May 29 2023

Matthew 26; Mark 14; John 13

Posted on May 29, 2023 by Camilla

Mary anoints Jesus
The sacrament helps me think about Jesus.
The sacrament helps me remember Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for me.
Jesus Christ showed me how to serve others.
I can love others as Jesus did.
Disciples of Jesus Christ love others as He did.
Additional Resources

Matthew CHAPTER 26 Jesus is anointed—He keeps the Passover and institutes the sacrament—He suffers in Gethsemane, is betrayed by Judas, and is taken before Caiaphas—Peter denies that he knows Jesus.

Mark CHAPTER 14 Jesus is anointed with oil—He eats the Passover, institutes the sacrament, suffers in Gethsemane, and is betrayed by Judas—Jesus is falsely accused, and Peter denies that he knows Him.

John CHAPTER 13 Jesus washes the feet of the Twelve—He identifies Judas as His betrayer—He commands them to love one another.

Mary anoints Jesus

Matthew 26:6–13; Mark 14:3–9

With a humble act of worship, the woman described in these verses showed that she knew who Jesus was and what He was about to do (see Matthew 26:12). Why do you think her actions were so meaningful to the Savior? (see verse 13). What impresses you about the woman and her faith? Ponder how you can follow her example.

The sacrament helps me think about Jesus.

Matthew 26:26–29; Mark 14:22–24

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 26; Mark 14; John 13” Help the children understand that taking the sacrament is a chance to remember what Jesus has done for us.

Summarize the account of Jesus introducing the sacrament. You might use “Chapter 49: The First Sacrament” (in New Testament Stories, 124–26, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org), or the video “Sacrament” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Why do we take the sacrament? Help the children understand that we remember Jesus during the sacrament.

New Testament Scripture Stories “The First Sacrament”

Friend June 2023 “The First Sacrament”

“The Sacrament Helps Us Remember Jesus” Friend September 2015

Friend June 2019 “Jesus Taught about the Sacrament”

Friend April 2017 “Jesus Gave Us the Sacrament”

Show the children a piece of bread and a cup of water. Ask them if they know what the sacrament bread and water stand for. Explain that these emblems help us remember that Jesus died for us and rose from the dead.

Read the sacrament prayers together (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79), and watch the video “Always Remember Him” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Blessing on the Bread

Blessing on the Water

Ask the children to close their eyes and think of someone they love, and then invite them to tell you about that person. Ask them to close their eyes again, think of the Savior, and then share things they know about Him. Encourage them to think about Jesus during the sacrament each week.

Friend April 2017 “Jesus Gave Us the Sacrament”

Invite the children to show you what they can do to remember Jesus and be reverent during the sacrament.

Friend October 2020 “The Sacrament and Me” The sacrament is the most important part of church. To make the sacrament special, we …

We can show our love for Jesus by being reverent during the sacrament by…

Help the children make the booklet described on this week’s activity page and use it to help them think about Jesus during the sacrament. Or let them search some Church magazines for pictures of Jesus and create a collage they can look at during the sacrament.

New Testament Coloring Book “The Last Supper”

Latter Day Kids “Always Remember Him” Lesson ideas

For Additional Resources see Resources for Teaching Children “Sacrament”

See also “Lesson 38: I Will Remember Jesus Christ during the Sacrament,” Primary 2: Choose the Right A” for story, activity, and lesson ideas.

“Lesson 29: Jesus Christ’s Triumphal Entry and the Last Supper,” Primary 7: New Testament

Click on image to go to site where you can download this Sacrament Book

The sacrament helps me remember Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for me.

Matthew 26:26–29; Mark 14:22–24

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 26; Mark 14; John 13” How can you help the children have a more meaningful experience with the sacrament?

Invite the children to take turns reading the verses in Matthew 26:26–29 or Mark 14:22–24 (see also Joseph Smith Translation, Mark 14:20–24 [in the Bible appendix]) and Doctrine and Covenants 20:75–79. What words and ideas are similar in the two passages?

Watch the video “Always Remember Him” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Ask the children what they do to help them think about Jesus during the sacrament. Help them find scriptures or words from sacrament hymns that they could read during the sacrament, and then list them on a card that the children can refer to the next time they take the sacrament. Sing a few of these songs with the children (see Hymns, nos. 169–97).

“I Will Remember Jesus Christ” (December 2009 Liahona and Friend)
Create a booklet to write down things learned about Jesus Christ in the sacrament hymns.

Write key phrases from the sacrament prayers on the board, and help the children memorize them. What do these phrases mean? Why is it important to renew our baptismal covenants every week?

O God, the Eternal ____________________, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, _______________________________, to bless and ____________________ this bread to the ________________ of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in _______________________ of the body of thy Son, and _______________________ unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the ____________________ of thy Son, and ____________________ remember him and keep his _________________________________ which he has given them; that they may always have his ____________________ to be with them. Amen.

Bonus: What’s different between the prayers for the bread and water? (Hint: see D&C 20:77, 79.)

Blessing on the Bread

Blessing on the Water

Friend June 2023 “A Small Act with Big Blessings” Match the questions and answers below. (See link for lesson ideas)

Invite an Aaronic Priesthood holder to tell the children about his experience preparing, blessing, or passing the sacrament. What helps him prepare to do this? How does he feel as he does it? How do the bread and water remind him of the Savior?

Ask children who have been baptized to share what they remember about their baptisms. How did they feel? What covenants did they make? (see Mosiah 18:8–10). Tell them that every week when we partake of the sacrament, it can be like being baptized again—we can be forgiven of our sins, and we renew our covenants.

Friend March 2017 “A Great Feeling” Paulo didn’t want the feeling he had when he was baptized to go away, but the next day he yelled at his brother. Through repentance and the sacrament he was able to get the feeling back.

Compare baptism covenants with sacrament prayer:

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.

Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: New Testament 2023 Perhaps you can create a list together of questions that someone might have about the sacrament, such as “Why did the Savior give us the sacrament? Why are bread and water such powerful symbols of Jesus Christ? What do we promise as we partake of the sacrament? What promises do we receive?” Class members could look for answers in the following resources: Matthew 26:26–29; Doctrine and Covenants 20:75–79; and Gospel Topics, “Sacrament”

Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught, “Figuratively eating [the Savior’s] flesh and drinking His blood [means] to internalize the qualities and character of Christ, putting off the natural man and becoming Saints ‘through the atonement of Christ the Lord’ [Mosiah 3:19]. As we partake of the sacramental bread and water each week, we would do well to consider how fully and completely we must incorporate His character and the pattern of His sinless life into our life and being” (“The Living Bread Which Came Down from Heaven,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 37).

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 But that bread and water are sacred to us because they help us remember Him. They’re our way of saying, “I’ll never forget Him”—not just, “I’ll never forget what I’ve read about His teachings and His life.” Rather, we are saying, “I’ll never forget what He did for me.” “I’ll never forget how He rescued me when I cried out for help.” And “I’ll never forget His commitment to me and my commitment to Him—the covenant we have made.”

For Additional Resources see Resources for Teaching Children “Sacrament”

See also “Lesson 38: I Will Remember Jesus Christ during the Sacrament,” Primary 2: Choose the Right A” for story, activity, and lesson ideas.

“Lesson 29: Jesus Christ’s Triumphal Entry and the Last Supper,” Primary 7: New Testament

Click on image to go to site where you can download this Sacrament Book

Jesus Christ showed me how to serve others.

John 13:1–17

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 26; Mark 14; John 13”The account of the Savior washing His disciples’ feet can inspire the children you teach to lovingly serve people around them.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 In Jesus’s time, washing another person’s feet was a task for servants, not leaders. But Jesus wanted His disciples to think differently about what it means to lead and to serve. What messages do you find in the Savior’s words and actions in John 13:1–17?

A few days in advance, ask one of the children to read John 13:4–9 and share the account with the class from the perspective of Peter. What was the Savior trying to teach Peter and the other Apostles? The children could talk about what they learn from this story about Jesus Christ. What do we learn about serving others?

Read together John 13:12–17. Ask the children to each write about a time when the Savior served another person. Encourage them to include what they learn from His example. If they need help, they could look for examples in the video “Christlike Attributes” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite them to share what they wrote with the class.

I can love others as Jesus did.

John 13:34–35

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 26; Mark 14; John 13” Jesus showed His love by caring for those around Him. What opportunities do the children you teach have to show their love for others?

Show pictures of stories the children have learned this year when Jesus showed His love for others (see past outlines in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Read John 13:34–35, and help the children repeat the phrase “As I have loved you, … love one another.” How can we show our love for our family and friends?

Images of Jesus can be found here.

Friend April 2007 “Jesus Christ Loves Everyone”

Friend March 2019 “Lots of Ways to Say “I Love You” Play this game with family or friends. Do the action on the square when you land on it.

Invite a child to hold a picture of the Savior as the class sings a song about the Savior’s love, such as “Love One Another” (Children’s Songbook, 136). Give the children paper hearts and invite them to draw a picture of themselves doing something to show their love for another person.

Disciples of Jesus Christ love others as He did.

John 13:34–35

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 26; Mark 14; John 13” When we are baptized, we make covenants to become disciples of Jesus Christ. In John 13:34–35, the Savior described how we can show that we are His disciples.

Write on the board one another; as I have you (John 13:34). Invite the children to look up the scripture and fill in the blanks. What other things can we do to show we are disciples of Christ? The children might think of other words that would complete the sentence on the board, such as serve and served or teach and taught.

Invite the children to read John 13:35 and think of people they know who are examples of disciples of Jesus Christ. Ask them to share how these people show love for others as the Savior did.

Friend June 2023 “It’s Not Fair” Ephraim was the only one helping prepare his sister’s birthday dinner. He wanted to get revenge on his siblings and such as not letting them have any of the meat pie. But then he thought about what Jesus would do. Jesus would want all of them to have a piece of pie, and Jesus would want him to serve others.

Friend November 2017 “The Vegetable Thief” Earl is upset when he sees a lady taking vegetables from their garden, but he learns what charity means when his mother has him give the lady their best vegetables for her starving family.

Friend June 2017 “An Extra Dose of Love” Ashley’s mom likes to get to church early to look for people who need an extra dose of love. She sends those people cards. Ashley thinks of a friend who might need a card.

Friend January 2018 “A Friend for Mr. Maurice” Carter’s neighbor, Mr. Maurice, seems mean. Carter’s father tells him that Jesus taught that we are to love everyone. Carter tries to be kind and help Mr. Maurice and finds out Mr. Maurice is easier to love than expected.

Friend May 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Story: Jesus Christ washed the feet of His apostles (see John 13:4–16). He loved them and wanted to serve them. Jesus told them to follow His example and serve each other.

Song: “‘Give,’ Said the Little Stream” (Children’s Songbook, 236)

Activity: Play this service game. Everyone sits with their feet in a circle. One player picks a number. Starting with their own feet, the player points to each foot in the circle and counts down from that number until they reach “one.” The foot numbered “one” is out. Then that player picks a number and counts down. The last person with a foot in the circle picks a service activity for the group to do.

Additional Resources

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “John 13”

John 13:26 . What is a sop?

The “sop” described in John 13:26 was a small piece of bread that those dining would use to scoop broth and meat from a bowl. Since it was a gesture of kindness and respect for a host to dip a sop and give it to a dinner guest, the Savior by this act presented Judas with an offer of friendship, perhaps one final opportunity for him to abandon his planned betrayal.

The Red Crystal

Come Follow Me With Living Scriptures “Ye Are My Disciples” Lesson ideas

May 21 2023

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1; Matthew 24–25; Mark 12–13; Luke 21:

Posted on May 21, 2023 by Camilla

Before Jesus comes again, the gospel will be preached in all the world. (Younger children)
Before Jesus comes again, the gospel will be preached in all the world. (Older children)
Signs of the Savior’s Second Coming can help us face the future with faith.
We must always be ready for the Savior’s Second Coming.
I am responsible for my own conversion to Jesus Christ.
I can use the gifts God has given me.
At the Final Judgment, we will give the Lord an account of our lives.
Jesus wants me to serve others.
The Widow's Mite
Additional Resources

JOSEPH SMITH—MATTHEW Chapter 1 An extract from the translation of the Bible as revealed to Joseph Smith the Prophet in 1831: Matthew 23:39 and chapter 24.

Matthew CHAPTER 24 Jesus foretells the doom of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple—Great calamities will precede His Second Coming—He gives the parable of the fig tree.

Matthew CHAPTER 25 Jesus gives the parables of the ten virgins, the talents, and the sheep and the goats.

Mark CHAPTER 12 Jesus gives the parable of the wicked husbandmen—He speaks of paying taxes, celestial marriage, the two great commandments, the divine sonship of Christ, and the widow’s mites.

Mark CHAPTER 13 Jesus tells of the calamities and signs preceding the Second Coming—There will be false Christs and false prophets—He gives the parable of the fig tree.

Luke CHAPTER 21 Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple and of Jerusalem—He tells of the signs to precede His Second Coming and gives the parable of the fig tree.

Before Jesus comes again, the gospel will be preached in all the world. (Younger children)

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:31

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 One sign that Jesus will return soon is that His gospel is being preached throughout the world. The children can help fulfill this prophecy by sharing the gospel.

Show a map, globe, or picture of the earth (see Gospel Art Book, no. 3) and help the children say, “This Gospel … shall be preached in all the world” (Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:31). Why does God want all of His children to hear His gospel?

Invite the children to march in place as you sing together a song about sharing the gospel, such as “I Want to Be a Missionary Now” or “Called to Serve” (Children’s Songbook, 168, 174).

Show the video “I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). As the children watch, help them count the ways they can share the gospel that they see in the video. What other ways to share the gospel can they think of?

Before Jesus comes again, the gospel will be preached in all the world. (Older children)

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:31

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 The children you teach can help preach the gospel in all the world before the Savior’s Second Coming.

Invite the children to share blessings they have received or will receive because they are members of Christ’s Church. Read together Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:31, and ask the children how they feel the gospel will bless God’s children throughout the world.

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

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

Show the children a map of the world or of your country, and help them identify some places where a family member or friend has preached the gospel on a mission.

Invite a few children to come prepared to share how their family members or their ancestors were introduced to the gospel.

Ask each child to write the name of someone he or she can talk to about Jesus Christ or invite to church. Also ask the children to list things they can do to be missionaries now.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 1” Ask the children to use this week’s activity page to make an invitation they could use to invite a friend or family member to learn more about Jesus Christ. (Maybe include it in a Friend magazine or a Book of Mormon)

Friend May 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Story: Jesus Christ said that before He comes again, the gospel will be preached to all the world (see Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:31). We can help get ready for the Second Coming by sharing the gospel with others.

Song: “I Hope They Call Me on a Mission” (Children’s Songbook, 169)

Activity: Make your own missionary name tag! Write your name on a piece of paper and cut it out. On the back, write one thing you can do to share the gospel now. Pin or tape your name tag to your shirt.

Signs of the Savior’s Second Coming can help us face the future with faith.

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:21–37

“Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: New Testament 2023

Signs of the Savior’s Second Coming may be difficult for some class members to understand. It might help them to work in groups and identify signs they find in Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:21–37. It might also help them better understand the importance of these signs if they compare them to road signs. Why are road signs important? How are the signs of the Second Coming like road signs? How are they different? You might even give each group pieces of paper in the shape of road signs and invite them to write on each paper a sign that will precede the Second Coming. Let them share what they found, and invite the class to discuss evidence of these signs in the world today.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 It can be unsettling to read about the events leading up to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. But when Jesus prophesied of these events, He told His disciples to “be not troubled” (Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:23). How can you “be not troubled” as you hear about earthquakes, wars, deceptions, and famines? Think about this question as you read these verses. Mark or note any reassuring counsel you find.

See also Gospel Topics, “Second Coming of Jesus Christ,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

You could also see “ Signs of the Times ” in the Guide to the Scriptures, available on scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

We must always be ready for the Savior’s Second Coming.

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:26–27, 38–55; Matthew 25:1–13

“Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: New Testament 2023 The parables in Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:26–27, 38–55 and Matthew 25:1–13 can help class members recognize the importance of being prepared for the Second Coming. Invite class members to search these verses and share what they feel the Savior is inviting us to do.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 To help your family explore this chapter, invite them to look for the Savior’s teachings about how we can prepare for His Second Coming (see, for example, verses 22–23, 29–30, 37, 46–48). What can we do to follow this counsel? Your family might enjoy singing “When He Comes Again” (Children’s Songbook, 82–83) and drawing pictures of what they imagine the Savior’s Second Coming will be like.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023)

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) taught that false Christs and prophets are not limited to people but can also come in the form of false ideas and teachings (see Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson [2014], 132). As you study this lesson, seek the guidance of the Spirit as you look for ways you can trust in the Lord and overcome any false ideas or deception.

After teaching about other deceptions and about signs of His Coming (see Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:23–36), the Savior taught a way to overcome deception. Read Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:37 .

In your study journal, draw a piece of treasure or a treasure chest. To treasure something means you cherish, hold dear, or greatly appreciate it. When we “treasure up” the Lord’s word, we consider it sacred and protect it (see Doctrine and Covenants 43:34). Around or inside the chest, write ways we can treasure up the Lord’s word.

I am responsible for my own conversion to Jesus Christ.

Matthew 25:1–13

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 The parable of the ten virgins teaches that we cannot borrow our conversion to the Savior from others. How can you help the children take responsibility for their own conversion?

“Lesson 25: Parable of the Ten Virgins,” Primary 7: New Testament Explain that the parable of the ten virgins is based on ancient Jewish wedding customs. The bridegroom and his friends escorted the bride from her home to the home of the bridegroom. Along the way friends of the bride waited to join them. When they arrived at the bridegroom’s home, they all went inside for the wedding. These weddings usually took place in the evenings, so those waiting for the bride and bridegroom carried lamps.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “Matthew 25:1–13”

Before studying the parable, it is important to understand Jewish wedding customs during the Savior’s day. The bridegroom, accompanied by his close friends, would go at night to the bride’s house for the wedding ceremony. Following the ceremony, the wedding party would proceed to the groom’s house for a feast. Wedding guests joining the procession, including virgins or bridesmaids, were expected to carry their own lamps or torches to indicate they were part of the wedding party and to add brightness and beauty to the occasion.

The bridegroom is symbolic of the Savior, and the coming of the bridegroom represents the Second Coming (see Doctrine and Covenants 33:17 ; 88:92 ; 133:10).
President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught: “The ten virgins obviously represent members of Christ’s Church, for all were invited to the wedding feast and all knew what was required to be admitted when the bridegroom came” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Preparation for the Second Coming,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 8).
The lamps can symbolize our testimonies (see David A. Bednar, “Converted unto the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 109). Note that all ten virgins had lamps.
The oil can symbolize our conversion unto the Lord Jesus Christ (see David A. Bednar, “Converted unto the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 109). This can include our efforts to follow the guidance of the Holy Ghost and to live obediently to the Savior and His gospel (see Doctrine and Covenants 45:56–58 ; In our lives the oil of preparedness is accumulated drop by drop in righteous living. … Each act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to our store. (Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle [1972], 255–56)

Most Jewish wedding ceremonies would take place in the evening. Several scripture passages refer to the Savior coming again like a thief in the night (see Joseph Smith Translation, Luke 12:44 [in the Bible appendix]; 1 Thessalonians 5:2 ; 2 Peter 3:10 ; Doctrine and Covenants 45:19 ; 106:4). The coming of the bridegroom at midnight suggests the unexpected hour of the Savior’s return. President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) explained:

In Matthew 25:12 , notice the bridegroom’s response to the foolish virgins who tried to enter the wedding feast late and without the necessary oil. Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 25:11 clarifies that the bridegroom said, “Ye know me not” (in Matthew 25:12 , footnote a).

Remembering what the oil represents, why would the oil be essential to truly know the Savior and be ready to meet Him?
Why could the wise virgins not simply give the oil to the foolish virgins?

Ask a child to come prepared to share how he or she learned about the parable of the ten virgins at home this week.

Draw an oil lamp on the board, and label it testimony. Give each child a piece of paper shaped like a drop of oil, and ask each child to write on it something he or she will do to become more converted to the Savior. Attach their drops to the board around the lamp.

“Lesson 25: Parable of the Ten Virgins,” Primary 7: New Testament

Friend September 1995 “I Believe That Jesus Will Come Again,”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 You might cut paper in the shape of drops of oil and hide the drops around your home. You could attach the drops to objects like the scriptures or a picture of the temple. When family members find the drops, you could discuss how these things help us prepare for the Second Coming.

Invite the children to help you make a list of things to do to prepare for a special visitor. How are these things similar to or different from ways we can spiritually prepare for the Savior’s Second Coming?

Friend August 2021 “The Important Guest” Ammon mother told him to tidy his room and she told him, “We want to invite someone important to be our guest. So we want our house to be clean and neat.” That night Ammon found out that the special guest was the Holy Ghost. The family also discussed additional ways to help the Holy Ghost feel welcome in their home.

On five strips of paper, write things that cannot be borrowed. On five other strips, write things that can be borrowed. Shuffle the strips, and ask the children to sort them into these two groups. Read together Matthew 25:1–13. Why is it important not to rely on others for our conversion to Jesus Christ?

“Lesson 25: Parable of the Ten Virgins,” Primary 7: New Testament Why do you think the five wise virgins did not share their oil? (Matthew 25:9.) Why couldn’t they have given some of their oil to the others? Explain that the shape of Jewish lamps, outside lips rounded inward, made it almost impossible for someone to pour oil from one lamp to another (see the illustration at the end of the lesson). In the parable, the oil in the wise virgins’ lamps represents their righteous living and obedience. We each fill our own lamp, which represents our own life, with our obedience and righteousness. Heavenly Father’s blessings to us for our righteous actions cannot be given to the disobedient.

New Testament Coloring Book “The Ten Virgins”

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “He Will Come Again” Lesson ideas

I can use the gifts God has given me.

Matthew 25:14–30

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 Young children are discovering their gifts and abilities. Help them understand that these gifts and abilities come from Heavenly Father.

Bring several coins to use as you tell the parable of the talents, found in Matthew 25:14–30. You could ask three children to represent the three servants. Explain that in Jesus’s day, talents referred to money, but today talents can mean our gifts and abilities.

For the Strength of Youth February 2023 “The Talents” Parable of the talents

Ask the children to name ways their parents, siblings, teachers, or friends have helped them. What talents do these people have that help them serve others?

Red Crystal

Write a small note to the children telling each of them about the gifts or abilities you notice in them. As you share with each of the children the gifts you see in them, encourage them to improve their gifts and use them to serve others.

Friend December 2022 “Gifts to Share” Sometimes we don’t value or share our gifts. Maybe we are afraid that they are not as perfect as we would like. But if we don’t share our gifts, we miss a chance to bless God’s children. We miss a chance to feel God’s love.

Friend December 2022 “Talent Match”

Friend July 2015- Parable of the Talents - includes lesson ideas — Friend July 2015– Parable of the Talents – includes lesson ideas

Friend May 2021 “What Are Your Gifts?” Spiritual gifts are blessings or abilities that God has given to each of His children.

New Testament Coloring Book “Parable of the Talents”

“Lesson 26: Parable of the Talents,” Primary 7: New Testament

Ask the children to name as many talents as they can think of; list the talents on the chalkboard as they are mentioned. Encourage the children to include character traits such as being a good listener, loving others, being cheerful, and so on.
Give the children each a piece of paper and a pencil and ask them to make a list of their own talents. Tell them not to let others in the class see the list. Then ask the class members to each name a talent for every other child in the class. As each child’s talents are mentioned, suggest that the child add to his or her list any talents identified by the other children that are not already on the list. Then ask the following questions:

See additional story ideas at Talents

At the Final Judgment, we will give the Lord an account of our lives.

Matthew 25:14–46

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 After the Resurrection, the Lord will judge us based on our obedience to His commandments and acceptance of His atoning sacrifice.

The parable of the talents and the parable of the sheep and goats can inspire us to think about the account of our lives we will give to the Lord at the Final Judgment. You might read the parables together and invite each class member to share one question the Savior might ask about our lives when we are judged. “Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: New Testament 2023

Invite half of the class to read Matthew 25:14–30 and the other half to read Matthew 25:31–46. Ask the groups to act out the parables for the class. What is the Lord teaching us in these parables?

New Testament Stories “The Talents”

New Testament stories [art] — Jesus told His disciples a story about a man who gave his servants some talents. A talent was a large amount of money.

Latter Day Kids “The Parable of the Talents” Lesson ideas

For the Strength of Youth February 2023 “The Talents” Parable of the talents

Invite the children to read Matthew 25:35–36 in pairs and make a list of things they can do to show their love for Jesus Christ.

Friend September 2007 “The Master Served” Link includes lesson ideas

Friend January 2018 “Family Night Fun” Hide slips of paper with difficulties someone may be enduring written on them. When someone finds a paper, have them say how they could help that person.

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “He Will Come Again” Lesson ideas

Jesus wants me to serve others.

Matthew 25:31–46

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 We serve Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ by serving people around us. Help the children consider ways they can serve others.

Summarize the parable in Matthew 25:34–46. Help the children understand that when we are serving others, we are serving Jesus.

The “right hand”: In ancient times, being seated at the right hand of the king, or next to the king on his right side, was the most honorable position at a feast.

Hold up a picture of a child with a picture of Jesus hidden behind it. What can we do to serve this child? Remove the child’s picture and explain that when we serve each other, we are serving Jesus.

Friend September 2007 “The Master Served” Link includes lesson ideas

The Red Crystal This site has great visual aid ideas.

Invite the children to draw pictures of themselves serving others in the ways the Savior describes in Matthew 25:35–36. Ask the other children to guess what they are drawing.

35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Match the pictures as the above scripture is read.

Invite the children to share experiences when someone has shown Christlike service to them or their families.

“Lesson 27: Parable of the Sheep and the Goats,” Primary 7: New Testament

Read the following or similar situations to the children (use situations that are within the children’s experiences). Ask them what they think they should do if:

They see a younger child who is thirsty but can’t reach the water.
They know a child who hasn’t been to church for several weeks.
They know someone who doesn’t have enough to eat.
They see someone who doesn’t have a warm coat, and it is very cold.
They know someone who has been home for a long time with an illness or disability.
What would Jesus want you to do? Why do you think you should help others in situations such as these?

News with Naylors “Helping Others” Activity ideas

The Widow’s Mite

Mark 12: 41-44

New Testament Stories “The Widow’s Mite”

New Testament Coloring Book “The Widow’s Mite”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023

Coming.Mark 12:38–44; Luke 21:1–4.

What do these verses teach about how the Savior views our offerings? Show your family how to pay tithing and fast offerings to the Lord. How do these offerings help build God’s kingdom? What are some other ways we can offer “all that [we have]” to the Lord? (Mark 12:44).

Lesson 24: The Widow’s Mite,” Primary 7: New Testament Lesson, stories, and activity ideas. Tithing theme.

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal

May 13 2023

Matthew 21–23; Mark 11; Luke 19–20; John 12

Posted on May 13, 2023 by Camilla

Heavenly Father and Jesus know me by name.
As I seek the Savior, I will find Him.
The temple is a sacred place.
The temple is a sacred place that I should respect.
I can be obedient.
Jesus wants me to be righteous in my actions and my desires.
Additional Resources

Matthew CHAPTER 21 Jesus rides in triumph into Jerusalem—He cleanses the temple, curses the fig tree, and discusses authority—He gives the parables of the two sons and the wicked husbandmen.

Matthew CHAPTER 22 Jesus gives the parable of the marriage of the king’s son—Pay tribute to Cæsar and to God—Worldly marriages endure in this life only—The first commandment is to love the Lord—Jesus asks, What think ye of Christ?

Matthew CHAPTER 23 Jesus pronounces woes upon the scribes and Pharisees—They will be held responsible for killing the prophets—They will not escape the damnation of hell.

Mark CHAPTER 11 Jesus rides into Jerusalem amid shouts of hosanna—He curses a fig tree, drives the money changers from the temple, and confounds the scribes on the matter of authority.

Luke CHAPTER 19 Jesus came to save souls—He gives the parable of the pounds—He rides in triumph into Jerusalem, weeps over the city, and cleanses the temple again.

Luke CHAPTER 20 The chief priests oppose Jesus—He gives the parable of the wicked husbandmen—Render unto Cæsar and God that which is theirs—Jesus teaches the law of marriage.

John CHAPTER 12 Mary anoints Jesus’ feet—His triumphal entry into Jerusalem is recounted—He foretells His death—To receive Christ is to receive the Father.

The Savior Goes to Jerusalem

New Testament Coloring Book “Jesus’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem”

Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: New Testament 2023 A simple activity could introduce a discussion about the Savior’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem: Several class members could draw on the board things associated with a king, such as a crown or a throne, while the others guess what they are drawing. Then other class members could draw a colt and tree branches. What do these things have to do with a king? You could then show the picture of the Savior’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem from this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families and invite class members to read Mark 11:1–11. How did these people recognize Jesus as their King? How do we worship Jesus Christ as our King through our words and actions?

Heavenly Father and Jesus know me by name.

Luke 19:1–10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 21–23; Mark 11; Luke 19–20; John 12” As you read about the Savior’s interaction with Zacchaeus, what messages do you find that may bless the children you teach?

Show a picture of Zacchaeus in the Sycamore Tree (in this outline or at ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Help the children find Zacchaeus and say his name. Create actions for the children to do as you tell the story of Zacchaeus and Jesus—for example, standing on their toes to see over a crowd or pretending to climb a tree. Explain that the Savior saw Zacchaeus and called him by name. Testify that the Savior also knows each of the children and their names.

Latter Day Kids “The Story of Zacchaeus” Lesson ideas

Bring an empty picture frame to class, or make one out of paper. Invite each child to take a turn holding the frame around his or her face while the rest of the class says, “Heavenly Father and Jesus know [child’s name].”

Sing together a song about Heavenly Father’s love, such as “I Am a Child of God” (Children’s Songbook, 2–3). Help the children listen for things that help them know Heavenly Father loves them.

Friend May 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Listening Tree”

Story: Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, but a large crowd blocked his view. Zacchaeus climbed a tree so he could see and hear Jesus better. (See Luke 19:2–8.)

Song: “If I Listen with My Heart” (Music for Children, ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

Activity: Make a hand tree! On a piece of paper, trace your hand and arm. Your arm will be the trunk and your fingers will be the branches. Around each branch, write or draw ways you can listen to Jesus.

As I seek the Savior, I will find Him.

Luke 19:1–10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 21–23; Mark 11; Luke 19–20; John 12” You might use the story of Zacchaeus to help the children think of things they can do to come closer to the Savior.

Read Luke 19:1–10, pausing every few verses to discuss what the verses reveal about Zacchaeus. What did Zacchaeus do so that he could see Jesus? How did he respond when Jesus asked him to come down from the tree? Ask each child to share one reason why they would want to see Jesus. If the Savior came to our city, what would we do to prepare?

Latter Day Kids “The Story of Zacchaeus” Lesson ideas

Invite the children to think of people they know who, like Zacchaeus, might be seeking the Savior. Ask the children what they might do to help someone else learn about the Savior.

Friend February 1986 Ways to be a missionary

Invite the children to share experiences when they felt that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ were aware of them and loved them.

Friend March 2018 “Heavenly Father Listens” Elder Clayton felt the love of God as a teen when he prayed about some worries. Heavenly Father loves us and is interested in our lives just like a parent would be. (Activity page included: Find the hearts in the room of the girl who is praying.)

The temple is a sacred place.

Matthew 21:12–14

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 21–23; Mark 11; Luke 19–20; John 12” Jesus’s reverence for the temple, as described in these verses, can help the children you teach understand that the temple is a sacred place.

Show the picture Jesus Cleansing the Temple (Gospel Art Book, no. 51), and tell the story recorded in Matthew 21:12–14. Help the children find money and animals in the picture. Then discuss why the Savior wanted the money changers and the people selling animals to leave the temple.

Show pictures of temples (for examples, see Gospel Art Book, nos. 117–19), and ask the children to share how they feel when they see a temple. You might explain that the temple is a place where we go to make promises with God, seek answers to prayers, and feel close to God. Help the children identify feelings from the Holy Ghost telling them that the temple is a special place. Ask the children to act as they would if they were inside the temple. For instance, they could talk in whispers and sit reverently.

Friend July 2022 “Jesus Said”

Sing together a song about the temple, such as “I Love to See the Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 95), and invite the children to make a goal to go inside the temple someday.

The temple is a sacred place that I should respect.

Matthew 21:12–14

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 21–23; Mark 11; Luke 19–20; John 12” How can the account of the Savior cleansing the temple help you teach the children about the sacredness of temples?

Invite the children to read Matthew 21:12–14. Show the picture Jesus Cleansing the Temple (Gospel Art Book, no. 51), and ask them which verse is depicted in the picture.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “Matthew 21:12–16” Jesus went to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover and visited the temple. Worshippers who came to Jerusalem needed to exchange their money for currency that could be used at the temple to purchase animals for the sacrifices that would be made in their behalf by the priests. Even though this business was necessary and served a good purpose, handling it at the temple was disrespectful and irreverent. The phrase “a den of thieves” suggests that the moneychangers and merchants were more interested in making a financial profit than in worshipping God and helping others worship.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 How do Jesus’s words and actions in Matthew 21:12–14 show how He felt about the temple? How do we show how we feel about the temple? What can we “cast out” (verse 12) of our lives to make our home more like the temple?

Invite the children to share how they have felt when they have gone inside a temple, visited temple grounds, or looked at pictures of temples. What helped them know the temple is a sacred place? You might share with the children why you love the temple. Why is it sacred to you?

Friend July 2015 “What Do We Do in the Temple”

Invite one or more youth to come to class and talk about how they have prepared to enter the temple. If they have been to the temple, ask them to talk about how they felt when they were there.

Cut a picture of a temple into puzzle pieces, and give each child one piece. Ask the children to write on the back of their puzzle piece one thing they can do to prepare to enter the temple. As each child shares an idea, add his or her piece to the puzzle.

Friend October 2021 “Build a Temple” Cut along the dotted lines to make a puzzle of what the Bangkok Thailand Temple will look like.

On the board, write the following: can help me prepare to serve in the temple. Invite the children to suggest ways to complete this sentence. Some ideas might include “Keeping my baptismal covenants” or “The Holy Ghost.”

“The Temple—I’m going There Someday” (August 2009 Liahona and Friend)
Draw word strips and move game pieces until everyone reaches the temple.

I can be obedient.

Matthew 21:28–32

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 21–23; Mark 11; Luke 19–20; John 12” Heavenly Father wants us to be obedient. The parable of the two sons is an opportunity to teach about the importance of obedience.

Draw a picture of two sons on the board, and use the drawings as you recount the parable in Matthew 21:28–32. Which son did the right thing in the end? Ask the children to name things they can do to be obedient at home. Let them draw pictures of themselves doing one of those things.

Invite the children to share experiences they have had with being obedient to their parents. How were they blessed for being obedient?

Friend August 2018 “Puddles and Blessings” Marcel doesn’t want to go on a hike in the rain with his mom and the Young Women. His mom tells him something good might happen because there are blessings from obeying parents. At the hike he finds that his friend Noah is there and they have a blast playing in puddles together.

Friend August 2016 “Micah Obeys” Micah learns that he can help his family be happy when he obeys.

Jesus wants me to be righteous in my actions and my desires.

Matthew 23:25–28

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 21–23; Mark 11; Luke 19–20; John 12” Jesus taught the scribes and Pharisees about the importance of truly living the gospel—not just pretending to be righteous. What would help the children understand this truth?

As you read Matthew 23:25–28 with the children, consider sharing this definition of hypocrite from the Bible Dictionary: “One who pretends to be religious when he is not.” Why is it bad to be a hypocrite?

Show the children a cup that is clean on the outside but dirty on the inside to help illustrate the metaphor in Matthew 23:25. How can we make sure we are clean and pure on the inside?

“Lesson 20: ‘Woe unto You, … Hypocrites’” New Testament: Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual Explain that Jesus compared the Pharisees to a cup that is clean outside but dirty inside (Matthew 23:25–26). The Pharisees paid a great deal of attention to outward ordinances and actions that would make them appear righteous, but they were not as concerned with actually being righteous in their hearts. For this Jesus referred to them as hypocrites. This lesson will discuss the Savior’s condemnation of hypocrites—people who try to appear righteous but who do not try to live righteously.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf explained, “[Jesus] rose up in righteous anger against hypocrites like the scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees—those who tried to appear righteous in order to win the praise, influence, and wealth of the world, all the while oppressing the people they should have been blessing” (“On Being Genuine,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 81).

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

May 7 2023

Matthew 19–20; Mark 10; Luke 18

Posted on May 7, 2023 by Camilla

Heavenly Father wants us to marry in the temple and have eternal families. (Younger children)
Heavenly Father wants us to marry in the temple and have eternal families. (Older children)
Jesus wants little children to come to Him so He can bless them.
If I obey the commandments, I can receive eternal life.
Jesus can help me know what I need to do to progress.
Everyone can receive the blessing of eternal life, no matter when they accept the gospel.
The First Shall Be Last (Humility)
Additional Resources

Matthew CHAPTER 19 Jesus teaches about marriage and divorce—Eternal life is for those who keep the commandments—The Twelve Apostles will judge the house of Israel.

Matthew CHAPTER 20 Jesus gives the parable of the laborers in the vineyard—He foretells His crucifixion and resurrection—He came to give His life as a ransom for many.

Mark CHAPTER 10 Jesus teaches the higher law of marriage—He blesses little children—Jesus counsels the rich young man, foretells His own death, and heals blind Bartimæus.

Luke CHAPTER 18 Jesus gives the parables of the unjust judge and the Pharisee and publican—He invites little children to come unto Him and teaches how to gain eternal life—He tells of His coming death and resurrection and gives sight to a blind man.

Heavenly Father wants us to marry in the temple and have eternal families. (Younger children)

Mark 10:6–8

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 19–20; Mark 10; Luke 18” How can the children you teach benefit from learning about the doctrine of eternal marriage? It may be helpful for you to review truths about marriage in “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Read Mark 10:6–8 to the children, and display a picture of a married couple. Ask the children to point to the man and the woman when they hear you read the words male and female. Explain that Heavenly Father wants a man and woman to marry each other (see Genesis 1:27–28).

Display pictures of a family and a temple. Invite the children to talk about what they see in the pictures. Explain that Heavenly Father wants us to be sealed to our families in the temple so we can be with them forever. Be sensitive to children whose parents are not yet sealed.

Sing a song about families, such as “A Happy Family” (Children’s Songbook, 198). Consider singing the song several times. Invite the children to share fun things they have done with their families. Why are they thankful for their families?

Sing a song about the temple, such as “I Love to See the Temple” or “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 95, 188). Let the children hold pictures of temples or families, and invite them to hold up their pictures when they sing “temple” or “family.” Help the children think of reasons why is it important to get married in the temple.

Heavenly Father wants us to marry in the temple and have eternal families. (Older children)

Mark 10:6–8

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 19–20; Mark 10; Luke 18” The things Jesus taught about marriage can help the children look forward to marrying in the temple and raising an eternal family.

Ask one of the children to read Mark 10:6–8 out loud. Explain that cleave means to “stick to” or “hold tight to” something. Why is it important that husbands and wives join together, love each other, and work as partners?

Show some toothpicks or popsicle sticks and show how easily one by itself breaks. Stack them together and show that it is much more difficult to break them because they support each other.

United We Stand Pair up two people of relatively equal size. Have them sit on the floor back to back, arms linked. Have them stand up by pushing off each other. Repeat, but this time have only one person push. (They helped each other accomplish the goal.)

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 49–50” What truths about marriage do you learn from Doctrine and Covenants 49:15–17? Why do you feel marriage between a man and a woman is essential to Heavenly Father’s plan? Elder David A. Bednar gave two reasons: “Reason 1: The natures of male and female spirits complete and perfect each other, and therefore men and women are intended to progress together toward exaltation. … Reason 2: By divine design, both a man and a woman are needed to bring children into mortality and to provide the best setting for the rearing and nurturing of children” (“Marriage Is Essential to His Eternal Plan,” Ensign, June 2006, 83–84). See also 1 Corinthians 11:11

Ask the children to help you think of answers to questions like “Why are families important in the Church?” or “Why is it important for you to get married in the temple?” Help them find answers in resources like Mark 10:6–8; 1 Corinthians 11:11; Doctrine and Covenants 42:22; 131:1–4; Moses 3:18, 21–24; and “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.”

God has established families to bring happiness to His children, allow them to learn correct principles in a loving atmosphere, and prepare them for eternal life. The home is the best place to teach, learn, and apply gospel principles.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” The Family: A Proclamation to the World”

Help the children think of examples of things that do not last forever—food that spoils, flowers that wither, and so on. Show a picture of your family, and share how you feel about them. Testify that the Lord has made it possible, through the ordinances of the temple, for families to last forever.

Sing together a song about families, such as “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 188). Share your testimony of eternal marriage and family with the children. Invite them to share their testimonies as well.

Jesus wants little children to come to Him so He can bless them.

Mark 10:13–16

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 19–20; Mark 10; Luke 18” This account provides an opportunity to help children feel how much Jesus loves them.

In your own words, share the account in Mark 10:13–16. You might also show the video “Suffer the Little Children to Come unto Me” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Help the children think of times when they have felt Jesus’s love for them. Bear your testimony to the children that Jesus loves them and wants to bless them.

Latter Day Kids “Let the Children Come Unto Me” Lesson ideas

Friend May 2019 “Jesus Blesses the Children”

[unitegallery 2019May]

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

Display the picture Christ and the Children (Gospel Art Book, no. 47). Help the children imagine what it might be like to be one of the children sitting next to Jesus in the picture. Invite the children to share how they feel about Jesus.

Let the children draw pictures of themselves being blessed by Jesus (see Mark 10:16 and this week’s activity page).

New Testament Coloring Books “Jesus Blessed the Children”

If I obey the commandments, I can receive eternal life.

Mark 10:17–22

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 19–20; Mark 10; Luke 18” Jesus taught the rich young man that to gain eternal life—a life like Heavenly Father has—he should obey the commandments.

Tell the story of the rich young man in Mark 10:17–22 to the children. (See also “Chapter 42: The Rich Young Man,” in New Testament Stories, 105–6, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.) Ask them to listen for what Jesus told the young man to do and how the young man responded.

Tell one or more stories about children who ask for advice or direction from their parents but don’t follow or obey.

“Lost in a Blizzard” (January 2004 Friend) Danny asks his dad if he can ride the snow mobile over a hill during a blizzard. His father tells him he needs to stay on the road. He doesn’t listen to his father and drives over the hill and gets lost in the blizzard.

“Listen to Learn” (July 1992 Friend)
Elder Russell M. Nelson tells a story about a young woman who asked her father if it was okay to go out with a young man. Her father had a bad feeling about it so he asked her not to go. She went anyway and died in an accident after the young man drank alcohol and went too fast around a corner.

What are some things Heavenly Father asks us to do? How do we feel when we obey His commandments?

Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon “Lesson 16” Have the children draw lines that will connect each word on the left to a word on the right to make a statement about choosing the right.

Ensign September 2016 Circle ways you can choose the right.

How do we feel when we obey His commandments?

Friend October 2018 “I was trick-or-treating with friends and found $200. I told my mom about it. Later as we were walking down the street, a lady was looking for $200 that she had lost. She was so happy that we found it, and she gave me $10 for being honest. I shared $5 with my friends. I felt warm and happy because I was honest and chose the right. Leah D., age 6, Kentucky, USA“

Friend July 2018 “Show and Tell” I was playing with a friend who showed me a video. At first it was funny, but then a character said a bad word. When I hear bad words, it feels bad in my body, so I asked him if we could do something else. He said OK. I felt happy inside! Javaan F., age 9, North Carolina, USA

Share experiences when you received personal promptings to do something to be better.

Friend April 2022 “Go Sit by Him” The Holy Ghost tells Sierra to go sit by a boy who had been bullied and was sad and alone. She felt peaceful all day after she listened to the Holy Ghost.

Friend May 2023 Come, Follow Me Activities “Service Superhero”

Story: Jesus Christ taught that we should help people in need (see Mark 10:17–22). Read “The Owl and the Orca” on page 8 to learn how a boy named Dieter followed Jesus.

Song: “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47)

Activity: Go to page 12 and become a service superhero!

Friend May 2023 “The Owl and the Orca” During conference, Dieter heard Elder Jeffrey R. Holland tell about Jesus asking a rich young man to give all his money to the poor. Dieter wanted to help the poor too, so he asked his mom to draw an owl and then he painted it. His mom posted it on online for sale and wrote that Dieter would give the money to a shelter for people without homes. Lots of people wanted to buy it. He sold it to a restaurant and other stores asked for paintings too. He was glad he could help others. (See a photo of the painting at the link.)

Friend May 2023 “Super Hero Service”

Jesus can help me know what I need to do to progress.

Mark 10:17–22

Because Jesus Christ loves us, He will help us know what we lack in our efforts to follow Him.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 19–20; Mark 10; Luke 18” The rich young man sought Jesus and received specific instruction that was meant especially for him. How can you inspire the children to seek similar guidance in their own lives?

Ask the children to find a verse in Mark 10:17–22 that describes the picture in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families. Explain that the counsel Jesus gave to the young man was personal, and we can all receive personal direction from the Lord through the Spirit.

Read together Mark 10:17–22. Invite the children to write on the board the commandments that the Savior told the rich young man to obey (see verse 19). What else did Jesus ask him to do? (see verse 21). Encourage the children to think about things they might need to begin doing or stop doing to better follow Jesus. What are some ways we can find out what Jesus wants us to do?

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

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “Matthew 19:16–30; Mark 10:17–31” Take some time now to ask God what He would have you change in your life. It could be something that you should stop doing, start doing, or do differently. Then reflect on your life and write down thoughts and impressions that come to you. (If your answer does not come quickly, continue to ask over time with a determination to obey the answer when you receive it. God will answer at the right time and in the best way for you.)

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families “Matthew 19–20; Mark 10; Luke 18” What is the difference between having riches and trusting in riches? (see Mark 10:23–24). As you read verse 27, you may want to point out the Joseph Smith Translation: “With men that trust in riches, it is impossible; but not impossible with men who trust in God and leave all for my sake, for with such all these things are possible” (Joseph Smith Translation, Mark 10:26 [in Mark 10:27, footnote a]). As a family, how are we showing that we trust God more than material things?

Everyone can receive the blessing of eternal life, no matter when they accept the gospel.

Matthew 20:1–16.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “Matthew 20:1–16” The word penny in these verses refers to a denarius, the Roman coin typically used to pay a laborer for a full day of

It may be helpful to know that being hired by the lord of the vineyard in this parable can symbolize entering into a covenant with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. The pay can symbolize the blessings of eternal life.

The Master’s reward in the Final Judgment will not be based on how long we have labored in the vineyard. We do not obtain our heavenly reward by punching a time clock. What is essential is that our labors in the workplace of the Lord have caused us to become something. For some of us, this requires a longer time than for others. What is important in the end is what we have become by our labors.

(Dallin H. Oaks, “The Challenge to Become,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 34)

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families “Matthew 19–20; Mark 10; Luke 18” To illustrate the principles in Matthew 20:1–16, you might set up a simple competition, such as a short race. After everyone has completed the competition, award everyone the same prize, starting with the person who finished last and ending with the person who finished first. What does this teach us about who receives the blessings of eternal life in Heavenly Father’s plan?

For the Strength of Youth December 2023 “The Laborers in the Vineyard”

The First Shall Be Last (Humility)

Matthew 20:25–28; Mark 10:42–45.
What is the meaning of the phrase “whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant”? (Matthew 20:27). How did Jesus Christ exemplify this principle? How can we follow His example in

New Testament Stories “The Pharisee and the Publican”

Luke 18:1–14.

14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Treasure in Heaven” Lesson ideas

Apr 30 2023

Luke 12–17; John 11

Posted on April 30, 2023 by Camilla

Heavenly Father wants all of His children to return to Him.
I can help Jesus find His lost sheep.
I can show my love for Heavenly Father by being grateful for my blessings. (younger children)
I can show my love for Heavenly Father by being grateful for my blessings. (older children)
We believe that Jesus is the Son of God. (younger children)
We believe that Jesus is the Son of God. (older children)
Additional Resources

Luke CHAPTER 12 Jesus teaches, Beware of hypocrisy; lay up treasures in heaven rather than on earth; prepare for the coming of the Lord; where much is given, much is required; preaching the gospel causes division.

Luke CHAPTER 13 Jesus teaches, Repent or perish—He gives the parable of the barren fig tree, heals a woman on the Sabbath, and likens the kingdom of God to a mustard seed—He discusses whether few or many are saved and laments over Jerusalem.

Luke CHAPTER 14 Jesus again heals on the Sabbath—He teaches humility and gives the parable of the great supper—Those who follow Him must forsake all else.

Luke CHAPTER 15 Jesus gives the parables of the lost sheep, the piece of silver, and the prodigal son.

Luke CHAPTER 16 Jesus gives the parable of the unjust steward—He teaches of service and condemns divorce—He gives the parable of the rich man and Lazarus.

Luke CHAPTER 17 Jesus speaks of offenses, forgiveness, and faith—Even the faithful are unprofitable servants—Ten lepers are healed—Jesus discourses on the Second Coming.

John CHAPTER 11 Jesus testifies that He is the Resurrection and the Life—Mary and Martha testify of Him—He raises Lazarus from the dead—Caiaphas speaks prophetically of the death of Jesus.

Heavenly Father wants all of His children to return to Him.

Luke 15

The Lost Sheep

The Lost Coin

The Lost Son

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

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Luke 12–17; John 11” Think about the children in your class, including those who may not attend regularly. How can you help them feel Heavenly Father’s love? How can you inspire the other children to help you reach out to them in love?

Give one child a coin, another child a picture of a sheep, and another child a picture of the prodigal son (see ChurchofJesusChrist.org or this week’s activity page). Tell the three parables found in Luke 15 and invite the children to hold up their coin or picture when you mention it. You could invite the children to retell the parables to each other in their own words.

Ask the children to share a time when they lost something. How did they find it? Explain that people can become lost spiritually when they don’t follow Heavenly Father. Testify that God wants people who are lost to come to Him, and we can help them.

Latter Day Kids “I Have Found That Which Was Lost” Lesson ideas

Friend March 2001 “The Good Shepherd Game” Play the game in family home evening by hiding a lamb and letting a member of the family find it. If you wish, you can bleat “baa” louder or softer as he or she gets closer to or farther from the lost lamb. If a lamb is lost, a good shepherd finds it and brings it back to the fold.

Invite the children to think of other children who don’t come to Primary. Help them color or write notes inviting these children to attend Primary or a Primary activity. How else can we help these children feel Heavenly Father’s love for them?

Friend July 2021 “Dear Friends” I enjoyed the activity to blow the sheep to Jesus from the Come, Follow Me ideas (Sept. 2020). Ari S., age 4, Texas, USA

New Testament Coloring Book “The Prodigal Son”

For additional teaching resources and stories see Fellowshipping.

I can help Jesus find His lost sheep.

Luke 15

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Luke 12–17; John 11” We all know someone who is in some ways like the lost sheep, the lost coin, or the prodigal son in the Savior’s parables. Consider how you can inspire the children to reach out to these people with love.

Help the children read the parable of the lost sheep or the parable of the lost coin, found in Luke 15:1–10, and share what they learned.

The Lost Sheep

The Lost Coin

The Lost Son

Write these names on the board: father, older son, and younger son. Show the video “The Prodigal Son” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) and pause it occasionally so the children can write on the board some of the feelings of the people listed. How do Heavenly Father and Jesus feel about those who have sinned?

New Testament Student Manual According to the customs of the Savior’s time, a son received his inheritance only after his father died. For a son to demand his inheritance before his father’s death (see Luke 15:12–13) would have been an enormous offense. The son’s request would have been seen as a rejection of his father, his home, his upbringing, and even his entire community.

(Symbolic of a son (or daughter) of God rejecting his Heavenly Father, his upbringing in the gospel and its teachings, and as a result suffered the miserable consequences of sin. The other son, who stayed faithful, enjoyed the blessings of living the gospel and being a faithful son and had knowledge and abilities that the younger son would now need to learn. But the younger son who has returned can once again enjoy all the blessings of the gospel.)

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “Luke 15”

The Pharisees criticized the Savior for receiving and eating with sinners.

What do you think the Savior hoped the Pharisees would learn from this parable?

One truth we learn from this parable is that Heavenly Father values and loves all His children and is waiting with open arms to welcome all who will turn to Him.

Ask a child to leave the room while the other children hide a coin or paper sheep. Have the child return and look for the coin or sheep. What are some ways people can feel “lost” like the coin or the sheep? Invite the children to suggest ways they can reach out to them. Sing with the children a related song, such as “Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd” (Hymns, no. 221), and testify of the joy that comes when people return to God.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Luke 12–17; John 11” Do your family members understand what it feels like to lose something—or to be lost? Talking about their experiences could start a discussion about the parables of the lost sheep and lost coin. Or you could play a game in which someone hides and other family members try to find him or her. How does this activity help us understand these parables?

Explain that Jesus used the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son to represent people who are “lost” because they do not have the blessings of the gospel. Invite the children to think of people they know who don’t have these blessings in their lives. What can they do to help these people feel Heavenly Father’s love for them?

Friend May 2015 “The Prodigal Son” Lesson and story ideas and crossword puzzle

Lesson 19: The Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son,” Primary 7: New Testament

Play Search and Find. Ask a child to think of a place where he or she could get lost and write it on a piece of paper or whisper it to the teacher. Have the other children ask “yes” or “no” questions to determine where the child is located (Is it in a crowded place? Is it in the mountains? Is it under something?). Help the children understand that it takes time and effort to find someone who is lost, especially someone who is spiritually lost.

For the Strength of Youth September 2023 “The Lost Sheep”

I can show my love for Heavenly Father by being grateful for my blessings. (younger children)

Luke 17:11–19

Friend May 2023 “One Thankful Man”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Luke 12–17; John 11” How might the story of the ten lepers encourage the children to be thankful?

Tell the story of the ten lepers who were healed by Jesus. Show the picture found in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families and invite the children to count to ten on their fingers. Then ask them to put down nine fingers to show the one leper who thanked Jesus. Help the children think of someone they could thank for a kind or helpful action.

See The Red Crystal “Luke 12-17, John 11” for a ten leper finger puppet printable for this part.

Invite each child to act out something he or she is grateful for, and have the rest of the children guess what it is. Ask the children to share ways we can show Heavenly Father that we are thankful for our blessings.

Friend May 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Showing Gratitude”

Story: Read the story “One Thankful man” on page 46. How can you show gratitude?

Song: “Thanks to Our Father” (Children’s Songbook, 20)

Activity: Cut out 10 strips of paper. On each strip, write (or draw) one thing you are grateful for. Loop the strips around each other and glue or tape the ends together to make a chain. Hang your gratitude chain somewhere you will see it often.

Friend May 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities for Little Ones”

Play this gratitude guessing game with your little ones! Choose something you’re grateful for, but don’t say what it is yet. List reasons why you are grateful for that person or thing until your child guesses correctly. Then it’s their turn!

Friend May 2023 “I Can Be Thankful”

For additional teaching ideas see Gratitude.

New Testament Coloring Book “The Ten Lepers”

Friend May 2013 “Coloring Page”

I can show my love for Heavenly Father by being grateful for my blessings. (older children)

Luke 17:11–19

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Luke 12–17; John 11” The story of the ten lepers might be a good way to inspire the children to express gratitude to Heavenly Father for their blessings.

Leprosy, more common anciently than today, is a skin disease that can lead to physical disfiguration and death. In biblical times, people with leprosy were separated from the rest of society and were required to call out “Unclean!” to warn anyone approaching them (see Bible Dictionary, “ Leper,” “ Leprosy ”).

Gospel Art Picture: “The Ten Lepers”

Read together the account of the ten lepers. How was the leper who gave thanks blessed for his gratitude? Why is it important to thank God for our blessings?

The Lord often blesses us more if we are grateful for what He has already given us.

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.

Invite the children to list things they are grateful for that start with each letter of their name.

Friend November 2017 “Family Night Fun” Ways you can look for blessings every day.

“Lesson 24: I Can Show Gratitude,” Primary 2: Choose the Right A

Display the empty cup, the spoon, and the container of water. Ask the children to think of the many blessings Heavenly Father has given them, and explain that each time they name a blessing they may take a spoonful of water from the container and put it into the cup.

Place the cup and the container of water in the pan or dish to catch spills, and place the pan or dish on a flat surface such as the table or floor.

You may want to use the following questions to help the children think of their blessings:

What are some of the beautiful creations Heavenly Father has given us?
Who are some special people he has blessed us with?
What things can our wonderful bodies do?

Have the children take turns naming blessings and putting spoonfuls of water in the cup until the cup is filled to overflowing. Explain that Heavenly Father loves us and has given us many blessings. When we think of these blessings, we are thankful and filled with love for Heavenly Father. Heavenly Father has given us so many blessings that we can overflow with love, just like the cup overflowed with water.

Ask the children to write thank-you notes to Heavenly Father for the blessings He gives them. They could hang the notes by their beds to remind them to express gratitude when they pray.

For additional teaching ideas see the following:

Gratitude

“Lesson 25: Remember to Say ‘Thank You’” Primary 2: Choose the Right A

“Lesson 21: Jesus Christ Heals Ten Lepers,” Primary 7: New Testament

News with Naylors “Week 19: The Ten Lepers (gratitude)” Has a fun M&M gratitude activity.

We believe that Jesus is the Son of God. (younger children)

John 11:1–46

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Luke 12–17; John 11” Martha, who was Lazarus’s sister, told Jesus: “I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God” (John 11:27). The story of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus can strengthen the children’s testimonies of Jesus Christ.

Summarize the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (see also “Chapter 43: Jesus Brings Lazarus Back to Life,” in New Testament Stories, 107–9, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Friend April 2023 “Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead”

Show the children a dead branch and a living plant, and ask them which one is dead and which one is living. Bear your testimony that because of the power of Jesus Christ, people who are dead will be resurrected and live forever.

Help the children memorize the phrase that Jesus said to Martha: “I am the resurrection, and the life” (John 11:25). Explain that because of the Savior’s Resurrection, we will once again see our loved ones who have died.

We believe that Jesus is the Son of God. (older children)

John 11:1–46

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Luke 12–17; John 11” How can you use the story of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus to help the children know, as Martha did, that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of God”? (John 11:27).

Write on the board some statements spoken by people in John 11. Ask the children to identify who said each statement, and invite them to search John 11 to check their answers. How would they feel if they were Jesus, Martha, Mary, or Lazarus? How can believing in Jesus help us when we are sad or scared?

See The Red Crystal “Luke 12-17, John 11” for a printable of different statements found in John 11.

Read Martha’s testimony, found in John 11:20–27. Ask the children to look for words and phrases that show that Martha had faith in Jesus Christ. What can we do to have faith in Him?

Ensign April 2001 “Increasing Our Faith in Jesus Christ”

We study and practice to develop the skills we need in any earthly endeavor. So also do we develop faith. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,” the Apostle Paul explains (Rom. 10:17). Elder Henry B. Eyring of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles observes that “simply hearing the words of doctrine can plant the seed of faith in the heart. And even a tiny seed of faith in Jesus Christ invites the Spirit” (“The Power of Teaching Doctrine,” Ensign, May 1999, 74).

Once the seed of faith has been planted in our hearts, it must be nourished. Our faith in Jesus Christ is nourished as we study, search, and ponder the scriptures; fast and pray; participate in sacred ordinances; keep our covenants; serve the Lord and others; sustain our Church leaders; and obey the commandments.

Friend January 1999 “Faith in Jesus Christ”

As our faith in Jesus Christ grows stronger, we learn to walk with faith in Him. “To have faith in Christ,” says Sister Sheri L. Dew, second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, “is to believe in Him, follow Him, and rely on Him. And it is to be blessed with the peace of conscience and mind that the Apostle Paul spoke of when he said, ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me’” (Philip. 4:13) (“Our Only Chance,” Ensign, May 1999, 67).

Also see Family Home Evening Resource Book “My Faith in Christ Can Grow”

Help the children memorize John 11:25. Explain that everyone will be resurrected, but only the righteous will receive eternal life and live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ again.

New Testament Coloring Book “Jesus Raised Lazarus from the Dead”

Lesson 28: Jesus Christ Raises Lazarus from the Dead,” Primary 7: New Testament

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal “Luke 12-17, John 11” Lesson ideas

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Welcome Home” Lesson ideas

Apr 9 2023

Matthew 15–17; Mark 7–9

Posted on April 9, 2023 by Camilla

I can gain a testimony that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
A testimony of Jesus Christ comes through revelation.
Jesus Christ gives prophets and apostles priesthood keys to lead His Church.
The Church of Jesus Christ is led by those who hold priesthood keys.
Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
My faith can work miracles.
Additional Resources

Matthew CHAPTER 15 The scribes and Pharisees contend against Jesus—He heals the daughter of a gentile woman—He feeds the four thousand.

Matthew CHAPTER 16 Jesus warns against the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees—Peter testifies that Jesus is the Christ and is promised the keys of the kingdom—Jesus foretells His death and resurrection.

Matthew CHAPTER 17 Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John on the mount—Jesus heals a lunatic, tells of His coming death, and pays taxes in a miraculous manner.

Mark CHAPTER 7 Jesus reproves the Pharisees for their false traditions and ceremonies—He casts a devil out of the daughter of a Greek woman—He opens the ears and loosens the tongue of a person with an impediment.

Mark CHAPTER 8 Jesus feeds the four thousand—He counsels, Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees—He heals a blind man in Bethsaida—Peter testifies that Jesus is the Christ.

Mark CHAPTER 9 Jesus is transfigured on the mountain—He casts out an unclean spirit—He teaches concerning His death and resurrection, who will be greatest, and the condemnation of those who offend His little ones.

I can gain a testimony that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Matthew 16:13–17

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 15–17; Mark 7–9” Consider how you can use Peter’s testimony and Jesus’s response to teach the children what a testimony is and inspire them to seek their own.

Ask the children to listen for what Peter said as you read Matthew 16:15–17. (See also “Chapter 32: Peter Testifies of Christ,” in New Testament Stories, 76–77, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.) Explain that Peter was bearing his testimony of Jesus Christ. Read the verses again. (Or show the video again.) This time ask the children to listen for who told Peter that Jesus Christ was the Son of God.

New Testament Scripture Stories “Peter Testifies of Jesus”

Bear your testimony of Jesus Christ, and explain how you received it. Invite the children to seek their own testimonies from Heavenly Father.

Friend January 2013 “How can I get a testimony?”

Friend September 2015 “A New Feeling” – Child feels Holy Ghost while reading about Jesus in the scriptures

For additional teaching ideas see Testimony: Lesson Ideas

Latter Day Kids “What is a Testimony” Lesson ideas

A testimony of Jesus Christ comes through revelation.

Matthew 16:13–17

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 15–17; Mark 7–9” How might Peter’s testimony in Matthew 16:13–17 help the children as they build their testimonies?

Ask the children what they would say if someone asked them, “Who is Jesus?” Invite the children to read Matthew 16:13–17 to find out how Peter answered that question. How did he gain his testimony of Jesus? What can we do to strengthen our testimonies?

For the Strength of Youth April 2023 “Caesarea Philippi” Learn about the place where the Savior asked, “Whom say ye that I am?”

The backdrop for this event in the scriptures was both beautiful and instructive:

In biblical times, the spring at Caesarea Philippi seemed to burst right out of the mountain, flowing out of a cave.
Jesus Christ said that He can give us “living water,” which is “a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:11, 14).
Jesus Christ is the “source [of] a remission of [our] sins” (2 Nephi 25:26).
Jesus Christ is the source of all priesthood authority and priesthood keys on earth (see Doctrine and Covenants 107:2–4).
Revelation from God is a pure source of a testimony of Jesus Christ.

Friend January 2013 “How can I get a testimony?”

“Faith in Jesus Christ” (August 2019 Friend)
Make a path through your home that includes objects representing how you show faith in Jesus Christ.

(Or you could have pictures or objects of ways you can show your faith. Have the children choose one and tell how it shows their trust in God. Some additional ideas: a picture of people going to church, picture of a child praying, a picture of the ten commandments or children being kind and obeying the commandments.

Help the children compare the way we know spiritual truths with the ways we know other truths. For example, how do we know how tall a person is or what the weather is like? How do we know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? Tell the children how the Holy Ghost has testified to you of the Savior.

Liahona April 2023 “Preparation and Progression” Come, Follow Me Family Fun: A Sense of Revelation

Peter saw and heard the Savior’s teachings. However, he received his testimony of Christ through revelation rather than through his physical senses—his “flesh and blood” (see Matthew 16:13–17).

Gather a few objects (see ideas below). Take turns being blindfolded. Have each person use their other four senses to guess what the object is.

Ideas:

Smell a flower
Taste a treat
Listen to a song
Touch a soft sweater

Discussion: Read Doctrine and Covenants 6:14–15 and 8:2–3. How can we learn truth through the spiritual sense of revelation rather than only relying on our physical senses? Note that everyone receives a testimony through the Holy Ghost but that some feel that influence differently than others. How can personal revelation through the Holy Ghost deepen our testimonies of Christ?

Friend September 2015 “A New Feeling” – Child feels Holy Ghost while reading about Jesus in the scriptures

Friend June 2020 A testimony is a good feeling from the Holy Ghost telling you that something is true.

Bear your testimony of Jesus Christ, and challenge the children to gain or strengthen their own testimonies of Him.

Jesus Christ gives prophets and apostles priesthood keys to lead His Church.

Matthew 16:15–19

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 15–17; Mark 7–9” The Savior compared revelation to a rock and priesthood authority to keys. How can you use these comparisons to help the children have faith in those who lead His Church?

Show the children a rock as you read Matthew 16:18 with them. Repeat with them the phrase “upon this rock I will build my church,” adding actions to go along with the words. Explain that the Church is built upon the “rock” of revelation.

President Howard W. Hunter (1907–95) taught: “‘And upon this rock I will build my church.’ Upon what rock? Peter? Upon a man? No, not upon a man, upon the rock of revelation, the thing which they were talking about. He had just said, ‘… flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.’ This revelation that Jesus is the Christ is the foundation upon which he would build his Church” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1965, 112; see also Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 195).

Show the children some keys, and ask what we use keys for. Explain that Peter and the other Apostles received priesthood keys from Jesus. These keys “unlock” blessings for us and open the way to heaven. For example, priesthood keys allow us to be baptized and take the sacrament (also receive temple blessings & gift of Holy Ghost). Give the children paper keys, and have them write some blessings that priesthood keys “unlock.”

Friend February 2017 “What are Priesthood Keys?” and “Locked Out”

Show a picture of the President of the Church, and bear your testimony that he holds all of the priesthood keys today, just as Peter did.

The Church of Jesus Christ is led by those who hold priesthood keys.

Matthew 16:15–19

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 15–17; Mark 7–9” Studying Matthew 16:15–19 can build the children’s faith that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a restoration of the same Church that Jesus established while He lived on the earth.

Write Matthew 16:19 on the board, leaving out a few words, including the word “keys.” Ask the children to find the missing words.

Show the video “Where Are the Keys?” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), or review “Keys of the Priesthood” in Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What are priesthood keys? How are priesthood keys like real keys?

A key unlocks the door to a house. We cannot appropriately enter a house unless we receive the key or the owner’s permission. Likewise, except for the right that husbands and fathers have to bless their families, a man who holds the priesthood can use it only when he receives proper permission. A priest, for example, has the authority to ordain another to an office in the Aaronic Priesthood, but he cannot do it without receiving permission to do so from his bishop or branch president. This power to give permission is called the keys of the priesthood.Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood: Basic Manual for Priesthood Holders, Part B, (2000), 8–18:

President Joseph Fielding Smith explained: ‘These keys are the right of presidency; they are the power and authority to govern and direct all of the Lord’s affairs on earth. Those who hold them have power to govern and control the manner in which all others may serve in the priesthood. All [worthy men] may hold the priesthood, but [it] can only use it as authorized and directed so to do by those who hold the keys” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1972, 98; or Ensign, July 1972, 87).”
Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood: Basic Manual for Priesthood Holders, Part B “The Keys of the Priesthood”

Help the children list on the board some people who have priesthood keys. “Keys of the Priesthood” in Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org) has a list that can help them. Invite someone in your ward who holds priesthood keys to briefly share with the class why these keys are important.

New Era May 2012 “Priesthood Keys” Who has priesthood keys? Members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles hold all the keys necessary for governing the Church. Only the President of the Church has the right to exercise all of those keys. He delegates these keys to others who preside in the Church—temple presidents, mission presidents, stake presidents, district presidents, bishops, branch presidents, and quorum presidents, including deacons and teachers quorum presidents.

Hide several keys (or pictures of keys) around the room, and invite the children to find them. After each key is found, help the children think of blessings we enjoy because of priesthood keys (for example, eternal families, baptism, and the sacrament).

Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Matthew 17:1–9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 15–17; Mark 7–9” These verses describe one of the few times in the scriptures when the voice of God the Father was heard testifying of His Beloved Son. Studying this account with the children can build their faith in Jesus Christ.

Invite the children to draw pictures of the event described in Matthew 17:1–9. Ask them to explain their pictures to each other. (See “Chapter 33: Appearing in Glory: The Transfiguration,” in New Testament Stories, 78–79, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.)

Give the children time to ponder what the account in Matthew 17:1–9 teaches them about Jesus Christ. Invite them to write their thoughts on the board. Invite the children to share how they know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

My faith can work miracles.

Matthew 17:19–20

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 15–17; Mark 7–9” When you read Jesus’s promise that faith like a grain of mustard seed can move a mountain, what impressions do you receive about the children you teach?

Read Matthew 17:19–20 with the children. Invite them to take turns drawing big mountains and small seeds on the board. Explain that the mountains are like things that are hard for us to do. What are some things that can feel like mountains to us? Use this week’s activity page to help the children think about how faith can help them do things that God wants them to do.

Friend May 2021 “Faith Will Move Mountains”.

Friend May 2019 “Keeping the Orphans Warm” George Muller, a Christian, served God by helping orphans. He had strong faith that God would help him help them. Once, when the heater went out in one of his orphanages, he prayed that a warm wind would come to keep the children warm and that the workers would have a desire to get the work done quickly. His prayer was answered.

Friend January 2016 “Windows before Winter” St. George members do all they can to raise money for tabernacle windows, and they have faith the Lord will help them with what they lack.

Friend March 2022 “Overcoming Your Challenges” President Dallin H. Oaks discusses the challenges he faced growing up, such as having his father die when he was seven, or being bullied and made fun of by other kids because he couldn’t spell or do math very well. Heavenly Father and Dallin’s family helped him and things got better. President Oaks wants the children to know that Heavenly Father will help them and to not give up. (Coloring page “I Can Overcome Challenges”)

Place a picture of a mountain on one side of the room. Ask the children to name some things they can do to gain more faith in Jesus Christ. Let each child who suggests something move the mountain closer to the other side of the room. Read Matthew 17:19–20, and testify of the power of faith in your life.

Liahona April 2023 “Faith in Jesus Christ” See more about faith at the link.

Faith is a firm belief or trust in something. To have faith includes hoping for and believing in things that are true, even when we can’t see them or completely understand them (see Hebrews 11:1; Alma 32:21).

Having faith in Christ means having confidence in Him. It means relying completely on Him—trusting in His power, intelligence, and love. It also includes believing and following His teachings.

Faith in Jesus can grow when we learn of him and know who he is.

He is the creator of the world, the son of God, he has all power. He loves us and wants to help us. He is our Savior.

We learn of him by reading the scriptures and following his example.

Friend December 2016 “A Shining Light”

Sing together a song about faith, such as “Faith” (Children’s Songbook, 96–97). Give each child a seed to take home. Invite them to plant the seed and put it somewhere where they can watch it grow to help them remember to have faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Additional Resources

New Testament Stories “The Boy with an Evil Spirit”

The Red Crystal

Come Follow Me With Living Scriptures “Keys of the Kingdom” Lesson ideas

Mar 24 2023

Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 5–6

Posted on March 24, 2023 by Camilla

Jesus Christ knows what I need and can help me.
Jesus Christ teaches me about Heavenly Father.
I follow Jesus’s example when I am kind to others.
My small offerings can make a difference.
Faith in Jesus Christ can help me not be afraid.
Faith in Jesus Christ can help me not be afraid.
Additional Resources

Matthew CHAPTER 14 John the Baptist is beheaded—Jesus feeds the five thousand and walks on the sea—Those who touch the hem of His garment are made whole.

Mark CHAPTER 6 Jesus sends forth the Twelve—John the Baptist is beheaded by Herod—Our Lord feeds the five thousand, walks on the water, and heals multitudes.

John CHAPTER 5 Jesus heals an invalid on the Sabbath—He explains why men must honor the Son—Jesus promises to take the gospel to the dead—Man is resurrected, judged, and assigned his glory by the Son—Jesus obeys the divine law of witnesses.

John CHAPTER 6 Jesus feeds the five thousand—He walks on the sea—He is the living manna sent from God—Salvation is gained by eating living bread—Jesus explains how men eat His flesh and drink His blood—Peter testifies that Jesus is the Messiah.

Jesus Christ knows what I need and can help me.

John 5:1–9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 5–6” Ponder the account of Jesus healing the man at the pool of Bethesda. How can you help the children see what the story teaches about Jesus’s kindness, love, and other attributes?

Use the picture Christ Healing the Sick at Bethesda (Gospel Art Book, no. 42) to tell the children the story in John 5:1–9. Or show the video “Jesus Heals a Man on the Sabbath” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Ask the children to imagine that they are the person Jesus healed. How would they feel when Jesus healed them?

Ask the children to name some things that are hard for them or that make them sad. Tell them about a time in your life when you received help from the Savior during a difficult trial. Testify that Jesus knows about all our problems and wants to help us.

Friend August 2017 “Ralphie’s Amazing Find” A boy is upset that his best friend is moving. He takes his dog for a walk, and his dog discovers a beautiful waterfall. The boy feels God’s love for him.

Jesus Christ teaches me about Heavenly Father.

John 5:17–47

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 5–6” How can Jesus’s teachings about His Father help the children learn about Heavenly Father?

Create two sets of matching cards labeled with words that Jesus used to teach about Heavenly Father in John 5, such as love, life, and works (see John 5:20, 26, 36). Lay the cards face down, and ask the children to look for matches by flipping over two cards at a time. As each match is made, read the verse that contains the word, and ask the children what the word teaches us about Heavenly Father.

Ask the children to read John 5:30 and complete this sentence: “I seek not mine own will, but …” How did Jesus Christ do the will of His Heavenly Father? How can we do Heavenly Father’s will?

John 5: 23 That all men should ^ahonour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that ^bhonoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

Friend May 2022 “Why Do We Choose to Be Obedient?”

I follow Jesus’s example when I am kind to others.

Matthew 14:13–21

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 5–6” One way Jesus showed love was to feed His followers when they were hungry. How can you help the children learn to serve others like Jesus did?

Show the children a basket and some bread as you tell the story in Matthew 14:13–21. Explain that even though Jesus had tried to find a place to be alone, the people wanted to be near Him. Share the rest of the story with the children, and ask them to listen for what Jesus did to show kindness and love for the people.

Friend July 2017 “Jesus Fed Many People”

New Testament Scripture Stories “Chapter 28: Jesus Feeds 5,000 People” Images and Video

Ask the children to share ways in which someone has been kind to them. Then help them think of things they can do this week to be kind to others. For every answer they give, draw a loaf of bread or a fish on the board. Tell the children that when they do these things, they are following the example Jesus set when He fed the five thousand people who were hungry.

Friend March 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities for Little Ones” Prepare a healthy snack for your little ones. Tell about the miracle of the loaves and the fishes (see Matthew 14:15–21). Help them say, “Jesus knows what I need and can help me.”

Friend February 2021 “Jesus Shared the Gospel”

Friend July 2021 “Jesus Shared with Others” Story of Jesus sharing fish and bread with his disciples.

“Bread of Life” (November 2018 Friend)
Find the hidden objects in this illustration of Jesus feeding the five thousand.
“Jesus Feeds 5,000 People” (September 2009 Friend)
A rebus story about this scripture story.
Coloring page: “Jesus Christ Feeds 5,000” (March 2013 Friend)
Gospel Art Picture: “Feeding the Five Thousand”

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) After Jesus Christ learned that John the Baptist had been beheaded, He traveled with His Apostles to a solitary place. They were followed by a multitude. Even though He was suffering, the Savior had compassion on the crowd and taught and fed the people—5,000 men plus women and children. This lesson can help you be more compassionate and selfless like Jesus Christ.

We can follow the example of Jesus Christ by showing compassion and serving others even while we are experiencing our own difficulties.Note that a “desert place” ( verse 13) is a solitary place, and “victuals” ( verse 15) means “food.”

My small offerings can make a difference.

John 6:5–14

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 5–6” It was a young boy who provided the bread and fish that Jesus used to feed the five thousand. How can you help the children you teach see how they can contribute to the work of the Lord?

Help the children imagine how large a crowd of five thousand people would be. What would it be like to feed that many people with only five loaves of bread and two fish?

New Testament Student Manual The Greek text of Mark 6:44 makes clear that the phrase “five thousand men” meant five thousand males. Matthew 14:21 makes this unmistakable by adding the statement “beside women and children.”

Friend March 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities: More Than Enough”

Story: Once Jesus Christ spent all day teaching people. Everyone was hungry. But they only had five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus blessed the bread and fish, and the disciples shared it with the people. There was enough food for more than 5,000 people! (See Matthew 14:15–21).

Song: “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79)

Activity: Make your favorite bread recipe, or try the one on page 8. Notice how something as small as yeast makes the whole loaf of bread bigger. How has Jesus made your small efforts big?

Invite a child to tell the story of the feeding of the five thousand in his or her own words. Emphasize that it was a young boy who provided the bread and fish that the Lord used to perform this miracle. How can we be like the boy described in John 6:9? Invite the children to draw loaves and fish on paper and write on them some things they can give to the Lord to help in His work.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) Because of Jesus Christ your humble offerings will be enough. When we offer the Savior all that we have, He can multiply our efforts to accomplish His purposes.

Have you ever felt your talents and gifts were too small for the task ahead? I have. But you and I can give what we have to Christ, and He will multiply our efforts. What you have to offer is more than enough—even with your human frailties and weaknesses—if you rely on the grace of God.

(Michelle D. Craig, “Divine Discontent,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 54)

What are different ways we can “give what we have to Christ”?

Friend January 2023 “Helping with Heavenly Father’s Work” Heavenly Father’s work is to help all His children to come back and live with Him (see Moses 1:39). You can help as you do four things: live, care, invite, and unite. (See lesson at link.)

Giving Talks, Singing, Playing Instruments, Help Clean the Church

Friend February 2015 “Juliana Gives a Talk” Juliana is scared to give a talk, but Heavenly Father helps her.

Friend June 2018 “A Baptism Song” Elizabeth and her sister sang at a baptism which helped those attending to feel the Spirit.

Friend December 2018 “Ellie Helps Clean the Church” Ellie’s family goes to clean the church and she wonders how she can help. Also includes a matching activity:

Match each sentence with a picture. In the blank spot, draw yourself helping at church.

I can put away a hymnbook.
I can pick up trash I see.
I can help hold up a picture.
I can sit so reverently!

[unitegallery Dece2018]

Give the children a small puzzle to complete. What would happen if one of the pieces of the puzzle were missing? Explain that we are each like a puzzle piece—we are all important, and we all need each other. Help the children name reasons they are important in their families, their Primary class, God’s family, and other groups.

Additional Resources:

“The Bread of Life” (February 1995 Friend)
An article about the importance of bread in ancient times.

New Testament Scripture Stories “The Bread of Life” Videos and Images

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “John 6:22–58” Lesson ideas about Jesus being the bread of life.

Faith in Jesus Christ can help me not be afraid.

Matthew 14:22–33

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 5–6” Peter showed great faith when he walked on the water toward Jesus. What lessons might there be for the children in this story?

New Testament Stories “Jesus Walks on the Water” Video and images

Show the picture in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families (see also Gospel Art Book, no. 43) as you tell the story from Matthew 14:22–33 in your own words. Consider using this week’s activity page to help the children tell the story back to you. You could also bring a small bowl of water and invite the children to pretend to “walk” their fingers across the surface of the water.

Friend October 2009 “Jesus Walks on the Water” Rebus

Show the video “Wherefore Didst Thou Doubt?” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), and ask the children why Peter was afraid. Then ask them to tell about times when they felt afraid and share what helped them. Help them see that faith in Jesus Christ helps us overcome fear.

Friend October 2019 “Coloring Page: Jesus Can Help Me Do Hard Things”

Friend April 2013 “Coloring Page”

New Testament Coloring Book “Jesus Walked on Water”

Faith in Jesus Christ can help me not be afraid.

Matthew 14:22–33

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 5–6” Faith and fear play prominent roles in the story of Jesus and Peter walking on the sea. What can children learn from this story?

Show the picture in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families (see also Gospel Art Book, no. 43). Ask the children to find phrases in Matthew 14:22–33 that describe the picture.

Ask the children to look for signs of faith and signs of fear as they read Matthew 14:22–33. You could also show the video “Wherefore Didst Thou Doubt?” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What does it mean to have faith in Jesus Christ? Help the children think of times when their faith helped them overcome fear.

Ask the children to imagine they were present and had a camera when Jesus and Peter walked on the sea. Which moment would they choose to photograph and why? Suggest that they search Matthew 14:22–33 for ideas. Invite them to draw a picture of the moment they chose, share their pictures, and explain why they chose that moment.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “John 6:22–58”Peter’s example teaches us what we should focus on. Remember what happened to Peter when he focused on Jesus Christ and what happened when he shifted his focus to the storm around him (see verses 28–31).

Latter Day Kids “Look to Christ in Faith” Lesson ideas

Additional Resources

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “The Bread of Life” Lesson ideas

Mar 19 2023

Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13

Posted on March 19, 2023 by Camilla

I need to prepare to learn the teachings of Jesus.
I need to prepare my heart to receive the teachings of Jesus.
Heavenly Father wants me to choose the right.
I can choose the right even when those around me do not.
My membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a treasure. (younger children)
My membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a treasure. (older children)
Parable of the Mustard Seed and Leaven
Parables
Additional Resources

Matthew CHAPTER 13 Jesus explains why He teaches with parables—He gives the parables of the sower, the wheat and the tares, the grain of mustard seed, the leaven, the treasure hidden in the field, the pearl of great price, and the net cast into the sea—A prophet is not honored by his own people.

Luke CHAPTER 8 Jesus gives and interprets the parable of the sower—He stills the tempest; casts out a legion of devils, who then enter the swine; heals a woman of an issue of blood; and raises Jairus’s daughter from death.

Luke CHAPTER 13 Jesus teaches, Repent or perish—He gives the parable of the barren fig tree, heals a woman on the Sabbath, and likens the kingdom of God to a mustard seed—He discusses whether few or many are saved and laments over Jerusalem.

I need to prepare to learn the teachings of Jesus.

Matthew 13:1–23

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13”

Display different kinds of soil (or pictures of soil) as you summarize Matthew 13:3–8. Give each child a seed, and ask what they could do to help the seeds grow. Explain that our testimonies are like seeds. How do we help our testimony “seeds” grow?

Liahona January 2023 “Prepare Your Spiritual Soil” Lesson ideas

Friend January 2019 “Testimony Plants”

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

Friend January 2016

Use this week’s activity page to help the children understand what each type of soil described in Matthew 13 teaches about our hearts. Ask the children which type of heart Jesus wants them to have in order to learn His teachings.

Read Matthew 13:9, 15, and invite the children to point to different parts of their body when they hear them mentioned. Draw an eye, ear, and heart on the board. How can we use these body parts to learn the teachings of Jesus?

9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. 15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

Object Lesson: Take a moment to look for hidden items in the following image.

Which items were easy for you to find? Which ones required more effort?

In parables, Jesus compared familiar objects or situations to spiritual truths, and sometimes it takes effort to find the meaning.

If we seek for answers we can see, hear, feel, and understand

Ears: We can listen and pay attention when we are being taught.
Hearts: We ca pray for the Holy Ghost to help us understand.
Eyes: We can read the scriptures find answers in the footnotes or good books.
Mouth: We can ask questions like the apostles did.

I need to prepare my heart to receive the teachings of Jesus.

Matthew 13:1–23

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13” How can you help the children recognize the importance of having a soft and willing heart so that Jesus can teach them?

Assign each child to read about one of four types of soil in Matthew 13:4–8. Invite them to look for and share what happens to the seed in the type of soil they read about. How can our hearts be like the different types of soil? (see Matthew 13:19–23).

For the Strength of Youth March 2023 “The Sower”

Show the children a picture of a garden. What does the soil need to be like in order for plants to grow in it? Show a picture of rocky or thorny soil. Why would plants have a hard time growing in this kind of soil? How can we make sure our hearts are like the good soil so that we can receive the Savior’s teachings?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13” After reading the parable of the sower together, your family might discuss questions like these: What can make our “ground” (our hearts) “stony” or “choke” the word?

Stony object lesson: Show the children two clear bowls with a cup of water in each. Also show them a rock and a cup of dry dirt (or sponge). Ask what would happen if you were to put the dry dirt into the water and then ask what would happen if you put the rock into the water. Demonstrate that the dirt soaked up the water and the rock did not. Then explain that when people harden their hearts, they don’t listen or try to understand, and the words of God fall by the wayside. Or, if people don’t put effort into learning and absorbing gospel truths, they might not have enough of the word of God in their heart and their testimony of the gospel withers away when difficulty or temptation comes.

The soil that soaked up water is like our hearts ready to soak up the word of God. How can we make sure we are ready to receive the word of God?

Choke out the word: When we love certain things more than we love God, such as sports, or video games, or recreational activities, we get so caught up in them that they become more important and choke out the desire to do the things of eternal importance and choke out the spirit in our lives.

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

Friend October 2016 .

Invite the children to read Matthew 13:15–17. Draw an eye, ear, and heart on the board. How do we use each of these things to learn the teachings of Jesus?

Object Lesson: Take a moment to look for hidden items in the following image.

Which items were easy for you to find? Which ones required more effort?

In parables, Jesus compared familiar objects or situations to spiritual truths, and sometimes it takes effort to find the meaning.

If we seek for answers we can see, hear, feel, and understand

Ears: We can listen and pay attention when spiritual truths are being taught.
Hearts: We ca pray for the Holy Ghost to help us understand.
Eyes: We can study and read the footnotes in the scriptures or look up answers in good books or internet sites.
Mouth: We can ask questions like the apostles did.

Why do you think some people see, hear, and understand the Lord’s messages and others do not?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13” How can you help your family members understand the importance of willingly receiving Christ’s word? To demonstrate “ears [that] are dull of hearing,” you might cover a family member’s ears while you quietly read Matthew 13:13–16. How much did that family member understand from the verses? What are ways that we can open our eyes, ears, and hearts to the word of God?

Heavenly Father wants me to choose the right.

Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43, 47–48

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13” Some of Jesus’s parables teach that at the last day, God will separate the wicked from the righteous. How can you use the parables to inspire the children to choose the right?

Let the children act out the parable of the wheat and the tares (see Matthew 13:24–30). Explain that the wheat represents people who make righteous choices, and the tares (harmful weeds) represent people who do not. One day, Heavenly Father will gather the righteous people to live with Him.

Latter Day Kids “The Parable of the Sower” Lesson ideas

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 29: “Jesus Christ Will Gather His People”

Give the children some examples of right and wrong choices. Ask the children to say “wheat choice” when you describe a right choice and “tare choice” when you describe a wrong choice.

Fighting with siblings/ Sharing with siblings

Doing chores when asked/ Complaining about chores

Getting angry after losing a game/ Choosing to congratulate the winner

Choosing to tell the truth about breaking something/ Choosing to lie so you don’t get into trouble.

Choosing to make fun of someone/ Choosing to be kind

Friend February 2020

Bring pictures of stalks of wheat, and let the children draw on the pictures some ways they can be righteous.

I can choose the right even when those around me do not.

Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13”

Invite the children to draw different scenes from the parable of the wheat and the tares, found in Matthew 13:24–30, and share their drawings with the class. Ask them to label their drawings using the interpretation of the parable found in Matthew 13:36–43. You may need to explain that tares are harmful weeds.

Lesson 17: The Parables of the Sower and the Wheat and Tares,” Primary 7: New Testament

Sower	Jesus Christ and his Apostles
Good seed (wheat)	Followers of Jesus
Field	World
Enemy	Satan
Tares (weeds)	Followers of Satan
Reapers	Angels
Harvest	Jesus’ second coming

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13” The righteous must grow among the wicked until the end of the world. One way to analyze this parable is to draw a picture of it and label it with the interpretations in Matthew 13:36–43 and Doctrine and Covenants 86:1–7. A tare is a “poisonous weed, which, until it comes into ear, is similar in appearance to wheat” (Bible Dictionary, “Tares”). What truths in this parable inspire you to remain faithful in spite of the wickedness in the world?

If possible, display a picture of wheat and tares. Explain that the wheat and tares will grow together until the harvest (the end of the world). This teaches us that we live with both good and evil around us, and we must be careful to choose the right.

Media Library “Wheat and Tares Illustration”

Ask the children to share how they can tell the difference between good and evil.

12 Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.

13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.

16 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.

17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.
Moroni 7

When a choice needs to be made, ask yourself, “Does it persaudeth men to do evil (from the devil) or does it inviteth to do good (from God).”

Read the situations below and ask the children to tell you what kind of reactions and thoughts would be from God, and what kind of reactions and thoughts would be from Satan.

Your friends have invited you to a movie. When you get there, you realize that it is not a good, wholesome one. Your friends decide to see it anyway.
Someone wants you to try drugs, smoke, or drink alcoholic beverages, saying that using such things will make you feel good.
Some of your friends won’t include you if you don’t swear with them.
Someone tells you some gossip about a friend and suggests you pass it on.

You break the cookie jar while getting some cookies. Your mother asks you what happened.
Your friends invite you to go to the circus on Sunday after your church meetings are over.
You don’t know an answer on a test at school. You promised your parents that you would try to get a good grade.
You’re very tired and get into bed before remembering to pray.
Your brother is being mean and teasing you.

My membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a treasure. (younger children)

Matthew 13:44–46

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13” How can you use the imagery of treasure and precious pearls to help the children understand the value of belonging to Christ’s Church?

What do the two men in these parables have in common? Are there additional things we should be doing as individuals and as a family to put the kingdom of God first in our lives?

Hide pictures of a treasure chest and a pearl in the room, and let the children find them. Use the pictures to teach about the parables in Matthew 13:44–46. Talk about why someone might give up everything they have for a beautiful pearl or a treasure in a field. Explain that sometimes we give up something good for something even better. Tell the children why the gospel is valuable to you.

Place in a box or chest several objects or pictures that represent “treasures” in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, such as the Savior, temples, or the Book of Mormon. Ask each child to choose an object or picture and talk about why it is a treasure.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 111-114”

Sing together “The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, 77), and ask the children to talk about reasons they’re thankful for the Savior’s Church. Testify of the blessings you’ve experienced because of your membership in the Church.

My membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a treasure. (older children)

Matthew 13:44–46

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13” Do the children you teach see their membership in the Church as a valuable treasure? Perhaps discussing the parables in Matthew 13:44–46 can help them share their feelings about the Savior’s Church.

Invite the children to read Matthew 13:44–46 to themselves and share the parables in their own words with another class member.

Cut out several circles to represent coins, and put them in a treasure box. Invite the children to pick a coin and draw or write on it one thing they love about being a member of the Church. Ask the children to share what they put on their coin.

Friend April 2013 “Jesus Christ Restored His Church in the Latter Days”

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

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

Invite a ward member to share his or her conversion story with the children and tell what he or she sacrificed to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Or ask the children to talk about sacrifices they make for the Lord and His Church.

Parable of the Mustard Seed and Leaven

Liahona March 2023 Come, Follow Me Family Fun

Growing, Growing, Every Day As members of Jesus Christ’s restored Church, we are responsible to help grow the kingdom of God on earth. Matthew 13:31–32 says:

“The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:

“Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree.”

Sit in a circle and curl up small like a tiny mustard seed.
Have everyone take turns naming an activity they might do each day to help the Church grow (bear their testimony, share a scripture on social media, share a gospel truth with a friend, etc.).
Each time someone mentions an activity that helps the Church grow, everyone sits up a little straighter and then begins to stand up until they are standing tall.
Discuss with your family why it is important for each person to do his or her part to contribute to the Church’s growth.

News with Naylor’s “Week 12: Spiritual Growth (Parable of the Mustard Seed & Leaven Bread)”

Parables

Friend March 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Write Your Own Parable”

Jesus taught the gospel using stories called “parables.” One story He told was about how a tiny mustard seed can grow into a big tree (see Matthew 13:31–32). What was He teaching? What other parables did Jesus teach?

Song: “If I Listen with My Heart” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

Activity: Parables can help us understand the gospel better. Write your own parable. Share your parable with family members or friends.

Friend March 2023 “Write a Parable”

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Listen with Your Heart” Lesson ideas

Feb 26 2023

Matthew 8; Mark 2–4; Luke 7

Posted on February 26, 2023 by Camilla

Jesus has power to perform miracles.
Jesus can perform miracles in my life as I have faith in Him.
I can show love for others as Jesus did.
Jesus loves us even when we sin and wants to help us repent.
When I am afraid or in danger, Jesus can help me feel peace. (Junior)
When I am afraid or in danger, Jesus can help me feel peace. (Senior)

Matthew CHAPTER 8 Jesus heals a leper, cures the centurion’s servant and others, stills the tempest, and casts out devils—The devils enter a herd of swine.

Mark CHAPTER 2 Jesus forgives sins, heals a paralytic, eats with tax gatherers and sinners, and announces that He is Lord of the Sabbath.

Mark CHAPTER 3 Jesus heals on the Sabbath day—He chooses and ordains the Twelve Apostles—He asks, Can Satan cast out Satan?—Jesus speaks of blasphemy against the Holy Ghost and identifies those who believe as being members of His family.

Mark CHAPTER 4 Jesus gives the parables of the sower, the candle under a bushel, the seed growing secretly, and the mustard seed—He stills the tempest.

Luke CHAPTER 7 Jesus heals the centurion’s servant—Jesus raises from death the son of the widow of Nain—He praises John the Baptist as more than a prophet—A woman anoints Jesus’ feet, and He forgives her sins.

Jesus has power to perform miracles.

Matthew 8; Mark 2–3; Luke 7

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 8; Mark 2–4; Luke 7” As you read about the Savior’s miracles of healing, ponder which miracles to share. How can you help the children you teach understand the role of faith in the miracles Jesus performed?

Share the account of the man with palsy from Mark 2:1–12. For help, see “Chapter 23: The Man Who Could Not Walk” (in New Testament Stories, 57–58, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Explain that the man with palsy could not walk. Help them recognize that this man was healed by the Savior.

Invite the children to talk about a time when they were sick. Tell one of the accounts of Jesus healing the sick, such as Matthew 8:1–4, 5–13, 14–15; Mark 3:1–5; Luke 7:11–16. Invite the children to retell the story in their own words. Testify that Jesus’s power can heal, bless, and comfort us.

Friend May 2016 “Bad Day in the Badlands” Topher and his classmates get sick on a school trip. Topher gets a priesthood blessing.

“Jesus Heals the Sick” (April 2015 Liahona and Friend)
Figures to tell stories from New Testament about Jesus Healing the Sick.

Matthew 8:1–4 ; Mark 1:40–42 Jesus heals a leper.A leper would have been shunned from society because leprosy was a painful, contagious, and sometimes deadly disease. Most people would have avoided approaching or touching him.

“Lesson 13: Jesus Christ Heals the Sick,” Primary 7: New Testament Explain that lepers suffer a terrible form of skin disease. Because leprosy was thought to be highly contagious, those with the disease were often not allowed to live in the cities and they were shunned by those without leprosy.

After Jesus healed the leper, what did He ask him to do? (Mark 1:43–44.) What does this tell us about how we should help others?

Matthew 8:5–8, 13 Jesus heals a centurion’s servant.A centurion was a commanding officer of about 100 men in the Roman military. Many Jews in Jesus’s day hated Roman soldiers because of religious differences and because they represented the nation that had conquered them.

Jesus healed man with withered hand on the Sabbath.

What do you learn about Jesus Christ from these miracles?

Jesus can perform miracles in my life as I have faith in Him.

Matthew 8; Mark 2–3; Luke 7

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 8; Mark 2–4; Luke 7” Jesus performed many miracles during His mortal ministry. How can you help the children be aware that miracles happen today?

Ask the children to pick one of the following miracles to read about and draw: Matthew 8:1–4, 5–13, 14–15; Mark 2:1–12; 3:1–5; Luke 7:11–16. Invite the children to explain their drawings to the class. What do we learn about Jesus from these stories?

Ask the children to act out how they feel when they are sick, sad, afraid, or worried. How can Jesus help us when we have these feelings? Testify that Jesus can help the children in all of these situations.

Friend March 2019 “Missing Mom and Dad” Dylan’s mom and dad were going on a trip, and he was going to stay with his grandparents. He loved staying with his grandparents, but for some reason he was scared about being away from his mom and dad for so long. He decided to pray for help, and he received comforting thoughts and feelings.

Friend January 2018

Invite the children to share experiences when they or someone they know received a priesthood blessing. How was that person healed or blessed?

Friend May 2016 “Bad Day in the Badlands” Topher and his classmates get sick on a school trip. Topher asks for a priesthood blessing.

(New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023)

During His mortal ministry, Jesus Christ healed the sick and the afflicted, but each person had to exercise faith in Him and act to receive His healing. Some walked for long distances, others extended their hand to touch His garment, and others had to be carried to Him in order to be healed. (Reyna I. Aburto, “Thru Cloud and Sunshine, Lord, Abide with Me!,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 58)

Having faith in Jesus Christ means relying completely on Him—trusting in His infinite power, intelligence, and love. It includes believing His teachings. It means believing that even though we do not understand all things, He does. Because He has experienced all our pains, afflictions, and infirmities, He knows how to help us rise above our daily difficulties.(Gospel Topics, “Faith in Jesus Christ,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

The Lord counsels us not to fear. Throughout the scriptures the Lord has counseled us to “be not afraid, only believe” (Mark 5:36). What are some actions that you could take to follow the Savior’s invitation to “be not afraid, only believe”? How will those actions help you face your fears?

Create a picture with the phrase “Be not afraid, only believe.” Put this picture in a place where it will help you remember to believe in Jesus Christ and not fear.

Fear and faith cannot coexist in our hearts at the same time. (Neil L. Andersen, “You Know Enough,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 14)

I can show love for others as Jesus did.

Matthew 8; Mark 2–3; Luke 7

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 8; Mark 2–4; Luke 7” Jesus showed great love by healing the sick and afflicted. Ponder how you can teach the children to show kindness to people in need.

Choose one or more accounts of Jesus showing love to someone in need, such as those in Matthew 8:1–4, 5–13, 14–15; Mark 2:1–12; 3:1–5; Luke 7:11–16.

(See also the video “Widow of Nain” on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.) Share a time when someone showed love for you in a time of need and how you felt. Invite the children to share their experiences.

Show the video “Gordon Hinckley: Lessons I Learned as a Boy” or “The Coat” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). How did the children in these videos follow Jesus’s example? Invite the children to share other situations when someone might be in need. What can we do to help them?

Sing a song about showing love and kindness to others, such as “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145).

Jesus loves us even when we sin and wants to help us repent.

Mark 2:15–17; Luke 7:36–50

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 8; Mark 2–4; Luke 7”The accounts in Mark 2:15–17 and Luke 7:36–50 can help the children understand that Jesus Christ loves us even when we sin. He wants to help us repent and draw close to Him.

A paralyzed man (“sick of the palsy” as used in this account means he was paralyzed)

Watch the video “Jesus Forgives Sins and Heals a Man Stricken with Palsy,” available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org, from time code 0:00 to 1:07.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “Mark 2:1–12” Some of the people present at this event questioned the Savior’s authority to forgive sins. Read Mark 2:6–12, looking for what the Savior did to demonstrate His authority to forgive. The phrase “Son of man” in verse 10 refers to Jesus Christ being the Son of “Man of Holiness,” who is God the Father (see Moses 6:57). You may also want to continue watching the video “Jesus Forgives Sins and Heals a Man Stricken with Palsy” from time code 1:07 to 2:57.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, then of the First Presidency, testified of the Savior’s power to heal spiritual illness.

Sometimes spiritual illness comes as a result of sin or emotional wounds. …Even the deepest spiritual wounds—yes, even those that may appear to be incurable—can be healed.

My dear friends, the healing power of Jesus Christ is not absent in our day. The Savior’s healing touch can transform lives in our day just as it did in His. If we will but have faith, He can take our hands, fill our souls with heavenly light and healing, and speak to us the blessed words, “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk” [ John 5:8 ].

(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Bearers of Heavenly Light,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 78)

“Friend August 2013 “Friend August 2013 “Jesus Heals a Sick Man” By Margo Mae

Friend August 2013 “Jesus Heals a Man Taken with a Palsy” Coloring Page

Friend November 2009 “Jesus Heals a Sick Man”

Latter Day Kids “I Can Show Compassion for Others” Lesson ideas

Write How does Jesus feel about sin? and How does Jesus feel about us when we sin? on the board. Ask the children to think about these questions as they read together Mark 2:15–17 and then share their answers. (You may want to read together “Publican” in Guide to the Scriptures [scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org].–In ancient Rome, a collector of taxes for the government. Publicans were generally hated by the Jews. Some publicans readily accepted the gospel) Why is it important to know that Jesus loves us, even though we aren’t perfect? How can knowing this help us when we need to repent?

Show a picture of the Savior (such as one in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families), and ask the children what words they would use to describe Him. Invite them to find words that describe Him in Psalm 86:5, 13, 15. If needed, help them define these words. What could we say to a friend who feels that God is angry at them when they sin?

Sing with the children a song that you feel will help them understand the Savior’s forgiving nature, such as “I Stand All Amazed” (Hymns, no. 193). Share your testimony that Jesus Christ wants to forgive us.

Friend January 2023 “What’s on Your Mind?” Jesus Christ loves you perfectly. If you make a wrong choice, He still loves you. And He can help you repent and make things right again. He is always waiting for you to follow Him. He believes in you! (See more at link.)

If someone were to stray off a path, fall, and become injured, what would be some of the possible symptoms and effects of being injured? Answers might include: pain, shock, bruises, scrapes, cuts, bleeding, broken bones, sprain, concussion, etc.

Just like a person would suffer the effects of being injured, a person who had sinned would also suffer the consequences and results of that sin. What are some of the consequences that can occur because of sin? Answers might include: guilt, loss of the Spirit’s help and guidance, possible loss of freedom, loss of other’s trust, damaged relationships, possible loss of good health, loss of inheritance in the kingdom of God, etc.

Show the children some medical items and ask what they are used for. (To help treat and heal physical injuries and sickness.)

Who is the master physician that can heal our spiritual wounds, small or large? (Jesus Christ) The Savior said: ‘Will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you? … If ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life.’”

A few days before class, invite one of the children and a family member to come to class prepared to share the account in Luke 7:36–50. They could draw pictures depicting parts of the story to show the class. Discuss with the children what the Lord might want us to learn from this story.

When I am afraid or in danger, Jesus can help me feel peace. (Junior)

Mark 4:35–41

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 8; Mark 2–4; Luke 7”The account of Jesus calming a storm can help children know that He can give them peace when they feel afraid.

Help the children imagine that they are on the ship as you read Mark 4:35–41. (See also “Chapter 21: Jesus Commands the Winds and the Waves,” in New Testament Stories, 53, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.) Ask the children to describe how they might have felt if they had been there. When have the children been scared? How did they find comfort?

Friend September 2013 “Jesus Calms the Tempest”

Friend March 2023 “Jesus Christ Calms the Storm” Illustrations by Apryl Stott

Friend March 2023 What are some things that scare your little ones? Calmly talk about one of those fears. Then help them say, “When I am afraid, Jesus can help me feel peace.”

Friend March 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities: The Storm”

Story: Read the story of Jesus Christ calming the storm on page 46 or in Mark 4:36–41. Talk about ways Jesus brings you peace.

Song: “I Feel My Savior’s Love” (Children’s Songbook, 74–75)

Activity: Stand in a circle and hold the sides of a blanket. Put a ball on the blanket and gently toss it around, like the ship was tossed on the waves. Take turns telling the group to go fast, slow down, or “be still.”

Invite the children to make the sounds of a storm and stop when someone says “Peace, be still.” Testify that just as Jesus can bring us peace when there is a storm outside, He can bring us peace in our hearts when we feel bad on the inside.

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

Teach the children actions to accompany the third verse of “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 57), and sing the verse together while doing the actions.

When I am afraid or in danger, Jesus can help me feel peace. (Senior)

Mark 4:35–41

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 8; Mark 2–4; Luke 7” Children need to know that the Savior can give them peace when they face the storms of life—now and in the future.

Ask one of the children to use Mark 4:35–41 and the picture Jesus Calms the Storm (Gospel Art Book, no. 40) to tell the story of Jesus calming the storm. Ask the children to describe how they might have felt if they had been there.

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

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023

Invite the children to share experiences when they felt peace after praying for help. Remind them that this peace comes from the Savior.

Give each child a paper rain cloud, and ask them to write on it a trial that someone might have. Put all of the clouds on the board, covering a picture of the Savior. Invite a child to remove one of the clouds and suggest ways we could help someone with that trial to find peace. When all the clouds are removed, testify of the Savior’s power to calm the storms in our lives.

Friend March 2023 “Peace from the Savior” President Eyring gives ideas on how to feel peace even during difficult times such as remembering the Savior and following him.

For the Strength of Youth March 2023 “Jesus Christ: PEACE among the STORMS”

The Savior has the power to calm any storm in your life. He can heal your pain, ease your burdens, and provide light when you’re in darkness.

It’s important to remember that sometimes the Lord calms the storms in your life, and sometimes He instead calms and comforts you while the storm rages on. When you have faith in Him, you also trust in His will and timing. You believe that He will help you, regardless of when your peace and calm actually arrive.

When you’re lonely, sad, anxious, or waiting for promised blessings, remember this question: Are you waiting for “a great calm” with a fearful heart or with a faithful heart?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 8; Mark 2–4; Luke 7” Children might enjoy pretending they are in a boat in a stormy sea while someone reads Mark 4:35–38. Then, when someone reads verse 39, they could pretend to be in a boat in a calm sea. You could also sing together a song about finding peace in the Savior, such as “Master, the Tempest Is Raging” (Hymns, no. 105). What phrases in the song teach us about the peace Jesus offers?

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal “Matthew 8; Mark 2–4; Luke 7” Lesson ideas

Feb 19 2023

Matthew 6-7

Posted on February 19, 2023 by Camilla

The Sermon on the Mount contains messages for me.
Our motives for doing good works
I can pray to my Heavenly Father as Jesus did.
Heavenly Father will hear and answer me when I pray.
I can seek eternal treasures instead of earthly treasures.
Righteous Judgement
I should treat others the way I want to be treated.
I can build on a strong foundation by following Jesus.
Additional Resources

Matthew CHAPTER 6 Jesus continues the Sermon on the Mount—He teaches the disciples the Lord’s Prayer—They are commanded to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Matthew CHAPTER 7 Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount—He commands, Judge not; ask of God; beware of false prophets—He promises salvation to those who do the will of the Father.

The Sermon on the Mount contains messages for me.

Matthew 6–7

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 6–7” These chapters have many messages that could apply to the children you teach. Read them with the children in mind. What stands out to you?

Remind the children that they have been learning about what Jesus taught during the Sermon on the Mount. What truths can they remember learning about last week?
Write on the board some phrases from the Sermon on the Mount and some other phrases that are not from the scriptures. Invite the children to identify which phrases come from the Sermon on the Mount. Ask them to share what they learn from these teachings.

See The Red Crystal for phrases that can be printed and used for the above and below activity.

Select several verses from Matthew 6–7 that you feel will be meaningful to the children. Write the scripture references on cards, and hide them throughout the room. Let the children find them, read the verses, and explain why these teachings are important to them.
Share one of your favorite passages from Matthew 6–7, and explain why you like it. If the children have a passage they like, invite them to share why they like it and what they learn from it.
Sing with the children a song about the Savior and His teachings, such as “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79). Stop the song when you come to a phrase that relates to a principle taught in Matthew 6–7. Help the children make connections to things they are learning from these chapters.

Our motives for doing good works

Matthew 6:1–18

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

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

What do you think about Gustavo?

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

Why are our motives important?

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

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

What are three good works you have done in the past week? (List one per row.)	What were your reasons for doing them?	How did you feel after you did these good works?

Read Matthew 6:1–6, 16–18, looking for what the Savior taught about our motives for our righteous acts. The word alms refers to “acts of religious devotion” ( verse 1, footnote b), such as giving to the poor. The word hypocrites refers to those who are “pretenders” ( verse 2, footnote a).

How would you summarize what the Savior taught?

It is important to understand that public prayer is not wrong simply because it is not done “in secret” ( Matthew 6:6). Prayer and other religious practices can be performed publicly if they are performed with sincerity, devotion, and a desire to glorify God. This is also true in regard to fasting. The phrases “sad countenance” and “they disfigure their faces” in Matthew 6:16 refer to individuals in Jesus’s time who made outward displays of their fasting to draw attention to themselves.

I can pray to my Heavenly Father as Jesus did.

Matthew 6:5–13

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 6–7” Children can learn to pray by listening to others’ prayers. How can you help them learn from Jesus Christ’s prayer in these verses?

Review Jesus’s teachings about prayer found in Matthew 6:5–13. You might use “Chapter 20: Jesus Teaches about Prayer” (in New Testament Stories, 51–52, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Friend March 2019 “Jesus Taught about Prayer” Jesus taught the steps of prayer in the Sermon on the Mount” Video

Friend October 2020 “Jesus Taught Us How to Pray”

Use this week’s activity page to help the children remember the different parts of prayer.

Friend February 2017 “The Lord’s Prayer” Jesus taught his disciples to pray. This link includes an explanation for what the words in the Lord’s Prayer mean. It also includes an activity idea for making a mobile of the things that should be included in a prayer.

Friend February 2022 “Jade Says a Prayer” The steps Jade follows to say her prayer. (Activity: Find some of the things Jade is thankful for in the picture.)

Friend June 2016 “Caleb’s Bedtime Prayer” Caleb learns what to pray for.

Friend March 1985 “Sharing Time: What Shall I Say When I Pray?” Cut out the words and picture. Glue each title on separate piece of colored paper. Decide where you think each picture belongs—is it something you are grateful for, or is it something you might ask a blessing for? Some pictures may go either place. Glue each picture under title you have chosen. Add your own drawings as you think of other things.

To help the children think about what they might say when they pray, you could ask them how they would finish sentences like these: “We thank Thee for …” and “We ask Thee for …” Let the children draw pictures of things they might give thanks for or ask for in a prayer.

Nursery Manual Page 19: I Can Pray to Heavenly Father

Trace each child’s hand on a piece of paper. Talk about what we should do with our hands and arms while we pray. On each tracing, write something we do to show reverence when we pray (for example, bowing our heads, closing our eyes, and so on).

Friend July 2018 “Arturo’s Family Prayer” Choose which picture shows respect and reverence for Heavenly Father during prayer.

Sing a song about prayer with the children, such as “We Bow Our Heads” (Children’s Songbook, 25), and bear your testimony of the power of prayer. Invite the children to share their experiences with prayer.

Heavenly Father will hear and answer me when I pray.

Matthew 6:5–13; 7:7–11

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 6–7” As you study Matthew 6:5–13; 7:7–11, what do you feel the children need to understand about prayer?

Invite the children to read Matthew 6:9–13 out loud and then list things the Savior said in His prayer. How can we follow His example when we pray?

New Testament Coloring Book “Sermon on the Mount”

“Lesson 11: Jesus Christ Teaches about Prayer,” Primary 7: New Testament Write on separate pieces of paper several situations, similar to the ones in the following list, that the children might find themselves in (or you could tell them the situations). Ask the children to each come up and choose a piece of paper. Have them talk about how they would feel in the situation and what they would do.

You have fallen off a bike and hurt your leg. No one is around and you don’t know if you can walk home.
You have a fever and an upset stomach. Your parents have done everything they can to make you feel better, but you are still very sick.
You have an assignment due in school tomorrow. You’ve worked hard on it, but it’s not as good as you want it to be and you don’t know how to fix it.
You have been outside playing and when you come home no one is there. You are frightened because you don’t know where your family has gone.
Your grandparents gave you some money for your birthday, and now it isn’t where you thought you put it.
You are sitting outside after dark and you notice how beautiful the stars look.
You are helping your family grow a garden, and you notice that the plants are getting bigger and the vegetables and fruit are getting ripe.

Explain that we can pray to Heavenly Father for help with any problem that troubles us, to share our feelings with him, or to express our gratitude. Heavenly Father will always hear our sincere prayers.

Sing a song about prayer with the children, such as “Did You Think to Pray?” (Hymns, no. 140). Help the children search the lyrics to find reasons we pray and blessings that come from prayer.

Help the children memorize Matthew 7:7 by playing a game like the following: One child recites the first word or phrase from the verse and then tosses a ball to another child, who then recites the next word or phrase.

Act out Matthew 7:9–10 with the children using simple props. Ask the children to share what this teaches them about prayer.

Friend January 2017 “Will Heavenly Father Answer My Prayers” Heavenly Father will answer our prayers in the way that is best and we need to have faith and trust in Him.

Share an experience in which your prayers were answered.

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

“Lesson 11: Jesus Christ Teaches about Prayer,” Primary 7: New Testament Tell the children that thee, thou, thy, and thine are special words we use to refer to God in our prayers. These words show our respect and love for him. Have a child read Matthew 6:9–13 and have the other children raise their hands whenever they hear one of these prayer words. Do the same thing with the song, “I Thank Thee, Dear Father,” (Children’s Songbook,p. 7).

Matthew 6:7 What does it mean to use “vain repetitions” in prayer?

People often understand “vain repetitions” to mean repeating the same words over and over again. However, the word vain can describe something that has no value. Using “vain repetitions” in prayer can mean praying without sincere, heartfelt feeling (see Alma 31:12–23).

I can seek eternal treasures instead of earthly treasures.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 6-7”

Matthew 6:19–21

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 6–7” How will you help the children you teach place greater value on eternal things than on worldly things?

Matthew 6:19–24. In these verses, the Savior used the word treasures to mean what we value greatly, and eye to symbolize our focus in life.

Friend December 1983

Bring a “treasure” box filled with objects or pictures that represent things the world values—for example, money or toys. Read Matthew 6:19–21 together, and then ask the children to help you think of heavenly treasures that could replace the worldly items in the box.

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

Friend October 2016 Which is laying up treasures in heaven.

For the Strength of Youth April 2022 “The Best Day”

Invite the children to name or draw some things they could do to “lay up … treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20).

Righteous Judgement

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 6-7”

In Matthew 7:1, the Savior may seem to be saying we should never judge, but in other scriptures (including other verses in this chapter), He gives us instructions about how to judge. If that seems puzzling, the Joseph Smith Translation of this verse might help: “Judge not unrighteously, that ye be not judged; but judge righteous judgment” (in Matthew 7:1, footnote a). What do you find in Matthew 7:1–5, along with the rest of the chapter, that helps you know how to “judge righteous judgment”?

To visualize the teachings in these verses, your family could find a mote (a tiny wood fragment) and a beam (a large piece of wood). What does comparing the two teach us about judging others? If you’d like to explore this topic further, you could use some of the resources in “Judging Others” (Gospel Topics, topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “Matthew 7:1–5”

Read Matthew 7:2–5, looking for other teachings about judging. In verse 3, the Savior referred to a sliver of wood as a mote (see footnote b) and a large piece of wood as a beam (see footnote c).

Why would it be difficult for someone with a beam in their eye to remove a mote from someone else’s eye?

Friend June 2016 Parable about seeing a weed in someone else’s yard but not seeing all the weeds in own yard.

I should treat others the way I want to be treated.

Matthew 7:12

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 6–7” Jesus’s teaching in Matthew 7:12—also known as the Golden Rule—provides a simple guide for how to treat others. What will help the children you teach live by this principle?

Read Matthew 7:12, and paraphrase it in simple words that the children can understand. Help the children think of several ways to complete a sentence like the following: “I like it when others_______ for me.” After each sentence, invite them to repeat with you, “So I should______ for others.”

The below video isn’t produced by the church, but it has some examples of the golden rule. Watching it without the volume on and discussing each picture might be a good way to show some examples.

Sing with the children a song that you feel reinforces Matthew 7:12, such as “Jesus Said Love Everyone” (Children’s Songbook, 61). Make up simple actions to accompany the song. Ask the children what they learn about how we should treat others from the Savior’s example.

Invite the children to list kind things their parents or other family members do for them. Read Matthew 7:12, and invite the children to name kind things they can do for their families.

Latter Day Kids “Love One Another” Lesson ideas

I can build on a strong foundation by following Jesus.

Matthew 7:24–27

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 6–7” Using the Savior’s parable about building a house on sand or on a rock can be a memorable way to teach children about the importance of acting on what we learn.

The Wise Man and the Foolish Man Explain that “the wise man built his house upon the rock” means that wise man built his life upon the teachings of Jesus. The foolish man didn’t and his house (life) fell apart in the storms of life. Discussion Ideas: What things in our life are like the rain and wind? How does following Jesus’s teachings protect us and make our faith strong as a house built on a rock? Song: “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” (Children’s Songbook, 281) Scripture: Matthew 7:24–29

Friend March 2015 “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man”

Rock Art: Choose a smooth rock. With a marker or paint, write “Jesus Christ” on it. Talk about why it’s so important to build our lives on His teachings. Keep the rock in a place where you can see it often.

Sing with the children “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” (Children’s Songbook, 281), and use actions to go along with the words.

Use Matthew 7:24–27 to teach about the differences between the wise man and the foolish man. Invite the children to pretend they are building a house. How can we be like the wise man?
Let the children draw pictures of the parable of the wise man and the foolish man.

Friend March 2018 “Food and Fun: Wisdom Rocks” Put a wise thought or scripture on a rock to inspire you.

Friend March 2015 Wise man & Foolish man

Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 6–7” To visualize this parable, class members could work together to build a strong foundation using blocks, cups, or other materials and then test the strength of their foundations. Perhaps they could also label their building materials with things they can do to apply the Savior’s teachings. How could doing these things help us withstand the storms of life?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 6-7”

To help your family better understand the Savior’s parable of the wise man and the foolish man, you could let them pour water on sand and then on a rock. How can we build our spiritual foundations on a rock?

“Sharing Time: Build Upon My Rock” (August 2004 Liahona and Friend)
Includes a printable door hanger.
“Sharing Time: Build upon My Rock” (February 1991 Friend)
Includes instructions for a paper craft about the story of the wise man and the foolish man.
Scripture Figures: “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” (July 1999 Friend)

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal “Matthew 6-7”

Table of Contents

Mary anoints Jesus

The sacrament helps me think about Jesus.

The sacrament helps me remember Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for me.

Jesus Christ showed me how to serve others.

I can love others as Jesus did.

Disciples of Jesus Christ love others as He did.

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Before Jesus comes again, the gospel will be preached in all the world. (Younger children)

Before Jesus comes again, the gospel will be preached in all the world. (Older children)

Signs of the Savior’s Second Coming can help us face the future with faith.

We must always be ready for the Savior’s Second Coming.

I am responsible for my own conversion to Jesus Christ.

I can use the gifts God has given me.

At the Final Judgment, we will give the Lord an account of our lives.

Jesus wants me to serve others.

The Widow’s Mite

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Heavenly Father and Jesus know me by name.

As I seek the Savior, I will find Him.

The temple is a sacred place.

The temple is a sacred place that I should respect.

I can be obedient.

Jesus wants me to be righteous in my actions and my desires.

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Heavenly Father wants us to marry in the temple and have eternal families. (Younger children)

Heavenly Father wants us to marry in the temple and have eternal families. (Older children)

Jesus wants little children to come to Him so He can bless them.

If I obey the commandments, I can receive eternal life.

Jesus can help me know what I need to do to progress.

Everyone can receive the blessing of eternal life, no matter when they accept the gospel.

The First Shall Be Last (Humility)

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Heavenly Father wants all of His children to return to Him.

I can help Jesus find His lost sheep.

I can show my love for Heavenly Father by being grateful for my blessings. (younger children)

I can show my love for Heavenly Father by being grateful for my blessings. (older children)

We believe that Jesus is the Son of God. (younger children)

We believe that Jesus is the Son of God. (older children)

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I can gain a testimony that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

A testimony of Jesus Christ comes through revelation.

Jesus Christ gives prophets and apostles priesthood keys to lead His Church.

The Church of Jesus Christ is led by those who hold priesthood keys.

Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

My faith can work miracles.

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Jesus Christ knows what I need and can help me.

Jesus Christ teaches me about Heavenly Father.

I follow Jesus’s example when I am kind to others.

My small offerings can make a difference.

Faith in Jesus Christ can help me not be afraid.

Faith in Jesus Christ can help me not be afraid.

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I need to prepare to learn the teachings of Jesus.

I need to prepare my heart to receive the teachings of Jesus.

Heavenly Father wants me to choose the right.

I can choose the right even when those around me do not.

My membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a treasure. (younger children)