Jesus Christ: Stories

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 The Life of Jesus Christ Bible Videos

Premortal Life

Friend January 2017 “Jesus Loves Me” Jesus was chosen in the premortal life to be our Savior. On earth he taught us the right way to live and he atoned for our sins because he loves us.

Childhood

Friend January 2019 “Jesus Learned and Grew”

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Friend February 2017 “When Jesus was a Child” Jesus found teaching in the temple as a child.

Baptism

Friend March 2023 “Jesus Christ Was Baptized”

Friend February 2019 “Jesus was Baptized”

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Why was the Savior baptized 2 Nephi 31: 4-13

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

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

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

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

We Need to Follow His Example and be Baptized

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

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

Friend March 2017 “Jesus Was Baptized”

Friend January 2015 “Jesus Was Baptized”  Scripture story and explanation of words.

Friend Jan 2015

Friend March 2023 “Jesus Christ Was Baptized”

Jesus Calls His Disciples

Friend November 2017 “I Want to Follow Jesus”

Jesus Parables and Teachings

Friend May 2017 “Jesus Taught About Heavenly Father’s Love” Jesus teaches about the lost coin, the lost sheep, and the prodigal son.

For the Strength of Youth July 2023 “The Prodigal Son”

Friend August 2017 “Jesus Forgives” Jesus teaches Peter to forgive. Jesus forgave sins, and he forgave his crucifiers.

Jesus Healed the Sick and Raised the Dead

Friend May 2019 “The Story of the Ten Lepers” You can read this story in .

Friend June 2017 “Jesus Healed People” Story of Jarius’s daughter being raised from the dead, and the story of the women with an issue of blood being healed when she touches the hem of Jesus’s robe.

Friend March 2021 “Jesus Comforted Others” Story of Jesus comforting Mary and Martha after their brother Lazarus died.

Friend November 2023 “Jesus Christ Healed a Man”

Feeding the Multitude

Friend February 2021 “Jesus Shared the Gospel” Story of Jesus feeding the people with fishes and loaves of bread, but most importantly feeding them spiritual food.

Friend July 2017 “Jesus Fed Many People”

The Rich Young Man

For the Strength of Youth April 2023 “Follow Jesus Christ and Do What Matters Most”

Jesus Blesses the Children

Friend May 2019 “Jesus Blesses the Children”

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Friend September 2017 “Jesus is Kind” Jesus blesses the children.

The Last Supper: The Sacrament

Friend June 2019 “Jesus Taught about the Sacrament”

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Friend April 2017 “Jesus Gave Us the Sacrament”

“The Sacrament Helps Us Remember Jesus” Friend September 2015 

Friend April 2017 “Jesus Gave Us the Sacrament”

Jesus Atonement, Crucifixion, and Resurrection

After Jesus’s Resurrection

Friend August 2019 “Open Your Hear to the Holy Ghost” When Jesus was about to leave His disciples, He told them how He would give them His peace:

Friend July 2019 “Jesus Said to Share the Gospel”

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Sabbath Day: Lesson Item 3

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“Jesus Kept the Sabbath Day Holy”

Preparation

Print the Sabbath Story Pictures. Tape the pages together along the back bottom edges in the order they were printed. Roll the pictures into a scroll. Tie the scroll with a piece of yarn or string. (Optional Ideas: tape a dowel rod to the top edge and to the bottom edge of the scroll. You could also print off the numbered words below and glue them to the back of their matching picture. This makes it easier to read the words as you show the pictures. )

Scripture Story 

Unroll one side of the scroll until the first picture is showing. Read the words to the family that go with each scroll picture (see below). When finished with one page, roll up the top roll with one hand as you unroll the bottom roll with the other hand until you get to the next picture.

1.    When Jesus lived on the earth he honored the Sabbath day. The bible tells us how he kept it holy. On the Sabbath Jesus went to the synagogues (churches) to worship and teach.

2.    One day when Jesus was in a synagogue he saw a man whose right hand was crippled. He also saw some Jewish leaders called Pharisees. The Pharisees were a people who opposed Jesus because they thought he would take away their power and authority from them. They tried to trap him into saying things that were wrong or against the law. They asked Jesus if it was against the law to heal someone on the Sabbath day. They thought it was.

3.    The Jews in Jesus’ time were not living the Sabbath as they had been commanded. They had made up strict rules that did not help them worship Heavenly Father. For example, it was forbidden to set a broken bone or reset a dislocated joint on the Sabbath. Another of their strict rules was that a knot which could be untied with one hand was lawful to tie on the Sabbath, but if it required two hands to untie, it was not lawful.

4.    Jesus taught the Jews that these rules were wrong. Jesus answered their question concerning the unlawfulness of healing on the Sabbath by asking them what they would do if one of them had a sheep and it fell into a hole on the Sabbath. He asked if they would lift it out. When none of the Pharisees answered him, Jesus continued by saying how much better a person is than a sheep.

5.    He then called to the man with the crippled hand. Jesus asked the man to stand and hold out his hand. As the man did so, Jesus healed his hand.

 

Review Questions

Where did Jesus go on the Sabbath? (To church)

Why did Jesus go to church? (To worship and teach)

What else did he do? (He healed a man with the crippled hand)

Tell the family that if it is something that Jesus would do on the Sabbath, such as giving blessings to the sick, attending church, worshiping, and teaching the gospel, it is a good thing to do on the Sabbath Day.


Lesson 36: Jesus Christ Gives the Sacrament to the Nephites

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Lesson 36: Jesus Christ Gives the Sacrament to the Nephites

Preparation

  • Items needed: A tray full of items that help people remember things (such as family pictures, a CTR ring, a finger string loop tied in a bow, a journal, a planner, a calendar, sticky notes, a notebook, etc.), a cloth to cover the tray, chalk and eraser, and a few rolls of clear tape. You will also need the following for each child: one small Ziplock baggie, two pieces of eight inch long ribbons or string, a piece of paper, a pencil, and a Book of Mormon.
  • Print the visual aids (or show them to the children using a tablet or laptop).
  • Print the game items onto heavy paper and cut them out. With an exacto knife, slice though each set of dotted lines on the sacrament tray so it has five slits.
  • Sacrament Book instructions: For each child, print one copy of the Sacrament Book pages (colored or black and white) onto heavy paper (also make one extra copy to use as an example). Cut out the answer pages by cutting straight across the dotted lines (you should only need to make two cuts per page using a paper cutter.) Turn the pages so they all face the same direction and then stack them together in numerical order. Hole punch the left side. Cut out each of the questions. Put one set of booklet pages and one set of questions in each baggie. Assemble one book to use as an example by loosely tying the pages together with the ribbons through the punched holes, and then by putting each question on top of its matching answer and taping down the left side edge of each question.

Attention Activity

Show the children the tray of items. Uncover it and ask the children what the items on the tray are used for. (They are used to help people remember certain things or important events.)

Cover the items back up. Hand out a piece of paper and a pencil to each child. Ask the children to write down all the items they saw on the tray without discussing it with each other. Uncover the tray and let them check their lists. Most likely the children won’t have remembered some of the items. Point out that we sometimes forget things in life, but Heavenly Father wanted us to always remember a very important event, so an ordinance was instituted to help us remember it. Tell the following story and see if the children can guess what important event the story represents. Before telling the story, write on the board what the items in the story represent: roots/temptation, river/sin, rescuer/Jesus Christ.

Story

A certain man, desiring to enjoy the beauties of nature, went for a woodland stroll by the side of a flowing river. Deep in thought about the magnificence of God’s handiwork, he didn’t see the tree roots jutting out near the water’s edge. He stumbled and fell headlong into the river. The water was deep, and the man couldn’t swim! He cried out. But who will hear me? he wondered as the water engulfed him in darkness. He surfaced and shouted again, but his hopes dimmed as he sank for the second time. His call was much weaker as he rose one more time, and he thought, No one can hear me now!

But someone did hear his cries, dived into the water, and brought him safely to the bank.

When the drowning man recovered, he looked up into the face of his rescuer and said, “Oh, thank you! Thank you for saving me. What can I do to show my love and appreciation?”

Then a sad thing happened. Although the man who had been saved lived, his rescuer died as a result of his exertion during the rescue.

Before the rescuer died, he explained that he wanted the man to live a wonderful life of doing good deeds so that the sacrifice of his life would not be in vain. (Elder Derek A. Cuthbert Adapted from a Brigham Young University devotional address, May 19, 1981.)

  • What important event does this story represent? (The Atonement of Jesus Christ.) Explain that the man’s rescuer represents Jesus Christ who gave his life for us so that we may repent of our sins and be saved. We show our love and appreciation for the Savior by doing what he has asked us to do.
  • What ordinance did the Savior institute upon the earth to help remind us of his sacrifice and of our baptismal promise to do the things he has asked us to do? (The sacrament)

Scripture Account

When Jesus was on the earth, he first instituted the sacrament in Jerusalem during what was known as the last supper. (Show picture #1) When Jesus visited the Nephites he instituted the sacrament at the conclusion of his first day among them. He commanded his disciples to bring forth some bread and wine. (In latter days we do not use wine as part of the sacrament for many reasons. The Lord declared “that it mattereth not what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink when ye partake of the Sacrament, if it so be that ye do it with an eye single to my glory-remembering unto the Father my body which was laid down for you, and my blood which was shed for the remission of your sins.” D&C 27:2)

When the disciples returned with the bread and wine, Jesus broke the bread and blessed it and then gave it to his disciples and commanded that they should eat. (Show picture #2) They ate and were filled. (3 Nephi 18:4) One of the meanings of “filled” is to be filled with the Holy Ghost. When the disciples (meaning the twelve apostles) were filled, Jesus commanded them to give the sacrament bread to the multitude. After the multitude had partaken of the bread, Jesus commanded his disciples that they should drink of the wine, and that they should also give the wine to the multitude that they might drink of it. After the disciples and multitude had drank of the wine, they were filled.

Jesus explained to the disciples that they should always observe the sacrament ordinance.

The symbolism in the sacrament ordinance reminds us of the atonement Jesus made for us. For example, the cloth covering the sacrament is symbolic of the cloth that Jesus was covered in when he was laid in the tomb. (Show picture # 3) When Jesus instituted the sacrament among the Nephites, he explained what the bread and water represent. He also discussed the covenants that we are renewing when we take the sacrament. Remind the children that a covenant is a two-way promise.

Tell the children that they are going to play a game that has questions and answers in it concerning Jesus’s teachings about the sacrament. (Make sure each child has a Book of Mormon.)

Game

Show the children the game items. Point out the scriptures on the cups. Explain that you are going to read a question, and they will have to figure out which scripture has the best answer in it. If a child thinks they have found the correct scripture, have them raise their hand and share the reference with the class. The other children have to agree that it is the correct scripture. If the child is correct, that child reads the scripture out loud, answers the question, and then puts the cup into the tray. Once a child has had a turn, they can help someone else find the correct scripture. Be sure to discuss the answers after each correct response. On the last question, have the person who raises their hand first with correct answer put the cup in the tray.

Game Questions and Answers

1. What does the broken bread remind us of?  (3 Nephi 18:6-7) Jesus’ broken and bruised body.

2. What does the wine (water) represent? (3 Nephi 18:9,11) Jesus’ blood that was shed for us.

When we partake of the bread and water we are committing to remember the atonement and make it part of our lives, repenting when we make mistakes.

3. Who receives the sacrament? (3 Nephi 18:5) All who are members of the church. (Point out the word “baptized” in the verse.)

Why should you be a member in order to receive the sacrament? Explain that when a person is baptized, he makes special covenants. The sacrament is a time to review and renew those baptismal covenants (make those promises again). (Little children can also take the sacrament as preparation for the future covenants they will make.) During the sacrament we should also be reviewing our actions for the week, repenting of wrong doings, and committing to do better. When we do this we can become clean again like at baptism.

4. When members of the Church partake of the sacrament what are they witnessing to Heavenly Father? ( 3 Nephi 18:10-11) That they will keep the commandments (renewing our baptismal covenants), and that they will always remember Jesus.

5. What are we blessed with when we always remember Jesus? (3 Nephi 18:7) We are blessed to have his Spirit to be with us always. This is a great blessing because the Holy Ghost can give us guidance and help with the difficult challenges and temptations we face in life.

Followup Questions:

  • Why is it important for us to always remember Jesus? When we remember Jesus, we remember the things he did for us. We remember his love for us, and we remember the things he taught. When we remember those things, our faith and love for Jesus grows and our desire to keep his commandments increases.
  • How can we remember the Savior during the week so that we can have his Spirit to be with us? We can remember to express our gratitude for Jesus in our prayers. We can read the scriptures daily to learn of His life, ministry, and teachings. We can strive to live what he has taught and keep his commandments.

Sacrament Book Activity

Show the children the baggies and explain that they are each going to make a flap book that can be read each week as they prepare to take the sacrament. The books will help remind them of the purpose of the sacrament. (A flap book has a question on the flap and the answers under the flap.)

Give each child one of the baggies containing the Sacrament Book pages. Have the children sit on the floor and put their pages in front of them. Explain that they need to match the eight questions with the eight answers. Have them put the question on top of its matching answer. After they have made their matches, read your example copy to them so they can check their answers. Have them fix any that are incorrect, and then give them pieces of tape to attach to the left edge of each of the question cutouts to make flaps that cover each answer. Have them stack their pages in numerical order. The pages that say “I will remember Jesus” go at the end of the book. Give each child two pieces of ribbon or string and have them tie together their pages through the holes. Point out the last few pages and explain that during the week they can draw or glue pictures of things they remember about Jesus on those pages. This will help them remember Jesus throughout the week. They can even add more pages if they desire.

  • What are some aspects of the Savior’s life and ministry that they might be included on the blank pages of the books? Jesus’s death and atoning sacrifice, his humble birth, his miracles, his teachings, his loving care towards others, etc.

Conclusion

The Savior taught that if we partake of the sacrament, always remember him, and keep his commandments then our lives will be built upon his rock, which is a solid foundation. But if we do not do these things then our lives are built upon a sandy foundation. (Show the picture of the castle on the sand.)

  • What will happen to the castle when the rain descends, and the floods come, and the winds blow and beat upon it? It will wash away into the dark, deep ocean.
  • What happens to us if our lives are not built upon a solid, safe foundation and the storms of life such as adversity and temptation come upon us? If our spiritual foundations are not firm and safeguarded then we can fall into the deep, dark depths of misery and hell. (3 Nephi 18:12-13)

Remind the children that the Lord wants us to live wonderful lives doing good and righteous works so that we can be happy on earth and someday gain eternal life. The sacred sacrament ordinance reminds us of our Savior and of his sacrifice and love for us. It is also a reminder to make the Atonement part of our lives and to keep our covenants so that we may return to live with Jesus and Heavenly Father again.

Weekly Reading Assignment

Remind the children to do their scripture reading assignment for this week: 3 Nephi 18:1–14


Lesson 34: Jesus Teaches the Beatitudes

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Lesson 34

Jesus Christ Teaches the Nephites the Beatitudes

Preparation

  • Items needed: a pencil for each child, five pieces of cardstock and several pieces of white paper, scriptures for each child, strong magnets or tape, scissors, sticky tack, small ziplock baggies or envelopes, a small container of salt mixed with dirt, and a small container of regular salt. Optional: cooked pasta
  • Print the visual aids. Fold each of the first six pages in half along the fold line. Tape together the folded pages along the edges (in the order printed) so they make one long line of figures with the picture of Jesus at the beginning.
  • Cut apart the pattern labels. Using sticky tack, attach the head labels to a piece of cardstock in random order. Do the same thing with the body labels. Cut out the jewels and attach them to another piece of cardstock using sticky tack.
  •  Cut apart the Law of Moses/Law of the Gospel strips on the lines. Attach the title strips to the top of a piece of cardstock. Using sticky tack, attach the rest of the strips to another piece of cardstock in random order.
  • Fold a white piece of paper into three even sections. Place the small paper doll pattern on top of the folded paper; then using it as a pattern, cut out a chain of three paper dolls. Cut out four pages of paper doll chains per child. The pages can be stacked to make the cuts. Tape the figures together so you have 12 dolls in a row. Fold each of the doll chains and place them into a baggie or envelope.
  • Print or copy one page of the black and white jewels and labels handout for each child.
  • Print the lesson pictures, or use a computer laptop or tablet to show the images to the children.

Attention Activity

Give a volunteer the scissors and a piece of paper. Ask him or her to cut out a perfectly shaped paper doll (without making any folds in the paper). Once the child is done, ask if it was hard to make a perfectly shaped doll that was equal in shape and size on both sides. Show the child the paper doll pattern. Ask if it would have been easier to make a perfectly shaped paper doll if the child had been given a pattern to follow.

(Read 3 Nephi 12:48) Explain that we are to strive to become like our Father in Heaven who is perfect, and we have been given a pattern to follow and instructions on how to work towards that goal.

  • What is the pattern we have been given? Our Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus set an example for us to follow, and because the Father and the Son are one in purpose and characteristics, if we become like the Son we also become like the Father.

We have also been given instructions to follow. When the Savior lived on the earth, he taught the Sermon on the Mount (show picture). When he appeared to the Nephites after his death and resurrection, he taught them a similar sermon (show picture). This sermon gives us directions to follow towards the formation of the kind of person each of of us needs to become.

Show the children the folded up papers with the picture of Jesus on the outside. Spread out the folded papers and attach it to the chalkboard with the magnets under the words “Blessed are the…” Explain that each scripture reference comes from the sermon the Savior taught the Nephites, and each tells us a characteristic we need to develop in order to become like Jesus.

Point out the sign “Blessed are the…” on the chalkboard and explain that the beginning of Jesus’s sermon includes what is known as the “Beatitudes.” Beatitude means to be blessed or happy. Show the children the jewels, and explain that they are labeled with the promised blessings we will receive if we develop the characteristics mentioned in the sermon. Have the children read 3 Nephi 13:19-20. Explain that the temporary worldly things we might treasure on earth do not even compare to the wonderful eternal blessings our Heavenly Father has in store for us if we live righteous lives

Display the three cardstock pages that contain the head labels, the body labels, and the jewels. Explain to the children that they are going to do an activity where they will find the instructions the Savior gave, and then they will label the fold-out figures on the board with those instructions.

Activity Instructions:

  1. Have a volunteer read the first scripture reference (with class members following along in their scriptures). Then have the child find the label that matches it and put the label on the head of the first figure. (Note: The last doll pattern on the board is an activity. When the final label is left, put it on the doll head and then explain the activity.)
  2. Next, have the children find the label to what they think the beatitude means. If they are correct, have a child attach the piece to the body of the figure.
  3.  Then ask the children what things they can do to become that kind of person. Write on the arms and legs of the figure the things the children mention.
  4.  Next, have the children find the jewel that has the promised blessing on it that goes with the beatitude, and have a child put it in the doll’s hand.

Before starting the activity, give each child one of the fold-up paper doll figures and a pencil, and explain that they are going to copy down each trait onto their figures to help them remember the type of person they need to become. (The children may need to sit on the floor and turn their chair to use it as a table.) Have them first draw a picture of themselves on the top figure, so when the dolls are folded, that is the image they see. Then have the children write the traits on the head and the ways to become that kind of person on the arms and legs of each figure as it is discussed. Explain that at the end of the lesson they will get their own copy of the body labels and jewels.

  1. Poor in Spirit (3 Nephi 12:3)
  2. A person who realizes they need spiritual assistance. To be poor in spirit means that a person realizes they are spiritually in need (they need help strengthening their spirit and making the things of God a priority in their life), and they are humble enough to turn to Heavenly Father for help.
  3. How can we show Heavenly Father that we realize we are in need of his help to develop spiritually? Pray, study his words in the scriptures, go to church.
  4. Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
  1. They that Mourn (3 Nephi 12:4)
  2. Feelings of deep sorrow and regret for the sins they have committed. Blessed are they that mourn for the sins they have committed because godly sorrow worketh repentance. (2 Cor. 7:10)
  3. How do we show that we feel sorry for the sins we have committed? Pray and ask for forgiveness, right the wrong, do not do it again.
  4. They shall be comforted. Repentance brings comforting forgiveness.
  1. Meek (3 Nephi 12:5)
  2. Someone who is gentle, kind, and patient. To be meek is to be gentle and kind. It is also someone who has self-control and is not quick to become provoked or angry.
  3. In what ways can we demonstrate meekness? We can be patient with family members and friends. We can be kind to those who wrong us.
  4. They shall inherit the earth. The earth will someday be sanctified and celestialized (D&C 88:18), so those who inherit the earth will be those who are worthy to inherit the celestial kingdom.
  1. [They who do] Hunger and Thirst after Righteousness (3 Nephi 12:6)
  2. A person who desires to fill their life with goodness. We should have a desire to fill our lives with the things of God like we desire to fill our bodies with food and water.
  3. In what ways can we fill our lives with righteousness? Learn gospel principles by studying the scriptures and by listening to our teachers and leaders. Keep the commandments. Avoid evil and temptation.
  4. They shall be filled with the Holy Ghost. When we do good and righteous things, the Holy Ghost can be our constant companion
  1. Merciful (3 Nephi 12:7)
  2. Someone who is compassionate and forgiving.
  3. In what situations can we show mercy?
  4. They shall obtain mercy. They shall receive mercy in the Day of Judgment (when we are judged according to the deeds we did on earth). (3 Nephi 13:14-15)
  1. Pure in Heart (3 Nephi 12:8)
  2. Someone who is genuinely clean and good in thought and action.
  3. What are some examples of good thoughts and actions?
  4. They shall see God. In order to be with our Heavenly Father we must be pure of heart, for no unclean can enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  1. Peacemakers (3 Nephi 12:9)
  2. Those who encourage harmony and peace. Peacemakers look for ways to help solve problems peacefully. (Show the children the picture of the boy being a peacemaker.)
  3. What are some other situations that you can be a peacemaker?
  4. They shall be called the children of God. Those who are troublemakers, quarrelsome, or contentious, and those who go against law and order are following paths opposite those who choose to be obedient to their covenants to take upon themselves the name of Christ.
  1. Persecuted for My Name’s Sake (3 Nephi 12:10)
  2. Someone who stands up for the right despite opposition. Explain that the message in 3 Nephi 12:10 continues in verse 11 and 12 and says, “Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute (tease, make fun of, or torment), and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake (because of the  desire to follow Jesus and obey the commandments,); For ye shall have great joy and be exceedingly glad, for great shall be your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you.”
  3. In what ways can we stand up for our beliefs in Jesus Christ and his gospel? Be obedient to the commandments even when others are not choosing the right. Let others know what your beliefs are.
  4. Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
  1. Salt of the Earth (3 Nephi 12:13) What does salt do? It enhances flavor. (Optional: Show an example of this with some cooked pasta.)
  2. Someone who influences and enhances people’s lives for good. Just as salt enhances food and makes it taste better, we should influence people for good. Why wouldn’t you want to use the contaminated salt? (The dirt would give the food a bad flavor, and it could be unsafe to ingest.)  Explain that through contamination, salt loses its desirable taste and flavor. If we contaminate our lives with the dirt and evil of the world, then we could become a negative influence on others, and we could cause great spiritual harm.
  3. How can we be a good influence and example to others?
  4. Glorify your Father in Heaven. This blessing actually goes with the scripture about being a light, which also means to be a good example. (3 Nephi 12:16) “Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Glorify means to worship and praise. People seeing your good works will have a desire to worship God and follow his commandments.
  1. Has Sincere Intents and Actions (3 Nephi 13:1-4)
  2. A person who has proper motives and intentions when doing good works such as the following:  Service:  Read 3 Nephi 13:1-4. (Explain that giving alms means to give money or food to the poor.) In this scripture, the Savior tells us we need to serve the needy, but we must do it with pure intentions and motives. We must not do it for personal, selfish motives such as to look good or to get praise. Prayer: Read 3 Nephi 13: 5-7. The Savior tells us we also need to pray with pure intent and not use vain repetition (fancy words used without thought or feeling to try and look good and get praise). The prophet Mormon warned that if anyone shall pray and not with real intent of heart … it profiteth him nothing, for God receiveth none such. (Moroni 7:9) Fasting: Read 3 Nephi 13:16-18.           Point out that each of the scriptures that were read indicate that we are not to be hypocrites. A hypocrite is a person who says one thing and does another. An example of a hypocrite is a person who pretends to be good and spiritual by doing public service, fancy public prayers, or public fasting but really has little desire to help others or serve God.
  3. What are some ways we can avoid being hypocrites? If we say we believe in something such as honesty, kindness, forgiveness, that is the way we should be.
  4. [The Father shall] Reward thee openly. When we do good works in secret and not to get gain the Father will reward us openly.
  1. Obeys the Law of the Gospel
  2. Someone who abides by the fullness of the gospel. During the sermon to the Nephites, the Lord talked about the Law of Moses. The Law of Moses had been established with the Israelites, but it did not contain the fullness of the gospel. It was a strict preparatory gospel of ordinances and performances. The Israelites had been rebellious, and the Law of Moses was meant to keep them in remembrance of God and their duty towards him. (Mosiah 13:27-32) It was also meant to help the people look forward to the coming atoning sacrifice of Christ. When the Savior’s mortal mission was completed, the law was fulfilled—the atonemeant had occurred. (Read 3 Nephi 12:46-47) Old things had passed away and the Law of the Gospel of Jesus Christ was now in place, which is the fullness of the gospel.
  3. Activity: Show the cardstock labeled with the “Law of Moses” and “Law of the Gospel” strips. Show the children the other strips and tell them to find two laws that seem to match and put the higher law under the “Law of the Gospel” sign. Explain why it is a higher law. For example, it is easy to love your neighbor, but it is harder to love your enemy; it’s easy not to kill, but it’s hard not to get angry; it is easy to have the desire to make someone to pay for hurting you, but it is harder to have mercy and forgive. Have the children read the scripture references to check the answers. Also have them write the Law of the Gospel items on the arms and legs of their paper doll.
  4. Have the children read 3 Nephi 12:20 and look for the blessing we gain when we follow the Law of the Gospel. Saved and enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Conclusion

If we follow the pattern and instructions Christ has set for us (point to the fold out), we can become like the Savior and live in a “blessed and happy” state now and throughout eternity.

Encourage each child to go home and choose one of the items to work on this week. Tell them to fold open their paper doll figures to that item and post it somewhere in their room to remind them of their goal. Give each child a copy of the body labels and small jewels. Explain that they can cut out the body label and attach it to their doll figure before starting the goal to remind them of what it means. At the end of the week they can color and cut out the jewel that matches their goal and put it on the doll to remind them of the blessing they can obtain from obtaining that characteristic. Encourage the children to continue to work on a different characteristic each week.

Weekly Reading Assignment

Remind the children to do their scripture reading assignment for this week: 3 Nephi 12:1-48 and 3 Nephi 13:1-24.

(The new reading chart can be found here.)


Jesus: Activities & Games

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Jesus Loves Us

Friend December 2021 “Jesus Loves Us All”

Jesus as a Child

Friend January 2019 “Family Night Fun”

  1. Read the story about Jesus. Talk about how Jesus grew up in the same ways we do.
  2. Take turns rolling the cube. Read the cube and do the pose or roll again.
  3. Everyone stay posed until they say one thing they’re doing to grow in that way. Once everyone shares, the next person rolls.
  4. Coloring Page

Jesus was Baptized

Friend February 2019 “Coloring Page”

Jesus was Kind and Loving

Friend January 2018 “Colors of Kindness” Crossword puzzle of ways Jesus showed kindness to others.

Jesus with Children

Friend May 2019 “Coloring Page: Jesus Prayed for Children”

Jesus Heals

Names of Jesus

Friend November 2019 “Funstuff: Names of Jesus” There are many different names used for Jesus Christ in the scriptures. Can you find some of these names in the word search?

Friend December 2022 “The Many Names of Jesus”

Miracles

Friend September 2021 “Singing for Jesus” Songs about Jesus can bring us peace and comfort

Jesus Teaches

Parables

Friend May 2019 “Funstuff: Jesus’s Parables” Jesus taught using parables, or stories. Help the traveler find his way through this New Testament city by answering questions about some parables Jesus taught.

Good Shepherd

Friend July 2020 “Help the Sheep” Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and we are His sheep. Game: Roll the dice and move that many spaces. If you land on the end of a shepherd’s cane, go up to the end of the cane. If you land on sheep tracks, follow the tracks down. The first one to reach the finish square wins.

Friend June 2018 “Apostles Testify of Jesus”  “Shepherds lead their sheep to food, water, and shelter and protect their sheep from harm. Jesus taught that He is the Good Shepherd. When we choose to follow Him, He can lead us to safety and peace. Lead the sheep safely home through the maze!”

Last Supper

Coloring Page

After Resurrection

Jesus’s Life

Friend November 2019 “Stories of Jesus” The stained-glass window in the visitors’ center of the Rome Italy Temple is full of stories about what Jesus taught and what He did. Can you find them in this coloring page?

Friend March 2018 “Let’s Learn About Jesus” Point to the picture that goes with each sentence.

Blessings from Jesus

Friend February 2020 “Funstuff: Blessing from Jesus” Match the cards to finish each sentence. Examples: Because Jesus died for us… … everyone who dies will live again. Because Jesus paid for our sins… …we can repent and be forgiven.

The Living Christ

Friend January 2019 “The Living Christ” The prophets and apostles wrote “The Living Christ” to tell the world about Jesus. Read part of it each month and memorize the words in red. Fill in the blanks with words from the picture to learn more about this first quote. Also, color the card and collect a new one each month.

Friend February 2019 Names of Christ and Jesus is the creator of the earth.

Friend March 2019 Following Jesus example of helping others. Make a map of where you walk and ways you can help.

Friend April 2019 “The Living Christ” He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind.

Friend May 2019 “The Living Christ” Jesus’s life didn’t begin when He was born or end when He died. Use the scriptures to fill in the puzzle and talk about what Jesus did in each place of his life.

Friend November 2019 “The Living Christ” The apostles bear testimony of Jesus .Use the hints page to fill in the blanks. The highlighted letters give the final message!


If I Listen With My Heart – Verse Two

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If I Listen With My Heart – Verse Two

Preparation

  • Items needed: two hinged rings or two pieces of ribbon, a marker, strong magnet strips, a hole punch, and a lamp or lantern. You will also need the chorus cards, the black and white picture of the prophet, and the picture of the Savior from the previous week’s lesson. Put the black and white picture of the prophet into a page protector, and slip the picture of the Savior behind it. Print the pictures and word cards onto cardstock. Cut out each picture around its subject’s outline. Attach a strong magnet to the back of each picture. Cut out the word bubbles. Glue the word bubbles that say “Love & Serve” to the picture of the prophet and to the picture of the Savior. Attach a magnet to the back of the rest of the word bubbles.
  • Cut the word cards in half on the dotted line. Stack the word cards in order with the start of the song on top. Attach strong magnets between each card (on the top, middle of the cards) so the cards stick together.  Hole punch the bottom of each card on the corners, and connect the six cards together with the rings or ribbon. Put a long strip of a strong magnet onto the top back of the last card.

Presentation

Tell the children they are now going to learn the second verse of the song “If I Listen With My Heart.” Remind them that it is about the prophet’s words being a way to hear the Savior’s voice. Put the black and white picture of the prophet in front of the lantern, and turn on the lantern. Put the flip chart on the board with the first lines of the verse showing. Go through the words of the flip chart with the children, and put the following corresponding pictures on the board for each page.

 I hear a living prophet speak – Put the picture of the prophet and the podium on the board.

the things that Christ would say –  Put the picture of the Savior to the left of the picture of the prophet.

if He were here upon the earth – Put the picture of the Savior over the picture of the prophet.

to talk with me today – Put the picture of the children to the left of the podium.

Put the word bubbles on the board to the left of the the picture of Jesus, and ask the children what the Savior would tell them to do if he were here upon the earth today. Write a response with the marker in each word bubble.

The prophet teaches how to live – Take off the picture of the Savior so that the prophet is showing, and explain that the prophet tells us the same things because he tells us the Savior’s words–the things the Savior wants us to know.

in righteousness and peace – Explain that the Savior wants us to live in righteousness and peace, so the prophet teaches us the Savior’s words on how to do that. Point out the word peace, and remind the children that the word peace is in each verse of the song. This is to help remind us that if we listen to and obey the Savior’s words, we can have peace in our lives. (When singing the song, put the labeled word bubbles up during this line of the song.)

Put the chorus pages on the board, and remind the children that they sing the chorus at the end of each verse.

Note: You may wish to teach Junior Primary a couple of lines of the verse at a time, and then have them sing those lines before teaching the next two lines.

Prepare to have the children sing the verse by resetting the flip chart and taking off the pictures.  Have a child helper put the pictures on the board at the appropriate times as you turn the pages of the flip chart. Go through the words and visuals again before singing the verse to make sure the helper knows how they go. Have a different child help with the visuals each time you sing the verse.

Tell the children they are now going to memorize the second verse. Review the words on the first flip chart card. Put it down so it isn’t showing, and have the children sing the song again. Do the same with the second card in the flip chart, then have them tell you what the first line is again. Sing the song again without the first and second cards showing. Continue in this manner until they can sing the song without the flip chart.

Note: To help the children review lines, tell them the line, but stop at certain points and see if they can tell you the next word or words.

Safety Reminder: Use only battery powered lanterns. If you use a lamp, put the paper on the lamp shade using a straight pin. Do not put the paper near the hot light bulb.


Lesson 32: Signs in America of Jesus Christ’s Birth

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Lesson 32

Signs in America of Jesus Christ’s Birth

Preparation

  •  Items needed: scriptures for every child, tape or magnets, chalk and eraser, and pens.
  • Print the scripture story pictures. Trim the first four pages. Cut each of the remaining pages in half so there is one picture on each half. Number the back of these pictures in the order they were printed.
  • Print and cut out the activity visual aids.
  • Print or copy one page of “I will prepare for the Second Coming” for each child.

 

Attention Activity
Show the picture of the fall leaves, the lightening, and the spring buds. Point out that when we see these signs in nature they tell us certain events will soon occur. Ask the children what event each item is a sign of (fall leaves – winter is approaching, lightning – a storm is approaching, spring buds – summer is approaching).

Ask the children what we do to prepare when we see these signs indicating environment changes are coming. (Example: We get the cold weather clothes out. We seek shelter from storms. We prepare our gardens to be planted.)

Show the picture of the star. Remind the children that Samuel the Lamanite prophesied many signs would occur before and at the time of two very important events.

• According to the prophet Samuel what event was the new star a sign of? (Jesus Christ’s birth)

Ask the children if they can remember what the other prophesied signs were of Jesus’ birth. (If needed, show them the drawings from last week’s lesson to help remind them.)

• Why did the Lord reveal these signs to the Nephites? (Helaman 14:12–13, 28) So they might know of His coming, so they might believe in Christ and repent, and so they would have no excuse for not believing.

For the faithful, the appearance of these signs confirmed and strengthened their faith. For those who were not as valiant in their faith as they should have been, or for the wicked, these signs gave them warning and an opportunity to change their ways. They were left without excuse for their nonbelief and would be held accountable for their subsequent actions.

Scripture Story
Tell the following story using the scripture story pictures as visual aids.

1) Many great miracles and signs occurred before the birth of Jesus, but many people still refused to believe. When it came time for the main signs of His birth to occur (a night to be as day and a new star to appear) some said the time had passed for the words of Samuel to be fulfilled. The unbelievers began to make an uproar throughout the land, rejoicing over their brethren who believed saying their joy and faith had been in vain. The unbelievers set apart a day where all those who believed would be put to death except the sign should come to pass.

• Why would the unbelievers wish to persecute and kill the believers? The wicked hearken to Satan’s influence. Satan promotes hate, intolerance, and anger, and he uses those who are under his influence to try and destroy righteousness and belief.

• In spite of the challenges to their faith, what did the believers do? (See 3 Nephi 1:8) They did watch steadfastly for the sign of Christ’s birth that they might know their faith had not been in vain.

2) Nephi was sorrowful for the wickedness of the people. He bowed himself down and cried mightily to God all day in behalf of his people. (3 Nephi 1:12.) (Note: The Nephi in this account is the son of the Nephi who has been discussed in the past few lessons. Nephi had given his son charge of all the records and had then departed out of the land (and was probably translated).

3) The voice of the Lord came unto Nephi as he prayed saying: “Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world.” (3 Nephi 1:13–14.)

4) The words spoken to Nephi were fulfilled. The sun went down that evening, but it was still light as mi-day. There was no darkness in all the night. The sun did rise again in the morning according to its proper order. (3 Nephi 1:15, 19, 21) The sign of a new star did also appear.

• How would you feel if the sun went down but it was still light outside? How do you think the righteous felt when the night did not get dark? (Great joy) The birth of Jesus was something the people had looked forward to for many years. The occurrence of the prophesied signs of Jesus’ birth also confirmed their faith.

• How do you think the unbelievers felt when the sign occurred? (Fear)

5) There were many, who had not believed the words of the prophets, that fell to the earth in astonishment and became as if they were dead. They knew it was the day the Lord should be born. They began to fear because of their iniquity and their unbelief. (3 Nephi 1:18)

• Did Satan give up his efforts to destroy people’s beliefs in Christ once the signs had been given? No. Satan continued in his efforts by sending forth lies among the people to harden their hearts so they might not believe in the signs and wonders they had seen. (3 Nephi 1:22.)

• How did the people respond to Satan’s initial efforts to destroy their belief? For the most part the people did believe in the Lord and there was peace in the land. But after a few years Satan did gain possession of the hearts of the people again.

• What does it mean to “gain possession of the hearts of the people”? Hearts of the people refers to their desires. The people once again desired wickedness

6) The people forgot the signs and wonders and were less astonished when a sign or wonder occurred. They imagined up vain things in their hearts that the signs were wrought by men or by the power of the devil to deceive them. They began to harden their hearts and blind their minds and disbelieve all they had seen and heard. (3 Nephi 2:1–2)

• Why did they wish to rationalize away the signs they had seen? Because their hearts desired wickedness.

• What can we learn about the strength of testimonies that are based solely on signs? As time passes, the importance and value of the signs diminishes in people’s thoughts and priorities, and they are easily influenced by Satan to return to their original sinful ways.

• How does someone develop a strong testimony? By living the teachings of the gospel, and by experiencing the powerful witness of the Holy Ghost testifying to their heart of the truth of those teachings.

• Is building a strong testimony something that happens quickly and effortlessly? A testimony grows gradually through a person’s efforts to learn and know the truth. No one receives a complete testimony all at once.

7) After several years the Nephite people began to again wax strong in wickedness and abominations, and they chose to believe there would be no more signs or wonders given. (3 Nephi 2:3)

• What other signs and wonders were still to come? (The signs of Jesus’ death.) Ask the children if they remember what the signs of Jesus’ death were. (Show them the drawings from last week’s lesson to help remind them.)

• What did Samuel say would happen to the people if they did not change their ways and repent? Great destructions would come upon them. (Helaman13:6)

Activity
Explain to the children that another great event concerning the Savior is prophesied to occur in the latter days. It is also to be preceded by great signs and wonders. Ask the children if they know what this great event is. Give clues if needed. After the children have guessed correctly, put the sign “Jesus Second Coming” on the right side of the board.

Explain that many of the prophesied signs of Jesus’ Second Coming are similar to the signs and happenings that occurred at Jesus’ birth and death. (Put the sign on the left side of the board that says “Jesus Christ’s birth and death.”)

Put the scripture references in random order on the board under the sign that says “Jesus’ Second Coming.” Explain that these scriptures are all prophesied things that will occur before Jesus Christ’s second coming. Put the list of items on the board that occurred before or during the time of Jesus’ birth under the sign that says “Jesus  Christ’s birth and death.” (Explain that many of these things also occured before Jesus’ death.) Have the children look up the first scripture. Have one of the children read it out loud and then draw a chalk line from the scripture to a similar event that occurred before or during Jesus’ birth.

Activity Answers
 Wickedness among the people increased. (D&C 45:27)

 There were many nonbelievers. (2 Peter 3:3-4)

 Many of the Lamanites became righteous (D&C 49:24)

 There were signs and wonders in the heavens. (D&C 45:40)

 The faithful looked forward to the coming of the Lord. (D&C 45:39)

• Why do the faithful look forward to the coming of the Lord? The faithful Nephites looked forward to the coming of the Lord because they knew that through Him and His atonement they could receive forgiveness of their sins. When the Savior comes again upon the earth, he will bring peace for the nations. He will bring safety and joy for all the righteous. The earth will live in peace. Many look forward to that time. They also look forward to the joy of seeing their Savior Jesus Christ.

After all the answers have been made, put the drawings of the signs of Jesus’ death on the board and explain that similar destructions and happenings to the signs depicted in the pictures are also prophesied to occur before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. But we are told that if we are prepared, the righteous need not fear the second coming or the signs that precede it.

Picture Discussion

Once again show the children the pictures of the fall leaves, the lightening, and the spring buds, and ask the children why it is important to prepare for changes in the weather when we see these signs in nature. Our health, safety, and protection may depend on the preparations we make.

Explain that just as we would need to be prepared for upcoming changes in the weather, we also need to be prepared for the Second Coming of the Lord. Only those with strong testimonies will remain steadfast and faithful in the challenging environment of the latter days, and only the righteous will abide the day of the coming of the Lord and be able to live lives of peace and love during the Lord’s millennial reign. (Read D&C 45:57)

Activity
Give each child one of the papers labeled “I will prepare for the Second Coming.” Have them write in each point on the star something they can do to prepare for the second coming. Explain that the signs of light that occurred at Jesus’ birth reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world. He is our shining example. Remind the children of the teachings of Jesus and the examples he set as they think of things they need to do to prepare for his Second Coming. Ideas might include the following: keep the Sabbath day holy, pray, read the scriptures, serve others, forgive others, be humble and meek, share the gospel with others, love one another, etc.

• What is the danger of putting off the day of our preparation? Remind the children that building a strong testimony does not happen instantly overnight; it takes time and effort. If we put off the day of our preparation, the coming of the Lord may come upon us and our time for preparing will be past. (Read Helaman 13:38)

Explain that just as righteous Nephites watched and were prepared for the Savior’s birth, we need to watch and prepare for Jesus’ Second Coming.

Weekly Reading Assignments
Remind the children to do their scripture reading assignment for this week: 3 Nephi 1:1-23 & 3 Nephi 2:1-3


Lesson 28 – Nephi and Lehi in Prison

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Lesson 28

 Nephi and Lehi in Prison

Preparation
• Items needed: a lamp or battery powered lantern, a clear page protector, a half sheet of poster board, double-sided removable tape, a picture of Jesus , scriptures for each child, a table easel, chalk and eraser, a small piece of thick dark paper, a piece of cooking wax paper, and a Pringles potato chip canister with plastic lid (or some other type of container that won’t let light in but is thin enough to cut holes in such as a shoe box.)
• Print the signs. Cut out the sign that says “I am the light of the world” and tape it to the top of the picture of Jesus. Also cut out the direction card that says “Look behind the picture of Jesus.” Tape the direction card to the inside bottom of the canister. Cut out a circle of wax paper and a circle of dark paper using the plastic lid as a guide. Put a hole in the middle of each paper about the size of a pea. Tape the wax paper inside the clear plastic lid. Tape the dark paper under the wax paper. Put the lid on the canister. Optional: glue decorative paper onto the outside of the canister. (If using a shoe box for this activity, poke an eye hole in the tall end of the box about the size of a pea and put the direction card on the opposite end. Cut a golf ball sized hole in the side of the box and tape a piece of thick dark paper over the hole.)
• Print the activity visual aids. Cover the back of the cloud page with glue (Scotch permanent glue stick works well), and adhere it to the front of the picture of Jesus. Cut the combined page into 12 puzzle pieces using the puzzle outline as a guide. Tape a page protector to the middle of the half sheet of poster board. Attach the puzzle pieces around it with double-sided removable tape (see above picture). Press the pieces on lightly so the tape will remain on the puzzle pieces when moving them to the page protector. Have extra tape available in class just in case.
• Print the handouts; one cloud handout will be needed per child. Glue the cloud page on top of the pictures of Jesus (just like the activity page). Cut the page into four sections so one cloud is on each cut section. Put the handouts in a Ziploc baggie. Place the Ziploc baggie on the easel and then put the picture of Jesus in front of it. Display the picture of Jesus on a table in class.
• Print the scripture story visual aids. Cut each page in half so one picture is on each half. Number the back of each picture in the order printed.

 

Attention Activity
Show the children the canister and explain that there are directions inside the canister that will lead them to a special handout. Have them take turns looking through the eye hole to try and read the directions. Ask the children if any of them can see the directions. Take the dark cover off the lid and ask them to try again. (Tell the children to wait to follow the directions. Explain that they will retrieve the items towards the end of the lesson.)

• Why were the directions visible the second time? Because light was let into the canister.

Ask a child to read the caption on the picture of Jesus. Explain that the full scripture is found in John 8:12 and it says: “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

• What does the “light of life” mean? (The guiding light that leads to eternal life.) How is Jesus the guiding light of the world? Jesus lights the way to eternal life through His example and teachings.

• What might happen if a person didn’t have a light when walking in a dark area such as in a forest on a dark, cloudy night? (They might trip and fall over obstacles and get hurt.) Could the person find their desired destination? It would be difficult.

Just as we would need a light to help us find our way in the dark, we also need a light to help us find our way through the dark clouds of Satan’s lies and temptations on earth and see the way to eternal life.

Scripture Account
Remind the children of last week’s lesson concerning Helaman and the stripling warriors. Explain that after the war with the Lamanites, Helaman once again began to preach the gospel and build up the church. After Helaman died, the records he had kept were eventually given to his son who was also named Helaman. His son Helaman became a chief judge and served righteously. He had two sons by the names of Nephi and Lehi. He taught them many things

• Why do you think Helaman named his sons after Nephi and Lehi? (See Helaman 5:6.) He named them after righteous men hoping his sons would be reminded of their deeds and try to be like them.

• Ask the children if any of them are named after a person with praiseworthy characteristics.  Ask them how they feel when they hear about the characteristics of the person they are named after. Does it inspire them? Do they want to strive to be like that person?

• Remind the children that they took on a special name at baptism. What name is that? (See 2 Nephi 31:13 & Mosiah 6:1-2) The name of Jesus Christ. Explain that in today’s lesson they are going to discuss ways they can become more like Jesus Christ.

Scripture Story Continued
After Helaman died, his son Nephi served as chief judge for a time, but when the people began to become wicked and prideful he gave up the judgment seat to go and preach among them with his brother Lehi.

• The judgment seat was the top political office among the Nephites. It was influential like being a president or a prime minister. Why would Nephi give up a position where he could influence many people for good? The laws of the land were established by the voice of the people, and because of the wickedness of the people the laws had become corrupted and had little influence for good. Nephi felt he would have more influence and do more good by preaching the word of God.

Nephi and Lehi went from city to city preaching the word of God with great power, convincing many to repent. After they had gone among all the people of Nehi in the land southward, they went among the Lamanites and preached to them. Many of the Lamanites and the Nephite dissenters who lived among them were baptized unto repentance.

Scripture Story Activity
Put the scripture story visuals on the right side of the board in random order using tape or magnets. Read the story below to the children in numerical order. After reading each numbered section, stop and have a child choose a visual aid that goes with that part of the story. Have them turn over the card to see if it is right. The number on the back should match the number on the paragraph you read. If it is correct have the child move it to the left side of the board. The pictures on the left should be kept in the correct order.

1. Nephi and Lehi then went to the Land of Nephi to preach to the Lamanites and Nephite dissenters who resided there. In the Land of Nephi the Lamanites cast Nephi and Lehi into prison. They were given no food.

2. After several days the Lamanites came to the prison to slay them. When the Lamanites entered the prison, Nephi and Lehi were encircled about as if by fire. The Lamanites dared not lay their hands on them fearing they would be burned.

3. Nephi and Lehi were not burned by the fire. They told the Lamanites that God was demonstrating his marvelous power by protecting them with the fire.

4. Then the earth and the walls of the prison shook as if they might tumble down. The Lamanites were overshadowed by a cloud of darkness and they were afraid.

5. As they stood there in the darkness they heard a voice as if it were above the cloud of darkness saying, “Repent ye, repent ye, and seek no more to destroy my servants whom I have sent unto you to declare good tidings.” It was not a voice of thunder but a still voice of perfect mildness, and it did pierce them to their souls.

6. The walls and earth shook and the voice spoke to them two more times. The Lamanites were frozen with fear.

7. There was a Nephite among them who had once belonged to the church of God but had dissented. He saw through the cloud of darkness and saw that Nephi and Lehi’s faces were shining with light.

8. Their eyes were lifted up to heaven, and they were in the attitude of talking to some being that they beheld.

9. The Nephite man did cry unto the multitude to turn and look. The Lamanites asked the man what it all meant and who Nephi and Lehi were conversing with. The Nephite, whose name was Aminadab, said that they do converse with the angels of God. The Lamanites asked Aminadab what they could do to make the cloud of darkness disperse. Aminadab told them they must repent and pray to God until they gained faith in Christ.

10. They did as Aminadab said and the cloud of darkness dispersed.

11. When they looked about and saw the cloud of darkness had dispersed, they also saw they were encircled by a pillar of fire. It did not hurt them and they were filled with unspeakable joy. The Spirit of God did enter into their hearts. They saw and heard many marvelous things.

12. There were about three hundred souls who saw and heard these things, and they did go forth and minister to the people declaring all the things they had heard and seen.

13. The more part of the Lamanites were convinced of the truth of the matter because of the great amount of evidence. All those who were convinced did lay down their weapons of war, and they let go of their hatred and the traditions of their fathers.

The Lamanites had been living their lives in darkness by believing Satan’s lies, following the incorrect traditions of their fathers, and filling their lives with hatred for the Nephites.

• What did the Lamanites do to escape the darkness? They prayed for forgiveness and for faith in Jesus Christ. Afterwards they changed their lives and followed the teachings of Jesus.

Activity
Put the puzzle and page protector on the board and explain that the children are going to do an activity that will help show them ways they can follow Jesus and fill their lives with light. Have them work in groups of two. Explain that you want them to think of some things that Jesus taught or some examples he set (if they need help they can look in the chapter headlines of the book of Luke in the New Testament for ideas.) Ideas might include the following: ministered to the sick and afflicted, prayed, fasted, kept the Sabbath Day holy, taught the gospel, knew the scriptures, served others, was baptized, was meek and humble, loved others, forgave. (Remind the children that one way to know and remember what Jesus did and taught is to read their scriptures daily. His teachings are found in all the books of scripture.)

Have the groups take turns telling an answer. After they give an answer have them write it on the board and then put a puzzle piece on the page protector. Continue in this manner until all the puzzle pieces are in the correct order on the page protector. When all the pieces are in the correct order, tape or pin the page protector on a lamp (or lantern) and turn on the lamp. The picture of Jesus should shine through. Explain that when we learn and do the things Jesus taught, then we are filling our lives with light: the knowledge, understanding, and truths that lead to eternal life.

Have one of the children now follow the directions they read in the canister. Once the child has retrieved the items from behind the picture of Jesus, explain that the items are miniature copies of the picture on the lamp. Tell them to each take one home and pin or tape it to the outside of a lamp shade (preferably a lamp in their room, and with permission from parents). Explain that every time the lamp is turned on they will see the picture of Jesus, and it will be a reminder for them to follow Jesus because he is the light that leads to eternal life.

Weekly Reading Assignment

Remind the children to do their scripture reading assignment for this week: Helaman 5:14-52

 


Jesus Christ: Clipart

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Important:

These images are from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Friend magazine. They are not for commercial use. They are for personal use only such as for teaching your family at home or for using in the classroom for teaching. All other uses must contact the church for permission. The link below each picture is where they can be found in the Friend magazine.

Jesus Christ

Remembering Jesus Christ

Jesus Childhood

Friend Jan 2015
Friend Jan 2015

Jesus Baptism

Friend Jan 2015
Friend Feb 2015
Friend Feb 2015
Friend Feb 2015

Calling the Apostles

Jesus Teaches

Jesus’ Miracles

Jesus Heals

Friend April 2015
Friend April 2015 Lesson Ideas

Raises the Dead

Walks on Water

Jesus with Children

Friend July 2015
Friend July 2015
Friend April 2015
Friend April 2015

The Last Supper

Garden of Gethsemene

Gospel Art Book, 56).

Crucification and Resurrection

Gospel Art Book
Friend June 1984
Friend June 1984
Gospel Art Book, nos. 57,
Gospel Art Book 59

Second Coming

After Resurrection

Life of Jesus

Friend December 2022 “The Many Names of Jesus”


The Shepherd’s Carol

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“The Shepherd’s Carol” Pg. 40 Children’s Songbook


This week I taught the children my favorite Christmas song from the Children’s Songbook, “The Shepherd’s Carol”. I use the Children’s Songbook music Cd’s for accompaniment when teaching this song because the introduction is beautiful (it’s bells or chimes). They also use different instruments for each part during the round, which makes it easier to hear the different parts.

Items Needed: Children’s Songbook music Cd’s, a Cd player, fabric items to make headdresses for Mary and Joseph (fabric, towels, scarves, etc.), a baby doll wrapped tightly in a blanket, a crown, a hymn book with the word praises on the cover, a gift package with hearts on the outside of it, a copy of the words for each child in Senior Primary, and a picture of Jesus in Gethsemane with the words “Our Savior” attached to it .

Senior Primary – I gave Senior Primary the words to the song to start them off, because I knew that once they sang the song a couple of times they would love it and be excited to learn it. We sang it through once without doing the rounds. Then I divided the children into four groups. I asked the pianist to lead one group, and I had a couple of other people lead the other parts (they were leaders or teachers who knew how to lead music). I gave them each a copy of the song so they would have the words and music. 

We started the CD and sang the song from the beginning (singing through once and then singing the parts). It was beautiful. The kids loved it too. (I have had kids clap after they sing this song because it sounds so beautiful, and they are proud of their singing.) I let the children choose if they wanted to do it again. They wanted to do it again, and again, and again. We actually ran out of time before I could help them memorize it. 

 Junior and Senior Primary – (I started junior Primary as this point.) (Use the piano for this part.) I chose two children to dress up as Mary and Joseph, and I had Mary sit on a chair and hold the baby. Joseph stood behind her. I gave Joseph the crown to hold. I told Junior Primary the words of the first two lines, and then we sang that much. Then I added another child holding the picture and another holding the hymn book. I had those children stand to the right of Mary and Joseph. I told the children the chorus and we sang that much, and then we sang the whole first verse including chorus. Then I added another child who was holding the gift box. I had that child stand to the left of Mary and Joseph. We then learned the next two lines.

Do the following actions as the children sing the song to help them remember the words.   

 Mary, Mary hush see the child. (Point to Mary, then put one finger on your lips, then point to your eyes, and then point to the baby.) 

Joseph, Joseph look see how mild. (Point to Joseph, then to your eyes, and then to the baby.)

This is Jesus; (Have Mary hold up the baby)

This is our King.   (Have Joseph hold the crown over the baby’s head)

This is our Savior; (Have a child hold up the picture of Jesus in Gethsemane with the words “Our Savior” attached to it.)

 His praises we sing. (Have the child that is holding the hymn book, hold it up and open it.)

All God’s children come to adore. (Have the child that is holding the hymn book and the child that is holding the picture, come close to Mary and Joseph and look at the baby and smile.)

Bringing gifts of love evermore. (Have the child who is holding the gift hold it out to the baby, or they can hold it up high for everyone to see.)

Repeat the chorus. 

Have the children sing the song several times as the children that are holding props do their parts. Touch their heads when it is their turn to do their part. After Junior Primary learns the song, have all the people holding props sit down. Have the children sing the song again to see if they can still remember the words. If they can sing it, and you have time, you can try to do the rounds with them. (Or if you want to make sure and have time to do the rounds, give the words to the readers in Junior primary at the beginning, and have the non-readers acting out (or watching) the parts. When doing the rounds have the non-readers be part one. This makes things less confusing for them. You will need to direct the acting and singing of the non-readers.)

Note: The Children’s Songbook music Cd’s can be found in the meetinghouse library, or you can copy the song from the church website onto a Cd.