Alma CHAPTER 13 Men are called as high priests because of their exceeding faith and good works—They are to teach the commandments—Through righteousness they are sanctified and enter into the rest of the Lord—Melchizedek was one of these—Angels are declaring glad tidings throughout the land—They will declare the actual coming of Christ. About 82 B.C.
Alma CHAPTER 14 Alma and Amulek are imprisoned and smitten—The believers and their holy scriptures are burned by fire—These martyrs are received by the Lord in glory—The prison walls are rent and fall—Alma and Amulek are delivered, and their persecutors are slain. About 82–81 B.C.
Alma CHAPTER 15 Alma and Amulek go to Sidom and establish a church—Alma heals Zeezrom, who joins the Church—Many are baptized, and the Church prospers—Alma and Amulek go to Zarahemla. About 81 B.C.
Alma CHAPTER 16 The Lamanites destroy the people of Ammonihah—Zoram leads the Nephites to victory over the Lamanites—Alma and Amulek and many others preach the word—They teach that after His Resurrection Christ will appear to the Nephites. About 81–77 B.C.
Alma teaches about the priesthood
Alma 13
Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) “Alma 13”
The people of Ammonihah considered themselves to be “after the order and faith of Nehor” (Alma 14:16). Because of this, they believed they could be saved without the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and they replaced the priesthood with a false order Alma called “priestcraft” (see Alma 1:3–4, 12, 16). To correct their false beliefs, Alma taught them how “the Lord God ordained priests, after his holy order” (Alma 13:1).
Priesthood power helps me come closer to Christ.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 13-26”
One way to help your children see how priesthood power points us to Christ is to show them pictures of ways priesthood power is used (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 103–110). (“the priesthood is the power of God.”) Your children could help you think of ways Jesus used His power (see, for example, Matthew 26:26–28; Mark 5:22–24, 35–43; Gospel Art Book, nos. 38–41). Then you could read Alma 13:2 together and talk about how priesthood power helps us “look forward to [God’s] Son” and become more like Him.`
Friend April 2018 “With Priesthood Power” Sing-Along Video
Why did God give us priesthood ordinances? Help your children find an answer in Alma 13:16. If they need help knowing what an ordinance is, there are lists in the General Handbook, 18.1 and 18.2. Maybe you and your children could talk about your experiences receiving these ordinances. How do they help us “look forward to [Jesus Christ] for a remission of [our] sins”? A song like “When I Am Baptized” (Children’s Songbook, 103) can help your children think of other reasons to be thankful for priesthood ordinances.
New Era July 2014 “What Do You See?” This New Era article explains how priesthood ordinances are full of signs and symbols that can point us to Jesus Christ.
Friend October 2012 “Coloring Page: We receive the ordinances of salvation through the priesthood.”
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 13-16”
- Turn to Alma 13:6, and explain that priesthood holders “teach [God’s] commandments unto the children of men.” Help the children think of priesthood holders they know of. How do they teach the commandments? Invite the children to draw a picture of a priesthood holder they know teaching someone God’s commandments.
- Read with the children Alma 13:10 and 13, searching for traits a priesthood holder should have. Ask them to think of people they know who are good examples of these traits.
- Ask the children if they know how the Melchizedek Priesthood got its name. Help them find the answer in Alma 13:14–19 and Doctrine and Covenants 107:1–4. What do we learn from Melchizedek about how the priesthood should be used?
See Friend April 1994 “Melchizedek”
Jesus Christ can make me clean.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 13-26”
- After reading these verses together, consider ways to help your children visualize what they teach. Maybe you could wash something together. How do we feel when we are dirty? How do we feel when we become clean again? How are these feelings similar to what we feel when we sin and then repent and become clean through the Savior’s Atonement?
Show the children the white shirt you brought, and lay it on top of a spread out plastic garbage bag. Explain to the children that sin is like dirt and stains. Apply staining items to the shirt as you mention sins that stain our spirits, such as lying, stealing, hate, etc. (The garbage bag is to help prevent spills on the carpet.) Ask the children how they would feel if they had to wear the dirty shirt and how they would feel if they could never change the shirt or take a shower.
• Would it be difficult going out among people in that state? Would we feel comfortable in heaven being among spiritually clean people if we have stains of sin upon us?
Show the children the soap and explain that just like we have soap to clean our bodies and our clothes, Heavenly Father has provided a way for us to become clean from our sins. He provided a Savior for us who took upon himself our sins.
Enter Into the Rest of the Lord
Come Follow Me Kid Game: Race to see who can “cast off” the squares with sins on them the fastest. (See verse 13)
Alma and Amulek are imprisoned
Alma 14
Heavenly Father strengthens me as I have faith in Jesus Christ.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 13-26”
This week’s activity page could help you—or your children—tell the story in Alma 14:18–29 (see also “Chapter 22: Alma’s Mission to Ammonihah,” Book of Mormon Stories, 58–63). Emphasize that Alma and Amulek were given strength because of their “faith which [was] in Christ” (Alma 14:26). You could also talk about a time when God gave you strength “according to [your] faith.” How can we be faithful like Alma and Amulek?
Explain that Alma asked the Lord for help (see verse 26). Testify that God will strengthen us when we pray with faith.
Friend June 2024 “God Frees Alma and Amulek”
Heavenly Father Strengthens Me According to My Faith.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 13-16”
Alma and Amulek were in prison for many days before the Lord freed them. This story can help the children learn that their trials may not have quick or easy solutions, but the Lord will strengthen them “according to [their] faith” (Alma 14:26).
Share an experience in which you showed faith in the Lord and He gave you strength to overcome or endure a trial. Encourage the children to share similar experiences they’ve had.
Lesson 16 “Anguish in Ammonihah” Lesson and story ideas
Alma, Amulek, and the people who believed on their words all faced terrible trials. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we can be given strength to endure opposition and adversity.
Scripture Stories Coloring Book: Book of Mormon
Ensign June 2020″Family Study Fun” Read Alma 14:17–18, 26–28 together. After Alma and Amulek were wrongly imprisoned, God gave them strength to break free.
- Build a pretend prison with blankets, cushions, or pillows.
- Let each family member take a turn acting out the scripture story by being in prison and breaking free.
- After each person breaks free, have them share one way God has helped them in real life.
Discussion: Alma and Amulek used their freedom to continue teaching people about the gospel. How can we help others with what God has given us?
Alma heals Zeezrom
Alma 15
Jesus Christ can change hearts.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 13-26”
- Zeezrom’s change of heart through Jesus Christ is inspiring. Consider reviewing with your children what they learned last week about Zeezrom. Then you could read together Alma 15:3–12 to discover how he changed. What do we learn from Zeezrom’s experience about the Lord’s power? (see “Zeezrom Is Healed and Baptized” , Gospel Library).
Book of Mormon Stories: Alma’s Mission to Ammonihah
The Lord told Alma and Amulek to go to Sidom. There they found the righteous people. Zeezrom was also there and was very sick. 
Zeezrom was glad to see Alma and Amulek. He worried that they had been killed because of what he had done. He asked them to heal him. 
Zeezrom believed in Jesus Christ and had repented of his sins. When Alma prayed for him, Zeezrom was immediately healed. 
Zeezrom was baptized and began to preach the gospel. Many others were also baptized.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 13-16” What do we learn from Zeezrom’s experience about the Lord’s power to strengthen and heal us, even when we make mistakes? What role can the priesthood play in our receiving His strength and healing?
Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) “Alma 15” Read the scriptures listed under “Symptoms.” Below them, list any words or phrases that describe Zeezrom’s condition.
- How might you describe Zeezrom’s condition, including his spiritual well-being?
- What do you remember about Zeezrom that would cause him to feel this way?
All of us have experienced the pain associated with a physical injury or wound. When we are in pain, we typically seek relief and are grateful for the medication and treatments that help to alleviate our suffering. Consider sin as a spiritual wound that causes guilt or, as described by Alma to his son Corianton, “remorse of conscience” (Alma 42:18). Guilt is to our spirit what pain is to our body—a warning of danger and a protection from additional damage. (David A. Bednar, “We Believe in Being Chaste,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 44)
Carefully read about Zeezrom’s healing in Alma 15:4–12. You may want to watch the video “Zeezrom Is Healed and Baptized” (2:42), available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org. As you read, pay attention to the details that contributed to Zeezrom’s healing. Consider writing notes of these details under the “Prescription” portion of your doctor’s note.
The Savior is often referred to as the Great Physician, and this title has both symbolic and literal significance. … From the Atonement of the Savior flows the soothing salve that can heal our spiritual wounds and remove guilt. However, this salve can only be applied through the principles of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, and consistent obedience. The results of sincere repentance are peace of conscience, comfort, and spiritual healing and renewal. (David A. Bednar, “We Believe in Being Chaste,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 44)
The Nephite armies follow the Prophet
Alma 16
We are Blessed When We Follow the Prophet
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 13-16”
- Share in your own words the account in Alma 16:1–8. Emphasize that because Zoram and the Nephite armies followed the prophet Alma, the Nephites were able to rescue their friends who were being held as prisoners by the Lamanites. Share an experience when you were blessed because you followed the prophet.
- Show a picture of the President of the Church, and share a few things he has taught us to do. Help the children think of ways they can follow Jesus by doing what His prophet teaches us.
Friend November 2022 “Bright Idea”
- Show pictures of prophets (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 6–9, 14, 18, 26–27) as you sing with the children a song about prophets, such as “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110–11). Emphasize phrases in the song that teach why we should follow the prophet.
Enoch was a prophet; he taught what was good. People in his city did just what they should. When they were so righteous that there was no sin, Heav’nly Father took them up to live with him.
Noah was a prophet called to preach the word, tried to cry repentance, but nobody heard. They were busy sinning—Noah preached in vain. They wished they had listened when they saw the rain.
Moses was a prophet sent to Israel. He would lead them to the promised land to dwell. They were slow to follow, or so it appears. They were in the wilderness for forty years.
Follow the prophet, follow the prophet, Follow the prophet; don’t go astray. Follow the prophet, follow the prophet, Follow the prophet; he knows the way.
- What had Alma previously prophesied would happen to the people of Ammonihah if they did not repent? (God would “utterly destroy [them] from off the face of the earth” [Alma 9:12].)
- What happened to the people of Ammonihah? Alma 16:1–3
Friend June 2020 “My Family Night Fun” Game: Follow the Leader
Additional Resources
- Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 16: Alma and Amulek in Prison”
- Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 13-16”
- The Cozy Red Cottage
