Tag Archives: primary

May 18 2022

Deuteronomy 6–8; 15; 18; 29–30; 34

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Table of Contents

Moses’ Farewell

DEUTERONOMY CHAPTER 6

Moses proclaims, The Lord our God is one Lord, and, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God—The children of Israel are commanded to teach their children—Moses exhorts them to keep the commandments, testimonies, and statutes of the Lord that they may prosper.

Moses had spent his life preparing the children of Israel to enter that promised land, and the book of Deuteronomy records his final instructions, reminders, exhortations, and pleadings with the Israelites.(Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022)

I can love God with all my heart.

Deuteronomy 6:5

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Deuteronomy 6–8; 15; 18; 29–30; 34”

To help your children understand Deuteronomy 6:5, you could draw a heart, an outline of a body, and a strong arm. Your children could point to the pictures as you read the words “heart,” “soul,” and “might” in the verse. How do we show the Lord that we love Him with all our heart, soul, and might?

Friend May 2026 “Weekly Scripture Fun”

Friend May 2026 “I Can Love God with All My Heart”

    Ensign September “What Does it Mean to Love God with All Your Heart?” As we love someone else with all our hearts, we make them a priority in our lives. We give them our time, energy, talent, and resources.

    Jesus Christ taught: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)

    I can keep the word of God in my heart.

    Deuteronomy 6:6–15

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Deuteronomy 6–8; 15; 18; 29–30; 34”

    • Read with your children the Lord’s counsel to the Israelites to put scripture passages where they would see them every day (see Deuteronomy 6:6–9). This might inspire you and your children to think of ways to make sure you don’t “forget the Lord” (verse 12) and to remember what He has done for you.
    • On the board, write words and phrases from Deuteronomy 6:6–9 that indicate when and how the Israelites were to remember the word of God (such as sittest, walkest, liest down, hand, and house). Invite the children to find these words in the verses. What do these words teach about how to make the scriptures part of our everyday lives? Ask the children what they can do to remember the word of God in their daily life.

    Friend July 2020 “Eva’s Scripture Pictures” Eva loves to draw pictures of scripture stories and she puts them on the fridge to help her and her family to remember them.

    • Give each child a piece of paper, and invite them to write down a phrase from Deuteronomy 6 that is meaningful to them. Ask them to share why they chose their phrase. Suggest that they decorate their paper and display it in their home to remember it. Encourage the children to write down and display other phrases they find in the scriptures.

    Friend November 2019 “For Older Kids” Jordan’s Primary teacher told the class that she posts scripture verses on her door so she can always see them and read them every day. Jordan started doing that too, and soon her door was covered in scriptures.

    • You might point out that Deuteronomy 6:13, 16 and 8:3 helped the Savior during an important moment in His life. To see how, read together Matthew 4:1–10. Then you could share with each other some scripture passages that have helped you in times of need.

    DEUTERONOMY CHAPTERS 7-8

    Chosen to be a special people

    Deuteronomy CHAPTER 7 Israel is to destroy the seven nations of Canaan—Marriages with them are forbidden lest apostasy result—Israel has a mission as a holy and chosen people—The Lord shows mercy unto those who love Him and keep His commandments—He promises to remove sickness from the children of Israel if they obey.

    Deuteronomy CHAPTER 8 The Lord tested the children of Israel in the wilderness for forty years—Eating manna taught them that man lives by the word of God—Their clothing did not wear out—The Lord chastened them—If they serve other gods, they will perish.

    DEUTERONOMY CHAPTER 15

    Deuteronomy CHAPTER 15 Every seven years, all debts are to be released—The people are admonished to care for the poor—Hebrew servants are to be released and given gifts during the seventh year—The firstling males of herds and flocks are the Lord’s.

    I can joyfully serve those in need.

    Deuteronomy 15:7–11

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Deuteronomy 6–8; 15; 18; 29–30; 34”

    The teachings in Deuteronomy 15:7–11 can help the children you teach understand that helping others involves more than just actions. It should be done with a willing heart.

    • Write who, why, and how on the board. Invite the children to read Deuteronomy 15:7–11 to find out who we should help, why we should help them, and how our hearts should feel about helping. Let them write on the board what they find. Sing a song that reinforces the message in these verses, such as “Have I Done Any Good?” (Hymns, no. 223).

    Friend January 2021 “You Can Help Like Jesus” When Jesus was on the earth, he helped all he saw. Today many people in the world need our help. Each of us can do something to help, even children. About years ago, children helped build the Primary Children’s hospital by collecting pennies. (See more at link)

    Friend November 2019 “Helping Our Brothers and Sisters”

    President Nelson told about some ways people need help in the world today, such as 1 out of 9 people don’t have enough food and many don’t have clean water to drink. The article discusses how the church helps and how we can help people in need. (The article includes photos of the ways people need help, a quote handout idea, and a coloring page.)

    food bank
    Refugees
    • Ask the children to think of someone they could help—especially in their own family. Provide time for them to write down what they will do this week to help that person. If possible, make plans to reach out as a class to someone in need.

    Friend January 2018

    Friend May 2020 “Doing What Jesus Would Do” Care Package Ideas

    See additional ideas at Service

    DEUTERONOMY CHAPTER 18

    Deuteronomy CHAPTER 18 How priests are supported—Divination, spiritualism, and the like are abominations—A Prophet (Christ) will arise like unto Moses.

    Prophets teach us about Jesus Christ.

    Deuteronomy 18:15–18

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022

    Moses prophesied that Jesus Christ would come and that we should listen to the words Jesus would teach.

    • As you read Deuteronomy 18:18 together, help your children understand that the Prophet like Moses in this verse is Jesus Christ.

    Institute Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel “Deuteronomy 17–33”

    At least four other scriptures refer to the prophet like unto Moses (see Acts 3:22–23; 1 Nephi 22:21; 3 Nephi 20:23; JS—H 1:40). In each instance these scriptures make it clear that the prophet like unto Moses was the Savior, Jesus Christ. When Jesus visited the Nephites, as recorded in the Book of Mormon, He identified Himself in this way:

    “Behold, I am he of whom Moses spake, saying: A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass that every soul who will not hear that prophet shall be cut off from among the people.” (3 Nephi 20:23.)

    • Maybe you could look at pictures of things Moses did and things Jesus Christ did, and let your children match them (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 15, 16, 38, 39).

    The Red Crystal

    • Show the children a picture of our prophet today, and share something he has taught about the Savior.

    Coming Closer to Christ: President Oaks emphasized increasing humility, studying the scriptures, and serving others as key ways to strengthen personal faith and hear the Savior’s voice.

    The Saving Atonement: He teaches that Jesus has done everything essential for our mortal journey out of love, offering forgiveness and overcoming the challenges of mortality.

    Following His Teachings: He has urged members to embrace the Savior’s command to love one’s enemies, particularly in times of conflict, and to become peacemakers.

    Friend May 2003 Prophets taught about Jesus Christ

    DEUTERONOMY CHAPTERS 29-30

    Deuteronomy CHAPTER 29 The children of Israel make a covenant with the Lord under which they will be blessed if they are obedient, and cursed if they are disobedient—If they are disobedient, their land will be as brimstone and salt.

    Deuteronomy CHAPTER 30 The scattered Israelites will be gathered from all nations when they remember the covenant—Moses places life or death, blessing or cursing, before the people.

    Because of my covenants, I am part of God’s people.

    Deuteronomy 29:12–13; 30:8–10

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022

    Talking about Deuteronomy 29:12–13 provides an opportunity for you and your children to talk about covenants Ask the children what a covenant is (if they need help, suggest that they find a definition in “Covenant” in the Guide to the Scriptures [scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org]).

    Draw a two-column chart on the board with these headings: Israelites’ promises and God’s promises. Invite the children to search Deuteronomy 30:8–10 and fill in the chart. (If necessary, help the children understand the meanings of phrases in verse 9.) Testify of blessings that have come to you from keeping your covenants.

    What promises have we made with God? (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, 77).
    Invite the children to list on the board the promises we make at baptism and the promises Heavenly Father makes to us. How do these promises connect us with Him? (By keeping our covenants, we can receive heavenly help and strength.)

    Friend March 2023 “Baptismal Covenants”

    Consider singing together a song about covenants, such as “Standing on the Promises” (Gospel Library).

    For Additional Teaching Ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Covenants” and Resources for Teaching Children “Covenants”

    DEUTERONOMY CHAPTER 34

    Deuteronomy Chapter 34 Moses sees the promised land and is taken by the Lord—Joshua leads Israel—Moses was Israel’s greatest prophet.

    What happened to Moses?

    Deuteronomy 34:5–8

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 Even though Deuteronomy 34:5–8 says that Moses died, latter-day understanding clarifies that he was translated, or changed so that he would not suffer pain or death until being resurrected (see Alma 45:18–19; Bible Dictionary, “Moses”; Guide to the Scriptures, “Translated Beings,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). It was necessary for Moses to be translated because he needed to have a physical body in order to give priesthood keys to Peter, James, and John on the Mount of Transfiguration (see Matthew 17:1–13).

    Additional Resources

    Gathering Israel

    Friend May 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Gathering Israel Puzzle

    Story: God loves all His children. He wants them to be gathered together in His Church. Part of gathering Israel is bringing God’s children back to Him (see Deuteronomy 30:3).

    Song: “Israel, Israel, God Is Calling” (Hymns, no. 7)

    Activity: Cut out the puzzle pieces on page 27. Then have someone hide the pieces around the room. Have everyone else search for the pieces. Once all the pieces are gathered, put the puzzle together. Why does God want all of His children to return to Him?

    Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Inspiring Words” Lesson ideas

    Latter Day Kids “Love God with All Thine Heart” Lesson ideas

    May 9 2022

    Numbers 11–14; 20–24; 27

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    Table of Contents

    Quail is Provided when Israelites Lust for Meat

    Numbers CHAPTER 11 Fire from the Lord consumes the rebels in Israel—Israel murmurs and lusts for meat instead of manna—Moses complains that he cannot bear the burden alone—He is commanded to choose seventy elders to assist him—The Lord promises meat until it becomes loathsome to the Israelites—The seventy elders are chosen, they prophesy, the Lord comes down, and Eldad and Medad prophesy in the camp—Israel is provided with quail—The people lust, a great plague follows, and many die.

    I can be thankful for what God has given me.

    Numbers 11:4–10

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Numbers 11–14; 20–24” Even though the Lord had done wonderful things for the children of Israel, they often focused instead on what they didn’t have. Help the children learn to be thankful for what God has given them.

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

    • Ask your children if they remember some of the miracles the Lord performed to help the Israelites (see “The Plagues of Egypt” and “The Passover” in Old Testament Stories, 67–74). Then you could summarize for them Numbers 11:4–10, emphasizing that the Israelites had forgotten their blessings and were complaining. What blessings do we sometimes forget?

    Friend May 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Gratitude Game

    Story: Sometimes the Israelites forgot how the Lord had helped them. God wants us to remember to be grateful. It makes us happier too!

    Song: “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29)

    Activity: Play a gratitude game! Mark some sticks with one of three colors. Then take turns choosing a stick. For one color, name a person you are thankful for. For another color, say a place you are thankful for. For the third color, say a thing you are thankful for.

    Friend May 2026 “Weekly Scripture Fun”

    • Sing together a song about gratitude, such as “Count Your Blessings” (Hymns, no. 241). Invite each child to draw pictures of blessings the Lord has given them or their families. Encourage them to think about or look at their picture whenever they are tempted to complain about something they don’t have.
    This video is not produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints or any of its members, but it has visuals and words to help you sing the song.

    For additional teaching ideas see Gratitude

    Miriam and Aaron Speak Against Moses

    Numbers CHAPTER 12 Aaron and Miriam complain against Moses, the most meek of all men—The Lord promises to speak to Moses mouth to mouth and to reveal to him the similitude of the Lord—Miriam becomes leprous for a week.

    The Lord wants me to follow His prophet.

    Numbers 12

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

    • To introduce Numbers 12, you could tell your children that the Lord was unhappy with Aaron and Miriam, Moses’s brother and sister. Invite them to read Numbers 12:1–8 to find out why.
    This video is not produced by the church or any of its members, but it carefully follows the scripture account.
    • Consider using the Gospel Art Book to help your children find examples of people in the scriptures who respected the Lord’s prophet and were blessed. How are we blessed when we follow the Lord’s prophet?

    For additional teaching ideas see Prophets: Lesson Ideas

    Israelite Spies Fear the Strength of Canaan

    Numbers CHAPTER 13 Moses sends twelve spies to search the land of Canaan—Ten of them bring an evil report, telling only of the strength of the inhabitants.

    Numbers CHAPTER 14 Israel murmurs and speaks of returning to Egypt—Joshua and Caleb give a good report of Canaan—Moses mediates between Israel and the Lord—The adults of Israel will not enter the promised land—The Lord slays the false spies by a plague—Some rebels try to go alone and are slain by the Amalekites and Canaanites.

    Faith can help me not be afraid.

    Numbers 13:17–33; 14:6–9

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Numbers 11–14; 20–24” When Moses sent 12 men to find out about the promised land, 10 of them came back afraid because of the mighty people who lived there. Two of them, Caleb and Joshua, were not afraid, because they had faith in the Lord.

    • Use pictures or drawings of grapes, honey, giants, and grasshoppers to briefly tell the children about the 12 men Moses sent to explore the promised land (see Numbers 13:17–33). Explain that they found a lot of fruit and other foods (invite the children to pretend to eat the food), but they also were afraid because the people there were large and strong (invite the children to pretend to be afraid). Show a picture of Jesus, and point out that two Israelites, Caleb and Joshua, were not afraid because they had faith in Jesus Christ.
    • Read Numbers 14:9 to the children, and talk about a time when you were afraid but your faith in Jesus Christ helped you have courage. Help the children think of any similar experiences they’ve had.

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Numbers 11–14; 20–24”

    • Two (or more) members of your family could pretend to “spy out” (Numbers 13:17) another part of your home as if it were the promised land. Then they could each give a report based on Numbers 13:27–33 or Numbers 14:6–9. What do we learn about faith from the two different reports in these verses? How can we be more like Caleb and Joshua?

    For additional teaching ideas see Faith: Lesson Ideas

    Moses and the Brass Serpent

    Numbers CHAPTER 20 Miriam dies—Moses smites a rock at Meribah and brings forth water—The king of Edom refuses to let Israel pass peacefully through his land—Aaron dies, and Eleazar becomes the high priest.

    Numbers CHAPTER 21 The children of Israel destroy those Canaanites who fight against them—The Israelites are plagued with fiery serpents—Moses lifts up a serpent of brass to save those who look thereon—Israel defeats the Amorites, destroys the people of Bashan, and occupies their lands.

    I can look to Jesus Christ.

    Numbers 21:6–9

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Numbers 11–14; 20–24”

    Old Testament Stories “Moses and the Brass Serpent” Images and video

    Just as the children of Israel were healed by looking at the serpent of brass, the children in your class receive salvation by looking to the Savior.

    • How is the brass serpent like Jesus Christ? (see John 3:14–15). Your children might enjoy making a serpent out of paper and write on it some simple things they can do to “look upon the Son of God with faith” (Helaman 8:15).

    The brass serpent represented Christ taking upon Himself the “sins” or, in this case, the venomous consequences of rebellion, allowing for healing.The healing was not in the object itself, but in the deliberate action of looking, which was a required show of faith in God’s plan

    Latter Day Kids “Look to Christ and Live” Lesson ideas

    • Using this week’s activity page, tell the children what happened when “fiery serpents” came into the Israelites’ camp (see Numbers 21:6–9). Help them see how the brass serpent is like Jesus Christ (see John 3:14–15). Then let the children take turns using the picture to tell the story to each other.
    • Ask the children to close their eyes while you place a picture of the Savior somewhere in the room. Then invite the children to open their eyes, find the picture, and look at it. Let them take turns being the one to place the picture. Each time the children find the picture, help them think of something they can do to look to the Savior.

    Jesus Christ has the power to heal me spiritually.

    Numbers 21:4–9

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Numbers 11–14; 20–24” Many Israelites died because they did not have faith that the Lord would heal them if they looked at the brass serpent (see Alma 33:18–20).

    Media Library
    • Invite the children to draw pictures of what they read in Numbers 21:4–9. Let them use their pictures to tell the story. Ask each child to choose one of the following scriptures and share what it adds to our understanding of the story: John 3:14–15; 1 Nephi 17:41; Alma 33:18–20; Helaman 8:13–15; Doctrine and Covenants 6:36.
    • Write on the board a question like What can we do to “look upon the Son of God with faith”? (Helaman 8:15). Give each of the children a piece of paper, and invite them to write as many answers to the question as they can think of. Collect the papers, read a few answers aloud, and invite the children to talk about how doing these things can help us when we need the Savior’s healing power.

    Ask how each item helps grow or show faith in Jesus Christ as the family walks the path.

    Children’s Songbook
    Friend October 2016
    Friend October 2016
    Friend November 2018
    Friend November 2018
    Friend July 2015
    Friend July 2015

    Balak Asks Balaam to Curse the Israelites

    Numbers CHAPTER 22 Balak offers money, cattle, and great honors to Balaam to curse Israel—The Lord forbids Balaam to do so—An angel opposes Balaam on the way.

    Numbers CHAPTER 23 The Lord commands Balaam to bless Israel—He does so, saying, Who can count the dust of Jacob? and, What hath God wrought!

    Numbers CHAPTER 24 Balaam sees in vision and prophesies of the destiny of Israel—He prophesies of the Messiah: There will come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre will rise out of Israel.

    I can follow God’s will, even if others try to persuade me not to.

    Come Follow Me With Living Scriptures “Look and Live” Lesson ideas

    Numbers 22–24

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Numbers 11–14; 20–24” Balak tried to persuade Balaam to curse the Israelites, but Balaam knew that this was against God’s will. Balaam’s example could help the children when they face pressure to disobey God.

    • Summarize Numbers 22:1–18 for the children, emphasizing how Balaam refused to curse God’s people, even though Balak, the king of Moab, offered him honor and riches. Ask the children to search the following verses for phrases that they feel show Balaam’s determination to follow God: Numbers 22:18; 23:26; 24:13. Invite the children to pick one phrase they like and write it on a card to help them remember to obey the Lord.
    • Talk with the children about situations when friends or others might try to persuade them to do something wrong, as Balak did to Balaam. How did Balaam’s commitment to the Lord help him resist pressure from Balak? Invite the children to practice responding to these situations using words like Balaam’s.
    • “Treehouse” (August 2003 Friend)
      Jordan refuses when his friends try to get him to use a bad word as the password for their club.
    • “The Strength to Choose” (April 2010 Friend) Chris’s friend tries to get him to smoke a cigarette.
    • “Tag, You’re It” (August 2015 Friend and Liahona) Lauren decides to not follow Tami’s plan to be mean to Ally.
    • “Garbage Can Graffiti” (September 2010 Friend) Joe makes a bad decision after he listens to his friend instead of the Holy Ghost.

    Joshua is Set Apart to Lead Isreal

    Numbers Chapter 27 The law of inheritances to sons, daughters, and kinsmen is explained—Moses will see but not enter the promised land—Joshua is called and set apart to lead Israel.

    Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel “Numbers 13–36: Wilderness Wanderings, Part 2”

    “‘According to the order of God,’ ordination to offices in the priesthood is performed by the laying on of hands. (Alma 6:1; Acts 6:5–6; 1 Tim. 5:22.) Setting apart to positions of presidency, administration, or special responsibility comes in the same way. (Fifth Article of Faith; Num. 27:18–23; Deut. 34:9.)” (McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 438.)

    Additional Resources

    Primary Old Testament Lesson 22: Israel and the Brass Serpent

    Institute: Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel “Numbers 1–12” According to Josephus, when Moses was a general of the Egyptian army in the attack against the Ethiopians, he married an Ethiopian woman as a political alliance to end the war (see Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, bk. 2, chap. 10, par. 1).

    The ostensible reason for Miriam’s and Aaron’s complaining was that the Ethiopians were non-Israelite descendants of Cush. The real reason for the complaint, however, seems to have been jealousy motivated by Moses’ position as spiritual leader and prophet of Israel. Miriam was the instigator of the attack on Moses’ right to preside and was punished with leprosy. Even if Moses’ wish had been granted and every soul in Israel had received the gift of prophecy (see Numbers 11:29), Moses would still have been the one chosen by the Lord to preside. (See additional information at link and #17-24 Why Did Miriam and Aaron Oppose Moses?)

    Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel “Numbers 13–36: Wilderness Wanderings, Part 2”

    Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas Snake Bite Game: Each person find a small object to use as their game piece. Roll a die to determine how many spaces to move forward. If someone lands on a “SNAKE BITE!” space, they will automatically be out of the game unless they state something they can do to look to the Savior in their lives. Print up the picture on page 5 below and tape it up on the wall. Have each person write down the ways they’ll look to the Savior on this page.

    The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

    May 3 2022

    Exodus 35–40; Leviticus 1; 16; 19

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    Table of Contents

    Building the Tabernacle

    Exodus CHAPTER 35 Israel is admonished to observe the Sabbath—Free gifts are offered for the tabernacle—The calls and inspiration of certain artisans are confirmed.

    Exodus CHAPTER 36 Wise-hearted men are chosen to work on the tabernacle—Moses restrains the people from donating any more material.

    Exodus CHAPTER 37 Bezaleel makes the ark, the mercy seat, and the cherubims—He makes the table, the vessels, the candlestick, the incense altar, the holy anointing oil, and the sweet incense.

    Exodus CHAPTER 38 Bezaleel and others make the altar of burnt offerings and all things pertaining to the tabernacle—Offerings are made by 603,550 men.

    Friend May 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Build a Tabernacle

    Story: The Lord asked Moses and his people to build a tabernacle. A tabernacle is like a temple. The Lord told them to build it like a tent so they could take it with them as they traveled to the promised land. You can read about it in Exodus 39:33–43.

    Song: “I Love to See the Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 95)

    Activity: Build a tent like the tabernacle. You can use blankets, towels, chairs, and anything else in your home. Then sit in your tent and talk about why temples are important. Or you could make a small tabernacle with blocks or other items.

    God has given me gifts to help with His work.

    Exodus 35:20–29; 36:1

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 35–40; Leviticus 1; 16; 19”

    • Consider reading with them Exodus 36:1 to find out what the Lord gave Bezaleel and Aholiab to help build the tabernacle. Testify that God has “put” gifts into each of His children. Every one of Heavenly Father’s children has something to contribute to His work. The children you teach may need your help to recognize how they can use their gifts to help in God’s work. You could then talk with your children about what you feel the Lord has given them to help build His kingdom. How can we use these things to bless others?

    Friend March 2017 “What Are Your Spiritual Gifts?” This activity from the Friend can help family members learn about their own spiritual gifts.

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

    Friend June 2024 “I Can Serve at Church”

    At the end of this outline is a picture of the Israelites’ wilderness tabernacle. You might want to look at it with your children and ask them what materials would have been needed to build the tabernacle. Then you could read together Exodus 35:20–29 to find out how these materials were provided. How has the Lord invited us to contribute to building His kingdom?

    The Ancient Tabernacle, by Bradley Clark

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 35–40; Leviticus 1; 16; 19” In Exodus 36:1–7, What do we learn from the way the Israelites responded to the command to build the tabernacle? As a family, you could think of ways the Lord has invited us to participate in His work. How can we follow the Israelites’ example?

    • Tell the children why you want to help with the Lord’s work. Help them think of ways they can participate too. Write their ideas on slips of paper, put them in a container, and invite each child to choose one and act out the action on the slip of paper. Ideas might include:
    • Put away a hymnbook.
    • Pick up trash I see.
    • Help hold up a picture.
    • Help clean the church building.
    • Give talks
    • Give prayers
    • Learn about an ancestor
    • Share something you learned at church with a friend.

    For additional teaching ideas see Church Service

    Tabernacle is Complete and Aaron is Anointed

    Exodus CHAPTER 39 Holy garments are made for Aaron and the priests—The breastplate is made—The tabernacle of the congregation is finished—Moses blesses the people.

    Exodus CHAPTER 40 The tabernacle is reared—Aaron and his sons are washed and anointed and given an everlasting priesthood—The glory of the Lord fills the tabernacle—A cloud covers the tabernacle by day, and fire rests on it by night.

    Moses Calls Aaron to the Ministry, by Harry Anderson

    Scripture Helps: Old Testament “Exodus 35–40; Leviticus 1; 4; 16; 19”

    Aaron and his sons received the Aaronic (or Levitical) Priesthood and were appointed as priests. Aaron was further designated as the first high priest, or the presiding officer of the Levitical Priesthood.

    The Lord command Moses to wash, anoint, and clothe Aaron and his sons. The act of washing symbolized being spiritually cleansed. When Moses anointed Aaron and his sons with sacred oil, he set them apart to perform their special duties in the service of God.

    I can feel the Lord’s presence in holy places.

    Exodus 40:17–34

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

    • Exodus 40:17–34 lists things that were part of the Israelites’ tabernacle. Maybe you and your children could find them in these verses and in the picture of the tabernacle at the end of this outline. Talk about how each part of the tabernacle could teach about the Savior or Heavenly Father. For example, the ark of testimony could remind us of God’s commandments, the altar could remind us of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, and so on.

    Scripture Helps: Old Testament The following objects were contained in the ancient tabernacle:

    Altar of sacrifice The altar in the outer courtyard was used for animal sacrifices. Animal sacrifices were symbolic of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 

    Laver of water Here the priests washed their hands and feet before entering the tabernacle or officiating at the altar of sacrifice. This was a reminder for the Israelites of the need to be clean as they participated in sacred ordinances and prepared to enter the Lord’s presence.

    Table of shewbread The 12 loaves of unleavened bread on the table of shewbread (pronounced showbread) served as a reminder to the Israelites that Jehovah was their continual provider. He is the bread of life.

    Candlestick Light is a symbol of Jesus Christ, who is “the light of the world.” The light from the lamps can also symbolize other sources of light the Lord has blessed us with, including the Holy Ghost and the scriptures. 

    Altar of incense The altar of incense was placed in front of the veil leading to the Holy of Holies. The high priest burned incense each morning and night at this altar. The smoke from the incense represented the prayers of the faithful ascending to God.

    Veil The veil symbolized the “separation between God and man.” Just as the veil of the temple gave the high priest access to the Holy of Holies, it is only through Jesus Christ and His Atonement that we can enter God’s presence.

    Ark of the covenant The mercy seat represented the throne of God. After the Lord gave Moses instructions for creating the ark of the covenant, He promised, “There I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat.”

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 35–40; Leviticus 1; 16; 19”The Lord commanded the children of Israel to build the tabernacle so He could “dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8). You can help the children learn about the holy places God has given us today to help us feel His presence. The tabernacle not only allowed the children of Israel to have the presence of God with them, but it also taught them things they could do to become more like God.

    • What holy places do we have today that help us feel closer to Jesus Christ? As part of this conversation, you could watch together the video “Temples” (Gospel Library). You could also sing a song like “Holy Places” (Gospel Library). Share with each other how you feel about sacred places like the temple.

    • Complete the activity page with the children. As you do, sing a song with them about the temple, such as “I Love to See the Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 95).

    Burnt Sacrifice Offerings in Tabernacle

    Leviticus CHAPTER 1 Animals without blemish are sacrificed as an atonement for sins—Burnt offerings are a sweet savor unto the Lord.

    Leviticus CHAPTER 16 How and when Aaron must enter the holy place is explained—Sacrifices are offered to reconcile Israel to God—The scapegoat carries away the sins of the people—The sins of all Israel are forgiven on the Day of Atonement.

    Because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, I can be forgiven.

    Leviticus 1:1–4

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

    The animal sacrifices described in the Old Testament were meant to teach the children of Israel about forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Consider how reading about these sacrifices could do the same for your children. You could show pictures of Jesus Christ in Gethsemane and on the cross (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 56, 57) as you read with the children Leviticus 1:1–4. Help them find words or phrases that remind them of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 35–40; Leviticus 1; 16; 19”

    • Show a picture of Jesus Christ visiting the people in the Americas (such as Gospel Art Book, no. 82). Explain that after Jesus Christ was crucified and resurrected, He taught the people in America why they no longer needed to sacrifice animals. Read together 3 Nephi 9:19–20, and ask the children what we are commanded to sacrifice instead. What does it mean to offer a sacrifice of a broken heart and contrite spirit? Suggest that they search “Broken Heart” in Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org) for help answering this question. Invite them to ponder how they can offer a broken heart and contrite spirit to the Lord.

    Leviticus CHAPTER 19 Israel is commanded: Be holy, live righteously, love your neighbor, and keep the commandments—The Lord reveals and reaffirms sundry laws and commandments—Enchantments, wizardry, prostitution, and all evil practices are forbidden.

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 35–40; Leviticus 1; 16; 19” Family members could each find a verse in this chapter that they feel will help them “be holy” (Leviticus 19:2) and share it with the family.

    Additional Resources

    See Old Testament Stories & Lesson Ideas & Old Testament: Activities & Games for additional lesson resources.

    Old Testament Seminary Student Material “Leviticus

    Scripture Helps: Old Testament “Exodus 35–40; Leviticus 1; 4; 16; 19”

    Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel “Exodus 25–30; 35–40: The House of the Lord in the Wilderness”

    Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel “Leviticus 1–10: A Law of Performances and Ordinances, Part 1: Sacrifices and Offerings”

    Come Follow Me Kid

    The Red Crystal

    Apr 27 2022

    Education & Learning: Stories

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    Friend January 2022 “I Am Growing!”

    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 2019
    Friend 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.

    Apr 26 2022

    Fellowshipping

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    Table of Contents

    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.

    Friend May 2015
    Friend May 2015

    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 February 2017
    Friend April 2016
    Friend April 2016

    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?
    Friend May 2015
    Friend May 2015

    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.

    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.

    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?
    Friend February 2017
    Media Library
    Friend April 2016
    Friend April 2016

    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.

    Friend August 2017

    Fellowshipping Lonely Members

    Friend February 2017
    Friend February 2017
    Friend February 2017

    Fellowshipping Inactive Members

    Friend April 2016
    Friend April 2016

    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.)

    Friend August 2018 “Show and Tell”

    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.

    image

     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 2018
    Friend April 2018
    Friend April 2018

    Friend 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.

    Friend June 2016 Matt and Mandy

    Friend June 2016

    Friend July 2017 Matt and Mandy

    Friend November 2016 “Question Corner” Children’s responses about how to help Mandy’s friend who is getting baptized.

    Friend November 2016 “Matt and Mandy” Responses to the question about helping their friend after baptism.

    img_5625

    Members of the Church should be friends and “fellowcitizens.” (Jr)

    Ephesians 2:19

    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” )‘

    Clipart Library

    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)

    Ephesians 2:13–19

    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 Red Crystal

    Apr 12 2022

    Easter: Old Testament

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    Table of Contents

    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.
    • Activity Idea: Print, and cut out the below scripture strips and pictures. Tape the pictures to a display board. Each child can take a strip with the Old Testament and the matching New Testament scripture. Explain that Old Testament prophets made these prophecies long before Jesus was born, and the New Testament scriptures are what happened when he was alive on the earth. Have them read their scriptures to themselves. Going in order, have them take turns telling in their own words what is said in both their scriptures, and then matching and taping the scriptures next to the picture it goes with.
    Images are from Clipart Library, Super Coloring, Pinterest, & Friend magazine

    Jesus Suffered and Died for Me

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Easter”

    • 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.
    • How are we blessed because of Jesus’s sacrifice for us? Help your children look for words and phrases that answer this question in Isaiah 53:4–12; Alma 7:11–13; and Doctrine and Covenants 19:16–19. Share with each other how you feel about the Savior after reading these scriptures.

    For the Strength of Youth “The Suffering Savior”

    • 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?

    Friend February 2015

    Friend March 2011

    Friend March 2011
    • 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?

    Jesus Died and Was Resurrected for Me.

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Easter” How can you help the children learn that because of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection, we and our loved ones will be resurrected someday?

    • 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.

    New Testament Stories “Jesus is Risen” Images and video

    • 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.

    Teaching Children the Gospel: Easter Object Lesson

    Resurrection Puppets
    Friend September 2006
    1. 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. 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. 2. Did Jesus come to those he loved?Yes, people touched his feet,And of the fish and honeycombHe did truly eat.
    3. 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?

    • 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.

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Easter” .

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

    Consider how you will help your children find joy in Christ this Easter. For example, you could sing together a favorite Easter hymn, such as “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” (Hymns
    , no. 200) or “Gethsemane” (Gospel Library). To find other songs about the Resurrection, you could look in the topical index of Hymns and Children’s Songbook. You and your children could share with each other why you like these songs and how you feel when you sing them. What do these songs teach us about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

    • Gospel Library has a collection of Easter videos that your children might enjoy. Maybe you could let them pick one to watch. Ask them what they learn about Jesus Christ from the video. You might also ask them to summarize the message of the video in one sentence.

    Prophets testify of Jesus Christ and His Atonement.

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

    • As you and your children watch general conference together this Easter weekend, help them notice when the Savior’s special witnesses bear testimony of the Resurrection. Perhaps you could make a game of it—invite them to stand every time they hear words like Easter or Atonement or Resurrection. Share with each other why you’re grateful for the living prophets’ testimonies of the Savior.

    Additional Resources

    For additional teaching ideas see “Teaching Children the Gospel: Jesus Christ: Death & Resurrection (Easter)” and Resources for Teaching Children “Easter”

    For a summary of what happened during the last week of the Savior’s life, see “Holy Week” and ComeuntoChrist.org/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).

    Come Follow Me With Living Scriptures “Remember Him” Lesson ideas

    The Red Crystal

    Primary 6 Manual Old Testament “The Gift of the Atonement” Page 217

    For the Strength of Youth March 2026 “Finding the Savior’s Atonement in the Old Testament”

    Some people might think that the Old Testament, which was written before the Savior was born and doesn’t mention Jesus Christ by name, doesn’t have much to say about Easter. But as the Book of Mormon clarifies, people in ancient times knew and had faith in the Savior, too (see Jacob 4:4).

    The Israelites were taught that the purpose of the law of Moses was to point them toward Christ. For example, when they were healed from venomous snake bites by looking at the brass serpent the Lord had instructed Moses to make, Moses taught them that this was symbolic of the Savior, who would come and save them from their sins (see Numbers 21:7–9; Alma 33:18–20).

    Unfortunately, a lot of that clarity is missing from the Bible as we have it today, due to changes—both intentional and accidental—over the centuries (see 1 Nephi 13:23–27).

    But if you look, you can still find many references to the Savior and His Atonement in the Old Testament. Let’s talk about a few!

    Palm Sunday, Gethsemane, and the Trial

    “Thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass” (Zechariah 9:9).

    This was fulfilled on what is now known as Palm Sunday, seven days before Easter, when Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem (see Matthew 21:15).

    “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted” (Isaiah 53:4).

    In Gethsemane, the Savior suffered for all of the sins—and felt the sorrows, pains, sicknesses, and afflictions—of every person who had ever lived or ever would live on earth. Because of this, He knows how to comfort us in our trials (see Alma 7:11–13; see also Matthew 8:17).

    “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7).

    Jesus remained silent when the high priest questioned Him (see Mark 14:60–61).

    • The Sadducees were elitist, controlled the temple, and denied the resurrection. The Pharisees were scholars of the law, focused on everyday holiness, and believed in the resurrection.
    • Motivations: The Sadducees, controlling the Temple and holding political power, saw Jesus as a threat, while the Pharisees opposed Jesus over religious practices and interpretations of the Law.
    • The Trial: While both were present, some scholars believe the Sadducean elite, led by the high priest, were the primary instigators of the verdict
    Crucifixion

    The Crucifixion

    “The assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet” (Psalm 22:16).

    “They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture” (Psalm 22:18).

    “They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink” (Psalm 69:21).

    Crucifixion was a common method of execution at the time, but the Roman soldiers were particularly cruel in their mockery and torment of the Savior (see John 19:1–3; Matthew 27:34–35, 48).

    Jesus Christ at the tomb with Mary

    The Resurrection

    “He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it” (Isaiah 25:8).

    “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God” (Job 19:25–26).

    The Lord Jesus Christ was resurrected. He is alive now! Countless scriptures and testimonies confirm this. What’s more, our Heavenly Father knew from the beginning that we would need a Savior, and He has been preparing His children to receive the Savior since Old Testament times.

    Apr 4 2022

    Exodus 14–18

    Featured

    Table of Contents

    Crossing the Red Sea

    Genesis CHAPTER 14 Israel goes out of Egypt—Israel passes through the Red Sea on dry ground—The Lord overthrows the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.

    The Lord can do a “great work” in my life.

    Exodus 14:5–22

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 14–17”

    • 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 or blankets 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.

    The Red Crystal This site has a fun reenactment skit. (or you could use the skit below)

    Friend April 2022 “Moses Parts the Red Sea” Script to act out Moses parting the Red Sea.

    • 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.

    When the Lord parted the Red Sea, Moses and the Israelites saw how powerful He is. (see also “The Passover” in Old Testament Stories, 70–74). Then you could share with each other how you have seen God’s power in your lives.

    Old Testament Scripture Stories “The Passover”

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 14–17”

    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?

    Friend June 2025 “Presentation Panic” Allyson hated talking in front of people, but she had to do a history presentation. She had practiced it several times, but when she got up to give it her mind went blank from fear. She said a prayer in her mind for help. As soon as she finished, her panic faded away and she was able to give her presentation.

    Friend October 2023 “Timeon’s Priesthood Blessing” Timeon fell and hurt his arm when playing monkeys with his friends at an empty tree hut. He was in a lot of pain, but there were no doctors close enough to visit in the dark. The elders gave him a priesthood blessing. Soon Timeon’s arm didn’t hurt so much. He felt calm and peaceful. He was even able to fall asleep. They were able to go see a doctor in the morning. Timeon was grateful for priesthood power.

    Friend February 2023 “Lost and Found Friends”. School was about to start and Leah was worried about not having a friend. She kept praying for help. Then on the first day of school she found that her best friend was in her class. Heavenly Father had helped her.

    I Can Learn to Always Follow the Spirit.

    Exodus 14:5–22

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 14–17”

    What does Doctrine and Covenants 8:2–3 add to our understanding of the story in Exodus 14? Moses knew by revelation how to lead the Israelites across the Red Sea.

    Media Library

    • Consider telling your children about an experience when the Holy Ghost told you something in your mind or heart, and invite them to talk about their experiences. You could also sing a song about the Holy Ghost, such as “Let the Holy Spirit Guide” (Hymns, no. 143).

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

    • 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.

    The Lord Provides Manna, Quail, and Water

    Exodus CHAPTER 15 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.

    Exodus CHAPTER 16 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.

    The Lord can make bitter things sweet.

    Exodus 15:22–25

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

    • Maybe you and your children could drink something sweet and something bitter while studying Exodus 15:22–25 together. How has the Savior made “bitter” experiences in our lives “sweet”?

    Why is adversity for our good? Adversity can help us become more like Jesus Christ; It can help us to develop empathy, patience, kindness, humility, faith and trust in God, reliance on God, etc. Ask the children if they would like to share how an adversity they suffered was for their gain.

    Jesus is my Living Water, my Bread of Life, and my Rock.

    Exodus 15:23–25; 16:14–15; 17:1–6

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

    The Red Crystal Matching activity: One page has scriptures from Exodus, the other page has scriptures that tie it to Jesus. When a match is made, read both scriptures and ask the children how the object taught them about Jesus.

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 14–17” 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?

    Old Testament Stories “The Israelites in the Wilderness” Video and Illustrations

    Friend April 2022 “Moses and the Manna”

    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?

    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.

    Media Library “The Gathering of the Manna”

    Additional Resources:

    Israelites Prevail in Battle as Moses Hands are Held Up

    Exodus CHAPTER 17 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.

    I can help “bear the burden” of doing the Lord’s work.

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 14–17” The children of Israel were victorious in the battle against Amalek only when Moses had his hands raised in the air. What can we learn about sustaining our leaders from this story?

    Exodus 17:8–16; 18:13–26

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

    • As you read Exodus 17:8–16, you could invite a child to hold their hands high in the air. When the child gets tired, other children could help, the way Aaron and Hur helped Moses. What does this story teach about how we can help God’s kingdom be successful? You could also read Exodus 18:13–26 and talk about the heavy responsibilities of people who serve in your ward. What can we do today to help our Church leaders, just as Aaron and Hur helped the prophet Moses?
    Media Library “One Before God”

    Sustaining leaders involves more than just a raised hand—it means that we stand behind them, pray for them, accept assignments and callings from them, hearken to their counsel, and refrain from criticizing them. (Come Follow Me for Aaronic Priesthood “What does it mean to sustain my Church leaders?”)

    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.

    Jethro Counsels Moses to Delegate

    Exodus CHAPTER 18 Jethro comes to Moses bringing Moses’ wife and sons and offers sacrifices to the Lord—Moses sits in the judgment seat and hears all cases—Jethro counsels Moses to teach the law, to appoint lesser judges, and to delegate power to them.

    I Can Help “Bear the Burden” of Doing the Lord’s Work.

    Exodus 18:13–26

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 18–20” Moses learned that trying to lead the children of Israel all by himself was “not good” (Exodus 18:17). Loving and serving one another can help ease the burdens of our leaders.

    • Invite the children to draw many circles on the board to represent members of the ward. Draw a circle labeled bishop. Why would it be a problem if the bishop were the only one helping everyone else? Read together Exodus 18:13–26 to find out what advice Jethro gave when Moses was trying to do everything himself. Ask the children to label other circles to represent other ward leaders and members who help the bishop serve others. How do these other leaders and members make the bishop’s burden lighter? How can we do the same for our ward leaders? for our parents at home?

    Friend December 2019 “Notes for Sister Puckett” Tyler was excited to become a deacon so he could serve and minister like his parents do. (His father takes notes in sacrament for Sister Puckett who is sick, and his mom made taco soup for her.)

    • Help the children make a list of leaders in your ward. As a class, select one and discuss what this person does to accomplish the Lord’s work and what the children can do to help. (Suggestions: Primary leaders, Primary teachers, chorister, librarians)

    Friend December 2018 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!

    Giving Talks, Singing, Playing Instruments

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

    • “Prayer Power” (March 2019 Liahona and Friend)
      Lucy and her family pray for their church leaders.

    Friend April 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Bear One Another’s Burdens“

    Activity: Have one person stand and hold their arms out. Put a book in each of their hands. Add more books until they are too heavy to hold up. Then have two people hold the person’s arms up. Is it easier to carry a burden when you have help? How can you help others? How can you ask for help?

    Friend May 2020 “I Will Be Valiant” Song and Sing-along Video.

    The Lord needs valiant servants,

    To do His work in the latter day,

    Who follow the teachings of Jesus

    And serve His people in a loving way.

    I will be His servant

    And keep my cov’nants valiantly.

    I’ll stand for truth. I’ll stand for right.

    The Lord can depend on me.

    Additional Resources

    See Old Testament Stories & Lesson Ideas & Old Testament: Activities & Games for additional lesson resources.

    Scripture Helps: Old Testament “Exodus 14-18”

    Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 14–17”

    Come Follow Me Kid

    Mar 28 2022

     Exodus 7–13

    Featured

    Table of Contents

    The Plagues of Egypt

    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.

    The Lord Has Power Over All Things.

    Exodus 7–11

    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.

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

    The plagues described in Exodus 7–11 showed the Egyptians and the Israelites that the Lord has great power. The Lord will help your children throughout their lives when they have faith in His power. To help them learn from this story, you could give each child a paper divided into 10 sections, and invite them 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  (You could also give one scripture reference to each child and have 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.)

    The Red Crystal

    See also “The Plagues of Egypt” in Old Testament Stories, 67–69. Read together Exodus 7:5 and 9:14 to explain why the Lord sent the plagues.

    Old Testament Stories “The Plagues of Egypt” Illustrations and video

    Old Testament Coloring Book “Plagues of Egypt”

    • Share with your children how the Lord has shown you “that there is none like [Him] in all the earth” (Exodus 9:14). Let them share how they know that the Lord is powerful. What do the plagues teach us about God’s power? Why is it important to know about His power?

    The Lord Has Power to Deliver Me.

    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.

    • 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.

    img_5445

    Friend April 2006 “Miracles”

    The Lord Can Help Me Have a Soft Heart.

    Exodus 8:28–32; 9:7

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

    • Show the children the bowl of water, rock, and sponge. Ask (or show) what would happen if you poured water onto the sponge, and then ask (or show) what would happen if you poured water onto 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 receives the word of the Lord. A soft heart is humble and teachable. You could then read together a few verses describing how Pharaoh responded to the plagues sent by the Lord (see Exodus 8:28–32; 9:7). Which of the objects best represents Pharaoh’s heart or attitude?(see Mosiah 3:19). Elder Christopher H. Kim’s message “Harden Not Your Heart” could also help your children understand the difference between a hard heart and a soft one (Liahona, May 2025, 118–20, especially the fifth paragraph).
    • You and your children could make a list of some actions that might show when we have a hard heart (for example, using unkind words or being unwilling to share). How can we show the Lord we want to have soft hearts? (The below hearts could be printed and put on the board and the children could write the lists next to the correct heart.)

    The Red Crystal

    Latter Day Kids “A Soft Heart” Lesson ideas

    The Passover

    Exodus CHAPTER 12 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.

    Exodus CHAPTER 13 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.

    The Sacrament Helps Me Remember My Deliverance Through Jesus Christ.


    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.

    Old Testament Scripture Stories “The Passover”

    The sacrament can help me remember Jesus.

    Exodus 12:1–13

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & 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. The Passover taught the Israelites to look forward to the Savior and His sacrifice for us. As you explore Exodus 12:1–13 together, help your children see connections between the details of the Passover and Jesus Christ’s Atonement (see also “The Passover” in Old Testament Stories, 70–74). For example, how is Jesus like the lamb described in verse 5?

    Old Testament Seminary Student Material & Old Testament Seminary Teacher Material

    Lamb (Jesus Christ)

    Blood (Atonement of Jesus Christ)

    Bitter herbs (bondage, sin)

    Unleavened bread (repentance, removal of sin)

    Lamb without blemish (Exodus 12:4–6, 46) Jesus Christ, “the Lamb of God” (John 1:36), was perfect and was slain for the sins of the world. 

    Blood of the lamb on the lintel and door posts (Exodus 12:6–7, 12–13) The lamb’s blood needed to be placed around the doors to protect the people inside from the destroying angel.. The Atonement of Jesus Christ can protect us from the power of Satan as we apply the conditions of repentance in our lives.

    Unleavened bread (Exodus 12:8, 15) Leaven, or yeast, causes bread to become moldy. As part of our repentance, we are to rid our lives of anything that can corrupt our spirits.

    Bitter herbs (Exodus 12:8) The bitter herbs reminded the Israelites of their years of bitter bondage in Egypt. The bitter bondage is like the bitterness of our sins.

    Freepik

    Scripture Helps: Old Testament “Exodus 7-13” On the evening before Jesus Christ was crucified, He and His disciples shared a Passover meal together. At the end of this meal, Jesus introduced the ordinance of the sacrament, which He told His disciples to repeat in remembrance of Him. The following day, in similitude of the lamb that was sacrificed as part of the Passover, the Lamb of God was sacrificed on the cross for the sins of the world. His sacrifice ended the need for animal sacrifices.

    Media Library

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

    • Today, we take the sacrament to remember Jesus’s sacrifice. You could show your children a picture of the sacrament and talk about how this ordinance helps us remember Jesus Christ. You might help your children find the word “remember” in the sacrament prayers (see Moroni 4–5).
    Media Library

    Friend June 2023 “A Tiny Piece of Bread” Anahí was excited to take the sacrament at the church building again after Covid was over, but by the time the tray got to her there was only a small crumb left. She picked it up and put it in her mouth, but all day long she worried that it didn’t count because it was only a crumb. But her mom said, “I saw you looking at the little picture of Jesus. What were you thinking about?” Anahi said, “I was thinking about how Jesus loves me. And about the nail prints in His hands and feet. And all He did for us.” Her mom explained, “That’s why we take the bread and water. To remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us.” So the size of the bread doesn’t matter, what matters is how you feel as you remember the Savior.

    • Sing together “The Sacrament” (Children’s Songbook, 72). Or sing together a favorite hymn about the sacrament, and help your children notice the peaceful feeling they have when they think about the Savior. How can we seek that feeling when we take the sacrament?

    Exodus 12:1–42.

    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”)

    Additional Resources

    See Old Testament Stories & Lesson Ideas & Old Testament: Activities & Games for additional lesson resources.

    Lesson 19: Moses Delivers the Israelites from Bondage,” Primary 6: Old Testament

    Scripture Helps: Old Testament “Exodus 7-13”

    How were Pharaoh’s magicians able to imitate some of the miracles performed by Moses and Aaron?

    President Dallin H. Oaks remarked: “You will remember that the magicians in Pharaoh’s court duplicated some of the miracles Moses produced through the power of God [see Exodus 7–8]. Perhaps these magicians were servants of the devil, using his power, but I think it more likely that they were simply skilled practitioners of magic tricks that they used to reinforce their position in Pharaoh’s court.”

    Although the magicians of Egypt were able to perform some imitations, they were never able to prevent or overcome the plagues the Lord sent. In fact, their imitations of the first two plagues likely made circumstances worse for the people of Egypt. The contrast between the Lord’s priesthood power exercised by Moses and the imitations wrought by the magicians of Egypt illustrates that God’s power is superior to all other forms of power.

    Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

    The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

    Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Know That I Am the Lord” Lesson ideas

    Mar 21 2022

    Exodus 1-6

    Featured

    Table of Contents

    ISRAELITES IN BONDAGE

    Exodus CHAPTER 1 The children of Israel multiply—They are placed in bondage by the Egyptians—Pharaoh seeks to destroy the sons born to Hebrew women.

    MOSES IN EGYPT then MIDIAN

    Exodus CHAPTER 2 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.

    God can work through me to fulfill His purposes.

    Exodus 1–2

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & 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. Help your children learn about these women in Exodus 1:15–20; Exodus 2:2–10 (see also Numbers 26:59); and Exodus 2:16–21. You could also use this week’s activity page and “Baby Moses” (in Old Testament Stories, 61–63) to tell their stories. How did these women help fulfill God’s plan?

    Old Testament Stories “Baby Moses” Illustrations and video

    Friend March 2022 “Scripture Hero Cards”

    Lesson 18: The Birth and Calling of Moses,” Primary 6: Old Testament (Page 90-95) 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?

    Friend March 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

    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.)

    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.

    Friend March 2022 “Make a Basket for Baby Moses”

    • 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.

    MOSES AND THE BURNING BUSH

    Exodus CHAPTER 3 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.

    Exodus 3:1–5 The Lord asked Moses to remove his shoes at the burning bush as a sign of respect and reverence.

    I can treat holy places with reverence.

    Exodus 3:1–5

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 1–6

    • After reading Exodus 3:1–5 together, ask your children to summarize these verses in their own words (see also “Moses the Prophet” in Old Testament Stories, 64–66). You could also review the beginning of Elder Ulisses Soares’s message “Reverence for Sacred Things” (Liahona, May 2025, 108).

    Old Testament Stories “Moses the Prophet” Story illustrations and Videos

    • How did Moses show reverence in the Lord’s presence? How does the Lord want us to show reverence? You might also ask your children to help you find (or draw) pictures of sacred places or activities where we should be reverent.
    • Activity ideas: Have the children sort these pictures, or the list below the pictures, into places where we should be reverent and where we don’t need to be reverent.
    Friend January 2017
    Friend September 2015
    Friend September 2015
    Friend February 2018

    The Red Crystal

    Talk about how being reverent at appropriate times helps us know Heavenly Father and Jesus better and feel their presence in our lives.

    • Sing together a song about reverence, such as “Reverence Is Love” (Children’s Songbook, 31). As you do, your children could find words or phrases that explain what it means to be reverent. If we were bringing a friend to church for the first time, how would we explain what it means to be reverent?
    Friend October 2016
    Friend October 2016

    For additional teaching ideas see Reverence.

    When the Lord asks me to do something, He will help me do it.

    Exodus 3–4

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 1–6

    • Using the account in Exodus 3; 4:1–17, let your children take turns pretending to be Moses. It might be fun to include objects or simple props, such as a flashlight and a plant to represent the burning bush.
    Gospel Art Picture: “Moses and the Burning Bush”
    • Help your children discover how Moses felt about the assignment the Lord gave him (see Exodus 3:11; 4:1, 10). Maybe you could share with each other times when you had similar feelings. What advice would we share with Moses to help him? Read about how the Lord encouraged Moses in Exodus 3:12; 4:2–9, 11–12. Tell the children how the Savior has helped you fulfill a calling, follow a prompting, or do something else that was hard for you.

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

    • 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.

    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.

    Friend November 2019 “The Primary Talk” Dennis was afraid to give a talk in Primary because he stutters. 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.

    Additional Lesson Topic Ideas

    The Lord sees our afflictions and will help as we turn to him.

    Exodus 3:7

    The Lord explained to Moses that He had seen the afflictions of the children of Israel, heard their prayers, and knew their sorrows (see Exodus 3:7).

    1. Assign each person an emotion based on the color they’re wearing most of:
      • Yellow = happy
      • Blue = sad
      • Red = angry
      • Green = calm
      • Orange = scared
      • Other = confused or surprised
    2. Each person will share a specific experience when they’ve felt that emotion.
    3. Can we tell how people are feeling just by their appearance or what they’re wearing?
    4. Who sees all our emotions, including our afflictions and sorrows, even when others might not be able to?
    5. Find scriptures that show how Jesus Christ knows and understands us.

    Discussion: What are some trials we’ve been through? How can we know that the Lord was aware of us through those times?

    Jesus Christ is my Deliverer.

    Jesus Christ is also known as our “Deliverer.” What does it mean to deliver? Talk about how He has power to save us from sin and death. He also had a plan to deliver the Israelites

    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).

    Additional Resources

    See Old Testament Stories & Lesson Ideas & Old Testament: Activities & Games for additional lesson resources.

    Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

    The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

    Mar 14 2022

    Genesis 42–50

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    Table of Contents

    JOSEPH FORGIVES HIS BROTHERS

    Genesis CHAPTER 42 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.

    Genesis CHAPTER 43 Jacob is persuaded to send Benjamin to Egypt—Joseph’s brothers show respect to him—They all eat and drink together.

    Genesis CHAPTER 44 Joseph arranges to stop the return of his brothers to Canaan—Judah offers himself in place of Benjamin for their father’s sake.

    Genesis CHAPTER 45 Joseph makes himself known to his brothers—They rejoice together—Pharaoh invites Jacob and his family to dwell in Egypt and eat the fat of the land.

    I can show love and forgiveness to my family.

    Genesis 42–44; 45:4–15

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 42–50” & Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 42–50”

    It might be fun for your children to reenact the story of Joseph reuniting his family (see Genesis 42–44). Have fun with it—use costumes and props if you’d like. Encourage children to try to understand the emotions and perspectives of the characters.

    Or they could use “Joseph and the Famine” (in Old Testament Stories, 57–60) or pictures in this outline to teach the story to each other. 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.

    Old Testament Stories “Joseph and the Famine” Illustrations

    Here are some questions that could help your children learn from the story:

    • What did Joseph do to show love for his family? (see Genesis 45:4–15).
    • Why do you feel Joseph forgave his brothers?
    • How do you think Joseph’s brothers felt when they found out Joseph had forgiven them? Who in your life needs to be forgiven? How can you show love and forgiveness?

    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? You or your children may want to share an experience when they forgave someone or when someone forgave them. How did they feel? (To give them time to think, share an experience of your own, and testify of the blessings that came from forgiveness.)What do we learn about forgiveness from the Savior’s example? (see Luke 23:33–34).

    Friend August 2021 “Not Invited” Becky isn’t invited to her friend’s birthday party. She feels really left out and sad. She prays to be able to forgive her friend and is able to play together the next day. When Becky has her birthday party she invites her.

    Friend May 2020 “Sister Squabble” Jaide’s little sister borrowed her tennis shoes without asking and accidentally got them muddy. Jaide was so mad that she told her sister,  “I wish you weren’t my sister.” She felt terrible about what she said.  She read a scripture about Jesus forgiving and healing someone and she realized, she needed to forgive and try and fix what she had done to her sister with her words. 

    Joseph’s brothers had done terrible things to him. Yet Joseph forgave them and brought peace to his family.

    Gospel Art Picture: “Joseph Greets His Brothers in Egypt”

    • You could then sing a song such as “Love One Another” (Children’s Songbook, 136) or “Help Me, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook, 99). (When you sing about forgiving in “Help Me, Dear Father”, invite the children to point to Joseph on the activity page. When you sing about repenting, invite them to point to his brothers.)

    For Additional Teaching Ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Forgiveness” and Resources for Teaching Children “Forgiveness”

    Heavenly Father Sent Jesus Christ to Save Me.

    Genesis 45:5–11

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 42–50”

    The Red Crystal

    Ask your 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). Then you could look at a picture of the Savior together and ask your children to talk about how Jesus saves 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.

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 42–50” The story of Joseph saving his family from famine can teach us about Jesus Christ, who saves us from sin and death.

      For additional teaching ideas see Jesus Christ: Lesson Ideas

      JACOB GOES TO EGYPT

      Genesis CHAPTER 46 The Lord sends Jacob and his family of seventy souls to Egypt—The descendants of Jacob are named—Joseph meets Jacob.

      Genesis CHAPTER 47 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 BLESSES HIS CHILDREN

      Genesis CHAPTER 48 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.

      Genesis Chapter 49 Jacob blesses his sons and their seed—Reuben, Simeon, and Levi are chastened—Judah will rule until Shiloh (Christ) comes—Joseph is a fruitful bough by a well—His branches (the Nephites and Lamanites) will run over the wall—The Shepherd and Stone of Israel (Christ) will bless Joseph temporally and spiritually—Jacob chooses to be buried with his fathers in Canaan—He yields up the ghost and is gathered to his people.

      The Lord helps me through priesthood blessings.

      Genesis 48:8–9

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 42–50”

      • You and your children could look at the picture of Jacob blessing his sons at the end of this outline and discuss what is happening (see Genesis 48:8–9). If needed, explain that Jacob, Joseph’s father, wanted to give priesthood blessings to his family. Perhaps you could share with each other any experiences you’ve had receiving help from God through a priesthood blessing. What are some reasons we might ask for a priesthood blessing?
      • 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.

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      Jacob blessed his sons and grandsons (see Genesis 48–49). Today we can receive priesthood blessings that give us comfort, healing, guidance, and spiritual strength.

      Friend September 2025 “Gospel Basics: Teach Me about Priesthood Blessings”

      • 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.

      JOSPEPH’S PROPHECIES

      Genesis CHAPTER 50 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.

      Heavenly Father Prepared Joseph Smith to be a Prophet in Our Day.

      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?
      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 135-136”

      Additional Resources

      For additional lesson resources see Old Testament Stories & Lesson Ideas & Old Testament: Activities & Games.

      Lesson 17: Joseph Forgives His Brothers,” Primary 6: Old Testament Pages 86–89

      Scripture Helps “Genesis 42-50”

      Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel “Genesis 37-50”

      Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

      The Red Crystal Lesson ideas