Friend July 2019 “A White Cap for Florence” Florence’s parents worked hard to provide for the family, but without an education there was only so much they could do. Florence wanted to go to college so she could get a good-paying job and help her family, but her family couldn’t afford it. Florence decided to work hard for her goal. She was able to get into nursing school, and she graduated with an award as the best student. Because of her hard work she was able to help others and herself have a better life.
Friend July 2019Friend July 2019
Friend April 2023 “Reaching for Mars” Michelle went to college to be an engineer. After college she got a job helping launch rockets to explore space! She helped create a robot called a rover to send to Mars. She was also called to serve with her husband as mission leaders. She bore her testimony that Jesus Christ created worlds without end, and he wants us to learn, grow, and use our talents for good.
Friend June 2024 “Elise the Engineer” Elise wants to be an engineer when she grows up, but one day at school she couldn’t figure out how to do a math problem. She began to think she wasn’t smart enough to be an engineer, but her sister said, “When something is hard, that doesn’t mean you aren’t smart. It just means you need more practice.” With her sister’s help she was able to learn how to do the math problem, and her confidence returned. She knew that if she worked hard, one day she could attain her goal of becoming an engineer.
Artisans are inspired in building and furnishing the tabernacle—Israel is commanded to keep the Lord’s Sabbaths—The death penalty is decreed for Sabbath desecration—Moses receives the stone tablets.
Honoring the Sabbath is a Sign of My Love for the Lord.
Draw a heart on the board, and ask the children what this symbol can mean. Help them think of other things that can be a sign for love, like a hug or an act of service. Read to them Exodus 31:13. Help them understand that when we keep the Sabbath day holy, it is a sign to the Lord that we love Him.
Tell the children about some of the ways you try to show your love for the Lord on the Sabbath. Let them share how they and their families do this. Invite them to use this week’s activity page to share more ideas.
Ask the children a few questions to help them understand what a sign is—for example, “What signs let you know that spring is coming or that you’re getting a cold?” Invite them to read Exodus 31:13, 16–17 and find the word “sign.” What did the Lord say is a sign between us and Him? Why is this sign so important?
Sign definition: Something indicating the presence or existence of something else (Mirriam Webster Thesaurus)
Invite the children to take turns explaining why they choose to honor the Sabbath. Videos like “The Sabbath Is for You” or “Upon My Holy Day—Honoring the Sabbath” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) can help.
Invite the children to write down all the things they can think of that they can do on Sunday to show the Lord that they love Him. Encourage them to share a few things from their lists. Invite them to take their lists home, share them with their families, and refer to them whenever they need ideas about what to do on the Sabbath day.
Aaron makes a golden calf, which Israel worships—Moses serves as a mediator between God and rebellious Israel—Moses breaks the tablets of stone—The Levites slay about 3,000 rebels—Moses pleads and intercedes for the people.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 24; 31–34” While Moses was on Mount Sinai speaking with the Lord, the children of Israel chose to worship a golden idol instead of Him. This story can remind the children you teach that we shouldn’t let other things become more important to us than the Lord.
Younger Children: Briefly review the Ten Commandments with the children, emphasizing the first two (see Exodus 20:3–6). Use “Moses on Mount Sinai” (in Old Testament Stories) to share with them the story from Exodus 32:1–8, 19–24. If possible, let the children help you tell the story. Help the children see what the Israelites did wrong in this story (you may want to remind the children of the first two of the Ten Commandments). What should the Israelites have done instead?
Older Children: Ask the children to share anything they know about the story of Aaron making a golden calf for the Israelites to worship. If they need help, refer them to Exodus 32:1–8, 19–24, or share with them “Moses on Mount Sinai” (in Old Testament Stories). Why was it wrong for the Israelites to worship an idol? (You might refer the children to the first two of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:3–6.)
Younger Children: Show a picture of Jesus Christ, along with pictures of other things that children might spend time on, such as toys, games, and so on. Ask the children to find the picture that shows what should be most important to us. Share with the children how you are blessed for putting the Lord first in your life—even before other things that are good.
Older Children: Help the children think of examples of things people may be tempted to worship instead of the Lord—things that draw our attention away from Him. Then ask them to share examples of things that help them focus on the Savior and worship Him.
Read together Helaman 7:20–21, and ask the children what they think it means to forget God. Explain that the word forget can also mean “to neglect” or “ignore.” Display a picture of the Savior, and invite the children to draw things they might spend too much time doing that could cause them to forget the Lord. Put their drawings in front of the picture of Jesus. Ask the children to think of things they can do each day to remember Heavenly Father and Jesus. As they share their thoughts, take away the drawings one by one until the picture of the Savior is revealed. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 7–12: “Remember the Lord”)
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.
One message from the account in Exodus 32 is the importance of keeping the first two of the Ten Commandments—do not worship anyone or anything other than the Lord.
Invite the children to read Exodus 32:1–5, 21–24, individually or in pairs, and share what they think Aaron should have done when the Israelites asked him to make a golden calf. How might Aaron have helped the people?
Help the children think of situations they might face when other people ask them to do something they know is wrong. Ask the children to share ideas with each other about what to do in those situations.
Friend April 2019 “What’s on Your Mind” Fill in the the speaking bubbles with what you could say when someone tries to get you to do something that is not right. Try explaining why it’s important to you. Even if others don’t understand your reasons, ask them to be respectful.
Friend November 2017 “Peer Pressure Problems” Ideas on how to deal with peer pressure to avoid making wrong choices. For additional teaching ideas also see Stand for the Right.
The Lord promises to be with Israel and drive out the people of the land—The tabernacle of the congregation is moved away from the camp—The Lord speaks to Moses face to face in the tabernacle—Later, Moses sees the glory of God but not His face.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 24; 31–34” After Moses destroyed the golden calf, “the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.” Knowing this can build the children’s faith that the Lord is a real person who loves them.
Tell the children how you feel when you talk with a good friend, and ask them how they feel. Read to them the first sentence of Exodus 33:11. Ask the children how they think the prophet Moses might have felt. Tell the children about times when you have felt close to the Lord, even if you didn’t see Him with your eyes.
Sing together a song that expresses how Heavenly Father or Jesus feels about us, such as “Jesus Is Our Loving Friend” (Children’s Songbook, 58). Show pictures of the Savior showing love to others (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 36, 41–43, 46–47). Encourage the children to share how they feel about Heavenly Father and Jesus.
Moses hews new tables of stone—He goes up into Mount Sinai for forty days—The Lord proclaims His name and attributes and reveals His law—He makes another covenant with Israel—The skin of Moses’ face shines, and he wears a veil.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Friend November 2018 “Sharing Friendship” Elenoa’s parents buy extra copies of the Friend when they go to the temple. Elenoa and her siblings think of friends who haven’t been coming to Primary, and then they visit them and take them a Friend magazine and a treat. (Photos included in article.)
My friends and I went to see our friend Ruth from church. We brought carrot cake and flowers and sang Primary songs to her. It made us all happy!
Friend October 2017 “Helping Gilly” Brenda calls Gilly to tell her that she and the other girls in Primary miss her.
Friend August 2017 “Reaching Out to New Friends” Elder Anderson shares a story of a boy in Uganda fellowshipping another boy and a story about children behind a fence being invited into a meeting. Sometimes people at church feel like they are behind a fence looking in and need a friend and an invitation to join in.
Friend February 2017 “The Best Part of the Week” Jenny’s family doesn’t go to church very often, but Jenny decides to go by herself after her friend invites her to sit with her family.
Friend February 2017 “Friendship Brownies” Grace’s Primary class makes brownies and a huge card to take to a classmate who hasn’t been coming.
Friend September 2016 “Musical Chairs” A new boy starts attending Elizabeth’s Primary class and he isn’t like the other children, so they start avoiding sitting near him. He stops coming for a while.
Friend September 2022 “Camping Friends” Edison’s family was inactive but some boys from the ward invited him to a camping trip. They also included him at the campground. He had fun and became friends with some boys. They had a testimony meeting and Edison wanted to know what his friends knew about God and Jesus. He decided to go to church even if his family didn’t.
Fellowshipping New Members
Friend April 2018 “Book of Mormon Buddies” Tory is a new member of the church and has a hard time reading the Book of Mormon because of all the unfamiliar words in it. Her friend, Erica, invites Tory to join her family in the mornings for scripture study. This helps Tory until she hurts her ankle and can’t walk to Erica’s. Erica sets up a video call for Tory so she can still read with them.
Friend April 2018Friend April 2018Friend April 2018
My family picks up new members of our ward to give them rides to church. We invite them to our home for family home evening, dinners, and holidays. We want the new members to feel welcome.
Place a picture of the Savior in the center of the room. Invite the children to stand in different parts of the room to represent “strangers” or “foreigners.” Help them understand that these words mean people we don’t know yet. As you read Ephesians 2:19, invite them to move toward the picture of Christ until they are standing close together. Tell them that as we come closer to the Savior, we can become united with others as “fellowcitizens,” or friends. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Ephesians” )
Find pictures of children from different parts of the world, and hide them around the room. Place a picture of the Savior in the front of the room. Invite your class to pair up like missionaries and take turns finding a picture of a “stranger” to place near the picture of the Savior. Help them understand that when people are baptized, they become part of our Church family, or the “household of God.” How can we help someone who is new feel welcome? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Ephesians” )‘
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Ephesians” Your family might enjoy building walls out of pillows or other objects you have at home and then knocking them down. While Paul referred to the “wall” between Gentiles and Jews, what kinds of walls separate people today? How has Jesus Christ “broken down” these walls? How does He “reconcile [us] unto God”? (verse 16).
We are “fellowcitizens” in the household of God. (Sr)
Read Ephesians 2:19 together, and discuss what it means to be a stranger or foreigner. Share an experience in which you felt like a stranger or foreigner and someone helped you feel welcome and accepted. Invite the children to share similar experiences. What can we do to become “fellowcitizens” rather than strangers? Are there any children in your class who do not attend often, perhaps because they feel like strangers? Help the children come up with a plan to help those members feel welcomed and loved. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Ephesians” )
To help the children strengthen their relationships with each other, write some questions on the board that prompt them to share something about themselves, such as When have you had a prayer answered? or What’s your favorite thing to do with your family? Divide the children into pairs, and invite them to ask each other the questions. What did we learn about each other? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Ephesians” )
The Old Testament Testifies of the Savior’s Atoning Sacrifice.
Prepare strips of paper. On half of them, write Old Testament scripture references of prophecies about Jesus Christ. On the other half, write corresponding New Testament scripture references about how these prophecies were fulfilled. (This week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families lists some examples.) Invite the children to read the verses and match the prophecies with their fulfillment.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Easter” Easter Sunday is a good occasion to teach the children about the Savior’s Atonement in Gethsemane and His death on the cross. This can help them feel Jesus’s love for them.
Jesus Suffered and Died for Me
Younger Children: Show pictures of the Savior in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families or other pictures of the Savior’s sacrifice (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 56, 57, 58), and let the children share with you what they know about the events depicted in the pictures. Tell the children about Jesus’s suffering in Gethsemane and on the cross (see Matthew 26:36–46; 27:35–50; Luke 22:39–46; John 19:16–30; “Chapter 51: Jesus Suffers in the Garden of Gethsemane,” in New Testament Stories, 129–32). Bear your testimony that Jesus was willing to suffer and die for us because He loves us. Invite the children to share how they feel about Jesus Christ.
Older Children: Divide the children into three groups, and give each group one of the following scripture passages: Isaiah 53:4–12; Alma 7:11–13; and Doctrine and Covenants 19:16–19. Invite the children to look for words and phrases that describe the things Jesus Christ suffered for us. Ask them to write their answers on the board and share how they feel about the Savior after reading these scriptures.
Jesus Suffered for Our Sins so We might Return to Live with Heavenly Father
Read John 10:9 to the children, emphasizing Jesus’s words “I am the door.” Because Jesus suffered for our sins, died, and was resurrected, He made it possible for each of us to live with God again. Use the door of your classroom to teach that Jesus is like a doorway that allows us to return to Heavenly Father.
Read Isaiah 53:6 to the children, and show them a picture or drawing of a sheep. Let one of the children put the picture in a far corner of the room. Explain that when we make wrong choices, we are wandering away from Heavenly Father like a sheep going astray. Then invite the child to bring the sheep back, and bear your testimony that because Jesus Christ suffered and died for us, He can bring us back to Heavenly Father. (You might show a picture of Jesus as a shepherd, such as picture 64 in the Gospel Art Book.)
Friend January 1999 “The Good Shepherd” Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd. He suffered and died for us so that we could return to Heavenly Father. We are His sheep if we will listen to His voice and follow Him. We do this by keeping the commandments, studying the scriptures, and obeying the prophets and the promptings of the Holy Ghost. We may not actually see the Savior in this life. But if we have faith in Him and follow His voice, He will protect us and lead us in the correct paths.
Friend April 1999
Help the children memorize the third article of faith. What does this scripture teach us about Jesus Christ’s Atonement and Heavenly Father’s plan for His children?
Sing with the children a song about Jesus Christ, such as “I Feel My Savior’s Love” (Children’s Songbook, 74–75). Help them notice any feelings of peace and love they have as they sing. Also point out words in the song that describe the Savior’s love. How can we share His love with others?
Ask the children how they would describe the Atonement of Jesus Christ to someone. Encourage them to use scriptures, hymns, or pictures to express what the Savior’s atoning sacrifice means to them. How are we blessed because of the Savior’s Atonement?
Tell the children about Jesus’s death and Resurrection (see Mark 15–16). Use the pictures in this week’s outline, pictures 57–60 in the Gospel Art Book, or “Chapter 54: Jesus Is Risen” in New Testament Stories (pages 139–44) to help the children visualize the story.
Help the children understand that resurrection means that after we die we will live again forever with a perfect physical body and will never die again. Share your testimony of the Resurrection, and let the children work on this week’s activity page. Invite the children to use it to share with their families the story of Jesus’s Resurrection.
Read Alma 40:23 to the children. Show them your hand inside a glove. Tell them that your hand is like a spirit and the glove is like a physical body. Take the glove off to show that when we die, our spirit will leave our body. Put the glove back on to represent the Resurrection.
Sing a song about Jesus Christ’s Resurrection, such as “Did Jesus Really Live Again?” or “Jesus Has Risen” (Children’s Songbook, 64, 70). Bear your testimony that because of Jesus Christ we will live again and have perfect bodies after we die.
1. Did Jesus really live again? Yes, when the third day came,He wakened and he left the tomb;He called Mary’s name.
2. Did Jesus come to those he loved?Yes, people touched his feet,And of the fish and honeycombHe did truly eat.
3. And there were nail-prints in his handsAnd a spear wound in his side.Did Jesus really live againAfter he had died?Oh yes! And so shall I!
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Easter” The reality of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection can bring us great hope and joy—especially when we experience the death of a loved one. How can you help the children find comfort in the Resurrection?
Display pictures 57–59 in the Gospel Art Book. Ask the children to match the pictures with the following passages: Matthew 27:29–38; Matthew 27:59–60; and John 20:10–18. Then invite the children to tell the story of Jesus’s death, burial, and Resurrection in their own words.
Read Job 14:14 with the children. Invite the children to share how they would answer Job’s question. Help them find scriptures that testify of the Resurrection (see Guide to the Scriptures, “Resurrection,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
Read Moses 1:39 with the children. Ask them if they know the difference between “immortality” and “eternal life.” Invite them to look for answers in the first paragraph of “Eternal Life” (Gospel Topics, topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Who will receive immortality? What is required to receive eternal life? Bear your testimony that both of these precious gifts are possible because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Sing together an Easter song or hymn, such as “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, 34–35) or “He Is Risen!” (Hymns, no. 199). Invite the children to share how they feel when they sing these songs. What do these songs teach us about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? Invite the children to write their testimonies of the Savior to share at home with their families.
Music is a powerful way to remember the Savior and invite the Spirit into our homes. Family members could share and sing together hymns or songs about Easter or about Jesus Christ, such as “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” (Hymns,no. 200) or “Did Jesus Really Live Again?” (Children’s Songbook, 64). To find other hymns or children’s songs, look in the topical index of Hymns and Children’s Songbook .
As you celebrate Easter, your family could review what you learned about the Passover earlier this month. Why is it significant that the Savior’s sacrifice occurred at the same time as Passover?
For a summary of what happened during the last week of the Savior’s life, see “Holy Week” at ComeuntoChrist.org/2016/easter/easter-week. For scriptures about the events of the Savior’s final week, see “The Last Week: Atonement and Resurrection” in Harmony of the Gospels (in the Bible appendix).
Story: The prophet Isaiah said that Jesus suffered for our transgressions and understands our sorrows (see Isaiah 53:4–5). Jesus died for us and then lived again. Because of Him, we will all live again too.
Song: “Did Jesus Really Live Again?” (Children’s Songbook, 64)
Activity: Make Easter extra special this year by doing the activity on page 3. Each day the week before Easter, read about Jesus and color part of the picture.
Friend April 2022 “Jesus is Risen” Getting Ready for Easter: Starting a week before Easter, read a scripture each day and color in the matching areas.
Think of ways to share the story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea in an interesting and memorable way. For example, you or another ward member could dress up like Moses to tell the story from Exodus 14:5, 9–10, 13–16, 19–22. The children could pretend that the chairs are the Red Sea, and they could follow the person portraying Moses as he makes a path between them. Or the children could pretend to be the water and move to separate sides of the room as Moses divides them. Emphasize that the Lord gave Moses the power to part the sea so the Israelites could be delivered from captivity.
Invite the children to color the activity page as you review with them the story from Exodus 14:5–22. Then they could work together to tell the story using the activity page.
As you read Exodus 14:1–10, imagine how the Israelites might have felt as they saw Pharaoh’s army closing in. Perhaps you feel that you need a miracle to survive a difficult challenge you are facing.
Your family members might enjoy trying to “divide” the water in a bowl or a bathtub, as Moses divided the Red Sea. Help them understand that the Red Sea could not be divided without the power of God. How have we seen God’s power in our lives and the lives of our ancestors?
With the Lord’s help, Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt. They were frightened because they were trapped by the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army was chasing after them. “And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord” (Exodus 14:13).
Display a picture of the parting of the Red Sea. Read together Exodus 14:21–29. Note the actions in those verses.
Role-play the parting of the Red Sea, using the actions above. Play until everyone has had a chance to play the parts they want.
Discussion: How did the children of Israel exercise faith by doing what the Lord commanded? How can we exercise faith when we experience challenges in our lives?
Moses knew by revelation how to lead the Israelites across the Red Sea (see Doctrine and Covenants 8:2–3). How can this story help the children you teach learn to act on personal revelation?
Display the picture of Moses parting the Red Sea in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families. Ask the children to review Exodus 14:5–22 and share something they know about the story. What does Doctrine and Covenants 8:2–3 add to our understanding of the story? Tell about an experience when the Holy Ghost told you something in your mind or heart, and invite the children to talk about their experiences.
Friend January 2021 “The Bread Loaf Prayer” “How do you know when the Holy Ghost is talking to you?” Carver asked his parents. They decide to practice listening for the Holy Ghost. Carver’s mom bakes some bread and each person prays to know who to take it to. Carver thought of Sister Smith and he even listened and said the words to her that popped into his mind when he gave her the bread. He knew it was from the Holy Ghost.
Remind the children of the story of Nephi following the Spirit when he went to get the brass plates (see 1 Nephi 4:1–6). Help the children see that Moses also had to follow the Spirit when he led his people across the Red Sea. Help the children write a new verse to “Nephi’s Courage” (Children’s Songbook, 120–21) about how the Lord provided a way for Moses when he showed courage and followed the Spirit. Sing the new verse together.
The children of Israel sing the song of Moses—They extol the Lord as a man of war and rejoice in their deliverance from Egypt—The waters of Marah are healed—The Lord promises to free Israel from the diseases of Egypt.
Israel murmurs for want of bread and lusts for the fleshpots of Egypt—The Lord rains bread from heaven and sends quail for meat—Israel is given manna each day, except the Sabbath, for forty years.
Israel murmurs for want of water—Moses smites a rock in Horeb, and water gushes forth—Aaron and Hur uphold Moses’ hands so that Joshua prevails against Amalek.
The accounts of the Lord providing food and water for the Israelites in the wilderness teach us that He can provide for our needs. If we turn to Jesus Christ, He can help us during difficult times in our lives, just as He helped the children of Israel.
Help the children act out the events in Exodus 15:23–25; 16:14–15; 17:1–6, pretending to be Moses or the Israelites. If possible, bring an object to help tell each story, such as a branch (to heal the water at Marah), a jar or pot (to fill with manna), and a stick and rock (for the water at Horeb). How did God take care of the Israelites? How does He take care of us each day?
Briefly share the stories in Exodus 15:23–25; 16:14–15; 17:1–6 (see also “The Israelites in the Wilderness” in Old Testament Stories). As you share, invite the children to draw pictures of each story. What do we learn about God from these stories?
Divide the class into pairs or small groups, and assign each group to read one of the following passages: Exodus 15:23–25; 16:14–15; 17:1–6. Ask the children in each group to draw pictures representing what they read in these verses, and then ask other class members to guess what they have drawn. Help the children identify what these stories teach about Jesus Christ. What trials do people have today? How do Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ help us with our trials?
As you review these stories, ask the children why bread and water were so important to the children of Israel. What would have happened if they hadn’t had these things? Help the children understand that the bread and water of the sacrament are spiritually necessary to us (see John 4:13–14; 6:35, 48–51). You might ask the children to share their feelings about the sacrament.
Israel murmurs for want of water—Moses smites a rock in Horeb, and water gushes forth—Aaron and Hur uphold Moses’ hands so that Joshua prevails against Amalek.
Invite three children to stand at the front of the room and represent Moses, Aaron, and Hur while you tell the story from Exodus 17:8–16. What can we do today to help our prophet, just as Aaron and Hur helped the prophet Moses?
Display a picture of the living prophet, and ask the children who he is. Help the children remember some of the things that the prophet has taught us recently. Ask the children to share some of the ways they are following the prophet.
[The prophet] speaks to us at least three times during general conference—at the beginning of conference (Saturday morning), at the end of conference (Sunday afternoon), and, usually, during the Sunday morning session. Listen to what he says, then write down counsel he gives us and examples he uses from scriptures, his own life, and Church history.
Write down ways you will sustain him by obeying his counsel from the Lord.
Choose symbols that illustrate his counsel and how you will obey it, and glue them next to what you have written for steps 2 and 3. If he talks about something for which you find no symbol, draw one of your own.
Friend October 2004 “I Can Sustain the Prophet” Cut out the strip of pictures on this page and cut them apart. Read each sentence, find the picture/word for the missing word, and glue it in place.
Friend November 2019 “Dear Student Dictionary” After President Nelson’s special youth devotional, Matthew looked for ways to be a youth-battalion member. He was kind to others and stood up for kids being teased. After President Nelson’s conference talk about calling the church by its correct name, he wrote a letter to a student dictionary that used the name “Mormons” and explained what the correct name of the church was.
Sing together a few verses of “Follow the Prophet,” including the last verse (Children’s Songbook, 110–11).
We Are Blessed as We Sustain Our Church Leaders.
To help the children review the story in Exodus 17:8–16, write on the board: Who helped Moses during the battle? What did they do? What was the result? Invite the children to look for answers in the verses. What does this story teach about how we can help God’s kingdom be successful? What can we do to support, sustain, and follow our Church leaders?
Invite the children to read Exodus 17:8–16 and draw a picture of what they read. Encourage them to write on their drawing a message they learn from the story. Why is this an important message for us today?
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 14–17” You might act out the story of Aaron and Hur holding up the hands of Moses and discuss how this could symbolize how we sustain those whom God has called to lead us. You might also contrast the example of Aaron and Hur with the Israelites’ murmuring against Moses (described throughout chapters 15–17). What are some ways we can help and sustain our leaders? What blessings come to us and our leaders as we do?
Exodus CHAPTER 7 Moses is appointed to give the word of the Lord to Pharaoh—The Lord will multiply signs and wonders in Egypt—Aaron’s rod becomes a serpent—The river is turned into blood—The magicians imitate the miracles of Moses and Aaron.
Exodus CHAPTER 8 The Lord sends plagues of frogs, lice, and flies upon Egypt—Pharaoh hardens his heart.
Exodus CHAPTER 9 The Lord destroys the cattle of the Egyptians, but not of the Israelites—Boils and blains are sent upon the Egyptians—The Lord sends hail and fire upon the people of Pharaoh, but not upon the people of Israel.
Exodus CHAPTER 10 The Lord sends a plague of locusts—This is followed by thick darkness in all Egypt for three days—Moses is cast out from the presence of Pharaoh.
Exodus CHAPTER 11 The departing Israelites are authorized to ask for jewels and gold from their neighbors—The Lord promises to slay the firstborn in every Egyptian home—He puts a difference between the Egyptians and the Israelites.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 7–13” The Israelites were in captivity and could not free themselves, but the Lord showed His power and delivered them. How can you use this story to help the children trust the Lord and His power?
Junior: Read selected verses from Exodus 7–11 to teach the children about the ten plagues that the Lord sent upon the Egyptians. Invite the children to draw pictures that portray some of the plagues. Ask the children to hold up their pictures as you review the plagues again. Read phrases from Exodus 7:5 and 9:14 to explain why the Lord sent the plagues to Egypt.
Senior: Give each child a paper divided into ten sections, and invite the children to draw pictures of the plagues described in these verses: Exodus 7:17–18; 8:1–4; 8:16–17; 8:20–22; 9:1–6; 9:8–9; 9:22–23; 10:4–5; 10:21–22; 11:4–7. What do the plagues teach us about God’s power? Why is it important to know about His power?
Lesson 19: Moses Delivers the Israelites from Bondage,” Primary 6: Old Testament Pass out numbered slips of paper with the scripture references for each of the ten plagues on the corresponding numbered paper. Have each child look up his or her reference and tell the class about it. You could supply the class with art materials and let them draw pictures of the plague that they read about. They could then show the picture to the class as they tell about the plague.What were the ten plagues the Lord commanded Moses to call down upon Egypt because Pharaoh refused to let Israel go? (See enrichment activity 1.)
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 7–13” Children face challenges and need the Lord to help them. The story of the ten plagues the Lord sent to free the Israelites can help the children understand that He also has the power to help them.
The Lord Has Power to Deliver Me.
Ask the children about times when they felt they needed the Lord’s help. How can He help us in these situations? Encourage them to talk about times when they or their family have experienced the Lord’s power in their lives. Bear your testimony that the Lord has the power to help us.
Friend July 1988 “Power of Prayer” A pioneer father is inspired that something was wrong at home. When he arrives he finds that his daughter has fallen into the fireplace. He gives her a blessing and every promise is fulfilled.
Share with the children how the Lord has shown you “that there is none like [Him] in all the earth” (Exodus 9:14). Let the children share how they know that the Lord is powerful.
Story: Moses was a prophet. He told Pharaoh to let God’s people go free (see Exodus 8:1). Pharaoh said he would let them go. But then he broke his promise. God sent frogs, lice, flies, and other plagues to warn Pharaoh to follow the prophet.
Song: “Follow the Prophet,” verse 5 (Children’s Songbook, 110–11)
Activity: Play a game! Have everyone get in a line. Then crouch down low. One person puts their hands on another person’s back and jumps over each person one by one, like a frog. Take turns until everyone has gone. Each time you hop, say one way you can follow the prophet.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 7–13” Pharaoh chose to harden his heart when the Lord told him to release the children of Israel. How can you inspire the children you teach to choose to have a soft heart so they are willing to serve the Lord and do His will?
Bring to class one object that is hard, such as a rock, and another that is soft, such as a sponge. Read with the children a few verses describing how Pharaoh responded to the plagues sent by the Lord (see Exodus 8:28–32; 9:7), and ask the children which object best represents Pharaoh’s heart or attitude. What does it mean to have a soft heart? (see Mosiah 3:19).
Show the children the bowl of water, rock, and sponge. Ask what would happen if you put the sponge in the water, and then ask what would happen if you put the rock in the water. Just like the hard rock will not absorb water, a hard heart will not let direction from the Lord or others in. Just like a soft sponge will absorb water, a soft heart is open to the Lord’s direction and is humble and teachable.
With the class, make a list of some actions that might show we have a hard heart (for example, fighting with a sibling or being unwilling to pray). How can we show the Lord we want to have soft hearts?
The Sacrament Can Help Me Remember Jesus.
The Sacrament Helps Me Remember My Deliverance Through Jesus Christ.
The Lord institutes the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread—Lambs without blemish are slain—Israel is saved by their blood—The firstborn of all Egyptians are slain—Israel is thrust out of Egypt after 430 years—No bones of the paschal lambs are to be broken.
The firstborn of man and of beasts are to be sanctified unto the Lord—The Feast of Unleavened Bread is to be kept in the land of Canaan—Moses takes Joseph’s bones out of Egypt—The Lord attends Israel in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 7–13” The Passover taught the children of Israel that the Lord delivered them from Egypt. The Passover also taught the Israelites about the Savior and the sacrifice He would one day make for us. The Passover is symbolic of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which delivers us from sin and death. Today, the sacrament helps us remember Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for us. Teaching the children about the Passover can help them have a more meaningful experience with the sacrament.
Ask some of the children to read Exodus 11:5–6 to learn about the final plague the Lord sent upon the Egyptians. Ask the other children to read Exodus 12:3, 5–7, 13 to learn about how the children of Israel were saved from that plague.
To help the children understand that the Savior is the Lamb who saves us, show a picture of a lamb. Invite the children to read Exodus 12:3–7 to find out what kind of lamb God wanted the people to use for the Passover meal. How is this lamb like Jesus Christ? (For example, Jesus was perfect, and Jesus shed His blood to save us.) What other symbols help us think about Jesus Christ?
Ask the children to name things we do to remember important events such as birthdays and holidays. Read Exodus 13:10, and explain that the Lord asked the children of Israel to celebrate the Passover each year to help them remember that He saved them from the Egyptians. What are some ways we can remember that Jesus saved us from sin and death?
If possible, visit the sacrament table with the children, and talk about how the sacrament helps us remember Jesus Christ. Sing together “The Sacrament” (Children’s Songbook, 72) or another reverent song about Jesus Christ. Help the children notice the peaceful feeling they have when they think about the Savior, and invite them to seek that feeling when they take the sacrament.
1. As I take the water and bread,
I’ll think of the words the Savior said:
“This do in remembrance of me.
This do in remembrance of me.”
2. Jesus gave his life for me.
I want to serve him thankfully.
I will remember him.
I will remember him.
Give the children pieces of paper with the words “I can remember Jesus Christ during the sacrament by …” written at the top. Invite them to draw pictures they can look at during the sacrament to help them remember Jesus.
Read the sacrament prayers together (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79), and watch the video “Always Remember Him” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). How is the sacrament similar to the Passover? What can we do to think about Jesus during the sacrament?
Share with the children one of your favorite sacrament hymns (see Hymns, nos. 169–96), and talk about how it helps you remember the Savior’s sacrifice. Invite the children to share a hymn that does the same for them.
After reading Exodus 12:1–42 together, you could write on pieces of paper things you can do as a family to remember Jesus Christ’s Atonement. Because the lamb’s blood on the door posts (see verse 23) represented the Savior, you could place these papers around a doorway in your home. You could also eat some of the foods from the Passover, such as unleavened bread (crackers or tortillas) or bitter herbs (parsley or horseradish), and discuss how the Passover helps us remember how God delivered His people. For example, the unleavened bread reminded them that there was not time for their bread to rise before they fled from captivity. The bitter herbs reminded them of the bitterness of captivity. (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 7–13”)
Moses is born to Levite parents, is raised by Pharaoh’s daughter, slays an Egyptian in defense of an Israelite, flees to Midian, and marries Zipporah—Israel in bondage cries to the Lord.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 1–6 Moses had a major role in freeing Israel from bondage. But he wouldn’t have been able to accomplish this if his mother, his sister, Pharaoh’s daughter, and other faithful women hadn’t protected and cared for him. Many people helped fulfill God’s purposes by preserving the life of young Moses. How can you help the children you teach understand the vital role we all play in fulfilling God’s will
Junior: Use this week’s activity page and “Baby Moses” (in Old Testament Stories) to tell the children how Jochebed (Moses’s mother), Miriam (his sister), and Pharaoh’s daughter cared for Moses. Emphasize that because of these and other faithful women, Moses was kept safe and would one day lead the children of Israel to safety. Invite the children to draw a picture of people who care for them
Senior: Invite the children to share what they know about Moses when he was a baby. Use this week’s activity page and Exodus 1:22; 2:1–10 to summarize the story of Moses’s childhood. Read the scripture references on the activity page, and ask the children what each of the women did to preserve Moses’s life.
Lesson 18: The Birth and Calling of Moses,” Primary 6: Old Testament Tie the ends of the yarn together. Hand the yarn to a child and tell him or her to hold it up in a circle using only his or her hands. When the child cannot do so, ask another child to help, then another until all the children are helping form the yarn into a circle. (If you have only two or three children in the class, have them make a square or a six-sided figure.)
Explain that as each person was needed to help make the shape, each of us has a mission to fulfill in the kingdom of God. Tell the children that in this lesson they will learn about the prophet Moses and the mission he was called to perform.
Explain that there are many important things that Heavenly Father and Jesus need us to do. Ask the children to take turns writing their suggestions on the chalkboard. These may include being a parent, a teacher, a Church leader, or a good example. Emphasize that each of us has at least one mission to perform on earth and that God needs all of us to help build his kingdom.
Tell the children about people you admire because of their faithfulness in serving God and those around them, even when they serve in small ways. Invite the children to talk about people they know who have faithfully served God and others. What is our part in God’s work?
Story: When Moses was a baby, his mother hid him in a basket to keep him safe. His sister helped take care of him too. He grew up and became a prophet. (See Exodus 2:1–10.)
Song: “‘Give,’ Said the Little Stream” (Children’s Songbook,236)
Activity: You can help others too! Go to page 12 to make a paper basket, like the one Moses was in. On pieces of paper, write ways you can serve others (and God). Then put the papers in the basket. When you want to help someone, choose a piece of paper and do what it says.
Sing together a song about service, such as “‘Give,’ Said the Little Stream” (Children’s Songbook, 236). Help the children think of simple things they can do to help others at home, at church, and at school.
The Lord appears to Moses at the burning bush—Moses is called to deliver Israel from bondage—The Lord identifies Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and as the Great I AM—He promises to smite Egypt and bring His people out with great wealth.
The Lord asked Moses to remove his shoes at the burning bush as a sign of respect and reverence. How can you use this account to teach the children about reverence?
Read Exodus 3:1–5, and explain that Moses showed reverence by removing his shoes. What do we do to show reverence at church? Sing a song about reverence, such as “Reverence Is Love” (Children’s Songbook, 31). Help the children identify words in the song that teach us how we show reverence. Why does the Lord want us to be reverent? Older Children: Ask each child to write and share a definition of reverence based on the lyrics.
Show some pictures of situations where we should be reverent and some where we don’t need to be reverent, such as a sacrament meeting, a prayer, a park, and a birthday party. Ask the children to sort the pictures to show where we should be reverent.
Invite the children to draw pictures of themselves, and point to their pictures as you discuss ways they can be reverent with different parts of their bodies, such as with their eyes, ears, mouths, hands, and feet.
Friend Oct 1982 use figure to demonstrate ways different parts of the body can be irreverent and reverent
Read Exodus 3:1–5, and ask the children to summarize these verses in their own words. What can we do to show reverence in holy places, such as at church or in the temple? Help the children create “reverence bags” to take home that contain strips of paper with ideas about how to be reverent. Invite them to share these ideas with their families.
Use the picture Jesus Cleansing the Temple (Gospel Art Book, no. 51) to tell the story in Matthew 21:12–13. How was Moses’s attitude in Exodus 3:1–5 different from the moneychangers’ attitude? Why does the Savior want us to treat sacred things with reverence?
When Moses approached the burning bush, the Lord told him to remove his shoes as a sign of reverence. How can we show reverence for sacred places? For example, what can we do to make our home a sacred place where the Lord’s Spirit can dwell? How can we show more reverence in other sacred places?(Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 1–6”)
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 1–6 Moses worried about whether he could deliver the Israelites from Egypt. But the Lord promised that He would help Moses. Help the children gain faith that the Savior will help them too.
Tell the children about how the Lord gave Moses an important job to do. Read selected verses from Exodus 3, or read “Moses the Prophet” (in Old Testament Stories). Share how Moses felt (see Exodus 3:6, 11) and what the Lord told him (see verses 12 and 14). Invite the children to repeat with you the phrase “Certainly I will be with thee,” and share a time when the Lord was with you when you had something important to do for Him.
Friend February 2015 “Juliana Gives a Talk” Juliana is scared to give a talk, but Heavenly Father helps her.
Cut out paper hearts and write on them ways the Lord helps the children. Place the hearts facedown on the floor. Invite children to take turns choosing hearts, and help them read what is written on them.
Help the children think of situations when they might be asked to do something that seems hard. Explain that just as Jesus helped Moses, Jesus will also help them. Sing a song about how Jesus helps us, such as “I Will Walk with Jesus” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Testify that the Savior will help us when we are worried or scared.
Using the account in Exodus 3; 4:1–17, let the children take turns pretending to be Moses. If possible, bring props for them to use, such as a flashlight and a plant to represent the burning bush.
Ask the children to read Exodus 3:11; 4:1, 10 and find out how Moses felt about asking Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. When have they had similar feelings? What advice would the children share with Moses to help him? Help them discover how the Lord encouraged Moses (see Exodus 3:12; 4:2–9, 11–12).
Share an experience when you felt God was helping you fulfill a calling or serve Him in some way. Invite the children to share a time when the Lord helped them.
Friend November 2019 “The Primary Talk” Dennis was afraid to give a talk in Primary. He prayed, prepared, and practiced but he was still nervous, so he asked his father to give him a blessing. After the blessing he was able to give the talk with only a few stutters, and he knew Heavenly Father helped him.
Friend June 2020 ” The Only Bald Deacon” Carlos was losing his hair due to cancer, so he shaved the patchy hair off. He was anxious about people staring at him when he passed the sacrament. He and his family said a prayer together before going in to church, and he felt peaceful and ready. When he got into the chapel he found all the other deacons with shaved their heads too.
The Lord gave Moses power to perform three miracles as signs to show the children of Israel that He had sent Moses. What do these signs teach us about Jesus Christ?
Exodus 5:2. And Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go.
What might it mean for us to “know” the Lord? How do we come to know Him? (for example, see Alma 22:15–18). How does our relationship with Him affect our desire to obey Him? (see also John 17:3; Mosiah 5:13).
Jehovah is one of the names of Jesus Christ and refers to the premortal Savior. The Joseph Smith Translation clarifies that the prophets Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob knew the Lord by this name (see Exodus 6:3, footnote c). Usually, when the phrase “the Lord” appears in the Old Testament, it refers to Jehovah. In Exodus 3:13–15, the title “I AM” is also a reference to Jehovah (see also Doctrine and Covenants 38:1; 39:1).
Jesus Christ is my Deliverer.
One of the central themes in the book of Exodus is that God has power to free His people from oppression. The enslavement of the Israelites as described in Exodus 1 could be seen as a symbol of the captivity we all face because of sin and death (see 2 Nephi 2:26–27; 9:10; Alma 36:28). And Moses, the Israelites’ deliverer, can be seen as a type, or representation, of Jesus Christ (see Deuteronomy 18:18–19; 1 Nephi 22:20–21).
Genesis and Exodus contain many promises from the Lord, along with stories of people patiently waiting upon those promises. Jacob waits to see the blessing of becoming a great nation. Joseph waits for the Lord to help him out of prison. The children of Israel wait to be freed from the rule of Egypt.
Choose one person to be the leader and have everyone else stand across the room.
When the leader raises a hand, everyone takes steps toward him or her. When the leader puts the hand down, everyone stops. If someone is caught stepping when the leader’s hand is down, that person must go to the back of the room to start again.
The first person to reach the leader gets to be the leader for the next game.
Discussion: Read together Mormon 8:22. As you read Genesis and the following books of the Old Testament this year, take special notice of all the promises of the Lord and when they are fulfilled. Why is it important to recognize promises of the Lord in our own lives and to trust in the Lord while we wait upon those promises?
Jacob sends his sons to buy grain in Egypt—They bow before Joseph—He makes harsh accusations against them, imprisons Simeon, and sends them back for Benjamin.
Help the children act out scenes from Genesis 42–44. As they do, ask them how they think Joseph might have felt to see his brothers again or how the brothers might have felt when they finally recognized Joseph.
Ask the children what it means to forgive someone. Help them understand that forgiving someone includes treating him or her with Christlike love. Ask the children what they know about the story of Joseph forgiving his brothers, or read with the children verses from Genesis 45:1–15. What did Joseph do or say to let his brothers know he forgave them? What can we say or do when others ask us to forgive them?
Ask the children to think of a time when they forgave someone or when someone forgave them. To give them time to think, share an experience of your own, and testify of the blessings that came from forgiveness. Invite the children to share their experiences, if they would like to. How did they feel? What do we learn about forgiveness from the Savior’s example? (see Luke 23:33–34).
Your family might enjoy acting out the story of Joseph reuniting with his brothers. (“Joseph and the Famine” in Old Testament Stories might help.) Have fun with it—use costumes and props if you’d like. Encourage family members to try to understand the emotions and perspectives of the characters. You might focus especially on the feelings of Joseph toward his brothers and on how they might have felt when he forgave them. This could lead to a discussion about how forgiveness can bless your family.
When Joseph met his brothers again after many years, how did they demonstrate that they had changed since he last saw them? What can we learn about repentance from their experiences?
Joseph recognized that although his experience in Egypt had been difficult, “God meant it unto good” (Genesis 50:20). Has your family experienced any trials that God turned into blessings?
A hymn about God’s goodness during times of trial (such as “How Firm a Foundation” [Hymns, no. 85]) could enhance this discussion. What details from Joseph’s experiences exemplify what the hymn teaches?
Story: Joseph’s brothers were very unkind to him. After many years, he saw them again. He saw that they had become better. He forgave them and was kind to them. (See Genesis 42; 45.)
Song: “Love One Another” (Children’s Songbook, 136–37)
Activity: Cut out paper hearts. On one side, write what you could say or do to apologize when you have hurt someone. On the other side, write what you could say or do to forgive someone.
Friend May 2018 “Joseph Forgave” Story, video, and goal card.
“Joseph, Son of Israel (Part 2)” (June 1990 Friend) An illustrated retelling of the second half of the story of Joseph, including Joseph’s experience with Potiphar, interpreting the dreams of Pharaoh, and giving his family food.
Talk with the children about forgiveness. You may wish to bring a bag and some rocks, books, or other heavy items. Have a child hold the bag as you put each rock in. Explain that each rock represents an angry or hurt feeling. Have the child walk around the room or just hold the bag for a while. Explain that when we keep our angry and hurt feelings, they become burdens to us. If we can forgive others, our burden will be gone and we will feel better. (Take the rocks out.) Emphasize that people are more important than problems. It is important to forgive others and continue to love and care about them. Encourage the children to be as forgiving as Joseph was to his brothers.Suggest that the children share this activity with their families. Encourage them to discuss how keeping angry or hurt feelings is like carrying around a bag of heavy rocks.
“Joseph and His Brothers” (May 1995 Liahona and September 1994 Friend) Read the story of Joseph in the Old Testament and then circle the true statements from the story and X off those that are false.
Use this week’s activity page to help the children remember how Joseph’s brothers had been unkind to him. Read to the children Genesis 50:17, emphasizing that the brothers were sorry for what they did and wanted Joseph to forgive them. Read verse 21 to show that Joseph forgave his brothers—he was not angry with them anymore.
Sing together “Help Me, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook, 99). When you sing about forgiving, invite the children to point to Joseph on the activity page. When you sing about repenting, invite them to point to his brothers.
Help the children think of situations in which they might need to forgive someone. Invite the children to practice what they might say or do to show forgiveness to that person.
Read phrases from Genesis 45:4–15 that describe things Joseph did to show he loved his family. Invite the children to pretend they are doing what the verses describe. For example, they could pretend to ask a family member to “come near” (verse 4) or give a family member food (see verse 11).
Sing a song about love, such as “Love One Another” (Children’s Songbook, 136). Help the children draw an outline of their hands and write in the outline something they can do to show love to their family.
Joseph was sold by his brothers into the hands of the Gentiles, just as Jesus was (see Genesis 37:25–27; Matthew 20:19).
Judah, the head of the tribe of Judah, proposed the sale of Joseph. Certain leaders of the Jews in Jesus’ day turned Jesus over to the Romans. Judas (the Greek spelling of Judah) was the one who actually sold Jesus. (See Genesis 37:26; Matthew 27:3.)
Joseph was sold for twenty pieces of silver, the price of a slave his age. Christ was sold for thirty pieces of silver, the price of a slave His age. (See Genesis 37:28; Matthew 27:3; Exodus 21:32; Leviticus 27:5.)
In their very attempt to destroy Joseph, his brothers actually set up the conditions that would bring about their eventual temporal salvation—that is, Joseph, by virtue of being sold, would become their deliverer. Jesus, by His being given into the hands of the Gentiles, was crucified and completed the atoning sacrifice, becoming the Deliverer for all mankind.
Joseph began his mission of preparing salvation for Israel at age thirty, just as Jesus began His ministry of preparing salvation for the world at age thirty (see Genesis 41:46; Luke 3:23).
When Joseph was finally raised to his exalted position in Egypt, all bowed the knee to him. All will eventually bow the knee to Jesus. (See Genesis 41:43; D&C 88:104.)
Joseph provided bread for Israel and saved them from death, all without cost. Jesus, the Bread of Life, did the same for all men. (See Genesis 42:35; John 6:48–57; 2 Nephi 9:50.)
Ask the children what it means to save or rescue someone. If any of them have had an experience being saved or rescued from danger, invite them to share. How did Joseph save his brothers? (see Genesis 42:1–3; 45:5–7). Show a picture of the Savior. How did Jesus save us?
Friend March 2020 “Jesus’s Helping Hand” Arsen tried and tried to climb the tall hill with the rope at the play area, but he could only make it three-quarters of the way. Just before reaching the top, he would fall and slide down to the bottom of the hill. Then an employee offered her hand from the top of the hill. That experience made him think about how Jesus does the same for us. When we do the best we can but still aren’t reaching our goal, He gives His helping hand to us.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020: 2 Nephi 6-10 Tell the children a story of a person who fell into a pit so deep that he or she could not climb out. A man came along and lifted this person out of the pit. You may want to draw a picture of this story on the board or act it out with the children. Explain that this pit is like death and the man who helped the person is like Jesus Christ, who saved all people from death by giving us the gift of resurrection. Tell the children that this same person fell into another pit. This time the rescuer gave the person a ladder to use in climbing out of the pit. Explain that this pit is like sin and the ladder is the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which allows us to repent and be forgiven of our sins. Read 2 Nephi 9:22–23, and bear your testimony of Jesus Christ and His Atonement.
Friend April 1987 “A Parable” A parable relating the atonement to a drowning man.
Friend December 2017 “The Red Ticket” Matteo’s Friend was always getting into trouble at school. He had to pay with tickets that could be used for prizes. He ran out of tickets one day and Matteo offered to pay with his own ticket so his friend wouldn’t have to miss recess. (Also includes lesson info about how story relates to Jesus’ Atonement.)
The Israelites settle in Goshen—Jacob blesses Pharaoh—Joseph sells grain to the Egyptians—Pharaoh receives the Egyptians’ cattle and lands—Jacob desires to be buried with his fathers in Canaan.
Jacob tells of the appearance of God to him in Luz—He adopts Ephraim and Manasseh as his own children—Jacob blesses Joseph—He puts Ephraim before Manasseh—The seed of Ephraim will become a multitude of nations—The children of Israel will come again into the land of their fathers.
Show the children a picture of Jacob blessing his sons or other pictures of priesthood blessings (see the pictures in this outline; see also Gospel Art Book, no. 12). Let the children describe what is happening in the pictures.
Read to the children Genesis 48:8–9. Explain that Israel, also called Jacob, was Joseph’s father and that he wanted to give Joseph’s children a priesthood blessing. If any of the children have received a priesthood blessing, invite them to tell about their experience. Or share an experience of your own.
Friend February 2016 “You are Special” Emma gets a father’s blessing.
Help the children think of reasons they might ask for a priesthood blessing. Also help them name priesthood holders they could ask, such as a father, grandfather, or ministering brother.
Heavenly Father Prepared Joseph Smith to be a Prophet in Our Day.
Jacob’s body is embalmed—Joseph buries him in Canaan—Joseph comforts his brothers—The children of Israel multiply—Joseph promises that God will bring Israel out of Egypt into Canaan—Joseph dies in Egypt and is embalmed.
Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:27–33 (in the Bible appendix)Joseph in Egypt prophesies of Moses freeing Israel from Egyptian bondage; of a branch of Joseph’s descendants being led to a faraway land, where they will be remembered in the covenants of the Lord; of God calling a latter-day prophet named Joseph to join the records of Judah and of Joseph; and of Aaron serving as a spokesman for Moses.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 42–50” Thousands of years in advance, Joseph of Egypt saw that the Lord would call Joseph Smith to do a great work in the latter days. Teach the children how the Lord has blessed us through the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Give the children descriptive clues about Joseph Smith, and invite them to guess who you are describing. Include clues from Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:27–33 (in the Bible appendix), such as “he taught us about covenants” (see verse 28), “he gave us the word of the Lord” (see verse 30), and “he was named after his father” (see verse 33). After the children guess correctly, invite them to find these clues in the verses. What else do we learn about Joseph Smith from the prophecy of Joseph in Egypt?
Liahona February 2020 “Meet the Four Josephs” Lehi tells his son Joseph about some of the prophecies that Joseph of Egypt made about Joseph Smith, who was named after his father, Joseph. The article includes the following: What Did Joseph of Egypt Say about Joseph Smith? How Was Joseph Smith Like Joseph of Egypt? How Did Lehi Know about Joseph of Egypt?
Show the children pictures that represent important things Joseph Smith did or taught (see, for example, Gospel Art Book, nos. 89–95, 97, 98, 117, 118). Help the children think of blessings we have because of Joseph Smith. For example, how has his work helped us come closer to Jesus Christ?
Friend June 2022 “The Firewood Race” In Primary, Luke hears about being prepared. He and his siblings decide to collect firewood to get prepared. That afternoon, their father said everyone had to stay inside for four days to stop the spread of Covid. It was a good thing they had collected enough firewood to last a week.
Natural Disasters
Earthquake
Friend August 2024 “Giulia and the Earthquake” Giulia”s family had a special FHE to prepare in case of an earthquake. The thought of an earthquake scared her, but her mother said not to worry. They would do their best to prepare and the Lord would help them. The scriptures they read made Giulia feel calm and peaceful. A few weeks later they had an earthquake, but she remembered what to do and she felt peace because she remembered that Jesus would help them.
Friend March 2023 “The Earthquake Prayer” Violet woke up when she felt an earthquake. She and her family ran to the kitchen and crawled under the table. They had practiced what to do in an earthquake, but Violet was scared. She said a prayer, and felt like someone was giving her a hug. She was glad Heavenly Father helped her feel peace.
Friend March 2018 “The Great Cereal Sacrifice” Hannah and her family give up cereal and instead eat oatmeal for breakfast so they can save money to buy emergency preparedness items.
Friend March 2016 “Emergency Evacuation” A family has a FHE lesson about preparedness and then experience a real emergency situation.
Friend March 2016
Friend August 2018 “Emergency Scavenger Hunt” Putting together emergency kits by doing a scavenger hunt. (Also add water, blanket, and clothes.)
Listen to the Inspiration of the Holy Ghost
Friend October 2023 “Heavenly Father Knew” Spencer’s parents felt inspired to get preparedness items. A few months later a volcano erupted and they needed the face masks and emergency food that his parents had prepared. Spencer was glad his family listened to the Holy Ghost!
Gardening
Friend March 1982
In Big Cities
Friend July 2019 “Find It!” The people who live in this big city love their community garden! Can you find the hidden objects? How many veggies can you name?
Pharaoh dreams of the cattle and the ears of grain—Joseph interprets the dreams as seven years of plenty and seven of famine—He proposes a grain storage program—Pharaoh makes him ruler of all Egypt—Joseph marries Asenath—He gathers grain as the sand upon the seashore—Asenath bears Manasseh and Ephraim—Joseph sells grain to Egyptians and others during the famine.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 37–41” God helped Joseph understand that Pharaoh’s dreams were a warning to prepare for hard times coming in the future. Help the children understand that God can warn them of danger, including spiritual danger.
Scatter pictures of food around the room, and invite the children to gather them and “store” them in a container. Use this activity to tell the children about how God warned Pharaoh to prepare for a time when there wouldn’t be food (see Genesis 41:15–36, 47–57). Let the children draw pictures of the things Pharaoh dreamed about and then use their pictures to teach their families at home.
Show a picture of the current prophet. Tell the children about teachings or warnings God has given us through him. Explain that we will be blessed and protected as we follow the prophet. Invite the children to act out things they can do to follow the prophet’s counsel.
Read Genesis 41:53–57, looking for what happened because Pharaoh followed Joseph’s counsel.
What is a principle we can identify from this account about following the counsel of prophets and inspired leaders?
“In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost,”
President Nelson’s Teachings:
Choose to do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly.”
“I urge you to stretch beyond your current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation.”
“I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation.”
Humble yourself before God.
Pour out your heart to your Heavenly Father.
Turn to Him for answers and for comfort.
Pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears, your weaknesses—yes, the very longings of your heart.
Listen!
Write the thoughts that come to your mind.
Record your feelings.
Follow through with actions that you are prompted to take.
Friend October 2017 “A Friendly Primary Visitor” A pilot comes to Primary and acts out flying and what could happen if he didn’t listen to the control tower. He likens the control tower to the prophet.
Story: Joseph helped the people in Egypt prepare for hard times. You can read this story on page 8 or in Genesis 41.
Activity: Make an emergency plan. Talk about ways your family can prepare for emergencies. What can you start today?
What can we learn about preparing for future emergencies? Discuss what you can do to be better prepared as a family. For ideas, see Gospel Topics, “Emergency Preparedness,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Jacob loves and favors Joseph, who is hated by his brothers—Joseph dreams that his parents and brothers make obeisance to him—His brothers sell him into Egypt.
To tell the story of Joseph and his brothers from Genesis 37. Let the children help by sharing details they know about the story. Ask them questions such as, “How were Joseph’s brothers unkind to him?” Help the children think of things the brothers could have done to show love to Joseph. What should we do when we feel anger toward members of our family?
Friend September 2021 “Saying the Nice Things” Jonathon wasn’t looking forward to the weekend because lately there had been more bickering and teasing in the family. He prayed for help figuring out a way to make things better. Then he had an idea for home evening. When he conducted, he started a new thing where whoever conducts says a nice thing about each family member. Everyone felt warm and happy after Jonathon said nice things about them.
Friend June 2019 “Family Night Fun” Ideas for a FHE lesson on family love. For example: Write on hearts things you love about each other or things you can do to show kindness in your family. Put the hearts around your house to remind you to show love this week. Also, make a strawberry heart shish-ka-bob for the refreshment
Ensign July 2017 Make a paper doll chain and on each doll write something you love about a family member.
Everyone sit in a circle. Discuss some small acts of kindness family members can do for each other.
Place a pencil in the middle of the circle.
Take turns spinning the pencil.
Whoever the pencil points to must act out as many kindnesses as possible in one minute.
Continue until each person has had at least one turn.
Friend October 2019 “Family Night Fun” Have each person write their name at the bottom of a paper and draw an outline of their head in the middle. Have everyone pass their paper to the person next to them. Add something to the head—like eyes or hair—to look like the person whose name is on the paper. Then write something nice about them on the page. Keep passing the papers, adding to the pictures and writing nice things, until everyone gets their own paper back. You can strengthen your family by being kind and seeing the best in each other!
Friend September 2016 “Family Night Fun” Musical chairs but when someone gets out have everyone say one nice thing about them. Look for the good.
Friend September 2016
Friend July 2015 – A girl learns that she controls how she reacts to annoying brother.
Show a picture of a family (see Gospel Art Book, no. 112), or invite the children to draw pictures of their families. Ask them to share ways they can be kind to their family members.
Let the children color this week’s activity page and, in the space provided, draw a picture of family members being kind.
Sing together a song about loving our families, such as “A Happy Family” (Children’s Songbook, 198). What can we do to help our families be happy?
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 37–41”Jealousy led Joseph’s brothers to make terrible choices. Their wrong choices hurt Joseph and broke their father’s heart. This story can help the children choose to be happy when others are blessed by the Lord.
Invite the children to review Genesis 37:3–11 and draw pictures of Joseph’s coat and his two dreams. How did Joseph’s brothers feel about Joseph? How could they have responded differently? Discuss why it is important to be happy when good things happen to other people.
Sometimes a person might feel envious or jealous if a sibling or close friend receives an important award; is selected for an athletic team, band, orchestra, or choir; or performs the best in his or her class on an exam.
What is the danger of feeling envious or jealous of others who experience good fortune?
We can learn the following principle from the account of Joseph and his brothers: Choosing to hate or envy others can lead us to commit additional sins.
When others have possessions, talents, or attention that we would like to have, how can we avoid feelings of hatred or envy toward them? (Be happy for them, be glad that God is kind, give them a hug and say kind, glad words to them, pray for a loving heart, etc.)
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shares some thoughts on this subject.
Ask the children to share some situations in which a person might feel jealous of someone else. Sing together a song about showing love to others, such as “Love One Another” (Children’s Songbook, 136–37). Emphasize that Heavenly Father can help us replace feelings of jealousy with feelings of love.
Additional Teaching Ideas:
“Enough as You Are” (January 2013 Friend) Beth keeps comparing herself to her sister but then learns that Heavenly Father loves her for being who she is.
“Matt and Mandy” (May 2009 Friend) Matt and Mandy learn it’s good that others are better at some things because then we can learn from them
“The Not-So-Perfect-Clarinetest” (March 2014 Friend) Darcie is upset when another clarinetest is chosen as first chair over her.
Joseph, prospered by the Lord, becomes ruler of Potiphar’s house—He resists the advances of Potiphar’s wife, is falsely accused, and is cast into prison—The keeper of the prison commits the prison’s affairs into Joseph’s hands.
Show a picture of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife (see Gospel Art Book, no. 11), and share the story in Genesis 39:7–12. How did Joseph resist temptation? Help the children find words in Genesis 39:7–12 that answer this question—for example, Joseph knew that being with Potiphar’s wife would be a “sin against God” (verse 9).
Physical intimacy between husband and wife is beautiful and sacred. It is ordained of God for the creation of children and for the expression of love between husband and wife. God has commanded that [physical] intimacy be reserved for marriage.“(Sexual Purity” (in For the Strength of Youth [2011], 35–37)
Invite the children to think of situations in which children their age might be tempted to make wrong choices. Ask them to role-play how they could follow Joseph’s example in these situations—for example, what are some ways we can remember God when we are tempted?
Lesson 15: Joseph Was Sold into Egypt,” Primary 6: Old Testament Tell the class that the nail, pin, or paper clip represents us. Place it between the two magnets on a flat surface so it can be attracted by one or the other. Show that the further away from “Satan” we are, the less power he has to tempt us. As you move the metal object toward the magnet representing God, explain that the closer we live to the Lord, the more we are influenced by his goodness. When we seek after good, we are less influenced by that which is evil. (What can we do to draw close to God? How can the Holy Ghost help us?)
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know that it is harder to avoid temptation when we allow ourselves to get close to it. Discuss with the children how they could distance themselves from temptation in the following situations:
A plate of your favorite dessert is on the table, ready to be taken to a sick neighbor.
Your parents have warned you not to swim without someone watching. You are alone by the water on a very hot day; perhaps you could just wade up to your knees …
Some of your friends are trying to convince you to try smoking a cigarette. Whenever you are with them, they dare you to take just one puff.
You are troubled by bad thoughts when you read a certain book.You could make a list on the chalkboard of other temptations, such as gossiping, looking at vulgar magazines, using bad language, dressing immodestly, watching inappropriate movies or television shows, telling unclean jokes or stories, listening to improper song lyrics, or using drugs. Discuss strategies for resisting evil, such as removing ourselves from the situation and replacing the temptation with something wholesome. Erase each harmful influence from the chalkboard as it is discussed.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 37–41” Many bad things happened to Joseph, but he chose to keep the commandments and the Lord was with him. Young children can learn from this that God wants to help them during hard times in their lives. (Older Children: Even though Joseph had many difficult trials, he remained faithful and “the Lord was with him” (Genesis 39:3).Joseph’s experiences can help the children feel confident that God will help them during trials.)
Describe some of the difficult things that happened to Joseph (see Genesis 37:23–28; 39:20; or “Joseph’s Inspired Dreams” and “Joseph in Egypt,” in Old Testament Stories). After you tell the children about each difficulty Joseph faced, invite them to repeat, “The Lord was with Joseph” (Genesis 39:2).
Share pictures of the Savior helping people who were facing challenges (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 40–43). Invite the children to share how the Savior was helping the people. Share your testimony that the Lord can help us when bad things happen to us.
Older Children:
Ask the children to find words or phrases in Genesis 39:1–3, 20–23; 41:38 that show that God was with Joseph during his hard times. If possible, invite the children to make a small sign displaying one of the phrases they found. Encourage them to take their signs home to remind them that the Lord will be with them during their trials.
Invite the children to share what they think the phrase “the Lord was with Joseph” means (Genesis 39:2). Invite them to share experiences when they felt that the Lord was with them or their families during a hard time. Share similar experiences from your life.
Friend April 2018 “Trouble in Adventure Forest” When Owen’s feet get burned he learns that Heavenly Father doesn’t always stop bad things from happening, but He helps us get through them.
Sing a song about the Savior’s loving care for us, such as “Jesus Is Our Loving Friend” (Children’s Songbook, 58). Share an experience when you have felt God’s love during a challenging time. Show a picture of Jesus, and invite the children to share how they feel about Him.
Pharaoh dreams of the cattle and the ears of grain—Joseph interprets the dreams as seven years of plenty and seven of famine—He proposes a grain storage program—Pharaoh makes him ruler of all Egypt—Joseph marries Asenath—He gathers grain as the sand upon the seashore—Asenath bears Manasseh and Ephraim—Joseph sells grain to Egyptians and others during the famine.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 37–41” God helped Joseph understand that Pharaoh’s dreams were a warning to prepare for hard times coming in the future. Help the children understand that God can warn them of danger, including spiritual danger.
Scatter pictures of food around the room, and invite the children to gather them and “store” them in a container. Use this activity to tell the children about how God warned Pharaoh to prepare for a time when there wouldn’t be food (see Genesis 41:15–36, 47–57). Let the children draw pictures of the things Pharaoh dreamed about and then use their pictures to teach their families at home.
Show a picture of the current prophet. Tell the children about teachings or warnings God has given us through him. Explain that we will be blessed and protected as we follow the prophet. Invite the children to act out things they can do to follow the prophet’s counsel.
Read Genesis 41:53–57, looking for what happened because Pharaoh followed Joseph’s counsel.
What is a principle we can identify from this account about following the counsel of prophets and inspired leaders?
“In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost,”
President Nelson’s Teachings:
Choose to do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly.”
“I urge you to stretch beyond your current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation.”
“I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation.”
Humble yourself before God.
Pour out your heart to your Heavenly Father.
Turn to Him for answers and for comfort.
Pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears, your weaknesses—yes, the very longings of your heart.
Listen!
Write the thoughts that come to your mind.
Record your feelings.
Follow through with actions that you are prompted to take.
Friend October 2017 “A Friendly Primary Visitor” A pilot comes to Primary and acts out flying and what could happen if he didn’t listen to the control tower. He likens the control tower to the prophet.
Story: Joseph helped the people in Egypt prepare for hard times. You can read this story on page 8 or in Genesis 41.
Activity: Make an emergency plan. Talk about ways your family can prepare for emergencies. What can you start today?
What can we learn about preparing for future emergencies? Discuss what you can do to be better prepared as a family. For ideas, see Gospel Topics, “Emergency Preparedness,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Lesson 15: Joseph Was Sold into Egypt,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 62–66 Purpose: To teach the children that even though we may not always be able to control the things that happen to us, we can control our attitudes. Lesson 16: Joseph in Egypt,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 67–70 Purpose: To encourage the children to keep themselves pure by staying away from temptation and living close to the Lord.
