Tag Archives: Sacrifice

Mar 5 2023

Matthew 9–10; Mark 5; Luke 9

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Table of Contents

Matthew CHAPTER 9 Jesus forgives sins, heals a paralytic, and calls Matthew—Jesus eats with sinners, heals a woman who touches His garments, and raises Jairus’s daughter to life—He opens the eyes of the blind, casts out a devil, and preaches the gospel.

Matthew CHAPTER 10 Jesus instructs and empowers the Twelve Apostles and sends them forth to preach, minister, and heal the sick—Those who receive the Twelve receive the Lord.

Mark CHAPTER 5 Jesus casts out a legion of devils, who then enter the swine—A woman is healed by touching Jesus’ clothes—He raises Jairus’s daughter from the dead.

Luke CHAPTER 9 The Twelve are sent out—Jesus feeds the five thousand—Peter testifies of Christ—Jesus foretells His death and resurrection—He is transfigured on the mount—He heals and teaches.

Jesus has the power to heal me.

Matthew 9:18–30; Mark 5:22–43

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 9–10; Mark 5; Luke 9” The Savior repeatedly showed His power to heal those who had faith in Him. You can help the children you teach build their faith in His healing power.

  • Tell the children the story of the daughter of Jairus (see Mark 5:22–23, 35–43). At the appropriate point in the story, read Jesus’s words “I say unto thee, arise” (verse 41), and invite the children to stand up. Help the children understand that Jesus has the power to heal people and give us eternal life.

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

  • Show a picture of the account in Matthew 9:20–22 as you read these verses. Help the children memorize the phrase “Thy faith hath made thee whole” (verse 22). To do this, you could assign each child a word, and then have the children say their words in order several times. How did the woman show that she had faith in Jesus Christ? What can we do to show that we have faith in Christ?

Friend February 2023 “Jesus Heals a Woman”

  • Ask the children to close their eyes and listen as you read from Matthew 9:27–30. When you read about Jesus healing the blind men, invite the children to open their eyes. Invite the children to talk about how they would feel if Jesus had healed them.

Friend June 2005 “Faith in Jesus Christ” Two blind men came to Jesus Christ and asked Him to heal them. Jesus asked if they believed that He could restore their sight. The men said, “Yea, Lord.” Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith be it unto you.” When they opened their eyes, they could see. (See Matt. 9:27–30.)

  • Use this week’s activity page to help the children learn the story of the Savior raising Jarius’s daughter from the dead.

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

Gather first-aid items and explain how they are used to heal us. Then explain that Jesus Christ’s power to heal is even greater. Describe one of the miracles in Matthew 9.

Latter Day Kids “Jesus Has Power to Heal Us” Lesson Ideas

Jesus has the power to heal me.

Matthew 9:18–30; Mark 5:22–43

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 9–10; Mark 5; Luke 9” Reading the accounts of the Savior healing people can help the children you teach build their faith in Him. These accounts can also help them feel His compassion and love.

  • Read together the accounts of Jesus healing people found in Matthew 9:20–22, 27–30 and Mark 5:22–23, 35–43 (or show the videos “Jesus Heals a Woman of Faith” and “Jesus Raises the Daughter of Jairus” on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). How did the people in these stories show their faith in Jesus Christ? What do we learn about the Savior from these stories?

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “Mark 5:24–34; Matthew 9:20–22” Read Mark 5:30–34, looking for the Savior’s response to this woman’s act of faith. The word virtue in verse 30 means “power” or “strength” (Mark 5:30, footnote a).

“This faithful, focused woman needed to stretch as far as she could to access His power. Her physical stretching was symbolic of her spiritual stretching. …When you reach up for the Lord’s power in your life with the same intensity that a drowning person has when grasping and gasping for air, power from Jesus Christ will be yours. When the Savior knows you truly want to reach up to Him—when He can feel that the greatest desire of your heart is to draw His power into your life—you will be led by the Holy Ghost to know exactly what you should do [see Doctrine and Covenants 88:63]. When you spiritually stretch beyond anything you have ever done before, then His power will flow into you. (Russell M. Nelson, “Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 41–42)

  • Invite the children to share experiences when they or someone they know received a priesthood blessing for the healing of the sick. How were they healed or blessed? Explain that sometimes a miraculous healing is not the Lord’s will, but we can still be blessed by His love and comfort.

Friend July 1988 “Power of Prayer” A pioneer father is inspired that something was wrong at home. When he arrives he finds that his daughter has fallen into the fireplace. He gives her a blessing and every promise is fulfilled.

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Friend March 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Miracle Guessing Game

Story: Jesus Christ performed many miracles. He healed a man who couldn’t walk. He brought a dead girl back to life. He healed blind men. (See Matthew 9.) What other miracles did Jesus do?

Song: “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 57)

Activity: Write down some of Jesus’s miracles on slips of paper and put them in a bowl. Pick a paper, read the miracle on it, and draw a picture of it. The others can guess which one it is!

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 9–10; Mark 5; Luke 9” Why the emphasis on physical healing? Certainly one obvious message is that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, with power over all things, including our physical pains and imperfections. But another meaning is found in His words to the skeptical scribes: “That ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins” (Mark 2:10).

“Lesson 16: Jesus Christ Performed Miracles,” Primary 7: New Testament Lesson ideas

Jesus called Twelve Apostles and gave them power to do His work.

Matthew 10:1–10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 9–10; Mark 5; Luke 9” Do the children you teach know that we have twelve Apostles today? How can you use these verses to teach them about the importance of modern-day Apostles and what they are called to do?

  • Summarize Matthew 10:1–10 in simple terms. Explain that Jesus calls Apostles to help Him build His Church. Let the children count the Apostles in the picture Christ Ordaining the Apostles (Gospel Art Book, no. 38) and in a picture of the current Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (see ChurchofJesusChrist.org or a general conference issue of the Liahona). Explain that we have twelve Apostles today, just as in Jesus’s time. Share your testimony of the Lord’s Apostles and of something they have taught recently.
  • Hide pictures of the modern-day Apostles around the room (for pictures, see a recent general conference issue of the Liahona). Invite the children to find the pictures, and tell them a little about each Apostle (see “Meet Today’s Prophets and Apostles” at ChurchofJesusChrist.org). (See also Latter Day Apostles)
  • Invite a child to hold up a picture of the First Presidency and a picture of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Ask the child to lead the other children around the room to a picture of Jesus. Testify that the prophets and apostles lead us to Jesus Christ.

The Twelve Apostles can teach me about Jesus.

Matthew 10:1–10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 9–10; Mark 5; Luke 9” How can learning about the Twelve Apostles in Christ’s day help the children better understand what the Twelve Apostles do today?

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “Matthew 9:36–38; 10”

  • What did the Savior command His Apostles to do?
  • What similarities did you notice between the things Jesus did and what He commanded His Apostles to do?
  • Why would accepting the Savior’s Apostles be like accepting the Savior? Matthew 10:40
  • Because the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles represent the Savior and are special witnesses of Him, studying their teachings is like studying the Savior’s teachings

(A) Strongly agree (B) Agree (C) Neutral (D) Disagree

  1. I believe the Apostles of Jesus Christ are very important.
  2. I want to hear what the Savior’s Apostles have to say, and I pay attention when I have the chance to listen to them.
  3. I could share one or two things Apostles of Jesus Christ have recently taught.
  • Invite the children to write on the board the names of as many of the original Apostles as they can remember. Then ask them to list as many living Apostles as they can remember. Let them check their lists with Matthew 10:2–4 and a recent conference issue of the Liahona. You could also play a matching game in which the children match each living Apostle’s name with his picture. Pictures can be found at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

For the Strength of Youth February 2023 “Who Were Jesus Christ’s Early Apostles?”

Friend May 2011 “Jesus Christ’s Twelve Apostles”

Friend April 1984

Friend April 1984
  • Several days before class, invite a few children to come prepared to share a story told by one of the living Apostles (see issues of the Liahona or Friend for ideas). How did that Apostle use the story to inspire us to become more like the Savior?

Friend Jan 2015 “You Are the Savior’s Hands”

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Activity:
Friend January 2015

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

Friend May 2021 “Matt and Mandy” The Coopers learn the sixth article of faith.

See also Latter Day Apostles

Following Jesus Christ requires sacrifice.

Luke 9:23–25

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 9–10; Mark 5; Luke 9” How will you help the children understand what it means to “lose” their lives as they follow the Savior?

  • Tell the children about a time when you gave up something in order to get something better. Invite the children to share examples of their own. Then read together Luke 9:23–25. Explain that Jesus wants us to be willing to give up anything to follow Him. While He may not ask us to literally give up our lives, what does He ask us to give? (see Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 16:26 [in Matthew 16:24, footnote e]).To deny himself all ungodliness, and every worldly lust, and keep my commandments.)

For the Strength of Youth July 2022 “The Choice” Ben forgot to write a book report that was due the next day. He has to make a choice whether he will follow God or cheat and copy a book report from the internet.

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.

  • Write several Christlike qualities on pieces of paper and the opposites of those qualities on other pieces of paper (such as love and selfishness, humility and pride, and so on). Write the words save and lose as headings on the board, and invite the children to sort the qualities under the appropriate headings. Give the children time to ponder the Christlike qualities on the board and to choose one to develop more fully.

Friend June 2016

Friend June 2016

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal Lesson Ideas

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Thy Faith Hath Made Thee Whole” Lesson Ideas

Mar 6 2022

Sacrifice: Lesson Ideas

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Table of Contents

See also Priorities

Following Jesus Christ requires sacrifice.

Luke 9:23–25

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 9–10; Mark 5; Luke 9” How will you help the children understand what it means to “lose” their lives as they follow the Savior?

  • Tell the children about a time when you gave up something in order to get something better. Invite the children to share examples of their own. Then read together Luke 9:23–25. Explain that Jesus wants us to be willing to give up anything to follow Him. While He may not ask us to literally give up our lives, what does He ask us to give? (see Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 16:26 [in Matthew 16:24, footnote e]).To deny himself all ungodliness, and every worldly lust, and keep my commandments.)

For the Strength of Youth July 2022 “The Choice” Ben forgot to write a book report that was due the next day. He has to make a choice whether he will follow God or cheat and copy a book report from the internet.

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.

  • Write several Christlike qualities on pieces of paper and the opposites of those qualities on other pieces of paper (such as love and selfishness, humility and pride, and so on). Write the words save and lose as headings on the board, and invite the children to sort the qualities under the appropriate headings. Give the children time to ponder the Christlike qualities on the board and to choose one to develop more fully.

Friend June 2016

Friend June 2016

Friend September 2018 “Just Like Grandpa” William’s dad received a calling to preside over the sign language branch. William is sad he will have to leave his friends, but his mom helps him by telling him a story about his great grandfather Turner who sacrificed to obey the Lord.

Friend December 2015 “The Woodpile” A family gives away their wood to help a family who needs it to heat their home.

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 10: The Book of Mormon Is Published” 

Doctrine and Covenants 19:26, 34–35, 38

When the translation of the gold plates was almost finished, Joseph Smith began looking for someone to publish the translation as a book. He talked to a printer in Palmyra, Egbert B. Grandin, and asked him to give an estimate of the cost of printing the book. Grandin did not want to print the “golden Bible,” as he called it, because he knew that people were against the book, and he was afraid he would not be paid. Joseph went to Rochester, New York, to see if he could find someone else to do it. One printer refused to print the book because he did not believe Joseph’s account of where he got it; another agreed to print it, but his price was very high. Finally Joseph returned to Palmyra and convinced Grandin to print the book. Grandin agreed only after Martin Harris pledged his farm to guarantee the printing costs.

People in Palmyra who opposed the Book of Mormon held a meeting and resolved not to buy the book when it was published. Grandin again became worried that he would not be paid. Martin Harris was afraid he would lose his farm, and he wondered what he should do. Joseph Smith inquired of the Lord, and the Lord told Martin not to “covet” his own property but to “impart it freely” to cover the costs of printing the Book of Mormon (see D&C 19:26). Martin Harris eventually sold 151 acres of his farm to pay Grandin for publishing the Book of Mormon.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 18–19: “The Worth of Souls Is Great”

Martin and Lucy Harris had one of the finest farms in Palmyra, New York. It had taken them years to acquire, had enabled them to raise a family, and had given them good standing in the community. But in 1829 it became clear that the Book of Mormon could be published only if Martin mortgaged his farm to pay the printer. Martin had a testimony of the Book of Mormon, but Lucy did not. If Martin went forward with the mortgage and the Book of Mormon did not sell well, he would lose his farm and jeopardize his marriage. At some time or another, we all face questions similar to those that Martin may have been facing: What is the gospel of Jesus Christ worth to me? What am I willing to sacrifice to help build God’s kingdom? It may help us to remember that no one has ever paid a higher price to bless God’s children than Jesus Christ, “the greatest of all” (Doctrine and Covenants 19:18).

Martin made the decision to mortgage his farm. His sacrifice paid for the printing of the first 5,000 copies of the Book of Mormon. And now, more than 190 million copies later, millions of souls around the world have been blessed.

For more information about the publication of the Book of Mormon, see Saints, 1:76–84.

The Book of Mormon did not sell very well in Palmyra, and as a result, Martin Harris ended up having to sell a large portion of his farm to pay the debt (see “The Contributions of Martin Harris,” Revelations in Context, 7–8). Ponder that sacrifice—and the blessings you’ve received because of it—as you read these verses. You might also think about what the Lord has asked you to sacrifice. What do you find in these verses that inspires you to make these sacrifices with “rejoicing” and “gladness”? (see also verses 15–20).

My Sacrifices are Sacred to the Lord.

Doctrine and Covenants 117

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 115-120”

Leaving Kirtland may have been particularly hard for people like Newel K. Whitney, who had established a prosperous life for his family there. What do you find in Doctrine and Covenants 117:1–11 that might have helped them make this sacrifice? How do these verses change your perspective on what is really important?

The sacrifice asked of Oliver Granger was different: the Lord assigned him to stay in Kirtland and settle the Church’s finances. It was a heavy task, and while he represented the Church with integrity, he ultimately didn’t recover much money. Consider how the Lord’s words in verses 12–15 might apply to the things the Lord has asked of you.

Your family could compare a “drop” with something more “weighty” (verse 8), like a jug of water. This could lead to a discussion about less important things in our lives that might prevent us from receiving God’s abundant blessings.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 115-120”

In section 117, the Lord counseled William Marks and Newel K. Whitney to sacrifice their possessions in Kirtland for greater blessings in Missouri. He also honored Oliver Granger for the sacrifices he made. What do you feel the children can learn from their examples?

  • Invite the children to imagine that they were a successful store owner in Kirtland, like Newel K. Whitney. How would they feel if the Lord asked them to leave their store and move someplace new? Read to the children Doctrine and Covenants 117:1–11, and ask the children to stop you when they hear something that would help them have the faith to make sacrifices and obey the Lord. What do we sacrifice today to obey the Lord?
  • Briefly tell the children why the Saints had to leave Kirtland, or let one of the children do so (see “Chapter 41: Trouble in Kirtland,” Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 158–60). Explain that the Lord asked Oliver Granger to stay in Kirtland and pay the Church’s debts. Why would that be a difficult job? What did the Lord say in Doctrine and Covenants 117:13 that could help Oliver—or any of us—make sacrifices to obey the Lord?

Doctrine and Covenants 117:6

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 115-120”

To encourage William Marks and Newel K. Whitney to sacrifice their property and move to Missouri, the Lord reminded them that He created all things on earth. How might the children be blessed by knowing this truth?

  • Bring or draw pictures of the creations in Doctrine and Covenants 117:6 that the Lord said He made (or invite the children to draw their own pictures). Invite the children to hold up or point to the pictures as you read the verse. Tell the children why it is important to you to know that Jesus Christ created these things.
  • Sing together a song about the Lord’s creations, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29). Let the children talk about some of the things God has created that help them feel His love.

Sacrificing Temporary Pleasure for Something of Eternal Value

Lesson 13: Jacob and Esau,” Primary 6: Old Testament Display the wordstrips you have prepared (or write Temporary and Eternal on the chalkboard). Discuss as a class what each word means. (Temporary: lasting only a short while, not permanent. Eternal: something that will last forever.) Show the objects, pictures, or wordstrips that represent things of temporary and eternal value. Have the children decide which wordstrip each item belongs under. Briefly discuss each item and why it gives either lasting satisfaction or temporary pleasure.

  • If you had to choose between going on a picnic and being baptized, which would you choose? Which would give temporary pleasure? Which would make eternal happiness possible?

Explain that some choices we make have either immediate or eternal results. The choices we make show what our values are, or what is most important to us.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 24–27” Esau chose to trade something of great value, his birthright, for something of lesser value, some bread and a bowl of soup. As you read these verses, ponder how you can help the children prioritize things that are eternally important.

  • Read together the story of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 25:21–34. As you read, invite each child to choose something to draw from the story. Then invite them to use their pictures to tell the story in their own words. If they need help understanding what a birthright is, encourage them to read “Birthright” in the Bible Dictionary or Guide to the Scriptures (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite the children to imagine that Esau asked for our advice about whether he should trade his birthright for the pottage; what would we say to him?
  • Tell about a time when you had to sacrifice something good for something else of greater value. Or show the video “Continue in Patience” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). How does your story or the story in the video relate to the choice Esau made in Genesis 25:29–34? Help the children think of blessings Heavenly Father wants to give them (such as a stronger testimony, temple blessings, or eternal life with Him). Encourage them to think of things they would be willing to sacrifice in order to receive these valuable blessings.

“Lesson 33: Genesis 25–27,” Old Testament Seminary Student Material Isaac received more than Abraham’s other children because of Isaac’s birthright. A son who held the birthright not only inherited his father’s lands and possessions, but he also took his father’s position as the spiritual leader of the family and received the “authority to preside” (see Bible Dictionary, “Birthright”). The birthright son was then responsible to provide for the family’s needs. The birthright was often passed from a father to his eldest son. However, righteousness was more important than being the firstborn son. The birthright Isaac received from Abraham also included all the blessings and responsibilities of the Abrahamic covenant.

(See also Priorities)

Feb 13 2022

Genesis 18–23

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Genesis CHAPTER 18

Abraham entertains three holy men—They promise that Sarah will have a son—Abraham will command his children to be just—The Lord appears to him—They discuss the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

“Lesson 28: Genesis 18,” Old Testament Seminary Student Material (2018)

According to Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 18:3 (in Genesis 18:3, footnote a), the three messengers who visited Abraham were referred to as “My brethren” instead of “My Lord,” indicating that the Lord was not one of the three men. Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 18:23 (in Genesis 18:22, footnote a) clarifies that these three messengers were “holy men … sent forth after the order of God.” In the King James Version of the Bible, the word angels, which was used in reference to these men (see Genesis 19:1), was translated from the Hebrew word malakhim, which can also mean “messengers.”

Although we do not know the identity of the three messengers, Abraham treated them as if they were presiding authorities of the Lord’s kingdom then on the earth, and their messages were directly from the Lord (see Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary[1973], 3:235; Sidney B. Sperry, “Abraham’s Three Visitors,” Improvement Era, Aug. 1931, 583, 585).

The Lord Keeps His Promises, Even when They Seem Impossible.

Genesis 18:9–14; 21:1–7

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 18–23” Even though God had promised that Sarah and Abraham were going to have a son, as they got older it seemed impossible—Abraham was 100 years old, and Sarah was 90 (see Genesis 17:17). How can you use this story to help the children have faith that God will always keep His promises?

Younger Kids

  • Summarize God’s promise to Abraham and Sarah that they would have a child and the fulfillment of this promise (see Genesis 17:15–19; 18:9–14; 21:1–7). Or invite a couple in the ward to dress up as Abraham and Sarah and tell their story. Help the children understand that Abraham and Sarah were too old to have children. Ask them the question from Genesis 18:14, “Is any thing too hard for the Lord?” Testify that the Lord can fulfill His promises, even if they seem impossible.
Liahona February 2022

Older kids:

Write on the chalkboard: Is anything too hard for the Lord? Invite the children to discuss this question. Or write each word from the first sentence of Genesis 18:14 on a separate piece of paper, and give one to each child. Then ask the class to put the words in the correct order. Read Genesis 18:9–14; 21:1–7 with the children to find one example from the lives of Sarah and Abraham when the Lord did something that seemed impossible. What can we learn from the experience of Sarah and Abraham that can encourage us to trust God’s promises?

“Lesson 11: Abraham and Isaac,” Primary 6: Old Testament Show the pictures The Crossing of the Red Sea, Daniel in the Lions’ Den, and Three Men in the Fiery Furnace. Briefly explain that the Lord parted the waters of the Red Sea to let Moses and the Israelites escape from the Egyptian army, he protected Daniel from a den of lions, and he kept three young men from being burned when they were cast into a fiery furnace. (Note: Do not teach these stories in detail. Tell the children that they will learn more about these stories later in the year.) Point out that these people trusted in the Lord and had faith that his will would be done. Their faith was rewarded with miracles.

Abraham and Sarah had a baby boy, just as the Lord promised. They named him Isaac. Genesis 17:9; 21:1–3

Friend February 2022 “Abraham and Sarah”

  • Show a picture of a baptism or of the sacrament (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 103, 104, 107, 108). Help the children learn about the promises we make with God, and what God promises in return, when we are baptized and take the sacrament. (See True to the Faith, 23–25.)

The below handout is from Rachel’s Booknook

Friend February 2019 “The Baptism Covenant” Cut out and mix up these cards. Then take turns matching cards that go together. With each match, talk about that part of the baptism covenant.

  • Make a promise to the children that you will fulfill at the end of class (for example, that you will allow them to color a picture). Throughout class, remind them of your promise, and then fulfill it. Explain that the Lord always keeps His promises.
  • Ask the children to share a time when they had to wait for something that they really wanted. With the children, sing a song that testifies of God’s promises, such as “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47). Help the children identify things that God has promised us if we are faithful.
This video is going too fast during the second verse and you will need to use the pictures below during that part.

I Can Flee Wickedness.

Genesis CHAPTER 19

Lot entertains holy men—The men of Sodom seek to abuse Lot’s guests and are smitten with blindness—Lot is sent out of Sodom—The Lord rains brimstone and fire upon Sodom and Gomorrah—Lot’s daughters preserve his seed in the land.

Institute: Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel “Genesis 18–23”

When these three messengers arrived in Sodom, they met Lot, Abraham’s nephew. For reasons that are not clear, Lot had moved his family from living near Sodom (see Genesis 13:12) to living in Sodom (see Genesis 14:12). In the last lesson, you learned about the great wickedness that existed in Sodom and the Lord’s decision to destroy the city (see Genesis 18).

There are two indications in the scriptures that the phrase “looked back” was an idiomatic way of saying “she turned back” or “returned to Sodom.” The implication is that Lot’s wife started back to Sodom, perhaps to save some possessions, and was caught in the destruction.

Most scholars agree that the most probable site of Sodom is now covered by the southern part of the Dead Sea, a body of water with a high salt content. If Lot’s wife returned to Sodom, she would have been caught in the destruction. Her becoming a pillar of salt could be a figurative way of expressing this outcome.

Genesis 19:15–26

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 18–23” The account of Lot and his family fleeing a wicked city could inspire the children you teach to flee evil influences in their lives.

  • Summarize Genesis 19:15–26 by explaining that Lot’s family lived in a very wicked city, and angels warned them to leave. Read together verses 15–17, 26, and help the children think about what it might mean for them today to “escape” evil and “look not behind” (verse 17).

Media Library “Fleeing Sodom and Gomorrah”
  • Display a picture of the Savior, and ask the children to take a step toward it as they share one thing they can do to flee wickedness and come closer to Christ.

Avoiding temptation is easier than resisting it.

  • Discuss situations in which a friend might invite the children to do something they know isn’t right. How would we “flee” these situations? What could we say to our friend?

Friend November 2017 “Peer Pressure Problems” Ideas on how to deal with peer pressure to avoid making wrong choices

Genesis 19:15–17.These verses can help your family members prepare for times when they need to flee from wicked situations. What might some of these situations be? For example, you might have a discussion about inappropriate media or the temptation to gossip. How can we flee from such situations? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 18–23”)

Friend February 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Story: Heavenly Father gives us commandments to help us and keep us safe. Angels told a man named Lot to leave his home in a wicked city. Because Lot listened and obeyed, he stayed safe.

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

Activity: Now play a game! Take turns being the leader. The leader tells others to do actions, like “jump up and down” or “run in a circle.” Everyone else follows them. How can following the commandments help you?

Abraham Obeyed the Lord.

Genesis CHAPTER 22

Abraham is commanded to sacrifice Isaac, his son—Both father and son yield to the will of God—Abraham’s seed will be as the stars and the sand in number—In his seed, all nations will be blessed—Rebekah is born to Bethuel.

Old Testament Stories “Abraham and Isaac” Illustrations

Genesis 22:1–14

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 18–23” It was very difficult for Abraham to follow the commandment to sacrifice his son. Ponder how you can appropriately use this story to encourage the children to obey God even when it is hard or they don’t fully know the reasons for His commandments.

  • Show a picture of Abraham and Isaac (see this week’s study outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families), and use it to tell the story of Abraham and Isaac (see also “Abraham and Isaac” in Old Testament Stories). Show a picture of Jesus Christ, and talk to the children about how the story of Abraham and Isaac can remind us of the sacrifice Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ made for us.
Media Library “Abraham Taking Isaac to Be Sacrificed”
  • Play a simple game that requires the children to follow directions. For example, the directions could lead to a picture of the Savior hidden in the classroom. What are some things Heavenly Father has asked us to do? Help the children understand that keeping His commandments will help us return to live with Him and Jesus Christ again.

Old Testament Coloring Book “Abraham and Isaac”

Heavenly Father Sent His Son, who Sacrificed Himself for Us.

Genesis 22:1–14

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 18–23” As you teach about Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac, be sensitive to the feelings of the children. Use this story to help the children strengthen their love and appreciation for the Savior’s sacrifice.

  • Show the video “For God So Loved the World” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), or sing together a song about the Savior’s sacrifice, such as “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook,34–35). Invite the children to talk about how Jesus’s sacrifice shows Heavenly Father’s love for us. What can we learn about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ from the accounts of Abraham and Isaac and of the Crucifixion? What similarities do you find?

What have we been asked to sacrifice as a family? How have these sacrifices brought us closer to God?

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Obedience and Sacrifice” Lesson, activity, and refreshment ideas

Additional Resources

Genesis CHAPTER 20

Abimelech desires Sarah, who is preserved by the Lord—Abraham prays for Abimelech, and the Lord blesses him and his household.

Genesis CHAPTER 21

Sarah bears Isaac—He is circumcised—Hagar and her son are cast out of Abraham’s household—The Lord saves Hagar and Ishmael—Abraham and Abimelech deal honorably with each other.

Latter Day Kids “Abraham and Isaac” Lesson ideas

Friend February 2022 “For Older Kids”