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Dec 28 2020

Doctrine & Covenants 1

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Friend March 2021 “Getting to Know the Doctrine and Covenants” Jesus gave Joseph Smith special messages, called revelations, to help set up His Church. These messages were written down so people could remember them. Then Church leaders put these messages together in a book. That’s how we got the Doctrine and Covenants! (Match each scripture to the special message taught in the Doctrine and Covenants.)

Friend January 2021 “Scripture Time Fun”

Friend January 2021 “Hear Him” Doctrine and Covenants reading chart

Doctrine and Covenants Scripture Stories “Chapter 23: The Doctrine and Covenants: August–November 1831” Images and Video

For the Strength of Youth January 2021 “The Doctrine and Covenants: An Overview”

When God talks to His children, it’s called “revelation.” Ensign January 2021

Friend January 1989 Information about the Doctrine & Covenants

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Joseph Smith Prayed for Answers”

Ensign January 2021 “Prophets and Revelation: Family Study Fun” President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) taught, “Virtually every page of … the Doctrine and Covenants … teaches about the Master.”1 Doctrine and Covenants teaches us of Christ.

Finding Christ Activity

  1. Set a timer for two minutes.
  2. Family members will quickly look through the beginning of the Doctrine and Covenants to count the number of references they can find to Christ. Start in the introduction and end with section 9.
  3. After the time is up, give additional time for each person to choose one of these verses that is especially meaningful to them. Take turns sharing.

Ensign January 2021 “Prophets and Revelation: Family Study Fun The Doctrine and Covenants accompanies the Bible and the Book of Mormon in teaching us of Christ and His revelations to us. The introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants explains that we can hear “the tender but firm voice of the Lord Jesus Christ” in the revelations contained in this book.

1,2,3, He Speaks to Me Activity

  1. Secretly assign each family member a number: (1) Bible, (2) Book of Mormon, or (3) Doctrine and Covenants.
  2. Each person will find a meaningful verse in that book which has the “tender and firm voice” of the Lord teaching or explaining principles to us.
  3. Without revealing scripture references, take turns sharing verses out loud. Others will hold up either 1, 2, or 3 fingers to guess which book of scriptures each verse came from.

Discussion: How do scriptures from ancient times work together with modern revelations found in the Doctrine and Covenants to help us learn more of Christ and hear His voice?

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Doctrine, Covenants, and Commandments”

Title

“This title which the Lord gave when they got out this edition—let me refer to the title page: ‘The Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’—is very significant and tells the story of what this book actually is. It contains the doctrine of the Church; it contains the covenants the Lord will make with the Church, if we are willing to receive them.” (Joseph Fielding Smith Doctrines of Salvation, volume 3, page 198)

For the Strength of Youth January 2021 “Hear, Hearken, and Heed” “The very first word in the Doctrine and Covenants is hearken (see Doctrine and Covenants 1:1). It means “to listen with the intent to obey.” To hearken means to “hear Him”—to hear what the Savior says and then to heed His counsel. Where can we go to hear Him? We can go to the scriptures. We also hear Him more clearly as we refine our ability to recognize the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. And, finally, we hear Him as we heed the words of prophets, seers, and revelators.”(President Russell M. Nelson)

Through His prophets, the Lord warns us of spiritual danger.

Doctrine and Covenants 1:4

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 1: “Hearken, O Ye People”

  • Let the children hold pictures of warning signs—such as traffic hazards, bad weather, or poison—and talk about how they warn us of danger. Or tell a story about a time when you obeyed a warning. Compare these warnings to the warnings the Lord gives us through His prophets. Testify that He warns us because He loves us and wants us to be safe (see also this week’s activity page).
  • Read to the children from Doctrine and Covenants 1:4: “And the voice of warning shall be unto all people.” Share something that the prophet has recently taught that can keep us safe. Show related pictures, if possible. Talk about how you are following the prophet’s counsel.

Latter Day Kids “The Voice of Warning” See link for more lesson ideas and questions to ask after watching the video.

The Lord knew the challenges we would face, so He restored the gospel through Joseph Smith.

Doctrine and Covenants 1:15–17, 29–30

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 1: “Hearken, O Ye People”

Tell the children that in the Doctrine and Covenants they will learn about the commandments the Lord gave to the Church through Joseph Smith.

  • Help the children think of some of the problems in the world today. Review Doctrine and Covenants 1:15–16 with them, and help them identify some of the problems that the Lord prophesied would occur. Invite them to discover in verses 17 and 29–30 what the Lord has done to help us face the challenges of our time.
  • Ask the children to imagine they are preparing for a trip. What would they pack? How would it help them to know that it would rain during their trip or that their car would get a flat tire? Read together verse 17, and discuss what the Lord knew would happen to us and how He prepared for it. (If necessary, explain that a “calamity” is a disaster or terrible thing.) How do God’s commandments help us deal with the challenges of our time?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s “true and living church.”

Doctrine and Covenants 1:30

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 1: “Hearken, O Ye People”

  • Invite the children to list some things that are living and some things that are not (if possible, bring pictures or examples). What is the difference between a living thing and a nonliving thing? Read together verse 30. What does it mean that the Church is “true”? that it is “living”?
  • Display a picture, such as a painting of the Savior, and ask the children to describe it with the lights in the room turned off. Use this activity to help the children see that for many people, the Savior’s true Church is in “obscurity” and “darkness.” How can we help others learn about the Church?

For the Strength of Youth January 2021 “To the Point” The Lord Himself said to Joseph Smith that this Church is “the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth.(Doctrine and Covenants 1:30). This statement certainly does not mean that we’re better than anyone else. But it does mean that this is Jesus Christ’s Church. He leads it, He restored it, and He gave it His authority. Because of this, there are certain things that only this Church can offer, such as prophets and apostles, temple ordinances and covenants, and the Book of Mormon. We’re grateful for these things, and we want to share them with others out of genuine love—not because we want to “be right” or “grow the Church.”

While we can boldly and confidently testify of the Church, we should never be arrogant toward others or disrespect their beliefs. The Prophet Joseph Smith once said, “We don’t ask any people to throw away any good they have got; we only ask them to come and get more” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 155).

The prophet’s words are God’s words.

Doctrine and Covenants 1:38

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 1: “Hearken, O Ye People”

The children you teach may have heard the President of the Church speak, but they may not realize that his words come from God.

Play a simple game by giving instructions to one child and asking him or her to repeat the instructions for the other children. Help them see that following the child’s instructions is the same as following your instructions and that following the prophet is the same as following the Lord. Read to them the last line of Doctrine and Covenants 1:38: “Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.”

Sing together a song about prophets, such as the last verse of “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110–11). Share your testimony that the prophet speaks the word of God.

The word of the Lord lasts forever.

Doctrine and Covenants 1:37–38

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 1: “Hearken, O Ye People”

  • Help the children compare things that are temporary, like a bubble or a snowflake, with things that seem permanent, like a mountain or the sun. Ask them to find in verses 37–38 something that the Lord said is permanent. Why is it a blessing to know that God’s word “shall not pass away”?
  • Help the children understand that the “voice of my servants” includes the voices of our apostles and prophets. Help the children find “prophecies and promises” in a recent general conference address by one of the Lord’s servants. Bear your testimony that these words are inspired by the Lord and “shall all be fulfilled.”
Dec 14 2020

Moroni 10

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I can know for myself that the Book of Mormon is true by the Power of the Holy Ghost.

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Friend December 2016 “Moroni’s Special Promise” Video can be found here.

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 54: The Promise of the Book of Mormon” Images and Video

Sing together “The Golden Plates” (Children’s Songbook, 86).

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Moroni Buried the Gold Plates”

Moroni 10:3–5

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 10: “Come unto Christ, and Be Perfected in Him”

Show the Book of Mormon, and read Moroni 10:4. Emphasize that we can ask God if the Book of Mormon is true, and He will send the Holy Ghost to testify to us. Help the children understand what a witness from the Spirit feels like. Tell about a time when the Holy Ghost bore witness to you about something. Describe how you felt and how you knew it was the Holy Ghost.

Friend December 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones”

Read Moroni 10:5 together and help your little ones say, “The Holy Ghost helps me know what is true.” Some children mistakenly think the Holy Ghost is a spooky ghost. Explain that the Holy Ghost is a real person, like Heavenly Father and Jesus. He helps us have comforting, warm, happy feelings. You could cuddle up together in a blanket and watch the sing-along video for “The Holy Ghost” at children.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 10: “Come unto Christ, and Be Perfected in Him”

Write on the board the words Read, Remember, Ponder, and Ask. Invite the children to find these words in Moroni 10:3–4. Sing a song about finding truth, such as “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109). Ask the children to look for similarities between these verses and the song “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109).

Friend December 2020 “Family Night Fun”

Latter Day Kids “Personal Revelation- Come Follow Me” This link has lesson ideas, videos, and discussion ideas about Moroni’s promise

Friend December 2020 “How I Know” Before bed, Damon’s father reads to the boys about Moroni’s promise and then he tells the boys how he prayed and gained his testimony of the Book of Mormon. That night, Damon prays to know if the Book of Mormon is true and he feels warm and good inside.

Primary Manual 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 44: Moroni and the Book of Mormon Promise” This lesson includes questions and lesson ideas about Moroni and his promise.

See more stories of gaining a testimony of the Book of Mormon here.

Heavenly Father gives me spiritual gifts.

Moroni 10:8–20

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 10: “Come unto Christ, and Be Perfected in Him”

Moroni described the gifts that God gives to His children when they have faith in Him.

Write the numbers 9 through 16 on separate pieces of paper, and wrap each paper like a gift. Let the children take turns unwrapping the gifts. (or put all the papers in one gift box and let the children take turns picking a paper from the box) As they do, read together verses from Moroni 10:9–16 that correspond with the numbers, and help the children identify each spiritual gift. Explain that these are gifts Heavenly Father gives His children so we can help each other and do His work.

Tell the children about spiritual gifts you have noticed that Heavenly Father has given them, such as the gifts of faith, wisdom, testimony, kindness, and the ability to learn. Let the children talk briefly about favorite gifts they have received.

Ensign December 2020 “Family Study Fun”

Use this activity to talk more about Moroni 10:18 (“every good gift cometh of Christ”).

  1. Ahead of time, wrap a Book of Mormon with many layers of wrapping paper or colored cellophane. Tell your family you’ll share clues about what’s inside this gift.
  2. As you share each clue (for example, “This teaches us about Jesus Christ”), invite a family member to take off a layer of paper and guess what’s inside.
  3. If someone guesses correctly, continue unwrapping and take turns sharing truths about the Book of Mormon.

Discussion: Once the book is unwrapped, end by reading Moroni 10:18 together. What can your family do to share the gift of the gospel with others?

Ensign December 2020 “How Can I Seek Spiritual Gifts”

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

Scripture Stories Coloring Book: Pearl of Great Price “7th Article of Faith: Spiritual Gifts” Match each picture to its spiritual gift.

Jesus Christ wants me to come unto Him.

Moroni 10:32

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 10: “Come unto Christ, and Be Perfected in Him”

  • Read to the children from Moroni 10:32, “Come unto Christ, and be perfected in him,” and invite the children to repeat the phrase with you. Ask them to close their eyes while you place a picture of Jesus somewhere in the room. Then let them open their eyes, find the picture, and gather around it. Discuss with the children the ways we can come unto Christ (see, for example, Articles of Faith 1:3–4). Repeat this activity, letting the children put the picture somewhere in the classroom.
  • Write on the board a question like What does it mean to come unto Christ? Help the children search Moroni 10:32–33 to find possible answers. Work together to list what Christ wants us to do and what He promises to do for us.
  • Review with the children the Prophet Joseph Smith’s words from the introduction to the Book of Mormon: “A man would get nearer to God by abiding by [the Book of Mormon’s] precepts, than by any other book.”Help the children decorate heart-shaped badges that say “I love God with all my might, mind, and strength” (see Moroni 10:32). How do we show God that we love Him?

Friend May 2019 “Family Night Fun”

  1. Before home evening, put a picture of Jesus on one side of the room. (You could use the picture on page 69 of *CFM.) Then sit on the other side of the room and read “Jesus Blesses the Children” on page FJ4. How can we “come unto Jesus” like in the story?
  2. Have everyone stand up and take turns saying what they can do to come unto Jesus by following Him.
  3. With each idea, take a step toward the picture of Christ. Keep helping each other think of good things until everyone is with Jesus together! Then talk about what it means that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. (See *CFM, page 66.)

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 10: “Come unto Christ, and Be Perfected in Him”

Dec 1 2020

Moroni 1-6

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Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 53: Moroni and His Teachings” Story Images and Video

Friend December 2020 “Moroni Saved the Scriptures for Us.” Video

Ordinances

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 1–6: “To Keep Them in the Right Way”

Because of the Great Apostasy, many people today are confused about religion, including how ordinances must be performed—and even whether they are needed at all. Moroni had seen our times (see Mormon 8:35). This may be why he gave clarifying details about the sacrament, baptism, conferring the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the blessings of gathering with fellow believers to “keep [each other] in the right way.

Ensign December 2020 “Family Study Fun“

Moving with Moroni: Moroni wrote about several ordinances (or sacred acts performed by someone with priesthood authority). Use this activity to review the scriptures below.

  1. Write the following on four sheets of paper and scatter them around the room:
  2. Ask someone to start and stop a Church song while people walk from paper to paper.
  3. When the music stops, everyone goes to the nearest paper. Whoever touches a paper last should read the scripture and say one reason that ordinance is important. Then start and stop the music for the next round.
  4. Keep playing until all four ordinances have been discussed.

Discussion: What can we do to treat these ordinances as sacred? How do these ordinances bless our family?

I take the sacrament to show that I will always remember Jesus Christ.

Moroni 4–5

Friend December 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 1–6: “To Keep Them in the Right Way”

Sing a song that helps the children think about Jesus, such as “Reverently, Quietly” (Children’s Songbook, 26). Ask the children to practice sitting reverently like they would during the sacrament.

  • Write phrases from Moroni 4:3 and 5:2 on separate strips of paper, and ask the children to put the phrases in the correct order. According to these verses, why is the sacrament important?
  • Invite the children to imagine that a friend is coming to sacrament meeting for the first time. How would they explain to their friend what the sacrament is and why we partake of it? Encourage them to use Moroni 4:3 and 5:2 in their explanations.
  • Invite the children to share things their families do during the sacrament to be reverent and think about Jesus Christ. What other ideas do they have? Invite them to pick one of these ideas and set a goal to spend more time thinking of the Savior during the sacrament.

Friend December 2020 “Family Night Fun”

I can prepare to be baptized.

Moroni 6:1–3

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 1–6: “To Keep Them in the Right Way”

Read phrases from Moroni 6:1–3 that teach who can be baptized. Explain terms the children may not understand. For instance, one meaning of “a broken heart and a contrite spirit” is to feel sorry for our sins (Moroni 6:2). Tell about how you prepared to be baptized, or ask someone who was recently baptized to explain how he or she prepared. Help the children think of ways they can prepare to be baptized someday.

I am blessed when I go to church.

Moroni 6:4–6, 9

Member of the Church of Jesus Christ

Latter Day Kids “Meet Together Oft- Come Follow Me” Video and Lesson Ideas.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 1–6: “To Keep Them in the Right Way”

  • Ask the children why they like going to church, and help them name some of the things we do at church. Read to them some of these things from Moroni 6:4–6, 9, and invite them to act out or draw pictures of themselves doing some of these things (such as praying, preaching, singing, and partaking of the sacrament).
  • Help the children sing a song about attending church, such as “When I Go to Church” (Children’s Songbook, 157). Tell the children why you love going to church and how it has blessed you.

We go to church to take the sacrament and support each other.

Moroni 6:4–6, 9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 1–6: “To Keep Them in the Right Way”

Write Why do we come to church? on the board, and ask the children to write possible answers. Invite them to find additional answers in Moroni 6:4–6, 9 and add them to their list on the board. Invite the children to share how they have been blessed for attending church.

Show pictures or examples of nourishing foods. Why is it important to nourish our bodies? Read together Moroni 6:4, and ask the children what they think the phrase “nourished by the good word of God” means. How does the word of God nourish us? How can we help spiritually nourish each other at church?

The Holy Ghost is a sacred gift.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 1–6: “To Keep Them in the Right Way”

The Holy Ghost is mentioned several times in Moroni 2–6. Use these chapters to help the children understand how the Holy Ghost can help them.

Moroni 2–6

Nov 29 2020

Ether 12-15

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Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 52: The Destruction of the Jaredites” Pictures and video

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 12–15: “By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled”

Faith is believing in things we cannot see.

Ether 12:6–22

Explain that the prophet Ether tried to teach the Jaredites “great and marvelous things,” but they didn’t believe what he said. Invite the children to read Ether 12:5 to find out why they didn’t believe. What are some things Heavenly Father wants us to believe even though we don’t see them? Read together Ether 12:6.

Moroni shared several examples of people who accomplished great things because of their faith.

  • Show pictures that depict the examples of faith in Ether 12:13–15, 20–21 (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 78, 85, and this week’s activity page). Let the children tell you what they see in the pictures and what they know about the stories. Talk with the children about how these individuals showed faith and what happened because of their faith.
  • Play a guessing game with the children. Give them clues about the faithful people described in Ether 12:13–15, 19–20 until the children can guess who they are. Then let the children play the game again by taking turns giving clues about the same people (or other faithful people) while the rest of the class guesses. Share what you admire about the faith of these people.
  • Show one of the children a picture without letting the other children see, and ask the child to describe the picture to the rest of the class. As time allows, let other children take turns doing the same with different pictures. Then invite them to read Ether 12:6 and find this phrase: “Faith is things which are hoped for and not seen.” How do we show faith in Jesus Christ when we cannot see Him?
  • Ask the children to read this phrase in Ether 12:6: “Ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.” Help the children understand that when we obey a commandment, we can know it is true. Ask them to think of gospel principles that God wants us to have a testimony of, such as paying tithing, keeping the Sabbath day holy, or living the Word of Wisdom. Then write on the board In order to gain a testimony of , I must . Share how you have exercised faith in order to gain your testimony of these and other gospel truths.

Latter Day Kids “Faith is Like Planting a Seed- Come Follow Me” Lesson ideas and video

Hope is like an anchor to my soul.

Ether 12:4, 32

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 12–15: “By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled”

Share with the children the definition of hope found in “Hope” (Guide to the Scriptures, scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). According to this definition and Ether 12:4, 32, what should we hope for? (see also Moroni 7:40–42). Help the children think of other words for hope, along with words that mean the opposite of hope. Share with them some gospel truths that give you hope, and invite them to do the same.

  • Show (or draw on the board) a picture of a boat and an anchor. Why do boats need anchors? What would happen to a boat that did not have an anchor? Read together Ether 12:4, and ask the children how hope is like an anchor. Invite the children to draw their own pictures of a boat and anchor so they can teach their families about hope.

Jesus Christ can help me be strong.

Ether 12:23–27

Friend November 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones Read Ether 12:27 and help your little ones say, “Jesus Christ can help me be strong.” Invite your children to try doing something physically hard, like moving a chair or lifting a heavy book. Then help them successfully complete the challenge. Show them a picture of Jesus and explain that Jesus can help us do hard things and make weak things strong.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 12–15: “By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled”

As children get older, they become more aware of their weaknesses. Use these verses to teach them how the Savior can make “weak things become strong” (Ether 12:27).

  • Describe for the children a task that would require a lot of physical strength to accomplish. Invite them to share examples of things they aren’t strong enough to do now. How could we become strong enough to accomplish these tasks? Explain that we also have spiritual work to do, but we sometimes feel spiritually weak. Moroni felt this way about his writings on the plates (Ether 12:23–25). Read Ether 12:27 to the children. What did the Lord promise those who feel weak?
  • Share an experience in which the Savior helped you or someone you know do something that was hard. Testify to the children that if they seek His help, Jesus can help them be strong, even when they feel weak.
  • Invite the children to draw a picture of something weak and something strong. Then invite them to add to their drawing some words and phrases from Ether 12:23–29 that teach them about how the Savior can help us turn our weakness into strength. Encourage the children to think about a weakness they might have and then seek the Savior’s help to become strong.

Why does the Lord give us weakness? What is our part in making “weak things become strong”? What is the Savior’s part?

“Weak Things Stronger.” In this Friend article, Parker learns that he doesn’t have to be perfect and that the Savior is there to help him.

Rejecting the prophets brings spiritual danger.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 12–15: “By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled”

Being king of the Jaredites was, historically, a dangerous position. This was especially true for Coriantumr, as many “mighty men … sought to destroy him” (Ether 13:15–16). In Ether 13:15–22, notice what Coriantumr did to protect himself and what the prophet Ether counseled him to do instead. As you read the rest of the book of Ether, ponder the consequences of rejecting the prophets. What happens to people when “the Spirit of the Lord [ceases] striving with them”? (Ether 15:19).

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 41: The Jaredites Reject the Prophets,” 

  • What would happen if you chose to stick a pin in a fully inflated balloon?
  • What would happen if your family chose to stop watering a plant in your home?
  • What would happen if you chose to stay up late and not get enough sleep?

Explain to the children that all their choices have consequences. Consequences are what happen as a result of the choices we make. The scriptures and our prophets teach us the consequences of our choices because Heavenly Father wants us to make good choices. This lesson is about the Jaredites and the prophet Ether. Ether told the Jaredites that if they chose not to repent, the consequences would be that all of the people would be destroyed.

  1. Before class, write the letters to the word obedience on separate pieces of paper, and hide them around the classroom. Explain to the children that you have hidden some letters. Give specific directions for finding each letter. When all the letters have been located, put them on the floor or chalkboard to form the word obedience. Ask how they were able to find all the letters. Teach the children that Heavenly Father wants us to choose to obey. Learning to obey is one of the main reasons we are here on earth. Heavenly Father wants us to use our agency and choose to obey the counsel of the leaders of the Church. Ask the children what they think is the most important thing they can do to be happy. Refer again to the letters that spell obedience. Point out that Heavenly Father tells us in the scriptures and through his Church leaders what he wants us to do. When we use our agency to be obedient and do what he says, he will help us find happiness.
  2. Make the following wordstrips: Righteousness, Blessings, Prosperity, Pride, Wickedness, Suffering or destruction, Humility, Repentance. Explain that throughout history when people have been righteous, Heavenly Father has blessed them with prosperity. Unfortunately this prosperity can lead to pride and wickedness and sometimes complete destruction.Explain that this is what happened to the Jaredites. At first they were a righteous people and were blessed and prospered. (Draw a large circle on the chalkboard, and have the children put up the wordstrips “Righteousness,” “Blessings,” and “Prosperity” in the proper places on the circle [see the following illustration].) Then the Jaredites became proud and rejected the prophets. The people became so wicked that they were entirely destroyed. (Have the children put up the wordstrips “Pride,” “Wickedness,” and “Suffering or destruction” in the proper places on the circle.) Explain that if the Jaredites had humbled themselves and repented before they were destroyed, they could have returned to enjoying the blessings of righteous living. (Have the children put up the wordstrips “Humility” and “Repentance” in the proper places on the circle.) Help the children understand that this cycle often happens in our personal lives as well as in the history of nations.Cycle of HistoryRighteousnessBlessingsProsperityPrideWickednessSuffering or destructionHumilityRepentance
  3. Have the children make their own copies of the cycle of history to take home and share with their families. The children could make their cycles more personal by including such things as “listening to the prophets,” “obeying my parents,” “praying daily,” “expressing gratitude,” “serving others,” and so on.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 12–15: “By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled”

Ether 12:41

Is there a fun way you could teach your children to “seek … Jesus”? One way might be to hide a picture of Jesus and invite your family members to “seek” and find the picture. How do we seek Jesus, and how are we blessed when we find Him?

It might be interesting for your family members to compare the experience of Ether with the experiences of Mormon and Moroni (see Mormon 6; 8:1–10). How are they similar? How was the Nephites’ path to destruction similar to the Jaredites’ path? (compare Ether 15:19 with Moroni 8:28). What truths do we learn that can help us avoid what happened to them?

Nov 29 2020

Ether 6-11

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Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 6–11: “That Evil May Be Done Away”

Heavenly Father can comfort me when I am scared.

Ether 6:2–12

It must have been frightening for the Jaredites to be “tossed upon the waves of the sea before the wind” (Ether 6:5). But the Lord kept them safe and helped them.

Possible Activities

  • Using words and phrases from Ether 6:2–12, describe to the children the Jaredites’ journey across the sea. Invite the children to pretend to climb into the barges and pretend that their barge is being moved and covered by waves. How would it feel to be in a real barge in rough waters? What can we do when we are scared? Read together verses 7 and 9 to see what the Jaredites did when they were frightened.
  • Tell about a time when you were afraid and Heavenly Father comforted you.

Friend November 2020 “Come, Follow Me for Little Ones” Sit on a bed with your children and cover yourselves with a blanket, or do something else to build a pretend barge. Be sure to bring a flashlight! Read Ether 6:5 together and act out being “tossed upon the waves” with a “furious wind.” Then read Ether 6:9 together and help your little ones say, “I can be thankful.” Pick a favorite Primary song to sing together before leaving the barge!

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 6–11: “That Evil May Be Done Away”

Would your family enjoy acting out the Jaredites’ voyage to the promised land? Maybe you could use a dark room as a barge and flashlights to represent the shining stones. You could talk about how the Jaredites showed their faith in the Lord by getting in the barges, despite knowing that they would be “buried in the depths of the sea” (Ether 6:6). After reading verse 9, family members could share favorite hymns of praise and sing them together. How can our homes be compared to the Jaredites’ barges? What is the promised land the Lord is leading our family toward?

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “The Jaredite Barges”

I can trust Heavenly Father to guide me to eternal life.

Ether 6:2–12

The account of the Jaredites’ voyage across the sea can be compared to our journey through mortality. Both journeys are sometimes dangerous and require faith that the Lord will guide and protect us.

Read together Ether 6:2–12, pausing frequently so the children can draw pictures of what they are reading. How is the Jaredites’ journey like our lives? Help the children identify and label what different parts of their drawings might represent in our lives. For example, the Jaredites could represent us. The barges could represent our homes, the Church, or the gospel. What might the wind, the water, the shining stones, and the promised land represent?

Help the children find words and phrases in Ether 6:2–12that show how the Jaredites trusted God. Share examples of how relying on God has helped you during difficult times in your life. Encourage the children to share any similar experiences they’ve had.

I can be thankful.

Ether 6:9, 12, 30; 7:27; 10:2

After arriving safely in the promised land, the Jaredites were so thankful that they “shed tears of joy” (Ether 6:12).

  • Read to the children phrases from Ether 6:9 and 12 to teach them how the Jaredites showed their gratitude to the Lord for helping them reach the promised land. Ask the children to name some things they are thankful for. Sing together, like the Jaredites did, a song that expresses gratitude, such as “I Thank Thee, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook, 7).
  • Read to the children Ether 10:2 to show that even many years later, the Jaredites remembered how the Lord had helped their ancestors cross the ocean. Help the children think of ways the Lord has blessed them. Then let the children draw pictures to remind themselves of these blessings (or help them choose from some pictures you bring, perhaps from a Church magazine).
Book of Mormon Stories for Young Readers “Traveling to the Promised Land”

Latter Day Kids “Being Thankful- Come Follow Me” Lesson ideas and video

Remembering what the Lord has done for me brings peace.

Ether 6:30; 7:27; 10:2

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 52: The Destruction of the Jaredites”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 6–11: “That Evil May Be Done Away”

One thing that distinguished the righteous Jaredite kings from the wicked ones is that the righteous kings “remembered the great things that the Lord had done” for them (Ether 7:27).

  • Ask the children to read Ether 6:30; 7:27; and 10:2 individually or in small groups and find something that these verses have in common. Share your feelings about what the Lord has done for you, and invite the children to do the same.
  • Share with the children about how you try to remember ways the Lord has blessed you and your family. Help the children think of ways they can remind themselves what the Lord has done for them. Give them each a piece of paper, and invite them to ponder and write down something He has done for them recently. Suggest that they make a regular habit of writing down blessings they notice from the Lord (see “O Remember, Remember” [video, ChurchofJesusChrist.org]).

I am blessed when I follow the prophet.

Ether 7:24–27

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 6–11: “That Evil May Be Done Away”

The book of Ether clearly shows that when the Jaredites followed the prophets they were blessed, and when they rejected the prophets their lives were harder.

  • Show a picture of the living prophet, and ask the children what they know about him. What does a prophet do? Explain that the Jaredites had prophets too, and whenever they followed the prophet, they were blessed and happy (see Ether 7:24–27). How can we follow the prophet?
  • Sing together a song about prophets, such as “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110–11; see also Gospel Art Book, nos. 4–27, 67–87). Talk with the children about things the prophets have taught us to do (for example, reading our scriptures daily, keeping the Sabbath day holy, or serving others), and invite them to act out obeying that counsel when you say “Follow the prophet!”

The Lord is merciful when I repent.

Ether 9:28–35; 11:5–8

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 6–11: “That Evil May Be Done Away”

Even though the Jaredites often rejected the prophets and became wicked, the Lord always forgave them when they humbled themselves and repented.

  • Read together Ether 9:28–35, and help the children think of three or four short sentences that summarize what happened in these verses. Then read Ether 11:5–8, and help the children identify similarities between the two accounts. What do we learn from these stories?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 6–11: “That Evil May Be Done Away”

What is a secret combination?

When two or more people conspire to keep their wicked acts secret, they are involved in a secret combination. They are often motivated by the desire for power or riches.

Throughout this week, your family could watch for how the brother of Jared’s prophetic warning about captivity was fulfilled. What warnings have our Church leaders given us? In what ways could dismissing their counsel lead to captivity?

According to these verses, why was Moroni commanded to write “these things” about secret combinations? (Ether 8:23). 

Nov 11 2020

Ether 1-5

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Table of Contents

Ether Chapter 1 Moroni abridges the writings of Ether—Ether’s genealogy is set forth—The language of the Jaredites is not confounded at the Tower of Babel—The Lord promises to lead them to a choice land and make them a great nation.

Ether Chapter 2 The Jaredites prepare for their journey to a promised land—It is a choice land whereon men must serve Christ or be swept off—The Lord talks to the brother of Jared for three hours—The Jaredites build barges—The Lord asks the brother of Jared to propose how the barges will be lighted.

Ether Chapter 3 The brother of Jared sees the finger of the Lord as He touches sixteen stones—Christ shows His spirit body to the brother of Jared—Those who have a perfect knowledge cannot be kept from within the veil—Interpreters are provided to bring the Jaredite record to light.

Ether Chapter 4 Moroni is commanded to seal up the writings of the brother of Jared—They will not be revealed until men have faith even as the brother of Jared—Christ commands men to believe His words and those of His disciples—Men are commanded to repent, believe the gospel, and be saved.

Ether Chapter 5 Three witnesses and the work itself will stand as a testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.

The book of Ether is the record of the Jaredites, who arrived in the promised land centuries before the Nephites. God inspired Moroni to include Ether’s record in the Book of Mormon because of its relevance to our day.

Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers.

Ether 1:33–37; 2:16–25; 3:1–6

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Ether 1-5”

  • If you know a language that your children don’t, give them some simple directions in that language (or play a recording of another language). You can use this to explain why the brother of Jared prayed for help in Ether 1:33–37. Emphasize how the Lord felt about this prayer and how He responded (see also “Chapter 50: The Jaredites Leave Babel,” Book of Mormon Stories, 143–44).

Book of Mormon Stories “The Jaredites Leave Babel” Images and Video

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Ether 1-5”

  • Your children could pretend to build a barge as you read Ether 2:16–17. Then you and your children could read about the problems the Jaredites had with their barges (see Ether 2:19) and the different ways the Lord answered the brother of Jared’s prayers (see Ether 2:19–25; 3:1–6). The picture and activity page at the end of this outline could help you and your children tell the story. What do we learn from the brother of Jared about prayer? Consider sharing an experience in which you prayed for help and Heavenly Father helped you.

Book of Mormon Stories “The Jaredites Travel to the Promised Land” Images and Video

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 1–5: “Rend That Veil of Unbelief”

Invite a few ward members who know another language to say a few sentences in that language for your class (or play a recording of another language). Let the children pretend to speak another language, and point out how hard it is to understand one another when we don’t speak the same language. Use this to introduce the account of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1–9 and Ether 1:33. Explain how the brother of Jared prayed that he and his friends and family would be able to understand one another (see Ether 1:34–37). Read and help the children understand the Lord’s response to his prayer in Ether 1:35.

Before class, write the phrase “Stand up, turn around, and sit down” in different languages on several slips of paper (you could use an online translator or the help of someone who knows another language). Give one slip to each of the children, and invite them to try to follow the instructions. Use this to help explain what motivated the brother of Jared’s prayers in Ether 1:33–37.

  • Invite the children to pretend to build a barge, as described in Ether 2:16–17. Explain the problems the Jaredites had with their barges (see Ether 2:19), and ask the children what they would do about these problems. Read Ether 2:18–19 to teach the children how the brother of Jared took his problems to the Lord in prayer. Testify that we can always pray when we have questions or problems.
  • Briefly summarize Ether 2:19–3:6 to explain how the Lord responded to the brother of Jared’s questions about the barges. Place 16 stones throughout the classroom, and invite the children to count them as they find them.

Assign each child to read one of the following passages, and help them look for a question or problem the brother of Jared had: Ether 1:33–35; Ether 1:36–37; and Ether 2:18–20. What did the brother of Jared do about these problems or questions? How did the Lord help him in each case? Invite the children to think about problems they need help with. How can they follow the example of the brother of Jared to find solutions to their problems? Share an experience in which you prayed for help and the Lord helped you.

Friend November 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones: The Promised Land” Read Ether 3:4 together and review the story of how the brother of Jared built ships to travel to the promised land. (You could use the illustrated story on pages FJ4–6 of the October 2016 Friend.) Then hide 16 stones and help your children find them. When you’re done, help your little ones say, “God can help me solve my problems.”

I was created in the image of God.

Ether 3:6–16

  • As they grow, your children will encounter many false messages about God, themselves, and their physical bodies. You might ask them to help you find truths about these topics in Ether 3:6–16. To emphasize the truth taught in Ether 3:13, 15, you could look at a picture of the Savior together and invite your children to point to various parts of His body. They could then point to the same part of their own bodies. You could also sing together a song related to our bodies, such as “The Lord Gave Me a Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 153). You and your children could talk about why you are grateful for your bodies.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 1–5: “Rend That Veil of Unbelief”

  • Show a picture of the Savior, and invite the children to point to various parts of His body. Read Ether 3:13 and 15, and explain that when the brother of Jared saw Jesus Christ, he learned that we all look like Jesus. As you point to a body part in the picture, invite them to point to the same part of their own bodies. Testify that we were created to look like our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
  • Sing together a song related to our bodies, such as “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” (Children’s Songbook, 275). Help the children talk about why they are grateful for different parts of their bodies.

Ether 4:11–12

After reading these verses, family members could write down some everyday things that influence your family (such as movies, songs, games, or people) on slips of paper and place them in a bowl. Then they could take turns picking one and discussing whether it “persuadeth [them] to do good” (Ether 4:12). What changes does your family feel inspired to make?,Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 1–5: “Rend That Veil of Unbelief””

Friend November 2020 “The Brother of Jared” Read this rock art story about the Brother of Jared and then go outside and find 16 stones of different shapes and sizes. Use them to create a scene from this story!

Friend November 1988 “Scriptural Giants: The Brother of Jared”

Friend October 2016 “Traveling to the Promised Land”

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Friend November 1988

Friend November 1988 “Annette’s Very Own Scriptures”  A teacher tells the story of the brother of Jared using some fun ideas.

Friend November 2020 “Come, Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Ether 3:4 together and review the story of how the brother of Jared built ships to travel to the promised land. (You could use the illustrated story on pages FJ4–6 of the October 2016 Friend.) Then hide 16 stones and help your children find them. When you’re done, help your little ones say, “God can help me solve my problems.”

Friend November 2020 “Funstuff: The Jaredite Maze” Follow the maze through each barge to learn about the Jaredites’ journey. Be sure to read each scripture along the way!

Friend January 1987

Friend January 1987

 Friend November 1988

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “The Brother of Jared Saw the Lord’s Finger”

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “The Jaredite Barges”

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

Lesson 40: The Jaredites Are Led to the Promised Land

Teaching the Scripture Readers

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Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon “The Jaredites Are Led to the Promised Land”

  1. Write the phrase “Stand up, turn around, and sit quietly” on a slip of paper. Then, using the other languages below, make enough copies of the phrase in foreign languages so the rest of the children can have one.
    • German: Steh auf, dreh dich um, und sitz still.
    • Italian: Alzati, girati, siediti, e stai tranquillo.
    • Danish: Rejs dig op, vend dig omkring, sæt dig stille ned.
    • Swedish: Ställa upp, vänd dig omkring, sätt dig stilla ned.
    • French: Lève-toi, tourne-toi, et assieds-toi tranquillement.
    • Portuguese: Levante-se, vire-se, e sente-se silenciosamente!
    • Spanish: Ponte de pie, date una vuelta, y siéntate en silencio.

Give each child one of the papers with the phrase “Stand up, turn around, and sit quietly” written on it in one of the various languages. Ask the class members to follow the instructions on their papers.

  • Why are you all not able to follow the instructions?

Briefly tell the story of the Tower of Babel from Genesis 11:1–9.

What would it be like if you were not able to understand the people around you? Explain that today the children will learn about a family who lived at the time of the Tower of Babel.

Activity:
Using the chalkboard or a poster, make a tic-tac-toe board. Divide the class into two groups, one using the x’s and the other the o’s. If the question you ask is answered correctly, that group gets to choose where to put the x or o. The object is to get three x’s or o’s in a row. When any question is missed, the opposing team gets a chance to answer the same question. (Refer to lesson 18 for directions.) The following are possible review questions about the Jaredites (you will need to add others.):

How many stones were placed in each barge? (Two.)

How long did it take for Jared, his brother, and their families and friends to cross the ocean? (Almost a year.)

What was the name of the high tower the wicked people were building? (Tower of Babel.)

Why did the brother of Jared prepare the sixteen small stones? (To make a source of light for their journey.)

How did Jesus Christ make each stone shine? (With his power by touching them with his finger.)

See the lesson for questions to ask while studying each scripture.

Was the brother of Jared the first person to see the Lord?

God had shown Himself to other prophets before the brother of Jared (for example, see Moses 7:4, 59), so why did the Lord say to him, “Never have I showed myself unto man”? (Ether 3:15). Elder Jeffrey R. Holland offered this possible explanation: “Christ was saying to the brother of Jared, ‘Never have I showed myself unto man in this manner, without my volition, driven solely by the faith of the beholder’” (Christ and the New Covenant [1997], 23).Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 1–5: “Rend That Veil of Unbelief””

Friend October 2016

Friend October 2016

Ether 5

Three witnesses testified of the Book of Mormon.

Ether 5

  • Moroni prophesied that the Three Witnesses would help establish the truth of the Book of Mormon. To teach what a witness is, you could ask your children to describe something they have seen or experienced that others have not. Then as you read Ether 5 together, you could talk about why God uses witnesses in His work. You could also share with each other how you know the Book of Mormon is true and how you can share your witness with others.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 1–5: “Rend That Veil of Unbelief”

Moroni prophesied that the Three Witnesses would help establish the truth of the Book of Mormon.

To teach the children about the Three Witnesses, you might refer to the images in “Chapter 7: Witnesses See the Gold Plates” (Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 31–33), or the video below, and “The Testimony of Three Witnesses” in the Book of Mormon.

Ether 5

You could hide an object or a treat in a box and invite a family member to look inside and give the rest of the family clues to help them guess what it is. As you read Ether 5 together, discuss why it is important that the Lord uses witnesses in His work. How can we share our witness of the Book of Mormon with others? Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 1–5: “Rend That Veil of Unbelief””

Additional Resources

Oct 27 2020

Mormon 1-6

Featured

Table of Contents

Mormon Chapter 1 Ammaron instructs Mormon concerning the sacred records—War commences between the Nephites and the Lamanites—The Three Nephites are taken away—Wickedness, unbelief, sorceries, and witchcraft prevail. About A.D. 321–26.

Mormon Chapter 2 Mormon leads the Nephite armies—Blood and carnage sweep the land—The Nephites lament and mourn with the sorrowing of the damned—Their day of grace is passed—Mormon obtains the plates of Nephi—Wars continue. About A.D. 327–50.

Mormon Chapter 3 Mormon cries repentance unto the Nephites—They gain a great victory and glory in their own strength—Mormon refuses to lead them, and his prayers for them are without faith—The Book of Mormon invites the twelve tribes of Israel to believe the gospel. About A.D. 360–62.

Mormon Chapter 4 War and carnage continue—The wicked punish the wicked—Greater wickedness prevails than ever before in all Israel—Women and children are sacrificed to idols—The Lamanites begin to sweep the Nephites before them. About A.D. 363–75.

Mormon Chapter 5 Mormon again leads the Nephite armies in battles of blood and carnage—The Book of Mormon will come forth to convince all Israel that Jesus is the Christ—Because of their unbelief, the Lamanites will be scattered, and the Spirit will cease to strive with them—They will receive the gospel from the Gentiles in the latter days. About A.D. 375–84.

Mormon Chapter 6 The Nephites gather to the land of Cumorah for the final battles—Mormon hides the sacred records in the hill Cumorah—The Lamanites are victorious, and the Nephite nation is destroyed—Hundreds of thousands are slain with the sword. About A.D. 385.

Ammaron Chooses Mormon to Keep the Plates

Mormon 1

Like Mormon, I can follow Jesus Christ.

Mormon 1:1–3; 2:1, 23–24; 3:1–3, 12, 17–22

Book of Mormon Stories “Mormon the Prophet”

Mormon was a Nephite who believed in Jesus Christ. He grew up in a time when many people did not obey God’s commandments. The people robbed and killed each other for money and power. There were many wars.

When Mormon was 10, a man named Ammaron came to him. Ammaron took care of the records of the Nephite’s history. Ammaron trusted Mormon and told him the records were hidden in a hill. Ammaron said that when Mormon was 24, Mormon should write what he had seen about their people and add it to the records.

As Mormon grew up, he remembered what Ammaron asked him to do. When Mormon was 15 years old, he was visited of the Lord. Mormon learned about the goodness of Jesus.

Friend November 2024 “Mormon and the Gold Plates”

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 49: Mormon and His Teachings” Images and Video

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mormon 1-6”

  • Because Mormon was quite young when he developed his faith in Christ, he can be an inspiration to your children. Perhaps you could read Mormon 1:1–3 and your children could listen for how old Mormon was when Ammaron gave him a special mission. You could also help them find in these verses the qualities that Ammaron saw in Mormon. How do these qualities help us follow Jesus Christ?
  • Because Mormon followed Jesus Christ, he was given opportunities to serve and bless others. You could invite your children to read one or more of the following passages and help them share what they learn about Mormon: Mormon 1:1–3; 2:1, 23–24; and 3:1–3, 12, 20–22 (see also “Chapter 49: Mormon and His Teachings,” Book of Mormon Stories, 138–42). How did he follow Jesus Christ? How did his faith in Jesus Christ help or bless others? How can our faith help people we know?

Come Follow Me Kid & The Red Crystal

I can be righteous like Mormon.

Mormon 1:1–3

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 1–6”

  • Junior Primary:
    Before reading the story, invite the children to listen for how old Mormon was when Ammaron gave him a special mission. Then ask them to hold up that many fingers. To help the children imagine how young Mormon was, show them a picture of someone who is 10 years old. Help them understand the qualities that Ammaron saw in Mormon when he was young, and testify that the children can be like Mormon as they follow Jesus Christ.

Clipart Library “Boy”

A 10 year old boy

What righteous qualities do you see in the children you teach?

Come Follow Me Kid

What does it mean to be “quick to observe”?

Quick to Observe Elder Bednar said, “As used in the scriptures, the word observe has two primary uses. One use denotes “to look” or “to see” or “to notice”—as we learn in Isaiah 42:20: “Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not” (emphasis added).

The second use of the word observe suggests “to obey” or “to keep”—as is evident in the Doctrine and Covenants: “But blessed are they who have kept the covenant and observed the commandment, for they shall obtain mercy” (D&C 54:6; emphasis added).

Thus when we are quick to observe, we promptly look or notice and obey. 

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 1–6: “I Would That I Could Persuade All … to Repent”

Show a picture of Mormon (see the picture in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Help the children see that because Mormon was responsible and trustworthy enough to keep and preserve the Nephite records, we have the Book of Mormon today. Talk with the children about what it means to be responsible and trustworthy. Invite them to ponder ways they can be more responsible.

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Ammaron Taught Mormon about the Sacred Records”

Latter Day Kids “Quick to Observe” Lesson ideas

Mormon Leads the Nephite Armies

Mormon 2

Godly sorrow leads me to Christ and to lasting change.

Mormon 2:8–15

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 1–6: “

  • When Mormon saw his people’s sorrow, he hoped they would repent. But “their sorrowing was not unto repentance” (Mormon 2:13)—it was not the kind of godly sorrow that leads to real change (see 2 Corinthians 7:8–11). Instead, the Nephites felt worldly sorrow (see Mormon 2:10–11).

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mormon 1-6”

  • Perhaps you could make a chart like the one in “Ideas for Learning at Home and at Church” to help your children understand the difference between godly and worldly sorrow as they read Mormon 2:8, 10–15. Then they could also search Mormon 2:12 to find reasons why repentance should make our “heart[s] … rejoice.” How can we make sure that the sorrow we feel for our sins leads us to seek God’s help to change?:
Godly SorrowWorldly Sorrow
Comes to Jesus (verse 14)Curses God (verse 14)

How do you know if your sorrow is godly or worldly? If you are experiencing worldly sorrow, how can you change it into godly sorrow? Sorrow that leads to repentance and Sorrow that doesn’t lead to repentance. 

The Red Crystal

Godly sorrow inspires change and hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. When we feel godly sorrow, we recognize our shortcomings and want to do better. We feel hope for the future—and feel the Savior’s love for us.

I can live righteously despite the wickedness around me.

Mormon 2:18–19

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 1–6:

  • What words did Mormon use to describe the world he lived in? How did he maintain hope despite the wickedness around him?
  • Beginning in the first chapter of Mormon, you will notice major differences between Mormon and the people around him. As you read Mormon 1, consider contrasting the qualities and desires of Mormon with those of his people. Note the consequences that came to him and them (you’ll find one example in verses 14–15). What do you learn that inspires you to live righteously in a wicked world?

Friend November 2016

Friend November 2016

Mormon Refuses to Lead the Armies Because of Wickedness

Mormon 3

Heavenly Father gives me many blessings.

Mormon 3:3, 9

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mormon 1-6”

  • Inviting your children to list (or draw pictures of) some things they are grateful for might be a good way to help them feel gratitude for God. After they have made a list, you could read Mormon 3:3, 9 and explain that Heavenly Father had blessed the Nephites too, but they had not recognized it. What can we do to show we are thankful to Heavenly Father for our blessings?

Find the things in the picture that show Heavenly Father and Jesus’s love for us.

Friend February 2017

Friend November 2004 “Blessings Tree” Cut out the leaves and place them in a sack. Have the children take turns picking a leaf from the sack, telling how the item written is a blessing, and gluing it to the tree. When they pick a blank leaf, have them share a blessing of their choice that they are thankful for. Then write the blessing on the leaf and glue it to the tree.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 1–6:

  • Invite them to hang their pictures somewhere at home where they can see them and remember that Heavenly Father blesses them in many ways. You could also invite them to identify blessings that come from Heavenly Father as they sing the first verse of “I Thank Thee, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook, 7).

War and Wickedness Continues

Heavenly Father wants me to love everyone.

Mormon 3:12

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mormon 1-6”

  • Even though the Nephites were wicked, Mormon never stopped loving them. Help your children find the words “loved” and “love” in Mormon 3:12. You could also sing a song together about loving others, such as “Jesus Said Love Everyone” (Children’s Songbook, 61), while showing pictures of children from around the world. Testify of God’s love for all His children.

Friend May 2022 Cut out the pieces, Glue to heavy paper or craft sticks, and put the puzzle together.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 1–6: “

  • It’s often easy to love those who love us and are like us, but Mormon demonstrated that with help from Heavenly Father, we can love those who believe and act differently than we do.
  • Ask each child to draw a person on the board, and point out how each person they drew looks different from the others. Draw a large heart surrounding all the drawings. Help the children understand that Heavenly Father wants us to love all people. Read Mormon 3:12, emphasizing the words “love” and “loved.” What did Mormon do to show his love for others?.

Friend October 2020 “Come, Follow Me for Little Ones”

  • Read Mormon 3:12 together, emphasizing the words “love” and “loved.” Help your little ones put their hands on their hearts and say, “I can share God’s love with others,” and then hold their hands outward, as if sharing something. You could listen to or sing “Love One Another” (Children’s Songbook,136) and put your hands on your hearts whenever you hear the word “love.”

Friend November 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Love One Another” Mormon loved the Nephites (see Mormon 3:12). Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have asked us to love others too. Stand in a circle and close your eyes. Count to three, then open your eyes and look at someone. If you are making eye contact with them, say something you love about each other and step out of the circle. Keep going until there is one person left! Then everyone says something they love about that person.

For younger children: Go on a “love” hunt through your home or outside. Invite your little ones to find things that remind them of the people they love.

Friend November 2024 “Heavenly Father Wants Me to Love Everyone”

Friend October 2024 “I Can Follow Jesus by Loving Others

Come Follow Me Kid

  • Loving Others Around Us Role-Play – As Mormon grew older, people around him became more wicked, but hewas able to keep his faith really strong. Was Mormon mean to the people around him who were making wrong choices? (No). One thing that made Mormon so super was the love that he had for God and others around him.
  • Read Mormon 3:12 and talk about how Mormon felt about the people around him, even though they were wicked.
  • Role- play how to respond with faith and love to different scenarios of people being different from us or making not-so-good choices (Your friend wants to steal candy from the store, A friend is saying mean things about another person, your neighbor doesn’t believe in praying, someone you’re playing with starts swearing, etc.).

Mormon again leads the Nephite armies

Mormon 5

Mormon 5:16–18

To help your family visualize what it means to be “driven about as chaff before the wind” (verse 16), tear a piece of paper into small pieces and let family members blow them around. Explain to them that chaff is a husk that comes off a seed, and it is light enough to be blown around. How is being “without Christ and God in the world” (verse 16) like being chaff in the wind?

Come Follow Me Kid

  • On the back of their paper person, you could also have everyone write/draw one specific thing they’ll do this week to stay anchored in Christ.
  • Was Mormon someone who was steady and strong in Christ or someone who was “driven as chaff before the wind”?

Final Battle at Cumorah

Mormon 6

Jesus has “open arms to receive [us]”

Ensign October 2020 “Family Study Fun: The Open Arms of Jesus”

Read Mormon 6:17 together. Talk about what it means that Jesus has “open arms to receive [us]” when He is not physically here with us.

  1. Invite family members to draw a picture of themselves with Jesus. For younger children, use a coloring page from lessonhelps.ChurchofJesusChrist.org or the September Friend.
  2. When the pictures are finished, fold them up and put them in a bowl. Take turns picking a picture at random.
  3. When someone’s picture is chosen, have them talk about a time they have felt the Savior’s love or share something they can do to follow Jesus.

Discussion: Talk about what you can do as a family to help each other follow Jesus and feel closer to Him. How can we be His “arms” here on earth?

Mormon Abridges the Plates

Mormon 6:6

Friend November 2016 “Mormon Writes on the Golden Plates”

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Friend January 1988 “Sharing a Time: Mormon–A Valiant Prophet

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Friend April 1988

Friend November 2020 “Mormon’s Plates”

Friend April 1988

Friend November 2020 “Coloring Page: Mormon Put Together the Book of Mormon”

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Mormon Put Together Sacred Writings”

Friend February 1986

Friend February 1986
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New Era April 2020 “The Plates within the Plates”

Friend October 1988

Friend October 1988

Friend October 1988 “Scriptural Giants: Mormon and the Book of Mormon”

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal

Aug 28 2020

Prophets: Stories

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Table of Contents

Following the Prophet

Friend November 2019 “Dear Student Dictionary” After President Nelson’s special youth devotional, Matthew looked for ways to be a youth-battalion member. He was kind to others and stood up for kids being teased. After President Nelson’s conference talk about calling the church by its correct name, he wrote a letter to a student dictionary that used the name “Mormons”  and explained what the correct name of the church was.

Following His Words from Conference

Friend May 2019 “Service for Suzie” Ophelie’s favorite part of conference is when the prophet asked them to do acts of service. Ophelie’s family decide to look for ways to help others. They find out that a neighbor is having eye surgery and Ophelie asks if they can make dinner for her.

Keeps Us Safe

Friend October 2017 “A Friendly Primary Visitor” A pilot comes to Primary and acts out flying and what could happen if he didn’t listen to the control tower. He likens the control tower to the prophet.

Friend September 2015 – ” How Can I Stay Safe….in Life” – Air traffic controller guides plane through fog. Prophets guide us.

Friend September 2015

Gaining Testimony of Prophets

 Friend April 2021 “Matt and Mandy” Matt and Mandy and their parents discuss sustaining during conference. They also discuss how they can know that the prophet is called of God like the fifth Article of Faith states.

Friend May 2018 “Seeing God’s Prophet” Norah really wants to meet the prophet in person, but she learns she doesn’t need to meet the prophet to gain a testimony of him.

Friend March 2017 “Seeing God’s Prophets” Gaining a testimony of prophets.

Prophets Travel the World Ministering

Friend November 2021 “Meeting the Prophet” Steven, from Puerto Rico, meets the prophet and shakes his hand. The prophet said he will be a great missionary.

Jul 14 2020

Alma 32-35

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Table of Contents

Alma CHAPTER 32 Alma teaches the poor whose afflictions had humbled them—Faith is a hope in that which is not seen which is true—Alma testifies that angels minister to men, women, and children—Alma compares the word unto a seed—It must be planted and nourished—Then it grows into a tree from which the fruit of eternal life is picked. About 74 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 33 Zenos taught that men should pray and worship in all places, and that judgments are turned away because of the Son—Zenock taught that mercy is bestowed because of the Son—Moses had lifted up in the wilderness a type of the Son of God. About 74 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 34 Amulek testifies that the word is in Christ unto salvation—Unless an atonement is made, all mankind must perish—The whole law of Moses points toward the sacrifice of the Son of God—The eternal plan of redemption is based on faith and repentance—Pray for temporal and spiritual blessings—This life is the time for men to prepare to meet God—Work out your salvation with fear before God. About 74 B.C.‘

Alma CHAPTER 35 The preaching of the word destroys the craft of the Zoramites—They expel the converts, who then join the people of Ammon in Jershon—Alma sorrows because of the wickedness of the people. About 74 B.C.

Alma 32

Alma Teaches the Poor Zoramites

If I am humble, the Lord can teach me.

Alma 32:1–13, 27–28 Alma 31:8–35

Ask the children what they remember learning last week about the Zoramites (see Alma 31:8–24). Remind them that one reason Alma was worried about them was their pride (see Alma 31:24–28).

The Zoramites were trying to elevate themselves above others and declare that they were better than everyone else.

Definition of Pride: A inflated, high opinion of one’s own importance, merit, or superiority.

In what ways might people think they are better than others and become lifted up in pride? Answers might include the following: people may think they are better than others because of how smart,  pretty or handsome, athletic, wealthy, or talented they are. (Have the children build with blocks, or cut out the following image into pieces and post them on the board, or draw a part of the Rameumptom tower on the board as each answer is given.)

What did the Zoramites set their hearts on? (see Alma 31:24, 28). What are some worldly things that people set their hearts on today?

Ask the children how they would feel if they were being made fun of for not being as smart, good looking, athletic, talented, or rich as someone else.

Read together Alma 32:1–5, and ask the children to summarize what had happened to the Zoramites who were poor. Then invite the children to read verses 12–13 to find out why Alma felt that being cast out of their synagogues (or churches) was a good thing for these Zoramites. What are some of the blessings that come from being humble?(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 32-35”)

What is humility? A modest opinion of one’s own importance, rank, etc.  Guide to the Scriptures: The condition of being meek and teachable. Humility includes recognizing our dependence upon God and desiring to submit to His will.

What are some of the blessings that come from being humble? Teachable, turn heart to the Lord, etc.

Display a hard, solid object (like a stone) to represent a hard or prideful heart and something soft (like soil) to represent a soft or humble heart. Let the children feel both objects. Then show the children a seed to represent the word of God. Invite them to try to push the seed into the hard object and the soft object. Read together Alma 32:27–28, and talk about what it might mean to “give place” (verse 27) for the word of God in our hearts. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 32-35”)

How can we humble ourselves so we are not lifted up in pride? (Have the children take off or erase a level of the Rameumpton tower for every answer they give.) Answers may include the following: by remembering that our gifts, talents, and abilities come from the Lord, by praying for humility, by looking for the good in others, by building love for others by praying for them and serving  them.

The Lord can teach me as I choose to be humble.

(Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 32-35) Alma and Amulek had success teaching the Zoramites who were humble. Invite your children to complete a sentence like “I am being humble when I ______ .”

The following video about pride and humility is from Latterdaykids.com.

Planting the Seed of Faith

My testimony of Jesus Christ grows as I nourish it.

Alma 32:28–43

(Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 32-35)

  • Seeds, trees, and fruit are familiar objects that can help children understand abstract principles like faith and testimony. Let your children hold a seed while you read Alma 32:28. Then you could ask them to help you think of ways that growing a testimony of Jesus Christ is like planting and nourishing a seed (see “Chapter 29: Alma Teaches about Faith and the Word of God,” Book of Mormon Stories, 81). Maybe you could plant your seed and talk about what is needed to help a seed—or a testimony—grow.

Book of Mormon Stories “Alma Teaches about Faith and the Word of God” Video and Images

  • A picture of a tree accompanies this outline; you might use it to illustrate Alma’s words in Alma 32:28–43. Or you could go for a walk to find plants at different stages of growth and read verses from Alma 32 that compare a growing plant to our testimony. Or maybe your children could draw a tree on the board and add a leaf or a fruit every time they think of something they can do to help their testimony of Jesus Christ grow.

The Red Crystal

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 22: Alma Teaches about Faith” Attention Activity: Give each child a seed, show the illustration of a seed, or draw a seed on the chalkboard.

  • What can a seed become? (A plant or tree, depending on the type of seed.)
  • What must happen before a seed can begin to grow? (Show the illustration of the sprouting seed or draw one on the chalkboard.)
  • What does a tree look like when it is young? (Show the illustration of the sap-ling or draw one on the chalkboard.) What does it look like when it is mature? (Show the illustration of a tree or draw one on the chalkboard.)
  • What nourishment does a seed need to help it grow into a plant or tree? (Explain that nourishment means something that helps things grow or keeps them alive and well, such as water, fertilizer, sunshine, and soil. Place the illustrations of the sun, rain, soil, and fertilizer near the picture of the seed.)

Explain to the children that in this lesson they will learn how they can grow a strong testimony.

Lesson 22: Alma Teaches Faith Lesson ideas Visual Aids

Friend January 2019 “Testimony Plants” In Primary, the children were supposed to draw a plant that represented their testimony, but Elisa wasn’t sure what that meant or if she had a testimony. She learns that a testimony is the things she believes in like Heavenly Father and Jesus. She also learns that testimonies grow and need to be nourished.

Friend July 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Alma 32:41 together and help your little ones say, “My faith grows when I do good things.” Help your children learn about seeds and plants by picking seeds out of a piece of fruit or caring for a houseplant. Explain that our testimonies grow little by little, like a seed grows into a plant.

As you read Alma 32:26–43 together, stop occasionally and invite the children to draw a picture of the seed or plant being described—for example, a seed and a seedling (verse 28), a growing plant (verse 30), and a mature plant bearing fruit (verse 37). Encourage them to label their pictures with references from Alma 32. How is nourishing a seed like nourishing our testimonies of Jesus Christ? How do we nourish our testimonies? Invite the children to silently think about how their testimonies are growing and what they will do to nourish them. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 32-35”)

If possible, give each of the children seeds to take home and plant to remind them to help their testimonies of Jesus Christ to grow.

Show pictures of a plant in various stages of growth, and ask the children to help you put the pictures in the correct order (see the pictures in this week’s activity page). Explain that as we live the gospel, our testimony grows—it starts small like a seed but can become big like a tree. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 32-35”)

Friend January 1999 “Faith in Jesus Christ”

Friend July 2020 “My Family Night Fun”

  • Sing “Faith” (Children’s Songbook, 96–97).
  • The prophet Alma taught us that faith grows like a seed (see Alma 32:28–30). Faith starts small, but as we work to help it grow, it can become strong!
  • Color the pages for the booklet on page 24 with your family. How can you help your faith grow?

Friend January 2019 “Seeds of Faith” 

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Friend July 2018 Coloring page: Faith is like a seed. When planted it will grow.

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Friend January 2019 “Faith” The song “Faith,” simplified for beginning pianists. Also, Sing-along video.

Friend July 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Growing Your Testimony” Alma taught that when you listen to the word of God and do things to show your faith, your testimony will grow, like a tree (see Alma 32:37). Draw things you can do to help a tree grow, like giving it water and sunshine. Then draw things you can do to help your testimony grow, like going to church and praying.

For younger children: Sing “Faith” (Children’s Songbook, 96). While you sing, do actions to show a seed growing big and tall. Talk about growing your testimony.

Media Library “Want to Increase your Faith?”

Come Follow Me Kid

Come Follow Me Kid Cookie Dough Seed Activity

  • Place a small, seed-sized piece of cookie dough on a large cookie sheet. This represents the word of God.
  • Take turns listing ways we can help our faith in Jesus and His word grow.
  • For each idea, add more dough to the seed-sized piece. Mold it into a tree shape with roots and branches as it gets bigger.
  • Read Alma 32:42. What will grow on this tree? (fruit) Place white chocolate chips on the branches to
    represent this sweet, white fruit.
  • Bake and enjoy!

See more teaching ideas at Faith

Alma 33-34

I can pray to Heavenly Father anytime, about anything.

Alma 33:2–11; 34:17–27

(Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 32-35)

  • Help your children find phrases that describe places we can pray (in Alma 33:4–11) and things we can pray about (in Alma 34:17–27). Perhaps they could draw pictures of themselves praying in these places. Share with each other experiences when Heavenly Father heard your prayers. You could also sing a song about prayer, such as “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13).

Come Follow Me Kid Show pictures below and ask which place or places they think would be good spots to pray. Read Alma 33:3-8, and have them listen carefully to see if they can hear which of these places would be places we could pray from. Help them understand that we can pray anywhere and our prayers will be heard if we pray in faith. You could also have some fun with this and list additional places/times and ask, “Would it be okay to pray __” (in a car, at midnight, in the backyard, silently, etc.), and help them see that the answer to all of these is “Yes!”

  • In the wilderness (Alma 33:4)
  • In a field (Alma 33:5)
  • In your house (Alma 33:6)
  • In your closet (Alma 33:7)
  • Help them think of things they can say to Heavenly Father when they pray, and invite them to draw pictures of these things. Testify that they can talk to Heavenly Father about anything they are thinking or feeling.

Latter Day Kids “Pray Always” Lesson ideas

Sing a song that teaches the children about prayer, such as “A Child’s Prayer” or “We Bow Our Heads” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13, 25). Help them notice what the song teaches about prayer.

Additional Prayer Ideas

Additional Resources

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 22: Alma Teaches about Faith”

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 21: The Zoramites and the Rameumptom,” Write the following scripture references on the chalkboard. Ask the children to match the verses that describe the Zoramites’ erroneous beliefs with the verses that contain the correct teachings of Alma and Amulek:

Alma 31:16 (The Zoramites believed there would be no Christ.)
Alma 31:20–23 (All the Zoramites gave the same prayer and then never worshiped again all week.)
Alma 31:24 (The Zoramites’ hearts were set upon riches.)
Alma 34:8 (Amulek testified of Christ.)
Alma 34:19–27 (Amulek taught that we should pray always and about everything.)
Alma 34:28–29 (Amulek taught that we should give of our riches to the poor.)

The Red Crystal

May 10 2020

Mosiah 11-17

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Table of Contents

Mosiah CHAPTER 11 King Noah rules in wickedness—He revels in riotous living with his wives and concubines—Abinadi prophesies that the people will be taken into bondage—His life is sought by King Noah. About 160–150 B.C.

Mosiah CHAPTER 12 Abinadi is imprisoned for prophesying the destruction of the people and the death of King Noah—The false priests quote the scriptures and pretend to keep the law of Moses—Abinadi begins to teach them the Ten Commandments. About 148 B.C.

Mosiah CHAPTER 13 Abinadi is protected by divine power—He teaches the Ten Commandments—Salvation does not come by the law of Moses alone—God Himself will make an atonement and redeem His people. About 148 B.C.

Mosiah CHAPTER 14 Isaiah speaks messianically—The Messiah’s humiliation and sufferings are set forth—He makes His soul an offering for sin and makes intercession for transgressors—Compare Isaiah 53. About 148 B.C.

Mosiah CHAPTER 15 How Christ is both the Father and the Son—He will make intercession and bear the transgressions of His people—They and all the holy prophets are His seed—He brings to pass the Resurrection—Little children have eternal life. About 148 B.C.

Mosiah CHAPTER 16 God redeems men from their lost and fallen state—Those who are carnal remain as though there were no redemption—Christ brings to pass a resurrection to endless life or to endless damnation. About 148 B.C.

Mosiah CHAPTER 17 Alma believes and writes the words of Abinadi—Abinadi suffers death by fire—He prophesies disease and death by fire upon his murderers. About 148 B.C.

Book of Mormon Stories “Abinadi and King Noah” Images and Video

King Noah rules in wickedness. Abinadi preaches repentance.

Mosiah 11

Mosiah 12-13

We usually try to warn people we love about decisions that could bring pain and suffering. The Lord sent Abinadi with the message for King Noah and his people to repent and avoid the suffering that could come because of their sinful behaviors. (Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024)

I can stand for Jesus Christ, even when I stand alone.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 11-17”

At some time in our lives, we all face pressure to make choices that go against our faith in Jesus Christ. What can your children learn from Abinadi about standing as a witness of Jesus Christ, even when it is unpopular? Ask them what they like about Abinadi.

Your children might enjoy acting out parts of Abinadi’s story. Then they could act out real-life scenarios to practice what they might do if others want them to do something wrong. (For example, what could they do when someone tries to get them to watch an inappropriate movie or when their friends don’t want to include someone in a game they are playing?)

Come Follow Me Kid

Friend April 2019 “What’s on Your Mind” Try explaining why it’s important to you. Even if others don’t understand your reasons, ask them to be respectful.

Friend November 2015 Take turns acting out standing for truth using the provided scenarios. Link also includes other lesson ideas and a story.

Friend November 2015

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 11-17” Or they could share experiences when they were brave in following Jesus Christ. (Help the children think of times when they stood up for what’s right.) How did Abinadi follow Jesus Christ? (see Mosiah 13:2–9; 17:7–10). Why didn’t King Noah do what he knew was right? (see Mosiah 17:11–12).

Friend September 2023 “Building Respect” When Noah’s sister and her friends walked by, a friend of Noah’s said mean things about girls, and that they didn’t want to play with them. Noah stood up for his sister and asked his friend not to say things like that.

Friend February 2024 “Margo and Paulo” Margo refuses to go along with her friends plan to cheat on a test.

Show the video “Dare to Stand Alone” How was President Thomas S. Monson like Abinadi?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 11-17”

March in place with the children as they sing a song that inspires courage, such as “I Will Be Valiant” (Children’s Songbook, 162). Read the words of the song together, and help the children identify what a valiant or courageous person does. Select a few verses from Mosiah 11–13 and 17 to read to the children to show how Abinadi and Alma were valiant (for example, see Mosiah 13:1–4, 9).

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 11-17”
Friend March 2016

Teaching Children the Gospel: Stand for the Right Stories, activities, and song ideas.

I should obey the Ten Commandments.

Mosiah 12:33–36; 13:11–24

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 11-17”

  • King Noah’s priests knew the commandments but did not have them “written in [their] hearts” (Mosiah 13:11). How will you help your children know the commandments and love them? Maybe they could write the commandments from Mosiah 12:33–36 and 13:11–24 on heart-shaped pieces of paper. As they do, talk with them about what these commandments mean and how to follow them. How do we write these commandments in our hearts?

Old Testament Coloring Book “The Ten Commandments”

  • You could also sing together a song about commandments, such as “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47). What blessings come from keeping the commandments?

Friend May 2020 “My Family Night Fun” Print or draw some road signs that help you stay safe, like stop signs, speed limits, and other warnings. Take turns holding up the signs and having people follow them in pretend cars! What would driving be like without those signs?

Abinadi taught about the Ten Commandments (see Mosiah 13:12–24). How does following the commandments keep you safe and happy?

Friend May 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 11-17”

King Noah’s priests knew the commandments but did not follow them.

Show a picture of Moses with the Ten Commandments and briefly explain how Moses received the commandments from God (see Exodus 19–20).Then show a picture of Abinadi (see this week’s outline. Abinadi reminded King Noah and his priests about the Ten Commandments.

Gospel Art Book, no.14

Give the children heart-shaped pieces of paper, and invite them to write one or more of the Ten Commandments on their hearts (see Mosiah 13:11)—perhaps one they feel they should try harder to obey. Assign each child to read one of the commandments in Mosiah 12:35 and 13:11–24. Help the children think of creative ways to help each other remember each commandment (such as a rhyming phrase, an action, or an acronym). The song “The Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 112–13) can also help.

Scripture Stories Coloring Book—Book of Mormon “Abinadi and King Noah”

Teaching Children the Gospel: Obedience, Commandments

Friend May 2024

Abinadi Testifies of Christ

Mosiah 14-15

Prophets bravely testify of Jesus Christ.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 11-17” Share with the children some of the things Abinadi taught about Jesus Christ in Mosiah 14:5 and 15:7–9. Help the children understand that Abinadi wanted King Noah and his people to follow Jesus so they could be happy. In our day, living prophets teach us about the Savior. Watch the below video. (Start at 5:20 for a shorter version.)

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 11-17”Show or draw pictures of chains, a jail, and a fire. Teach the children that Abinadi was willing to be tied up, put in jail, and even burned by fire to share his testimony of Jesus Christ. Even though we will probably never face these dangers, how can we be courageous like Abinadi in sharing our testimonies with both our words and our choices?

Come Follow Me Kid

Heavenly Father sent Jesus Christ to lead me back to Him.

When I sin, I become lost; because of Jesus Christ, I can be found.

Mosiah 14; 16:4–9

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 11-17”

  • Though it’s a short chapter, Mosiah 14 has several words and phrases that describe Jesus Christ. Maybe you and your children could list them as you read the chapter together. Then you could talk about how you feel about the Savior as you study these words and phrases.

Come Follow Me Kid

  • To teach about Jesus Christ, Abinadi quoted the prophet Isaiah, who compared us to lost sheep. Perhaps your children could share experiences when they lost something or were lost themselves. How did they feel? What did they do? Then you could read together Mosiah 14:6 and 16:4–9. How are we like sheep who wander from God? How does Jesus Christ help us come back?

The Red Crystal After teaching this principal, think it would be fun for the students to find their sheep with their names on it. Prep them if they find someone else’s sheep to not say anything, but keep looking.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 11-17”

Read together Mosiah 14:6 and 16:4–9. How do we sometimes go “astray” from God? How does Jesus Christ help us come back?

Invite the children to imagine a herd of sheep. What are some reasons one of the sheep might get lost? List their answers on the board. How are we like sheep who wander? How might Heavenly Father feel when we are “found” through repentance and the Savior’s Atonement? (see Doctrine and Covenants 18:10–13). Share your testimony of the Savior and of repentance.

How is Jesus Christ both the Father and the Son?

Mosiah 15:1–12

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 11-17”

Jesus Christ is also the Father in the sense that when we accept His redemption, we become “his seed” and “heirs of the kingdom of God” (Mosiah 15:11–12). In other words, we become spiritually reborn through Him (see Mosiah 5:7).

A father is someone who gives life. Jesus Christ is like a father to us because He can give us immortality and eternal life.

Why we need a Savior

Mosiah 15:26–27; 16:1–13

These verses describe what would happen to God’s children if Jesus had “not come into the world” (Mosiah 16:6) or if they did not follow Him. What are the good things that have happened because He came and atoned for us? See also the video “Why We Need a Savior” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Mosiah 16

Jesus is a light that can never darkened

Friend May 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Abinadi taught that Jesus Christ is “a light that is endless, that can never be darkened” (Mosiah 16:9). Hide an object in the house. Turn off the lights and have everyone try to find it in the dark. Then hide the object and try to find it with the lights on or with flashlights. Which way was easier? How does Jesus help us like the light helped you?

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 Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 11-17”

Large fires can start from a single spark. Abinadi was only one man testifying against a powerful king and his court. His words were rejected for the most part, and he was sentenced to death. Yet his testimony of Jesus Christ, who is the “light … that can never be darkened” (Mosiah 16:9), sparked something inside the young priest Alma. And that spark of conversion slowly grew as Alma brought many others to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. The flames that killed Abinadi eventually died out, but the fire of faith that his words created would have a lasting influence on the Nephites—and on people who read his words today. Most of us will never face quite what Abinadi did because of our testimonies, but we all have moments when following Jesus Christ is a test of our courage and faith. Perhaps studying Abinadi’s testimony will fan the flames of testimony and courage in your heart as well.

Abinadi Suffers Death for his Faith

Mosiah 17

Additional Resources

Media Library “Abinadi before King Noah (Abinadi Appearing before King Noah)“

Teaching Children the Gospel “Lesson 11: Abinadi and King Noah”

Invite the children to draw pictures of different parts of the account of Abinadi, King Noah, and Alma found in Mosiah 11–13 and 17. Help them use their pictures to retell the story.

Primary 4 Manual “Lesson 11- Abinadi and King Noah” Put the following objects in a sack or bag. Have each child pick one of the objects and have them explain what it represents when you come to that part of the story.

A paper mustache (see the illustration at the end of the lesson)
A flashlight or lightbulb
A paper replica of the Ten Commandments (see the illustration at the end of the lesson)
A picture of Christ
A piece of rope or string
A match

Mustache:Abinadi came back in disguise (Mosiah 12:1).
Lightbulb or flashlight:Abinadi’s face shone with luster (Mosiah 13:5).
Ten Commandments:Abinadi taught the Ten Commandments (Mosiah 13:11–24).
Picture of Christ:Abinadi boldly testified of Jesus Christ (Mosiah 15; 16; 17:8).
Rope or string:Abinadi was bound (Mosiah 17:13).
Match:Abinadi was killed by fire (Mosiah 17:20).

Have the children take the parts of the characters in the story of Abinadi and King Noah, and have a reporter interview them. Make a list of questions for the reporter to ask the characters, such as:

Reporter to Noah:How did you pay for your fancy buildings?
Reporter to priests:Why are you holding Abinadi prisoner?
Reporter to Alma:What do you think about the teachings of Abinadi?
Reporter to Abinadi:Why do these people want to kill you? Why won’t you deny what you have said to these people?

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