Tag Archives: primary

Aug 2 2022

Job 1–3; 12–14; 19; 21–24; 38–40; 42

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Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will help me during hard times as I have faith in Them.

Job CHAPTER 1

Job, a just and perfect man, is blessed with great riches—Satan obtains permission from the Lord to tempt and try Job—Job’s property and children are destroyed, and yet he praises and blesses the Lord.

Job CHAPTER 2

Satan obtains permission from the Lord to afflict Job physically—Job is smitten with boils—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar come to comfort him.

Friend November 2020 “Conference Notes” President Eyring told a story about when he was a boy. He was pulling weeds in the garden. “This is too hard!” he said. His mom smiled. She told him it was supposed to be hard because life is a test. He learned that doing hard things is part of Heavenly Father’s plan.

As children face challenges throughout their lives, they will need faith that the Savior can help them during their trials and that those trials can “work together for [their] good”

Job 1–2; 13:15

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Job” Job trusted God and was able to remain faithful even when he faced very difficult trials. Job’s story can help children strengthen their faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ so they will be prepared to face their own difficult trials.

  • Invite the children to share what they know about Job, and help them understand what happened to him (see Job 1–2; “Job” in Old Testament Stories). .

Old Testament Stories “Job” Images and Video

Ask the children how they might feel if they were Job. Who can help us when sad things happen in our lives? Show a picture of Jesus Christ, and explain that Job’s faith in the Lord helped him during his trials (see Job 1:21).

Friend January 2018

Friend January 2022 “Jesus Said”

Friend February 2022 “What Should I Do When I Feel Discouraged?”

Trust in God’s plan for you and that trials can work for your good. Trust that your prayers are heard and answered, even if it takes time. Trust that God loves you, and blessings will come.

Read to the children Job’s words in Job 13:15: “I trust in him.” To help the children understand what it means to trust in God, talk with them about other people they trust.

For example, what do we trust our parents to do?

Friend July 2020
Friend July 2021

What do we trust our teachers to do?

Friend November 2020
  • What do we trust Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ to do? Express your trust in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and help the children think of ways they can show that they love and trust Them. (Such as keeping the commandments, praying, etc.)

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will help me overcome my challenges as I have faith in Them.

Job CHAPTER 12

Job says, The souls of all things are in the hands of the Lord, with the ancient is wisdom, and the Lord governs in all things.

Job CHAPTER 13

Job testifies of his confidence in the Lord and says, Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him, and He also will be my salvation.

Job CHAPTER 14

Job testifies of the shortness of life, the certainty of death, and the guarantee of a resurrection—He asks, If a man die, will he live again?—Job answers that he will await the Lord’s call to come forth from the grave.

Job CHAPTER 19

Job tells of the ills that have befallen him and then testifies, I know that my Redeemer lives—Job prophesies that he will be resurrected and that in his flesh he will see God.

Job 1–2; 12; 19

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Job” Everyone has difficult days, and some people have trials that last a long time. Job’s faith in God sustained him through his trials. Consider how his story can help the children build their faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ so that they will be able to face their trials, now and in the future.

  • Ask the children to share what they know about Job’s story. What kind of a person was he? What happened to him? How did he respond to his challenges? Point them to verses in Job 1–2 to help them tell the story (see Job 1:1, 13–22; 2:7–10; see also “Job” in Old Testament Stories). Invite the children to share what they feel is the main message of Job’s story.
  • Display a few pictures of Jesus Christ interacting with others, and ask the children what they feel these pictures teach us about who Jesus Christ is and what He is like. What else do we know about Him? Invite the children to read some of the following verses to find out some things Job knew about the Lord: Job 12:10, 13, 16; 19:25–27. Why is it valuable to know these things about the Savior?
  • Invite the children to read Job 19:14–19, and ask them what these verses say about how other people were treating Job. How might we feel if this happened to us? Invite the children to read Job 19:23–27 to find out how Job found comfort in this situation. What do these verses teach us about the Savior? Why is it important to know that He lives and loves us? (see John 17:3).

See also Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will help me during hard times as I have faith in Them. for additional teaching aides.

  • Sing together a song that testifies of Jesus Christ, such as “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” (Hymns, no. 136). What does the song suggest about why it is important to have a testimony that Jesus Christ lives? Tell the children how you know the Savior lives and why you are thankful for that knowledge. Encourage them to share their feelings and testimonies as well.

For additional teaching ideas see Adversity

See also “Trust God and Let Him Prevail” Liahona August 2022

Jesus Christ is my Redeemer.

Job 19:25

Job was able to endure his trials and suffering because of his faith in the Lord. How will you help the children build their faith in Jesus Christ, our Redeemer?

  • Display a picture of Jesus on the cross or being buried in the tomb (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 57, 58). Ask the children to explain what is happening in the picture. Read to the children Job’s testimony in Job 19:25. Display a picture of the resurrected Savior (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 59, 60; see also this week’s activity page), and testify that Jesus Christ was resurrected and lives today. Why are we thankful that Jesus was resurrected?
Gospel Art Book
Gospel Art Book
  • Show a picture of Job, and explain that Job was in a lot of pain because his skin had sores all over it. He had lost his home, and his children had died. But Job knew something very important that gave him comfort. Read Job 19:25, and ask the children what Job knew. Share with the children how you know that Jesus Christ lives, and invite them to share their testimonies of Him.
  • Ask the children to color this week’s activity page. As they do, play or sing a song about Jesus’s Resurrection, such as “Did Jesus Really Live Again?” or “Jesus Has Risen” (Children’s Songbook, 64, 70). Ask them to share how they feel about Jesus, and help them understand that we can have good feelings from the Holy Ghost to help us know Jesus Christ is real.

Good friends uplift and encourage each other.

Job CHAPTER 21

Job admits that the wicked sometimes prosper in this life—Then he testifies that their judgment will be hereafter in the day of wrath and destruction.

Job CHAPTER 22

Eliphaz accuses Job of various sins and exhorts him to repent.

Job 19:13–19; 22:5

When Job was struggling, his friends said that God was punishing him because he had sinned. This story can help you teach the children a better way to respond when a friend has challenges (see Job 16:1–5).

  • Ask the children to review the many hard things that happened to Job (see Job 1:13–19; 2:7). Read together Job 19:14, 19, looking for how Job’s friends reacted to his trials (see also Job 22:1–5). Invite the children to imagine that they were Job’s friends—how would they try to help him? Encourage them to think of a friend who may be going through a difficult time and plan something they can do to show love and support to their friend.
  • Ask the children to list some qualities of a good friend and to name a friend who has these qualities. Show a picture of Jesus Christ. In what ways is Jesus a good friend to each of us? How can we follow His example?

Friend October 2018 “Kaity and Quincy” Kaity, who has Down syndrome, loves her friend Quincy. Quincy always helps her at church. When Quincy’s brother dies, Katie wants to help her friend. She is able to comfort her sad, crying friend with just the right words and hugs.

Job CHAPTER 23

Job seeks the Lord and asserts his own righteousness—He says, When the Lord has tried me, I will come forth as gold.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022

What does it mean to “come forth” from our trials “as gold”? (see also the video “The Refiner’s Fire,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Who do we know who has done this? Children might enjoy making something with the words from verse 10 written on it. You might also discuss how Jesus Christ overcame His trials (see Luke 22:41–44; Doctrine and Covenants 19:16–19).

Job CHAPTER 24

Murderers, adulterers, those who oppress the poor, and wicked people in general often go unpunished for a little while.

Job CHAPTER 38

God asks Job where he was when the foundations of the earth were laid, when the morning stars sang together, and when all the sons of God shouted for joy—The phenomena of nature show the greatness of God and the weakness of man.

Job CHAPTER 39

Man’s weakness and ignorance are compared with God’s mighty works—Does man even know how the laws of nature operate?

Job CHAPTER 40

The Lord challenges Job, and Job replies humbly—The Lord speaks of His power to Job—He asks, Hast thou an arm like God?—He points to His power in the behemoth.’

Job CHAPTER 42

Job repents in dust and ashes—He sees the Lord with his eyes—The Lord chastises Job’s friends, accepts Job, blesses him, and makes his latter days greater than his beginning.

Liahona August 2022 “Three Lessons from Job”

Old Testament Coloring Book “Job”

“Lesson 39: Job,” Primary 6: Old Testament

Latter Day Kids “Job-Trials Can Lift Us Higher” Lesson Ideas

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Becoming Better, Not Bitter” Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal “Job“

Jul 27 2022

Esther

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Old Testament Stories “Queen Esther” Images and video

Friend October 2018 “Esther the Queen” Video

Esther CHAPTER 1

Ahasuerus of Persia and Media makes royal feasts—Vashti disobeys the king and is deposed as queen.

I can serve my family.

Esther CHAPTER 2

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Esther” Ahasuerus seeks a new queen—Mordecai presents Esther—Esther pleases the king and is chosen as queen—Mordecai exposes a plot against the king.

Esther 2:5–7

When Esther’s parents died, her cousin Mordecai took care of her. You can use their experience as an opportunity to talk about serving members of our families.

  • On the board, draw figures that represent Esther, her parents, and her cousin Mordecai. Explain that Esther’s parents died, so Esther needed someone to take care of her. Read Esther 2:7 to the children, and ask the children to listen for what Mordecai did. Help the children think of needs their family members might have that the children can help with.

What can we learn from Mordecai’s example about helping family members in times of trial? Who in our family needs our support? Make a plan to help them.

Friend January 2018
  • Invite some of the children to act out something kind they could do to serve someone in their families, and ask the other children to guess what they are doing. Invite them to talk about things they do to bless their families, and tell about some of the things you do.
  • Sing a song about helping our families, such as “When We’re Helping” (Children’s Songbook, 198). Share your testimony that helping our families makes us happy.

I can be brave.

Esther CHAPTER 3

Mordecai, the Jew, refuses to bow to Haman—Haman arranges a decree to kill all the Jews in the kingdom.

Esther CHAPTER 4

Mordecai and the Jews mourn and fast because of the king’s decree—Esther, at the peril of her life, prepares to go in unto the king.

Esther 4:15–16

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Esther” The children you teach will face situations when they need the Lord’s help to be brave. How will you help them learn from Esther’s example of courage?

  • Do the children you teach know what it means to be brave? Share a simple definition, such as “Being brave means doing what is right even when you are afraid.” Share the story of Esther (see “Queen Esther” in Old Testament Stories), and help the children see how Esther was brave. Let the children use the figures on this week’s activity page to retell the story.
  • Show a picture of Esther (see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Sing with the children a song about being brave, such as “I Will Be Valiant” (Children’s Songbook, 162). Point out words and phrases in the song that describe Esther, and testify that the Savior can help the children be brave.
  • Tell the children about times when Jesus Christ was brave; for example, when He suffered for our sins, both in Gethsemane and on the cross (see Matthew 26:36–39; 27:33–35). Ask the children to tell about a time when they were brave (consider contacting their families in advance to ask them for some examples). What helped them be brave? Tell the children how the Lord has helped you be brave when you were afraid.

Friend August 2020 “Maddy’s Courage” Maddy didn’t want to start school because she was afraid. Her mom reminded her of sometimes we have to do brave and hard things, such as Daniel facing the lions, or Nephi crossing the ocean, or Esther talking to the king. And just like Heavenly Father helped all of those people, He would help her too.

Heavenly Father helps me have courage when I am afraid.

Esther 3:1–11; 4:10–17

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Esther” When have you seen the children you teach be courageous? What experiences can you share when you needed the Lord’s help to be brave?

  • Write on the board Mordecai showed courage by … and Esther showed courage by … Invite some of the children to read Esther 3:1–11 and others to read Esther 4:10–17. Ask them to use what they read to complete the sentences on the board. Then write I will show courage by … and invite the children to list things Heavenly Father wants them to do that require courage. How can we be like Mordecai and Esther?
  • Invite the children to think of situations they face in which it might be hard to do the right thing. Write on the board Esther’s courageous words “So will I go in unto the king, … and if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). Help the children apply Esther’s words to themselves by replacing “go in unto the king” with a righteous but difficult choice they might have to make. Then invite them to replace “perish” with something unpleasant that might come from doing what is right. Why is it better to do the right thing, even if there are difficult consequences?
  • Show the video “Choose the Harder Right” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), and invite the children to decide on a “harder right” in their lives that they will choose. Discuss how Jesus Christ is an example of this principle.

I can be an instrument in God’s hands.

Esther 4:14

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Esther” When Esther was fearful, Mordecai encouraged her by teaching her that perhaps the Lord had made her the queen “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). Ponder how the Lord is preparing the children you teach for their opportunities to bless others.

  • Invite someone to play a song for the children on a musical instrument, or display a picture of someone playing an instrument. Talk about what it means to be an instrument in God’s hands. Review the story of Esther with the children (see “Queen Esther” in Old Testament Stories), and invite them to talk about how Esther was an instrument for the Lord to accomplish His purposes. How can we be instruments for the Lord?
Friend February 2022
  • After reviewing the story of Esther, attach a card with the name of one of the characters from the story on the back of each child. Invite the children to try to find out whose name is on their backs by asking other children questions like “Was this person righteous?” or “Was this person a woman?” Then discuss how Mordecai and Esther were instruments for the Lord to save the Jews.

Liahona July 2022 “Coming Closer to Jesus Christ”

For Such a Time as This

Esther 4–7

Esther was courageous in approaching the king and saving her people.

  1. Sit in a circle and ask a family member to name a scripture hero who was courageous, stating one way in which the person showed courage (example: Esther, courage to speak).
  2. The next person in the circle says the name of the first hero and then chooses another person in the scriptures they think was courageous and explains why.
  3. Continue around the circle, naming each scripture character who has been selected and adding a new one. Keep playing until everyone in the family has had at least one turn.

Discussion: How can we be courageous in our time and in our specific circumstances? How can we bless the lives of others when we act courageously and do the right thing?

Poster: Bright Idea (November 2013 Friend)

Fasting can help me and bless others.

Esther 4:1–3, 10–17

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Esther” During a time of need, Esther and the Jews fasted. How can you help the children you teach understand the spiritual blessings of fasting?

  • Invite the children to make a list of things they could fast for (if needed, they could look at “Fasting and Fast Offerings” in True to the Faith, 66–69). Then ask them to read Esther 4:1–3, 10–17 to find out why the Jews and Esther fasted. Encourage the children to think of a reason they might need special help from the Lord, and suggest they make that reason part of their fast during the next fast Sunday.
  • Invite the children to pretend they are explaining to a friend why they fast. What would they say? Point them to Guide to the Scriptures, “Fast, Fasting” (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org) if they need help. Share an experience when you fasted to receive the Lord’s help. Invite the children to share experiences they have had with fasting.
  • “Fasting for Shem” (July 2013 Friend)
    When Tim is worried about his friend Shem in the hospital, he decides to pray and fast for him.

“Lesson 38: Esther Saves Her People,” Primary 6: Old Testament To teach the children how fasting can bless their lives.

Esther CHAPTER 5

The king receives Esther—She invites him and Haman to a banquet—Haman plans to have Mordecai hanged.

Esther CHAPTER 6

Mordecai receives great honors—Haman mourns and is counseled by his wife.

Esther CHAPTER 7

Esther reveals Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews—He is hanged on his own gallows.

Esther CHAPTER 8

Mordecai is honored and placed over the house of Haman—Ahasuerus issues a decree to preserve the Jews.

Esther CHAPTER 9

The Jews slay their enemies, including Haman’s ten sons—The Feast of Purim is instituted to commemorate their deliverance and victory.

Esther CHAPTER 10

Mordecai, the Jew, stands next to Ahasuerus in power and might.

Additional Resources

Friend October 2018 “Esther Was Courageous” Story and goal card

“Queen Esther Saves Jehovah’s People” (August 2010 Liahona and Friend)
A retelling of the story of Queen Esther.

Coloring Page: “Esther Pleads with the King”

Latter Day Kids “The Story of Esther” Lesson ideas

“Funstuff: Esther and the King” (February 2015 Friend)
Solve the puzzle by finding the hidden pictures and matching the color of each object with the color wheel and write the letters in the spaces below.

Friend May 1986

Friend May 1986

Old Testament Coloring Book “Esther”

The Red Crystal “Come Follow Me- For Primary 2022, July 25-31, Free LDS Primary Helps, Esther”

Jul 18 2022

Ezra 1; 3–7; Nehemiah 2; 4–6; 8

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King Cyrus of Persia Allows the Jews go back to Jerusalem to build the temple

Lesson 107: Ezra,” Old Testament Seminary Student Material (2018) We read in Ezra 1–2 that 70 years after the Jews were carried away captive to Babylon, Cyrus, the king of Persia, conquered the Babylonians and became the Jews’ new ruler. Cyrus was inspired by the Lord to let a group of Jews return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. To help them in their efforts, Cyrus gave them “silver,” “gold,” and other “precious things” as well as the “vessels” that King Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple years earlier (see Ezra 1:6–7). About 50,000 people, led by Zerubbabel and Jeshua, returned to Jerusalem to work on the temple.

Friend October 2022 “Scripture Hero Cards”

Ezra CHAPTER 1

King Cyrus of Persia lets the Jews go back to Jerusalem to build the temple—Cyrus returns the vessels of the house of the Lord taken by Nebuchadnezzar.

The Foundations of the Temple are Laid

Ezra CHAPTER 3

The altar is rebuilt—Regular sacrifices are reinstituted—The foundations of the temple are laid amid great rejoicing.

The temple can bring me joy.

Ezra 3:8–13

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Ezra 1; 3–7; Nehemiah 2; 4–6; 8” The account of Zerubbabel and the Jews rebuilding the temple can help the children you teach rejoice in the blessings that come because of the house of the Lord.

  • Invite the children to talk about something that makes them happy. Show a picture of someone smiling in front of a temple (such as the picture in this outline), and ask the children why the person might be so happy. Testify that the temple is the Lord’s house, and tell about a time when you felt happy because of the temple.

Friend October 2021 “A Temple Birthday” Lydia wants to visit the temple for her birthday because it is a happy place where we can feel close to Jesus.

  • Read to the children the last part of Ezra 3:12, explaining that when the Jews laid the foundation of the temple, “many shouted aloud for joy.” Invite the children to shout for joy. Help them think of reasons we can be joyful about the temple. For example, in the temple we make promises with God that allow our families to be together forever.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 Cut out the windows with the ordinances that are done inside the temple, and match them with the pictures in the windows of the temple.

Friend July 2022 “Temple Tour”

How did the Jews celebrate when the foundation of the temple was laid? Select all that apply:

  1. They sang.
  2. They shouted with joy.
  3. They danced.
  4. They praised and thanked the Lord.
  • Sing with the children a song about the temple, such as “I Love to See the Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 95). After each line, pause to ask a child to share something he or she loves about the temple.

For additional teaching ideas see Temples.

Zerubbabel Renews the Building of the Temple

I can help the work of God advance despite opposition.

Ezra CHAPTER 4

The Samaritans offer help, then hinder the work—The building of the temple and of the walls of Jerusalem ceases.

Lesson 107: Ezra,” Old Testament Seminary Student Material (2018)

When the 50,000 Jews returned to Jerusalem, they encountered a group of people living nearby called Samaritans. The Samaritans were the “people who lived in Samaria after the northern kingdom of Israel was captured by the Assyrians. The Samaritans were partly Israelite and partly Gentile. Their religion was a mixture of Jewish and pagan beliefs and practices” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Samaritans,” scriptures.lds.org).

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Ezra 1; 3–7; Nehemiah 2; 4–6; 8” The Lord’s work rarely goes unopposed, and this was certainly true of the efforts led by Zerubbabel and Nehemiah. In both cases, the “adversaries of Judah” (Ezra 4:1) were Samaritans—descendants of Israelites who had mixed with the Gentiles. Reading about their opposition to building the temple (see Ezra 4–6) might lead you to ponder the opposition [you may face as you stand for the right.]

. According to verses 1–2, what did the Samaritans want to do?

  1. Stop the Jews from building the temple
  2. Build a different kind of temple
  3. Help the Jews build the temple

2. What did Zerubbabel and the other Jewish leaders tell the Samaritans?

  1. The Jews would build the temple themselves.
  2. The Jews would be happy to have the Samaritans’ help.
  3. The Samaritans must wait until the next year to help them.

3. How did the Samaritans respond when Zerubbabel and the other Jewish leaders rejected their offer?

  1. They went away and left the Jews alone.
  2. They discouraged the Jews from building the temple and created opposition.
  3. They gave the Jews supplies for the building of the temple.

As a result of the Samaritans’ opposition, the temple’s construction stopped for several years (see Ezra 4:1–24; Haggai 1:2–6).

Our spiritual progress may halt if we don’t choose the right or if we listen to the opposition and give in.

Friend February 2020 “Matt & Mandy” When some kids find a wallet, Matt and his friend stand for the right by telling a boy, who wants to keep the money, that they need to return the wallet to its owner.

Friend September 2017 “Matt and Mandy” Matt tells some boys he doesn’t want to hear a bad joke even though they call him chicken.

Ezra CHAPTER 5

Haggai and Zechariah prophesy—Zerubbabel renews the building of the temple—The Samaritans challenge the Jews’ right to continue their building work.

Lesson 107: Ezra,” Old Testament Seminary Student Material (2018) We read in Ezra 5:1–2 that some of the Jews began to rebuild the temple again. When local Persian-appointed governors learned that the Jews had resumed building the temple, they questioned the Jews’ authority to do so and looked for ways to stop the construction.

Read Ezra 5:5, looking for why the local governors could not stop the Jews from rebuilding the temple.

What principle can we identify from the Jews’ experience of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem?

One principle we can identify from Ezra 5:5 is that God watches over and helps us as we seek to obey Him.

Friend July 2022 “Stand for What You Believe”David stood for what he believed. He wasn’t alone. God’s power was with him. He beat Goliath. God will help us even when we face Goliath-sized challenges.

The Dedication of the Temple

Ezra CHAPTER 6

Darius renews the decree of Cyrus to build the temple—It is finished and dedicated, and sacrifices and feasts commence again.

With the encouragement of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, the Jews finished building the temple (see Ezra 6:14).

The temple gives me reason to rejoice.

Lesson 107: Ezra,” Old Testament Seminary Student Material (2018) Read Ezra 6:16, 22, looking for how the Lord blessed the people during the dedication of the temple.

What principle might we identify from these verses about the blessings of building temples and participating in temple work?

One principle we can identify from Ezra 6:16, 22 is that as we participate in temple work, we will be blessed with joy.

How have you or someone you know experienced joy through participating in temple work, including family history work?

Friend March 2021 “Forever” A family adopts a little girl and then are sealed together at the temple.

Friend November 2021 “Family History Blessings” Antonella got a Family Search account when she was baptized. She’s learned more about her family and loves her family even more now. She also wants to help others unite their families for eternity.

Ezra 3:8–13; 6:16–22

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Ezra 1; 3–7; Nehemiah 2; 4–6; 8” As you review with the children the account of Zerubbabel and the Jews rebuilding the temple, find ways to testify of the joy that comes to us because we have temples today.

  • Invite the children to work together to find phrases in Ezra 3:10–13 that show how the Jews felt when the temple in Jerusalem was being rebuilt. How can we show our joy at having temples on the earth today? Help the children think of ways they can prepare to go to the temple.

Liahona October 2010 “Your Path to the Temple” What happens inside the temple, the temple recommend, preparing now to enter the temple.Although you may not be able to enter the temple now, if there is a temple nearby, you can visit the temple grounds and feel the spirit that is there. You can also keep a picture of the temple in your home to remind you of how important the temple is. Live righteously so that you will be worthy to enter the house of the Lord.

  • Share with the children your feelings about the temple. How has the temple helped you feel closer to Heavenly Father and the Savior? Why do we celebrate when a temple is dedicated? Give the children time to write down how they feel about the temple, and encourage them to share what they wrote with their families.

For modern examples of rejoicing at the building of temples, see the videos “Practice, Celebration, Dedication: Temple Blessings in El Salvador” and “The Laie Hawaii Temple Youth Cultural Celebration” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Friend July 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Temple Craft

Story: The temple in Jerusalem was destroyed. Years later, the people rebuilt it. They were so happy! They “praised the Lord” and “shouted aloud for joy” (Ezra 3:11, 12).

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

Activity: Fold a piece of paper in half. Draw or glue a picture of the temple on the front. Then open the fold and draw or glue a picture of yourself inside. Write the words, “I’ll go inside someday.” Talk about how going to the temple can make us happy.

Ezra CHAPTER 7

Ezra goes up to Jerusalem—Artaxerxes provides for beautifying the temple and sustains the Jews in their worship.

We learn in Ezra 7–8 that more than 60 years after the completion of the temple in Jerusalem, King Artaxerxes of Persia sent a Jewish scribe named Ezra to Jerusalem to appoint government leaders and to present an offering to beautify the temple.

joy (see temples.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).Ezra 7:6, 9–10, 27–28.

Several times in these verses, Ezra wrote that the hand of the Lord was upon him as he traveled to Jerusalem. What might this phrase mean? How have we felt the Lord’s hand upon us? Perhaps family members could share examples from their lives.

Nehemiah Rebuilds the Jerusalem Wall

Remember that previously (approximately 90 years earlier), the Persian king Cyrus had allowed many Jews to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and establish a community there. The city, which at that time was without walls, was unsafe to live in. The people were in “great affliction” (verse 3), and the temple was in danger of being destroyed again.

Nehemiah CHAPTER 2 Artaxerxes sends Nehemiah to Jerusalem—Sanballat and others oppose Nehemiah in rebuilding the walls and gates of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah CHAPTER 4 The Jews’ enemies seek to prevent them from rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem—Nehemiah arms the laborers and keeps the work progressing.

Nehemiah CHAPTER 5 Many Jews are in bondage to their fellow Jews—At Nehemiah’s direction they are freed, their lands are restored, and the taking of usury is discontinued.

Nehemiah CHAPTER 6 Sanballat engages in intrigue against Nehemiah and the building of the wall—The Jews finish the construction of the wall.

The Lord will help me do His work.

Nehemiah 2:17–20; 6:1–9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Ezra 1; 3–7; Nehemiah 2; 4–6; 8” When Nehemiah was repairing the walls surrounding Jerusalem, his enemies tried to get him to stop, but he remained faithful to his task. What are some important things the Lord wants the children to do, and how can you inspire them to be faithful to that work?

  • Share with the children the story of Nehemiah (see Nehemiah 2:17–20; 6:1–9; Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “We Are Doing a Great Work and Cannot Come Down,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 59–62). Tell the children what Nehemiah said when people made fun of him for wanting to fix Jerusalem’s walls: “The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build” (Nehemiah 2:20). Invite the children to stand up and pretend to help fix the walls of Jerusalem.
  • Bring some blocks to class, and let the children use them to help you build a wall (or draw a wall on the board). Help the children think of some important things Heavenly Father might ask them to do, like learning how to read the scriptures. With each idea they share, invite them to add a block to the wall. Explain that when Nehemiah was doing his important work of fixing Jerusalem’s walls, people tried to stop him. Read Nehemiah 6:9, and invite the children to raise their hands when you read “strengthen my hands.” Tell the children about a time when you felt God strengthen your hands to do His work.

The Lord will strengthen me to do “a great work.”

Nehemiah 2; 4; 6

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Ezra 1; 3–7; Nehemiah 2; 4–6; 8” The Lord has an important work for the children you teach. What can they learn from Nehemiah about persevering in that work even when they face opposition?

  • Review with the children the story about Nehemiah repairing the walls surrounding Jerusalem, including the opposition he faced. Read together Nehemiah 2:19, and ask the children to share situations in which someone might laugh at us for doing the right thing. According to Nehemiah 2:20, how did Nehemiah respond? How can we respond when people make fun of us or criticize us for doing the right thing?

Friend November 2018 “Finders Keepers?” Mike finds some money on the school grounds and takes it to the office even though his friends think they should keep it and spend it.

  • Read together Nehemiah 6:1–9. How did Nehemiah’s enemies repeatedly try to get him to stop working on the wall, and how did he respond? What work does God want us to do? (see, for example, Mosiah 18:8–10). How can we follow Nehemiah’s example in verse 9 when it’s difficult to do what God has asked us to do?

Describe how you can apply the phrase “I am doing a great work and cannot come down” (see Nehemiah 6:3) when you face opposition in doing God’s will. 

See additional lesson ideas and stories in the above section “I can help the work of God advance despite opposition.”

Ezra Reads the Scriptures to the People

Nehemiah CHAPTER 8 Ezra reads and interprets the law of Moses to the people—They keep the Feast of Tabernacles.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Ezra 1; 3–7; Nehemiah 2; 4–6; 8” Even after the temple was rebuilt, the people of Jerusalem struggled spiritually, in part because, for generations, they had limited access to “the book of the law of Moses” (Nehemiah 8:1). Ezra the scribe received permission from the king of Persia to go to Jerusalem, where he “brought the law before the congregation” (Nehemiah 8:2).

The scriptures are a blessing.

Nehemiah 8:1–12

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Ezra 1; 3–7; Nehemiah 2; 4–6; 8” You can use the story of Ezra reading the law to help the children think about how blessed we are to have the scriptures.

  • Tell the children that Ezra read the scriptures to the people. Read aloud some phrases from Nehemiah 8:2–3, 5–6, 8–9, 12 that describe what the people did when they heard the scriptures, and invite the children to act out these phrases. Why are we grateful to have the scriptures?
  • Invite the children to color this week’s activity page. As they do, share with the children how reading the scriptures has brought you closer to the Savior.

I am blessed when I study the scriptures.

Nehemiah 8:1–12

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Ezra 1; 3–7; Nehemiah 2; 4–6; 8” The people in Jerusalem hadn’t heard the words of God in a long time before Ezra read them to the people. The story of Ezra reminds us of how important the scriptures should be to us.

  • Invite the children to search Nehemiah 8:1–12 for words or phrases that show how the people felt about hearing the word of God. Ask the children to share how they feel when they read the scriptures, and share your feelings as well.
  • Invite a child to read Nehemiah 8:8, and ask the children what helps them understand the scriptures. Show them how to use scripture study aids such as the Guide to the Scriptures and Gospel Topics (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite the children to share something they have learned about the Savior from the scriptures.

“Lesson 37: Josiah and Ezra Read the Scriptures to the People,” Primary 6: Old Testament 

Attention Activity

Ask the children if they remember what the first lessons of this course were about. If they remember the general topics, ask for more specific details. Explain that it is hard for us to remember information that we learned a long time ago. Show the children a journal, scrapbook, photo album, baby book, or similar book, and relate the following true experience or a personal experience you have had keeping records. (Read the story found at the link under attention activity. See the lesson for additional activities related to reading the scriptures.)

Explain that it is easy to forget things that we aren’t constantly reminded of. Important information should be studied and reviewed continually so that we do not forget it. Show the children your scriptures, and tell them these books contain Heavenly Father’s words to us. Diligent daily study of the scriptures will help us remember and keep his commandments. Tell the children that in this lesson they will learn about the people of Judah at two different historical times: during the reign of King Josiah (about 640 B.C.) and the time of Nehemiah and Ezra (about 450 B.C.) (B.C. means before the birth of Christ). Both groups of people had lost the book of the law—the scriptures the Lord gave to them through Moses—so they forgot the commandments and did not obey them.

Latter Day Kids “Nehemiah Rebuilds the Walls of Jerusalem” Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal “Come Follow Me- For Primary, Free LDS primary lesson helps, July 18-24” The Red Crystal has some great lesson ideas such as the activity page below. Check them out at the link.

Jul 12 2022

2 Kings 17–25

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Ten Tribes Carried Away Captive by Assyrians

Despite the prophet Elisha’s impressive ministry, the spirituality of the Northern Kingdom of Israel kept declining. Wicked kings promoted idolatry, and war and apostasy abounded. Finally the Assyrian Empire conquered and scattered the ten tribes of Israel.

Meanwhile, the Southern Kingdom of Judah wasn’t doing much better; idolatry was also widespread there. But amid all this spiritual decay, the scriptural accounts mention two righteous kings who, for a time, turned their people back to the Lord. One was Hezekiah. During his reign, the Assyrians, fresh from their victory in the north, conquered much of the south. But Hezekiah and his people showed faith in the Lord, who delivered Jerusalem in a miraculous way. Later, after another period of apostasy, Josiah began to reign. Inspired in part by a rediscovery of the book of the law, Josiah brought reforms that revived the religious life of many of his people. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 17–25”

2 Kings CHAPTER 17

Hoshea reigns in Israel and is subject to the Assyrians—The Israelites forsake the Lord, worship idols, serve Baal, and reject all that the Lord has given them—The ten tribes are carried away captive by the kings of Assyria—The land of Israel (Samaria) is repopulated by other people—Many forms of false worship are found among the Samaritans.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Jesus Will Say to All Israel, ‘Come Home’”

Hezekiah Reigns in Righteousness in Judah

2 Kings CHAPTER 18

Hezekiah reigns in righteousness in Judah—He destroys idolatry and breaks the brazen serpent made by Moses because the children of Israel burn incense to it—Sennacherib, king of Assyria, invades Judah—In a blasphemous speech, Rabshakeh asks Jerusalem to surrender to the Assyrians.

2 Kings CHAPTER 19

Hezekiah seeks counsel from Isaiah to save Jerusalem—Isaiah prophesies the defeat of the Assyrians and the death of Sennacherib—Hezekiah prays for deliverance—Sennacherib sends a blasphemous letter—Isaiah prophesies that the Assyrians will be destroyed and that a remnant of Judah will flourish—An angel slays 185,000 Assyrians—Sennacherib is slain by his sons.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 17–25”

2 Kings 19:14–19. What can we learn from Hezekiah’s example that can help us when we have difficult problems or questions? How has the Lord answered our prayers for help? Perhaps each family member could make something to display in the home that reminds them to turn to the Lord.

2 Kings CHAPTER 20

Hezekiah is told he will die and pleads with the Lord; his life is lengthened fifteen years—The shadow goes back ten degrees on the sundial of Ahaz—Isaiah prophesies the Babylonian captivity of Judah.

I can trust Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. (Younger Children)

2 Kings 18:3, 5

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 20222 “Kings 17–25” Hezekiah’s example in 2 Kings 18:3, 5 can help the children you teach to put their trust in God.

  • Name a few things that a good king might do and some things that a bad king might do. Ask the children to stand up and cheer for the good things and to sit down for the bad things. Explain to the children that Israel had many kings, some righteous and some not. Invite the children to listen for what made Hezekiah a good king as you read 2 Kings 18:3, 5. Help them think of ways we can show that we trust the Lord as Hezekiah did.
  • Help the children understand what it means to trust someone. Talk about people you trust, and let the children do so too. Show a picture of Jesus Christ. Why can we trust Jesus Christ? Express your trust that Jesus Christ loves us and will help us return to live forever with Heavenly Father.

Friend June 1998 When we trust someone, we believe in him or her. We feel sure the person will do what he or she promises to do. There is Someone we can always trust. We can always trust the Lord.

Book of Mormon Stories for Young Readers

I can trust in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. (Older Children)

2 Kings 18:3–6; 19:14–19

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 20222 “Kings 17–25” When the Assyrians threatened Jerusalem, the righteous King Hezekiah turned to the Lord in faith. Hezekiah’s example can help you and the children talk about how we can show our faith in the Lord, even when that faith is challenged.

  • Using Bible map 3, “The Division of the 12 Tribes,” briefly explain to the children that the Northern Kingdom of Israel was conquered by people called the Assyrians. Explain that the Assyrians later tried to conquer the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Invite the children to imagine how they would feel if they lived in Judah and knew that the Assyrians were coming to destroy the city. Ask the children to read 2 Kings 18:3, 5–6 to find out why Hezekiah, the king of Judah, was able to be brave when the Assyrians came.
  • Invite the children to read 2 Kings 19:14–19, looking for what Hezekiah did when the Assyrians threatened his kingdom. How did doing these things show that he trusted in the Lord? What can we do to show our trust in the Lord when we need help?

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “The Scattering of Israel” Lesson ideas

“Lesson 36: The Prophet Isaiah,” Primary 6: Old Testament  Hezekiah Prays for Guidance and Follows Isaiah’s Counsel

  • What kind of person was Hezekiah? (2 Kings 18:3, 5–6.) What did he do to stop the people from worshiping idols? (2 Kings 18:4.) How was he blessed for his righteousness? (2 Kings 18:7.)
  • After the Assyrian army conquered many of the cities of Judah, where did Hezekiah turn for help? (Isaiah 37:2, 15.) What did the Lord tell Hezekiah through Isaiah? (Isaiah 37:6–7, 33–34.) If we are ridiculed for trusting in God, how can we receive strength? (Through praying, fasting, and reading the scriptures and obeying the words of the living prophet.)
  • How did the Lord protect the people of Jerusalem? (Isaiah 37:36–38.) What happened to the king of Assyria? Help the children understand that although we may not see such dramatic results when we pray, our prayers will be heard and answered. Share an appropriate experience when you have prayed for help and received an answer. Invite the children to also share their experiences. Emphasize that Heavenly Father may not take away our problems, but he will give us strength and comfort.
  • When Hezekiah learned he was going to die, what did he ask the Lord to remember? (Isaiah 38:3.) How did the Lord answer his prayer? (Isaiah 38:5–6.) When we ask Heavenly Father to heal us or a loved one, our prayer may be answered in several ways. We must be willing to accept Heavenly Father’s will.

2 Kings CHAPTER 21

Manasseh turns Judah to idolatry, even sacrificing a son to a heathen god—Prophets foretell the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem—Wickedness continues under Amon.

Josiah Reigns in Righteousness in Judah

2 Kings CHAPTER 22

Josiah reigns in righteousness in Judah—Hilkiah repairs the temple and finds the book of the law—Josiah sorrows because of the wickedness of his fathers—Huldah prophesies wrath upon the people but blessings upon Josiah.

Old Testament Stories “King Josiah”

Friend April 1986 Josiah

Friend April 1986 Josiah

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 17–25”

The scriptures are a blessing.

2 Kings 22:8–11; 23:2

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 20222 “Kings 17–25” Even though younger children may not be able to read or understand everything in the scriptures, they can be blessed by the power of the scriptures. What can you do to help them have a desire to be blessed by the word of God?

  • Hide a copy of the scriptures somewhere in the room, and invite the children to find it. Explain that in the days of King Josiah, many of the people weren’t learning from the scriptures until a priest found them in the temple (see 2 Kings 22:8–11). What are scriptures? Why do we need the scriptures? Tell the children why you are glad we have the scriptures today, and let them share their feelings about the scriptures.
  • Read 2 Kings 23:2 to the children, and ask them to listen for what the king did with the scriptures. Why was it important for everyone to hear what was written in the scriptures? Sing a song about the scriptures, such as “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109), and ask the children to talk about how they feel when they hear teachings and stories from the scriptures.

The scriptures teach me how to follow Jesus Christ.

2 Kings 22:8–13; 23:2–3

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 20222 “Kings 17–25” After years of spiritual darkness, the Jews renewed their commitment to the Lord. This happened because King Josiah rediscovered the book of the law and read it to the people. This account can help the children understand why the scriptures are so valuable.

  • Tell the children that King Josiah told his people to repair the temple, and as they did, they found something very valuable. Invite the children to read 2 Kings 22:8–11 to find out what it was. Explain that the book they found contained covenants and commandments that the children of Israel did not know about. What might happen to us if we didn’t have the scriptures? Ask the children why they are grateful to have the scriptures. Why would it be harder to follow the Savior if we didn’t have the scriptures?
  • Give each child a piece of paper, and ask them to tear it. Explain that in King Josiah’s day, people sometimes tore, or “rent,” their clothes when they were upset. Ask the children to look for the word “rent” in 2 Kings 22:11. Why might Josiah have been upset? Help the children find an answer in verse 13. Why is it important for us to read the scriptures regularly?
  • Read 2 Kings 23:2–3 together, and ask the children to look for how the scriptures helped Josiah and his people. Share with the children a scripture that has inspired you to “walk after the Lord” (verse 3), and invite the children to share scriptures that have helped them. Sing together “I Will Walk with Jesus” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Latter Day Kids “The Scriptures Are A Blessing” Lesson ideas

Friend July 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

The Scriptures Can Help Me

Story: King Josiah was righteous. When the lost scriptures were found, he read them to his people. He promised to keep the commandments. (See 2 Kings 23:2–3.)

Song: “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109)

Activity: Write, draw, or act out an Old Testament scripture story you like. How has this story helped you? Talk about why the scriptures are important.

“Lesson 37: Josiah and Ezra Read the Scriptures to the People,” Primary 6: Old Testament

Tell the children you are going to whisper something to them that you want them to try to remember. Whisper this scripture to each child: “The king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord, and to keep his commandments” (2 Chronicles 34:31). After you have whispered this to each child, ask them to repeat it. If they have a hard time remembering it, explain that the value of having written scriptures is that we can study and read them often to help us remember. Then as a class read the verse out loud from the scriptures. At the end of the lesson, ask if the children remember the scripture that you whispered to them and they read together. If you have repeated it several times, some of them will probably remember. Read it out loud in unison again. Point out that we remember important truths by hearing and reading them again and again.

  1. Play charades by having a child pantomime one of the following situations. Have the rest of the class guess what they are doing.
    1. Driving to a gas station and putting fuel in the gas tank of an automobile.
    2. Eating dinner.
    3. Planting and watering a plant.
    4. Reading the scriptures.
    Play until all four situations have been correctly guessed. Discuss what similarities there are in these different activities. Point out that in each case an object needs fuel so that it will have the energy to keep going. Just as a car, a plant, or our physical bodies need fuel or food for energy, our spirit needs to be fed so that it too can be healthy. Discuss how we can feed our spirits. Discuss how often our spirits need to be fed. Read Deuteronomy 6:6–7 with the children, and emphasize that we should think of the Lord’s words to us at all times in everything we do. Challenge the children to read from the scriptures each day in the coming week.

Old Testament Coloring Book “Josiah and the Book of the Law”

Friend February 1988 “Josiah—Believer in the Scriptures”

Liahona July 2022 “The Scriptures Turn Our Hearts to God” Josiah became king of Judah when he was only eight years old. He had inherited a kingdom of people who believed in false gods, but he wanted to follow the Lord. In the eighth year of his reign, he ordered that altars and idols of false gods be destroyed throughout Judah. (Great image of Josiah tearing down the idols)

Ten years later, he asked his people to restore the temple in Jerusalem, where the high priest Hilkiah found the scriptures. When King Josiah read the book, he was inspired to follow its teachings. He then gathered his people and read the book to them.

For so long, the people had hardened their hearts against God. But the scriptures helped turn the hearts of the people back to God. King Josiah promised the people he would walk in the ways of the Lord and obey the commandments.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 17–25”

2 Kings 22:3–7.

The workers described in 2 Kings 22:3–7 were trusted with the money used to rebuild the temple “because they dealt faithfully” (verse 7). After reading these verses, you could ask family members to name things they have been entrusted with. How can we be trustworthy like the workers in these verses?2 Kings 22:8–11, 19; 23:1–3.

What impresses us about how Josiah and his people responded to the word of God? How do we respond to God’s word in the scriptures? Members of your family could share scripture passages or stories that have increased their desire to follow Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Quiz 1

  1. According to 2 Kings 22:1–2, what choices did Josiah make as king?
    1. He sought for riches in wicked ways.
    2. He followed the Lord.
    3. He tried to conquer other nations.
  2. According to 2 Kings 22:8, what was found in the temple?
    1. The book of the law
    2. The ark of the covenant
    3. Moses’s staff
  3. What was the book of the law?
    1. The stone tables Moses received from the Lord
    2. Laws the preceding kings wrote about judging the people
    3. Scrolls that contained the Lord’s law given through Moses
  4. According to 2 Kings 22:11–13, how did Josiah respond when he heard what was written in the book of the law? Select all that apply.
    1. He was afraid of the Lord’s judgment.
    2. He rent his clothes.
    3. He commanded the book to be destroyed.
  5. Which of the following statements best summarizes the meaning of the phrase “all the people stood to the covenant” (2 Kings 23:3)?
    1. The people were angry with the king.
    2. The people agreed with the conditions of the covenant.
    3. The people were opposed to the conditions of the covenant.

I will keep my covenants with God.

2 Kings CHAPTER 23

Josiah reads the book of the covenant to the people—They covenant to keep the commandments—Josiah overturns the worship of false gods, removes the sodomites, and puts down idolatry—Idolatrous priests are slain—Judah holds a solemn Passover—Egypt subjects the land of Judah.

2 Kings 23:3

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 20222 “Kings 17–25” When Josiah and his people learned the commandments of God, they made a covenant to live them. You can help the children you teach desire to remain faithful to the covenants they made at baptism.

  • Invite the children to read 2 Kings 23:3 and to find words or phrases that show how the people felt about the commandments of the Lord. Invite them to stand and talk about what it might mean to “[stand] to the covenant.” Invite them to walk in place and talk about what it might mean to “walk after the Lord.” Invite them to place their hands on their hearts and to suggest ways we can keep the commandments “with all [our] heart.”
  • Help the children make a list of promises they made at baptism (see Mosiah 18:10; Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, 77, 79). What does God promise us if we keep our covenants? What do we learn from 2 Kings 23:3 about how we should keep our covenants?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 17–25”

2 Kings 23:25.

What stands out to us about the description of Josiah in this verse? Your family could draw on paper hearts things they can do this week to turn to the Lord with all their heart.

“Lesson 105: 2 Kings 21–25,” Old Testament Seminary Student Material (2018)

Jul 6 2022

2 Kings 2–7

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Elijah is Translated. The Mantle of Elijah falls on Elisha

2 Kings CHAPTER 2

Elisha and the prophets know that Elijah is to be translated—Elijah divides the waters of the Jordan and is taken up into heaven in a whirlwind—The mantle of Elijah falls on Elisha, who also divides the waters of the Jordan—Elisha heals the waters of Jericho—Youths are torn by bears for mocking Elisha.

2 Kings CHAPTER 3

Jehoram of Israel and Jehoshaphat of Judah join forces against Moab—Elisha promises them water for their animals and victory in the war—The Moabites are defeated.

Elisha Preforms Many Miracles

Naaman Comes to Elisha to be Healed of Leprosy

God can work miracles in my life. (Younger Children)

2 Kings 4–5

2 Kings CHAPTER 4

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 2-7” Elisha multiplies the widow’s oil—He promises a son to a Shunammite woman—The child dies and is raised to life by Elisha—He makes the poisonous food harmless—Bread and grain are multiplied for the people to eat.

Old Testament Stories “Elisha the Prophet”

2 Kings CHAPTER 5

Naaman, the Syrian, comes to Elisha to be healed of leprosy—He rejects the prophet’s instruction at first but relents and dips himself in the Jordan seven times; he is healed—Elisha refuses to accept a reward—Gehazi accepts a gift from Naaman and is cursed with leprosy.

Old Testament Stories “Elisha Heals Naaman”

Media Library “Naaman and Elisha”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 2-7” Through the prophet Elisha, the Lord blessed many people in miraculous ways. Help the children recognize the Lord’s miracles in their lives.

  • Share one or more of the miracles recorded in 2 Kings 4–5 (see “Elisha the Prophet” and “Elisha Heals Naaman” in Old Testament Stories). Let the children share what they like about these stories. Invite them to retell the stories to each other.
  • Testify that the Lord can use His power to do great things to help us. We call these things miracles. Share how the Lord has shown His love for you in ways that are large or small. Sing together a song about God’s love, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29). Ask the children to share how they know Heavenly Father loves them.

God can work miracles in my life. (Older Children)

2 Kings 4–5

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 2-7” During his ministry, Elisha healed and blessed many people. How can the miracles in 2 Kings 4–5 help the children recognize Heavenly Father’s hand in their lives?

  • Invite the children to write on the board as many miracles as they can remember from the scriptures. Then give them time to review 2 Kings 4–5 and add to their list (see 2 Kings 4:1–7, 14–17, 32–35, 38–41, 42–44; 5:10–14). What do these miracles teach about how Heavenly Father feels about us?
  • Ask the children to talk about what a miracle is. If they need help, they could review “Miracle” in Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite them to share some miracles that Jesus performed. Media Library “Life of Jesus Christ: Miracles” Talk about how you have seen God’s power in your life. You might include daily miracles such as feelings of peace, the gift of daily life, or help with daily tasks. Invite the children to talk about miracles in their lives, both large and small.

See also New Era March 2019 “Finding Miracles in Everyday Life”

I can choose to do what God commands through His prophet.

2 Kings 5:1–15

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 2-7” Naaman had a hard time obeying when the prophet Elisha told him how to be cured of leprosy. Ponder how you can help the children understand the blessings that come from being obedient.

  • Tell the story of Naaman (see 2 Kings 5:9–14; “Elisha Heals Naaman” in Old Testament Stories; see also the picture of Naaman in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Emphasize that at first Naaman did not want to wash in the Jordan River, even though Elisha told him that this would heal his disease. Tell about a time when you weren’t sure you wanted to do the right thing, and help the children think of their own examples. Then share how Naaman was blessed when he made the right choice.
  • Read 2 Kings 5:13 to the children, and explain that Naaman’s servants helped him decide to obey the prophet Elisha. Help the children think of ways they could help their friends or family members listen to and obey the prophet.

I can choose to be faithful, humble, and obedient.

2 Kings 5:1–15

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 2-7” Naaman wanted to be healed of leprosy, but he wasn’t expecting the simple instruction Elisha gave him: “Go and wash in Jordan seven times” (2 Kings 5:10). Consider how you could use this story to teach the children about faith in Jesus Christ, humility, and obedience.

  • Write faith, humility, and obedience on the board, and ask the children what these words mean (see True to the Faith, 54–56, 86–87, 108–9). Invite the children to read 2 Kings 5:9–14. You could also show parts of the video “Naaman and Elisha” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). How did Naaman show faith in the Lord, humility, and obedience? Why is it important for us to have these qualities?
  • Ask the children to tell about a time when a friend helped them choose the right. Also share an experience of your own. Read together 2 Kings 5:10–13 to learn how Naaman’s servants helped him choose to obey the prophet. What can we do to help each other follow our prophet today?
  • Invite the children to complete the activity page and share with a family member or friend something they learned from the story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5:1–15.

“Lesson 35: Naaman Is Healed,” Primary 6: Old Testament To strengthen each child’s desire to obey righteous leaders.

Friend July 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Naaman and the Miracle”

Story: Naaman had a sickness called leprosy. The prophet Elisha told him to wash seven times in the Jordan River to be healed. At first, Naaman didn’t want to. But when Naaman did what Elisha said, he was healed! (See 2 Kings 5.)

Song: “Quickly I’ll Obey” (Children’s Songbook, 197)

Activity: Make or draw a pretend river using rocks, sticks, chalk, or blankets. Then jump on your river seven times. Talk about how doing simple things God asks us to do can help us.

For the Strength of Youth July 2022 “Some Great Thing”

Friend July 1990 “Elisha and Naaman”

Old Testament Coloring Book “Elisha and Naaman”

Latter Day Kids “Elisha Heals Naaman-Obedience” Lesson ideas

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Trust in God and His Prophet” Lesson ideas

Lesson 35: Naaman Is Healed,” Primary 6: Old Testament To strengthen each child’s desire to obey righteous leaders.

Naman the Syrian – Friend February 1987

Elisha’s Servant is Afraid and is Allowed to See the Lord’s Army

2 Kings CHAPTER 6

Elisha causes an ax to float—He reveals to the king how to conduct a war with Syria—Horses and chariots of fire protect Elisha—The Syrians are smitten with blindness—Benhadad besieges Samaria, and foodstuff sells for a great price.

The Lord is watching over me.

2 Kings 6:8–17

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 2-7” When Elisha’s servant saw the Syrian army surrounding them, he was very afraid. However, Elisha told him to “fear not” because the Lord was with them (2 Kings 6:16).

  • Read 2 Kings 6:15 to the children, or paraphrase it so they can understand. Invite the children to imagine they are surrounded by a large army with horses and chariots, as Elisha’s servant was. How would they feel? What would they do? Ask them to close their eyes while you read 2 Kings 6:16–17 to them. When you get to the words “open his eyes,” ask the children to open their eyes. Describe to them what the servant saw protecting him and Elisha. Share how you know the Lord is watching over us.
  • Sing together a song about God’s care for us, such as the first verse of “Dearest Children, God Is Near You” (Hymns, no. 96). Replace words in the song with names of the children to emphasize that God is watching over them.

I am not alone.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “2 Kings 2-7” The children you teach may sometimes feel like the servant of Elisha—unsure of how to meet the challenges before them. You can use the account in 2 Kings 6:8–17 to teach them to “fear not” because the Lord has not left them alone.

  • Read together 2 Kings 6:15–17. Invite one of the children to pretend to be Elisha’s servant while the other children ask questions about his experience, such as how he felt when the Syrian army surrounded the city or what it was like to see the army of God. Talk with the children about times when they feel alone in trying to live the gospel. How does the Lord help us know that we are not alone?
  • Sing a song about relying on the Lord, such as “When Faith Endures” (Hymns, no. 128). What does this song teach us about trusting in the Lord?

Liahona July 2022 “You Are Never Alone”

Family members might enjoy drawing a picture of the experience of Elisha and his servant described in these verses. How can these verses help us when we feel alone or overwhelmed?

Liahona July 2022 “Coming Closer to Jesus Christ”

Numbers Unbreakable

2 Kings 6:8–23

Read the story of Elisha and the young servant in 2 Kings 6:8–23.

  1. Get a thin stick that could be easily broken.
  2. Challenge someone to break it.
  3. Put 10 or more sticks together. Challenge the same person to break the group of sticks without separating any.
  4. Why was the challenge more difficult the second time?
  5. Read 2 Kings 6:16-17: “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.”
  6. Whom did Elisha and the young servant see protecting them?
  7. Read the following: “Like that servant of Elisha, there are more with you than those you can see opposed to you. Some who are with you will be invisible to your mortal eyes” (Henry B. Eyring, “O Ye That Embark,” Liahona, Nov. 2008, 58).

Discussion: Read Doctrine and Covenants 84:88. At times when we might feel alone, how can we trust that we are not? How is the Lord protecting and helping us today? (For ideas, see Ronald A. Rasband, “Be Not Troubled,” Liahona, Nov. 2018, 18–21.)

For the Strength of Youth July 2022 “Fear Not—the Lord Is with You”

Jul 5 2022

Agency

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Free Agency

Heavenly Father has Given Me Power to Choose.

Moses 4:1–4

  • • In the preexistence Satan had a plan to destroy the freedoms and agency of the people who came to earth. What did Satan hope to gain from implementing his plan? (Glory and power)
  • • What would life be like without agency? To help the children imagine what it might be like to live under Lucifer’s plan, tell them that for the next few minutes they must do exactly what you say and nothing else (make sure they know they cannot talk). Have them stand and remain standing perfectly still for a few seconds. Then tell each child where to sit. (Do not sit friends near each other.) Tell the children they must sit erect, feet flat to the floor, looking straight ahead, not moving or speaking. Have them hold the position until you tell them otherwise. After about thirty seconds, let them stand again and sit where they want. (Walk in His Ways pg 62)

In Moses 4:3, we learn that Satan “sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him.” How will you help the children appreciate the ability to choose between right and wrong?

  • Talk to the children about some choices you made today, and help them think about choices they made. Read to them from Moses 4:3: “The agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him.” Explain that this verse teaches us that God has given us the ability to make choices. Express your gratitude that you are able to choose the right, and testify that the children can also choose to do what is right.

Coloring Page: “Jesus created the earth as a place where I can learn to choose the right.” (Jan. 2012 Friend)

Friend January 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Good Choices Toss”

Story: In the Garden of Eden, Eve chose to eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge. She offered the fruit to Adam. He also chose to eat the fruit. (See Moses 4:12.) After they ate the fruit, they learned the difference between right and wrong.

Song: “Choose the Right Way” (Children’s Songbook, 160–61)

Activity: Sit in a circle and toss a ball around. When you catch the ball, tell about a good choice you made this week.

Why is agency so important to God’s plan that Satan would want to destroy it?

Friend January 2012 “Agency Is the Gift to Choose for Ourselves”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 58–59”

Help the children know that Heavenly Father wants us to make good choices that bring happiness to our lives and to others.

  • Read phrases from Doctrine and Covenants 58:27–28 to help children understand that they can choose to do good. Put a happy face on one side of the room and a sad face on the other side. How do we feel when we choose to do good? Describe several situations along with a good or bad choice for each one. After describing each situation and choice, ask the children to stand by the happy face if the choice is good and by the sad face if it is bad.
  • Show the children a container of many different colors of crayons. Show them a second container with only one crayon. Ask the children which of these containers they would want to use. Why? Explain that being able to choose is a blessing from Heavenly Father. Testify that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us and want us to make good choices.
  • Tell the children about a time when you made a good choice, and describe how you felt afterward. Invite the children to draw a picture of your story or a story of their own. Then let them share their pictures with the class and tell what they learned from the story.

Agency is the Power to Choose.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 58–59”

God has given us the power to choose, and with that power we can “bring to pass much righteousness” (verse 27). How can you help the children you teach see that even though there is wickedness in the world, “the power is in them” to “do good”? (verse 28).

  • Show the children a piece of paper that has the word choice written on one side and the word consequence written on the other side. Explain that choices have consequences, or results that naturally follow actions. Invite a child to pick up the paper to show that when you pick up the paper, you get both the choice and the consequence of that choice. Ask a child to read Doctrine and Covenants 58:27–28. What choices can we make that will “bring to pass much righteousness” or good consequences? (verse 27). When have we made good choices that had consequences that blessed others?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 1-5” Make a booklet. We have free agency like Adam and Eve.

2017 Sharing Time Outline Tell the children that you are thinking of a word, and give them clues to help them guess the word. Ask them to raise their hands when they know the answer. Clues could include the following: We had this before we came to earth. It is a gift from our Heavenly Father. It is an important part of Heavenly Father’s plan for us. Satan wanted to take it from us. We use it when we make choices. It is a gift that lets us choose for ourselves. It starts with the letter A. After the children have guessed the answer, say together, “Agency is the gift to choose for ourselves.”

Show the children a long stick that has the word choice written on one end and the word consequences written on the other end. Explain that a consequence is what naturally happens because of a choice we make; for example, if we choose to practice playing a musical instrument, we will get better at it, and if we choose to touch fire, we will be burned. Pick up the stick and show the children that every time you pick up the stick, you get both the choice and the consequence of that choice. Ask an older child to read 2 Nephi 2:27. Invite the other children to listen for what the consequences are for making the right choice (liberty and eternal life) and what the consequences are for making the wrong choice (captivity and misery).
Invite two children to come to the front of the room, and let each child hold one end of the stick. Ask the child holding the “choice” end to give an example of a good choice (for example, speaking kindly to others). Ask the other child to share possible consequences of that choice (for example, making lasting friendships). Repeat with several other children.

2017 Sharing Time Outline Show the children a container of many different colors of crayons. Show them a second container with only one color. Ask the children: “If you were going to color a picture, which of these containers of crayons would you want to use? Why?” Explain that having a variety of choices is a blessing. Testify that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us and They want us to make correct choices.

Agency. Help the children understand that Heavenly Father has given us the gift of agency—the freedom to choose—and holds us accountable for our choices (see Doctrine and Covenants 29:39–40). Create two signs for each child: one that represents making a good choice (for example, a smiling face) and one that represents making a bad choice (for example, a frowning face). Share examples of good choices and bad choices, and ask the children to raise the correct sign. Ask the children to share blessings that come when we follow Jesus Christ. Why does Heavenly Father let us make our own choices?Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 29: “Jesus Christ Will Gather His People”

Jul 2 2022

Prophets and Apostles

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Also see Conference files for more items.

Jesus Christ leads His Church through prophets and apostles.

Acts 1:1–11

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Acts 1-5” Learning about how the Savior led His ancient Church through apostles can help the children gain testimonies of prophets and apostles in our day.

Show the full-page picture from this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families. Ask the children why they think the people are looking at the sky.

Summarize the account from Acts 1:1–11. (See also “Chapter 55: The Apostles Lead the Church,” in New Testament Stories, 145–47, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.)

Friend July 2019 “Jesus Said to Share the Gospel”

After Jesus died and was resurrected, He visited His followers. He told His Apostles to teach all people to obey the commandments and be baptized.
After teaching His followers, Jesus returned to heaven.
The Apostles started traveling and teaching people in different lands.
Friend July 2019

Friend July 2023 “The Prophet Peter”

  • Story: After Jesus died, Peter was called to be the leader of the Lord’s Church. You can read this story on page 46 or in Acts 2–3.
  • Song: “Stand for the Right” (Children’s Songbook, 159)
  • Activity: Pick a person to be the leader. Have the leader do an action (like hopping on one foot or spinning). The others copy them. When the leader changes the action, the others copy the new action. Take turns being the leader until each person has had a turn.

Invite a child to hold up a picture of the current Apostles. Who helps Jesus Christ lead the Church when He is not on the earth?

Friend November 2023 “Our Prophets and Apostles”

For the Strength of Youth October 2023 “Called of God” Match the photos of the General Authorities to their names. Answers on page 12.

Play a matching game with two sets of pictures of the living First Presidency and Twelve Apostles. When a match is made, share the Apostle or President’s name and something about him.

Friend May 2018 “Our Prophets and Apostles Today”

Friend 2020

Friend Sept. 2016 Oaks
Friend Sept. 2016 Oaks
Friend July 2018
Friend Feb 2016 Nelson
Friend Feb 2016

On the back of a picture of the President of the Church, tape small pictures of things he teaches about, like the Savior, baptism, or a temple. Let each child take a turn looking at one of the pictures and telling the rest of the class, “The prophet teaches us about [the topic of the picture].” Testify that prophets and apostles teach us what Jesus wants us to know and do.

Friend January 2021

Jesus Christ leads His Church through prophets and apostles.

Acts 1:8, 22–26

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Acts 1-5” How will you help the children understand that the Savior’s Church today is led by prophets and apostles, just as it was in ancient times?

Write on the board How does Jesus Christ lead the Church when He is not on the earth? Invite the children to listen for answers to the question as you read the Savior’s words to the Apostles in Acts 1:8. Help the children understand that Jesus has chosen prophets and apostles to lead the Church today, just as He did anciently.

Media Library “Christ Ordaining the Apostles”
Church News

Read together Acts 1:22–26. As a class, identify how the Apostles called a new Apostle.

  • Much the same process is still used today. The Church topic page on apostles shares that “Apostles are chosen through inspiration by the President of the Church, sustained by the general membership of the Church, and ordained by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles by the laying on of hands.”

Ahead of time, ask a child and his or her parent to learn about a recently called Apostle (they can find information about the Apostles at “Quorum of the Twelve Apostles,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite the child to share what he or she learned with the class and, if possible, what the Apostle said about his call in his first general conference message.

  • Ulisses Soares was sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on March 31, 2018. Below is his first conference address after his call.

Prophets and Apostles Testify of Jesus

The Living Christ

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

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

Friend February 2019

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

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

Friend May 2019 Jesus’s life didn’t begin when he was born nor end when he died. Look up the scriptures about His life before birth, his life on the earth, and his life after death and then fill in the crossword puzzle.

Friend June 2019  Jesus was resurrected and lives. Discuss the pictures of him visiting people after his death.

Friend July 2019  Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery saw a vision of Jesus Christ in the Kirtland Temple. Jesus said, “I am he who liveth.”

Friend August 2019 The Prophet Joseph Smith’s testimony of the resurrected Jesus.

Friend September 2019 Write the names of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on the foundation stones.The foundation of a building keeps it strong. The most important foundation stone is called the cornerstone. The prophets and apostles are like the foundation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jesus Christ is like the most important stone, the cornerstone.

Friend October 2019 Second Coming of Jesus Christ

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

Friend December 2019 “The Living Christ” Like light shining through a window, the Savior brings light and hope to a world that sometimes seems dark. Color this stained-glass window, then visit ComeUntoChrist.org/Christmas to learn how you can share Christ’s light!

When our Church leaders speak by inspiration, they speak “the word of the Lord.”

Doctrine and Covenants 68:3–4

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 67–70”

When the Lord’s servants speak by the power of the Holy Ghost, their words are the will, mind, word, and voice of the Lord (see verse 4). Knowing this truth can help the children want to listen to and follow their teachings.

  • Invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 68:3–4 in small groups and share with each other what they learn from these verses. Invite the children to write something they learned on the board. Why is this an important truth to know?
  • After reading Doctrine and Covenants 68:3–4 together, give the children copies of several recent messages from general conference. Invite them to find in the messages truths that the Lord taught us through His servants.

Friend May 2018 “Our Prophets and Apostles Today” Match the picture with the names and facts about each leader.

Friend September 2019 Write the names of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on the foundation stones.The foundation of a building keeps it strong. The most important foundation stone is called the cornerstone. The prophets and apostles are like the foundation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jesus Christ is like the most important stone, the cornerstone.

Friend September 2020 “Funstuff: Find 15” There are 12 members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and three members of the First Presidency. All together, that makes 15! Circle the number pairs that add up to 15.

The First Presidency Holds “The Keys of the Kingdom.”

Doctrine and Covenants 90:2, 5, 14–16

The Lord’s instructions about the First Presidency in 1833 (Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams) can help the children strengthen their testimony of today’s First Presidency.

  • Invite the children to search Doctrine and Covenants 90:14–16 and write down some of the things the Lord asked the First Presidency to do. Show the children a picture of the current First Presidency, and share something about them. (You can read their biographies under “Living Prophets and Church Leaders” at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.) Share your testimony of their divine callings and the blessings you have received from following their counsel.
  • Review with the children something that a member of the First Presidency has taught. Then read together Doctrine and Covenants 90:5. Point out that “oracles” are revelations or the prophets who receive them. What does it mean to “receive the oracles … as a light thing”? How can we show that prophets and the things they teach are important to us?

Review recent messages from members of the First Presidency. How do their words “unfold the mysteries of the kingdom” to you? (verse 14). How do they “set in order all the affairs of this church and kingdom”? (verse 16).

Friend October 2019

New Era May 2012 “Priesthood Keys”

With a set of keys, you can do a lot of things that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to do—enter buildings, drive cars, and open trunks, among other things. Keys, basically, mean authority and access.

The same is true of priesthood keys. They control access to the blessings and ordinances of the priesthood.

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

So, for instance, although the Church has many worthy priesthood holders, they need authorization from someone holding keys before performing most ordinances. For example, if Aaronic Priesthood holders hear about a homebound ward member who would like to receive the sacrament at home, they cannot simply go and administer the sacrament to that member because they believe it’s the right thing to do. They must be authorized by the bishop, who holds the keys over the Aaronic Priesthood. And a father who holds the priesthood cannot simply baptize his 8-year-old daughter or ordain his 12-year-old son to the Aaronic Priesthood without first being authorized by the bishop to do so.

God has given us prophets, seers, and revelators.

Mosiah 8:16–18

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 7-10”

  • One way to teach about seers is to compare them to things that help us see better, like glasses, binoculars, or a microscope. [Show the children how to hold their hands up to their eyes as if they were looking through glasses or binoculars. Read Mosiah 8:17, ask the children to put on their “glasses” each time they hear the word “seer.”] (see also Moses 6:35–36). Talk with them about things that the Lord helps prophets “see” that we can’t. What have our prophets or seers, such as Joseph Smith, revealed to us?

Clipart Library

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 7-10” Show the children pictures of tools that help us see things we couldn’t otherwise see, such as binoculars, a telescope, or a microscope. How are these tools like a seer? (see Moses 6:35–36). What can seers see that we do not? Explain that God has given us prophets and that one of the roles of a prophet is to be a “seer” because he can “see” things to come. Share some examples of things that prophets have seen and revealed to us (including the scriptures), or share an example of when a prophet was acting as a seer (such as 1 Nephi 11:20–21).

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 7-10”

  • After reading Mosiah 8:16–18 with your children, you could help them think of ways to complete a sentence like A seer is like a … who helps us … . For example, a seer is like a traffic sign who points us to Jesus.
  • Ask the children to review Mosiah 8:16–18 to learn what a seer is. Write this sentence on the board: A seer is like . Help the children think of ways to complete the sentence to explain why a seer is a blessing to us—for example, a seer is like a lifeguard, who warns us of danger.(Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 7-10”)

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 7-10”

Show a short clip of a recent conference message from the President of the Church (or show a picture of him and read something he has taught). Bear your testimony that he is a prophet, seer, and revelator.

Friend May 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities”Ammon taught that prophets can see things to come (see Mosiah 8:16–17). Turn to page 2 to read President Nelson’s message from general conference. What did he teach us? Draw a picture about it.

In our day, “the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve are sustained as prophets, seers, and revelators” (Bible Dictionary, “Seer”). You might show pictures of our living prophets, seers, and revelators. You might show pictures of our living prophets, seers, and revelators and ask your family what they know about them. How are we following them?

Media Library “First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles”

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 7-10”

You could also make paper footprints and invite your children to draw pictures on them of things that prophets, seers, and revelators have counseled us to do. Place the footprints in a path around the room, and let your children walk on these footprints. How can a seer be “a great benefit” to us? (see Mosiah 8:17–18).

The Red Crystal

For younger children: Sing “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110–11) with your kids. Every time you sing the word prophet, point to a picture of the prophet.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 7-10”

  • Pick a phrase from Mosiah 8:16–17, and write it on the board, replacing each word with a made-up symbol. Give the children a list of the symbols and the words they represent, and let them decode or “translate” the phrase as seers do. What are some other ways that prophets, seers, and revelators are “a great benefit” to us? (Mosiah 8:18).
  • Display the picture in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families, and ask the children to describe what they see. Explain that the Prophet Joseph Smith was a seer. What evidence do we have that Joseph Smith was a seer? The Lord gave him tools called the Urim and Thummim and a seer stone to use in translating the Book of Mormon.
Jul 2 2022

Alma 8-12

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Alma CHAPTER 8 Alma preaches and baptizes in Melek—He is rejected in Ammonihah and leaves—An angel commands him to return and cry repentance unto the people—He is received by Amulek, and the two of them preach in Ammonihah. About 82 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 9 Alma commands the people of Ammonihah to repent—The Lord will be merciful to the Lamanites in the last days—If the Nephites forsake the light, they will be destroyed by the Lamanites—The Son of God will come soon—He will redeem those who repent, are baptized, and have faith in His name. About 82 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 10 Lehi descended from Manasseh—Amulek recounts the angelic command that he care for Alma—The prayers of the righteous cause the people to be spared—Unrighteous lawyers and judges lay the foundation of the destruction of the people. About 82 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 11 The Nephite monetary system is set forth—Amulek contends with Zeezrom—Christ will not save people in their sins—Only those who inherit the kingdom of heaven are saved—All men will rise in immortality—There is no death after the Resurrection. About 82 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 12 Alma speaks to Zeezrom—The mysteries of God can be given only to the faithful—Men are judged by their thoughts, beliefs, words, and works—The wicked will suffer a spiritual death—This mortal life is a probationary state—The plan of redemption brings to pass the Resurrection and, through faith, a remission of sins—The repentant have a claim on mercy through the Only Begotten Son. About 82 B.C.

Alma is rejected in Ammonihah. An angel commands him to return.

Alma 8

Quickly I Obey

Friend June 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Speedy Singing: When an angel told Alma to go teach the people, Alma went “speedily” (Alma 8:18). Talk about how you can speedily follow God’s commandments. Then sing “Choose the Right Way” (Children’s Songbook, 160). The first time, sing the song slowly. Then sing it again, faster and faster. How fast can you sing it?

For younger children: Give your little ones a simple action to do, like jumping, touching their toes, or spinning around. Invite them to try doing the action faster and faster. Then talk about how we can be speedy to follow God.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 8-12” What can we learn from Alma about obeying the Lord “speedily” (verse 18) even when it might be difficult? To reinforce this principle with small children, you could play a game where you give instructions for a task and see how quickly family members accomplish it. For instance, you might see who could quickly fold a piece of clothing.

The Cozy Red Cottage For this activity you are going to use the dice. Pick one activity for the family to perform-it can be something like jumping 10 times or picking up 5 things in their bedroom. Once the activity is decided on, roll the dice. You will perform the activity either fast or slow. You can play this multiple times picking new activities and rolling the dice.

I can be a good friend.

Alma 8:18–22

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 8-12” You could invite one child to pretend to be Amulek and another to pretend to be Alma as you tell the story in Alma 8:18–22. How was Amulek a good friend to Alma? Then your children could share how someone has been a friend to them and how that experience made them feel.

Come Follow Me Kid

Skittle Friendship Game – Each family member will take turns choosing a Skittle out of a bag (without looking). Before they can eat each one, they need to answer one of the questions from the chart based on the color of Skittle that they have.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 8-12” Maybe you could make a friendship puzzle: find or draw a picture representing friendship and cut it into puzzle pieces. On the back of each piece, write something we can do to be a good friend, including things Alma and Amulek did. Your children could take turns selecting a piece and adding it to the puzzle as you read what is written on the back. Who needs our friendship?

Pictures that could be made into a puzzle:

Friend November 2020
Friend June 2020

Friend June 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Alma 8:26–27 together and help your little ones say, “I can be a good friend.” Sing a song about friendship, like “Our Door Is Always Open” (Children’s Songbook, 254). Practice sharing food with each other, like Amulek shared his food with Alma.

Alma commands the people of Ammonihah to repent

Alma 9

Alma 10

Amulek teaches the people

Alma 11

Saved from Our Sins

Alma 11:34–37

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 8-12” What is the difference between Jesus Christ saving us in our sins and from our sins? (see Helaman 5:10; see also 1 John 1:9–10). To illustrate what Amulek taught, you might share the story at the beginning of Elder Allen D. Haynie’s message “Remembering in Whom We Have Trusted” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 121–23). How does Jesus Christ save us from our sins?

Because of Jesus Christ, I will be resurrected.

Alma 11:43–44

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 8-12” Consider an object lesson like this one to teach about the Resurrection: your hand could represent your spirit, and a glove could represent your body. Take your hand out of the glove to show that our spirits and bodies will be separated at death. Then place your hand back in the glove to show that our spirits and bodies will be joined together again at the Resurrection. Let your children take turns putting the glove on and taking it off as you read Alma 11:43 to them.

Easter Puppet Object Lesson Directions on how to make and present object lesson of spirit leaving body and then being reunited.

Resurrection Puppets
Source: Friend September 2006

Display a picture of the resurrected Savior (see Gospel Art Book, no. 59), and testify that Jesus Christ made it possible for everyone to be resurrected.

Christ and Mary at the Tomb

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 8-12” Invite the children to draw pictures of their friends or family members, including extended family members. As the children share their pictures, point to each friend or family member they drew and explain that he or she will be resurrected. Testify that Jesus made it possible for us to be with our families forever.

God’s plan is a plan of redemption.

Alma 11–12

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 8-12” Perhaps your children could draw a picture representing principles of the plan of redemption, like the Fall of Adam and Eve, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, repentance, death, resurrection, and judgment. Then you could help them match their pictures to verses in Alma 11–12 that teach about these principles.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 8-12” What is the Savior’s role in this plan? Then invite the children to use their pictures to role-play teaching a friend about God’s plan.

The Red Crystal

Amulek contends with Zeezrom

Alma 12

If I don’t harden my heart, I can receive more of the word of God.

Alma 12:10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 8-12” Read together Alma 12:10, and discuss what it means to “harden” our hearts. Why does a hard heart make it more difficult to learn from God? To illustrate this principle, show the children a sponge and a rock and ask them which will absorb water better. How can we show the Lord that we want our hearts to be soft like the sponge?

Ensign June 2020 “How Does Developing a Soft Heart Help Us Gain Spiritual Knowledge?”

Alma 8-10

I can share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Alma 8–10

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 8-12” This week’s activity page could help you summarize the events in Alma 8–10 for your children. You might want to help them find principles that made Alma and Amulek good missionaries. For example, they didn’t give up (see Alma 8:8–13), they testified of Christ (see Alma 9:26–27), and they worked together (see Alma 10:12).

The Red Crystal

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 8-12” A song about missionary work, such as “I Want to Be a Missionary Now” (Children’s Songbook, 168) could give your children ideas about ways to share the gospel with their friends. Invite them to list ideas they find and people they could share the gospel with. You might even let them role-play what they might say or do.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 8-12” Ask the children to tell you about something they have shared with a family member or a friend—such as a toy or candy. Help them list some important things we can share with others about Jesus Christ. Explain that because the gospel is so important, Alma went to share it with the people in many other cities so they could learn how to be happy. Invite the children to share experiences when they shared the gospel with someone, or share your own experience.

Friend September 2016 “Bee-ing a Missionary”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 8-12” Help the children repeat a gospel truth several times, such as “The Book of Mormon testifies of Christ” or “I know Jesus loves me.” Then invite each child to practice sharing this truth with someone else in the class.

Friend January 2019 “Something Special to Share” Diego wants to take something special to share for Show and Tell. He decides to take a picture of Jesus and tell them that Jesus loves everyone.

[unitegallery 2019Januar]

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 8-12” Why does Heavenly Father want us to share the gospel? Help the children plan ways to share the gospel with their friends, such as giving them a copy of the Book of Mormon or inviting them to a Church activity. Give them time to role-play what they might say or do in these situations.

Friend June 2020 “Finish the Pattern”

Friend March 2024 “I Can Invite Others to Follow Jesus”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 8-12” Invite the children to describe what missionaries do and to tell you about anyone they know who is serving a mission. What do missionaries teach people? Help the children see that Alma and Amulek were missionaries who shared the gospel with the people of Ammonihah.

Additional Resources

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Alma and Amulek’s Mission to Ammonihah”

Lesson 15: Alma and Amulek in Ammonihah Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal

Jun 29 2022

Alma 5-7

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Table of Contents

Alma CHAPTER 5 To gain salvation, men must repent and keep the commandments, be born again, cleanse their garments through the blood of Christ, be humble and strip themselves of pride and envy, and do the works of righteousness—The Good Shepherd calls His people—Those who do evil works are children of the devil—Alma testifies of the truth of his doctrine and commands men to repent—The names of the righteous will be written in the book of life. About 83 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 6 The Church in Zarahemla is cleansed and set in order—Alma goes to Gideon to preach. About 83 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 7 Christ will be born of Mary—He will loose the bands of death and bear the sins of His people—Those who repent, are baptized, and keep the commandments will have eternal life—Filthiness cannot inherit the kingdom of God—Humility, faith, hope, and charity are required. About 83 B.C.

Alma commands the people in Zarahemla to repent

Alma 5

Song of Redeeming Love

Alma 5:9, 26

Alma asked them to think of their past spiritual experiences and consider if they could feel the same way now (see Alma 5:26).

To sing the song of redeeming love is to feel the pure love of Christ — “to feel the joy and hope that comes from an expanded soul changed by sincere repentance,” Elder Stanfill 

Ensign June 2020 “Family Study Fun”

Read Alma 5:9, 26 together. Talk about what you think it means to sing songs of “redeeming love.”

  1. If possible, find a picture of Jesus to look at together.
  2. Ask each family member to pick a favorite verse from a Church hymn or children’s song to sing together.
  3. After singing, take turns sharing thoughts and feelings about Jesus.

Discussion: What change could each of us make to better follow Jesus this week? How does good music help us draw closer to God?

Prepared to Meet God

Alma 5:14–33

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020

Members of your family may know what it feels like to be prepared—or unprepared—for a camping trip, a test at school, or a job interview. What recent experiences could they share to illustrate the importance of being prepared? You could invite family members to review Alma 5:14–33 and find questions Alma asked to prepare his people to meet God. Perhaps each family member could choose a question and share how it can help us prepare to meet God. Your family could also display several of Alma’s questions around your home for family members to ponder.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd

Alma 5:38

Friend June 2020 “My Family Night Fun” Game: Hide and Sheep

Friend June 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd, and He wants us to come to Him (see Alma 5:38). Play a game of shepherd tag! The person who is “it” is the shepherd gathering sheep. When the shepherd tags someone, they follow the shepherd. Once everyone is tagged, play again with a new shepherd!

For younger children: Jesus is like a shepherd, and He calls us to come to Him. Have someone hide and call out your little one’s name. Then have your child look to find them.

I can gain my own testimony through the Holy Ghost.

Alma 5:44–48

Friend June 2024 “What is a Testimony?”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 5-7”

Display pictures of things that grow gradually and need constant care, like a plant or a baby animal. Ask the children to share how we take care of these things and help them grow. (You could then relate this to taking care of our testimonies. What care do our testimonies need? How can we tell if they are growing?)

Photo by Tobias on Unsplash
Photo by Daniel Öberg on Unsplash

Friend January 2019 “Testimony Plants”

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

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 5-7”

  • How did Alma gain his strong testimony of Jesus Christ? You could read Alma 5:44–46 with your children to find answers to this question. Perhaps your children could write down a plan to do one thing this week to strengthen their testimony.

Friend June 2024 “Five Ways to Build Your Testimony”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 5-7”

Use an empty balloon to represent a testimony and blow air into it each time you share something that helps testimonies grow. Tie the balloon and pass it around, asking the children to share one thing they can do to help their testimonies grow. Invite the children to draw themselves doing things that will strengthen their testimonies.

Photo by Blake Cheek on Unsplash

Alma was visited by an angel, but his testimony was “made known unto [him] by the Holy Spirit” (Alma 5:46).

Friend June 2024 “My Testimony”

Alma preaches in Gideon

Alma 7

The Savior took upon Himself my sins, pains, and afflictions.

Alma 7:10–13

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 5-7”

  • How can you help your children understand Alma 7:10–13 so they can know that Jesus Christ cares about them and can help them? Perhaps you could ask them to share an experience when they were sick or in pain or had another problem that made them sad. How did others help them feel better? Bear your testimony that the Savior has suffered those things too, and talk about a time when He comforted and helped you.

The Red Crystal

  • As you and your children read Alma 7:11–13, look for the things Jesus Christ suffered for us. Invite your children to use words and phrases they found to complete this sentence: “Jesus suffered  so He can help me.” How does it help us to know that Jesus understands our struggles? How do we receive His help? Share your testimony of Jesus Christ.

The Red Crystal

Draw a line to the matching part of the scripture.

  • According to these verses, why was the Savior willing to suffer all of this? (Explain that “succor” means “to help.”)

Following Jesus Christ keeps me on the straight path back to Heavenly Father.

Alma 5:14; 7:19–20

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 5-7”

  • Let your children look in a mirror as you read Alma 5:14 (see also this week’s activity page). What does it mean to have the Savior’s image in our countenance?

Pass around a mirror and let children look at their reflections as you read Alma 5:14. What does it mean to have the Savior’s image in our countenance? Share times when someone said or did something that reminded you of the Savior, and ask the children to do the same.

Come Follow Me Kid Christ Mirror Activity – Read/discuss Alma 5:14. Whose heart does ours become more like as it changes? (Christ’s) Give each family member one of the Christ mirror pictures from the primary manual. The instructions in the manual say, “Hold the mirror and look into it. As you do, tell someone some things you can do that will help others think of the Savior when they see you.” I think it would also be great to have Mom/Dad share with each kid specific things that that child does that helps us think of the Savior. You could either write those things around the sides or on the back of the mirror or get some heart stickers and give each child a heart sticker as you tell them each Christlike characteristic you’ve noticed in them and then let them decorate their mirror.

Come Follow Me Kid
  • How can you use Alma’s description of the path back to Heavenly Father to help your children learn to make good choices? You could read Alma 7:19–20 to them and let them act out walking in “crooked paths” and walking in a straight path. Help them think of choices that help us stay on the path and other choices that take us off the path. You could also look at pictures of Jesus together and talk about things He did to show us the path back to Heavenly Father. A song like “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79) could provide some ideas.

Media Library Mormonads

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 5-7”

  • Read Alma 7:19 to the children, and explain that when we make good choices, we are in the path that leads back to Heavenly Father. Give the children a series of choices or actions (such as being unkind to family members or serving them). Ask them to tell you if each choice is good and leads back to God or if it is evil and leads away from Him.

Ensign September 2016 

  • Read Alma 7:20 and help the children understand the words in these verses that describe the path back to God. Draw on the board a straight path from us to Heavenly Father. Then draw a crooked path that includes dead ends that lead away from God. Invite the children to trace both paths with their fingers. Which path is better? Help them think of good choices that will help them stay on the straight path.

Friend September 2017 “CTR Fun” Fill in the blanks in the poem about choosing the right.

I must be born again and then follow the path that leads back to God.

Alma 5:12–14, 27–28, 57; 7:14–24

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 5-7”

Show the children a picture of a baby, and invite them to talk about what a baby is like when he or she is first born. Invite a child to read Alma 5:14. To help the children understand what it means to be “spiritually … born of God,” ask them to think about what Alma the Younger was like before he was converted. What was he like afterward? (See Mosiah 27:23–32 and Alma 36:12–24.) Explain that when we have faith in Jesus Christ and live His gospel, it is like we have started a new life, as a baby does.

Canva

Prepared to Meet God

Alma 5:14–33

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020

Members of your family may know what it feels like to be prepared—or unprepared—for a camping trip, a test at school, or a job interview. What recent experiences could they share to illustrate the importance of being prepared? You could invite family members to review Alma 5:14–33 and find questions Alma asked to prepare his people to meet God. Perhaps each family member could choose a question and share how it can help us prepare to meet God. Your family could also display several of Alma’s questions around your home for family members to ponder.

Read together Alma 7:19, and explain that after we are born again, we must follow “the path which leads to the kingdom of God.” Hide papers around the room with the following scripture references written on them: Alma 5:12–13, 27–28, 57; 7:14–16, 23–24. Invite the children to find the papers, look up the scriptures, and share what each scripture teaches we must do to return to God’s presence.

Alma 7:23

Who do we know who is a good example of one or more of the qualities listed in this verse? Why is it important to develop these qualities?

23 And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive. 24 And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.

Additional Resources

Friend June 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones”

Jun 20 2022

 2 Samuel 5–7; 11–12; 1 Kings 3; 8; 11

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David is Anointed King by the Israelites

Old Testament Stories “King David”

If I need guidance, I can ask Heavenly Father.

2 Samuel CHAPTER 5

All Israel anoints David king—He takes Jerusalem and is blessed of the Lord—He conquers the Philistines.

2 Samuel 5:19, 23

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “2 Samuel 5–7; 11–12; 1 Kings 3; 8; 11” These verses describe how David prayed for guidance and direction as the king of Israel. How can you inspire the children to turn to God in prayer when they are in need?

  • Explain to the children that when David needed help, he “inquired,” or prayed, for answers. As you read 2 Samuel 5:19, 23, invite the children to listen for the word “inquired” and to fold their arms when they hear it. Testify that we can always pray to Heavenly Father when we need help.

Friend November 2017 “Prayers and Pumpkins”  Rachel loses her family during a pumpkin walk in Nauvoo. She prays for help and is inspired to talk to a missionary couple. The couple she finds turns out to be Elder Perry and his wife, and they helped her find her family.

  • To help the children think about what they might say when they pray, you could ask them how they would finish sentences like these: “We thank Thee for …” and “We ask Thee for …” Let the children draw pictures of things they might give thanks for or ask for in a prayer.
Nursery Manual Page 19: I Can Pray to Heavenly Father
  • Tell the children about a time when you prayed for Heavenly Father’s help. How did He answer your prayer? What difference did it make to have Him help you? Invite the children to share their experiences.

2 Samuel CHAPTER 6

David takes the ark to the city of David—Uzzah is smitten for steadying the ark and dies—David dances before the Lord, causing a breach between him and Michal.

Throne shall be established forever through David’s descendent of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is our King.

2 Samuel CHAPTER 7

David offers to build a house for the Lord—The Lord, through Nathan, says He has not asked David to do so—The Lord will establish David’s house and kingdom forever—David offers a prayer of thanksgiving.

2 Samuel 7:16

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “2 Samuel 5–7; 11–12; 1 Kings 3; 8; 11” When David was the king of Israel, the Lord told him that his “throne shall be established for ever” (2 Samuel 7:16). This promise referred to Jesus Christ, our Eternal King, who was born through David’s posterity. (Perhaps your family would enjoy creating homemade crowns while discussing why you are grateful that Jesus Christ is your Eternal King.)

  • Invite one of the children to pretend to be a king or queen. If possible, give the child simple props to hold. What is a king or queen? What do they do? Tell the children that David was a king, and he was an ancestor of Jesus Christ, who we call the “King of kings” (Revelation 19:16). Help the children think of ways we can show that we believe Jesus Christ is our Eternal King.

Jesus Christ is our King. (Older Kids)

2 Samuel 7:16–17

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “2 Samuel 5–7; 11–12; 1 Kings 3; 8; 11” The kings we read about in the Old Testament all had flaws and made mistakes—even the good ones. But the King who was prophesied to come from David’s line, Jesus Christ, is perfect and will reign forever.

  • Invite the children to read what the prophet Nathan told King David in 2 Samuel 7:16–17, and ask them what they think this prophecy might mean. How could David’s kingdom have no end? Help the children find and read scripture passages that teach that Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, is a King, such as Luke 1:32–33; John 18:33–37; and Revelation 19:16. How is Jesus Christ like a king? What are some ways that we can show that Jesus Christ is our Eternal King?
Friend April 2018

For additional ideas see Following Jesus

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Overcoming Temptation” Lesson ideas

David and Bathsheba

I can overcome temptation.

2 Samuel CHAPTER 11

David lies with Bathsheba, and she conceives—He then arranges for the death in battle of her husband, Uriah.

2 Samuel 11

The children you teach make small but important decisions every day. How can you help them understand the importance of choosing what’s right even when it’s hard?

  • Review 2 Samuel 11 with the children, pointing out the choices David made. Ask the children what good choices David should have made. What are some things we can do when we are being tempted that can help us choose the right?

  • To share an example of someone who, unlike David, resisted temptation, ask the children if they remember the story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife (see Genesis 39:7–12). You might review this story with the children and help them compare it with the story of David. What can we learn from the stories of David and of Joseph about how to resist temptation? (Watch below video until .38)

Lesson 15: Joseph Was Sold into Egypt,” Primary 6: Old Testament Tell the class that the nail, pin, or paper clip represents us. Place it between the two magnets on a flat surface so it can be attracted by one or the other. Show that the further away from “Satan” we are, the less power he has to tempt us. As you move the metal object toward the magnet representing God, explain that the closer we live to the Lord, the more we are influenced by his goodness. When we seek after good, we are less influenced by that which is evil. (What can we do to draw close to God? How can the Holy Ghost help us?)

  1. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know that it is harder to avoid temptation when we allow ourselves to get close to it. Discuss with the children how they could distance themselves from temptation in the following situations:
    1. A plate of your favorite dessert is on the table, ready to be taken to a sick neighbor.
    2. Your parents have warned you not to swim without someone watching. You are alone by the water on a very hot day; perhaps you could just wade up to your knees …
    3. Some of your friends are trying to convince you to try smoking a cigarette. Whenever you are with them, they dare you to take just one puff.
    4. You are troubled by bad thoughts when you read a certain book.You could make a list on the chalkboard of other temptations, such as gossiping, looking at vulgar magazines, using bad language, dressing immodestly, watching inappropriate movies or television shows, telling unclean jokes or stories, listening to improper song lyrics, or using drugs. Discuss strategies for resisting evil, such as removing ourselves from the situation and replacing the temptation with something wholesome. Erase each harmful influence from the chalkboard as it is discussed.
  • Someone tries to show you pictures of people who are immodestly dressed. You are tempted to look.
  • Someone starts to tell a dirty joke or story. You want to listen.
  • A friend tells an unkind story about someone. The thought comes into your mind to spread the gossip.
  • You are watching a television program that shows immoral behavior. This program is popular with your friends and you want to watch it.
  • You are angry with someone and feel like punching him or her.
  • You see your favorite candy bar at the store. The thought comes into your mind to steal it.

Friend June 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” The Lamb Story

Story: The prophet Nathan told a story about two men. The first man had lots of lambs. The second man had only one lamb. The man with many lambs stole the other man’s lamb. That made the man with only one lamb very sad. It also made Heavenly Father sad. (See 2 Samuel 12:1–4.)

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

Activity: Act out the story of the two men and the lambs. You could use toys or other objects for the lambs. Then act it out again, but this time change the ending! What can the first man do to be kind instead of selfish?

Lesson 30: King David and Bathsheba,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 131–34
To help the children keep their thoughts and actions pure.

Discuss some ways the children can interrupt impure thoughts that may come to them (turn away, leave the situation, replace the bad thoughts with good thoughts and actions, say a prayer, think of an uplifting song or verse of scripture, recite the thirteenth article of faith, and so forth). Challenge the class members to be prepared in advance with a specific replacement for an undesirable thought. Allow them a minute to choose something uplifting they can think of instead. To help the children practice what they will do when a bad thought comes into their mind, play the following game.

Video tells story of David. President Oaks compares David’s story to looking at pornography.

For additional teaching ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Temptation” and Resources for Teaching Children “Temptation”

The Wisdom of King Solomon

I can walk in the ways of God.

1 Kings CHAPTER 3

Solomon loves the Lord and keeps His commandments—The Lord appears to Solomon and promises him a wise and an understanding heart—He judges between two harlots and determines who is the mother of a child.

“Lesson 31: The Wisdom of King Solomon,” Primary 6: Old Testament  Lesson includes great questions and lesson and story ideas

Attention Activity

Ask the children to name things they would ask for if they knew they could ask Heavenly Father for anything and he would give it to them. Write the children’s ideas on the chalkboard.

Show the children some waterproof items that could represent worldly goods, such as a piece of jewelry, a coin, a pretty rock, and so on. Put the items in a large pitcher or container as you talk about them and discuss how some people spend most of their efforts accumulating material goods. Then add some water to the container to represent good deeds or spiritual gifts as you discuss the kind deeds we can do and the spiritual gifts we can develop, such as helping a family member or friend, gaining a testimony, being honest, or having an understanding heart. Pour the contents of the container through a strainer into another container. Explain that the first container represents someone’s life, the strainer represents death, and the second container represents life after death. Discuss how we cannot take material goods with us when we die, but we do take with us the spiritual gifts we have developed and the good deeds we have done.

Ask the children which of the items on the chalkboard represent things that could last forever and if they would like to change anything they named before. Tell the children that they are going to learn about someone who was able to ask God for one thing, and he chose an eternal, spiritual gift instead of a temporary, earthly one.

Write knowledge, wisdom, and an understanding heart on the chalkboard. Discuss the meaning of each one. Explain that knowledge is learning gained through study or experience; wisdom is using what we have learned in the best way to make right choices; and an understanding heart enables us to know how others feel.

Have the children find the book of Proverbs in their Bibles. Explain that most of these proverbs (wise sayings) were written by Solomon, and because of his great wisdom, these sayings can help us today. (See the lesson link for a list of some of the wise sayings found in Proverbs.)

Two Women, One Baby

“Lesson 96: 1 Kings 1–10,” Old Testament Seminary Student Material

Latter Day Kids “Walk in His Ways” Lesson ideas

The Temple of Solomon

1 Kings CHAPTER 8

The ark, containing the two tablets of stone, is placed in the holy of holies—The glory of the Lord fills the temple—Solomon offers the dedicatory prayer—He asks for temporal and spiritual blessings upon repentant and prayerful Israel—The people sacrifice and worship for fourteen days.

Explain to the children that David, Solomon’s father, had wanted to build a temple but was denied the privilege. The Lord instead chose Solomon to direct the seven years of construction. When the elaborate temple (much of it was overlaid with gold) was finished, the priests carried the ark of the covenant, which contained the two tablets of stone the Lord gave Moses, “to the most holy place” of the building (1 Kings 8:6). Then the glory of the Lord filled the temple (see 1 Kings 8:10–11), and Solomon offered the dedicatory prayer (see 1 Kings 8:22–53.)

1 Kings 8:57–58

For the Israelites, building and dedicating the temple was an opportunity to turn their hearts to the Lord and recommit to “walk in all his ways” (1 Kings 8:58). How can you help the children you teach “walk in all his ways”?

  • Show the children a picture of a modern temple and the temple that Solomon built (see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Explain that when Solomon built a temple for the Israelites, he encouraged them to “walk in all [the Lord’s] ways” (1 Kings 8:58). Tell the children how the temple helps you walk in the Lord’s ways. Invite the children to share how they feel about the temple. Sing with the children a song about the temple, such as “I Love to See the Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 95).

For additional lesson ideas see Temple, Resources for Teaching Children: Temples, 

  • Give some of the children paper hearts and other children paper footprints. Read 1 Kings 8:58, and ask the children to hold up the hearts when you say the word “hearts” and the footprints when you say the phrase “walk in all his ways.” Help the children understand that we walk in the Lord’s ways when we follow Jesus and try to become like Him. Ask the children what they do to walk in the Savior’s ways. You could sing a song about following Jesus, such as “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79).

Old Testament Coloring Book “The Temple of Solomon”

Solomon Turns from God

I will keep my heart centered on Jesus Christ

1 Kings CHAPTER 11

Solomon marries non-Israelite women, and his wives turn his heart to the worship of false gods—The Lord stirs up adversaries against him, including Jeroboam, the son of Nebat—Ahijah promises Jeroboam that he will be the king of the ten tribes—Solomon dies and Rehoboam reigns in his stead.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “2 Samuel 5–7; 11–12; 1 Kings 3; 8; 11”

What are some “other gods” (verse 10) that could turn our hearts away from the Lord? How can we keep our hearts centered on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?