SECTION 133
This section was first added to the book of Doctrine and Covenants as an appendix and was subsequently assigned a section number.
1–6, The Saints are commanded to prepare for the Second Coming; 7–16, All men are commanded to flee from Babylon, come to Zion, and prepare for the great day of the Lord; 17–35, He will stand on Mount Zion, the continents will become one land, and the lost tribes of Israel will return; 36–40, The gospel was restored through Joseph Smith to be preached in all the world; 41–51, The Lord will come down in vengeance upon the wicked; 52–56, It will be the year of His redeemed; 57–74, The gospel is to be sent forth to save the Saints and for the destruction of the wicked.
Books sometimes end with a conclusion that restates or summarizes the book’s main points. Section 133 was originally meant to be the conclusion of the Book of Commandments, and it might be valuable to read this section with that in mind. What points does the Lord emphasize about His work? What do verses 57–62 teach you about the role the Lord wants you to play in His work?
The Lord wants Me to be Clean from Wordly Influences.
Doctrine and Covenants 133:4–5, 14–15‘
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 133-134
Doctrine and Covenants 133 can help the children understand how to keep themselves clean from the worldly influences around them.
- Invite the children to read “Babel, Babylon” in the Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org) to find out what Babylon is and what it represents. Then read together Doctrine and Covenants 133:4–5, 14–15. What does it mean to “go ye out from Babylon”? (verse 5). What are some places and situations the Lord wants us to stay away from? What can we do to avoid them?
- Place a sign on one side of the room that says “Zion,” and place another sign on the other side that says “Babylon.” Write on strips of paper words from Doctrine and Covenants 133:4–5, 14–15 that describe either Zion or Babylon (such as “wicked,” “clean,” or “destruction”), and invite the children to place each paper under the appropriate sign.
The spiritual opposite of Zion is Babylon—an ancient city that throughout scripture symbolizes wickedness and spiritual bondage (see D. Todd Christofferson, “Come to Zion,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 37; Guide to the Scriptures, “Babel, Babylon,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Is there anything you need to do as a family to, in a spiritual sense, “go … out from Babylon” (verse 5) and “go … forth unto … Zion”? (verse 9).
Unspotted from the World Lesson
Friend November 2015 “Be a Shing Light” Ways we can become examples so our lights will shine.
See also Ensign April 2006 “Zion in the Midst of Babylon”
Jesus Christ Will Come Again & Will Reign on the Earth.
Doctrine and Covenants 133:19–25, 46–52
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 133-134
In section 133, the Lord describes His Second Coming and invites His people to prepare for this glorious event. How can you help the children look forward to the Savior’s return?Possible Activities
- Hide a picture of the Savior’s Second Coming behind a cloth, as if the cloth were a curtain (you could use the image in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families or Gospel Art Book, no. 66). Invite the children to take turns moving the “curtain” aside and pretending they are looking out a window. Ask them to share how they would feel if they looked out the window and saw Jesus coming down from heaven. Read the phrase “go ye out to meet him” (verse 19), and help the children repeat the phrase.
- Under each child’s chair, hide a picture depicting something we can do to prepare for Jesus Christ’s Second Coming (such as read the scriptures, share the gospel, or serve our families). Let the children find the pictures, and talk about how doing these things helps us get ready to meet the Savior when He returns.
- Sing together a song about the Second Coming, such as “When He Comes Again” (Children’s Songbook, 82–83). Share your love for the Savior and your feelings about His return to the earth. Invite the children to share their feelings too.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson said, “It is supremely important to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ” (“Preparing for the Lord’s Return,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 81). How will you help the children understand how they can participate in this critical work?
- Display the picture from this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families, and invite the children to make a list of things they know about Jesus Christ’s Second Coming. Then, using Doctrine and Covenants 133:19–25, 46–52, invite them to add things to their list. Share your testimony that the Second Coming will be a joyful day for the righteous.
- To help the children understand verse 19, talk to them about how a bride might prepare for her wedding (perhaps someone who was recently married could help with this conversation). How are we like a bride preparing “for the coming of the Bridegroom,” Jesus Christ? If you think it would be helpful, review with the children the parable of the ten virgins (see Matthew 25:1–13). Why is it important to prepare for the Savior’s Second Coming? What can we do now to prepare
Come, Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Prepare Ye” Lesson ideas
Friend November 2021 “Jesus Will Come Again” Read each scripture about what His Second Coming will be like. Then color in part of the picture.
Friend November 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones” Ask your little ones to cheer and clap. Talk about how Jesus’s Second Coming will be a joyful event. Help your little ones say, “Jesus will come again!”
Additional Teaching Resources: Teaching Children the Gospel “Jesus: Second Coming” and Resources by Topic “Second Coming”
Jesus Christ is Loving and Kind.
Doctrine and Covenants 133:52–53
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 133-134
These verses describe some of the many ways the Lord has shown His “loving kindness” to His people. What can you do to help the children feel the Savior’s love for them?
- Display a picture that shows that Jesus is loving and kind (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 42, 47). Ask the children to share other things that Jesus has done to show His love and kindness. Read the phrase “they shall mention the loving kindness of their Lord” (verse 52), and help the children think of ways they can tell others about the Savior’s love.
- Sing a song about the Savior’s love, such as “Jesus Is Our Loving Friend” (Children’s Songbook, 58). Share your testimony of how the Savior has shown His love for you.
Friend April 2019 “God’s Great Gift” President Nelson asked the person who daily fed some tropical fish if they had ever thanked her. He says that some people are like those fish. They are not aware of God and His goodness to them. We need to express gratitude for his blessings, especially for the gift of our Savior Jesus Christ. Activity: Color in a sun ray after you read each sentence about what Jesus has done for us.
Lesson 35: Jesus Christ Heals the Sick and Blesses the Children
SECTION 134
A declaration of belief regarding governments and laws in general, adopted by unanimous vote at a general assembly of the Church held at Kirtland, Ohio, August 17, 1835. Many Saints gathered together to consider the proposed contents of the first edition of the Doctrine and Covenants. At that time, this declaration was given the following preamble: “That our belief with regard to earthly governments and laws in general may not be misinterpreted nor misunderstood, we have thought proper to present, at the close of this volume, our opinion concerning the same.”
1–4, Governments should preserve freedom of conscience and worship; 5–8, All men should uphold their governments and owe respect and deference to the law; 9–10, Religious societies should not exercise civil powers; 11–12, Men are justified in defending themselves and their property.
The Lord Wants Me to Obey the Law.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 133-134
Young children often have rules to follow at home, at school, and elsewhere. You can help them understand that the Lord expects us to follow the rules and laws in our community and nation.
- Invite the children to play a simple game without following any rules, and then have them play it with rules. How do rules help us? Express your gratitude for the laws of the land.
- Help the children repeat the twelfth article of faith. Emphasize key words, like “obeying, honoring, and sustaining,” and talk with the children about what those words mean. Share with them why it is important to obey the law.
Although there are different forms of government around the world, the Lord wants us to “sustain and uphold the … governments in which [we] reside” (Doctrine and Covenants 134:5).
- Invite the children to list rules or laws they obey. What would life be like if no one obeyed these laws? Read Doctrine and Covenants 134:1–2 with the children, helping them understand any words or phrases they might not understand. Why does the Lord want us to have government and laws?
- Write each word or phrase from the eleventh and twelfth articles of faith on a separate slip of paper. Mix the papers up, and ask the children to work together to put them in the right order. How do we show that we believe what these articles of faith teach?
Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Religious Freedom”
Friend November 2011 “Article of Faith 12”
Additional teaching ideas about obeying the law:
- “Lesson 31: I Will Obey the Law,” Primary 2: Choose the Right A“
- “Sharing Time: Obey the Law” (October 1995 Friend)
Includes instructions for making a coat of arms. - “What Laws Mean” (May 1976 Friend)
A matching activity about different laws. - “It’s the Law” (February 1997 Friend)
- Christopher and Sarah learn that Heavenly Father wants us to obey the law.
- Matt and Mandy” (March 2011 Friend)
- Boys invite Matt to spray graffiti and he declines.