Helaman CHAPTER 13 Samuel the Lamanite prophesies the destruction of the Nephites unless they repent—They and their riches are cursed—They reject and stone the prophets, are encircled about by demons, and seek for happiness in doing iniquity. About 6 B.C.
Helaman CHAPTER 14 Samuel predicts light during the night and a new star at Christ’s birth—Christ redeems men from temporal and spiritual death—The signs of His death include three days of darkness, the rending of the rocks, and great upheavals of nature. About 6 B.C.
Helaman CHAPTER 15 The Lord chastened the Nephites because He loved them—Converted Lamanites are firm and steadfast in the faith—The Lord will be merciful unto the Lamanites in the latter days. About 6 B.C.
Helaman CHAPTER 16 The Nephites who believe Samuel are baptized by Nephi—Samuel cannot be slain with the arrows and stones of the unrepentant Nephites—Some harden their hearts, and others see angels—The unbelievers say it is not reasonable to believe in Christ and His coming in Jerusalem. About 6–1 B.C.
Samuel the Lamanite
Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 40: Samuel the Lamanite Tells about Jesus Christ” Images and Video
Book of Mormon Stories for Young Readers “Samuel Teaches about Jesus”
Helaman 13
God can speak to me in my heart.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Helaman 13-16”
- How can you teach your children that God can speak to our heart, as He did for Samuel? Perhaps you could ask them to show you different ways to communicate without words (such as gestures or facial expressions). This could lead to a discussion about different ways that Heavenly Father communicates with us. As part of this discussion, you and your children could look at a picture of Samuel the Lamanite (this outline has two) and read Helaman 13:2–5 as your children listen for how God told Samuel what to say.
Friend March 2020 “How Does Heavenly Father Speak to Us?”
When Samuel the Lamanite was commanded to preach to the Nephites, Heavenly Father helped him know in his heart what he should say.
A Lamanite prophet named Samuel went to teach the Nephites in Zarahemla. He taught about repentance. The Nephites would not listen and threw him out of the city.
Samuel was about to go back to his people. But the Lord told him to return to teach the Nephites.
The Lord told Samuel He would tell him what to say. Samuel obeyed the Lord. He returned to Zarahemla. But the Nephites would not let him into the city.
Samuel climbed the city wall. He said the things the Lord put into his heart. He warned the people they would be destroyed because they were doing bad things. He said that only repentance and faith in Jesus Christ could save them. He said Jesus, the Son of God, would be born in five years.
- Many of us—especially children—need help learning to recognize how and when God is speaking to us. You might tell your children about a time when the Holy Ghost helped you know in your heart what God wanted you to do or say. Explain how you knew that God was communicating with you. Perhaps your children could also share any similar experiences they have had.
Friend January 2021 “The Bread Loaf Prayer” “How do you know when the Holy Ghost is talking to you?” Carver asked his parents. They decide to practice listening for the Holy Ghost. Carver’s mom bakes some bread and each person prays to know who to take it to. Carver thought of Sister Smith and he even listened and said the words to her that popped into his mind when he gave her the bread. He knew it was from the Holy Ghost.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 13–16: Glad Tidings of Great Joy”
- Teach the children that while we speak to each other using words, the Holy Ghost can communicate through feelings in our hearts. Invite them to hold their hands over their hearts each time you read the word “heart” in Helaman 13:2–5. Help them decorate heart-shaped pieces of paper that say, “The Spirit speaks to me in my heart.”
Friend November 2023 “More than a Good Practice Day” Ismael saw a woman weeding the whole time he and his dad were playing soccer. He felt strongly that he should go over and tell her she was doing a good job. She seemed unhappy and tired until Ismael told her thank you for taking care of the park, and then she got a big smile and thanked him.
- Show a picture of the living prophet speaking in general conference. Tell the children that God tells the prophet what to say to us, just as He told Samuel what to say to the Nephites. Talk together about things the prophet has said that have been inspiring to you or the children.
Iniquity does not lead to Happiness
The idea that happiness can be found “in doing iniquity” is common in our day. In what ways has living the gospel brought us true happiness?
Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024)
- Imagine some friends are trying to find a high mountain lake they have heard about but never visited. As they travel through the wilderness, they meet a man who says he has lived in the area for years. He warns them that the path they are on does not lead to the lake and is dangerous in places. He counsels them to turn around and retrace their steps to a different path that will lead them safely there.
- Like the man in the story, at times, prophets may warn us of choices that will not lead to happiness, progression, and a return to Heavenly Father. They may urge us to repent and change our lives.
One truth we learn from these passages is that the Lord mercifully warns people of the consequences of sin and forgives those who repent.
Helaman 14
Prophets teach about Jesus Christ.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Helaman 13-16”
- Singing together “Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 36) may be a good way to teach your children what Samuel taught about Jesus Christ. Sharing “Chapter 40: Samuel the Lamanite Tells about Jesus Christ” (Book of Mormon Stories, 111–13) is another. What did Samuel teach about the Savior? Perhaps you could also share what modern prophets teach about Him. How do their words build our faith in Him?
Samuel said there would be signs of Jesus’s birth. He told the people to look for the signs. One sign would be a night with no darkness. Other signs would be that a new star and many wonderful things would appear in the sky.
Samuel wanted people to have faith in Jesus. He said Jesus would die and be resurrected so that all people can be saved if they repent.
Samuel said there would be signs of Jesus’s death. People would not be able to see the sun, moon, or stars. There would be no light for three days.
There would be thunder and lightning. Earthquakes would come, and cities would be destroyed.
The purpose of Samuel’s message was to testify of Jesus Christ and invite the people to repent and come unto Him. Our prophets today have the same role.
Lesson 31 “Samuel the Lamanite”
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 13–16: Glad Tidings of Great Joy”
- Junior: Hide pictures around the room that represent the signs that Samuel prophesied of in Helaman 14:2–7 and 20–25. Read a phrase that describes one of the signs, and ask the children to find the picture of that sign. Explain that these signs helped the Nephites know about Jesus Christ. Testify that, like Samuel, all prophets testify of Jesus Christ.
- Senior: Invite half of the children to read Helaman 14:2–6 and draw pictures of the signs of Jesus’s birth. Invite the other half of the class to read Helaman 14:20–28 and draw pictures of the signs of Jesus’s death. Then ask each group to share what they drew. Read together Helaman 14:11–12, and ask the children to listen for why Samuel prophesied about these signs. How do we learn about Jesus Christ today?
The purpose of Samuel’s message was to testify of Jesus Christ and invite the people to repent and come unto Him. Our prophets today have the same role.
The prophet points us to Jesus Christ.
- Explain that just as Samuel the Lamanite taught about Jesus Christ, living prophets do the same today. Share a statement from a recent conference message in which the living prophet testified of Christ. Ask the children to share what the prophet has taught them about Jesus Christ.
Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon “Lesson 31: Samuel the Lamanite”
- Explain that not only did Samuel the prophet prophesy of Jesus Christ, so have all other prophets. Refer to Mosiah 13:33: “Did not Moses prophesy unto them concerning the coming of the Messiah, and that God should redeem his people? Yea, and even all the prophets who have prophesied ever since the world began—have they not spoken more or less concerning these things?”
Lesson 31 “Samuel the Lamanite”
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 13–16: Glad Tidings of Great Joy”
- Display a picture of the Savior, and ask a child to represent the prophet and lead the other children around the room while they sing a few verses of “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110–11) or another song about prophets. Then ask the child representing the prophet to lead the children to the picture of the Savior. Testify that if we follow the prophet, he will lead us to Jesus Christ. Share some things our prophet has taught about Jesus recently. How can we follow his counsel?
Friend December 2020 “I Can Play It: Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus” Printed song and Sing-Along Video
Helaman 16
I am blessed as I follow the prophet.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Helaman 13-16”
- You can build your children’s trust in the prophet by showing them examples of people who were faithful. Some of these are found in Helaman 16:1, 5. As you read, your children could stand up when they hear something the people did when they believed Samuel’s words. Then, as you read verses 2 and 6, your children could sit down when they hear something the people did when they did not believe. How can we show that we believe the words of the living prophet? Tell the children how you are blessed as you follow the Lord’s counsel through His prophets.
The Red Crystal For younger children you can put these two prophet pictures on opposite sides of the room, and read the scriptures Helaman 16:1-5 having the children stand under the prophet that is happy when they made good choices and sad when they made sad choices.
- “Families Are Blessed When They Follow the Prophet” (May 2014 Friend)
Tomás helps his family follow the prophet by holding family home evening.
Ensign September 2020 “Family Study Fun: Go Forth”
Read Helaman 16:1–3 together. Those who believed Samuel “went forth” to do what he taught. Talk about how we should follow our Church leaders today.
- Invite each family member to find a quote from general conference. (Perhaps browse “Inspirational Picture Quotes” at ChurchofJesusChrist.org/media-library/images.)
- Take turns standing on a chair or stool, like Samuel on the wall, and reading these quotes to the group.
- After each quote, talk about what your family can do to “go forth” and do what was taught.
Discussion: What could we do to get ready for general conference next month? What would help us listen to and act on the teachings of our Church leaders?
Friend June 2022 “I Will Follow the Prophet”
Additional Resources
Sing together the seventh verse of “Book of Mormon Stories” (Children’s Songbook, 118–19). Share something you admire about Samuel, and let the children share what they like about his story.
Friend December 2020 “Samuel and the Star”
Friend September 2020 “Family Night Fun”
New Era October 2020 “Standing Firm with Samuel”
Friend September 2024 “Samuel on the Wall”Samuel was a prophet who taught about Jesus Christ on top of a city wall (see Helaman 13:4). Make the craft to help you tell Samuel’s story. Cut out the pieces. Then carefully cut the dotted lines on the wall to make two slits. Slide the long strip through the slits. Now you can make Samuel climb up and down the wall as you tell the story!
For younger children: Hold your little ones while they stand on a chair and share what they know about Jesus Christ, like Samuel did.
Friend September 2024 “The Signs of Christ’s Coming”
Book of Mormon Scripture Figures: “Samuel the Lamanite” (August 2012 Liahona and Friend)
Scripture Figures: “Samuel the Lamanite” (September 1992 Friend)
Gospel Art Picture: “Book of Mormon: Samuel the Lamanite on the Wall”
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 13–16: Glad Tidings of Great Joy”
- Help the children build a small wall with blocks or books. Using a small toy or doll to represent Samuel, let the children take turns helping “Samuel” climb the wall to teach the people about Jesus Christ.
Friend September 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones”
- Read Helaman 14:11–12 together. Show your little ones a picture of Samuel standing on the wall and teaching people about Jesus. (You could use page FJ4 or the cover.) Then help them take turns standing on a chair or couch—like Samuel on the wall—and saying simple sentences about Jesus, like, “Jesus was born in Bethlehem,” “Jesus is the Son of God,” and “Jesus loves me.”
News with Naylors (See more ideas at link)
- The Amazing Arrow Trick from The Kids Should See This. I like that this object lesson has to do with arrows! Talk about prophets and the importance of following a prophet. When we obey, we see things clearly (show the clear glass with arrows facing the same direction) and we are protected. When we don’t obey the prophet (add water into the glass, so it only covers the bottom arrow), we don’t see things as clearly.
Latter Day Kids “Prophets” Lesson ideas
