Alma 32-35

Posted on

Alma CHAPTER 32 Alma teaches the poor whose afflictions had humbled them—Faith is a hope in that which is not seen which is true—Alma testifies that angels minister to men, women, and children—Alma compares the word unto a seed—It must be planted and nourished—Then it grows into a tree from which the fruit of eternal life is picked. About 74 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 33 Zenos taught that men should pray and worship in all places, and that judgments are turned away because of the Son—Zenock taught that mercy is bestowed because of the Son—Moses had lifted up in the wilderness a type of the Son of God. About 74 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 34 Amulek testifies that the word is in Christ unto salvation—Unless an atonement is made, all mankind must perish—The whole law of Moses points toward the sacrifice of the Son of God—The eternal plan of redemption is based on faith and repentance—Pray for temporal and spiritual blessings—This life is the time for men to prepare to meet God—Work out your salvation with fear before God. About 74 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 35 The preaching of the word destroys the craft of the Zoramites—They expel the converts, who then join the people of Ammon in Jershon—Alma sorrows because of the wickedness of the people. About 74 B.C.

Alma 32

Alma Teaches the Poor Zoramites

If I am humble, the Lord can teach me.

Alma 32:1–13, 27–28 Alma 31:8–35

Ask the children what they remember learning last week about the Zoramites (see Alma 31:8–24). Remind them that one reason Alma was worried about them was their pride (see Alma 31:24–28).

The Zoramites were trying to elevate themselves above others and declare that they were better than everyone else.

Definition of Pride: A inflated, high opinion of one’s own importance, merit, or superiority.

In what ways might people think they are better than others and become lifted up in pride? Answers might include the following: people may think they are better than others because of how smart,  pretty or handsome, athletic, wealthy, or talented they are. (Have the children build with blocks, or cut out the following image into pieces and post them on the board, or draw a part of the Rameumptom tower on the board as each answer is given.)

What did the Zoramites set their hearts on? (see Alma 31:24, 28). What are some worldly things that people set their hearts on today?

Ask the children how they would feel if they were being made fun of for not being as smart, good looking, athletic, talented, or rich as someone else.

Read together Alma 32:1–5, and ask the children to summarize what had happened to the Zoramites who were poor. Then invite the children to read verses 12–13 to find out why Alma felt that being cast out of their synagogues (or churches) was a good thing for these Zoramites. What are some of the blessings that come from being humble?(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 32-35”)

What is humility? A modest opinion of one’s own importance, rank, etc.  Guide to the Scriptures: The condition of being meek and teachable. Humility includes recognizing our dependence upon God and desiring to submit to His will.

What are some of the blessings that come from being humble? Teachable, turn heart to the Lord, etc.

Display a hard, solid object (like a stone) to represent a hard or prideful heart and something soft (like soil) to represent a soft or humble heart. Let the children feel both objects. Then show the children a seed to represent the word of God. Invite them to try to push the seed into the hard object and the soft object. Read together Alma 32:27–28, and talk about what it might mean to “give place” (verse 27) for the word of God in our hearts. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 32-35”)

How can we humble ourselves so we are not lifted up in pride? (Have the children take off or erase a level of the Rameumpton tower for every answer they give.) Answers may include the following: by remembering that our gifts, talents, and abilities come from the Lord, by praying for humility, by looking for the good in others, by building love for others by praying for them and serving  them.

The Lord can teach me as I choose to be humble.

(Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 32-35) Alma and Amulek had success teaching the Zoramites who were humble. Invite your children to complete a sentence like “I am being humble when I ______ .”

The following video about pride and humility is from Latterdaykids.com.

Planting the Seed of Faith

My testimony of Jesus Christ grows as I nourish it.

Alma 32:28–43

(Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 32-35)

  • Seeds, trees, and fruit are familiar objects that can help children understand abstract principles like faith and testimony. Let your children hold a seed while you read Alma 32:28. Then you could ask them to help you think of ways that growing a testimony of Jesus Christ is like planting and nourishing a seed (see “Chapter 29: Alma Teaches about Faith and the Word of God,” Book of Mormon Stories, 81). Maybe you could plant your seed and talk about what is needed to help a seed—or a testimony—grow.

Book of Mormon Stories “Alma Teaches about Faith and the Word of God” Video and Images

  • A picture of a tree accompanies this outline; you might use it to illustrate Alma’s words in Alma 32:28–43. Or you could go for a walk to find plants at different stages of growth and read verses from Alma 32 that compare a growing plant to our testimony. Or maybe your children could draw a tree on the board and add a leaf or a fruit every time they think of something they can do to help their testimony of Jesus Christ grow.

The Red Crystal

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 22: Alma Teaches about Faith” Attention Activity: Give each child a seed, show the illustration of a seed, or draw a seed on the chalkboard.

  • What can a seed become? (A plant or tree, depending on the type of seed.)
  • What must happen before a seed can begin to grow? (Show the illustration of the sprouting seed or draw one on the chalkboard.)
  • What does a tree look like when it is young? (Show the illustration of the sap-ling or draw one on the chalkboard.) What does it look like when it is mature? (Show the illustration of a tree or draw one on the chalkboard.)
  • What nourishment does a seed need to help it grow into a plant or tree? (Explain that nourishment means something that helps things grow or keeps them alive and well, such as water, fertilizer, sunshine, and soil. Place the illustrations of the sun, rain, soil, and fertilizer near the picture of the seed.)

Explain to the children that in this lesson they will learn how they can grow a strong testimony.

Lesson 22: Alma Teaches Faith Lesson ideas Visual Aids

Friend January 2019 “Testimony Plants” In Primary, the children were supposed to draw a plant that represented their testimony, but Elisa wasn’t sure what that meant or if she had a testimony. She learns that a testimony is the things she believes in like Heavenly Father and Jesus. She also learns that testimonies grow and need to be nourished.

Friend July 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Alma 32:41 together and help your little ones say, “My faith grows when I do good things.” Help your children learn about seeds and plants by picking seeds out of a piece of fruit or caring for a houseplant. Explain that our testimonies grow little by little, like a seed grows into a plant.

As you read Alma 32:26–43 together, stop occasionally and invite the children to draw a picture of the seed or plant being described—for example, a seed and a seedling (verse 28), a growing plant (verse 30), and a mature plant bearing fruit (verse 37). Encourage them to label their pictures with references from Alma 32. How is nourishing a seed like nourishing our testimonies of Jesus Christ? How do we nourish our testimonies? Invite the children to silently think about how their testimonies are growing and what they will do to nourish them. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 32-35”)

If possible, give each of the children seeds to take home and plant to remind them to help their testimonies of Jesus Christ to grow.

Show pictures of a plant in various stages of growth, and ask the children to help you put the pictures in the correct order (see the pictures in this week’s activity page). Explain that as we live the gospel, our testimony grows—it starts small like a seed but can become big like a tree. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 32-35”)

Friend January 1999 “Faith in Jesus Christ”

Friend July 2020 “My Family Night Fun”

  • Sing “Faith” (Children’s Songbook, 96–97).
  • The prophet Alma taught us that faith grows like a seed (see Alma 32:28–30). Faith starts small, but as we work to help it grow, it can become strong!
  • Color the pages for the booklet on page 24 with your family. How can you help your faith grow?

Friend January 2019 “Seeds of Faith” 

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 2F58ED26-AAB6-4671-951A-537C4D13C82F-1024x812.jpeg

Friend July 2018 Coloring page: Faith is like a seed. When planted it will grow.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 6808308D-CB49-4216-A7EC-432A893D1E4C-774x1024.jpeg

Friend January 2019 “Faith” The song “Faith,” simplified for beginning pianists. Also, Sing-along video.

Friend July 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Growing Your Testimony” Alma taught that when you listen to the word of God and do things to show your faith, your testimony will grow, like a tree (see Alma 32:37). Draw things you can do to help a tree grow, like giving it water and sunshine. Then draw things you can do to help your testimony grow, like going to church and praying.

For younger children: Sing “Faith” (Children’s Songbook, 96). While you sing, do actions to show a seed growing big and tall. Talk about growing your testimony.

Media Library “Want to Increase your Faith?”

Come Follow Me Kid

Come Follow Me Kid Cookie Dough Seed Activity

  • Place a small, seed-sized piece of cookie dough on a large cookie sheet. This represents the word of God.
  • Take turns listing ways we can help our faith in Jesus and His word grow.
  • For each idea, add more dough to the seed-sized piece. Mold it into a tree shape with roots and branches as it gets bigger.
  • Read Alma 32:42. What will grow on this tree? (fruit) Place white chocolate chips on the branches to
    represent this sweet, white fruit.
  • Bake and enjoy!

See more teaching ideas at Faith

Alma 33-34

I can pray to Heavenly Father anytime, about anything.

Alma 33:2–1134:17–27

(Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 32-35)

  • Help your children find phrases that describe places we can pray (in Alma 33:4–11) and things we can pray about (in Alma 34:17–27). Perhaps they could draw pictures of themselves praying in these places. Share with each other experiences when Heavenly Father heard your prayers. You could also sing a song about prayer, such as “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13).

Come Follow Me Kid Show pictures below and ask which place or places they think would be good spots to pray. Read Alma 33:3-8, and have them listen carefully to see if they can hear which of these places would be places we could pray from. Help them understand that we can pray anywhere and our prayers will be heard if we pray in faith. You could also have some fun with this and list additional places/times and ask, “Would it be okay to pray __” (in a car, at midnight, in the backyard, silently, etc.), and help them see that the answer to all of these is “Yes!”

  • In the wilderness (Alma 33:4)
  • In a field (Alma 33:5)
  • In your house (Alma 33:6)
  • In your closet (Alma 33:7)
  • Help them think of things they can say to Heavenly Father when they pray, and invite them to draw pictures of these things. Testify that they can talk to Heavenly Father about anything they are thinking or feeling.

Latter Day Kids “Pray Always” Lesson ideas

Sing a song that teaches the children about prayer, such as “A Child’s Prayer” or “We Bow Our Heads” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13, 25). Help them notice what the song teaches about prayer.

Additional Prayer Ideas

Additional Resources

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 22: Alma Teaches about Faith”

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 21: The Zoramites and the Rameumptom,” Write the following scripture references on the chalkboard. Ask the children to match the verses that describe the Zoramites’ erroneous beliefs with the verses that contain the correct teachings of Alma and Amulek:

Alma 31:16 (The Zoramites believed there would be no Christ.)
Alma 31:20–23 (All the Zoramites gave the same prayer and then never worshiped again all week.)
Alma 31:24 (The Zoramites’ hearts were set upon riches.)
Alma 34:8 (Amulek testified of Christ.)
Alma 34:19–27 (Amulek taught that we should pray always and about everything.)
Alma 34:28–29 (Amulek taught that we should give of our riches to the poor.)

The Red Crystal


Alma 23-29

Posted on

Alma CHAPTER 23 Religious freedom is proclaimed—The Lamanites in seven lands and cities are converted—They call themselves Anti-Nephi-Lehies and are freed from the curse—The Amalekites and the Amulonites reject the truth. About 90–77 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 24 The Lamanites come against the people of God—The Anti-Nephi-Lehies rejoice in Christ and are visited by angels—They choose to suffer death rather than to defend themselves—More Lamanites are converted. About 90–77 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 25 Lamanite aggressions spread—The seed of the priests of Noah perish as Abinadi prophesied—Many Lamanites are converted and join the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi—They believe in Christ and keep the law of Moses. About 90–77 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 26 Ammon glories in the Lord—The faithful are strengthened by the Lord and are given knowledge—By faith men may bring thousands of souls unto repentance—God has all power and comprehends all things. About 90–77 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 27 The Lord commands Ammon to lead the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi to safety—Upon meeting Alma, Ammon’s joy exhausts his strength—The Nephites give the Anti-Nephi-Lehies the land of Jershon—They are called the people of Ammon. About 90–77 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 28 The Lamanites are defeated in a tremendous battle—Tens of thousands are slain—The wicked are consigned to a state of endless woe; the righteous attain a never-ending happiness. About 77–76 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 29 Alma desires to cry repentance with angelic zeal—The Lord grants teachers for all nations—Alma glories in the Lord’s work and in the success of Ammon and his brethren. About 76 B.C.

Anti-Nephi-Lehies

Alma 23

Burying Their Weapons

Alma 24-25

Book of Mormon Stories “The People of Ammon” Images

Show the picture of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies burying their swords. Ask the children if they would want to bury their weapons if they knew they were in danger of attack. The people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi knew their enemies were planning to kill them, but they had made a solemn covenant with Heavenly Father that they would not fight. 

Gospel Media “The Anti-Nephi-Lehies Burying Their Swords”

The Lord blesses me as I strive to keep my promises to Him.

Alma 24:6–24

Perhaps your children would enjoy burying their “weapons” like the Anti-Nephi-Lehies. You could read a few verses from Alma 24:6–24 to teach the children about the promises the Anti-Nephi-Lehies made to follow the Savior. They could then think of something they will change to follow Him, write it on this week’s activity page, and pretend to dig a hole and bury their weapon. (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 23-29”)

Invite them to write, on the back of the weapons, something they feel they should change in order to follow Jesus Christ more fully. Let them pretend to bury their weapons and make a plan to act on what they wrote.

Covenants are promises I make with God and He makes with me.

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 19: The Anti-Nephi-Lehies”

Sprinkle the salt or sand on the bottom of the box. With your finger write the word Promise in the salt or sand. Ask the children the following questions:

  • Have you ever made an agreement or promise with someone who broke their part of the promise? (Let the children tell how they felt when the promise was broken as you gently blow on the salt or sand to erase the word.)
  • What do we call a promise we make with Heavenly Father? (A covenant.)
  • When did we make promises to Heavenly Father? (When we were baptized.)

Remind the children that a promise should not be made lightly. Emphasize the importance of keeping your word. Write the word Covenant on the rock with a marker or crayon. Explain that a gospel covenant is a promise between Heavenly Father and his children. Blow on the rock to demonstrate that the word cannot be easily removed. As we make covenants we should remember that they are sacred, and we should be determined to keep them.

Give all the children small rocks, and invite them to write the word covenant on their rock. Explain that a covenant is a promise between Heavenly Father and His children. How do our covenants make us strong or “firm” like a rock? (Alma 24:19). Read together Alma 24:16–25 to learn what covenant the people of Ammon made and how they honored their covenant. Invite the children to take the rocks home as a reminder to keep their covenants. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 23-29”)

Lesson 19: The Anti-Nephi-Lehi’s Covenant Lesson ideas

Your children could read Alma 24:15–19, looking for what the Anti-Nephi-Lehies did “as a testimony to God.” Then you could talk with them about how our covenants can be “a testimony to God” (verse 18). Let your children talk about how they will show God that they want to follow Him. Singing a song like “I Want to Live the Gospel” (Children’s Songbook, 148) could help inspire them. (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 23-29”)

Explain that the covenants we make are “a testimony to God” that we want to follow God’s commandments (verse 18). What covenants have the children made?

Additional Teaching Resources

Scripture Stories Coloring Book—Book of Mormon “The Anti-Nephi-Lehies Buried Their Weapons”

Friend July 2020 “Funstuff: Find It!” The Anti-Nephi-Lehies promised God they would never use weapons to hurt people again. They buried their weapons in the ground as part of their promise. Find 23 weapons in the ground and 30 hearts above the ground.

Friend August 2018 “Family Night Fun” Write a bad habit on a piece of paper. “Bury” the bad habit! Tear up the paper, or bury it outside. You could even plant a flower to represent replacing a bad habit with a good one.

Friend July 2020 “My Family Night Fun”The Anti-Nephi-Lehies made a promise with God that they wouldn’t fight again. They buried their weapons in the ground (see Alma 23:724:17). Take a small piece of paper and write down something you want to stop doing, like fighting or complaining. Share what you wrote, and promise to do your best to stop doing that thing. Then rip the paper into tiny pieces and bury it in the ground.

Friend July 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Alma 23:7 together and talk about how the Anti-Nephi-Lehies promised never to hurt people ever again. Draw weapons on pieces of paper. As you bury each one under a rug or towel, help your littles ones say, “I will be a peacemaker.”

Friend August 2018 “The No-Fighting Promise” After a few days of staying at cousin Timmy’s house, Madi and Timmy start to fight. Timmy suggests they be like the Anti-Nephi-Lehies and make some toy swords and bury them and promise they won’t fight each other anymore. After that they found ways to compromise so they didn’t fight.

Come Follow Me Kid

The Red Crystal

News with Naylors Lesson ideas about contention in the home and finding peace. On the swords write somethings that may be causing contention such as yelling, arguing, not sharing, etc.

I can repent.

Alma 24:7–1026:23–3427:27–30

Because Heavenly Father is merciful, we can repent and change.

To help your children see how Jesus Christ can help us change when we repent, you could teach them about the Anti-Nephi-Lehies. To do this, you might label two bowls “before” and “after.” Then your children could read Alma 17:14–15 and 27:27–30, write down what the Lamanites were like before and after repenting, and put them in the correct bowl. According to Alma 24:7–10, what helped them change? How can we show our thanks to God for His mercy? (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 23-29”)

The Red Crystal

Invite the children to read together Alma 26:21–22, looking for the blessings that come to those who repent. Invite the children to describe some of these blessings in their own words. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 23-29”)

Ammon Glories in the Lord

Alma 26

Jesus Christ brings me joy, and I can share this joy.

Alma 2629

Perhaps you and your children would enjoy drawing pictures of things in the gospel of Jesus Christ that bring you joy. Share your picture with your children, and encourage them to share their picture with someone to help that person feel joy too. (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 23-29”

Friend July 2024 “Sharing the Friend A girl gave her Friend magazine to another girl that looked sad. She wanted the girl to feel the happiness she feels when she learns about Jesus.

Friend July 2021 “Winfred’s New Recipe” Winfred is sad because she misses her father who has to work far away, and she misses her friends because of Covid. She figures out a recipe for happiness which includes prayer, reading scriptures, having faith, being grateful, and serving others.

  • Help your children find the words joy and rejoice in Alma 26 and 29. What brought Ammon and Alma joy or caused them to rejoice? This question could lead to a discussion about the joy that comes from living or sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

As you read Alma 26:11, 13 or Alma 29:13–14 invite the children to stand every time they hear the words “joy” or “rejoice.” Help the children understand that sharing the gospel made Alma and Ammon happy. Share an experience when sharing the gospel brought you joy. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 23-29”)

Ensign July 2020 “Family Study Fun”

Read Alma 27:17–19 and Alma 29:13–14 together, paying special attention to the word joy. Ammon and Alma found great joy in serving other people and the Lord.

  1. Invite one or two people to act out helping someone else—no speaking allowed! Examples could include opening the door for someone, helping a person in their yard, helping fix dinner, and so on.
  2. While the scene is being acted out, other family members guess what the service is.
  3. Take turns until everyone has had a chance to act.

Discussion: Why is it important to help other people? When have you felt joy after helping someone? What could our family do to help someone this week?

The gospel brings me joy, and I can share this joy with others.

  • Invite two children to face each other and see who can make the other child smile first. What are some ways we can spread joy to others? How does sharing the gospel spread joy? Help the children think of ways they can share the joy of the gospel with their friends and families.

Additional Missionary Ideas

Blessings God has bestowed upon us

How would your family answer Ammon’s questions in Alma 26:2? Perhaps you could make a list of their answers on a large piece of paper and hang it in a place where everyone can see it. Encourage family members to add to it as they think of other blessings God has “bestowed upon us.” (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 23-29”)

Come Follow Me Kid

The Nephites Help the Anti-Nephi-Lehies

Alma 27

I can help my friends live the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Alma 27:20–30

Because of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies’ promise not to fight anymore, they could not defend themselves from their enemies. Read Alma 27:23, and explain that their friends among the Nephites chose to protect the Anti-Nephi-Lehies so they could keep their promise. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 23-29”)

Come Follow Me Kid Some additional situations could be:
 A friend wants you to go somewhere your parents told you not to go to.
 A friend tells another kid they can’t play with them because they think they’re weird.
 A friend has a bag of candy and is rudely telling other kids that he/she is not going to share.
 A friend wants you to try a cigarette with them.
 A friend starts making fun of another kid and tries to get you to join.
 A friend tells you to lie to your parents about something that happened.

Friend May 2016 Matt’s friend accidently damages his father’s car. Matt encourages his friend to choose the right and be honest.

Friend May 2016

Additional Resources

Teaching the Scripture Readers: Book of Mormon “The People of Ammon”

The Red Crystal

The Cozy Red Cottage

Latter Day Kids “Promises and Covenants” Lesson ideas


Alma 17-22

Posted on

Alma CHAPTER 17 The sons of Mosiah have the spirit of prophecy and of revelation—They go their several ways to declare the word to the Lamanites—Ammon goes to the land of Ishmael and becomes the servant of King Lamoni—Ammon saves the king’s flocks and slays his enemies at the water of Sebus. Verses 1–3, about 77 B.C.verse 4, about 91–77 B.C.; and verses 5–39, about 91 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 18 King Lamoni supposes that Ammon is the Great Spirit—Ammon teaches the king about the Creation, God’s dealings with men, and the redemption that comes through Christ—Lamoni believes and falls to the earth as if dead. About 90 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 19 Lamoni receives the light of everlasting life and sees the Redeemer—His household falls into a trance, and many see angels—Ammon is preserved miraculously—He baptizes many and establishes a church among them. About 90 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 20 The Lord sends Ammon to Middoni to deliver his imprisoned brethren—Ammon and Lamoni meet Lamoni’s father, who is king over all the land—Ammon compels the old king to approve the release of his brethren. About 90 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 21 Aaron teaches the Amalekites about Christ and His Atonement—Aaron and his brethren are imprisoned in Middoni—After their deliverance, they teach in the synagogues and make many converts—Lamoni grants religious freedom to the people in the land of Ishmael. About 90–77 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 22 Aaron teaches Lamoni’s father about the Creation, the Fall of Adam, and the plan of redemption through Christ—The king and all his household are converted—The division of the land between the Nephites and the Lamanites is explained. About 90–77 B.C.

Friend July 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.

Sons of Mosiah fast, pray, and study before their mission

Alma 17

My testimony of Jesus Christ grows when I read the scriptures, pray, and fast.

Alma 17:2–3

Mosiah’s sons grew strong in the gospel and became mighty missionaries because they diligently studied the scriptures, prayed, and fasted.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 17-22”

  • How can the examples of Mosiah’s sons help your children build their testimonies of Jesus Christ? You could help your children find what the sons of Mosiah did to build their spiritual strength in Alma 17:2–3. Then they could draw pictures or find objects that represent these things. Help them plan what they will do to strengthen their testimonies of the Savior.

The Red Crystal

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 Bring to class items that represent scriptures, prayer, and fasting, such as a set of scriptures, a picture of someone praying, and a picture of food, and explain what each item represents. Read Alma 17:1–4, and ask the children how these things helped the sons of Mosiah. How does reading the scriptures, praying, and fasting help us come closer to Heavenly Father?

Use the topics index of the Children’s Songbook to help the children find songs about scripture study and prayer. Sing some of these songs together, and help the children identify what the songs teach about

Alma 17:1–2). What do you learn from the sons of Mosiah about how to keep your faith in the gospel and commitment to it strong?

(Alma 17:3). How did the spiritual preparation of the sons of Mosiah affect their work with the Lamanites?

Ammon and King Lamoni

Book of Mormon Stories “Ammon a Great Servant” Images

Friend May 2016 “Ammon’s Good Example” Video

Media Library “Ammon Defends the Flocks of King Lamoni”

Friend May 2012 “Ammon, a Great Servant”

Alma 17-19

I can share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others.

Alma 17–19

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 17-22” Think of all of the reasons people might give for not sharing the gospel: “I don’t know enough” or “I’m don’t know if they would be interested.” The Nephites had an additional reason for not sharing the gospel with the Lamanites: they were “a wild and a hardened and a ferocious people; a people who delighted in murdering the Nephites” (Alma 17:14; Alma 26:23–25). But the sons of Mosiah had an even stronger reason why they felt they must share the gospel with the Lamanites: “They were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish” (Mosiah 28:3). This love that inspired Ammon and his brothers can also inspire you to share the gospel with your family, friends, and acquaintances—even those who may not seem likely to accept it.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 17-22”

  • To learn about being an instrument in God’s hands, as the sons of Mosiah were, you and your children could look at an instrument or tool and talk about what it’s used for. Then you could read Alma 17:11 and talk about what it means to be Heavenly Father’s instruments to help people learn about Jesus Christ.

The Red Crystal

Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon Chapter 17 Show the children a few tools or instruments used by builders, doctors, gardeners, painters, and so forth. Ask the children to tell what they know about each one, who uses it, and how it is used.

Friend July 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Instruments in God’s Hands” Ammon said to his brothers, “We have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work” (Alma 26:3). Gather objects you can use to make music. Then make up beats and songs. Just like we use instruments to make music, God can use us to help build Jesus Christ’s Church.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 Explain that just as we use instruments or tools to get things done, Heavenly Father can use us to do His work. Read Alma 17:11, and explain that Ammon and his brothers were Heavenly Father’s instruments to help the Lamanites learn the gospel. How can you be an instrument in God’s hands to bless others? President Thomas S. Monson said, “I always want the Lord to know that if He needs an errand run, Tom Monson will run that errand for Him” (“On the Lord’s Errand: The Life of Thomas S. Monson,”

Help the children act out Ammon’s story in Alma 17–19. If you think the children would enjoy it, bring simple costumes and props. Tell the children what you learn from the story, and invite them to do the same.

Friend June 2013 “Let’s Put on a Pageant!” Script for acting out the story of Ammon (for older kids)

Friend October 2000 “Missionary Challenge” Modern day Ammon story

Invite the children to draw a picture of themselves sharing the gospel with someone. Help them think of specific things they can share.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 17-22”

  • This week’s activity page has pictures representing truths Ammon taught King Lamoni. You could help your children find these truths in Alma 18:24–40. Your children could pretend to be missionaries and share what they know about these truths.

The Red Crystal

Friend July 2024 “Plan of Happiness Craft” Aaron and Ammon both taught about Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness. They called it the plan of redemption (see Alma 18:36–39 and Alma 22).

Abish

Abish, in gathering the people together to witness the power of God and reaching out her hand to the queen, she played a crucial role in the conversion of many of King Lamoni’s people.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 17-22”

  • After you read about Abish with your children (see Alma 19:16–20, 28–29), they could pretend to be like Abish by running in place, knocking on doors, and telling about what happened in Alma 19:1–17. How can we be like Abish and share what we know about Jesus Christ and His gospel? Your children could draw pictures of themselves sharing the gospel with someone (Help them think of specific things they can share), or sing together a song about sharing the gospel, such as “Called to Serve” (Children’s Songbook, 174–75).

Friend July 2024 “Who Was Abish?”

Friend February 1988 “Abish, Lamanite Woman of God”

Friend June 2020 “Abish had Faith in God” Coloring page

Friend November 2016  “Abish and Abby” Abby, like Abish, knows when it is time to share the gospel with her neighbors.

Ammon and Lamoni’s father

Alma 20-21

I can help others come unto Christ by showing my love for them.

Alma 17:21–2520:8–2722:1–3

Ammon’s love and service softened the hearts of King Lamoni and his father.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 17-22”

  • At first, both King Lamoni and his father had hard hearts toward the gospel. Later, their hearts were softened, and they believed in Jesus Christ. How did this happen? Help your children discover answers to this question as you review with them Ammon’s experiences. They could act out “Chapter 23: Ammon: A Great Servant” and “Chapter 24: Ammon Meets King Lamoni’s Father” (Book of Mormon Stories, 64–68, 69–70). Or perhaps your children would like to draw pictures of different parts of the story and use the pictures to tell the stories. What did Ammon do to help Lamoni and his father open their hearts to the gospel of Jesus Christ? (see Alma 17:21–2520:8–2722:1–3).

Book of Mormon Stories: Ammon Meets King Lamoni’s Father Images

  • Perhaps you and your children could think of someone who needs to know about Jesus Christ. Help them think of ways they can be good examples and show love to that person, like Ammon did for Lamoni and his father.

Ensign June 2020″ Family Study Fun” Read Alma 17:27–39 together. Talk about how Ammon agreed to serve King Lamoni and saved the king’s flocks that had been scattered.

  1. Sit around a table or in a circle on the floor. Put 5–10 cotton balls in the center to represent flocks, such as sheep.
  2. On the count of three, everyone tries to “scatter” the sheep by blowing on the cotton balls for about 10 seconds.
  3. To “gather” the sheep, go around the circle and have each person put the cotton ball nearest to them back in the center. As they do, ask them to share one act of service they could do for someone this week. Keep going until all the cotton balls are returned.

Discussion: What can we learn from Ammon’s example of humility? What blessings can we experience as we serve others?

Lesson 17 Ammon: A Mighty Missionary Has an activity about service breaking the barriers people put up.

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

  • Invite the children to think of someone they can serve today, and discuss how they can serve that person.
  • Read Alma 22:1–3, and ask the children to listen for how Ammon’s good example affected King Lamoni’s father. Invite them to think of someone they know who needs to know about the gospel. Suggest to the children that their love and good example might help this person see how great the gospel is. Help the children think of ways they can be good examples and show love to the people they thought of.
  • Invite full-time missionaries or a recently returned missionary to share the story of Ammon in Alma 17–18. Ask them to share what they learned about missionary work from Ammon and the role service played in their efforts. Discuss with the children ways they can follow Ammon’s example.

Lesson 18 – King Lamoni’s Father Lesson and activity ideas

Aaron teaches Lamoni’s Father

Alma 22

Alma 20:8–27

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 Point out that one reason the heart of Lamoni’s father changed was because Ammon loved Lamoni so much. Invite the children to draw a picture of something they can do to show love for someone.

Book of Mormon Stories: Aaron Teaches King Lamoni’s Father” Images

Friend July 2024 “Aaron Teaches the King”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020  Alma 20:23  Review to see what Lamoni’s father was willing to give up in order to save his life. Then review Alma 22:15 to see what he was willing to give up in order to receive the joy of the gospel. What was he willing to give up in order to know God? (see verse 18). Perhaps family members could each write a plan to give up something in order to know God more fully.

Additional Resources

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “King Lamoni’s Father Is Converted”

  1. Draw a large square on the chalkboard or paper, and divide it into nine equal squares. Number the squares from one to nine as shown:
  1. Divide the class into two teams. Assign each team a mark, such as X and O. Ask someone from the first team to choose a number from one to nine; then read the corresponding question below. Any member of the team may answer the question. If the team members answer the question correctly, they can put their team’s mark in the square that has the same number as the question they answered. If they don’t answer the question correctly, leave the square blank. Have the two teams alternate turns. The game is over when either team gets three marks in a row, horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
    1. What is Heavenly Father’s great plan for us called? (The plan of salvation, the plan of redemption, or the plan of happiness.)
    2. What does redeem mean? (Save us from the bondage of sin.)
    3. Who created the earth? (Jesus Christ, under Heavenly Father’s direction.)
    4. Who were the first people on the earth? (Adam and Eve.)
    5. What happened because Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit? (They were cast out of the Garden of Eden, they could have children, they became mortal, and they were able to choose between right and wrong [see Moses 5:11].)
    6. Aaron taught the king from the scriptures or the brass plates. What are the four books of scripture we use to teach the gospel, or plan of redemption? (The Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price.)
    7. What was the first thing Aaron taught King Lamoni’s father? (There is a God.)
    8. How did Jesus make it possible for us to return to live with him again? (He suffered and died for our sins.)
    9. What must we do to be able to return to Heavenly Father? (Repent of our sins, keep our covenants, do good works.)To play the game again, make up questions from the lesson.

Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024)

Book of Mormon Stories

The Red Crystal


Alma 13-16

Posted on

Alma CHAPTER 13 Men are called as high priests because of their exceeding faith and good works—They are to teach the commandments—Through righteousness they are sanctified and enter into the rest of the Lord—Melchizedek was one of these—Angels are declaring glad tidings throughout the land—They will declare the actual coming of Christ. About 82 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 14 Alma and Amulek are imprisoned and smitten—The believers and their holy scriptures are burned by fire—These martyrs are received by the Lord in glory—The prison walls are rent and fall—Alma and Amulek are delivered, and their persecutors are slain. About 82–81 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 15 Alma and Amulek go to Sidom and establish a church—Alma heals Zeezrom, who joins the Church—Many are baptized, and the Church prospers—Alma and Amulek go to Zarahemla. About 81 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 16 The Lamanites destroy the people of Ammonihah—Zoram leads the Nephites to victory over the Lamanites—Alma and Amulek and many others preach the word—They teach that after His Resurrection Christ will appear to the Nephites. About 81–77 B.C.

Alma teaches about the priesthood

Alma 13

Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) “Alma 13”

The people of Ammonihah considered themselves to be “after the order and faith of Nehor” (Alma 14:16). Because of this, they believed they could be saved without the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and they replaced the priesthood with a false order Alma called “priestcraft” (see Alma 1:3–4, 12, 16). To correct their false beliefs, Alma taught them how “the Lord God ordained priests, after his holy order” (Alma 13:1).

Priesthood power helps me come closer to Christ.

Alma 13:1–2, 16

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 13-26”

One way to help your children see how priesthood power points us to Christ is to show them pictures of ways priesthood power is used (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 103–110). (“the priesthood is the power of God.”) Your children could help you think of ways Jesus used His power (see, for example, Matthew 26:26–28Mark 5:22–24, 35–43; Gospel Art Book, nos. 38–41). Then you could read Alma 13:2 together and talk about how priesthood power helps us “look forward to [God’s] Son” and become more like Him.`

The Red Crystal

Friend April 2018 “With Priesthood Power”  Sing-Along Video

Why did God give us priesthood ordinances? Help your children find an answer in Alma 13:16. If they need help knowing what an ordinance is, there are lists in the General Handbook, 18.1 and 18.2. Maybe you and your children could talk about your experiences receiving these ordinances. How do they help us “look forward to [Jesus Christ] for a remission of [our] sins”? A song like “When I Am Baptized” (Children’s Songbook, 103) can help your children think of other reasons to be thankful for priesthood ordinances.

New Era July 2014 “What Do You See?” This New Era article explains how priesthood ordinances are full of signs and symbols that can point us to Jesus Christ.

Friend October 2012 “Coloring Page: We receive the ordinances of salvation through the priesthood.”

Alma 13: 1-19

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 13-16”

  • Turn to Alma 13:6, and explain that priesthood holders “teach [God’s] commandments unto the children of men.” Help the children think of priesthood holders they know of. How do they teach the commandments? Invite the children to draw a picture of a priesthood holder they know teaching someone God’s commandments.
  • Read with the children Alma 13:10 and 13, searching for traits a priesthood holder should have. Ask them to think of people they know who are good examples of these traits.
  • Ask the children if they know how the Melchizedek Priesthood got its name. Help them find the answer in Alma 13:14–19 and Doctrine and Covenants 107:1–4. What do we learn from Melchizedek about how the priesthood should be used?

See Friend April 1994 “Melchizedek”

Jesus Christ can make me clean.

Alma 13:10–12

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 13-26”

  • After reading these verses together, consider ways to help your children visualize what they teach. Maybe you could wash something together. How do we feel when we are dirty? How do we feel when we become clean again? How are these feelings similar to what we feel when we sin and then repent and become clean through the Savior’s Atonement?

Show the children the white shirt you brought, and lay it on top of a spread out plastic garbage bag. Explain to the children that sin is like dirt and stains. Apply staining items to the shirt as you mention sins that stain our spirits, such as lying, stealing, hate, etc. (The garbage bag is to help prevent spills on the carpet.) Ask the children how they would feel if they had to wear the dirty shirt and how they would feel if they could never change the shirt or take a shower.

• Would it be difficult going out among people in that state?  Would we feel comfortable in heaven being among spiritually clean people if we have stains of sin upon us?

Show the children the soap and explain that just like we have soap to clean our bodies and our clothes, Heavenly Father has provided a way for us to become clean from our sins. He provided a Savior for us who took upon himself our sins.

Enter Into the Rest of the Lord

Come Follow Me Kid Game: Race to see who can “cast off” the squares with sins on them the fastest. (See verse 13)

Alma and Amulek are imprisoned

Alma 14

Heavenly Father strengthens me as I have faith in Jesus Christ.

Alma 14:18–29

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 13-26”

This week’s activity page could help you—or your children—tell the story in Alma 14:18–29 (see also “Chapter 22: Alma’s Mission to Ammonihah,” Book of Mormon Stories, 58–63). Emphasize that Alma and Amulek were given strength because of their “faith which [was] in Christ” (Alma 14:26). You could also talk about a time when God gave you strength “according to [your] faith.” How can we be faithful like Alma and Amulek?

Explain that Alma asked the Lord for help (see verse 26). Testify that God will strengthen us when we pray with faith.

Friend June 2024 “God Frees Alma and Amulek”

Heavenly Father Strengthens Me According to My Faith.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 13-16”

Alma and Amulek were in prison for many days before the Lord freed them. This story can help the children learn that their trials may not have quick or easy solutions, but the Lord will strengthen them “according to [their] faith” (Alma 14:26).

Share an experience in which you showed faith in the Lord and He gave you strength to overcome or endure a trial. Encourage the children to share similar experiences they’ve had.

Lesson 16 “Anguish in Ammonihah” Lesson and story ideas

Alma, Amulek, and the people who believed on their words all faced terrible trials. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we can be given strength to endure opposition and adversity.

Scripture Stories Coloring Book: Book of Mormon

Ensign June 2020″Family Study Fun” Read Alma 14:17–18, 26–28 together. After Alma and Amulek were wrongly imprisoned, God gave them strength to break free.

  1. Build a pretend prison with blankets, cushions, or pillows.
  2. Let each family member take a turn acting out the scripture story by being in prison and breaking free.
  3. After each person breaks free, have them share one way God has helped them in real life.

Discussion: Alma and Amulek used their freedom to continue teaching people about the gospel. How can we help others with what God has given us?

Alma heals Zeezrom

Alma 15

Jesus Christ can change hearts.

Alma 15:3–12

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 13-26”

  • Zeezrom’s change of heart through Jesus Christ is inspiring. Consider reviewing with your children what they learned last week about Zeezrom. Then you could read together Alma 15:3–12 to discover how he changed. What do we learn from Zeezrom’s experience about the Lord’s power? (see “Zeezrom Is Healed and Baptized” , Gospel Library).

Book of Mormon Stories: Alma’s Mission to Ammonihah

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 13-16” What do we learn from Zeezrom’s experience about the Lord’s power to strengthen and heal us, even when we make mistakes? What role can the priesthood play in our receiving His strength and healing?

Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) “Alma 15” Read the scriptures listed under “Symptoms.” Below them, list any words or phrases that describe Zeezrom’s condition.

  • How might you describe Zeezrom’s condition, including his spiritual well-being?
  • What do you remember about Zeezrom that would cause him to feel this way?

All of us have experienced the pain associated with a physical injury or wound. When we are in pain, we typically seek relief and are grateful for the medication and treatments that help to alleviate our suffering. Consider sin as a spiritual wound that causes guilt or, as described by Alma to his son Corianton, “remorse of conscience” (Alma 42:18). Guilt is to our spirit what pain is to our body—a warning of danger and a protection from additional damage. (David A. Bednar, “We Believe in Being Chaste,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 44)

Carefully read about Zeezrom’s healing in Alma 15:4–12. You may want to watch the video “Zeezrom Is Healed and Baptized” (2:42), available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org. As you read, pay attention to the details that contributed to Zeezrom’s healing. Consider writing notes of these details under the “Prescription” portion of your doctor’s note.

The Savior is often referred to as the Great Physician, and this title has both symbolic and literal significance. … From the Atonement of the Savior flows the soothing salve that can heal our spiritual wounds and remove guilt. However, this salve can only be applied through the principles of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, and consistent obedience. The results of sincere repentance are peace of conscience, comfort, and spiritual healing and renewal. (David A. Bednar, “We Believe in Being Chaste,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 44)

The Nephite armies follow the Prophet

Alma 16

We are Blessed When We Follow the Prophet

Alma 16

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 13-16”

  • Share in your own words the account in Alma 16:1–8. Emphasize that because Zoram and the Nephite armies followed the prophet Alma, the Nephites were able to rescue their friends who were being held as prisoners by the Lamanites. Share an experience when you were blessed because you followed the prophet.
  • Show a picture of the President of the Church, and share a few things he has taught us to do. Help the children think of ways they can follow Jesus by doing what His prophet teaches us.

Friend November 2022 “Bright Idea”

  • Show pictures of prophets (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 6–9141826–27) as you sing with the children a song about prophets, such as “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110–11). Emphasize phrases in the song that teach why we should follow the prophet.

Enoch was a prophet; he taught what was good. People in his city did just what they should. When they were so righteous that there was no sin, Heav’nly Father took them up to live with him.

Noah was a prophet called to preach the word, tried to cry repentance, but nobody heard. They were busy sinning—Noah preached in vain. They wished they had listened when they saw the rain.

Moses was a prophet sent to Israel. He would lead them to the promised land to dwell. They were slow to follow, or so it appears. They were in the wilderness for forty years.

Follow the prophet, follow the prophet, Follow the prophet; don’t go astray. Follow the prophet, follow the prophet, Follow the prophet; he knows the way.

  • What had Alma previously prophesied would happen to the people of Ammonihah if they did not repent? (God would “utterly destroy [them] from off the face of the earth” [Alma 9:12].)
  • What happened to the people of Ammonihah?  Alma 16:1–3 

Friend June 2020 “My Family Night Fun” Game: Follow the Leader

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal


Mosiah 18-24

Posted on

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alma Baptizes at the Waters of Mormon

Mosiah 18

Friend May 2020 “Alma Believed Abinadi” VIDEO

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

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

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

Introduction Ideas

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

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

The Cozy Red Cottage

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

Mosiah 18:7–17

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

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

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

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

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

The Red Crystal

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

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

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

Bear One Another’s Burdens

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

The Cozy Red Cottage

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

Stand as a Witness

The Cozy Red Cottage

Comfort those that stand in need of comfort

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

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

Friend May 2020 “My Family Night Fun” Care Package

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

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

[unitegallery 2019Feb]

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

We renew our covenants during the sacrament

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

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

The Red Crystal

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

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

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

Gospel Art Book

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

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

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

Mosiah 18:17–28

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

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

The Red Crystal

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

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

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

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

The Cozy Red Cottage

King Noah is Put to Death by His People

Mosiah 19

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

The People of Limhi

Mosiah 20-22

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

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

Teaching the Scripture Readers

The People of Alma

Mosiah 23-24

Book of Mormon Stories “Alma and His People”

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

God can make my burdens light.

Mosiah 24:8–17

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal

Friend August 1988 “Scriptural Giants: Gideon” part two

img_5467
img_5468


Mosiah 11-17

Posted on

Mosiah CHAPTER 11 King Noah rules in wickedness—He revels in riotous living with his wives and concubines—Abinadi prophesies that the people will be taken into bondage—His life is sought by King Noah. About 160–150 B.C.

Mosiah CHAPTER 12 Abinadi is imprisoned for prophesying the destruction of the people and the death of King Noah—The false priests quote the scriptures and pretend to keep the law of Moses—Abinadi begins to teach them the Ten Commandments. About 148 B.C.

Mosiah CHAPTER 13 Abinadi is protected by divine power—He teaches the Ten Commandments—Salvation does not come by the law of Moses alone—God Himself will make an atonement and redeem His people. About 148 B.C.

Mosiah CHAPTER 14 Isaiah speaks messianically—The Messiah’s humiliation and sufferings are set forth—He makes His soul an offering for sin and makes intercession for transgressors—Compare Isaiah 53. About 148 B.C.

Mosiah CHAPTER 15 How Christ is both the Father and the Son—He will make intercession and bear the transgressions of His people—They and all the holy prophets are His seed—He brings to pass the Resurrection—Little children have eternal life. About 148 B.C.

Mosiah CHAPTER 16 God redeems men from their lost and fallen state—Those who are carnal remain as though there were no redemption—Christ brings to pass a resurrection to endless life or to endless damnation. About 148 B.C.

Mosiah CHAPTER 17 Alma believes and writes the words of Abinadi—Abinadi suffers death by fire—He prophesies disease and death by fire upon his murderers. About 148 B.C.

Book of Mormon Stories “Abinadi and King Noah” Images and Video

King Noah rules in wickedness. Abinadi preaches repentance.

Mosiah 11

Mosiah 12-13

We usually try to warn people we love about decisions that could bring pain and suffering. The Lord sent Abinadi with the message for King Noah and his people to repent and avoid the suffering that could come because of their sinful behaviors. (Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024)

I can stand for Jesus Christ, even when I stand alone.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 11-17”

At some time in our lives, we all face pressure to make choices that go against our faith in Jesus Christ. What can your children learn from Abinadi about standing as a witness of Jesus Christ, even when it is unpopular? Ask them what they like about Abinadi.

Your children might enjoy acting out parts of Abinadi’s story. Then they could act out real-life scenarios to practice what they might do if others want them to do something wrong. (For example, what could they do when someone tries to get them to watch an inappropriate movie or when their friends don’t want to include someone in a game they are playing?)

Come Follow Me Kid

Friend April 2019 “What’s on Your Mind” Try explaining why it’s important to you. Even if others don’t understand your reasons, ask them to be respectful.

Friend November 2015 Take turns acting out standing for truth using the provided scenarios. Link also includes other lesson ideas and a story.

Friend November 2015

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 11-17” Or they could share experiences when they were brave in following Jesus Christ. (Help the children think of times when they stood up for what’s right.) How did Abinadi follow Jesus Christ? (see Mosiah 13:2–917:7–10). Why didn’t King Noah do what he knew was right? (see Mosiah 17:11–12).

Friend September 2023 “Building Respect” When Noah’s sister and her friends walked by, a friend of Noah’s said mean things about girls, and that they didn’t want to play with them. Noah stood up for his sister and asked his friend not to say things like that.

Friend February 2024 “Margo and Paulo” Margo refuses to go along with her friends plan to cheat on a test.

Show the video “Dare to Stand Alone” How was President Thomas S. Monson like Abinadi?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 11-17”

March in place with the children as they sing a song that inspires courage, such as “I Will Be Valiant” (Children’s Songbook, 162). Read the words of the song together, and help the children identify what a valiant or courageous person does. Select a few verses from Mosiah 11–13 and 17 to read to the children to show how Abinadi and Alma were valiant (for example, see Mosiah 13:1–4, 9).

Friend March 2016

Teaching Children the Gospel: Stand for the Right Stories, activities, and song ideas.

I should obey the Ten Commandments.

Mosiah 12:33–3613:11–24

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 11-17”

  • King Noah’s priests knew the commandments but did not have them “written in [their] hearts” (Mosiah 13:11). How will you help your children know the commandments and love them? Maybe they could write the commandments from Mosiah 12:33–36 and 13:11–24 on heart-shaped pieces of paper. As they do, talk with them about what these commandments mean and how to follow them. How do we write these commandments in our hearts?

Old Testament Coloring Book “The Ten Commandments”

  • You could also sing together a song about commandments, such as “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47). What blessings come from keeping the commandments?

Friend May 2020 “My Family Night Fun” Print or draw some road signs that help you stay safe, like stop signs, speed limits, and other warnings. Take turns holding up the signs and having people follow them in pretend cars! What would driving be like without those signs?

Abinadi taught about the Ten Commandments (see Mosiah 13:12–24). How does following the commandments keep you safe and happy?

Friend May 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 11-17”

King Noah’s priests knew the commandments but did not follow them.

Show a picture of Moses with the Ten Commandments and briefly explain how Moses received the commandments from God (see Exodus 19–20).Then show a picture of Abinadi (see this week’s outline. Abinadi reminded King Noah and his priests about the Ten Commandments.

Gospel Art Book, no.14

Give the children heart-shaped pieces of paper, and invite them to write one or more of the Ten Commandments on their hearts (see Mosiah 13:11)—perhaps one they feel they should try harder to obey. Assign each child to read one of the commandments in Mosiah 12:35 and 13:11–24. Help the children think of creative ways to help each other remember each commandment (such as a rhyming phrase, an action, or an acronym). The song “The Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 112–13) can also help.

Teaching Children the Gospel: Obedience, Commandments

Abinadi Testifies of Christ

Mosiah 14-15

Prophets bravely testify of Jesus Christ.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 11-17” Share with the children some of the things Abinadi taught about Jesus Christ in Mosiah 14:5 and 15:7–9. Help the children understand that Abinadi wanted King Noah and his people to follow Jesus so they could be happy. In our day, living prophets teach us about the Savior. Watch the below video. (Start at 5:20 for a shorter version.)

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 11-17”Show or draw pictures of chains, a jail, and a fire. Teach the children that Abinadi was willing to be tied up, put in jail, and even burned by fire to share his testimony of Jesus Christ. Even though we will probably never face these dangers, how can we be courageous like Abinadi in sharing our testimonies with both our words and our choices?

Come Follow Me Kid

Heavenly Father sent Jesus Christ to lead me back to Him.

When I sin, I become lost; because of Jesus Christ, I can be found.

Mosiah 1416:4–9

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 11-17”

  • Though it’s a short chapter, Mosiah 14 has several words and phrases that describe Jesus Christ. Maybe you and your children could list them as you read the chapter together. Then you could talk about how you feel about the Savior as you study these words and phrases.

Come Follow Me Kid

  • To teach about Jesus Christ, Abinadi quoted the prophet Isaiah, who compared us to lost sheep. Perhaps your children could share experiences when they lost something or were lost themselves. How did they feel? What did they do? Then you could read together Mosiah 14:6 and 16:4–9. How are we like sheep who wander from God? How does Jesus Christ help us come back?

The Red Crystal After teaching this principal, think it would be fun for the students to find their sheep with their names on it. Prep them if they find someone else’s sheep to not say anything, but keep looking.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 11-17”

Read together Mosiah 14:6 and 16:4–9. How do we sometimes go “astray” from God? How does Jesus Christ help us come back?

Invite the children to imagine a herd of sheep. What are some reasons one of the sheep might get lost? List their answers on the board. How are we like sheep who wander? How might Heavenly Father feel when we are “found” through repentance and the Savior’s Atonement? (see Doctrine and Covenants 18:10–13). Share your testimony of the Savior and of repentance.

How is Jesus Christ both the Father and the Son?

Mosiah 15:1–12

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 11-17”

Jesus Christ is also the Father in the sense that when we accept His redemption, we become “his seed” and “heirs of the kingdom of God” (Mosiah 15:11–12). In other words, we become spiritually reborn through Him (see Mosiah 5:7).

A father is someone who gives life. Jesus Christ is like a father to us because He can give us immortality and eternal life.

Why we need a Savior

Mosiah 15:26–2716:1–13

These verses describe what would happen to God’s children if Jesus had “not come into the world” (Mosiah 16:6) or if they did not follow Him. What are the good things that have happened because He came and atoned for us? See also the video “Why We Need a Savior” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Mosiah 16

Jesus is a light that can never darkened

Friend May 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Abinadi taught that Jesus Christ is “a light that is endless, that can never be darkened” (Mosiah 16:9). Hide an object in the house. Turn off the lights and have everyone try to find it in the dark. Then hide the object and try to find it with the lights on or with flashlights. Which way was easier? How does Jesus help us like the light helped you?

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

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 11-17”

Large fires can start from a single spark. Abinadi was only one man testifying against a powerful king and his court. His words were rejected for the most part, and he was sentenced to death. Yet his testimony of Jesus Christ, who is the “light … that can never be darkened” (Mosiah 16:9), sparked something inside the young priest Alma. And that spark of conversion slowly grew as Alma brought many others to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. The flames that killed Abinadi eventually died out, but the fire of faith that his words created would have a lasting influence on the Nephites—and on people who read his words today. Most of us will never face quite what Abinadi did because of our testimonies, but we all have moments when following Jesus Christ is a test of our courage and faith. Perhaps studying Abinadi’s testimony will fan the flames of testimony and courage in your heart as well.

Abinadi Suffers Death for his Faith

Mosiah 17

Additional Resources

Media Library “Abinadi before King Noah (Abinadi Appearing before King Noah)

Teaching Children the Gospel “Lesson 11: Abinadi and King Noah”

Invite the children to draw pictures of different parts of the account of Abinadi, King Noah, and Alma found in Mosiah 11–13 and 17. Help them use their pictures to retell the story.

Primary 4 Manual “Lesson 11- Abinadi and King Noah” Put the following objects in a sack or bag. Have each child pick one of the objects and have them explain what it represents when you come to that part of the story.

A paper mustache (see the illustration at the end of the lesson)
A flashlight or lightbulb
A paper replica of the Ten Commandments (see the illustration at the end of the lesson)
A picture of Christ
A piece of rope or string
A match

Mustache:Abinadi came back in disguise (Mosiah 12:1).
Lightbulb or flashlight:Abinadi’s face shone with luster (Mosiah 13:5).
Ten Commandments:Abinadi taught the Ten Commandments (Mosiah 13:11–24).
Picture of Christ:Abinadi boldly testified of Jesus Christ (Mosiah 151617:8).
Rope or string:Abinadi was bound (Mosiah 17:13).
Match:Abinadi was killed by fire (Mosiah 17:20).

Have the children take the parts of the characters in the story of Abinadi and King Noah, and have a reporter interview them. Make a list of questions for the reporter to ask the characters, such as:

Reporter to Noah:How did you pay for your fancy buildings?
Reporter to priests:Why are you holding Abinadi prisoner?
Reporter to Alma:What do you think about the teachings of Abinadi?
Reporter to Abinadi:Why do these people want to kill you? Why won’t you deny what you have said to these people?

Teaching the Scripture Readers

Teaching the Scripture Readers
image

Latter Day Kids “Standing for Truth” Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal 2024


Mosiah 7-10

Posted on

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

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

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

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

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

Ammon searches for people of Limhi

Mosiah 7

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

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

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

Mosiah 7:19

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

Old Testament Scripture Stories “The Passover”

Friend April 2022 “Moses and the Manna”

Latter Day Kids “He Will Deliver You” Lesson ideas

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

The Primary Pad “Book of Mormon Stories”

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

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

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

The Red Crystal

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Red Crystal

Limhi tells of 24 gold plates found in ruins

Mosiah 8

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

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

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

God has given us prophets, seers, and revelators.

Mosiah 8:16–18

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

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

Clipart Library

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Red Crystal

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

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

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

Zeniff leads a group to the land of Lehi-Nephi

Mosiah 9-10

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

Book of Mormon Stories “Zeniff” Images and video

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

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

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

When I am weak, the Lord can strengthen me.

Mosiah 9:14–1810:10–11

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

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

The Red Crystal

The Cozy Red Cottage Download activity at link

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

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

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

News with Naylors

My choices can influence generations.

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

Additional Resources

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

The Cozy Red Cottage See activities at link

The Red Crystal


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

Posted on

Book of Mormon Prophets Knew that Jesus Christ Would Come.

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

Launch Presentation

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

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

Watch this video to learn about the Atonement.

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

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

Activity

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

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

See also Teaching Children the Gospel “Jesus Christ: Atonement

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

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

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

Activity

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

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

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

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

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

Launch Presentation

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

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

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

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

Jesus Christ was Resurrected

Resources

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

Enos, Jarom, Omni, & Words of Mormon

Posted on

Enos CHAPTER 1 Enos prays mightily and gains a remission of his sins—The voice of the Lord comes into his mind, promising salvation for the Lamanites in a future day—The Nephites sought to reclaim the Lamanites—Enos rejoices in his Redeemer. About 420 B.C.

Jarom

Enos

Book of Mormon Stories “Enos” Images and Video

Friend April 2024 “Enos’s Prayer”

Friend March 2020 “Enos Prayed” Video and Images

Friend July 2003 “Enos Prays”

Friend September 2000

Friend May 1988 “Sharing Time: Seeking Guidance through Prayer”

image

Friend January 1988 “Scriptural Giants: Enos Prays”

I can talk to Heavenly Father through prayer.

Enos 1:1–5

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

  • How can you help your children make their prayers more meaningful? Consider showing them a picture of Enos praying; let them describe what they see. They could then close their eyes and imagine they are talking to Heavenly Father face-to-face. What would they like to talk about? What might He want to say to them? [Invite the children to think about talking face-to-face with Heavenly Father each time they pray.]

The Red Crystal

  • As you read aloud Enos 1:1–5, younger children could pretend to be Enos by acting out hunting, kneeling to pray, and so on. Older children could listen for a word or phrase that describes Enos’s prayers. What do these words tell us about Enos’s prayers? Share an experience when your soul “hungered” and you “cried unto” the Lord (Enos 1:4).

Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers.

Enos 1:2–16

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

  • How can you help your children understand that Heavenly Father will hear and answer their prayers? Consider inviting them to list some things they typically pray for. Then you could help them find what Enos prayed for in Enos 1:2, 9, 13–14, and 16 (see also “Chapter 11: Enos,” Book of Mormon Stories, 30–31). [Discuss how the children can follow Enos’s example in their prayers; for instance, you could talk about why Enos was willing to pray for the Lamanites—who were his enemies—and invite the children to pray this week for someone who has been unkind to them. Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Enos-Words of Mormon”]

Ensign March 2020 “Family Study Fun: Mighty, Meaningful Prayer”

Enos prayed all day and into the night. Our prayers may not be that long, but they can be that meaningful.

  1. Identify all the things Enos prayed for:
  2. Discuss some modern equivalents of each of these (forgiveness; family, ward members, and the bishop; bullies at school; understanding the scriptures; and so on.)
  3. Kneel together and see if you can give a thoughtful, meaningful prayer for all that you identified.

Discussion: Why are our prayers more meaningful when we are more specific in our expressions? What else can you do to make your family and personal prayers more thoughtful?

The Red Crystal

  • What were the results of Enos’s prayers? (see verses 6, 9, 11).What do we learn from Enos’s experience about how to improve our prayers?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Enos-Words of Mormon”It can be easy for our prayers to become routine or casual. Enos’s experience is a reminder that receiving answers to our prayers sometimes requires a “wrestle” and “many long strugglings” (Enos 1:2, 11).

Friend April 2024

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Enos-Words of Mormon”Sing together a song about prayer, such as “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13). Perhaps your children could raise their hands every time they hear the word “pray” or “prayer” or another repeated word. Tell your children about some of the ways that Heavenly Father has answered your prayers.

Teaching Children the Gospel “Enos Prays”

Friend March 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Enos 1:4–5 together and help your little ones say, “I can pray to Heavenly Father anytime, anywhere.” You could use five fingers to review the parts of prayer: 1) start with “Dear Heavenly Father,” 2) thank Him for blessings, 3) tell Him about your day, 4) ask Him for what you and others need, 5) end “in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.” Or create actions for the rhyme, “I close my eyes. I bow my head. I listen while a prayer is said.”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Enos – Words of Mormon” In the first two boxes, write or draw pictures of some of the things Enos prayed for. In the third box, write or draw something you can pray about.

Friend March 2020 “Enos Prayed with Faith” Coloring Page: Who Needs Your Prayers Today?

Friend March 2020 “I Can Pray Like Enos” Make a diorama scene of Enos praying.  Article also outlines what prayers should contain.

Friend August 2018 “I Pray in Faith” Simplified “I Can Play It”, and a music video.

Friend September 2019 “A Child’s Prayer” Simplified “I Can Play It” version. Also a music video

Primary 4 Book of Mormon: Lesson 9 “Enos Prays”Tell the following riddle, and ask the children to raise their hands when they know the answer.

  • I am not a person, place, or object.
  • I can be so quiet that no one else can hear, or loud enough that everyone in the room can hear.
  • I can be used when you are alone or in a group.
  • I am used any time, any place, under any circumstance.
  • I am used for gratitude, guidance, comfort, forgiveness, protection, help, good health, or for any other blessing you need for yourself or for someone else.
  • You use me to talk with Heavenly Father.
  • What am I?

Write the children’s responses on the chalkboard. When they recognize that the correct answer is prayer, ask if they have any questions about prayer. Summarize their questions on the chalkboard, and ask the children to listen for answers as you share the story of Enos. At the end of the story, refer back to the questions and discuss them.

For additional ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel: Prayer Lesson Ideas, Prayer Stories & Poems, Prayer Activity & Games.

Jarom

Before Enos died, he gave his son Jarom the plates.

The Lord will bless me when I keep the commandments.

One of God’s most repeated promises in the Book of Mormon is that if the Nephites kept the commandments, they would prosper. 

Read Jarom 1:7-9 to see some of the ways the Nephites prospered in the land and were blessed.

Read Jarom 1:5, 10-12 and have the family make a list of what the Nephites did that enabled them to be blessed and prosper.

What do you learn from these accounts that can help you “prosper in the land”?

Omni

Before dying, Jarom delivered the plates into the hands of his son Omni (Jarom 1:15), who then passed them on to his son Amaron. Amaron tells that the more wicked part of the Nephites had been destroyed. (Omni 1:5)

For the Lord would not suffer, after he had led them out of the land of Jerusalem and kept and preserved them from falling into the hands of their enemies, yea, he would not suffer that the words should not be verified, which he spake unto our fathers, saying that: Inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall not prosper in the land.

Wherefore, the Lord did visit them in great judgment; nevertheless, he did spare the righteous that they should not perish, but did deliver them out of the hands of their enemies.

After Amaron, the record continued to be passed down from father to son, Amaron to Chemish to Abinadom to Amaleki. 

Amaleki tells of a man called Mosiah, “he being warned of the Lord that he should flee out of the land of Nephi, and as many as would hearken unto the voice of the Lord should also depart out of the land with him, into the wilderness

14 And they discovered a people, who were called the people of Zarahemla.

Book of Mormon Stories “Mosiah and Zeniff” The Nephites and Lamanites had many wars. One day, the Lord told a Nephite named Mosiah to leave the land of Nephi with anyone who would follow the Lord.

Many Nephites obeyed the Lord and left with Mosiah. The Lord led them to a land that had people living in it. They were called the people of Zarahemla.

The people of Zarahemla also came from Jerusalem long ago. They were happy the Lord sent the Nephites with the brass plates. Mosiah’s people joined the people of Zarahemla. All the people chose Mosiah as their king. He taught them about the Lord.

Who were the people of Zarahemla?

15 Mosiah discovered that the people of Zarahemla were led by God out from Jerusalem at the time that Zedekiah, king of Judah, was carried away captive into Babylon. Among that group was Mulek, one of the sons of Zedekiah.

After the people of Zarahemla arrived in the promised land, they met Coriantumr (see Omni 1:21), the last known survivor of the Jaredites, whose story is told in the book of Ether.

Department of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion “Book of Mormon Chronology Chart”

Because Amaleki did not have any children Amaleki gave the plates to King Benjamin. Amaleki concluded his record in about 130B.C., about 470 years from the time Lehi left Jerusalem.

Friend April 1988

Friend April 1988

Words of Mormon

As a historical account, the book serves as a bridge between the small plates of Nephi (1 Nephi–Omni) and Mormon’s abridgment of the large plates of Nephi (Mosiah–4 Nephi).

I can bless others when I listen to the Holy Ghost.

As Nephi was writing the record of his people, God directed him to create two sets of plates, called the small plates and the large plates of Nephi. Nephi didn’t know why he was commanded to create two sets of plates, but he trusted that the Lord had “a wise purpose … , which purpose I know not” (1 Nephi 9:5

Centuries later, as Mormon was abridging Nephi’s large plates, he came across the small plates. The small plates covered many of the same events described in the large plates that Mormon had already abridged, but the small plates focused more on spiritual matters and the ministry and teachings of the prophets. God inspired Mormon to include the small plates of Nephi in his record in addition to the large plates.

Like Nephi, Mormon didn’t understand God’s purpose for having both sets of plates, but he trusted that it was “for a wise purpose” (Words of Mormon 1:7).

Today we know what God’s purpose was. In 1828, after Joseph Smith had translated part of Mormon’s abridgment of Nephi’s large plates (116 manuscript pages), Martin Harris lost those pages. God commanded Joseph not to retranslate this portion because evil men would change the words and try to discredit Joseph (see Doctrine and Covenants 10, section heading; Doctrine and Covenants 10:14–19, 30–45).

Video and Images from Doctrine and Covenants Stories

Thankfully, God had foreseen this and provided the small plates, which covered the same history that was lost with the 116 pages. The small plates compose the books that come before Words of Mormon, and Mormon’s abridgment of the large plates begins after the Words of Mormon.

Words of Mormon 1:3–8

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Enos-Words of Mormon” Mormon followed the guidance of the Holy Ghost to include the small plates of Nephi in the Book of Mormon. Everything we’ve studied in the Book of Mormon so far this year has come to us because Mormon made the choice to listen to the Spirit. How can you help your children learn about listening to the Spirit? Invite them to take turns reading the verses from Words of Mormon 1:3–8. You could talk about what they learn from each verse. Your children could then:

Invite the children to share stories they have learned from the Book of Mormon so far this year (pictures from the Gospel Art Book may help them remember). Explain that we have these stories in the Book of Mormon because Mormon listened when the Holy Ghost told him to include them.

  • Sing together a song about the Holy Ghost, such as “The Still Small Voice” (Children’s Songbook, 106–7).( Sing it several times in different ways, such as fast, slow, or in a whisper. When you whisper the song, open to Words of Mormon 1:7, and point out that Mormon described the Holy Ghost as a whisper.)

Come Follow Me Kid Hidden Candy- Hide a piece of candy somewhere in the room. Blindfold one person and assign another person to act as the “still small voice.” Have the rest of the family talk loudly while the blindfolded person tries to hear the still small voice’s whispered directions to where the candy is. Talk about how we’re blessed when we listen for the Holy Ghost and heed the Holy Ghost’s promptings. Point out how Words of Mormon 1: 7 explains the Spirit as something that whispers to us. Encourage family members to try to hear the quiet promptings from the Spirit each day.

Gospel Media “Mormon Compiles Sacred Writings” Coloring Page

Gospel Media

Story Ideas

Share an experience when you followed a prompting from the Holy Ghost (or share the story below). How did your actions bless others? Explain that Heavenly Father wants us to help and bless others, so He sends the Holy Ghost to guide us.

Friend March 2020 “Check the Kittens” After everyone has gone to bed, a girl kept having the thought to go and check on their kittens. She acted on the prompting and found that a warming light had fallen over onto the kittens cardboard box and would have caught on fire. The Holy Ghost helped keep their family and kittens safe.

Come Follow Me Kid

Additional Resources

Liahona April 2024 “Enos: Receiving Revelation Until Our Faith Becomes Unshaken”

Friend April 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Family Links”

People in the Book of Mormon wrote their family history on the plates (see Omni 1:1). You can write your family history too! Write your name on a strip of paper. Tape or glue the ends together to make a ring. Then write the name of a family member on another paper and loop it through the ring. Tape or glue the ends together. Add as many family links as you can!

The Red Crystal

The Red Crystal 2020


Jacob 5-7

Posted on

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

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

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

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

Allegory of the Olive Tree

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

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

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

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

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

Verses 29–49. The Great Apostasy

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friend April 2024 “The Story of the Olive Trees”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Red Crystal

The Lord cares for His people.

Jacob 5

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

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

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

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

God invites me to help Him gather His children.

Jacob 5:61-75

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

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

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

Fruit Fun

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

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

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

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

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

Missionaries serve Heavenly Father’s children.

Jacob 5

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

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

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

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

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

Jacob 6:4–5

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

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

The Red Crystal

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

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

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

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

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

Friend April 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

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

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

Jacob’s Encounter with Sherem

I can stand up for what I know is true.

Jacob 7:1–23

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stand for the Right Song: Teaching Ideas

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

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

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

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

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Come Follow Me 2020

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

Friend April 2024