Tag Archives: teaching children

May 30 2022

Judges 2–4; 6–8; 13–16

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Table of Contents

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Judges 2–4; 6–8; 13–16” We all know what it’s like to make a mistake, feel bad about it, and then repent and resolve to change our ways. But in some cases we forget our earlier resolve, and, when we face temptation, we may find ourselves making the mistake again. This tragic pattern is typical of the Israelites’ experiences described in the book of Judges. Influenced by the beliefs and worship practices of the Canaanites—whom they were supposed to drive out of the land—the Israelites broke their covenants with the Lord and turned away from worshipping Him. As a result, they lost His protection and fell into captivity. And yet each time this happened, the Lord gave them the chance to repent and raised up a deliverer, a military leader called a “judge.” Not all of the judges in the book of Judges were righteous, but some of them exercised great faith in delivering the children of Israel and restoring them to their covenant relationship with the Lord. These stories remind us that no matter what has led us away from Jesus Christ, He is the Redeemer of Israel and is always willing to deliver us and welcome us back to Him.

Always Remember Him

Judges CHAPTER 2

An angel rebukes Israel for not serving the Lord—As a pattern of future events, a new generation arises that forsakes the Lord and serves Baal and Ashtaroth—The Lord is angry with the children of Israel and ceases to preserve them—He raises up judges to guide and lead them—The Canaanites are left in the land to test Israel.

Judges 2:10.

After Joshua died, the next generation of Israelites “knew not the Lord.” Talk with your family about how they know the Lord and “the works which he [has] done” for them. How will you ensure that this knowledge will be preserved for future generations? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Judges 2–4; 6–8; 13–16”)

How do we come to know the Lord? Through scripture study, prayer, sacrament, living the commandments. etc.

Friend June 2019 “The Sacrament Reminds Us of Jesus Christ” Ways to prepare for the sacrament before hand, what to do during the sacrament, and remembering Jesus and following him after the sacrament.

New Era March 2008 “How Can I Come to Know Christ?”

Friend November 2017 “Family Night Fun” Ways you can look for blessings every day.

Jesus Christ is my Savior.

Judges CHAPTER 3

The children of Israel intermarry with the Canaanites, worship false gods, and are cursed—Othniel judges the Israelites—They serve Moab and are delivered by Ehud, who slays Eglon.

Judges 3:9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Judges 2–4; 6–8; 13–16” When the Israelites prayed to the Lord, He raised up a deliverer for them. Help the children see that Jesus Christ is the Deliverer whom God has raised up for us.

  • Explain to the children that when the Israelites stopped keeping God’s commandments, they lost His protection and were defeated by their enemies. Read from Judges 3:9 the phrase “the children of Israel cried unto the Lord.” What did the Israelites do when they needed help? Share an experience when you prayed for help and God answered your prayer.
  • Read from Judges 3:9 the phrase “the Lord raised up a deliverer,” and invite the children to repeat it with you a few times. Explain that a deliverer is someone who saves us. Show the children several pictures of people, including a picture of Jesus Christ, and place the pictures face down on the floor. Let the children take turns turning over the pictures, finding the picture of Jesus, and holding it up. Testify that Jesus Christ is the Deliverer whom God has raised up to save us from sin and death.

Latter Day Kids “Jesus Delivers Us” Lesson ideas

Jesus Christ is my Deliverer.

Judges 3:7–9, 12–15

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Judges 2–4; 6–8; 13–16”

Judges 3 describes a cycle that you can use to teach the children that God delivers us from sin through the Savior Jesus Christ.

  • Write the following on the board: “did evil,” “cried unto the Lord,” and “raised up a deliverer.” Invite some of the children to find these phrases in Judges 3:7–9, and invite others to find them in Judges 3:12–15. Explain to the children that over and over in the book of Judges, the Israelites “did evil.” Then, when their enemies attacked, they “cried unto the Lord,” and the Lord “raised up a deliverer” to help them. What do we learn about the Lord from this cycle?
  • Sing a song together that helps the children understand that Jesus Christ is their Redeemer and Deliverer, such as “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, 34–35). Invite the children to share their feelings about what the Savior has done to deliver us from sin, trials, sorrow, and death.

These verses summarize a pattern that occurs often throughout the book of Judges. As your family members read these verses, they could identify what Israel did to stray from the Lord and what the Lord did to deliver them. What might lead us to forget the Lord? How can He deliver us? How can we be more consistently faithful to Him. (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Judges 2–4; 6–8; 13–16”)

I can be faithful to the Lord even if others are not.

Judges CHAPTER 4

Deborah, a prophetess, judges Israel—She and Barak deliver Israel from the Canaanites—Jael, a woman, slays Sisera, the Canaanite.

Judges 4:1–15

Although many of the Israelites fell away from the Lord, some remained true to Him and were able to help many others return to righteousness. How can you encourage the children to stay true to the Lord no matter what others are doing?

  • Tell the children that during a time when the Israelites had been wicked, a righteous woman named Deborah and the commander of the Israelites’ army, Barak, delivered Israel from their enemies (see Judges 4:1–15). Read together Judges 4:14, and ask the children to find something Deborah said that showed that her faith in the Lord was strong. Then ask them to read Doctrine and Covenants 84:88 to find a principle that is also in Judges 4:14. Encourage them to share what the Lord’s promise “I will go before your face” means to them.
  • Sing a song about obeying the commandments, such as “Choose the Right” (Hymns, no. 239) or “Choose the Right Way” (Children’s Songbook, 160–61). How can we stand for righteousness and obey the commandments even when others around us do not?

Old Testament Scripture Stories “Deborah the Prophetess”

Friend June 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Deborah and the Palm Tree

Story: Deborah was a righteous leader. She sat under a palm tree and listened to her people (see Judges 4:4–5). She helped them repent and follow God.

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

Activity: Psalm 92:12 says, “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree.” Make the palm tree on page 36. Talk about ways you can follow God.

Friend June 2022 “Deborah under the Palm Tree” Color the pieces and cut them out along the blue lines. (Do not cut along the top of Deborah’s head—leave her attached to the base.) Fold the tab and then bend the tree base to glue the tab to the other side. Glue or tape the leaves to the top.

Friend July 2022 “Scripture Hero Cards”

The Lord can use small things to do great work.

Judges CHAPTER 6

Israel is in bondage to the Midianites—An angel appears to Gideon and calls him to deliver Israel—He overthrows the altar of Baal, the Spirit of the Lord rests upon him, and the Lord gives him a sign to show he is called to deliver Israel.

Judges 6:13–16, 25–30.

Gideon showed great courage in obeying the Lord, even though his actions were not popular. What has the Lord asked us to do that others might not agree with? How can the Lord’s words to Gideon in verses 13–16 inspire us to do the right thing?(Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Judges 2–4; 6–8; 13–16”)

Judges CHAPTER 7

Gideon’s army is reduced to 300—They frighten the Midianite armies with trumpets and lights—The Midianites fight among themselves, flee, and are defeated by Israel.

Old Testament Stories “The Army of Gideon”

Judges 6:11–16; 7:1–8

Gideon considered himself poor and insignificant, but God saw him as a “mighty man of valour” (Judges 6:12). Help the children see that even if they feel small, God can work through them to do important things (see Alma 37:6–7).

  • Tell the children that the Lord needed someone to help Him save Israel from their enemies, the Midianites, and He chose Gideon. Read Judges 6:15 to the children, and ask them why Gideon didn’t feel he could do what the Lord wanted. Read verse 16, and ask them who the Lord said would help Gideon. Tell the children about a time when the Lord asked you to do something difficult to serve Him and you felt He was with you.

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

See also “The Lord will help me accomplish his will”

  • Display pictures of children or youth doing great things in the service of God (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 19, 23, 90, 102), or tell about examples you have seen. Help the children think of ways they can participate in God’s work, and invite them to draw pictures of themselves doing these things.
Media Library, Old Testament Gospel Art Book
  • Ask the children to imagine that they needed to gather an army together to go to battle. How many people would they want in their army? Using Judges 7:4–7, invite the children to act out how the Lord helped Gideon choose the army that would deliver Israel from the Midianites. Why did the Lord want Gideon’s army to be so small? (see Judges 7:2). Why might following the Lord’s command have been hard for Gideon and his army? Invite the children to share experiences when they learned to trust the Lord even though doing so was hard.

Friend October 2001 “Gordon B. Hinckley Faces “Pharaoh”

  • Use this week’s activity page to teach the children about how the Lord made Israel’s army smaller so the Israelites would know that His power had saved them from their enemies. Share examples of small things that do a great work, such as bees gathering nectar to make honey. Bear your testimony that God can help us do a great work, even when we feel small.

God’s ways are different from the world’s ways.

  • Invite the children to draw pictures of a sword, shield, trumpet, lamp, and pitcher. Ask the children which of these objects they would take with them into a battle. Invite them to read Judges 7:16 to learn what Gideon’s army took with them. Why would it have taken courage to do this? Read together Judges 7:19–21 to learn how the army used the trumpets and pitchers to defeat the Midianites. What do we learn about the Lord from this story?
Media Library “Gideon’s Army”

Could you use a role play or other creative activity to help your family learn from the experience of Gideon’s army described in this chapter? How can the Lord’s words in this chapter (see, for example, verses 2 and 15) apply to our lives?(Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Judges 2–4; 6–8; 13–16”)

Friend July 2022 “Scripture Hero Cards”

“Lesson 24: Gideon,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 106–9

Have the children stand while you give them instructions such as turn around, raise your right hand, and so forth. Have the children list some of the specific instructions Gideon was given (see Judges 6:25–26 and Judges 7:3–6). Explain that because Gideon followed these instructions exactly, he and his army were successful. Point out that sometimes we are asked to do things that may not seem important or even make sense to us at the time. If we are given specific directions by Church leaders or parents acting in righteousness, we need to be obedient and have faith that what we are asked to do is important and right.

Judges CHAPTER 8

Gideon pursues and destroys the Midianites—He frees the children of Israel but refuses their invitation to reign as king over them—Gideon dies, and Israel returns to idolatry.

Strength comes from faithfulness to my covenants with God.

Judges 13–16

Samson lost both his physical strength and his spiritual strength because he violated his covenants with God,

Judges CHAPTER 13

Israel is in Philistine bondage for forty years—An angel comes to Manoah’s wife and promises a son who will begin to deliver Israel—The angel comes again; he ascends in a flame from the altar—Samson is born, and the Spirit of the Lord moves upon him.

Judges CHAPTER 14

Samson slays a young lion with his bare hands—He marries a Philistine wife, propounds a riddle, is deceived by his wife, and slays thirty Philistines.

Judges CHAPTER 15

Samson burns the grain of the Philistines—They burn his wife and father-in-law—Samson slays a thousand Philistines at Lehi with the jawbone of an ass.

Judges CHAPTER 16

Samson carries away the doors of the gate of Gaza—He loves Delilah, who delivers him to the Philistines—He destroys a building, killing himself and 3,000 others.

Media Library “Samson Pulls Down the Pillars”

“Lesson 25: Samson,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 110–13 Samson’s mission would require physical strength. The Lord made a covenant with Samson that as long as he obeyed the Lord, he would be physically strong. Samson’s long hair (see Judges 13:5) was a sign of this covenant. When Samson kept his covenants he was blessed with the ability to help his people, but when he broke his covenants he lost both his spiritual and physical strength.

What happens when people become spiritually weak? (They give in to temptations, they sin, they lose the guidance of the Holy Ghost, and they lose the ability to fulfill their callings and bless others.)

How are we blessed when we keep our covenants and are spiritually strong?

  1. Before class identify a strength you have observed in each child. Write a note to each one telling of this strength, such as, “Dear , you are strong in coming to Primary each week.” Some other ideas might include:
    • Being kind to others
    • Sharing your testimony
    • Helping your parents
    • Being a peacemaker
    • Being a good friend
    • Reading the scriptures
  2. Point out that we all have different kinds of strengths. Heavenly Father needs us to use these strengths to serve him and to serve others. Read aloud each note you have prepared, without reading the names, and then give them to the children. Help the children realize that these are only some of the many strengths Heavenly Father has blessed them with. Give the children an opportunity to mention other strengths they have observed in class members. Encourage them to develop these and other strengths during the coming week.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Judges 2–4; 6–8; 13–16” Samson’s covenants with the Lord gave him strength, just as our covenants give us strength. Your family might enjoy doing some physical exercises and discussing how those exercises can help make us strong. What can we do to help us become spiritually stronger? For some ideas, family members could read Mosiah 18:8–10; Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79. How does keeping our covenants give us spiritual strength?

“Lesson 25: Samson,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 110–13 Ask for a volunteer to demonstrate how to flex his or her arm muscles. Let the whole class try it to see if they can feel their own muscles. You may want to let two children arm wrestle or pull sticks (a game Joseph Smith enjoyed). To pull sticks, have two boys sit on the floor facing each other, legs extended, knees bent, and the soles of their feet touching. Have each boy grasp the same large stick and try to pull the other up until he is standing on his feet.

  • How do muscles help us? Discuss what happens when we exercise our muscles and what happens when we do not use them. Help the children realize that exercise helps us develop strong muscles.
  • Explain that our spirits also need to grow stronger. How can we become stronger spiritually? (By keeping our baptismal covenants, obeying our parents, praying, attending church, reading the scriptures, and so on.)
  • Why is it important to become spiritually strong? (So we can avoid temptation, be guided in our decisions by the Holy Ghost, and know good from evil.)

Help the children understand that we need to develop spiritual strength just as we need to develop physical strength.

Why Was Idolatry So Attractive to the Israelites?

Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel “Enrichment Section F”

“Many have wondered why the Israelites were so easily led away from the true God, into the worship of idols. (1) Visible, outward signs, with shows, pageants, parades, have an attraction to the natural heart, which often fails to perceive the unseen spiritual realities. (2) But the greatest attraction seems to have been in licentious revelries and obscene orgies with which the worship of the Oriental idols was observed. This worship, appealing to every sensual passion, joined with the attractions of wealth and fashion and luxury, naturally was a great temptation to a simple, restrained, agricultural people, whose worship and laws demanded the greatest purity of heart and of life.” (Smith, Dictionary of the Bible, s.v. “idolatry,” p. 264.)

Often modern prophets have warned against making idols of money, automobiles, houses, and other material objects (see Reading 11-4 for President Spencer W. Kimball’s statement on modern idolatry). The worship of these things, of course, is symptomatic of the trust some have in natural law instead of God and His laws. They see the world as a place where the creature fares according to his genius (see Alma 30:17). Hence, they look upon all they gain as their own, not as the Lord’s. They forget that they are only stewards of the Lord’s goods.

Come Follow Me With Living Scriptures “True Strength” Lesson ideas

May 28 2022

Mosiah 29 – Alma 4

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Table of Contents

Mosiah CHAPTER 29 Mosiah proposes that judges be chosen in place of a king—Unrighteous kings lead their people into sin—Alma the younger is chosen chief judge by the voice of the people—He is also the high priest over the Church—Alma the elder and Mosiah die. About 92–91 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 1 Nehor teaches false doctrines, establishes a church, introduces priestcraft, and slays Gideon—Nehor is executed for his crimes—Priestcrafts and persecutions spread among the people—The priests support themselves, the people care for the poor, and the Church prospers. About 91–88 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 2 Amlici seeks to be king and is rejected by the voice of the people—His followers make him king—The Amlicites make war on the Nephites and are defeated—The Lamanites and Amlicites join forces and are defeated—Alma slays Amlici. About 87 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 3 The Amlicites had marked themselves according to the prophetic word—The Lamanites had been cursed for their rebellion—Men bring their own curses upon themselves—The Nephites defeat another Lamanite army. About 87–86 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 4 Alma baptizes thousands of converts—Iniquity enters the Church, and the Church’s progress is hindered—Nephihah is appointed chief judge—Alma, as high priest, devotes himself to the ministry. About 86–83 B.C.

Judges Chosen in Place of Kings

Mosiah 29

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 29- Alma 4”

Some might see King Mosiah’s proposal to replace kings with elected judges as merely wise political reform. But to the Nephites, especially those who lived under wicked King Noah, this change had spiritual significance too. They had seen how an unrighteous king had influenced his people, and they were “exceedingly anxious” to be free from such influence. This change would allow them to be responsible for their own righteousness and “answer for [their] own sins” (Mosiah 29:38).

Alma and Nehor

Alma 1

The Lord can help me recognize false teachings.

Alma 1:2–9

One way to study Alma 1:2–4 with your children is to help them create a true-or-false quiz using statements taught by Nehor, a false teacher. Then you could talk with them about why Satan often combines truths with falsehoods. Help your children think of some examples. In verses 7–9, how did Gideon withstand Nehor’s lies? (See also “Chapter 20: Alma and Nehor,” Book of Mormon Stories, 54–55.) (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 29 – Alma 4)

The Red Crystal

FashionsbyLynda.com “Primary: Come Follow Me (Book of Mormon) Mosiah 29-Alma 4”

After reviewing Alma 1:2–9 together, ask each of the children to read one of the following scriptures (see below). How do these scriptures refute Nehor’s teachings? How can we use the scriptures to fortify our own testimonies of the gospel? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 29 – Alma 4”)

 Matthew 7:21–23:

21 ¶ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

2 Nephi 26:29–31: 

29 He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.

30 Behold, the Lord hath forbidden this thing; wherefore, the Lord God hath given a commandment that all men should have charity, which charity is love. And except they should have charity they were nothing. Wherefore, if they should have charity they would not suffer the laborer in Zion to perish.

31 But the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion; for if they labor for money they shall perish.

(In the Church we serve because we love others, not because we want to become rich or popular.)

Mosiah 18:24–26

24 And he also commanded them that the priests whom he had ordained should labor with their own hands for their support.

25 And there was one day in every week that was set apart that they should gather themselves together to teach the people, and to worship the Lord their God, and also, as often as it was in their power, to assemble themselves together.

26 And the priests were not to depend upon the people for their support; but for their labor they were to receive the grace of God, that they might wax strong in the Spirit, having the knowledge of God, that they might teach with power and authority from God.

 Helaman 12:23–26:

23 Therefore, blessed are they who will repent and hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; for these are they that shall be saved.

24 And may God grant, in his great fulness, that men might be brought unto repentance and good works, that they might be restored unto grace for grace, according to their works.

25 And I would that all men might be saved. But we read that in the great and last day there are some who shall be cast out, yea, who shall be cast off from the presence of the Lord;

26 Yea, who shall be consigned to a state of endless misery, fulfilling the words which say: They that have done good shall have everlasting life; and they that have done evil shall have everlasting damnation. And thus it is. Amen.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ, I love and serve others.

Alma 1:19–25

(Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 29 – Alma 4)

Some members of the Lord’s Church in Alma’s day were generous and giving, and other members were unkind and prideful. To help your children learn from these experiences, you could read together Alma 1:27, 30 and make a list of the kinds of people members of the Lord’s Church helped. Who do we know who might “[stand] in need” (Alma 1:30) of our love and help? Invite the children to think of people in their neighborhoods or schools who might “[stand] in need” (Alma 1:30) of their love and help.

Friend August 2018

Read Alma 1:30 to the children, and help them understand that the people of the Church shared what they had with people who needed help. Help the children think of things they could share and people they could share them with. Encourage the children to draw pictures of their plans.

You could also sing together a song about love and service, such as “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145), and help your children think of actions that could go with the song.

What should we do when people are unkind to us?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 29 – Alma 4” Emphasize that even though Nehor’s followers were mean to the Church members, many of the Church members remained kind and loving.

Help the children read Alma 4:6–13, and define words like “scornful,” “persecute,” and “despising” (use a dictionary if necessary). How do we feel when people treat us in these ways? Invite the children to find words in Alma 1:26–30 that describe how Heavenly Father wants us to treat each other.

Consider reading with your children how followers of Christ were treated in Alma 1:19–20. Talk about how they reacted in verses 22 and 25. Maybe you could practice ways to respond when others are unkind.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 29- Alma 4”Your family might benefit from identifying the different ways Church members responded to persecution in these verses: Alma 1:19–25. Maybe you could practice ways to respond appropriately when others attack our beliefs. The Religious Freedom Videos might help.

Friend May 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Waiting Patiently Read Alma 1:25 together and help your little ones say, “Sometimes we have to wait patiently for blessings.” You could play freeze-dance to introduce the idea of patience. 1. Dance around as you listen to Primary songs or other good music. 2. Pause the music at random, and practice standing still while the music is paused.

The Amlicites

Alma 2

God will answer my prayers.

Alma 2:28–30

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 29 – Alma 4” When Alma and the Nephites felt “much fear” (Alma 2:23), they prayed for help and were strengthened. learn from their example.

Using pictures in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families or in “Chapter 21: The Amlicites” (Book of Mormon Stories, 56–57, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org), tell the children how the Nephites gained strength to defeat the Amlicites. Ask the children about things that are scary or hard for them, and testify that they can pray to Heavenly Father for help with these things.

Share an experience when God helped you after you prayed to Him. Invite the children to share experiences they have had with prayer.

Friend March 2023 “The Earthquake Prayer” Violet woke up when she felt an earthquake. She and her family ran to the kitchen and crawled under the table. They had practiced what to do in an earthquake, but Violet was scared. She said a prayer, and felt like someone was giving her a hug. She was glad Heavenly Father helped her feel peace.

Friend May 2022 “A Prayer in the Storm” Alexis was scared of the thunder in the storm and didn’t feel safe. She found her dad and asked if they could say a prayer. After the prayer she felt peaceful and wasn’t afraid anymore.

Alma 3

Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) Note: The curse that both the Amlicites and Lamanites experienced was a separation from God because of their rebellion and disobedience (see 2 Nephi 5:20–21). The mark, which at that time distinguished the Lamanites from the Nephites, was that “the skins of the Lamanites were dark” (Alma 3:6). It is important to remember that the nature and appearance of this mark are not fully understood. Book of Mormon prophets and modern prophets have taught it is wrong to revile or look down upon people because of the color of their skin (see Jacob 3:9).

Alma 3:4

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 29- Alma 4”

What message did the Amlicites want to communicate when they “set [a] mark upon themselves”? (see Alma 3:4, 13). What messages might we send—intentionally or unintentionally—with our appearance? This might be a good time to review “Dress and Appearance” in For the Strength of Youth (2011), 6–8.

Alma Devotes Himself to the Ministry

Alma 4

My testimony can strengthen others.

Alma 4:8–20

10 And thus ended the eighth year of the reign of the judges; and the wickedness of the church was a great stumbling-block to those who did not belong to the church; and thus the church began to fail in its progress.

Open the scriptures to Alma 4:19, and explain that when Alma saw how wicked the people were, he decided the best way to help them was to bear “pure testimony” to them. Alma gave up his position as chief judge so he could spend more time sharing his testimony and helping people repent. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 29 – Alma 4”)

(Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 29 – Alma 4)

  • Often the “pure testimony” (Alma 4:19) of a child can have a strong influence on others. To help your children discover this, you could read with them Alma 4:8–12, 15, helping them identify the problems that were happening in the Church. What could Alma do to solve these problems? Help them find out what Alma decided to do in Alma 4:16–20. Maybe you could share with each other how someone else’s testimony of Christ has strengthened you.

Friend February 2016 “Testimony Treasure” Sabrina learns that a testimony is a treasure you want to share with others, so she shared her testimony with her friend that going to church and learning about Jesus makes her feel happy. Her friend then went to church and told Sabrina that it did make her feel happy.

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  • If your children need examples of what a testimony is, consider showing a video clip of a speaker in general conference bearing testimony. You could also use this week’s activity page or sing together a song like “Testimony” (Hymns, no. 137). What do we learn about testimonies from these resources? Let your children practice sharing their testimonies.

Ensign January 2019 “Talking about Testimonies” Teach them what a testimony is in clear, simple terms–for example, “A testimony is what you know or believe is true about the gospel. The Holy Ghost helps us know what is true.” Help them recognize what they already believe with questions like, “How do you think Jesus feels about you?” or “How do you feel when you pray?”

Friend September 2023 “What Is a Testimony?”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 29 – Alma 4”

  • Pour some clean water into a clear glass, and explain that the water is like our testimonies because we can share it with others. Pour the glass of water into a small cup for each child, and tell the children that when we share our testimonies, we help others have stronger testimonies too.
  • If the children would like to, let them practice bearing their testimonies. To invite children to bear testimony, ask questions that prompt them to think about and share how they feel about the Savior or His gospel. You could also ask about experiences they have had with prayer, service, ordinances such as baptism, or feeling the influence of the Holy Ghost.
Friend July 2015
Friend July 2015 lesson ideas too
  • To help the children understand what a testimony is and what it includes, show the video “Apostle Testimony Montage” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

Friend May 2020 “My Family Night Fun” Let’s Talk Testimony

Additional Resources

May 26 2022

Second Coming: Preparation

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Table of Contents

Preparing for the Second Coming

1 Thessalonians 5:2

Second Coming Surprise Jesus Christ will come again “as a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2), meaning unexpectedly and at an unknown time. Are we preparing each day for that event? On small, individual slips of paper, have family members write down what they did yesterday (soccer practice, school, and so on). Put the slips into a hat (or bag). Parents secretly add another slip that reads: “Second Coming.”Take turns drawing an activity from the hat and reading it aloud. When someone draws “Second Coming,” the game’s over. Discussion: Which of the activities drawn from the hat helped prepare our family for Christ’s return? What should we add to our daily routines to prepare us more?

Story Images

Friend December 2015

I can prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ by choosing the right. (Jr)

Revelation 19:7

Ask the children if they have ever been to a wedding. What was it like? Why are people happy at a wedding? Display the picture of the Savior’s Second Coming in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families, and read Revelation 19:7. Explain that the “marriage of the Lamb” represents the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Why will we rejoice when the Savior comes again? Help the children compare the joy of a wedding to the joy of the Savior’s return. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 15–22”)

Share with the children why you are looking forward to Jesus’s Second Coming. You could also sing together a song about the Second Coming, such as “When He Comes Again” (Children’s Songbook, 82–83). (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 15–22”)

“Article of Faith 10” (September 2011 Friend)
The pictures help illustrate what the tenth article of faith means.

Invite the children to share what they do to get ready for church on Sunday. Why do we do these things before we come to church? Why should we prepare for Christ’s Second Coming? On this week’s activity page, let the children draw what they can do to prepare for the Second Coming.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 15–22”)

I can prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ by choosing the right. (Sr)

Revelation 19:7–8

How can you help the children you teach understand that the Second Coming of Jesus Christ will be a joyous event for the righteous?

Read together Revelation 19:7–8, and help the children understand the symbolism in these verses—the marriage is the Savior’s Second Coming, the Lamb is the Savior, and His wife is the Church (or all of us). What things might we do to prepare for the Savior to come again?(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 15–22”)

Friend December 2015
Friend December 2015

Review and memorize Articles of Faith 1:10 with the children. Explain that this article of faith describes exciting, glorious events that will happen when Jesus comes again. Display the picture of Jesus’s Second Coming in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families, and invite the children to draw what they think Jesus’s Second Coming will be like. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 15–22”)

A Jubilant Hope

“Article of Faith 10” (September 2011 Friend)
The pictures help illustrate what the tenth article of faith means.

As I follow God’s commandments, I will be ready for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. (Jr)

1 Thessalonians 5:1–6

Invite a mother to briefly share what it was like to wait for her baby to be born. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:2–3, and tell the children that Jesus Christ will come to earth again, but no one knows exactly when—just as a mother doesn’t know exactly when her baby will be born.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Thessalonians” )

Clipart Library

Ask the children to talk about a time when they prepared for a trip or event. What did they do to prepare? Bring a suitcase or bag, and let the children pretend to pack it to get ready for a trip. With each item they pretend to pack, help the children think of one way we can prepare for Jesus Christ to come again. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Thessalonians” )

The Red Crystal

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:6 to the children, and explain that if we are not preparing for Jesus to come again, it’s like we have fallen asleep and we won’t be ready for Him. Invite the children to pretend they are asleep. Explain that if we do prepare, it’s like we are awake and waiting for Him. Invite them to wake up.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Thessalonians” )

Friend December 2015
Friend December 2015

Sing together a song about the Second Coming, such as “When He Comes Again” (Children’s Songbook, 82–83).(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Thessalonians” )

Latter Day Kids “Preparing for the Second Coming” Lesson ideas

As I follow God’s commandments, I will be ready for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. (Sr)

1 Thessalonians 5:1–6

Invite a child to read 1 Thessalonians 5:1–6 while the other children follow along. After each verse, ask a child to summarize what he or she thinks the verse is saying. You may want to explain that “the day of the Lord” means the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Why is the Second Coming compared to a thief in the night or a woman about to have a baby? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Thessalonians” )

Ensign October 2019 “Family Study Fun”


Second Coming Surprise Jesus Christ will come again “as a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2), meaning unexpectedly and at an unknown time. Are we preparing each day for that event? On small, individual slips of paper, have family members write down what they did yesterday (soccer practice, school, and so on). Put the slips into a hat (or bag). Parents secretly add another slip that reads: “Second Coming.”Take turns drawing an activity from the hat and reading it aloud. When someone draws “Second Coming,” the game’s over. Discussion: Which of the activities drawn from the hat helped prepare our family for Christ’s return? What should we add to our daily routines to prepare us more?

Story Images

Friend December 2015

Tell the children to imagine that the Savior will be visiting your class sometime today. How can we prepare for His visit? Help the children think of things we can do to prepare ourselves for the day Jesus Christ returns. For example, we can repent, forgive, improve our relationships with our family, follow the prophet, seek to have the Holy Ghost’s influence, and keep our covenants. Encourage the children to choose one thing they will do to prepare themselves to receive the Savior at His Coming.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Thessalonians” )

Friend December 2015
Friend December 2015

Sharing Time: What a Joyful Day” (December 2001 Friend)
Includes an activity to color various pictures of activities that can prepare children for the Second Coming.

Primary 7: New Testament “Lesson 46: Jesus Christ Will Come Again”

I can prepare to meet the Savior.

Doctrine and Covenants 29:2–11

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 29” Someday, each of us will be in the presence of Jesus Christ. While that day may be far into the future, the children can still think about what it will be like and how they can prepare for it.

Show a picture of the Second Coming and help a child read Doctrine and Covenants 29:11. Help the children notice phrases in the scripture that describe what they see in the picture. Share with the children how you feel about Jesus Christ coming to earth again.

Media Library “The Second Coming”

Friend October 2019 “The Living Christ” Second Coming of Jesus Christ

Show the children pictures of things they can do to prepare to meet the Savior (such as the ones below) . Help the children find other ways to prepare for the Second Coming in Doctrine and Covenants 29:2–10.

Sing a song about the Second Coming, such as “When He Comes Again” (Children’s Songbook, 82–83).

Friend November 2024 “Jesus Christ Will Come Again” Book mark and part of President Nelson’s conference address about helping prepare the world for the Second Coming. He said, “Today I call upon you to help prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord. I call upon you to talk of Christ, testify of Christ, have faith in Christ, and rejoice in Christ! “

Parable of the Ten Virgins

Matthew 25:1–13

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 The parable of the ten virgins teaches that we cannot borrow our conversion to the Savior from others. How can you help the children take responsibility for their own conversion?

“Lesson 25: Parable of the Ten Virgins,” Primary 7: New Testament Explain that the parable of the ten virgins is based on ancient Jewish wedding customs. The bridegroom and his friends escorted the bride from her home to the home of the bridegroom. Along the way friends of the bride waited to join them. When they arrived at the bridegroom’s home, they all went inside for the wedding. These weddings usually took place in the evenings, so those waiting for the bride and bridegroom carried lamps.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “Matthew 25:1–13”

Before studying the parable, it is important to understand Jewish wedding customs during the Savior’s day. The bridegroom, accompanied by his close friends, would go at night to the bride’s house for the wedding ceremony. Following the ceremony, the wedding party would proceed to the groom’s house for a feast. Wedding guests joining the procession, including virgins or bridesmaids, were expected to carry their own lamps or torches to indicate they were part of the wedding party and to add brightness and beauty to the occasion.

  1. The bridegroom is symbolic of the Savior, and the coming of the bridegroom represents the Second Coming (see Doctrine and Covenants 33:17 ; 88:92 ; 133:10).
  2. President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught: “The ten virgins obviously represent members of Christ’s Church, for all were invited to the wedding feast and all knew what was required to be admitted when the bridegroom came” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Preparation for the Second Coming,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 8).
  3. The lamps can symbolize our testimonies (see David A. Bednar, “Converted unto the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 109). Note that all ten virgins had lamps.
  4. The oil can symbolize our conversion unto the Lord Jesus Christ (see David A. Bednar, “Converted unto the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 109). This can include our efforts to follow the guidance of the Holy Ghost and to live obediently to the Savior and His gospel (see Doctrine and Covenants 45:56–58 ; In our lives the oil of preparedness is accumulated drop by drop in righteous living. … Each act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to our store. (Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle [1972], 255–56)

Most Jewish wedding ceremonies would take place in the evening. Several scripture passages refer to the Savior coming again like a thief in the night (see Joseph Smith Translation, Luke 12:44 [in the Bible appendix]; 1 Thessalonians 5:2 ; 2 Peter 3:10 ; Doctrine and Covenants 45:19 ; 106:4). The coming of the bridegroom at midnight suggests the unexpected hour of the Savior’s return. President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) explained:

In Matthew 25:12 , notice the bridegroom’s response to the foolish virgins who tried to enter the wedding feast late and without the necessary oil. Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 25:11 clarifies that the bridegroom said, “Ye know me not” (in Matthew 25:12 , footnote a).

  • Remembering what the oil represents, why would the oil be essential to truly know the Savior and be ready to meet Him?
  • Why could the wise virgins not simply give the oil to the foolish virgins?
  • Ask a child to come prepared to share how he or she learned about the parable of the ten virgins at home this week.

  • Draw an oil lamp on the board, and label it testimony. Give each child a piece of paper shaped like a drop of oil, and ask each child to write on it something he or she will do to become more converted to the Savior. Attach their drops to the board around the lamp.

“Lesson 25: Parable of the Ten Virgins,” Primary 7: New Testament

Friend September 1995 “I Believe That Jesus Will Come Again,”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 You might cut paper in the shape of drops of oil and hide the drops around your home. You could attach the drops to objects like the scriptures or a picture of the temple. When family members find the drops, you could discuss how these things help us prepare for the Second Coming.

  • Invite the children to help you make a list of things to do to prepare for a special visitor. How are these things similar to or different from ways we can spiritually prepare for the Savior’s Second Coming?

Friend August 2021 “The Important Guest” Ammon mother told him to tidy his room and she told him, “We want to invite someone important to be our guest. So we want our house to be clean and neat.” That night Ammon found out that the special guest was the Holy Ghost. The family also discussed additional ways to help the Holy Ghost feel welcome in their home.

  • On five strips of paper, write things that cannot be borrowed. On five other strips, write things that can be borrowed. Shuffle the strips, and ask the children to sort them into these two groups. Read together Matthew 25:1–13. Why is it important not to rely on others for our conversion to Jesus Christ?

“Lesson 25: Parable of the Ten Virgins,” Primary 7: New Testament Why do you think the five wise virgins did not share their oil? (Matthew 25:9.) Why couldn’t they have given some of their oil to the others? Explain that the shape of Jewish lamps, outside lips rounded inward, made it almost impossible for someone to pour oil from one lamp to another (see the illustration at the end of the lesson). In the parable, the oil in the wise virgins’ lamps represents their righteous living and obedience. We each fill our own lamp, which represents our own life, with our obedience and righteousness. Heavenly Father’s blessings to us for our righteous actions cannot be given to the disobedient.

New Testament Coloring Book “The Ten Virgins”

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “He Will Come Again” Lesson ideas

Stand in Holy Places

Doctrine and Covenants 45

Christ revealed signs of His coming as given on the Mount of Olives; 24–38, The gospel will be restored, the times of the Gentiles will be fulfilled, and a desolating sickness will cover the land; 39–47, Signs, wonders, and the Resurrection are to attend the Second Coming; 48–53, Christ will stand on the Mount of Olives, and the Jews will see the wounds in His hands and feet; 54–59, The Lord will reign during the Millennium; 60–62,The Prophet is instructed to begin the translation of the New Testament, through which important information will be made known; 63–75, The Saints are commanded to gather and build the New Jerusalem, to which people from all nations will come.

Doctrine and Covenants 45:32

32 But my disciples shall astand in holy places, and shall not be moved;

Doctrine and Covenants stories
Some people in Kirtland, Ohio, didn’t want to learn the gospel. Some even told lies about the Saints to try to stop others from learning about the gospel.
Doctrine and Covenants stories
Jesus told Joseph Smith that He would come to earth again soon. Before He comes, everyone on earth must hear the gospel. The Saints should be good missionaries and work hard to share the gospel.
Doctrine and Covenants stories
When Jesus lived on earth, He told His Apostles what would happen before He came again.
Doctrine and Covenants stories
Jesus told His Apostles that the temple in Jerusalem would be destroyed. The Jewish people would be scattered to many nations, and many of them would be killed. There would be many wars. People wouldn’t love each other, and they would turn their hearts from God. There would be terrible sickness, disease, and earthquakes. The sun would be dark, the moon would be like blood, and stars would fall.
Doctrine and Covenants stories
One important event in preparation for Jesus’ return to the earth is the restoration of His Church. Jesus said the restored gospel would be like a light in the darkness.
Doctrine and Covenants stories
Many things that Jesus told about have already happened. Other things are beginning to happen, and others will happen in the future.
Doctrine and Covenants stories
When these things happen, righteous people will know Jesus is coming soon. They will want Him to come. Many Jews will go back to Jerusalem. They will hear the gospel.
Doctrine and Covenants stories
Righteous Saints will build the new city of Zion, where they will be safe. They will not fight with each other. They will be happy and sing songs of joy. People who are not righteous will not be able to go to Zion.
Doctrine and Covenants stories
Jesus will come to earth in a bright cloud. Righteous people will see Him. All the righteous people who have died will be resurrected. They will meet Jesus in the cloud and come to earth with Him.
Doctrine and Covenants stories
Jesus will come to Jerusalem. He will stand on a mountain there, and it will split in half. The heavens and earth will shake. Wicked people will be destroyed.
Doctrine and Covenants stories
People in Jerusalem will see Jesus and ask, “What are those wounds in your hands and feet?” He will say: “I am Jesus who was crucified. I am the Son of God.” Then the people will cry because of their sins and feel sad because Jesus had been persecuted.
Doctrine and Covenants stories
Righteous people will be very happy to see Jesus. The whole earth will belong to them. Satan will not be able to tempt them. Their children will grow up without sin. Jesus will live with them for 1,000 years and will be their King.
Doctrine and Covenants stories
Jesus told Joseph Smith to send missionaries to tell everyone to repent and prepare for the Second Coming. Jesus said the Saints should also prepare. They should pray, fast, and teach each other the commandments.
Doctrine and Covenants stories
Jesus promised the Saints that if they would be close to Him, He would be close to them. He said they should pray, and He promised that God would answer them.
Doctrine and Covenants stories
The Saints should do everything they can to help Jesus. When people help Jesus, they become like Him. Then they will be ready for His Second Coming.

One reason the Savior and His prophets teach us about the signs of the Second Coming is to help us prepare. What do you learn in Doctrine and Covenants 45:31–32, 56–57 about preparing for the Lord’s Second Coming? It might be helpful to review the parable of the ten virgins, found in Matthew 25:1–13. The Savior compared the oil in this parable to truth and to the Holy Spirit (see Doctrine and Covenants 45:57). 

In Doctrine and Covenants 45:32, the Lord taught that His disciples will find safety in the last days by standing in holy places—places that are special to the Lord.

Friend May 2021 “Scripture Time Fun”

  • Sing “Choose the Right Way” (Children’s Songbook, 160).
  • Jesus Christ taught that we should “stand in holy places” (Doctrine and Covenants 45:32). A holy place can be anywhere we have the Holy Ghost with us.
  • With your family, list some things that help you stand in holy places, like being kind or praying. How do those things prepare us for Jesus Christ’s coming? Stick the list somewhere you’ll see it often.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

The Savior compared the oil in this parable to truth and to the Holy Spirit (see Doctrine and Covenants 45:57). 

56 And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins.

57 For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.

Friend May 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones”

For Doctrine and Covenants 45: Read Doctrine and Covenants 45:32 and help your little ones say, “I can stand in holy places.” Play a game to see who can stand up first and say one good thing they did that day.

What are our “holy places”? What does it mean to “not be moved”? How can we make our home a holy place?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 45”

  • Place pictures of a home, a church building, and a temple in different places throughout the room. Give clues describing these places, and invite the children to stand near the picture you are describing. Read the first line from Doctrine and Covenants 45:32. Testify that we are blessed when we spend time in holy places like our homes, our church buildings, and the temple. Ask the children to talk about how they feel when they are in holy places like these.
  • Invite the children to complete this week’s activity page. Help them write “I can help my home become a holy place” and “Doctrine and Covenants 45:32” on their drawing. What can they do to help their home become a holy place?
  • To help the children think about what it means to “not be moved,” ask them to stand still without moving for one minute. Read the first line from Doctrine and Covenants 45:32. Help the children understand that to “stand in holy places, and … not be moved” means to choose the right at all times, no matter what is happening. Invite them to “not be moved” away from righteous thoughts and actions.

Our Homes Can Be “Holy Places.”

Doctrine and Covenants 87

5 And it shall come to pass also that the aremnants who are left of the land will marshal themselves, and shall become exceedingly angry, and shall vex the Gentiles with a sore vexation.

6 And thus, with the asword and by bloodshed the inhabitants of the earth shall bmourn; and with cfamine, and plague, and earthquake, and the thunder of heaven, and the fierce and vivid lightning also, shall the inhabitants of the earth be made to feel the wrath, and indignation, and dchastening ehand of an Almighty God, until the consumption decreed hath made a full fend of all gnations;

7 That the cry of the saints, and of the ablood of the saints, shall cease to come up into the ears of the Lord of bSabaoth, from the earth, to be avenged of their enemies.

8 Wherefore, astand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold, it cometh bquickly, saith the Lord. Amen.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 85-87” The children you teach will face spiritual and physical dangers throughout their lives. You can help them prepare to face those dangers by teaching them to find and stand in holy places. No home is perfect, but there are things we can all do to make our homes into holy places of peace.

  • Read together Doctrine and Covenants 87:6 to learn about things the Lord said would happen in the latter days. Ask the children to talk about challenges that children their age sometimes face. Invite them to find in verse 8 what the Lord said we should do during hard times. Tell the children about holy places in your life.
  • Help the children make a list of holy places, holy thoughts, and holy actions that can help them face spiritual danger (for ideas, see the videos “Standing in Holy Places” and “Stand Ye in Holy Places—Bloom Where You’re Planted,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite them to keep their list with them to refer to when needed.
  • Show a picture of a temple, and share why the temple is a holy place. Show a picture of a home, and help the children think of ways they can make their homes holy like the temple (see this week’s activity page). Why do we want to be in holy places?

Friend August 2021 “Bright Idea”

Treasure Up God’s Word

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 To help your family explore this chapter, invite them to look for the Savior’s teachings about how we can prepare for His Second Coming (see, for example, verses 22–23, 29–30, 37, 46–48). What can we do to follow this counsel? Your family might enjoy singing “When He Comes Again” (Children’s Songbook, 82–83) and drawing pictures of what they imagine the Savior’s Second Coming will be like.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023)

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) taught that false Christs and prophets are not limited to people but can also come in the form of false ideas and teachings (see Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson [2014], 132). As you study this lesson, seek the guidance of the Spirit as you look for ways you can trust in the Lord and overcome any false ideas or deception.

After teaching about other deceptions and about signs of His Coming (see Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:23–36), the Savior taught a way to overcome deception. Read Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:37 .

Treasure Chest

In your study journal, draw a piece of treasure or a treasure chest. To treasure something means you cherish, hold dear, or greatly appreciate it. When we “treasure up” the Lord’s word, we consider it sacred and protect it (see Doctrine and Covenants 43:34). Around or inside the chest, write ways we can treasure up the Lord’s word.

May 25 2022

Joshua 1–8; 23–24

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Table of Contents

Joshua CHAPTER 1

The Lord speaks to Joshua—He is commanded to be of good courage, to meditate upon the law, and to keep the commandments—He prepares Israel to enter Canaan.

Joshua CHAPTER 2

Joshua sends spies to Jericho—They are received and concealed by Rahab—They promise to preserve Rahab and her household.

“Be strong and of a good courage.”

Joshua 1–4; 6

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Joshua 1–8; 23–24” After Joshua became the leader of the Israelites, the Lord encouraged him by saying, “Be strong and of a good courage” (Joshua 1:6). What can the children learn from Joshua about how to be strong and courageous for Christ?

  • Invite the children to find the phrase that is repeated in Joshua 1:6, 9, and 18, and write it on the board (see also verse 7). Help the children think of reasons we might need this message, just as Joshua did. Review as a class some of the stories in Joshua 1–4; 6 (see also “Joshua the Prophet” and “Rahab and the Spies” in Old Testament Stories), and ask the children to identify how the people in these stories showed courage and strength.

Old Testament Stories “Joshua the Prophet”

Friend May 2022 “Joshua’s Courage”

Old Testament Stories “Rahab and the Spies”

Friend May 2022 “Scripture Hero Cards”

  • Invite the children to talk about someone they know who is strong and courageous for Jesus Christ. Encourage them to write down something they would like to do to be stronger and more courageous for Christ.

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Have Courage and Serve God” Lesson ideas

I can think about the scriptures day and night.

Joshua 1:8

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Joshua 1–8; 23–24” The Lord told Joshua that if he meditated on the scriptures and followed the counsel in them, he would have success leading the Israelites into the promised land. What can you do to teach the children of the great blessings that come from the scriptures?

What does this verse suggest about how we should approach our scripture study, both individually and as a family? How have the scriptures made our “way prosperous” and brought us “good success”? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Joshua 1–8; 23–24”)

Give each child a picture or drawing of the sun and the moon. Read to them from Joshua 1:8: “Meditate [on the scriptures] day and night.” Explain that meditate means to think deeply about something. Repeat the phrase several times, and invite the children to hold up the sun when you say “day” and the moon when you say “night.” Let the children repeat the phrase with you.

Friend April 1996 “Ponder, Pray, and Listen”

  • Younger Children: Ask the children to name things they do during the day and things they do at night. Tell them that Joshua was told to think about the scriptures day and night. Help them think of stories or teachings from the scriptures that they could think about day and night. Invite them to draw a picture of themselves or their family studying the scriptures. Why do they like studying the scriptures? How are they blessed when they do?
  • Older Children: Invite the children to write down how much time they spend in an average day on various activities. Then invite them to read Joshua 1:8, looking for something that we all need to do every day and night. Ask them to find words and phrases in this verse that teach us about the blessings of studying the scriptures. How can meditating on the scriptures help us have success in the other things we do each day?

Invite the children to read together the following scriptures: Joshua 1:8; 1 Nephi 15:23–24; 2 Nephi 31:20; 32:3; Jacob 4:6; Helaman 3:29–30. Ask the children to find a word or phrase in each passage that teaches them about the power of studying the scriptures. What goals can they set for their personal scripture study?

  • “Scripture Treasures” (January 2015 Friend)
    This poem tells of treasures you can find as you read the scriptures daily.

Bright Idea Poster: Elder Richard G. Scott—“Scriptures are like packets of light” (April 2013 Friend)

I must be baptized to enter the kingdom of heaven.

CHAPTER 3

Joshua leads Israel to the Jordan—The Lord cuts off the water of the Jordan; it stands up as a heap, and Israel passes over on dry ground.

Joshua 3

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Joshua 1–8; 23–24” The story of Joshua leading the Israelites through the Jordan River into the promised land provides an opportunity to teach the children that we must be baptized to enter the kingdom of heaven.

  • Review some details of the story of the children of Israel crossing the Jordan River to enter the promised land (see “Joshua the Prophet” in Old Testament Stories). Then show a picture of Jesus being baptized, and tell the children that Jesus was baptized in the same river. Invite the children to share other things they know about Jesus’s baptism.
  • Sing a song about baptism with the children, such as “Baptism” (Children’s Songbook, 100–101). Help them identify what this song teaches us about why Jesus was baptized and why we should follow His example. Let the children share their feelings about being baptized. Talk about what the children can do now to prepare to be baptized when they are eight years old.

Remembering our Blessings

Joshua CHAPTER 4

Joshua places twelve stones to commemorate the crossing of the Jordan—Joshua is magnified before the children of Israel as they cross the Jordan—After the priests bearing the ark pass over, the river returns to its course.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Joshua 1–8; 23–24” After reading what the Lord wanted the Israelites to do with stones from the Jordan River, your family could talk about some of the great things the Lord has done for you. Then you could give each family member a stone and invite them to write or draw on it something the Lord has done for them.

Friend May 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Remembrance Rocks

Story: God helped Joshua part the River Jordan so the people could walk across on dry ground. Then God asked Joshua and his people to collect stones from the river to remember how God helped them (see Joshua 4:5–7).

Song: “Where Love Is” (Children’s Songbook, 138–39)

Activity: Find rocks to paint or color. Write the word remember on them. While you decorate them, talk about ways God has helped you.

Faith Precedes the Miracle

Miracle of the parting of the River Jordan didn’t occur until after the Israelites exercised faith and walked into the river.

Joshua CHAPTER 5

The inhabitants of Canaan fear Israel—The males of Israel are circumcised—Israel keeps the Passover, eats the fruit of the land, and manna ceases—The captain of the Lord’s host appears to Joshua.

Obedience brings God’s power into my life.

Joshua 6–8

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Joshua 1–8; 23–24” These chapters deal with battles over the lands of Jericho and Ai. What do you learn about how God can help you and what you need to do to access His power? As you read them, consider how you battle temptation in your own life (for example, see Joshua 7:10–13). What impresses you about the Lord’s instructions for taking Jericho? (see Joshua 6:1–5). Perhaps the account in Joshua 7 will inspire you to determine if “there is an accursed thing” in your life that you need to remove (Joshua 7:13).

Your family might have fun acting out the instructions the Lord gave to the Israelites in order to conquer Jericho. What might the Lord want us to learn from this story?

Media Library “Joshua Taking Jericho (The Taking of Jericho)”

Old Testament Coloring Book “The City of Jericho”

Joshua CHAPTER 6

Jericho is taken and destroyed—Only Rahab and her household are saved.

Joshua CHAPTER 7

Israel is defeated by the people of Ai—Joshua complains to the Lord—Achan and his household are destroyed because he disobeyed the Lord by taking the spoils of Jericho.

Joshua CHAPTER 8

Joshua uses an ambush, takes Ai, and slays its inhabitants—He builds an altar in Mount Ebal—The words of the law, both blessings and cursings, are read to the people.

Joshua CHAPTER 23

Joshua exhorts Israel to be courageous, keep the commandments, love the Lord, and neither marry among nor cleave unto the remnants of the Canaanites who remain in the land—When the children of Israel serve other gods, they will be cursed and dispossessed.

I can choose to serve Jesus Christ.

Joshua CHAPTER 24

Joshua recites how the Lord has blessed and led Israel—Joshua and all the people covenant to choose the Lord and serve Him only—Joshua and Eleazar die—The bones of Joseph, taken from Egypt, are buried in Shechem.

Joshua 24:15

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Joshua 1–8; 23–24” Among Joshua’s final words to the Israelites was a plea to “choose … this day whom ye will serve.” Ponder how this counsel could also bless the children you teach.

  • Ask the children to talk about some of the choices they have made today. Read to the children from Joshua 24:15: “Choose you this day whom ye will serve; … but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” How have the children chosen to serve the Lord today? What are some ways we can choose to serve Him every day?
  • Sing a song about making good choices, such as “Choose the Right Way” (Children’s Songbook, 160–61). How do we feel when we choose to serve Jesus Christ? Invite the children to draw pictures of themselves doing something to serve the Lord. Share a story from your life or from a Church magazine about choosing to serve the Lord.

Latter Day Kids “Choose You This Day” Lesson ideas

Joshua 24:15

  • Invite the children to create a poster using some of the key words and phrases in Joshua 24:15. Let them share their posters and explain why they chose those words. How can we show God that we have chosen to serve Him?
  • Invite the children to suggest situations in which they might have to decide to choose God over other things. Ask them to consider what they would do. Why is it important to “choose … this day” rather than waiting for the situation to arise? How will we be blessed when we make the right choice?

After reading this verse, family members could share experiences in which they chose to serve the Lord even though it was difficult. Why is it important to make the choice to serve Him “this day” instead of waiting to decide until a situation arises? How can we support members of our “house” as we strive to “serve the Lord”? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Joshua 1–8; 23–24”)

Lesson 23: Joshua Leads Israel,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 101–5
To help the children choose to serve the Lord

For additional teachings ideas see “Priorities“

Additional Resources:

May 18 2022

Deuteronomy 6–8; 15; 18; 29–30; 34

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Moses had spent his life preparing the children of Israel to enter that promised land, and the book of Deuteronomy records his final instructions, reminders, exhortations, and pleadings with the Israelites.
(Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Deuteronomy 6–8; 15; 18; 29–30; 34”)

Deuteronomy CHAPTER 6

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

I can love the Lord with all my heart.

Deuteronomy 6:5

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Deuteronomy 6–8; 15; 18; 29–30; 34” Moses taught the children of Israel that they should love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and might. Think of ways you can help the children you teach increase their love for Heavenly Father and the Savior.

  • Draw on the board a heart, an outline of a body, and a strong arm. Read Deuteronomy 6:5, and point to the pictures as you read the words “heart,” “soul,” and “might.” Invite the children to take turns pointing to the pictures as the class repeats the scripture passage with you.
  • Sing a song that teaches about God’s love, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29). Help the children find words in the song that show that Heavenly Father loves us. Help them think of ways we can show Him we love Him too.

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

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

To love God with all of our hearts, we use our time, energy, talents and resources to keep His commandments.

Book of Mormon Central “What Does It Mean to Love God with “All Thy Mind”?” In a world that is constantly competing for our attention, we are asked by God to choose Him by giving of our entire mind—our will, intelligence, talents, gratitude, trust, humility, and loyalty—to Him. God loves us perfectly, and our eternal welfare is at the top of His agenda.19 If we are His priority, why shouldn’t He also be ours?

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

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

The scriptures are the word of God. I can keep the word of God in my heart.

Deuteronomy 6:6–9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Deuteronomy 6–8; 15; 18; 29–30; 34”The counsel in Deuteronomy 6:6–9 was meant to help the Israelites “beware lest [they] forget the Lord” and His word (verse 12). How can you help the children make the scriptures a consistent part of their lives?

  • Invite a child to hide a copy of the scriptures in the room while the rest of the children close their eyes. Then invite the children to open their eyes and try to find the scriptures. Using key phrases from Deuteronomy 6:6–9, share with the children that Moses told the Israelites to put scripture passages in places where they would see them and learn from them every day. Help the children think of places in their homes where they could put scriptures in order to see them every day.

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

  • Sing a song about the scriptures, such as “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109). Share your testimony that the scriptures are the word of God, and tell the children how they bless your life.

Moses taught that we should keep the word of God in our hearts, and he gave the Israelites counsel about how to keep the word of God constantly before them. How will you inspire the children to learn from the word of God daily?

  • On the board, write words and phrases from Deuteronomy 6:6–9 that indicate when and how the Israelites were to remember the word of God (such as sittest, walkest, liest down, hand, and house). Invite the children to find these words in the verses. What do these words teach about how to make the scriptures part of our everyday lives? Ask the children what they can do to remember the word of God in their daily life.
  • Give each child a piece of paper, and invite them to write down a phrase from Deuteronomy 6 that is meaningful to them. Ask them to share why they chose their phrase. Suggest that they decorate their paper and display it in their home to remember it. Encourage the children to write down and display other phrases they find in the scriptures.

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

Friend August 2013 Some ideas to keep scriptures in our minds daily.

“Beware lest thou forget the Lord.”

Deuteronomy 6:10–15.

These verses might prompt your family members to think of ways your family has been blessed. How can we follow the counsel to “beware lest thou forget the Lord”? (Deuteronomy 6:12). You may want to record your feelings about your blessings, perhaps in a journal or on FamilySearch. (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022)

Chosen to be a special people

Deuteronomy CHAPTER 7

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

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 Do something to help your family members feel special, such as preparing a favorite food. Then you could read Deuteronomy 7:6–9 and discuss what you feel it means to be “a special people” (verse 6) to the Lord.

Deuteronomy CHAPTER 8

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

I can joyfully serve those in need.

Deuteronomy CHAPTER 15

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

Deuteronomy 15:7–11

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Deuteronomy 6–8; 15; 18; 29–30; 34” The teachings in Deuteronomy 15:7–11 can help the children you teach understand that helping others involves more than just actions. It should be done with a willing heart.

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

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

Friend November 2019 “Helping Our Brothers and Sisters”

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

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

Friend January 2018

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

See additional ideas at Service

Prophets teach us about Jesus Christ.

Deuteronomy CHAPTER 18

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

Deuteronomy 18:15–18

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Deuteronomy 6–8; 15; 18; 29–30; 34” Moses prophesied that Jesus Christ would come and that we should listen to the words Jesus would teach.

  • Help one of the children read Deuteronomy 18:18, and tell the children that the Prophet like Moses that God would raise up is Jesus Christ.

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

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

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

  • To help the children see ways in which Moses and Jesus are similar, bring pictures of things Moses did and things Jesus Christ did, and let the children match them. For instance, you could bring pictures of Moses and Jesus ordaining others and teaching (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 15, 16, 38, 39).
  • Show the children a picture of our prophet today, and share something he has taught about the Savior. Invite the children to draw a picture of the prophet to share with their families.

“Imagine how quickly the devastating conflicts throughout the world — and those in our individual lives — would be resolved if we all chose to follow Jesus Christ and heed His teachings,” said President Nelson. Conference October 2021

Our focus must be riveted on the Savior and His gospel. It is mentally rigorous to strive to look unto Him in every thought. But when we do, our doubts and fears flee.

When you reach up for the Lord’s power in your life with the same intensity that a drowning person has when grasping and gasping for air, power from Jesus Christ will be yours. When the Savior knows you truly want to reach up to Him—when He can feel that the greatest desire of your heart is to draw His power into your life—you will be led by the Holy Ghost to know exactly what you should do. President Russell M. Nelson “Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives”

Friend May 2003 Article tells of prophets that taught of Jesus Christ

Keeping my covenants brings great blessings.

Deuteronomy CHAPTER 29

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

Gathering Israel

Deuteronomy CHAPTER 30

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

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

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

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

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

Deuteronomy 30:8–10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Deuteronomy 6–8; 15; 18; 29–30; 34” Like the children of Israel, we need constant reminders to live our covenants. Reading Deuteronomy 30:8–10 can help the children better understand what a covenant is and inspire them to keep their covenants.

  • Ask the children what a covenant is (if they need help, suggest that they find a definition in “Covenant” in the Guide to the Scriptures [scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org]). Draw a two-column chart on the board with these headings: Israelites’ promises and God’s promises. Invite the children to search Deuteronomy 30:8–10 and fill in the chart. (If necessary, help the children understand the meanings of phrases in verse 9.) Testify of blessings that have come to you from keeping your covenants.
  • Invite the children to list on the board the promises we make at baptism and the promises Heavenly Father makes to us (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, 77). What can we do to always remember the Savior and keep our covenants?

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

What happened to Moses?

Deuteronomy 34:5–8

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

May 9 2022

Numbers 11–14; 20–24

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Quail is Provided when Israelites Lust for Meat

I can be thankful for what God has given me.

Numbers CHAPTER 11

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

Numbers 11:4–10

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

  • Ask the children if they remember some of the miracles the Lord performed to bless the Israelites in the wilderness. (If the children need help, show them pictures from the April 4–10 outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families; see also Exodus 14:21–22; 15:23–25; 16:4. (Ideas include the plagues of Egypt, crossing the Red Sea, manna, water from rocks, defeating enemies in battles, etc. ) Then summarize for them Numbers 11:4–10, emphasizing that the Lord was unhappy because the Israelites were complaining. Help the children think of ways they can show gratitude to the Lord.

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

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

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

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

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

For additional teaching ideas see Gratitude

Miriam and Aaron Speak Against Moses

The Lord wants me to follow His prophet.

Numbers CHAPTER 12

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

This video is not produced by the church or any of its members, but it carefully follows the scripture account.

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

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

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

Numbers 12 contains some valuable lessons that can help the children when they hear people saying unkind things about the Lord’s prophet or other Church leaders.

  • Tell the children that on one occasion, the Lord was unhappy with Aaron and Miriam, Moses’s brother and sister. Invite them to read Numbers 12:1–2 to find out why. According to verses 5–8, how did the Lord feel about Aaron and Miriam speaking against His prophet?
  • Help the children think of examples of people in the scriptures who did follow the prophet and were blessed (for example, see Genesis 7:7; 1 Nephi 3:7). What are some of the things our living prophet has taught us? How are we blessed when we follow his teachings?

What Did the Prophet Teach at General Conference?
‘Start Today to Increase Your Faith’ April 2021 Conference

President Nelson gave five suggestions to increase faith:

  1. Study the gospel.
  2. Choose to believe.
  3. Act in faith.
  4. Partake of sacred ordinances.
  5. Ask God to help you.

“Your growing faith in Him will move mountains — not the mountains of rock that beautify the earth — but the mountains of misery in your lives,” he said. “Your flourishing faith will help you turn challenges into unparalleled growth and opportunity.”

What the Prophet Taught at the April 2022 General Conference

Five Ways to Maintain Positive Spiritual Momentum

The prophet’s Sunday morning address outlined five ways that Latter-day Saints can maintain positive spiritual momentum:

  1. Get on the covenant path and stay there.
  2. Discover the joy of daily repentance.
  3. Learn about God and how He works.
  4. Seek and expect miracles.
  5. End conflict in your personal life.

Israelite Spies Fear the Strength of Canaan

Faith can help me not be afraid.

Numbers CHAPTER 13

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

Numbers CHAPTER 14

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

Numbers 13:17–33; 14:6–9

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

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

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

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

Numbers CHAPTER 20

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

Moses and the Brass Serpent

I can look to Jesus Christ.

Numbers CHAPTER 21

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

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

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

Numbers 21:6–9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Numbers 11–14; 20–24” Just as the children of Israel were healed by looking at the serpent of brass, the children in your class receive salvation by looking to the Savior.

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

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

After reading Numbers 21:4–9, along with 1 Nephi 17:40–41; Alma 33:18–22; and Helaman 8:13–15, your family could make a serpent out of paper or clay and write on it or on paper some simple things you can do to “look upon the Son of God with faith” (Helaman 8:15).

Jesus Christ has the power to heal me spiritually.

Numbers 21:4–9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Numbers 11–14; 20–24” Many Israelites died because they did not have faith that the Lord would heal them if they looked at the brass serpent (see Alma 33:18–20). How can you help the children you teach have faith in the saving power of Jesus Christ?

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

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

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

Ensign September 1983

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

“That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:14–15.)

The correlative conjunctions as and so join the verbs lifted up, in the case of the serpent, and must be lifted up, in the case of the Savior. It is the two actions of lifting up that are being compared, together with the purpose of the lifting up—that of healing, the one for the healing of the Israelites from poisonous snake bites and the other for the healing of mankind from sin.

Moses raised up the image of a serpent on the pole because the Lord commanded him to do so. (See Num. 21:8.) It may be that the Lord used this symbol to point their minds toward faith in him as a means of healing them. If they would but look up at the serpent and exercise faith in the words of Moses, they would be healed. In the same way, a person who will look up to Christ and his atoning sacrifice, as culminated on the cross, and will exercise faith in Christ will be healed. Nephi, the son of Lehi, states that the Lord gave Moses the power to heal the people. The power of healing, therefore, was not in the Brazen Serpent but in obedience to the instructions of Moses. Note Nephi’s explanation:

“And as the Lord God liveth that brought Israel up out of the land of Egypt, and gave Moses power that he should heal the nations [tribes of Israel] after they had been bitten by the poisonous serpents, if they would cast their eyes unto the serpent which he did raise up before them …” (2 Ne. 25:20; italics added).

“And as many as should look upon that serpent should live, even so as many as should look upon the Son of God with faith, having a contrite spirit, might live, even unto that life which is eternal.” (Hel. 8:14–15; italics added.)

Lesson 22: Israel and the Brass Serpent,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 95–100
To encourage the children to be humble and have faith in Jesus Christ.

Old Testament Coloring Book “Forty Years in the Wilderness”

Balak Asks Balaam to Curse the Israelites

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

Numbers CHAPTER 22

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

Numbers CHAPTER 23

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

Numbers CHAPTER 24

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

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

Numbers 22–24

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

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

Apr 27 2022

Education & Learning: Stories

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Friend January 2022 “I Am Growing!”

Friend July 2019 “A White Cap for Florence” Florence’s parents worked hard to provide for the family, but without an education there was only so much they could do. Florence wanted to go to college so she could get a good-paying job and help her family, but her family couldn’t afford it. Florence decided to work hard for her goal. She was able to get into nursing school, and she graduated with an award as the best student. Because of her hard work she was able to help others and herself have a better life.

Friend July 2019
Friend July 2019

Friend April 2023 “Reaching for Mars” Michelle went to college to be an engineer. After college she got a job helping launch rockets to explore space! She helped create a robot called a rover to send to Mars. She was also called to serve with her husband as mission leaders. She bore her testimony that Jesus Christ created worlds without end, and he wants us to learn, grow, and use our talents for good.

Friend June 2024 “Elise the Engineer” Elise wants to be an engineer when she grows up, but one day at school she couldn’t figure out how to do a math problem. She began to think she wasn’t smart enough to be an engineer, but her sister said, “When something is hard, that doesn’t mean you aren’t smart. It just means you need more practice.” With her sister’s help she was able to learn how to do the math problem, and her confidence returned. She knew that if she worked hard, one day she could attain her goal of becoming an engineer.

Apr 26 2022

Exodus 24; 31–34

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Table of Contents

Exodus CHAPTER 31

Artisans are inspired in building and furnishing the tabernacle—Israel is commanded to keep the Lord’s Sabbaths—The death penalty is decreed for Sabbath desecration—Moses receives the stone tablets.

Honoring the Sabbath is a Sign of My Love for the Lord.

Exodus 31:12–17

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 24; 31–34” The Lord told Moses that when the children of Israel kept the Sabbath day holy, they showed Him that they wanted to be His people.

  • Draw a heart on the board, and ask the children what this symbol can mean. Help them think of other things that can be a sign for love, like a hug or an act of service. Read to them Exodus 31:13. Help them understand that when we keep the Sabbath day holy, it is a sign to the Lord that we love Him.

Latter Day Kids “The Sabbath Day” Lesson ideas

  • Tell the children about some of the ways you try to show your love for the Lord on the Sabbath. Let them share how they and their families do this. Invite them to use this week’s activity page to share more ideas.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 24; 31–34” Keeping the Sabbath day holy can be easier—and more joyful—for the children when they realize that it is a sign of their commitment to the Lord.

  • Ask the children a few questions to help them understand what a sign is—for example, “What signs let you know that spring is coming or that you’re getting a cold?” Invite them to read Exodus 31:13, 16–17 and find the word “sign.” What did the Lord say is a sign between us and Him? Why is this sign so important?

Sign definition: Something indicating the presence or existence of something else (Mirriam Webster Thesaurus)

  • Invite the children to take turns explaining why they choose to honor the Sabbath. Videos like “The Sabbath Is for You” or “Upon My Holy Day—Honoring the Sabbath” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) can help.
  • Invite the children to write down all the things they can think of that they can do on Sunday to show the Lord that they love Him. Encourage them to share a few things from their lists. Invite them to take their lists home, share them with their families, and refer to them whenever they need ideas about what to do on the Sabbath day.

Teaching Children the Gospel “Calendar and Chart Activity” Lists of things to do on Sunday with sticker activity

For additional teaching resources see Sabbath Day and Resources for Teaching Children “Sabbath Day”

The Ten Commandments and the Golden Calf

I Can Put the Lord First in My Life.

Exodus CHAPTER 32

Aaron makes a golden calf, which Israel worships—Moses serves as a mediator between God and rebellious Israel—Moses breaks the tablets of stone—The Levites slay about 3,000 rebels—Moses pleads and intercedes for the people.

Exodus 32:1–8, 19–24

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 24; 31–34” While Moses was on Mount Sinai speaking with the Lord, the children of Israel chose to worship a golden idol instead of Him. This story can remind the children you teach that we shouldn’t let other things become more important to us than the Lord.

  • Younger Children: Briefly review the Ten Commandments with the children, emphasizing the first two (see Exodus 20:3–6). Use “Moses on Mount Sinai” (in Old Testament Stories) to share with them the story from Exodus 32:1–8, 19–24. If possible, let the children help you tell the story. Help the children see what the Israelites did wrong in this story (you may want to remind the children of the first two of the Ten Commandments). What should the Israelites have done instead?
  • Older Children: Ask the children to share anything they know about the story of Aaron making a golden calf for the Israelites to worship. If they need help, refer them to Exodus 32:1–8, 19–24, or share with them “Moses on Mount Sinai” (in Old Testament Stories). Why was it wrong for the Israelites to worship an idol? (You might refer the children to the first two of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:3–6.)
  • Younger Children: Show a picture of Jesus Christ, along with pictures of other things that children might spend time on, such as toys, games, and so on. Ask the children to find the picture that shows what should be most important to us. Share with the children how you are blessed for putting the Lord first in your life—even before other things that are good.
  • Older Children: Help the children think of examples of things people may be tempted to worship instead of the Lord—things that draw our attention away from Him. Then ask them to share examples of things that help them focus on the Savior and worship Him.

Read together Helaman 7:20–21, and ask the children what they think it means to forget God. Explain that the word forget can also mean “to neglect” or “ignore.” Display a picture of the Savior, and invite the children to draw things they might spend too much time doing that could cause them to forget the Lord. Put their drawings in front of the picture of Jesus. Ask the children to think of things they can do each day to remember Heavenly Father and Jesus. As they share their thoughts, take away the drawings one by one until the picture of the Savior is revealed. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 7–12: “Remember the Lord”)

Friend January 2017 “The Next Level” Max takes a week off from playing games and he learns new things, spends time with his family, serves, and feels the Spirit.

One message from the account in Exodus 32 is the importance of keeping the first two of the Ten Commandments—do not worship anyone or anything other than the Lord.

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Worship the Lord” Lesson ideas

I Can Stand for Righteousness.

Exodus 32:1–5, 21–24

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 24; 31–34” When the Israelites told Aaron to make a golden idol, he agreed to do it, even though this was wrong (see Deuteronomy 9:20). Consider how you can encourage the children to stand for righteousness, even when others pressure them not to.

  • Invite the children to read Exodus 32:1–5, 21–24, individually or in pairs, and share what they think Aaron should have done when the Israelites asked him to make a golden calf. How might Aaron have helped the people?
  • Help the children think of situations they might face when other people ask them to do something they know is wrong. Ask the children to share ideas with each other about what to do in those situations.

Friend April 2019 “What’s on Your Mind” Fill in the the speaking bubbles with what you could say when someone tries to get you to do something that is not right. Try explaining why it’s important to you. Even if others don’t understand your reasons, ask them to be respectful.

Friend November 2017 “Peer Pressure Problems” Ideas on how to deal with peer pressure to avoid making wrong choices.
For additional teaching ideas also see Stand for the Right.

The Lord Talked to Moses Face to Face.

Exodus CHAPTER 33

The Lord promises to be with Israel and drive out the people of the land—The tabernacle of the congregation is moved away from the camp—The Lord speaks to Moses face to face in the tabernacle—Later, Moses sees the glory of God but not His face.

Exodus 33:11

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 24; 31–34” After Moses destroyed the golden calf, “the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.” Knowing this can build the children’s faith that the Lord is a real person who loves them.

  • Tell the children how you feel when you talk with a good friend, and ask them how they feel. Read to them the first sentence of Exodus 33:11. Ask the children how they think the prophet Moses might have felt. Tell the children about times when you have felt close to the Lord, even if you didn’t see Him with your eyes.

Ensign July 2010 “Jesus Christ, Our Perfect Friend”

  • Sing together a song that expresses how Heavenly Father or Jesus feels about us, such as “Jesus Is Our Loving Friend” (Children’s Songbook, 58). Show pictures of the Savior showing love to others (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 36, 41–43, 46–47). Encourage the children to share how they feel about Heavenly Father and Jesus.

Exodus CHAPTER 34

Moses hews new tables of stone—He goes up into Mount Sinai for forty days—The Lord proclaims His name and attributes and reveals His law—He makes another covenant with Israel—The skin of Moses’ face shines, and he wears a veil.

Friend April 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Tablets from a Mountain

Story: God gave commandments to Moses on stone tablets. The Israelites promised to obey them (see Exodus 24:7).

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

Activity: You can promise to obey too. Make pretend tablets out of paper. Then draw or write on them ways that you keep the commandments.

Apr 26 2022

Fellowshipping

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Table of Contents

Heavenly Father wants all of His children to return to Him.

Luke 15

The Lost Sheep

The Lost Coin

The Lost Son

Friend May 2017 “Jesus Taught About Heavenly Father’s Love” Jesus teaches about the lost coin, the lost sheep, and the prodigal son.

Friend May 2015
Friend May 2015

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Luke 12–17; John 11” Think about the children in your class, including those who may not attend regularly. How can you help them feel Heavenly Father’s love? How can you inspire the other children to help you reach out to them in love?

  • Give one child a coin, another child a picture of a sheep, and another child a picture of the prodigal son (see ChurchofJesusChrist.org or this week’s activity page). Tell the three parables found in Luke 15 and invite the children to hold up their coin or picture when you mention it. You could invite the children to retell the parables to each other in their own words.
  • Ask the children to share a time when they lost something. How did they find it? Explain that people can become lost spiritually when they don’t follow Heavenly Father. Testify that God wants people who are lost to come to Him, and we can help them.

Latter Day Kids “I Have Found That Which Was Lost” Lesson ideas

Friend March 2001 “The Good Shepherd Game” Play the game in family home evening by hiding a lamb and letting a member of the family find it. If you wish, you can bleat “baa” louder or softer as he or she gets closer to or farther from the lost lamb. If a lamb is lost, a good shepherd finds it and brings it back to the fold.

  • Invite the children to think of other children who don’t come to Primary. Help them color or write notes inviting these children to attend Primary or a Primary activity. How else can we help these children feel Heavenly Father’s love for them?
Friend February 2017
Friend April 2016
Friend April 2016

Friend July 2021 “Dear Friends” I enjoyed the activity to blow the sheep to Jesus from the Come, Follow Me ideas (Sept. 2020). Ari S., age 4, Texas, USA

New Testament Coloring Book “The Prodigal Son”

For additional teaching resources and stories see Fellowshipping.

I can help Jesus find His lost sheep.

Luke 15

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Luke 12–17; John 11” We all know someone who is in some ways like the lost sheep, the lost coin, or the prodigal son in the Savior’s parables. Consider how you can inspire the children to reach out to these people with love.

  • Help the children read the parable of the lost sheep or the parable of the lost coin, found in Luke 15:1–10, and share what they learned.

The Lost Sheep

The Lost Coin

The Lost Son

  • Write these names on the board: father, older son, and younger son. Show the video “The Prodigal Son” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) and pause it occasionally so the children can write on the board some of the feelings of the people listed. How do Heavenly Father and Jesus feel about those who have sinned?
Friend May 2015
Friend May 2015

New Testament Student Manual  According to the customs of the Savior’s time, a son received his inheritance only after his father died. For a son to demand his inheritance before his father’s death (see Luke 15:12–13) would have been an enormous offense. The son’s request would have been seen as a rejection of his father, his home, his upbringing, and even his entire community.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “Luke 15”

The Pharisees criticized the Savior for receiving and eating with sinners.

  • What do you think the Savior hoped the Pharisees would learn from this parable?

One truth we learn from this parable is that Heavenly Father values and loves all His children and is waiting with open arms to welcome all who will turn to Him.

  • Ask a child to leave the room while the other children hide a coin or paper sheep. Have the child return and look for the coin or sheep. What are some ways people can feel “lost” like the coin or the sheep? Invite the children to suggest ways they can reach out to them. Sing with the children a related song, such as “Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd” (Hymns, no. 221), and testify of the joy that comes when people return to God.

Friend March 2001 “The Good Shepherd Game” Play the game in family home evening by hiding a lamb and letting a member of the family find it. If you wish, you can bleat “baa” louder or softer as he or she gets closer to or farther from the lost lamb. If a lamb is lost, a good shepherd finds it and brings it back to the fold.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Luke 12–17; John 11” Do your family members understand what it feels like to lose something—or to be lost? Talking about their experiences could start a discussion about the parables of the lost sheep and lost coin. Or you could play a game in which someone hides and other family members try to find him or her. How does this activity help us understand these parables?

  • Explain that Jesus used the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son to represent people who are “lost” because they do not have the blessings of the gospel. Invite the children to think of people they know who don’t have these blessings in their lives. What can they do to help these people feel Heavenly Father’s love for them?
Friend February 2017
Media Library
Friend April 2016
Friend April 2016

Friend May 2015 “The Prodigal Son” Lesson and story ideas and crossword puzzle

Lesson 19: The Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son,” Primary 7: New Testament 

Play Search and Find. Ask a child to think of a place where he or she could get lost and write it on a piece of paper or whisper it to the teacher. Have the other children ask “yes” or “no” questions to determine where the child is located (Is it in a crowded place? Is it in the mountains? Is it under something?). Help the children understand that it takes time and effort to find someone who is lost, especially someone who is spiritually lost.

Friend August 2017

Fellowshipping Lonely Members

Friend February 2017
Friend February 2017
Friend February 2017

Fellowshipping Inactive Members

Friend April 2016
Friend April 2016

Friend November 2018 “Sharing Friendship” Elenoa’s parents buy extra copies of the Friend when they go to the temple. Elenoa and her siblings think of friends who haven’t been coming to Primary, and then they visit them and take them a Friend magazine and a treat. (Photos included in article.)

Friend August 2018 “Show and Tell”

My friends and I went to see our friend Ruth from church. We brought carrot cake and flowers and sang Primary songs to her. It made us all happy!

Friend October 2017 “Helping Gilly” Brenda calls Gilly to tell her that she and the other girls in Primary miss her.

Friend August 2017 “Reaching Out to New Friends” Elder Anderson shares a story of a boy in Uganda fellowshipping another boy and a story about children behind a fence being invited into a meeting. Sometimes people at church feel like they are behind a fence looking in and need a friend and an invitation to join in.

Friend February 2017 “The Best Part of the Week” Jenny’s family doesn’t go to church very often, but Jenny decides to go by herself after her friend invites her to sit with her family.

Friend February 2017 “Friendship Brownies” Grace’s Primary class makes brownies and a huge card to take to a classmate who hasn’t been coming.

Friend September 2016 “Musical Chairs” A new boy starts attending Elizabeth’s Primary class and he isn’t like the other children, so they start avoiding sitting near him. He stops coming for a while.

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 Friend September 2022 “Camping Friends” Edison’s family was inactive but some boys from the ward invited him to a camping trip. They also included him at the campground. He had fun and became friends with some boys. They had a testimony meeting and Edison wanted to know what his friends knew about God and Jesus. He decided to go to church even if his family didn’t.

Fellowshipping New Members

Friend April 2018 “Book of Mormon Buddies” Tory is a new member of the church and has a hard time reading the Book of Mormon because of all the unfamiliar words in it. Her friend, Erica, invites Tory to join her family in the mornings for scripture study. This helps Tory until she hurts her ankle and can’t walk to Erica’s. Erica sets up a video call for Tory so she can still read with them.

Friend April 2018
Friend April 2018
Friend April 2018

Friend April 2018

My family picks up new members of our ward to give them rides to church. We invite them to our home for family home evening, dinners, and holidays. We want the new members to feel welcome.

Friend June 2016 Matt and Mandy

Friend June 2016

Friend July 2017 Matt and Mandy

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

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

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

Ephesians 2:19

Place a picture of the Savior in the center of the room. Invite the children to stand in different parts of the room to represent “strangers” or “foreigners.” Help them understand that these words mean people we don’t know yet. As you read Ephesians 2:19, invite them to move toward the picture of Christ until they are standing close together. Tell them that as we come closer to the Savior, we can become united with others as “fellowcitizens,” or friends. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Ephesians” )

Find pictures of children from different parts of the world, and hide them around the room. Place a picture of the Savior in the front of the room. Invite your class to pair up like missionaries and take turns finding a picture of a “stranger” to place near the picture of the Savior. Help them understand that when people are baptized, they become part of our Church family, or the “household of God.” How can we help someone who is new feel welcome? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Ephesians” )‘

Clipart Library

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Ephesians” Your family might enjoy building walls out of pillows or other objects you have at home and then knocking them down. While Paul referred to the “wall” between Gentiles and Jews, what kinds of walls separate people today? How has Jesus Christ “broken down” these walls? How does He “reconcile [us] unto God”? (verse 16).

We are “fellowcitizens” in the household of God. (Sr)

Ephesians 2:13–19

Read Ephesians 2:19 together, and discuss what it means to be a stranger or foreigner. Share an experience in which you felt like a stranger or foreigner and someone helped you feel welcome and accepted. Invite the children to share similar experiences. What can we do to become “fellowcitizens” rather than strangers? Are there any children in your class who do not attend often, perhaps because they feel like strangers? Help the children come up with a plan to help those members feel welcomed and loved. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Ephesians” )

To help the children strengthen their relationships with each other, write some questions on the board that prompt them to share something about themselves, such as When have you had a prayer answered? or What’s your favorite thing to do with your family? Divide the children into pairs, and invite them to ask each other the questions. What did we learn about each other? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Ephesians” )

The Red Crystal

Apr 18 2022

Exodus 18–20

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Table of Contents

Moses Tells Jethro What the Lord Has Done for the Israelites

Exodus CHAPTER 18

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

Sharing My Testimony Can Bless Others.

Exodus 18:8–12

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 18–20” Jethro rejoiced when Moses shared what the Lord had done for the children of Israel. This story can inspire the children you teach to share with others what they know is true.

  • Read to the children the following words from Exodus 18:8: “And Moses told his father in law all that the Lord had done.” Ask the children if they remember what the Lord did to help the children of Israel escape from Egypt. (To help them remember, show pictures or activity pages from previous lessons). What things has the Lord done to help us? Help the children know that like Moses, we can tell other people about the great things the Lord has done for us.

What effect did Moses’s testimony of God’s deliverance have on Jethro? What great things has the Lord done for our family? Who can we share our experiences with? How can we preserve those experiences for future generations? Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 18-20”

  • Primary class can be a great place for children to practice sharing a simple testimony. Share your testimony with them, and help them share with each other gospel truths that they believe.

Friend February 2016 “Testimony Treasure” Sabrina learns that a testimony is a treasure you want to share with others, so she shared her testimony with her friend that going to church and learning about Jesus makes her feel happy. Her friend then went to church and told Sabrina that it did make her feel happy.

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Friend August 2015 – Elder Cook’s brother shares his testimony with him. After that he wanted his own witness from the Holy Ghost.

Jethro Counsels Moses to Delegate

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

Exodus 18:13–26

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

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

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

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

Friend December 2018 Match each sentence with a picture. In the blank spot, draw yourself helping at church.

  • I can put away a hymnbook.
  • I can pick up trash I see.
  • I can help hold up a picture.
  • I can sit so reverently!

Giving Talks, Singing, Playing Instruments

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

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

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

Story: It was hard for Moses to lead his people by himself. His wife’s father, Jethro, told Moses to let other people help “bear the burden” (Exodus 18:21–22).

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

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

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

The Lord needs valiant servants,

To do His work in the latter day,

Who follow the teachings of Jesus

And serve His people in a loving way.

I will be His servant

And keep my cov’nants valiantly.

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

The Lord can depend on me.

The Ten Commandments

Exodus CHAPTER 19

The Lord covenants to make Israel a peculiar treasure, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation—The people sanctify themselves—The Lord appears on Sinai amid fire, smoke, and earthquakes.

Exodus CHAPTER 20

The Lord reveals the Ten Commandments—Israel is to bear witness that the Lord has spoken from heaven—The children of Israel are forbidden to make gods of silver or gold—They are to make altars of unhewn stones and sacrifice to the Lord thereon.

God Gives Commandments Because He Wants Me to Be Happy.

Exodus 20:3–17

Lesson 21: The Ten Commandments,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 90–94 Explain that rules are necessary aspects of our lives. Ask the children to name some rules we should follow to be safe, to have good health, to have good relationships with others, or to have eternal life. Point out that rules bring order into our lives and are necessary for us to know how to live happily. Tell the children that in this lesson they will learn about Moses and the children of Israel receiving the Ten Commandments, which are laws given by God to help us know what to do and how to live so we can be happy.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 18–20” Commandments are Heavenly Father’s instructions for finding peace in this life and joy in eternity. How can you encourage the children to obey God’s commandments?

  • Show pictures from “Moses on Mount Sinai” (in Old Testament Stories), and invite the children to share what they know about the story. Help them understand any parts of the story they aren’t familiar with.
  • As you read several of the commandments from Exodus 20:3–17 to the children (or paraphrase them in words they can understand), invite them to give you a thumbs up if the commandment is about something we should do and a thumbs down if it is about something we should not do. Share your testimony about the happiness that comes from obeying God’s commandments (see Mosiah 2:41). (Topics article “Ten Commandments” (topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).)

Lesson 21: The Ten Commandments,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 90–94
To teach the children that keeping the Ten Commandments helps us be happy.

Display the chart of the Ten Commandments with a few of the words covered, and let the children take turns filling in the blanks. (Or you could make copies of this chart, with some of the words missing, for each child and let the children fill in the blanks on their own copies.) They could then take their copies home to remind them to obey the Ten Commandments.

Notice that all of the Ten Commandments fit under the two great commandments that Jesus Christ gave in Matthew 22:37–40: to love God and to love our neighbors. Write Love God and Love Neighbors on the chalkboard. Let the children take turns reading each commandment from Exodus 20:3–17 or from the chart. Have them write on the chalkboard a few key words from each commandment under the appropriate heading. Discuss specific ways to live these commandments, and challenge the children to choose one specific way to show love for God and to show love for their neighbors this week.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 18-20” Think of a meaningful way to discuss the Ten Commandments as a family. For instance, you might write the commandments in Exodus 20:3–17 on ten strips of paper. Family members could then sort them into two categories: (1) honoring God and (2) loving others (see also Matthew 22:36–40). Consider choosing a commandment or two each day this week and discussing it together in more detail. For example, how does obeying this commandment strengthen our family? How did the Savior obey it?

Liahona April 2022 “Jesus Christ Is Our Savior”

Applying the Ten Commandments to Our Lives

Exodus 20

Read the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3–17). God gave these laws to the Israelites to help them grow spiritually and live better lives. The commandments are also found in the Book of Mormon (see Mosiah 13:11–24) and in the Doctrine and Covenants (see 42:18–29; 59). How can the commandments help us today?

  1. List each of the Ten Commandments on separate pieces of paper.
  2. Have the family sit in a circle and place the commandments in the center.
  3. Have each person read a commandment and say how it fits in one of the following groups:
    • Commandments 1–4 teach us about loving God.
    • Commandments 5–10 teach us about our relationships and interactions with others.
  4. Many of the commandments tell us what not to do. Have each family member think of a positive action for each commandment.

Discussion: Think of ways the Ten Commandments have influenced your life and the culture you live in. What can we do to remember the commandments and follow them?

  • Sing with the children a song about how Heavenly Father blesses us when we obey the commandments, such as “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47). Invite the children to listen to the words to find out what blessings we can receive when we obey.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 18–20” The children will be more likely to keep the commandments if they see them as expressions of God’s love and as opportunities to express their love for Him.

  • Prepare strips of paper with the commandments in Exodus 20:3–17 on them. Write the numbers one through ten on the board, and invite the children to put the strips in the correct order on the board. Talk about how we can follow these commandments. For ideas, they could look at the Gospel Topics article “Ten Commandments” (topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Ensign August 2016 “We Believe in Keeping the Ten Commandments”

  • Invite the children to draw pictures of key words from the commandments to help them remember them.

Old Testament Coloring Book “The Ten Commandments”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 18–20”
  • Tell the story about Chloe from Sister Carole M. Stephens’s message “If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 118–20). How does the story help us understand why the Lord gives us commandments? How does being obedient show our love for God?
Friend September 2017

Friend June 2018 “Moses Obeyed God” Story, video, and goal card.


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Latter Day Kids “Commandments Are a Blessing” Lesson ideas

Come Follow Me With Living Scriptures “Keep the Commandments” Lesson ideas

See also Commandments

Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods Before Me

It Is Important to Put the Lord First in My Life.

Exodus 20:1–7

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 18–20” The first two of the Ten Commandments the Lord gave the children of Israel were “Thou shalt have no other gods before me,” and “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.” (Ex. 20:3–4.)

  • Read together Exodus 20:1–7, and explain that anything we put before God in our lives can be like the “others gods” and “graven image[s]” mentioned in verses 3–4. Ask the children why Heavenly Father wants us to put Him first. (One possible answer might be: Because he loves us and wants us to be happy. He knows we will be happiest if we live the kind of life he wants us to live and return and live with him again.)

Ask the children if they can name some things that we might be tempted to put before God in our lives. (Answers may even be good things such as recreational activities. If something is taking a lot of our focus and time and is getting in the way of putting the Lord first, it might be considered idolatry. (The worship of idols is an excessive attachment or devotion to anything.)

  • Ask the children how we can show Heavenly Father that He is more important than anything else in our lives.

For the Strength of Youth April 2022 “The Best Day”

  • Think of a task that has an important first step, such as washing our hands before we eat or putting on socks before putting on shoes. What could happen if we didn’t do the important things first? How is this like putting Heavenly Father first in our lives? Share your testimony of how putting God first has blessed you, and invite the children to share their testimonies, too.
  • New Era July 2020 “Making Good Use of Your Time” Object Lesson: Pour all the sand into the jar first, then add the larger rocks on top. When you add the sand first, there isn’t enough space for all the larger rocks—just like how when we prioritize other activities over the things Heavenly Father has commanded us to do, we may run out of time for the things that are most important.
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  • Sing a song about Heavenly Father, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29). What do we learn from the song about why it is important to put Heavenly Father first in our lives?

I Can Honor My Parents.

Exodus 20:12

Honoring parents involves more than just obeying them. Help the children understand other ways they can honor their parents.


Friend March 2019 “A Lesson From My Parents” Color the pictures and circle the things a parent has taught you. What else can you think of?

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  • Help the children learn the phrase “Honour thy father and thy mother” (Exodus 20:12). If needed, explain that to “honor” someone can mean to show respect for them or to bring them happiness.

Friend November 2021 “Jesus Honored His Parents” As He grew up, Jesus obeyed His earthly parents. He loved and cared for them. Even when He was dying on the cross, He asked one of His disciples to take care of His mother. He also honored His Heavenly Father by keeping the commandments.

  • Help the children think of things they can do to honor their parents, and invite them to act out their ideas.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 18-20” To better understand Exodus 20:12, it might help if your family looked up definitions of the word “honor.” Then family members could make a list of things we can do that would honor our parents. You might sing a song about honoring parents, like “Quickly I’ll Obey” (Children’s Songbook, 197), and then use some of the ideas in your list to write new verses to the song.

What did Jesus do to honor His Heavenly Father? How did He honor His mother? (see Luke 2:48–51; John 19:26–27).

New Era March 2017 “20 Wats to Honor Mom and Dad”

  • Invite the children to make a thank-you card for their parents. They could write or draw inside the card something they will do to honor their parents.

Friend September 2020 “Loving Our Families” Cut out the strips of paper and put them in a bowl. After you do one of the activities, add a link to your chain of hearts.

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