Family Home Evening for John 7-10

 Read or Summarize John 10:1–18, 27–29 (see Activity below, before reading)

1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the 

door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.

9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

Activity

Have your children draw pictures of a shepherd, hireling (worker that helps the shepherd), lamb, wolf, and robber. If they are too young to draw, just print the pictures below and let them color them.

Create a sound or sentence for each character, for example, “baa” for the sheep or “come” for the shepherd. As you read or summarize the story, have the children hold up their picture and say the sound to their picture, everytime it is read.

For example, if reading verse 11: I am the good shepherd (“come”): the good shepherd (“come”) giveth his life for the sheep (“baa”).

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Family Home Evening for Matthew 18; Luke 10

 Read or Summarize Luke 10:25-37

If you would like, you could view this Bible Video, as you read.

25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?

30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

Discuss

Who does the man on his way between Jerusalem and Jericho represent?

Who does the Levite and the priest represent?

Who does the Samaritan represent?

Activity

Think of some situations in your children’s lives today that could be compared to this parable. How could they be like the Good Samaritan?

Click on the picture below to see how we did this lesson

Family Home Evening for Matthew 15-17; Mark 7-9

Read Matthew 15:17-20

17 ​Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?

​​​18 ​But those things which proceed out of the ​​​mouth​ come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.

​​​19 ​For out of the ​​​heart​ proceed evil thoughts, ​​​murders​, ​​​adulteries​, ​​​fornications​, thefts, ​​​false witness​, ​​​blasphemies​:

​​​20 ​These are ​the things​ which ​​​defile​ a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

Discuss

Talk about what things we can put into our bodies that are healthy? Would you eat dirt? Why or why not? What about fruit and vegetables? Why or why not? Why are we careful about what we put into our mouths? 

Based on what Jesus taught in these verses, why should we be even more careful about what comes out of our mouths—and out of our hearts? President Nelson taught us a great lesson on the importance of being careful about how we talk to and about others. He taught us the proper way to treat those that we interact with everyday. Listen to his talk here. As you listen, take notes of ways that you can keep your hearts pure?

Watch the video below to see how we did this lesson

 

Easter Family Home Evening for the New Testament Come Follow Me

 Read “The Living Christ” as you read, underline the phrases that relate to Easter.

The Living Christ

The Testimony of the Apostles

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

  As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.

He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.

He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.

We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.

He rose from the grave to “become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His “other sheep” (John 10:16) in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised “dispensation of the fulness of times” (Ephesians 1:10).

Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: “His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:

“I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father” (D&C 110:3–4).

Of Him the Prophet also declared: “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—

“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:22–24).

We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth—“built upon the foundation of … apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Ephesians 2:20).

We testify that He will someday return to earth. “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isaiah 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.

We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.

Discuss

In the April 2023 Conference President Russell M. Nelson said, “Easter is the most important religious celebration for followers of Jesus Christ. The main reason that we celebrate Christmas is because of Easter.” This is because without the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, He would have been just a normal man, but He was not a normal man. He was and is the Son of God. He bore our sins, our iniquities, our sufferings, and our sorrows.

Activity 

Make a poster or display of the things you highlighted to help your family remember the Savior throughout this week.

For the rest of this week, read about the events of the Savior’s final week of mortality. For an outline, click here. 

You could also read 3 Nephi 11 to teach your family about the resurrected Christ’s visit to the Nephites in the  Americas.

Click the picture below to see how we did this lesson

Family Home Evening for Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 5-6

 Read or Summarize Matthew 14:15–21.

15 ​​¶ ​And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves ​​​victuals​.

​​​16 ​But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.

​​​17 ​And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.

​​​18 ​He said, Bring them hither to me.

​​​19 ​And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and ​​​brake​, and gave the loaves to ​his​ disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

​​​20 ​And they did all eat, and were filled: and they ​​​took​ up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.

​​​21 ​And they that had eaten were about ​​​five​ thousand men, beside women and children.

Discuss

How many fish and bread do you think it would take to feed five thousand people?

What does this miracle teach us about the Savior? 

Consider sharing an experience when you felt you didn’t have enough to offer and the Savior multiplied your efforts.

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Family Home Evening for Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13

 Read Matthew 13:13-16

13 ​Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

​​​14 ​And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall ​​​hear​, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:

​​​15 ​For this people’s ​​​heart​ is waxed gross, and ​their​ ears are dull of hearing, and their ​​​eyes​ they have ​​​closed​; lest at any time they should see with ​their​ eyes, and hear with ​their​ ears, and should understand with ​their​ heart, and should be converted, and I should ​​​heal​ them.

​​​16 ​But blessed ​are​ your ​​​eyes​, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.

Activity

Cover your child’s ears as you say, quietly, “It is important to listen to and obey Christ’s teachings.” Ask them what they heard. Then, blindfold your child. Stand somewhere across the room tell them to walk to you, as you repeat the phrase, “Follow the example of Jesus Christ.” Repeat both activities without covering their ears or blind folding them, respectively. Ask if it is easier to follow the word of God when we use our eyes and ears? 

Discuss

The scriptures we read at the beginning of this lesson said that to understand the words of Christ, we need to use our eyes, ears, AND our hearts. How can we use these things to receive the word of God in our everyday life?

Watch

 Click on the picture below to see how we did this lesson.

Family Home Evening for Matthew 11-12; Luke 11

 Read or Summarize

Matthew 11:28–30

28 ​​Come​ unto me, all ​ye​ that ​​​labour​ and are heavy laden, and I will give you ​​​rest​.

​​​29 ​Take my ​​​yoke​ upon you, and ​​​learn​ of me; for I am ​​​meek​ and ​​​lowly​ in ​​​heart​: and ye shall find ​​​rest​ unto your souls.

​​​30 ​For my yoke ​is​ ​​​easy​, and my burden is light.

Discuss

What burdens do you have in your family? Some burdens may be light and easy to bear. Some are heavier, but with a little faith and a little more effort, we are still able to pull them. Some burdens are so heavy that we can’t pull them. We struggle and try to bear them on our own, but lucky for us, we have a Savior. If we go to Him, He will help us, and give us the peace we need to find rest. 

It’s not hard to receive His help. We just need to ask our Heavenly Father for help and believe in the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and we will feel Him come to our side and help us pull even the heaviest of loads.

Activity 

You can help your family visualize the Savior’s teachings in these verses by having them take turns trying to pull “burdens.” Get a blanket and have someone pull the blanket with a light object, or a younger sibling on it. If you have multiple children, slowly increase the heaviness of the burden. Talk about what these smaller burdens may represent (a test in school, a fight with a friend or sibling, anger, etc.) Finally, have an adult sit on the blanket. This could represent something big like the loss of a family member, losing a job, not being able to find our way home, being bullied in school, etc.). When your child has trouble pulling the adult, explain that sometimes we need to rely completely on the help of the Lord to carry these burdens. Have another sibling (or multiple siblings) represent Christ in bearing these burdens, and allow them to help pull the adult. Talk about how much easier it is when we rely on the Lord to help us carry our burdens.

Watch

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Family Home Evening for Matthew 9-10; Mark 5; Luke 9

 Read 

Matthew 10:39

39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

Luke 9:23-26

23 ​​ ​And he said to ​them​ all, If any ​man​ will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his ​​​cross​ daily, and ​​​follow​ me.

​​​24 ​​​​For​ whosoever will save his life ​​shall ​​​lose​ it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

​​​25 ​For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and ​​​lose​ himself, or be cast away?

​​​26 ​For whosoever shall be ​​​ashamed​ of me and of my words, of him shall the ​​​Son of man​ be ashamed, ​​​when​ he shall come in his own glory, and ​in his​ Father’s, and of the holy angels.

Discuss

What did Jesus mean that we need to “lose our life to save it”? 

Often, in our lives, we believe that we can find happiness in money or things. We think that if we have a stack of new videogames or all of the newest toys, we will be happy. No matter how much we have, things will not make us happy forever. In fact, people who only search for worldly riches end up always searching for more. Like Jesus said in Luke 9:24, “​For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and ​​​lose​ himself, or be cast away?”  This means that though we may gain all of the money and things in the whole world, we would spend our lives having really gained nothing. When we die, all of that gets left behind. The only thing that you can take with you is the knowledge that you’ve gained, the friendships that you’ve made, the family that you’ve been sealed to, the good works you’ve done, and the sins that you have not repented of. If we lose our own selfish desires and submit ourselves to the will of the Lord, we will find our salvation through Jesus Christ, and find everlasting joy with Heavenly Father and Jesus.

Watch

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FAmily Home Evening for Matthew 8; Mark 2-4; Luke 7

 Read or Summarize Mark 4:35-41

35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.

37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Discuss 

What are the things that are part of your family’s “storm of life?” What makes them scared? What things seem overwhelming? Oftentimes we feel alone in our trials, and we wonder if anyone knows of and cares about our suffering. Just as Jesus cared about those on the boat, He cares about us. If we follow Him and pray to Heavenly Father in His name. We can feel His peace in our lives. Discuss ways that we can bring the peace of the Savior into our lives.

Activity

Have each person repeatedly say something that makes them scared or overwhelms them, all at the same time. Have one person hold up a picture of Jesus and say, “Peace be still.” Then, have everyone be silent. This represents how inviting the Savior into our lives can bring us peace, calmness, and quiet when our lives bring us noise, turmoil, and unrest.

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Family Home Evening for Matthew 6-7

 Read Matthew 6:5-13

5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Discussion

Today, we are going to talk about prayer. In the scripture above, Jesus taught us 3 important things about prayer.

1. You can pray anywhere! You don’t have to wait until you are in a church building to pray. You can pray in your closet, on the bus, in the car, outside, inside, or wherever you are. Remember though, prayer is personal and sacred, so don’t pray to make people think that you are really great person, because you believe in God. Keep your personal prayers between you and Heavenly Father.

2. Jesus said not to use “vain repetitions” in prayer. Do you know what this means? It means that you should think about what you are saying when you pray. Don’t just memorize what to say and say the same things every time you pray.

3. Heavenly Father knows what you need, before you ask. So you don’t need to say big, long prayers for Heavenly Father to know what you need. He loves you and is willing to answer the simplest of prayers.

To teach your children how to pray, start with the order of prayer.

1. Start with addressing Heavenly Father by name. Just like when you are talking to your earthly parents, you say, “Mom” or “Dad.” When we pray, we are beginning a conversation with our Heavenly Father. So begin your prayers with “Heavenly Father.”

2. Thank Heavenly Father for the blessings that He’s given you.

3. Ask Heavenly Father for things that you need.

4. Thank Him again for your blessings.

5. Close, “In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”

Activity 

Help children to develop prayers that are personal and nonrepetitive by thinking about things they are grateful for and things or people they could pray for. Make a list and review it before prayers, to help them learn to develop sincere, personal prayers.

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Family Home Evening for Matthew 5; Luke 6

 Read Matthew 5:14-16

Activity

You will need a candle or flashlight and a bucket or something to cover the light source with.

To help children better understand the meaning of this scripture, turn off all of the lights in the room. Point out that sometimes there are so many things in the world that are evil and make people feel sad or scared. This sadness could make people feel dark inside, just like the room is dark. In this scripture, Jesus says that we are the light of the world. (Light the candle or turn on the flashlight.) Tell your children to notice how the light helps them to see the room and where they are going a lot better.

The light that we shine comes from following the example that Jesus showed us. When people know that we follow Jesus, and they see us do good things, then they will follow the light that we shine back to our Heavenly Father.

Sometimes, it is hard to make the right choice and tell people what we believe, because it might make us unpopular, we are worried that we might offend people, or some people may get angry with us. If we hide what to believe, it is the same as covering the light we have, or “putting t it under a bushel,” as the scripture said. (Cover the light) If we are trying to help people have hope, should we hide our light? No. We want everyone we meet to understand how happy believing in Heavenly Father’s great plan of happiness can make us. 

Our happiness leads us to serve others, and people will see how many good things we do, and some will believe in and thank Heavenly Father for sending good friends, for service that you might do for them, or for the joy and happiness that the gospel brings.

Discuss

How will you let your light shine before men?

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Family Home Evening for John 2-4

 Read John 3:16-17

16 ​​​For ​​​God​ so ​​​loved​ the ​​​world​, that he ​​​gave​ his ​​​only​ begotten ​​​Son​, that whosoever ​​​believeth​ in him should not perish, but have ​​​everlasting​ ​​​life​.

​​​17 ​For God ​​​sent​ not his Son into the world to ​​​condemn​ the world; but that the world through him might be ​​​saved​

Activity

Put a picture of Jesus in a box. If possible, you could put small pictures of Jesus in the box, so that you can give one to each child. Wrap the box like a present. 

Explain that a long time ago Heavenly Father gave the world a special gift. Though His gift was very special, not everyone understands His gift. Those that believe in His gift and accept it, will live forever and be happy forever. Some people think that this gift was given to curse them or make them so that they have to live by too many rules, but through this gift, the whole world can be saved. The scripture we just read tells us who this gift was. Can you guess who it is? (Allow them to open the box). 

Explain that Jesus is God’s gift to the world, because He loves us. We can feel God’s love when we think about Jesus and when we look at pictures of Jesus. Tell your children to put their picture of Jesus in a place where they can see it often.

Discuss

How does Jesus help us feel God’s love?

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Family Home Evening foe Matthew 4; Luke 4-5

 Read Matthew 4:1-4

1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.

3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Discuss

 What is fasting?

• Fasting is a commandment from the Lord where we humble ourselves before Him by voluntarily refraining from eating and drinking. In the Church today, one Sabbath day each month is set aside for the purpose of fasting. Members of the Church go without food and water for two consecutive meals in a 24-hour period and then contribute the money that would have been spent for that food to those in need, in the form of fast offerings. (Gospel Topics, “Fasting and Fast Offering”)

How can what Jesus said to Satan (vs 4 above) help us in our fasts?

• Instead of focusing on how hungry our bodies are, we could focus on ways to feed our spirits. Make a list of things that you could do as individuals and family to increase spiritual food, while fasting.

How has your life been blessed by fasting?

• Discuss ways that you and/or your family have been blessed by following this commandment.

Click the picture below to see how we did this lesson