Alma 5-7

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Alma CHAPTER 5 To gain salvation, men must repent and keep the commandments, be born again, cleanse their garments through the blood of Christ, be humble and strip themselves of pride and envy, and do the works of righteousness—The Good Shepherd calls His people—Those who do evil works are children of the devil—Alma testifies of the truth of his doctrine and commands men to repent—The names of the righteous will be written in the book of life. About 83 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 6 The Church in Zarahemla is cleansed and set in order—Alma goes to Gideon to preach. About 83 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 7 Christ will be born of Mary—He will loose the bands of death and bear the sins of His people—Those who repent, are baptized, and keep the commandments will have eternal life—Filthiness cannot inherit the kingdom of God—Humility, faith, hope, and charity are required. About 83 B.C.

Alma commands the people in Zarahemla to repent

Alma 5

Song of Redeeming Love

Alma 5:9, 26

Alma asked them to think of their past spiritual experiences and consider if they could feel the same way now (see Alma 5:26).

To sing the song of redeeming love is to feel the pure love of Christ — “to feel the joy and hope that comes from an expanded soul changed by sincere repentance,” Elder Stanfill 

Ensign June 2020 “Family Study Fun”

Read Alma 5:9, 26 together. Talk about what you think it means to sing songs of “redeeming love.”

  1. If possible, find a picture of Jesus to look at together.
  2. Ask each family member to pick a favorite verse from a Church hymn or children’s song to sing together.
  3. After singing, take turns sharing thoughts and feelings about Jesus.

Discussion: What change could each of us make to better follow Jesus this week? How does good music help us draw closer to God?

Prepared to Meet God

Alma 5:14–33

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020

Members of your family may know what it feels like to be prepared—or unprepared—for a camping trip, a test at school, or a job interview. What recent experiences could they share to illustrate the importance of being prepared? You could invite family members to review Alma 5:14–33 and find questions Alma asked to prepare his people to meet God. Perhaps each family member could choose a question and share how it can help us prepare to meet God. Your family could also display several of Alma’s questions around your home for family members to ponder.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd

Alma 5:38

Friend June 2020 “My Family Night Fun” Game: Hide and Sheep

Friend June 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd, and He wants us to come to Him (see Alma 5:38). Play a game of shepherd tag! The person who is “it” is the shepherd gathering sheep. When the shepherd tags someone, they follow the shepherd. Once everyone is tagged, play again with a new shepherd!

For younger children: Jesus is like a shepherd, and He calls us to come to Him. Have someone hide and call out your little one’s name. Then have your child look to find them.

I can gain my own testimony through the Holy Ghost.

Alma 5:44–48

Friend June 2024 “What is a Testimony?”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 5-7”

Display pictures of things that grow gradually and need constant care, like a plant or a baby animal. Ask the children to share how we take care of these things and help them grow. (You could then relate this to taking care of our testimonies. What care do our testimonies need? How can we tell if they are growing?)

Friend January 2019 “Testimony Plants”

  • A testimony is what you believe is true, like “God loves me” or “Families are forever.”
  • Like plants, everyone’s testimonies grow at different speeds. Heavenly Father is happy when your knowledge grows even a little.
  • Plants need water and sunlight to grow. Scriptures, prayer, and church are like water and light for your testimony.
  • Roots make plants strong. You can keep your testimony strong by remembering Heavenly Father and Jesus every day!

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

  • How did Alma gain his strong testimony of Jesus Christ? You could read Alma 5:44–46 with your children to find answers to this question. Perhaps your children could write down a plan to do one thing this week to strengthen their testimony.

Friend June 2024 “Five Ways to Build Your Testimony”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 5-7”

Use an empty balloon to represent a testimony and blow air into it each time you share something that helps testimonies grow. Tie the balloon and pass it around, asking the children to share one thing they can do to help their testimonies grow. Invite the children to draw themselves doing things that will strengthen their testimonies.

Photo by Blake Cheek on Unsplash

Alma was visited by an angel, but his testimony was “made known unto [him] by the Holy Spirit” (Alma 5:46).

Friend June 2024 “My Testimony”

Alma preaches in Gideon

Alma 7

The Savior took upon Himself my sins, pains, and afflictions.

Alma 7:10–13

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

  • How can you help your children understand Alma 7:10–13 so they can know that Jesus Christ cares about them and can help them? Perhaps you could ask them to share an experience when they were sick or in pain or had another problem that made them sad. How did others help them feel better? Bear your testimony that the Savior has suffered those things too, and talk about a time when He comforted and helped you.

The Red Crystal

  • As you and your children read Alma 7:11–13, look for the things Jesus Christ suffered for us. Invite your children to use words and phrases they found to complete this sentence: “Jesus suffered  so He can help me.” How does it help us to know that Jesus understands our struggles? How do we receive His help? Share your testimony of Jesus Christ.

The Red Crystal

Draw a line to the matching part of the scripture.

  • According to these verses, why was the Savior willing to suffer all of this? (Explain that “succor” means “to help.”)

Following Jesus Christ keeps me on the straight path back to Heavenly Father.

Alma 5:147:19–20

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

  • Let your children look in a mirror as you read Alma 5:14 (see also this week’s activity page). What does it mean to have the Savior’s image in our countenance?

Pass around a mirror and let children look at their reflections as you read Alma 5:14. What does it mean to have the Savior’s image in our countenance? Share times when someone said or did something that reminded you of the Savior, and ask the children to do the same.

Come Follow Me Kid Christ Mirror Activity – Read/discuss Alma 5:14. Whose heart does ours become more like as it changes? (Christ’s) Give each family member one of the Christ mirror pictures from the primary manual. The instructions in the manual say, “Hold the mirror and look into it. As you do, tell someone some things you can do that will help others think of the Savior when they see you.” I think it would also be great to have Mom/Dad share with each kid specific things that that child does that helps us think of the Savior. You could either write those things around the sides or on the back of the mirror or get some heart stickers and give each child a heart sticker as you tell them each Christlike characteristic you’ve noticed in them and then let them decorate their mirror.

  • How can you use Alma’s description of the path back to Heavenly Father to help your children learn to make good choices? You could read Alma 7:19–20 to them and let them act out walking in “crooked paths” and walking in a straight path. Help them think of choices that help us stay on the path and other choices that take us off the path. You could also look at pictures of Jesus together and talk about things He did to show us the path back to Heavenly Father. A song like “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79) could provide some ideas.

Media Library Mormonads

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 5-7”

  • Read Alma 7:19 to the children, and explain that when we make good choices, we are in the path that leads back to Heavenly Father. Give the children a series of choices or actions (such as being unkind to family members or serving them). Ask them to tell you if each choice is good and leads back to God or if it is evil and leads away from Him.

Ensign September 2016 

  • Read Alma 7:20 and help the children understand the words in these verses that describe the path back to God. Draw on the board a straight path from us to Heavenly Father. Then draw a crooked path that includes dead ends that lead away from God. Invite the children to trace both paths with their fingers. Which path is better? Help them think of good choices that will help them stay on the straight path.

Friend September 2017 “CTR Fun” Fill in the blanks in the poem about choosing the right.

I must be born again and then follow the path that leads back to God.

Alma 5:12–14, 27–28, 577:14–24

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 5-7”

Show the children a picture of a baby, and invite them to talk about what a baby is like when he or she is first born. Invite a child to read Alma 5:14. To help the children understand what it means to be “spiritually … born of God,” ask them to think about what Alma the Younger was like before he was converted. What was he like afterward? (See Mosiah 27:23–32 and Alma 36:12–24.) Explain that when we have faith in Jesus Christ and live His gospel, it is like we have started a new life, as a baby does.

Canva

Prepared to Meet God

Alma 5:14–33

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020

Members of your family may know what it feels like to be prepared—or unprepared—for a camping trip, a test at school, or a job interview. What recent experiences could they share to illustrate the importance of being prepared? You could invite family members to review Alma 5:14–33 and find questions Alma asked to prepare his people to meet God. Perhaps each family member could choose a question and share how it can help us prepare to meet God. Your family could also display several of Alma’s questions around your home for family members to ponder.

Read together Alma 7:19, and explain that after we are born again, we must follow “the path which leads to the kingdom of God.” Hide papers around the room with the following scripture references written on them: Alma 5:12–13, 27–28, 577:14–16, 23–24. Invite the children to find the papers, look up the scriptures, and share what each scripture teaches we must do to return to God’s presence.

Alma 7:23

Who do we know who is a good example of one or more of the qualities listed in this verse? Why is it important to develop these qualities?

23 And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive. 24 And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.

Additional Resources

Friend June 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones”


Mosiah 29 – Alma 4

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Mosiah CHAPTER 29 Mosiah proposes that judges be chosen in place of a king—Unrighteous kings lead their people into sin—Alma the younger is chosen chief judge by the voice of the people—He is also the high priest over the Church—Alma the elder and Mosiah die. About 92–91 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 1 Nehor teaches false doctrines, establishes a church, introduces priestcraft, and slays Gideon—Nehor is executed for his crimes—Priestcrafts and persecutions spread among the people—The priests support themselves, the people care for the poor, and the Church prospers. About 91–88 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 2 Amlici seeks to be king and is rejected by the voice of the people—His followers make him king—The Amlicites make war on the Nephites and are defeated—The Lamanites and Amlicites join forces and are defeated—Alma slays Amlici. About 87 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 3 The Amlicites had marked themselves according to the prophetic word—The Lamanites had been cursed for their rebellion—Men bring their own curses upon themselves—The Nephites defeat another Lamanite army. About 87–86 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 4 Alma baptizes thousands of converts—Iniquity enters the Church, and the Church’s progress is hindered—Nephihah is appointed chief judge—Alma, as high priest, devotes himself to the ministry. About 86–83 B.C.

Judges Chosen in Place of Kings

Mosiah 29

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 29- Alma 4”

Some might see King Mosiah’s proposal to replace kings with elected judges as merely wise political reform. But to the Nephites, especially those who lived under wicked King Noah, this change had spiritual significance too. They had seen how an unrighteous king had influenced his people, and they were “exceedingly anxious” to be free from such influence. This change would allow them to be responsible for their own righteousness and “answer for [their] own sins” (Mosiah 29:38).

Alma and Nehor

Alma 1

The Lord can help me recognize false teachings.

Alma 1:2–9

One way to study Alma 1:2–4 with your children is to help them create a true-or-false quiz using statements taught by Nehor, a false teacher. Then you could talk with them about why Satan often combines truths with falsehoods. Help your children think of some examples. In verses 7–9, how did Gideon withstand Nehor’s lies? (See also “Chapter 20: Alma and Nehor,” Book of Mormon Stories, 54–55.) (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 29 – Alma 4)

The Red Crystal

FashionsbyLynda.com “Primary: Come Follow Me (Book of Mormon) Mosiah 29-Alma 4”

After reviewing Alma 1:2–9 together, ask each of the children to read one of the following scriptures (see below). How do these scriptures refute Nehor’s teachings? How can we use the scriptures to fortify our own testimonies of the gospel? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 29 – Alma 4”)

 Matthew 7:21–23:

21 ¶ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

2 Nephi 26:29–31

29 He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.

30 Behold, the Lord hath forbidden this thing; wherefore, the Lord God hath given a commandment that all men should have charity, which charity is love. And except they should have charity they were nothing. Wherefore, if they should have charity they would not suffer the laborer in Zion to perish.

31 But the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion; for if they labor for money they shall perish.

(In the Church we serve because we love others, not because we want to become rich or popular.)

Mosiah 18:24–26

24 And he also commanded them that the priests whom he had ordained should labor with their own hands for their support.

25 And there was one day in every week that was set apart that they should gather themselves together to teach the people, and to worship the Lord their God, and also, as often as it was in their power, to assemble themselves together.

26 And the priests were not to depend upon the people for their support; but for their labor they were to receive the grace of God, that they might wax strong in the Spirit, having the knowledge of God, that they might teach with power and authority from God.

 Helaman 12:23–26:

23 Therefore, blessed are they who will repent and hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; for these are they that shall be saved.

24 And may God grant, in his great fulness, that men might be brought unto repentance and good works, that they might be restored unto grace for grace, according to their works.

25 And I would that all men might be saved. But we read that in the great and last day there are some who shall be cast out, yea, who shall be cast off from the presence of the Lord;

26 Yea, who shall be consigned to a state of endless misery, fulfilling the words which say: They that have done good shall have everlasting life; and they that have done evil shall have everlasting damnation. And thus it is. Amen.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ, I love and serve others.

Alma 1:19–25

(Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 29 – Alma 4)

Some members of the Lord’s Church in Alma’s day were generous and giving, and other members were unkind and prideful. To help your children learn from these experiences, you could read together Alma 1:27, 30 and make a list of the kinds of people members of the Lord’s Church helped. Who do we know who might “[stand] in need” (Alma 1:30) of our love and help? Invite the children to think of people in their neighborhoods or schools who might “[stand] in need” (Alma 1:30) of their love and help.

Read Alma 1:30 to the children, and help them understand that the people of the Church shared what they had with people who needed help. Help the children think of things they could share and people they could share them with. Encourage the children to draw pictures of their plans.

You could also sing together a song about love and service, such as “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145), and help your children think of actions that could go with the song.

What should we do when people are unkind to us?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 29 – Alma 4” Emphasize that even though Nehor’s followers were mean to the Church members, many of the Church members remained kind and loving.

Help the children read Alma 4:6–13, and define words like “scornful,” “persecute,” and “despising” (use a dictionary if necessary). How do we feel when people treat us in these ways? Invite the children to find words in Alma 1:26–30 that describe how Heavenly Father wants us to treat each other.

Consider reading with your children how followers of Christ were treated in Alma 1:19–20. Talk about how they reacted in verses 22 and 25. Maybe you could practice ways to respond when others are unkind.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 29- Alma 4”Your family might benefit from identifying the different ways Church members responded to persecution in these verses: Alma 1:19–25. Maybe you could practice ways to respond appropriately when others attack our beliefs. The Religious Freedom Videos might help.

Friend May 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Waiting Patiently Read Alma 1:25 together and help your little ones say, “Sometimes we have to wait patiently for blessings.” You could play freeze-dance to introduce the idea of patience. 1. Dance around as you listen to Primary songs or other good music. 2. Pause the music at random, and practice standing still while the music is paused.

The Amlicites

Alma 2

God will answer my prayers.

Alma 2:28–30

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 29 – Alma 4” When Alma and the Nephites felt “much fear” (Alma 2:23), they prayed for help and were strengthened. learn from their example.

Using pictures in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families or in “Chapter 21: The Amlicites” (Book of Mormon Stories, 56–57, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org), tell the children how the Nephites gained strength to defeat the Amlicites. Ask the children about things that are scary or hard for them, and testify that they can pray to Heavenly Father for help with these things.

Share an experience when God helped you after you prayed to Him. Invite the children to share experiences they have had with prayer.

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

Friend May 2022 “A Prayer in the Storm” Alexis was scared of the thunder in the storm and didn’t feel safe. She found her dad and asked if they could say a prayer. After the prayer she felt peaceful and wasn’t afraid anymore.

Alma 3

Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) Note: The curse that both the Amlicites and Lamanites experienced was a separation from God because of their rebellion and disobedience (see 2 Nephi 5:20–21). The mark, which at that time distinguished the Lamanites from the Nephites, was that “the skins of the Lamanites were dark” (Alma 3:6). It is important to remember that the nature and appearance of this mark are not fully understood. Book of Mormon prophets and modern prophets have taught it is wrong to revile or look down upon people because of the color of their skin (see Jacob 3:9).

Alma 3:4

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 29- Alma 4”

What message did the Amlicites want to communicate when they “set [a] mark upon themselves”? (see Alma 3:4, 13). What messages might we send—intentionally or unintentionally—with our appearance? This might be a good time to review “Dress and Appearance” in For the Strength of Youth (2011), 6–8.

Alma Devotes Himself to the Ministry

Alma 4

My testimony can strengthen others.

Alma 4:8–20

10 And thus ended the eighth year of the reign of the judges; and the wickedness of the church was a great stumbling-block to those who did not belong to the church; and thus the church began to fail in its progress.

Open the scriptures to Alma 4:19, and explain that when Alma saw how wicked the people were, he decided the best way to help them was to bear “pure testimony” to them. Alma gave up his position as chief judge so he could spend more time sharing his testimony and helping people repent. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 29 – Alma 4”)

(Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 29 – Alma 4)

  • Often the “pure testimony” (Alma 4:19) of a child can have a strong influence on others. To help your children discover this, you could read with them Alma 4:8–12, 15, helping them identify the problems that were happening in the Church. What could Alma do to solve these problems? Help them find out what Alma decided to do in Alma 4:16–20. Maybe you could share with each other how someone else’s testimony of Christ has strengthened you.

Friend February 2016 “Testimony Treasure” Sabrina learns that a testimony is a treasure you want to share with others, so she shared her testimony with her friend that going to church and learning about Jesus makes her feel happy. Her friend then went to church and told Sabrina that it did make her feel happy.

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  • If your children need examples of what a testimony is, consider showing a video clip of a speaker in general conference bearing testimony. You could also use this week’s activity page or sing together a song like “Testimony” (Hymns, no. 137). What do we learn about testimonies from these resources? Let your children practice sharing their testimonies.

Ensign January 2019 “Talking about Testimonies” Teach them what a testimony is in clear, simple terms–for example, “A testimony is what you know or believe is true about the gospel. The Holy Ghost helps us know what is true.” Help them recognize what they already believe with questions like, “How do you think Jesus feels about you?” or “How do you feel when you pray?”

Friend September 2023 “What Is a Testimony?”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 29 – Alma 4”

  • Pour some clean water into a clear glass, and explain that the water is like our testimonies because we can share it with others. Pour the glass of water into a small cup for each child, and tell the children that when we share our testimonies, we help others have stronger testimonies too.
  • If the children would like to, let them practice bearing their testimonies. To invite children to bear testimony, ask questions that prompt them to think about and share how they feel about the Savior or His gospel. You could also ask about experiences they have had with prayer, service, ordinances such as baptism, or feeling the influence of the Holy Ghost.
Friend July 2015
Friend July 2015 lesson ideas too
  • To help the children understand what a testimony is and what it includes, show the video “Apostle Testimony Montage” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

Friend May 2020 “My Family Night Fun” Let’s Talk Testimony

Additional Resources


Ether 6-11

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Ether Chapter 6 The Jaredite barges are driven by the winds to the promised land—The people praise the Lord for His goodness—Orihah is appointed king over them—Jared and his brother die.

Ether Chapter 7 Orihah reigns in righteousness—Amid usurpation and strife, the rival kingdoms of Shule and Cohor are set up—Prophets condemn the wickedness and idolatry of the people, who then repent.

Ether Chapter 8 There is strife and contention over the kingdom—Akish forms an oath-bound secret combination to slay the king—Secret combinations are of the devil and result in the destruction of nations—Modern Gentiles are warned against the secret combination that will seek to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries.

Ether Chapter 9 The kingdom passes from one to another by descent, intrigue, and murder—Emer saw the Son of Righteousness—Many prophets cry repentance—A famine and poisonous serpents plague the people.

Ether Chapter 10 One king succeeds another—Some of the kings are righteous; others are wicked—When righteousness prevails, the people are blessed and prospered by the Lord.

Ether Chapter 11 Wars, dissensions, and wickedness dominate Jaredite life—Prophets predict the utter destruction of the Jaredites unless they repent—The people reject the words of the prophets.

Jaredite’s Barges Travel to the Promised Land

I can trust Heavenly Father to comfort me when I am scared.

Ether 6:1–12

The families got into the barges to cross the sea. They trusted the Lord to take care of them. There were many storms and waves. At times, the water covered the barges completely. But they prayed, and the Lord brought them back on top of the water again. They sang many songs of thanks to the Lord.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 6–11: “That Evil May Be Done Away”

It must have been frightening for the Jaredites to be “tossed upon the waves of the sea before the wind” (Ether 6:5). But the Lord kept them safe and helped them.

  • Using words and phrases from Ether 6:2–12, describe to the children the Jaredites’ journey across the sea. Invite the children to pretend to climb into the barges and pretend that their barge is being moved and covered by waves. How would it feel to be in a real barge in rough waters? What can we do when we are scared? Read together verses 7 and 9 to see what the Jaredites did when they were frightened..
Friend August 2018

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Ether 6-11”

  • Everyone has hard days—even little children. Perhaps you could help your children find words and phrases in Ether 6:1–12 that show how the Jaredites trusted God during some really tough and scary days. Consider sharing with each other some experiences when God helped you during difficult times in your life.

Friend September 2013 “Jesus Calms the Tempest”

Friend February 2022 “I Can Trust God” Coloring page

Tornado Scare” (Aug. 2021 Friend)

Friend November 2020 “Come, Follow Me for Little Ones” Sit on a bed with your children and cover yourselves with a blanket, or do something else to build a pretend barge. (You could use a dark room as a barge and flashlights to represent the shining stones.) Read Ether 6:5 together and act out being “tossed upon the waves” with a “furious wind.” Then read Ether 6:9 together and help your little ones say, “I can be thankful.” Pick a favorite Primary song to sing together before leaving the barge!

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 6–11:

  • Maybe you could talk about how the Jaredites showed their faith in the Lord by getting in the barges, despite knowing that they would be “buried in the depths of the sea” (Ether 6:6). After reading verse 9, family members could share favorite hymns of praise and sing them together.

Friend November 2024 “The Jaredite Barges”

I can trust Heavenly Father to guide me to eternal life.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 6–11

  • The account of the Jaredites’ voyage across the sea can be compared to our journey through mortality. Both journeys are sometimes dangerous and require faith that the Lord will guide and protect us. Read together Ether 6:2–12, pausing frequently so the children can draw pictures of what they are reading. How is the Jaredites’ journey like our lives? Help the children identify and label what different parts of their drawings might represent in our lives. For example, the Jaredites could represent us. The barges could represent our homes, the Church, or the gospel. What might the wind, the water, the shining stones, and the promised land represent?

Jaredites Arrive. They Set Up Kings

Remembering what the Lord has done brings gratitude and peace.

Ether 6:9, 12, 307:2710:2

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Ether 6-11”

  • After arriving safely in the promised land, the Jaredites were so thankful that they “shed tears of joy” (Ether 6:12). You might inspire your children to feel thankful for God’s blessings by helping them find phrases from Ether 6:9, 12 that show how the Jaredites expressed their thanks to God.

Book of Mormon Stories for Young Readers “Traveling to the Promised Land”

  • They may enjoy singing, like the Jaredites did, a song that expresses gratitude, like “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 195). Ask your children to tell you about some things they are thankful for. (“I Thank Thee, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook, 7).

One thing that distinguished the righteous Jaredite kings from the wicked ones is that the righteous kings “remembered the great things that the Lord had done” for them (Ether 7:27).

  • Perhaps your children could read Ether 6:307:27; and 10:2 and find what these righteous kings remembered. How did it affect the way they led their people? You and your children could discuss ways to remind yourselves of what God has done for you. For example, maybe they could write about it or draw pictures. You might suggest that they make a regular habit of writing down blessings they notice from God (see “O Remember, Remember” , Gospel Library).

101 Planners “Gratitude Journals” See more at link

Friend February 2023 “What’s on Your Mind?”

Latter Day Kids “Being Thankful- Come Follow Me” Lesson ideas and video

I am blessed when I follow God’s prophet.

Ether 7:24–27

Book of Mormon Stories “Ether the Prophet”

The Lord brought the brother of Jared and his family to the promised land. They were humble and kept the commandments of God. Their group grew for many years, and they wanted a king to lead them. The brother of Jared warned them that having a king could lead to trouble, but he let them choose a king.

For hundreds of years, the Jaredites lived in the promised land. Sometimes their kings led them to do good, but other times they did not. The prophets of God would warn the people to repent. When they listened and kept the commandments of God, He blessed them.

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 52: The Destruction of the Jaredites”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 6–11: “That Evil May Be Done Away”

Throughout this week, your family could watch for how the brother of Jared’s prophetic warning about captivity was fulfilled. What warnings have our Church leaders given us? In what ways could dismissing their counsel lead to captivity?

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Ether 6-11”

  • Perhaps you and your children would enjoy acting out some things the prophet has taught us to do. You could even turn it into a game in which you guess what the actions represent. This could prepare your children to discuss why it is important to follow God’s prophet. You could then read Ether 7:24–27 to find out what happened when the people obeyed God’s prophet. How are we blessed by following the prophet today?

Friend June 2022 “I Will Follow the Prophet”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 6–11: “That Evil May Be Done Away”

Talk with the children about things the prophets have taught us to do (for example, reading our scriptures daily, keeping the Sabbath day holy, or serving others), and invite them to act out obeying that counsel when you say “Follow the prophet!”

The book of Ether clearly shows that when the Jaredites followed the prophets they were blessed, and when they rejected the prophets their lives were harder.

  • Show a picture of the living prophet, and ask the children what they know about him. What does a prophet do? Explain that the Jaredites had prophets too, and whenever they followed the prophet, they were blessed and happy (see Ether 7:24–27). How can we follow the prophet?

Friend November 2024 “What are Prophets?”

  • Sing together a song about prophets, such as “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110–11; see also Gospel Art Book, nos. 4–2767–87).

The Lord is merciful when I repent.

Ether 9:28–3511:5–8

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 6–11: “That Evil May Be Done Away”

  • Even though the Jaredites often rejected the prophets and became wicked, the Lord always forgave them when they humbled themselves and repented.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Ether 6-11”

  • Looking for patterns is a useful scripture study skill. The book of Ether contains a repeated pattern that emphasizes the Lord’s mercy. To help your children find this pattern, invite them to read Ether 9:28–35 and Ether 11:5–8, looking for similarities between the two accounts. What do we learn from these stories? Perhaps they could look for pictures in the Gospel Art Book of other people in the scriptures who repented and were forgiven.

Friend December 2017 “How Can Repenting Make Me Feel Happy?” When Elder Renlund was young, he lit a firecracker in a church building and felt terrible about it. His bishop helped him repent and feel happy again.

More ideas for repentance here.

Additional Resources

What is a secret combination?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 6–11: “That Evil May Be Done Away”

When two or more people conspire to keep their wicked acts secret, they are involved in a secret combination. They are often motivated by the desire for power or riches.

Throughout this week, your family could watch for how the brother of Jared’s prophetic warning about captivity was fulfilled. What warnings have our Church leaders given us? In what ways could dismissing their counsel lead to captivity?

According to these verses, why was Moroni commanded to write “these things” about secret combinations? (Ether 8:23).

The Red Crystal

Latter Day Kids “Prayer”

Come Follow Me Kid


Ether 1-5

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Ether Chapter 1 Moroni abridges the writings of Ether—Ether’s genealogy is set forth—The language of the Jaredites is not confounded at the Tower of Babel—The Lord promises to lead them to a choice land and make them a great nation.

Ether Chapter 2 The Jaredites prepare for their journey to a promised land—It is a choice land whereon men must serve Christ or be swept off—The Lord talks to the brother of Jared for three hours—The Jaredites build barges—The Lord asks the brother of Jared to propose how the barges will be lighted.

Ether Chapter 3 The brother of Jared sees the finger of the Lord as He touches sixteen stones—Christ shows His spirit body to the brother of Jared—Those who have a perfect knowledge cannot be kept from within the veil—Interpreters are provided to bring the Jaredite record to light.

Ether Chapter 4 Moroni is commanded to seal up the writings of the brother of Jared—They will not be revealed until men have faith even as the brother of Jared—Christ commands men to believe His words and those of His disciples—Men are commanded to repent, believe the gospel, and be saved.

Ether Chapter 5 Three witnesses and the work itself will stand as a testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.

The book of Ether is the record of the Jaredites, who arrived in the promised land centuries before the Nephites. God inspired Moroni to include Ether’s record in the Book of Mormon because of its relevance to our day.

Ether 1-3

Jaredites Leave Babel

Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers.

Ether 1:33–372:16–253:1–6

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Ether 1-5”

  • If you know a language that your children don’t, give them some simple directions in that language ( or play a recording of another language, or invite a ward member who knows another language to say a few sentences in that language). (Explain how the brother of Jared prayed that he and his friends and family would be able to understand one another (see Ether 1:34–37).) Emphasize how the Lord felt about this prayer and how He responded (see also “Chapter 50: The Jaredites Leave Babel,” Book of Mormon Stories, 143–44).

Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon “The Jaredites Are Led to the Promised Land”

Give each child one of the papers with the phrase “Stand up, turn around, and sit quietly” written on it in one of the various languages. Ask the class members to follow the instructions on their papers.

Why are you all not able to follow the instructions? (Show the English version, and explain that each of their papers said the same thing but were in a different language.)

What would it be like if you were not able to understand the people around you? Explain that today the children will learn about a family who lived at the time of the Tower of Babel.

Book of Mormon Stories “The Jaredites Leave Babel” Images and Video

Building Barges

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Ether 1-5”

  • Your children could pretend to build a barge as you read Ether 2:16–17. Then you and your children could read about the problems the Jaredites had with their barges (see Ether 2:19) (Ask the children what they would do about these problems. Read Ether 2:18–19 to teach the children how the brother of Jared took his problems to the Lord in prayer.) Discuss the different ways the Lord answered the brother of Jared’s prayers (see Ether 2:19–253:1–6). The picture and activity page at the end of this outline could help you and your children tell the story. What do we learn from the brother of Jared about prayer? Consider sharing an experience in which you prayed for help and Heavenly Father helped you. (Invite the children to think about problems they need help with. How can they follow the example of the brother of Jared to find solutions to their problems? Testify that we can always pray when we have questions or problems. Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 1–5)
Come Follow Me

Book of Mormon Stories “The Jaredites Travel to the Promised Land” Images and Video

Come Follow Me Kid

  • Place 16 stones throughout the classroom, and invite the children to count them as they find them.
  • Color the stones yellow to represent the light Jesus Christ gave them while reminding them that Heavenly Father and Jesus can make miracles happen when we have faith in them and pray!
  • It could also be fun to use decorative stones like these ones for this. I’m pretty sure that Dollar Tree sells these.

Friend November 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Painting Rocks”

  • The brother of Jared asked the Lord to touch stones so his boats could have light (see Ether 3). Collect rocks from outside or cut circles from pieces of paper. On your rocks or paper, write, draw, or paint things that you can do to bring light and love to others.

Lesson 40: The Jaredites Are Led to the Promised Land

Teaching the Scripture Readers

image

Was the brother of Jared the first person to see the Lord?

God had shown Himself to other prophets before the brother of Jared (for example, see Moses 7:4, 59), so why did the Lord say to him, “Never have I showed myself unto man”? (Ether 3:15). Elder Jeffrey R. Holland offered this possible explanation: “Christ was saying to the brother of Jared, ‘Never have I showed myself unto man in this manner, without my volition, driven solely by the faith of the beholder’” (Christ and the New Covenant [1997], 23).Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 1–5: “Rend That Veil of Unbelief””

Brother of Jared Sees the Finger of the Lord

I was created in the image of God.

Ether 3:6–16

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Ether 1-5”

  • As they grow, your children will encounter many false messages about God, themselves, and their physical bodies. You might ask them to help you find truths about these topics in Ether 3:6–16. To emphasize the truth taught in Ether 3:13, 15, you could look at a picture of the Savior together and invite your children to point to various parts of His body. They could then point to the same part of their own bodies. (Explain that when the brother of Jared saw Jesus Christ, he learned that we all look like Jesus. Testify that we were created to look like our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “)
  • You could also sing together a song related to our bodies, such as “The Lord Gave Me a Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 153). You and your children could talk about why you are grateful for your bodies.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 1–5: “Rend That Veil of Unbelief”

  • Senior Primary Read with the children Ether 3:6–16, and help them make a list of things the brother of Jared learned about the Lord from this experience. Why is it important to know these things? For example, how does it affect the way we view our bodies to know that we are created in the Lord’s image?
  • Write physical body and spiritual body on the board. Invite the children to share characteristics of a physical body (we have skin, blood, and so on), and write their answers on the board. Read Ether 3:4–17 together, and invite the children to look for what they learn about our spiritual bodies. Testify that our bodies and spirits were “created after [Jesus’s] own image” (Ether 3:15).

Friend November 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities” For younger children: Read Ether 3:15 to your little ones and tell them we were made to look like God. Then make a healthy snack or go on a walk together to take care of the bodies God gave you.

Ether 4

Persuadeth to Do Good

Ether 4:11–12

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

Sing “Choose the Right Way” (Children’s Songbook, 160–61).

Ether 5

Three witnesses testified of the Book of Mormon.

Ether 5

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Ether 1-5”

  • Moroni prophesied that the Three Witnesses would help establish the truth of the Book of Mormon. To teach what a witness is, you could ask your children to describe something they have seen or experienced that others have not. Then as you read Ether 5 together, you could talk about why God uses witnesses in His work. You could also share with each other how you know the Book of Mormon is true and how you can share your witness with others.

The Red Crystal I brought out the box and excitedly told the kids (ages 3 and 4) that I had an elephant in the box. As I’d hoped, they didn’t believe that I had a great big elephant in this little box. So I let grandma look in the box. She bore her “witness” that there was, indeed, an elephant in the box. I asked them again if they believed that there was an elephant in the box now that two of us had seen it. This time they said yes!!

We explained how this was just like the golden plates. We haven’t seen them, but because of the testimonies of these men, we have greater trust that they are indeed real. That’s why we have these testimonies and why they are important. (This is a super cute idea from Katie Flaniken)

Additional Resources

Friend November 2024 “The Brother of Jarod”

Friend November 2024 “The Jaredite Barges”

Friend November 2020 “The Brother of Jared” Read this rock art story about the Brother of Jared and then go outside and find 16 stones of different shapes and sizes. Use them to create a scene from this story!

Friend November 1988 “Scriptural Giants: The Brother of Jared”

Friend October 2016 “Traveling to the Promised Land”

Latter Day Kids “Prayer” Lesson ideas

Friend November 1988 “Annette’s Very Own Scriptures”  A teacher tells the story of the brother of Jared using some fun ideas.

Friend October 2016

Friend October 2016

Friend November 2020 “Funstuff: The Jaredite Maze” Follow the maze through each barge to learn about the Jaredites’ journey. Be sure to read each scripture along the way!

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “The Brother of Jared Saw the Lord’s Finger”

Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon “The Jaredites Are Led to the Promised Land”

Activity:
Using the chalkboard or a poster, make a tic-tac-toe board. Divide the class into two groups, one using the x’s and the other the o’s. If the question you ask is answered correctly, that group gets to choose where to put the x or o. The object is to get three x’s or o’s in a row. When any question is missed, the opposing team gets a chance to answer the same question. (Refer to lesson 18 for directions.) The following are possible review questions about the Jaredites (you will need to add others.):

How many stones were placed in each barge? (Two.)

How long did it take for Jared, his brother, and their families and friends to cross the ocean? (Almost a year.)

What was the name of the high tower the wicked people were building? (Tower of Babel.)

Why did the brother of Jared prepare the sixteen small stones? (To make a source of light for their journey.)

How did Jesus Christ make each stone shine? (With his power by touching them with his finger.)

See the lesson for questions to ask while studying each scripture.

 Friend November 1988

Friend November 1988

“The Brother of Jared Sees Jesus Christ” (December 2012 Friend)

“Matthew’s Family Home Evening Lesson” (September 1992 Friend)
A young boy has his family act out the story of the Jaredites for family home evening.

“Safe on the Sea” (October 2011 Friend)
President Thomas S. Monson uses the story of the Jaredites to teach how to be safe on the seas of life. Includes a coloring page of a child in a boat.

“Brothers of Faith” (May 1971 Friend) Crossword puzzle Complete the blanks in the story (See story at link)

“Book of Mormon Timeline” (October 2011 Liahona and Ensign)
A timeline that shows how the Jaredites fit chronologically in the Book of Mormon.

Gospel Art Picture: “The Brother of Jared Seeing the Finger of the Lord”

Scripture Figures: “The Brother of Jared Sees Jesus” (January 1992 Friend)

Scripture Figures: “The Jaredites Are Led to the Promised Land” (October 2012 Liahona and Friend)

Come Follow Me Kid Review Game

The Red Crystal

The Cozy Red Cottage


Mormon 1-6

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Mormon Chapter 1 Ammaron instructs Mormon concerning the sacred records—War commences between the Nephites and the Lamanites—The Three Nephites are taken away—Wickedness, unbelief, sorceries, and witchcraft prevail. About A.D. 321–26.

Mormon Chapter 2 Mormon leads the Nephite armies—Blood and carnage sweep the land—The Nephites lament and mourn with the sorrowing of the damned—Their day of grace is passed—Mormon obtains the plates of Nephi—Wars continue. About A.D. 327–50.

Mormon Chapter 3 Mormon cries repentance unto the Nephites—They gain a great victory and glory in their own strength—Mormon refuses to lead them, and his prayers for them are without faith—The Book of Mormon invites the twelve tribes of Israel to believe the gospel. About A.D. 360–62.

Mormon Chapter 4 War and carnage continue—The wicked punish the wicked—Greater wickedness prevails than ever before in all Israel—Women and children are sacrificed to idols—The Lamanites begin to sweep the Nephites before them. About A.D. 363–75.

Mormon Chapter 5 Mormon again leads the Nephite armies in battles of blood and carnage—The Book of Mormon will come forth to convince all Israel that Jesus is the Christ—Because of their unbelief, the Lamanites will be scattered, and the Spirit will cease to strive with them—They will receive the gospel from the Gentiles in the latter days. About A.D. 375–84.

Mormon Chapter 6 The Nephites gather to the land of Cumorah for the final battles—Mormon hides the sacred records in the hill Cumorah—The Lamanites are victorious, and the Nephite nation is destroyed—Hundreds of thousands are slain with the sword. About A.D. 385.

Friend November 2024 “

Ammaron Chooses Mormon to Keep the Plates

Mormon 1

Like Mormon, I can follow Jesus Christ.

Mormon 1:1–32:1, 23–243:1–3, 12, 17–22

Book of Mormon Stories “Mormon the Prophet”

Mormon was a Nephite who believed in Jesus Christ. He grew up in a time when many people did not obey God’s commandments. The people robbed and killed each other for money and power. There were many wars.

When Mormon was 10, a man named Ammaron came to him. Ammaron took care of the records of the Nephite’s history. Ammaron trusted Mormon and told him the records were hidden in a hill. Ammaron said that when Mormon was 24, Mormon should write what he had seen about their people and add it to the records.

As Mormon grew up, he remembered what Ammaron asked him to do. When Mormon was 15 years old, he was visited of the Lord. Mormon learned about the goodness of Jesus.

Friend November 2024 “Mormon and the Gold Plates”

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 49: Mormon and His Teachings” Images and Video

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mormon 1-6”

  • Because Mormon was quite young when he developed his faith in Christ, he can be an inspiration to your children. Perhaps you could read Mormon 1:1–3 and your children could listen for how old Mormon was when Ammaron gave him a special mission. You could also help them find in these verses the qualities that Ammaron saw in Mormon. How do these qualities help us follow Jesus Christ?
  • Because Mormon followed Jesus Christ, he was given opportunities to serve and bless others. You could invite your children to read one or more of the following passages and help them share what they learn about Mormon: Mormon 1:1–32:1, 23–24; and 3:1–3, 12, 20–22 (see also “Chapter 49: Mormon and His Teachings,” Book of Mormon Stories, 138–42). How did he follow Jesus Christ? How did his faith in Jesus Christ help or bless others? How can our faith help people we know?

Come Follow Me Kid & The Red Crystal

I can be righteous like Mormon.

Mormon 1:1–3

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 1–6”

  • Junior Primary:
    Before reading the story, invite the children to listen for how old Mormon was when Ammaron gave him a special mission. Then ask them to hold up that many fingers. To help the children imagine how young Mormon was, show them a picture of someone who is 10 years old. Help them understand the qualities that Ammaron saw in Mormon when he was young, and testify that the children can be like Mormon as they follow Jesus Christ.

Clipart Library “Boy”

A 10 year old boy

What righteous qualities do you see in the children you teach?

Come Follow Me Kid

What does it mean to be “quick to observe”?

Quick to Observe Elder Bednar said, “As used in the scriptures, the word observe has two primary uses. One use denotes “to look” or “to see” or “to notice”—as we learn in Isaiah 42:20: “Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not” (emphasis added).

The second use of the word observe suggests “to obey” or “to keep”—as is evident in the Doctrine and Covenants: “But blessed are they who have kept the covenant and observed the commandment, for they shall obtain mercy” (D&C 54:6; emphasis added).

Thus when we are quick to observe, we promptly look or notice and obey. 

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 1–6: “I Would That I Could Persuade All … to Repent”

Show a picture of Mormon (see the picture in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Help the children see that because Mormon was responsible and trustworthy enough to keep and preserve the Nephite records, we have the Book of Mormon today. Talk with the children about what it means to be responsible and trustworthy. Invite them to ponder ways they can be more responsible.

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Ammaron Taught Mormon about the Sacred Records”

Latter Day Kids “Quick to Observe” Lesson ideas

Mormon Leads the Nephite Armies

Mormon 2

Godly sorrow leads me to Christ and to lasting change.

Mormon 2:8–15

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 1–6: “

  • When Mormon saw his people’s sorrow, he hoped they would repent. But “their sorrowing was not unto repentance” (Mormon 2:13)—it was not the kind of godly sorrow that leads to real change (see 2 Corinthians 7:8–11). Instead, the Nephites felt worldly sorrow (see Mormon 2:10–11).

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mormon 1-6”

  • Perhaps you could make a chart like the one in “Ideas for Learning at Home and at Church” to help your children understand the difference between godly and worldly sorrow as they read Mormon 2:8, 10–15. Then they could also search Mormon 2:12 to find reasons why repentance should make our “heart[s] … rejoice.” How can we make sure that the sorrow we feel for our sins leads us to seek God’s help to change?:
Godly SorrowWorldly Sorrow
Comes to Jesus (verse 14)Curses God (verse 14)

How do you know if your sorrow is godly or worldly? If you are experiencing worldly sorrow, how can you change it into godly sorrow? Sorrow that leads to repentance and Sorrow that doesn’t lead to repentance. 

The Red Crystal

Godly sorrow inspires change and hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. When we feel godly sorrow, we recognize our shortcomings and want to do better. We feel hope for the future—and feel the Savior’s love for us.

I can live righteously despite the wickedness around me.

Mormon 2:18–19

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 1–6:

  • What words did Mormon use to describe the world he lived in? How did he maintain hope despite the wickedness around him?
  • Beginning in the first chapter of Mormon, you will notice major differences between Mormon and the people around him. As you read Mormon 1, consider contrasting the qualities and desires of Mormon with those of his people. Note the consequences that came to him and them (you’ll find one example in verses 14–15). What do you learn that inspires you to live righteously in a wicked world?

Friend November 2016

Friend November 2016

Mormon Refuses to Lead the Armies Because of Wickedness

Mormon 3

Heavenly Father gives me many blessings.

Mormon 3:3, 9

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mormon 1-6”

  • Inviting your children to list (or draw pictures of) some things they are grateful for might be a good way to help them feel gratitude for God. After they have made a list, you could read Mormon 3:3, 9 and explain that Heavenly Father had blessed the Nephites too, but they had not recognized it. What can we do to show we are thankful to Heavenly Father for our blessings?

Find the things in the picture that show Heavenly Father and Jesus’s love for us.

Friend November 2004 “Blessings Tree” Cut out the leaves and place them in a sack. Have the children take turns picking a leaf from the sack, telling how the item written is a blessing, and gluing it to the tree. When they pick a blank leaf, have them share a blessing of their choice that they are thankful for. Then write the blessing on the leaf and glue it to the tree.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 1–6:

  • Invite them to hang their pictures somewhere at home where they can see them and remember that Heavenly Father blesses them in many ways. You could also invite them to identify blessings that come from Heavenly Father as they sing the first verse of “I Thank Thee, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook, 7).

War and Wickedness Continues

Heavenly Father wants me to love everyone.

Mormon 3:12

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mormon 1-6”

  • Even though the Nephites were wicked, Mormon never stopped loving them. Help your children find the words “loved” and “love” in Mormon 3:12. You could also sing a song together about loving others, such as “Jesus Said Love Everyone” (Children’s Songbook, 61), while showing pictures of children from around the world. Testify of God’s love for all His children.

Friend May 2022 Cut out the pieces, Glue to heavy paper or craft sticks, and put the puzzle together.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 1–6: “

  • It’s often easy to love those who love us and are like us, but Mormon demonstrated that with help from Heavenly Father, we can love those who believe and act differently than we do.
  • Ask each child to draw a person on the board, and point out how each person they drew looks different from the others. Draw a large heart surrounding all the drawings. Help the children understand that Heavenly Father wants us to love all people. Read Mormon 3:12, emphasizing the words “love” and “loved.” What did Mormon do to show his love for others?.

Friend October 2020 “Come, Follow Me for Little Ones”

  • Read Mormon 3:12 together, emphasizing the words “love” and “loved.” Help your little ones put their hands on their hearts and say, “I can share God’s love with others,” and then hold their hands outward, as if sharing something. You could listen to or sing “Love One Another” (Children’s Songbook,136) and put your hands on your hearts whenever you hear the word “love.”

Friend November 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Love One Another” Mormon loved the Nephites (see Mormon 3:12). Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have asked us to love others too. Stand in a circle and close your eyes. Count to three, then open your eyes and look at someone. If you are making eye contact with them, say something you love about each other and step out of the circle. Keep going until there is one person left! Then everyone says something they love about that person.

For younger children: Go on a “love” hunt through your home or outside. Invite your little ones to find things that remind them of the people they love.

Friend November 2024 “Heavenly Father Wants Me to Love Everyone”

Friend October 2024 “I Can Follow Jesus by Loving Others

Come Follow Me Kid

  • Loving Others Around Us Role-Play – As Mormon grew older, people around him became more wicked, but hewas able to keep his faith really strong. Was Mormon mean to the people around him who were making wrong choices? (No). One thing that made Mormon so super was the love that he had for God and others around him.
  • Read Mormon 3:12 and talk about how Mormon felt about the people around him, even though they were wicked.
  • Role- play how to respond with faith and love to different scenarios of people being different from us or making not-so-good choices (Your friend wants to steal candy from the store, A friend is saying mean things about another person, your neighbor doesn’t believe in praying, someone you’re playing with starts swearing, etc.).

Mormon again leads the Nephite armies

Mormon 5

Mormon 5:16–18

To help your family visualize what it means to be “driven about as chaff before the wind” (verse 16), tear a piece of paper into small pieces and let family members blow them around. Explain to them that chaff is a husk that comes off a seed, and it is light enough to be blown around. How is being “without Christ and God in the world” (verse 16) like being chaff in the wind?

Come Follow Me Kid

  • On the back of their paper person, you could also have everyone write/draw one specific thing they’ll do this week to stay anchored in Christ.
  • Was Mormon someone who was steady and strong in Christ or someone who was “driven as chaff before the wind”?

Final Battle at Cumorah

Mormon 6

Jesus has “open arms to receive [us]”

Ensign October 2020 “Family Study Fun: The Open Arms of Jesus”

Read Mormon 6:17 together. Talk about what it means that Jesus has “open arms to receive [us]” when He is not physically here with us.

  1. Invite family members to draw a picture of themselves with Jesus. For younger children, use a coloring page from lessonhelps.ChurchofJesusChrist.org or the September Friend.
  2. When the pictures are finished, fold them up and put them in a bowl. Take turns picking a picture at random.
  3. When someone’s picture is chosen, have them talk about a time they have felt the Savior’s love or share something they can do to follow Jesus.

Discussion: Talk about what you can do as a family to help each other follow Jesus and feel closer to Him. How can we be His “arms” here on earth?

Mormon Abridges the Plates

Mormon 6:6

Friend November 2016 “Mormon Writes on the Golden Plates”

Friend January 1988 “Sharing a Time: Mormon–A Valiant Prophet

Friend April 1988

Friend November 2020 “Mormon’s Plates”

Friend April 1988

Friend November 2020 “Coloring Page: Mormon Put Together the Book of Mormon”

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Mormon Put Together Sacred Writings”

Friend February 1986

New Era April 2020 “The Plates within the Plates”

Friend October 1988

Friend October 1988

Friend October 1988 “Scriptural Giants: Mormon and the Book of Mormon”

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal


3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi

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3 Nephi Chapter 27 Jesus commands that the Church be called in His name—His mission and atoning sacrifice constitute His gospel—Men are commanded to repent and be baptized that they may be sanctified by the Holy Ghost—They are to be even as Jesus is. About A.D. 34–35.

3 Nephi Chapter 28 Nine of the twelve disciples desire and are promised an inheritance in Christ’s kingdom when they die—The Three Nephites desire and are given power over death so as to remain on the earth until Jesus comes again—They are translated and see things not lawful to utter, and they are now ministering among men. About A.D. 34–35.

3 Nephi Chapter 29 The coming forth of the Book of Mormon is a sign that the Lord has commenced to gather Israel and fulfill His covenants—Those who reject His latter-day revelations and gifts will be cursed. About A.D. 34–35.

3 Nephi Chapter 30 The latter-day Gentiles are commanded to repent, come unto Christ, and be numbered with the house of Israel. About A.D. 34–35.

4 Nephi Chapter 1 The Nephites and the Lamanites are all converted unto the Lord—They have all things in common, work miracles, and prosper in the land—After two centuries, divisions, evils, false churches, and persecutions arise—After three hundred years, both the Nephites and the Lamanites are wicked—Ammaron hides up the sacred records. About A.D. 35–321.

The Church of Jesus Christ

3 Nephi 27

I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ.

3 Nephi 27:1–22

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 27-4 Nephi”

  • To introduce the importance of the name of Jesus’s Church, talk with your children about their own names. Why are our names important? Then you could read 3 Nephi 27:3 together, looking for the question that Jesus’s disciples had. Help your children find the answer in 3 Nephi 27:5–8. Why is the name of the Church important?
  • You could also help your children think of different groups they belong to, such as a family or a Primary class. Ask them what they like about belonging to each group. Then you could sing “The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, 77) together and talk about why you are thankful to belong to the Savior’s Church.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “October 19–25. 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi:

  • Ask the children to help you write each word of the name of the Church on a separate piece of paper. Then mix the papers up, and invite the children to arrange these words in order.

Come Follow Me Kid

  • What blessings have we received because we are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

Blessings of the gospel Activity: Read the clues below (not the answer) and let the children pick which picture it is describing.

  • Prophet: Because of this blessing of the gospel we have the privilege to hear Gods words and direction about current issues and challenges we face. This gift is God’s living spokesman.
  • Book of Mormon: Because of this blessing of the gospel we know the purpose of life. We also know what we need to do to gain eternal salvation and how to live happy lives.  
  • Temples: This blessing of the gospel allows us the opportunity to receive saving ordinances for ourselves and our dead. We can also be sealed to our family so that we can be with them forever.
  • Priesthood: Because of this blessing of the gospel we can receive healing blessings for the sick, blessings of comfort and guidance, and have authority to act in Gods name and perform saving ordinances, such as baptism.
  • Baptism Because this blessing of the gospel, when performed by proper priesthood authority, we can receive a remission of our sins and enter into the gate that leads to eternal life.
  • Holy Ghost Because of this blessing of the gospel we can receive personal revelation and guidance throughout our lives. We can also receive comfort during difficult times.

Friend November 2018 “The Correct Name of the Church” The prophet, Russell M. Nelson, directs church members to use the correct name of the church. Questions are answered to explain why. Also a book mark is included and an example cartoon of how to respond when people ask what church we belong to.

Friend July 2019 “It is His Church” When Taniela B. Wakolo of the Seventy was learning about the church, the missionaries asked him what he would name his grocery store if he had one. He said he would call after his name because it would be his store. They then ask who a church should be name after. He knew that the true Church would be named after Jesus because it’s His Church.  (Activity: In any language, the Church is still named after Jesus Christ. Match each language with the Church’s name in that language.

Ensign October 2020 “Family Study Fun: Act a Song”

Read 3 Nephi 27:8 together. Explain what each word in the name of the Church means: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

  1. Sing “The Church of Jesus Christ”(Children’s Songbook,77).
  2. Come up with actions for the different words in the song. For example, you could stand up when you sing the word “I,” touch your head when you sing “know,” and march in place for “follow.”
  3. Practice using these different actions as you sing the song together.

Discussion: Why is the full name of the Church important? How can you politely help people understand the full name of the Church when they refer to us as “Mormons”?

The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, 77)

Friend November 2018 A simplified version of the song that is easy to play. Also, a sing-along video.

The Cozy Red Cottage “The Church of Jesus Christ is on the Earth?

The Church of Jesus Christ is built upon His gospel.

3 Nephi 27:13–22

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 27-4 Nephi”

The Savior summarized His gospel in 3 Nephi 27. You might explain to your children that the word gospel means “good news.” What good news do we find in 3 Nephi 27:13–16? Use this week’s activity page to teach that the Savior’s Church is built upon His gospel. (see Bible Dictionary, “Gospels”)

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “October 19–25. 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi: “There Could Not Be a Happier People”

Write on the board principles of the gospel like faith, repentance, baptism, the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. Invite the children to search 3 Nephi 27:19–21, looking for these words or similar words in Jesus’s description of His gospel. Why are we grateful to know the gospel of Jesus Christ?

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. 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 3 Nephi 27:13–22, 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.

Heavenly Father rejoices when His children return to Him.

3 Nephi 27:30–31

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 27-4 Nephi”

  • Consider playing a game in which someone hides and others try to find him or her. This could lead to a conversation about the joy we feel when someone who was lost is found. After reading 3 Nephi 27:30–31, you could talk about how to help each other stay close to Heavenly Father so that “none … are lost.”

Friend February 2017 “The Best Part of the Week” Jenny’s family doesn’t go to church very often, but Jenny decides to go by herself after her friend invites her to sit with her family.
Friend November 2018 “Sharing Friendship” Elenoa’s parents buy extra copies of the Friend when they go to the temple. Elenoa and her siblings think of friends who haven’t been coming to Primary, and then they visit them and take them a Friend magazine and a treat. (Photos included in article.)

See more ideas for fellowshipping here.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “October 19–25. 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi: “There Could Not Be a Happier People”

  • To help family members understand the joy the Savior described in these verses, you could play a game in which family members hide and another family member tries to find them. This could lead to a conversation about why it’s important to find every family member so that “none of them are lost.” How can we help our family members stay strong in the gospel or return if they have left?

Friend April 2017 “Be Consistent and Keep Trying” Elder Bednar persisted in having family prayer and scripture study and in trying to get his father to join the church, and his persistence paid off.

Jesus Christ Blesses His Disciples

3 Nephi 28

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 38: Peace among the Nephites” 

As I purify my desires, I become a more faithful disciple.

3 Nephi 28:1–11

What would you say if the Savior asked you, as He asked His disciples, “What is it that ye desire of me?” (3 Nephi 28:1). Think about this as you read about the experience of the Savior’s disciples in 3 Nephi 28:1–11. What do you learn about the desires of the disciples’ hearts from their answers to His question?

Book of Mormon: Coloring Book “The Twelve Nephite Disciples” Nine of Jesus’s twelve disciples lived to age 72 because they wanted to speedily return to Jesus. The other three disciples wanted to live until Jesus comes again. Find the Three Nephites in the bottom half of the page who did not get old.

3 Nephi 28:17–18, 36–40

What can we learn from Mormon’s example when he did not understand everything about the change that happened to the three Nephite disciples? What can we do when we don’t understand everything about a gospel principle?

Peace in America

4 Nephi

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 48: Peace in America” Images and video

4 Nephi

Following Jesus Christ brings me joy.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 27-4 Nephi”

  • To help your children learn about the happiness of the people described in 4 Nephi, you could show them pictures of happy people. Then, as you read together verses 2–3 and 15–17 (or “Chapter 48: Peace in America,” Book of Mormon Stories, 136–37), they could point to the pictures when you get to something in the story that brings happiness.

Explain that the people in 4 Nephi had almost 200 years of happiness because they all tried their best to live the gospel. Help the children think of some commandments they could obey. For example, you could read them 4 Nephi 1:15 to teach that the people didn’t fight with each other anymore. Invite the children to act out obeying the commandments they thought of. Sing together a song about the joy that comes from living the gospel, such as “When We’re Helping” (Children’s Songbook, 198).Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “October 19–25. 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi: “There Could Not Be a Happier People”

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 27-4 Nephi”

  • To help your children practice what is taught in 4 Nephi 1:15–16, you could present them with situations where people are angry with each other. Invite them to role-play what the situation might be like if we have the “love of God” in our hearts.

Friend February 2019 “A Little Better Every Day” 

Friend October 2020 “Coloring Page: People Lived Happily” What can you do to help your family be happy?

Friend October 2020 “Faithful People Followed Jesus”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “October 19–25. 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi

  • Prepare strips of paper with phrases from 4 Nephi 1:2–3, 5, and 15–17 that describe the blessings the people received (such as “there was no contention in the land”). Put the papers in a container, and let each child pick one and read it. Encourage the children to find their phrase in these verses from 4 Nephi. What do we learn from these phrases? What similarities do we see between these verses and the definition of Zion in Moses 7:18?

The Red Crystal

Friend October 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Jesus Brings Joy”

In 4 Nephi, the Nephites were joyful because they followed Jesus Christ (see 4 Nephi 1:15–16). Take turns silently acting out things you do to follow the Savior that bring you joy. Have everyone else guess what the person is acting.

Come Follow Me Kid Smiley Faces – Print up the smiley faces on page 5 below. There are lots of ways these could be used, so do what you think will be best for your family. Some ideas:

  • Brainstorm ways your family could be more loving this week, write them on the back of the smiley faces, and string them onto yarn to make a banner.
  • For younger kids, have them color in a smiley face for each way they can think of for what we can do to make our home a happy and loving place this week.
  • For younger kids, have them color in a smiley face for each way they can think of for what we can do to make our home a happy and loving place this week.
  • Take turns saying something someone in the family does that makes you happy and give them a smiley face as you share.
  • Give each family member some smiley faces. Have them look for secret acts they can do throughout the week to help make the home a happy place and leave a smiley face behind whenever they do something (make someone’s bed, do their chores, make them a treat, etc.).
  • Write notes on the back of the smiley faces telling family members why they make you happy.
  • Use them to make a “Random Acts of Kindness Wall” as described here.

The Red Crystal

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “October 19–25. 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi

  • Read phrases from 4 Nephi 1:24–29, 34–35, and 43 that describe what happened when some of the Nephites stopped keeping the commandments. As you do, invite the children to make a sad face when they hear something that sounds unhappy. Testify that keeping the commandments leads to happiness.
  • Read with the children the following verses, and ask them to find reasons the Nephites and Lamanites no longer had peace and happiness: 4 Nephi 1:20, 24–29, 34–35, and 43. How can we avoid these dangers?

Lesson 38: Peace Among the Nephites Lesson ideas

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “October 19–25. 3 Nephi 27-4 Nephi

  • To reduce contention in your home, perhaps family members could set a goal to be more loving to each other this week. After the week is over, review your progress together and discuss how showing greater love has affected your family.

Ensign October 2020 “What Does it Mean to be Truly Converted?”

Latter Day Kids “”Living the Gospel Brings Joy”- Come Follow Me: Oct. 19th-25th” Also includes lesson ideas to go along with the below video.

Friend October 2024 “The People Live Happily”

Friend September 1988 Review of Story

Friend September 1988

Additional Resources

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal

The Cozy Red Cottage


3 Nephi 20-26

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3 Nephi CHAPTER 20 Jesus provides bread and wine miraculously and again administers the sacrament unto the people—The remnant of Jacob will come to the knowledge of the Lord their God and will inherit the Americas—Jesus is the prophet like unto Moses, and the Nephites are children of the prophets—Others of the Lord’s people will be gathered to Jerusalem. About A.D. 34.

3 Nephi CHAPTER 21 Israel will be gathered when the Book of Mormon comes forth—The Gentiles will be established as a free people in America—They will be saved if they believe and obey; otherwise, they will be cut off and destroyed—Israel will build the New Jerusalem, and the lost tribes will return. About A.D. 34.

3 Nephi CHAPTER 22 In the last days, Zion and her stakes will be established, and Israel will be gathered in mercy and tenderness—They will triumph—Compare Isaiah 54. About A.D. 34.

3 Nephi CHAPTER 23 Jesus approves the words of Isaiah—He commands the people to search the prophets—The words of Samuel the Lamanite concerning the Resurrection are added to their records. About A.D. 34.

3 Nephi CHAPTER 24 The Lord’s messenger will prepare the way for the Second Coming—Christ will sit in judgment—Israel is commanded to pay tithes and offerings—A book of remembrance is kept—Compare Malachi 3. About A.D. 34.

3 Nephi CHAPTER 25 At the Second Coming, the proud and wicked will be burned as stubble—Elijah will return before that great and dreadful day—Compare Malachi 4. About A.D. 34.

3 Nephi CHAPTER 26 Jesus expounds all things from the beginning to the end—Babes and children utter marvelous things that cannot be written—Those in the Church of Christ have all things in common among them. About A.D. 34.

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 46: Jesus Christ Teaches and Prays with the Nephites” Images and Video (Start video at the first image below.)

3 Nephi 20

I can pray in my heart.

3 Nephi 20:1

Friend April 2024 “Christ Praying with the Nephites” The Things Which He Prayed Cannot Be Written by Casey Childs

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 20–26: “Ye Are the Children of the Covenant”

  • Ask the children to show you what they do when they pray. What do they do with their arms? their heads? their eyes? Explain that sometimes we want to talk to Heavenly Father, but we can’t kneel or close our eyes. What can we do? Read to the children from 3 Nephi 20:1: “[Jesus] commanded them that they should not cease to pray in their hearts.” Tell the children how you pray in your heart.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 20–26: “Ye Are the Children of the Covenant”

  • Draw a mouth and a heart on the board. Ask the children to point to the mouth and tell you some things they say when they pray. Then ask them to point to the heart, and explain that we can say those same things in our hearts. Testify that Heavenly Father knows our feelings and thoughts.

Friend October 2024 “Learning to Pray” You can pray anytime, anywhere, and Heavenly Father will always listen. Follow the prompts to draw and write about how praying helps you. Where do you like to pray? How do you feel when you pray?

To help family members understand that we can “pray always,” you could make a list of circumstances in which we could pray (or draw pictures to represent them). Then your family could sing a song that teaches about prayer, such as “Did You Think to Pray?” (Hymns, no. 140), replacing some of the words in the song with the words from their lists. How does the Lord bless us when we pray always? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 )

Hey, you left your room this morning
Did you think to pray?
In the name of Christ our Savior
Did you sooth for loving favor as a shield today?

When you’ve met with great temptation
Did you think to pray?
By his dying love and merit
Did you claim the Holy Spirit as your guide today?

When your heart was filled with anger
Did you think to pray?
Did you plead for grace my brother
That you might forgive another who had crossed your way

Oh, how praying rests the weary
Prayer will change the night to day
So when life seems dark and dreary
Don’t forget to pray, don’t forget to pray

3 Nephi 22

Gathering Israel

3 Nephi 22:2

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 ” 3 Nephi 20–26: Ye Are the Children of the Covenant”

  • After reading this verse, maybe you could make a homemade tent and talk about how the Church is like a tent in a wilderness. What might it mean to “lengthen [its] cords” and “strengthen [its] stakes”? How do we invite others to find “shelter” in the Church? (see the video “Welcome”onComeuntoChrist.org)

Ensign October 2020 “Family Study Fun” Paper Name Gathering Game

We “gather Israel” when we help other people learn about the gospel. Jesus taught about this gathering in 3 Nephi 20–22.

  1. Give each person a piece of paper and ask them to write down any name that comes to mind.
  2. Everyone should close their eyes while one person hides the papers.
  3. Read 3 Nephi 20:18 and 39–40 out loud. How can you help other people learn about Jesus?
  4. While listening to a song about Jesus, invite everyone to help find the names and put them by a picture of the Savior.

Discussion: How does it make you feel to know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know each person by name?

More Missionary Ideas Here

3 Nephi 23

I can search the scriptures diligently.

3 Nephi 23:1, 5

The Savior told the multitude to search the scriptures, and He wanted to make sure they recorded the words of the prophets (see 3 Nephi 23:1, 5–1326:2).

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 20-26”

  • The Savior’s instructions in 3 Nephi 23 show how important the scriptures are to Him. To help your children discover this, you could read 3 Nephi 23:1, 5 aloud and ask them to listen for a word that is repeated three times. How is searching different from just reading?

President Marion G. Romney taught that the word search “means to inquire into, study, and examine for the purpose of discovering the meaning of. How can we search the scriptures? Tell the children how you search the scriptures and what you find there.

“How can I learn more when I read the scriptures?”(April 2009 Friend)
Elder David A. Bednar shares five principles for reading the scriptures.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 20–26: “Ye Are the Children of the Covenant” and 2024 Come Follow Me

  • Give each child a small card or piece of paper, and invite them to write the reference to a favorite scripture. (Give them suggestions if needed.) Let them take turns hiding their card in the room while the rest of the children cover their eyes. Ask the children to search for the scripture, and when they find it, read it together. What do we find in this scripture that is important to us (and meaningful)?

The Red Crystal

More Scripture Study Ideas Here

Family Records of Spiritual Experiences

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 ” 3 Nephi 20–26: Ye Are the Children of the Covenant”

  • 3 Nephi 23:6–13 If the Savior were to examine the records our family has kept, what questions might He ask us? Are there any important events or spiritual experiences that we should record? Now might be a good time to create or add to a family record and counsel together about what to include. Younger family members might enjoy decorating your record with photographs or drawings. Why is it important to record our family’s spiritual experiences?

Friend October 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Keeping a Record”

The Savior told the Nephites to keep a record of what He taught them and the things that happened to them (see 3 Nephi 23:4, 7–13). Draw or write about something good that happened to you this week. How has Heavenly Father blessed you?

3 Nephi 24

Paying tithing opens the windows of heaven.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 20-26”

  • Help your children search 3 Nephi 24:8–12 to find ways to complete this sentence: If I pay tithing, the Lord will … . You could also share an experience in which you were blessed because you paid tithing. If it would be helpful, consider writing a few amounts of money and helping your children calculate how much tithing (10 percent) to give for each amount.

The Red Crystal

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 20–26: “Ye Are the Children of the Covenant”

  • If your classroom has a window, invite the children to look at it. What can come into the room when the window is open? Read 3 Nephi 24:10, and explain that when we pay tithing, the “windows of heaven” open, and blessings can come into our lives.

Tithing Interactive Lessons

I’m Glad to Pay a Tithing Song: Part One and Part Two

  • This week’s activity page can help your children talk about some of the ways the Lord uses tithing to bless the members of His Church. Maybe they could draw pictures (or find pictures in Church magazines) of ways tithing blesses them.

Color the pictures, then cut out the circle and the spinner. Attach the spinner to the center of the circle, and rotate it to see some ways your tithing helps the Lord’s work.

Ensign October 2018 “Where Tithing Money Goes”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 20–26: “Ye Are the Children of the Covenant”

  • Junior Primay: Show the children 10 coins (or other small objects). Invite them to count the coins with you. Testify that everything we have is a blessing from Heavenly Father. Separate one coin, and explain that when we pay tithing, we give back to Heavenly Father one-tenth of what we earn. Show pictures that represent how tithing is used to bless the Lord’s Church (such as building temples, spreading the gospel, and so on; see Gospel Art Book, nos. 109–10118–19).

Friend October 2020 “Funstuff: Tithing Time”Count the coins. For every 10 that you count, color one.

  • Senior Primary: Write a few money amounts on the board, and help the children calculate how much tithing (10 percent) we should give for each amount. Show them how to fill out a tithing donation slip.

Friend September 2017 “Blessings of Tithing” Paying tithing means giving 10 percent of what we earn to the Lord. Move the decimal one spot to the left to find out how much these kids would pay for tithing.

  • Sing together a song about tithing, like “I Want to Give the Lord My Tenth” (Children’s Songbook, 150). Point out phrases that teach why we pay tithing.

Friend October 2024 “What is Tithing”

Media Library “Come Create with Me | Games | Tithing”

Come Follow Me Kid has a tithing game, visual aids, a printable to make a tithing box, and lesson ideas.

Latter Day Kids lesson ideas

More ideas for what tithing is used for can be found here

3 Nephi 25

Heavenly Father wants me to learn about my ancestors.

As prophesied in these verses, Elijah has restored the sealing keys that let us be with our families for eternity. How will you inspire your children to search for and learn about their ancestors? How can you encourage your children to perform (temple) ordinances for their ancestors when they are older?

3 Nephi 25:5–6

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 20-26”

  • (Tell the children that 3 Nephi 25:5–6 contains a prophecy about an event that would happen in the latter days. Invite them to read these verses to find out what it was. Testify that this prophecy has been fulfilled, and invite the children to read about it in Doctrine and Covenants 110:13–16(see also Gospel Art Book, no. 95). Explain that when we learn about our ancestors and do temple work for them, our hearts are turning to our fathers.)
 Gospel Art Book, no. 95
  • Younger children could put their hand on their heart every time they hear the word “heart” as you read these verses. 3 Nephi 25:5–6 (Explain that Heavenly Father wants “the children”—all of us—to learn about and feel love for “the fathers”—our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.)

Friend August 2002 “The Heart of the Children” Fold the hearts in half, and glue each half to a half of a different heart (see illustration).

  • Help your children fill out a family tree with names of their parents and grandparents. (Encourage them to ask their parents to help them add more names.) What stories could you share about one of your ancestors? Show pictures if possible. You could also sing together “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 188) and talk with your children about why families are important in Heavenly Father’s plan.

Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) “3 Nephi 25”

Friend July 2023 “My Family Tree”

Friend September 2019 “Family History, Step by Step” Mei finds a photo of her great-great grandmother and learns more about her. Then she and her mom put the information she had learned onto familysearch.org. Finally, Mei went to the temple as was baptized for her.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 ” 3 Nephi 20–26: Ye Are the Children of the Covenant”

  • How will you help your family members turn their hearts to their fathers? Maybe you could assign family members to learn about one of your ancestors and share with the rest of the family what they learn (see FamilySearch.org). Or you could work together to find an ancestor who needs temple ordinances and plan a temple trip to perform those ordinances.

Friend October 2024 “5 Ways to Do Family History”

Ensign October 2022 “Turning Our Hearts Here are some fun ideas that can help even the youngest members of your family learn about your heritage—all from the comfort of your home.

More Family History Ideas Here

Additional Resources

Book of Mormon Stories for Young Readers “Faithful People Followed Jesus”

The Cozy Red Cottage

The Red Crystal


3 Nephi 17-19

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3 Nephi CHAPTER 17 Jesus directs the people to ponder His words and pray for understanding—He heals their sick—He prays for the people, using language that cannot be written—Angels minister to and fire encircles their little ones. About A.D. 34.

3 Nephi CHAPTER 18 Jesus institutes the sacrament among the Nephites—They are commanded to pray always in His name—Those who eat His flesh and drink His blood unworthily are damned—The disciples are given power to confer the Holy Ghost. About A.D. 34.

3 Nephi CHAPTER 19 The twelve disciples minister unto the people and pray for the Holy Ghost—The disciples are baptized and receive the Holy Ghost and the ministering of angels—Jesus prays using words that cannot be written—He attests to the exceedingly great faith of these Nephites. About A.D. 34.

Jesus Heals the Sick and Blesses the Children

3 Nephi 17

Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon “Lesson 35: Jesus Christ Heals the Sick and Blesses the Children” Because the Nephite people who gathered at Bountiful were not sufficiently prepared, the Savior could not tell them everything that Heavenly Father wanted them to know. What did Jesus ask the people to do? (Have the children fill in the blanks from 3 Nephi 17:3.) Following a conference, sacrament meeting, or Primary, what should you do to help you understand what you have heard?

The Savior loves each of Heavenly Father’s children.

3 Nephi 17:7, 20–25

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 44: Jesus Christ Blesses the Children” Video and Images

Friend October 2024 “Jesus Blessed One by One”

Lesson 35: Jesus Christ Heals the Sick and Blesses the Children

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 17-19”

  • You could use a picture like those in this outline or the video “Jesus Christ Prays and Angels Minister to the Children” (Gospel Library) to help your children visualize the account in 3 Nephi 17. Consider reading phrases or verses from 3 Nephi 17 that emphasize the Savior’s love for the people (such as verses 7 and 20–25). Your children could then draw a picture of themselves with Jesus. As they do, help them think of ways that Jesus has shown His love for them.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 17–19: “Behold, My Joy Is Full” Have the children draw a picture of themselves with Jesus on the last square.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 17–19:

  • Testify that Jesus loves children very much, and this is why He blessed them and prayed for them.
  • Invite the children to share how they might have felt if they were among the children whom the Savior blessed. If possible, show the video “My Joy Is Full” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) to help them imagine this event. What did the Savior do to show His love? What can we do to prepare ourselves to be with Him when He comes again?

“Jesus Christ Blesses the Children” (June 2009 Friend)
A rebus story 

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Jesus Blessed the Children”

Friend September 2020 “Coloring Page”

Ensign October 2020 “Family Study Fun”

Read 3 Nephi 17:21–25 with your family, which describes the Savior ministering to people after His Resurrection. Talk about what it might have felt like to be there.

  1. Draw or write these body parts on pieces of paper: hands, feet, knees, arms, eyes, and mouth. Pass them out to different family members.
  2. Listen to “Had I Been a Child” from pages 80–81 of the Children’s Songbook 
  3. Whenever a body part is mentioned in the song, have the family member holding that paper lift it up for everyone to see.

The Red Crystal

“Had I Been A Child” Lyrics

  1. 1. Had I been a child when Jesus came Unto the Nephites that blessed day And showed them the wounds in his hands and his feet And knelt with them to pray.
  2. 2. Then he might have held me safe in his arms; He might have looked in my eyes and said A word, with his blessing of kindness and love, His hands placed upon my head.
  3. 3. Someday, when the Savior comes again, Oh, how I hope that my heart will be As pure as the hearts of the children that day Who gathered around his knee.

Discussion: Talk about how Jesus has a resurrected body and how one day we’ll have a resurrected body too. Jesus used His body to serve others. How can we serve others and show them love?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 17-19”

  • As you read this chapter as a family, consider pausing from time to time to invite your family to imagine experiencing these events firsthand. For example, you might ask questions like “What afflictions would you bring to the Savior to be healed?” “What would you want Him to pray for in your behalf?” or “What loved ones would you want Him to bless?” Reading this chapter may also inspire you to pray for your family members, one by one, as Jesus did.

More Ideas for “Jesus Loves Us” Here

Jesus institutes the sacrament among the Nephites

3 Nephi 18-19

I can think about Jesus when I take the sacrament. As I take the sacrament, I can be filled with the Holy Ghost.

3 Nephi 18:1–12

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 45: Jesus Christ Teaches about the Sacrament and Prayer” Video and Images

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 17-19”

  • Perhaps you could invite your children to tell you what happens during the sacrament. Then you could read 3 Nephi 18:1–12 and ask your children to raise a hand (or stand up) when they hear something that is similar to what we do today. What does Jesus Christ want us to remember or think about during the sacrament? (see 3 Nephi 18:7, 11).

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 17–19:

  • Hum, sing, or play a hymn or Primary song while the children color pictures that can help them remember the Savior during the sacrament (see this week’s activity page). Encourage them to look at these pictures to help them remember Jesus when they partake of the sacrament.
  • Sing together a song about reverence, such as “Reverently, Quietly” (Children’s Songbook, 26). How can reverently taking the sacrament help us feel the Spirit? How does it help us make righteous choices?

Friend May 2024 “Jesus Christ Blesses the Sacrament” In Remembrance of Him (Jesus Institutes the Sacrament) by Casey Childs

Lesson 36: Jesus Christ Gives the Sacrament to the Nephites

Friend October 2024 “A Reminder to Remember” Make this craft to help you remember Jesus Christ! In the white box, write some things you can do during the week to think of the Savior. Then cut on the dotted lines. Hang your goals on a doorknob where you’ll see them often to help you remember Him.

Friend October 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities” For younger children: Read the scripture 3 Nephi 18:7 out loud to your little ones. Tell them to put their hand on their heart every time you hear the word “remember.” Talk about how you can remember Jesus Christ.

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Jesus Introduced the Sacrament to the Nephites”

Latter Day Kids “Come Follow Me: Renewing Our Covenants” Video and lesson ideas

Friend October 2020 “Come, Follow Me for Little Ones” Read 3 Nephi 18:6 together and help your little ones say, “The sacrament helps me remember Jesus.” Then help them make a booklet to remember Jesus during church. Staple folded pieces of paper together and fill them with gospel pictures or drawings. You could cut out pictures from Church magazines or print coloring pages at lessonhelps.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 17-19”

  • What does it mean to be “filled” by partaking of the sacrament, and how do we experience it? What do we learn from verses 5–7 about why Jesus gave us the ordinance of the sacrament?

More Sacrament Ideas Here

Jesus teaches me how to pray. Praying will help me be close to Heavenly Father.

3 Nephi 18:15–2419:6–9, 15–36

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 46: Jesus Christ Teaches and Prays with the Nephites” Video and Images

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 17-19”

  • Singing together a song about prayer, such as “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13), is a good way to help your children think about why we pray. (Invite the children to share what they learn about prayer from the song. Share your testimony of prayer.)
  • You and your children could then read 3 Nephi 18:18–21 and talk about what Jesus taught about prayer. (What do we learn from these verses about the purposes of prayer?) Inviting your children to tell you how they feel when they pray could help them share their testimony of prayer.

  • It may be fun for children to go on a hunt for some of the treasured blessings of prayer. You could write the following scripture references on pieces of paper and hide them: 3 Nephi 18:153 Nephi 18:203 Nephi 18:213 Nephi 19:9; and 3 Nephi 19:23. Your children could then find the papers and read the verses, looking for things Jesus Christ or His disciples taught about prayer.

Friend October 2020 “Jesus Taught Us How to Pray”

Lesson 37: Jesus Christ Teaches the Nephites to Pray Lesson ideas

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 17–19: “Behold, My Joy Is Full”

On the board, write I thank thee for _______. Give the children one minute to think of as many things as they can to fill in the blank. Why is it good for us to express gratitude to Heavenly Father? Then write I ask thee for on the board, and read together 3 Nephi 18:18–21 and 19:9, 23, looking for ideas about what we should pray for.

Ensign October 2020 “How can I pray as the Savior taught?” Christ visited the Nephites, He prayed with them 11 times. Through word and example, He taught them how they should pray.

More Prayer Ideas Here

Additional Resources

Friend September 2016 “Jesus Visits the Nephites” & “Book of Mormon Stories for Young Readers” Video

Friend August 1988 “The Book of Mormon: Jesus in America”

Friend August 1988

Friend August 1988

Friend August 1988

Friend August 1988
Friend August 1988

Additional Resources: Resources by Topic ” Jesus Christ Visits the Americas

Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon “Lesson 35: Jesus Christ Heals the Sick and Blesses the Children”  Questions to ask for each verse as you read 3 Nephi 17 together as a family.

Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon “Lesson 36: Jesus Christ Gives the Sacrament to the Nephites” Questions to ask for each verse as you read 3 Nephi 18: 1-14 together as a family.

Friend October 2020 “Cover”

Book of Mormon Scripture Figures: “Jesus Heals the Sick and Blesses Children” (September 2012 Liahona and Friend)

Coloring page: “Jesus Christ Blesses the Little Children” (January 2013 Friend)

Come Follow Me Kid lesson ideas

The Red Crystal

The Cozy Red Cottage


3 Nephi 12-16

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3 Nephi CHAPTER 12 Jesus calls and commissions the twelve disciples—He delivers to the Nephites a discourse similar to the Sermon on the Mount—He speaks the Beatitudes—His teachings transcend and take precedence over the law of Moses—Men are commanded to be perfect even as He and His Father are perfect—Compare Matthew 5. About A.D. 34.

3 Nephi CHAPTER 13 Jesus teaches the Nephites the Lord’s Prayer—They are to lay up treasures in heaven—The twelve disciples in their ministry are commanded to take no thought for temporal things—Compare Matthew 6. About A.D. 34.

3 Nephi CHAPTER 14 Jesus commands: Judge not; ask of God; beware of false prophets—He promises salvation to those who do the will of the Father—Compare Matthew 7. About A.D. 34.

3 Nephi CHAPTER 15 Jesus announces that the law of Moses is fulfilled in Him—The Nephites are the other sheep of whom He spoke in Jerusalem—Because of iniquity, the Lord’s people in Jerusalem do not know of the scattered sheep of Israel. About A.D. 34.

3 Nephi CHAPTER 16 Jesus will visit others of the lost sheep of Israel—In the latter days the gospel will go to the Gentiles and then to the house of Israel—The Lord’s people will see eye to eye when He brings again Zion. About A.D. 34.

Friend October 2024 “I Can Read the Book of Mormon” 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.

3 Nephi 12

Jesus Called Twelve Apostles

Who did Jesus Christ say the Nephites should listen to and obey? (3 Nephi 12:1.) Why is it important that we listen to and obey our Church leaders today?

Jesus Teaches the Beatitudes

Lesson 34: Jesus Teaches the Beatitudes

Friend March 1984

Friend March 1984

I should hunger and thirst after righteousness.

3 Nephi 12:6

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 12–16:

  • Without letting the other children hear, ask one child to pretend to eat or drink, and let the other children guess what he or she is doing. How does it feel to eat good food or drink clean water? How do we nourish our spirits? Invite the children to read 3 Nephi 12:6 to find out what the Savior wants us to “hunger and thirst after.” How do we show that we want righteousness as much as we want food and drink?
  • Have pictures of food and drink with scriptures printed on them. Cut off a little piece like a bite and see what the children can learn from that piece. Give them the rest of the that item and ask what they learn from the whole scripture. Explain that a little nibble here and there isn’t enough to keep us spiritually fed and strong.

See more ideas here Feast Upon the Words of Christ

Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God

Ensign September 2020 “Come, Follow Me: Book of Mormon—Support Articles and Activities: 3 Nephi 12-16”

  • Jesus Christ taught the twelve Nephite disciples that they would be blessed as they followed His commandments. Our Heavenly Father knows that we need certain things, and He promises that we will receive them as we seek His kingdom first in our lives. (See 3 Nephi 13:31–33.)

I can be a good example by following Jesus.

3 Nephi 12:14–16

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 12-16”

  • Sometimes children might not realize how much their examples can bless others. Use 3 Nephi 12:14–16 to encourage them to let their light shine. For example, when you read “you” or “your” in these verses, ask your children to point to themselves. Tell the children about the light you see in them when they follow Jesus Christ and how it inspires you to follow Him too. You could also sing together a song that encourages the children to shine like a light, such as “I Am like a Star” (Children’s Songbook, 163).
  • To encourage your children not to hide their light (see 3 Nephi 12:15), let them take turns hiding or covering a lamp or other light. They could uncover the light each time they name something they can do to be a good example to others.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 12–16: “I Am the Law, and the Light” Tell the children about the light you see in them when they do “good works,” and explain how their light and examples help others and inspire you to do good works too.

Latter Day Kids “Let Your Light So Shine”- Come Follow Me” Video and lesson ideas to go along with it.

Video: The moose gets lost at sea and he doesn’t know which way to go. A lighthouse light guides him back home.

More ideas for being a good Example

3 Nephi 13

I should do good things for the right reasons.

3 Nephi 13:1–8, 16–18

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 12–16: “I Am the Law, and the Light”

  • Ask each child to search 3 Nephi 13:1–45–8, or 16–18 and identify the good works mentioned in these verses (explain that doing “alms” means giving to the poor). Why did the Savior say not to be like some of the people doing these things?

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “Matthew 6:1–18”

Think about the following statement: Gustavo fixed his neighbor’s fence.

Stick Figure
  • What do you think about Gustavo?

Would your opinion change if Gustavo fixed the fence because he broke it in a fit of rage? What if he fixed it as part of a service project that his mom made him attend? What if he fixed it because he didn’t want his neighbor’s dog coming into his yard or because he was trying to impress his neighbor’s daughter? Or what if he simply wanted to be kind?

  • Why are our motives important?

We read in Matthew 6 that the Savior continued His Sermon on the Mount and taught about motives for doing good works. To help you think about the reasons you do good works such as ministering, serving others, praying, and attending [church], do the following activity.

Create a three-column chart in your study journal. Fill out the top of the chart as follows:

What are three good works you have done in the past week? (List one per row.)What were your reasons for doing them?How did you feel after you did these good works?
  • Give each child a slip of paper with a righteous act written on it (or let them think of their own examples). Ask them to think of good reasons and bad reasons for doing those things. Encourage them to always do good things for the right reasons.

“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”

3 Nephi 13:19–21

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 12-16”

  • Reading these verses could prompt a discussion about the things we treasure. Maybe you could lead your children on a treasure hunt to find things that remind them of treasures with eternal value.
  • Are there some treasures on earth that are keeping you from laying up treasures in heaven?

Friend January 2017 “The Next Level” Max takes a week off from playing games and he learns new things, spends time with his family, serves, and feels the Spirit.

Friend October 2016 Which is laying up treasures in heaven.

Ensign September 2020 “Family Study Fun”

Read 3 Nephi 13:19–21 together and talk about what it means to focus on heavenly treasure.

  1. Decorate or label a box as a “treasure chest.” Invite each family member to put a gospel item inside (Book of Mormon, picture of ancestor, temple recommend, etc.).
  2. Tell everyone to close their eyes while one person hides the treasure chest nearby. Then everyone should try to find it.
  3. When someone finds the treasure, they should take their item out of the box and share why it is special to them.
  4. Take turns hiding and sharing until all the treasure is gone.

Discussion: Why is spiritual treasure more valuable than earthly treasure? What can our family do to focus on spiritual instead of earthly treasure this week?

Friend October 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Treasure Box” Jesus Christ said, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (3 Nephi 13:21). Decorate a box with hearts and pictures of the Savior. Then write or draw things that you can do to be like Him and put them in your new treasure box. You can look through your box each Sunday to remind you to follow Jesus that week!

For younger children: Help your child find their heartbeat or your heartbeat. Talk about how we can’t see our hearts but we can feel them. Similarly, we can’t see God but we can feel His love.

3 Nephi 14

Heavenly Father answers my prayers.

3 Nephi 14:7–11

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 12-16”

  • As you read 3 Nephi 14:7, your children could do actions that represent each of the Savior’s invitations in this verse. For example, they could raise their hands (ask), make binoculars with their hands (seek), or pretend to knock on a door (knock). Help your children think of things they can say and ask for in their prayers.

Friend January 2021 “Jaechan’s First Day” Jaechan was excited to start school. But after his mom dropped him off at the gate, he got lost in the school halls and couldn’t find his classroom. He was scared and said a prayer asking for his mom to come find him. A few minutes later his mom came around the corner. She had a feeling she should check to make sure he made it to class okay.

  • Your children might enjoy a game in which they ask for something and receive something entirely different. In 3 Nephi 14:7–11, what did the Savior want us to know about our Father in Heaven?

Come Follow Me Kid

Friend September 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones”

  • Read 3 Nephi 13:9–13 together and help your little ones say, “Heavenly Father wants me to pray to Him.” Collect pictures of people doing different gospel activities, including praying, from Church magazines or at medialibrary.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Turn all the pictures upside-down, then take turns flipping them over. Whenever you see someone praying, help everyone practice folding their arms, bowing their heads, and closing their eyes.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 12–16: “I Am the Law, and the Light”

  • President Russell M. Nelson said: “Does God really want to speak to you? Yes! … Oh, there is so much more that your Father in Heaven wants you to know” (“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 95).

The Savior wants me to hear and do what He teaches.

3 Nephi 14:21–2715:1

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 12-16”

  • Think of ways you could help your children visualize the parable in these verses. Perhaps they could draw pictures, do actions, or build things on solid and sandy foundations. They could also substitute their names for “wise man” as they read 3 Nephi 14:24–27 or sing “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” (Children’s Songbook, 281). Or they could stand up every time they hear the word “doeth” in 3 Nephi 14:21–27 and 15:1.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 12–16: “I Am the Law, and the Light”

  • As a class, read 3 Nephi 14:21–27 and 15:1, and ask the children to stand up every time you read the word “doeth.” Why does the Savior emphasize doing His sayings, not just hearing or remembering? Invite the children to draw a picture of verses 24–25 and write on the rock “Jesus” and something Jesus taught us to do.
Friend March 2015
Friend March 2015 Wise man & Foolish man

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 12-16”

  • Here’s an object lesson you could try: ask your children to imagine that one of their legs represents hearing the Savior’s words and the other represents doing what the Savior taught. Invite your children to try to balance only on their “hearing” leg. What would happen if a strong wind blew through the room? Then you and your children could look for specific things the Savior taught us to do: see 3 Nephi 12:3–12, 21–2613:5–8.

Use this example to illustrate why it is safer to do what the Savior says and not just hear His words.

Spiritual safety comes from hearing and doing what the Savior teaches.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 12–16: “I Am the Law, and the Light”

  • Show the children a rock and some sand. Ask them to point to the rock when you describe a choice to follow the Savior and point to the sand when you describe a choice not to follow Him. Testify that when we do what the Savior says, we are strong like a house built on a rock.

Come Follow Me Kid

Some possible choices:
Sleeping during scripture study time.
Sharing your favorite treat with a friend.
Listening carefully to the scriptures.
Telling someone thank you.
Hurting someone because you’re mad at them.
Sitting in sacrament meeting reverently.
Saying meaningful prayers.
Telling Mom/Dad “no” when they ask you to help them clear the table.
Giving your sibling a hug.
Saying nice words to other people.

Sing together “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” (Children’s Songbook, 281), or read 3 Nephi 14:24–27. Help the children substitute their names for “the wise man” as they sing. Why did the wise man’s house stay standing during the storm? Review verse 24 to emphasize that he both heard and did what the Savior said.

3 Nephi 15-16

Jesus is the Good Shepherd

Book of Mormon Stories “The Good Shepherd” Images and Video

Friend September 2020 “Family Night Fun”

See more about Jesus being the Good Shepherd here.

Additional Resources

Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) “3 Nephi 12:1-16”

The Beatitudes

ReferenceAttribute
3 Nephi 12:3Poor in spirit. To be humble, or “to recognize gratefully [one’s] dependence on the Lord—to understand that [one has] constant need for His support. Humility is an acknowledgment that [one’s] talents and abilities are gifts from God” (True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference [2004], 86).
3 Nephi 12:4Mourn. To feel and express sorrow about something. A person may mourn for the trials of mortality that they and others experience. A person may also mourn because of sorrow for sin.
3 Nephi 12:5Meek. To be “Godfearing, righteous, humble, teachable, and patient under suffering” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Meek, Meekness,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
3 Nephi 12:6Hunger and thirst after righteousness. To have a great desire to know and do the will of God.
3 Nephi 12:7Merciful. To be “compassionate, respectful, forgiving, gentle, and patient, even when you are aware of others’ shortcomings” (True to the Faith, 103).
3 Nephi 12:8Pure in heart. To be counted among those who “love the Lord, who seek to follow Him and keep His commandments, who are striving to live virtuous lives and endure faithfully to the end. The pure in heart are those who control their thoughts to keep themselves free from immoral fantasies and deeds” (Sheldon F. Child, “Words of Jesus: Chastity,” Ensign or Liahona, Jan. 2003, 44).
3 Nephi 12:9Peacemaker. “To help people find common ground when others are seeing differences” (Henry B. Eyring, “Learning in the Priesthood,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 63).
3 Nephi 12:10–12 Persecuted for Christ’s name’s sake. To be willing to obey and defend Jesus Christ and His teachings, even when one may be mocked or mistreated for doing so.

The Red Crystal

News with Naylors

Come Follow Me FHE

Uncover things that we should treasure in our hearts.” Give your child the paintbrush and have them slowly brush away the rice or sand to uncover the gold coins. Discuss these pictures with your child and describe their importance. On the coins are images of things that we should value. If they get a blank coin, have them share something important to them.


3 Nephi 8-11

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3 Nephi CHAPTER 8 Tempests, earthquakes, fires, whirlwinds, and physical upheavals attest the crucifixion of Christ—Many people are destroyed—Darkness covers the land for three days—Those who remain bemoan their fate. About A.D. 33–34.

3 Nephi CHAPTER 9 In the darkness, the voice of Christ proclaims the destruction of many people and cities for their wickedness—He also proclaims His divinity, announces that the law of Moses is fulfilled, and invites men to come unto Him and be saved. About A.D. 34.

3 Nephi CHAPTER 10 There is silence in the land for many hours—The voice of Christ promises to gather His people as a hen gathers her chickens—The more righteous part of the people have been preserved. About A.D. 34–35.

3 Nephi CHAPTER 11 The Father testifies of His Beloved Son—Christ appears and proclaims His Atonement—The people feel the wound marks in His hands and feet and side—They cry Hosanna—He sets forth the mode and manner of baptism—The spirit of contention is of the devil—Christ’s doctrine is that men should believe and be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost. About A.D. 34.

Signs of Christ’s Crucifixion Occur: Disasters and Darkness

Lesson 33: The Savior Appears to the Nephites

3 Nephi 8-9

When I am in darkness, Jesus Christ can be my light.

3 Nephi 8–9

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 8-11”

  • To help your children relate to the experiences described in 3 Nephi 8–9, you could retell or listen to a recording of portions of these chapters in a darkened room. Discuss what it might have been like to be in darkness for three days. Then you could talk about why Jesus Christ called Himself the Light of the World (see 3 Nephi 9:18). What did Jesus invite the people, and us, to do so He can be our light? (see 3 Nephi 9:20–22).

Ensign September 2020 “Come, Follow Me Shareable Scriptures”

Just as the sun is necessary for light which living things on the earth need to live, it is necessary for us to follow Jesus because he is the light that shows the way to Eternal Life.

Friend September 2020 “Family Night Fun”

Friend September 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones”

Turn off the lights and shine a light on a picture of Jesus as you read 3 Nephi 9:18. Then help your little ones say, “Jesus is the Light of the World.” You could also read the scripture story on pages FJ4–FJ6. Testify that Jesus knows each one of us individually. He loves us!

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 8–11: “Arise and Come Forth unto Me”

  • Show the children a map of the world, and help them find Jerusalem and the Americas. Explain that the destruction described in 3 Nephi 8 was a sign to the people in the Americas that Jesus Christ had been crucified in Jerusalem. Read together 3 Nephi 11:1–15, and ask the children to tell you when they find something in these verses that helps them feel God’s love. Share verse 37, and testify that the Savior loves all children. Bear your testimony about the truth of what you are reading.

The Red Crystal

Broken Heart and Contrite Spirit

For the Strength of Youth September 2024 “Fun Stop” The Savior has taught us that we should have a “broken heart,” which means to be humble, repentant, and meek (3 Nephi 9:20; Guide to the Scriptures, “Broken Heart,” Gospel Library). Can you break this heart symbol into seven pieces by drawing only three straight lines? There is more than one right answer. (Write on each piece a broken heart characteristic.)

3 Nephi 10

Jesus protects His people as a hen protects her chicks.

3 Nephi 10:4–6

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 8-11”

  • The imagery of a hen gathering her chicks can be a powerful teaching tool to help children understand the Savior’s character and mission. You could read 3 Nephi 10:4–6 while your family looks at a picture of a hen and chicks. Why would a hen need to gather her chicks? Why does the Savior want to gather us close to Him? How do we come to Him for safety?

Latter Day Kids “Come Follow Me: How Oft Will I Gather You?” Videos and Lesson ideas.

Media Library: Come Create with Me | Games | Find the Chicks

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 8-11”

  • Show a picture of a hen caring for her chicks. Read 3 Nephi 10:6, and tell the children about how a hen calls to her chicks and protects them under her wings when there is danger. Discuss how Jesus is like the hen and we are like the chicks. How can we come to Him to find safety?
  • Place a picture of Jesus on a wall. Invite the children to walk around the classroom as you read 3 Nephi 10:4 out loud. Tell them to move toward the picture of Jesus when they hear the words “gathered” or “gather.” Repeat this activity as you read verses 5 and 6. Share with the children how you have come to the Savior for safety, and testify that He will protect us from spiritual dangers as we keep His commandments.

Friend September 2024 “Jesus Gathers Us Like a Hen Gathers Her Chicks”

Come Follow Me Kid

Hen Craft – Let each family member choose a chick on page 9 below Have them write their name on that chick and color it. Discuss specific ways Christ can protect us and take care of us when we come to Him. Put the hen together (on page 8 below) with a brad or tape holding the wing on at the top. Have each family member take turns stating something they can do to come unto Christ and/or a way Christ has or will protect them when they’re close to Him. As they share, they can place their chick underneath the hen’s wing to visualize the comfort and safety that can come to us as we follow and stay close to Christ. (Hen and chicks designed by Crystal from theredcrystal.org).

Jesus Christ Appears to the Nephites

3 Nephi 11

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 43: Jesus Christ Appears to the Nephites” Video and Images

Friend November 2013  “Jesus Appears to the Nephite People”

God speaks to me in a soft, small voice.

3 Nephi 11:1–8

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 8-11”

  • Perhaps you could read some of these verses in a soft, “small voice” (3 Nephi 11:3). Or you could play a recording of a song like “This Is My Beloved Son” (Children’s Songbook, 76) softly so that it is difficult to hear. What did the people have to do to understand the voice from heaven? (see verses 5–7). What do we learn from their experience?

Liahona September 2024 “Come, Follow Me Family Fun: Hearing God’s Voice”

3 Nephi 11:5

In 3 Nephi 11, we read how the Nephites could not hear the voice of God until they turned their eyes toward the voice and opened their ears.

  1. Stand across from someone. Turn around so you’re not looking at each other.
  2. One person is the speaker, and the other is the listener. Have the listener cover his or her ears.
  3. Have the speaker say a phrase in a quiet voice, like “I’m trying to be like Jesus.”
  4. See if the listener can tell what the speaker is saying.
  5. Now have the listener uncover his or her ears and turn toward the person speaking.
  6. The speaker repeats the same phrase.

Discussion: Was it easier to hear the voice when the listener faced the speaker? Read 3 Nephi 11:5. How can you turn your eyes and open your ears to God’s voice today?

I can learn to recognize God’s voice in my life.

3 Nephi 11:1–8

Ask the children to read verses 5–7 to find out what the people did that helped them understand the voice.

Ensign September 2020 “Family Study Fun”

Read 3 Nephi 11:3–7 together. Before Jesus Christ appeared to the people in Bountiful, they had to “open their ears” to the words of God.

  1. Invite everyone to turn to each other and talk about their day.
  2. Meanwhile, have someone softly read 3 Nephi 11:7. Then ask the group if they can repeat what was said.
  3. Read the scripture again, this time with everyone listening quietly. Now repeat the verse together.

Discussion: Why was it easier to remember the verse the second time? How can we eliminate distractions and “open our ears” to the Spirit this week?

Jesus Christ invites me to come to Him.

3 Nephi 11:1–15

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 8-11”

  • How will you help your children feel the Spirit as you read 3 Nephi 11:1–15 together? Perhaps you could ask them to tell you when they find something in these verses that helps them feel God’s love. You could do the same with the pictures in this outline or the video “Jesus Christ Appears at the Temple” (Gospel Library). Tell your children about how you feel when you read and ponder these events. Let them share their feelings too.

Jesus Called Twelve Apostles

Friend November 2024 “Christ Gives Power to Bless the Nephites” The Disciples Whom He Had Chosen by Casey Childs

Jesus Christ wants me to be baptized.

3 Nephi 11:21–26

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 8-11”

  • As you read 3 Nephi 11:21–26, you could invite your children to stand up every time they hear the word baptize. What did Jesus teach about baptism? If your children have seen a baptism before, ask them to describe what they saw. Why does Jesus want us to be baptized?

Friend March 2021 “Matt and Mandy” Matt invites a friend to his baptism. His friend asks why he is getting baptized. Matt explains the fourth article of faith to him.

Additional Resources

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Jesus Appears to the Nephites”

Friend August 1988 Review

Friend August 1988

Book of Mormon Stories for Young Readers  “Jesus Visited the Americas” Video and Images (Also found in Friend September 2016)

Friend September 2020 “One by One” Action Rhyme

Gospel Art Book, no. 82

Friend April 2017

Image: “Christ Comes to America”

Coloring page: “Jesus Appears to the Nephites” (November 2013 Friend)

The Red Crystal

The Cozy Red Cottage Lesson ideas

Activity 3: Heart demonstration & journal page. Print and cut out the heart. Tape two different colored
papers (preferably a light and dark color) together and place behind the heart opening. Elder Hales taught “Light and darkness cannot occupy the same space at the same time. Where the light of Christ is found, the darkness of Lucifer, even Satan, must depart, defeated.” This idea is based off this quote and I hope I explain this idea in a way that makes sense. What do we allow to take up space in our heart? Is it kindness, joy, gratitude, faith, hope, love or is it anger, fear, jealously, guilt, contention, etc. Share some of these things with your family and as you do move the heart towards the dark or the light. Notice how the colors in the heart change. Do we allow so much anger to fill up our heart that there is little room for joy. Or do we allow faith to fill our heart that there is little to no room for fear? There is only so much space-what are we filling our hearts with?

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