s Songbook, 174–75). How can we be like missionaries?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020: Jacob 5-7 Missionaries help God’s children like laborers who care for trees in a vineyard. Help the missionaries find their way through the maze. How do missionaries help God’s children?

See also the following files from Teachingldschildren.com: Missionary Lesson Ideas, Missionary Stories, and Missionary Games & Activities

Heavenly Father loves me and will forgive me as I repent.

Jacob 6:4–5

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Jacob 5-7”

  • Jacob 6:4–5 has an important message for us when we make wrong choices. Maybe you could help your children find it. Which words in these verses give us hope in God’s redeeming love? Elder Allen D. Haynie’s story about getting dirty in a mud pit, in his message “Remembering in Whom We Have Trusted” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 121–22), could help. What do this story and Jacob 6:4–5 teach us about what we need to do to be saved in the kingdom of God?

The Red Crystal

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020: Jacob 5-7

  • Invite the children to give themselves a hug. How do we feel when someone we love gives us a hug? Read Jacob 6:5 to the children, and explain that the phrases “[God] cleaveth unto you” and “his arm of mercy is extended towards you” teach that Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to come back to Him someday.

Come Follow Me Kid “Jacob 5-7” Outstretched/Extended Arm Hugs- Jacob 6:4-5 says that God “stretches forth His hands” to us and “His arm of mercy is extended” towards us. Remind them that Heavenly Father and Jesus love us and want us to come back, to them someday. Jacob 6:5 also says, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I beseech of you in words of soberness that ye would repent, and come with full purpose of heart, and cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you.” Explain what it means to cleave unto God. Take turns stretching out our arms and hands while family members run in for a hug and “cleave unto” you. Remind them of how much Heavenly Father and Jesus love us and would love to give us a hug right now.

  • Sing together a song about love, such as “I Feel My Savior’s Love” (Children’s Songbook, 74–75). Invite the children to name things that help them feel the Savior’s love.
  • Make a chart on the board with two columns labeled Heavenly Father and Us. Read together Jacob 6:4–5, and ask half of the class to look for phrases that apply to God and the other half to look for phrases that apply to us. Record what they discover in the appropriate column. Help them define words they do not understand.

One meaning of the word cleave is to adhere to or stick to something firmly, closely, and unwaveringly.

Friend April 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Jacob asked us to “cleave,” or stay close, to God with all our hearts (Jacob 6:5). Play a game about staying together as a team! Choose one person to be the chaser. When the chaser tags someone, they join hands and chase the other players. When the next person gets tagged, they join hands with one of the chasers too. Keep playing until everyone joins hands.

For younger children: When we “cleave” to someone, we hold tightly to them. Have your children hug a stuffed animal or comfort toy. Talk about how we can be closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ by praying and reading the scriptures.

Jacob’s Encounter with Sherem

I can stand up for what I know is true.

Jacob 7:1–23

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Jacob 5-7” How can you inspire your children to stand for truth like Jacob did? Your children could watch the video “Chapter 10: Jacob and Sherem” (Gospel Library) and act out the interaction between Jacob and Sherem, using Jacob 7:1–23 as a guide. How did Jacob stand for what he knew was right? Invite your children to share experiences when they stood for the right, or share your own.

Teaching Children the Gospel “Jacob’s Encounter with Sherem” Lesson ideas

Friend February 2019 “What’s on Your Mind” Someone writes to the Friend and wants to know how to help make the bad things in life better. The Friend responds with an activity of some ways to stand for the right. Unscramble the words, then put them in the correct sentence to find ways to help.

See also the following: Stand for the Right: Stories & Stand for the Right: Lesson Ideas

Divide them into groups, and invite them to create an inspirational banner or poster that represents something that they stand for or believe in.

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 8: The Prophet Jacob Is Confronted by Sherem” Lesson ideas

  1. Write on slips of paper situations in which someone tries to convince a child to do something wrong and a reference to a corresponding commandment from the scriptures. For example, your friend goes with you into a store and tries to get you to steal some candy (Exodus 20:15 or Mosiah 13:22), someone offers you a taste of an alcoholic beverage (D&C 89:7), or you are tempted to stay home and not go to church (D&C 59:9). Have the children look up and read each scripture. Discuss how knowing what the scriptures teach strengthens our testimonies of Jesus Christ and helps us resist evil influences.You might want to have the children pantomime these situations and have the other children guess what is being pantomimed.

Stand for the Right Song: Teaching Ideas

Perhaps they could also sing a song that expresses courage like Jacob’s, such as “Stand for the Right,” Children’s Songbook, 159.

Ask them to stand whenever they sing words like right or true.

Teaching Children the Gospel “Song: Stand for the Right”

Teaching Children the Gospel “Review: Stand for the Right”

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Come Follow Me 2020

The Cozy Red Cottage “Jacob 5-7” Visual aids and lesson ideas

Friend April 2024


Jacob 1-4

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Jacob CHAPTER 1 Jacob and Joseph seek to persuade men to believe in Christ and keep His commandments—Nephi dies—Wickedness prevails among the Nephites. About 544–421 B.C.

Jacob CHAPTER 2 Jacob denounces the love of riches, pride, and unchastity—Men may seek riches to help their fellowmen—The Lord commands that no man among the Nephites may have more than one wife—The Lord delights in the chastity of women. About 544–421 B.C.

Jacob CHAPTER 3 The pure in heart receive the pleasing word of God—Lamanite righteousness exceeds that of the Nephites—Jacob warns against fornication, lasciviousness, and every sin. About 544–421 B.C.

Jacob CHAPTER 4 All the prophets worshiped the Father in the name of Christ—Abraham’s offering of Isaac was in similitude of God and His Only Begotten—Men should reconcile themselves to God through the Atonement—The Jews will reject the foundation stone. About 544–421 B.C.

God calls Church leaders to help me follow Jesus Christ

Jacob 1: 1-19

Book of Mormon Stories Before Nephi died, he gave the plates he had written on to his younger brother Jacob. This meant that Jacob would also be the spiritual leader of the people. Jacob 1:1–2, 8

Nephi told Jacob to write the things that would help the people believe in Jesus Christ. Jacob 1:4–6

Nephi gave his younger brothers Jacob and Joseph the power to be priests and teachers in the Church and to teach the Nephites the word of God. Jacob 1:18

Go through the Fifth Article of Faith and explain that Nephi would have prayed to find out who God wanted called to certain responsibilities. He then would have “consecrated” Jacob and Joseph for those responsibilities by the laying on of hands because he had the priesthood authority from God to do so.

Jacob and Joseph labored diligently among their people, that they might persuade them to come unto Christ and partake of the goodness of God Jacob 1:7

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Jacob 1-4”

Junior Primary

  • Make simple puppets to represent Jacob and Joseph, Nephi’s younger brothers, who were leaders in the Church. Share some verses from Jacob 1 and 2 to explain what Church leaders are called to do. For example, leaders persuade us to “believe in Christ” (Jacob 1:8), invite us to repent (see Jacob 2:5–6, 9–10), and “declare [God’s] word” (Jacob 2:2, 11). Let the children use the puppets to pretend to do some of these things.
  • Invite the children to name some Church leaders they know, like Primary leaders, bishopric members, and prophets and apostles. Help the children think of ways these leaders bless us.

Senior Primary

  • Read with the children Jacob 1:6–8 and 2:1–6, 11, helping them look for phrases that describe how God’s servants lead the Church. Ask them to write these phrases on pieces of paper and then display the papers on the board. Why does God call Church leaders to guide us? Ask the children to share experiences with learning or receiving guidance from a Church leader or teacher and the blessings they received.
  • Ask the children to draw a picture of a Church leader they know about, and let the rest of the class guess who they drew. What do these leaders do to help us follow Jesus Christ? Invite the children to write notes to Church leaders, thanking them for their service.
  • Invite a local Church leader to tell the children what he or she does to fulfill his or her calling. Ask the children to name some things they can do to sustain their leaders.

Nephi began to be old, and he saw that he must die soon; so he anointed a man to be a king and a ruler over his people, according to the reigns of the kings. (Jacob 1:9) Because of the great love of the people for Nephi, all kings after Nephi were called Nephi (1st Nephi, 2nd Nephi, etc.). (Jacob 1:11)

God heals the wounded soul.

Jacob 2:8

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Jacob 1-4” To help your children understand how a “wounded soul” can be healed, you could discuss together how our bodies get wounded and what helps them heal. Perhaps your children could talk about times when they got hurt and what helped them heal. You could even show them bandages or medicine as part of this conversation. Maybe you could share with them how the Savior has helped you when your spirit needed healing.

I Can Help Others in Need when I Share with Them

Jacob 2:17–19

The people began to grow wicked during the reign of the second king, wanting lots of riches.

Some of the people in Jacob’s time were very rich and prideful, and they didn’t want to share what they had with people who were poor.

Jacob taught in the temple and told the people to repent of the bad things they were doing.

Jacob taught the following: “And the hand of providence hath smiled upon you most pleasingly (this phrase means that Heavenly Father had blessed them), that you have obtained many riches; and because some of you have obtained more abundantly than that of your brethren ye are alifted up in the pride of your hearts, and wear stiff necks and high heads because of the costliness of your apparel, and persecute your brethren because ye suppose that ye are better than they.” (Jacob 2:13)

Jacob taught that we should clothe the naked, and feed the hungry, liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted. (Jacob 2:19)

Friend April 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Jacob taught that we should be “free with [our] substance” (Jacob 2:17). That means sharing what we have with others. Make a treat to share with some neighbors or friends!

For younger children: Even small acts of service can help people feel lots of love. Help your children think of a kind thing they can do for someone else.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Jacob 1-4”

  • Some of the people in Jacob’s time were very rich, but they didn’t want to share what they had with others. As you read Jacob’s teachings to them in Jacob 2:17–19, you could give your children pictures or objects to hold that go with words or phrases in these verses. You might explain that you are sharing these objects with them; maybe you could then invite them to share the objects with you or with each other. Talk about how you feel when you share. What else could we share with others to help them feel happy?
  • After reading together Jacob 2:17, perhaps your children could name some blessings Heavenly Father has shared with them. Why does He want us to share with each other?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Jacob 1-4”

Jacob 2:12–14, 17–21

  • Invite the children to act out ways they can share what they have with someone in need. Testify that we are blessed as we share with others.
  • Bring something to class that you can share with the children. Give some of it to each child, and explain that you are sharing. Ask them how they felt when you shared with them. How do they feel when they share with others? Help them think of something they could share to help someone feel happy.
  • Tell the children that many people in Jacob’s time became prideful and unkind because they loved riches (see Jacob 2:12–14, 17–21). Invite a few children to read Jacob 2:17–19 out loud, and help them understand any difficult words. What should we seek before we seek riches? What should we seek to do with any riches we receive?
  • Read Jacob 2:17 to the children. What blessings has Heavenly Father shared with us? Why does He want us to share with each other? Invite the children to share times when they shared something with someone else, including how they felt and how the other person felt.

Story Ideas

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!

Friend November 1987 “Hand-Me-Down Box” Leigh is fortunate to have a caring friend who shares her hand-me-down clothes with her. She wants to grow up to be someone who shares with others.

  • Was there someone in the story who was prideful and made fun of Leigh for her hand-me-down clothes?

Jacob taught the following: Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you. Jacob 2:17 

  • What does it mean to think of others like unto yourselves? (Treat others like you would like to be treated, and give to others like you would give to yourself. (Think about the things you need and then help others who don’t have those types of things so they can have them too.)

Friend December 2019 “Martin’s Favorite Toys” Martin was not happy about having to move, but eventually he got used to his new home. One Sunday, he noticed a lot of new people at church. He found out that they were refugees. He wanted to help them, but he didn’t want to give them any of his toys. Then he realized that many of the children had to leave everything behind. He remembered how hard it was for him to move, but at least he got to bring his things with him. He then wanted to give them his favorite toys to help them be happier.

Friend December 2019
Friend December 2019

Invite the children to think of something they could share to help someone feel happy.

Cut out the arrow, and attach it to the center of the circle. Spin the arrow, and tell about how you can share what the arrow points to. CFM for Primary: BofM

Friend March 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Play a sharing game. Give each person a toy and set a timer. When it dings, everyone should run to someone else and say, “God is happy when I share!” and trade toys.

Friend July 2018 “Coloring Page: I Can Share with Others”

Unshaken in Their Faith

Jacob 4:4–11

I can strengthen my faith in Jesus Christ.

Jacob 4:6, 10–11

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Jacob 1-4”

  • Jacob’s faith in Christ was so strong it could not be shaken. To teach your children how to build faith like this, you could ask them about things we do to make our bodies stronger. What can we do to make our faith in Jesus Christ stronger? Read Jacob 4:6 together to help the children discover what Jacob and his people did to make their faith “unshaken.”
  • Another way to help your children understand what it means to be “unshaken” in their faith would be to find a large tree and ask them to shake individual branches. Then let them try to shake the trunk. Why is it harder to shake the trunk? What phrases in Jacob 4:6, 10–11 describe what we can do to make our faith in Jesus Christ unshaken?

How did Jacob and others develop faith in Christ that is “unshaken” ?

Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can ccommand in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea.

Jacob studied the words of the prophets, and he received revelations from the Spirit. How can we follow his example and develop unshaken faith?

Missing the Mark

Jacob 4:14

The “Mark” is Christ

All the Prophets Taught of Christ
Jacob 4:4 For, for this intent have we written these things, that they may know that we knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory many hundred years before his coming; and not only we ourselves had a hope of his glory, but also all the holy prophets which were before us.

Jacob taught this about the Jews: “Wherefore, because of their blindness, which blindness came by looking beyond the mark, they must needs fall.”

The Jews misunderstood the law of Moses and its intent to lead them to the Savior. They were looking for a different kind of deliverance than the kind Jesus, the Messiah, offered them—they were looking for deliverance from foreign rule and oppression.

If we fail to keep focused on our Savior Jesus Christ, what could happen?

Activity Ideas

Ensign March 2020 “Family Study Fun” Off-Target Ball Toss

The prophet Jacob taught that the spiritual blindness of the Jews caused them to look “beyond the mark” (Jacob 4:14), which resulted in their stumbling spiritually and missing many gospel truths.

  1. Place a bucket or sturdy bowl in the backyard.
  2. Take turns tossing a ball into the bucket, standing a short distance away.
  3. Now try tossing the ball into the bucket without looking at the bucket.

Discussion: Why was it harder to hit the target when we’re not looking at it? How did the Jews look “beyond the mark”? (Jacob 4:14). Read “Looking beyond the Mark” by Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (Ensign, Mar. 2003, 40–44). Discuss how we might find ourselves looking beyond the mark today.

Come Follow Me Kid Blank Arrows (I Can Be Reconciled to God through the Atonement of Jesus Christ) The manual asks, “What has God provided to point you to Christ? How are you using these things to draw closer to God?” Write/draw answers on blank arrows (below) and place around the bucket pointing to it.

Book of Mormon Study Guide “for Home-Study Seminary Students” Lift your pen or pencil at least two feet or one meter above this target, and try to drop it so that it hits the center of the target—“the mark.” You may want to try this several times. Think about how less effective your efforts would be if you were looking somewhere other than the target. How well do you think people would do in archery if they never looked at the target, or mark, while they were shooting or if they looked at what was beyond the mark? Read Jacob 4:14, and identify characteristics of the people Jacob prophesied would look “beyond the mark.”

Song: Wise Man and the Foolish Man

Jacob teaches that the Jews rejected the stone upon which they might build and have safe foundation. (Jacob 4:15-17)

Sing “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” See here for teaching ideas, sing-along videos, and visual aid ideas.

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal


2 Nephi 31-33

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2 Nephi CHAPTER 31 Nephi tells why Christ was baptized—Men must follow Christ, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end to be saved—Repentance and baptism are the gate to the strait and narrow path—Eternal life comes to those who keep the commandments after baptism. About 559–545 B.C.

2 Nephi CHAPTER 32 Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost—Men must pray and gain knowledge for themselves from the Holy Ghost. About 559–545 B.C.

2 Nephi CHAPTER 33 Nephi’s words are true—They testify of Christ—Those who believe in Christ will believe Nephi’s words, which will stand as a witness before the judgment bar. About 559–545 B.C.

Before Nephi died, and before he passed his responsibilities on to Jacob, he wrote some final words, and they are about the first principles and ordinances of the gospel.

Nephi taught that following the Savior’s example and teachings are the only way to “be saved in the kingdom of God” (2 Nephi 31:21).

Jesus Christ taught me how to return to Heavenly Father.

2 Nephi 31

We can return to God after this life by following the doctrine Jesus Christ taught: faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 31-33” To help your children visualize the teachings in 2 Nephi 31, they could draw a path with a picture of Christ at the end. You could help them find or draw pictures that represent steps on that path, such as faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. [Could also help them place some pictures along the path.] They could point to the pictures as you read 2 Nephi 31:17–20 together.

Idea for Reading and Listening to the Scriptures: Explain that the doctrine of Christ includes the things Jesus Christ taught that we need to do to return to Heavenly Father. Write on different sheets of paper faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end, (or use the pictures below if you have little children, making one copy per child) and scatter them around the room. Read to the children 2 Nephi 31:11–19, and invite the children to take turns jumping from paper to paper as they hear these principles mentioned. Help them think of an experience they have had with each principle. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 31-33: This is the Way”)

Or make these finger puppets for each child and have them put up the correct puppet as it is mentioned in the scriptures.

Friend April 2011 “Article of Faith 4” Draw a line from the principle or ordinance to the correct picture.

Friend April 2011

Friend July 2003 Fourth Article of Faith Picture Scramble. Cut out the pictures and glue them in place in the right order.

Friend July 2003

Ensign March 2020 “Family Study Fun: Spiritual Stepping Stones” Christ said, “Follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do” (2 Nephi 31:12). Place a picture of Christ on the opposite side of the room. Write on narrow pieces of paper or cards the “stepping stones” to Christ: Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Repentance, Baptism, The gift of the Holy Ghost, Enduring to the end. Have someone put the steps in order. Place the steps on the floor in a “strait and narrow path” (2 Nephi 31:18) to Christ.

Discussion: Which stepping stone is next for each of you? How can we honor the steps we have taken? What can we do to strengthen our resolve to stay on the path?

Friend March 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Nephi taught that we follow Jesus Christ when we have faith in Him, repent, are baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end (see 2 Nephi 31). Write each step on a different piece of paper, then spread them on the floor. One person closes their eyes and counts to 10 while everyone else stands on a paper. The person who counted then says one of the steps to follow Jesus. The person on that paper counts next.

For younger children: When we have faith in Jesus Christ, we follow what He says. Form a line and walk around. The person in front is the leader. Each person copies how the leader walks. Take turns being the leader!

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 31-33” Explain that the doctrine of Christ includes the things Jesus Christ taught that we need to do to return to Heavenly Father. Write on different sheets of paper faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end, and scatter them around the room. Read to the children 2 Nephi 31:11–19, and invite the children to take turns jumping from paper to paper as they hear these principles mentioned. Help them think of an experience they have had with each principle.

Help the children learn the fourth article of faith. Sing together a song about one of the first principles of the gospel, such as “Faith,” “When I Am Baptized,” or “Choose the Right Way” (Children’s Songbook, 96–97, 103, 160–61).

Come Follow Me Kid “This is the Way” Click on the link to see lesson ideas to go with the following pictures.

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

Friend January 2009 “Becoming Like Jesus Christ” President Dieter F. Uchtdorf explains that faith in Jesus Christ and in His Atonement means relying completely on Him—trusting in His infinite power, intelligence, and love. When we have faith in Christ, we trust the Lord enough to follow His commandments—even when we do not completely understand the reasons for them. We need to rely, through the path of true repentance, upon the merits of Jesus Christ and the blessings of His Atonement.

Repentance

11) And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son.

Ensign January 2018 “Repentance is a Gift” Match each picture with a different step of repentance.

Baptism 

When I am baptized, I am following Jesus Christ.

2 Nephi 31:4–13

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 31-33” There’s a picture of Jesus being baptized at the end of this outline. Maybe your children could use it to tell you what they know about this event (see also Matthew 3:13–17). Why does Jesus want us to be baptized like He was? Your children could listen for reasons as you read together portions of 2 Nephi 31:4–13. It might be helpful if someone who was recently baptized could share their experience.

Why was the Savior baptized?

  • To Be Obedient to the Father & To be an Example for Us 

7) But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments.

  • To Show us that We Need to Enter the Gate (Baptism) that Leads to the Path Towards Eternal Life

9) And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them.

New Era April 2014 “The Gate and the Path”

Friend August 2019 “Coloring Page: A New Path” When I am baptized, I choose to walk a new path with Jesus. (See Romans 6:4.)

We Need to Follow His Example and be Baptized

5) And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!

10) And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me 

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 31-33” Display the picture in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families, and ask the children to share what they know about Jesus’s baptism (see Matthew 3:13–17). Put the following words in random order on the board: Jesus witnessed unto the Father that He would be obedient unto Him. Invite the children to read 2 Nephi 31:7 as a class and put the words into the correct order.

  • Ask the children what they would say to someone preparing to be baptized, and help them compile their advice onto simple cards they could give to someone. How can we continue to follow the example of Jesus after we are baptized?

Gift of the Holy Ghost

When we repent and choose to be baptized, like Jesus, then we can be confirmed and have the gift of the Holy Ghost too.

12) And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do.

Friend June 2019 “The Holy Ghost is…”  The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead, a gift that comes with baptism, and a promise from Heavenly Father. He is a comforter, warning, teacher, messenger, friend.

[unitegallery 2019Jun]

Friend March 2020 “How Does Heavenly Father Speak to Us?”  A feeling that Jesus loves us and that the gospel is true, A comforting feeling when we are sad or lonely, A happy feeling after we have repented, A good feeling when we hear beautiful music or see inspiring art, A peaceful feeling that something is a good choice, A warning feeling that something is wrong

Endure to the End

They [must] then endure to the end, or, in other words, they continue throughout their lives in exercising faith in Jesus Christ, repenting, and renewing the covenants they have made. These are not just steps that they experience once in their lives; rather, when repeated throughout life these principles become an increasingly rewarding pattern of living. In fact, it is the only way of living that will bring peace of conscience and enable Heavenly Father’s children to return to live in His presence. (Preach My Gospel pg. 6)

Friend March 2020 “Come, Follow Me for Little Ones” What blessing can we receive if we endure to the end? (See 2 Nephi 31:20.)

I can feast upon the words of Christ.

2 Nephi 32:3–5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friend March 2020 “Feasting on the Scriptures” Action Rhyme

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

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

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

Heavenly Father wants me to pray always.

2 Nephi 32:8–9

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 31-33” After reading 2 Nephi 32:8–9, talk with your children about why Satan doesn’t want us to pray. Why does God want us to “pray always”? Your children could make a list or draw pictures of situations in which they could pray. Then you could sing a song that teaches about prayer, such as “Did You Think to Pray?” (Hymns, no. 140). You could replace some of the words in the song with the words from their lists. How does God bless us when we pray always?

  • Talk with the children about times when they can pray, such as when they are scared, when they make mistakes, or when they need help in school. Why is it good to pray in these situations? Teach the children that no matter where they are, they can always pray in their hearts.

Friend October 2020 “Jesus Taught Us How to Pray”

Friend January 2023 “I Can Follow Jesus by Praying” When do you pray with your family? Find the items hidden below.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 81-83”

  • Read to the children the Lord’s counsel to be “faithful … in prayer always, vocally and in thy heart, in public and in private” (Doctrine and Covenants 81:3). Explain what it means to pray in our hearts, and share a personal example. Help the children think of times when they can pray “in public and in private.”
  • Invite someone to read Doctrine and Covenants 81:3, and ask the children what it means to pray “in [your] heart.” Share an experience when you prayed aloud or in your heart and the Lord helped you. Also ask the children to share their own experiences. How can prayer bring us closer to Heavenly Father?

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

  • Ask the children when they pray. Do they pray in the morning? at night? before meals? Help the children think of actions to show when we can pray, such as when we wake up, go to bed, and eat—or any other time. Read to them the first line or two from 2 Nephi 32:9, and emphasize the phrase “pray always.”
  • Ask the children how they pray. What do they do with their head, hands, and so on? What sorts of things do they say? Ask them to imagine that you don’t know how to pray, and let them teach you. Why does Heavenly Father want us to pray?
  • The adversary tempts us not to pray. Consider how you can help the children resist this temptation and “pray always” (2 Nephi 32:9).
  • Choose a phrase about prayer from 2 Nephi 32:8–9, write it on the board, and cover each word with a piece of paper. Invite the children to take turns removing one paper at a time until they can guess what the phrase is.
  • Read 2 Nephi 32:8–9 together, and ask the children to share what they learn about prayer from these verses. What does it mean to “pray always”? (verse 9). How can we do this?
  • What might make someone not want to pray? Share an experience when you prayed even though you didn’t feel like it. How did you feel afterward? Invite a child to read the second half of 2 Nephi 32:8, and give the children time to ponder it. Why doesn’t Satan want us to pray? How can we remind ourselves to pray even when we don’t feel like it?

Additional Resources

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 31-33: This is the Way”

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

The Cozy Red Cottage

The Red Crystal

The Red Crystal

Latter Day Kids “Jesus Christ is the Way” Lesson Ideas

Fun Review Activities: Fourth Article of Faith

See more Fourth Article of Faith ideas here.