PRIMARY Class & Family Scripture Study
“Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord”
Lesson-match Activities & Song Visuals
New Testament LESSON 5
Teaching Primary & Home – Come Follow Me just got easier with our activities for JANUARY (week #5)
Theme: “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord”
Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3
YOU WILL FIND:
• SCRIPTURE SCHOLARS to get them reading.
• Then scroll down to find Lesson-Match Interactive Activities to match the CFM curriculum
TEENS
See our new SUNDAY SCHOOL interactive activities for this month RIGHT HERE
Lesson 5 Scripture Scholars
Week’s Scripture Scholars BOOKMARKS & scripture POP-UP Includes:
• BOOKMARKS with Come, Follow Me scriptures to read and discuss topics for Primary and Individuals and Families. Also, for Sunday School (teens).
• POP-UP to glue in scripture binding next to scripture you underline.
EXTRA ITEMS (not included) … THERE’S MORE:
• STAMP. Award readers with a STAMP for the week’s scripture reading. See below to find matching STAMPS.
• STAMP KEEPER. These can be placed on the STAMP KEEPER (see below) where you can collect 50 stamps for the year
Lessons 1-5 Scripture Scholars
January’s BUNDLE of BOOKMARKS, POP-UPs, and STAMPS. Glue STAMPS onto the STAMP KEEPER (to download separately, below).
SCRIPTURE SCHOLAR STAMPS. The STAMPS are included in the BUNDLES that include each week’s SS Kits.
STAMP KEEPER. If you purchase the JANUARY bundle the STAMP KEEPER is included. If not, this can be purchased individually and found on the BUNDLE page or the weekly pages.
STARTER PACK Includes the STAMP KEEPER and the STAMPS for January (SEE ABOVE)
Click on the weekly lesson posters (below) to find interactive activities:
. . . 3 LESSONS & 18 ACTIVITIES . . .
Step 1 CHOOSE LESSON
Step 2 CHOOSE ACTIVITY
Step 3 CLICK ON POSTER
Step 4 DOWNLOAD ACTIVITY
. . . BAPTISM & KEEPING COVENANTS . . .
I can be baptized as Jesus was.
How can you use the account of Jesus’s baptism to help the children prepare to be baptized?
-
Summarize the story of the Savior’s baptism (see Matthew 3:13–17; see also “Chapter 10: Jesus Is Baptized,” in New Testament Stories, 26–29, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Explain that Jesus was baptized by immersion by someone who had priesthood authority. Repeat the story several times and invite the children to share the details they remember.
-
Show a picture of Jesus being baptized and this week’s activity page. Let the children point out similarities between the two pictures. (There’s a picture of Jesus being baptized in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families.)
-
Review the promises the children will make when they are baptized (see Mosiah 18:8–10; Doctrine and Covenants 20:37; Gospel Topics, “Baptism,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Ask them which of these things they are already doing.
-
Invite a member of the bishopric to tell the children about the baptismal interview they will have before they are baptized.
-
Sing together a song about baptism, such as “Baptism” (Children’s Songbook, 100–101). Consider asking a child to lead the other children while they sing.
Matthew 3:13–17; Mark 1:1–11; Luke 3:2–18
I can keep my baptismal covenants.
Learning about the account of Jesus’s baptism provides a good opportunity to help the children review their baptismal covenants and recommit to keeping them.
-
Invite the children to take turns reading verses from Mark 1:1–11. Discuss why Heavenly Father wants us to be baptized. Why was Jesus baptized, even though He did not need to be cleansed from sin? Help the children find answers to this question in Matthew 3:13–15 and 2 Nephi 31:6–7.
-
Review the covenants the children made at baptism, found in Mosiah 18:8–10 and Doctrine and Covenants 20:37. Invite the children to write these references on this week’s activity page.
-
Prepare several pairs of cards with matching phrases or pictures that represent our baptismal covenants. Place the cards facedown. Invite the children to take turns turning over two at a time, looking for a match. After a match is made, invite children to share ways they have kept that covenant.
-
Share how keeping your baptismal covenants has blessed you.
-
ACTIVITIES FOR:
I can be baptized as Jesus was.
I can keep my baptismal covenants.
POST-AND-PRESENT ACTIVITY. FOLLOW IN HIS STEPS baptism and covenants walkabout. Take yourself on a walkabout to follow in the footsteps of Jesus to “Be Baptized and Confirmed” and “Keep Baptismal Covenants.” There are many small steps along the way that help us take these two BIG steps. Take turns drawing the steps and placing them under the matching BIG steps. READ MORE
AGES 1-5. I CAN BE BAPTIZED IN WATER LIKE JESUS water wheel. Children need not be afraid of the water when they are baptized. This is how Jesus was baptized going under the water, by immersion. Jesus showed us the right way to be baptized. Here they can move the child’s image and then Jesus being baptized turning them in and out of the water. READ MORE
AGES 4-7. BAPTISMAL PROMISES picture/word poster. Children will love finding matching pictures to fill in the missing words or parts of words to complete this promising reminder. “When I am baptized: I become a new member of the church. I will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. I can be forgiven by Heavenly Father.” READ MORE
AGES 8-11. HEAVEN’S GATE to the Straight and Narrow Path baptismal covenants reminder. Youth will learn that baptism is the gate that opens onto THE PATH! The strait and narrow path that leads them back to God. As a member of Jesus Christ’s church, they will covenant to Help and love others, Stand as a Witness of God at all times, and Keep God’s commandments.
MEMORIZE SCRIPTURE. John 3:5 rebus scripture poster/card set. Jesus Christ set the example for us to be baptized. When we are baptized by immersion we make a covenant or promise to Heavenly Father; then receive the Holy Ghost who can guide us to help us return to heaven (God’s kingdom). REBUS picture/message in John 3:5: “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
Sing “Baptism”
SINGING TIME. “BAPTISM” song visuals. Children love singing “When Jesus came to John the Baptist,” “was baptized by immersion,” all to make His way to heaven and show us the way, with no sin, Jesus didn’t need baptism. He simply did it to show us the way, to be obedient. The words tell this story. READ MORE
. . . HELP FROM THE HOLY GHOST . . .
The Holy Ghost helps me.
In addition to preparing for baptism, the children are also preparing to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. How can you help them?
-
Use Matthew 3:11, 16 to teach the children that the Holy Ghost descended on Jesus when He was baptized (a dove appeared as a sign to show that this had happened). Show the picture The Gift of the Holy Ghost (Gospel Art Book, no. 105), and explain that we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost when we are confirmed.
-
Bring a box containing things such as a picture of Jesus, a comforting blanket, and a compass or map. Invite the children to select an item, and let them explain how each object represents a way the Holy Ghost can help us—He testifies of Jesus (see John 15:26), comforts us (see John 14:26), and shows us the right way (see 2 Nephi 32:5).
-
Share your own experiences with receiving help from the Holy Ghost.
-
Invite the children to listen for ways the Holy Ghost helps us as they sing a song about Him, such as “The Holy Ghost” (Children’s Songbook, 105).
The Holy Ghost can guide me.
Children are learning how to recognize and follow the Holy Ghost’s guidance. Help them understand that keeping their baptismal covenants will help them be worthy to receive His guidance.
-
Ask each child to read one of the following scriptures and to explain what it teaches about how the Holy Ghost speaks to us: Helaman 5:30; Doctrine and Covenants 6:23; 8:2–3; 11:12–13.
-
Ask a child to read Matthew 3:11. How is the Holy Ghost like fire? For instance, fire can be comforting, and it gives light to guide us (see John 15:26; 2 Nephi 32:5).
-
Invite the children to close their eyes and hold out their hands. Then lightly brush their palms with a feather or string. Invite them to tell you when they feel it. What does this activity teach about recognizing the impressions of the Holy Ghost?
-
Invite the children to share experiences they have had with the Holy Ghost. Why does keeping our covenants help us to have the guidance of the Holy Ghost?
-
ACTIVITIES FOR:
The Holy Ghost helps me.
The Holy Ghost can guide me.
Keeping Baptismal Covenants Invites the Holy Ghost
POST-AND-PRESENT ACTIVITY. BAPTISMAL COVENANT Concentration. Children learn ways to keep their covenants, serve others and keep the commandments with this game. They turn quilt puzzle pieces over to make a match, read the message, e.g, “I will be kind to others”, and soon reveal the words that reveal God’s blessings like pouring out His Spirit and granting eternal life. READ MORE
AGES 1-5. THE HOLY GHOST HELPS ME poster or coloring page. Children can learn these principles about The Holy Ghost: (1) Helps us know what is right. (2) Can speak to our heart and our mind. (3) Can bring us comfort and light. The HOME ACTIVITY invites conversation about what they learned: “Help me pray for the Holy Ghost to guide me. Help me to know when He is helping me.” READ MORE
AGES 4-7. THE HOLY GHOST IS MY GREATEST GIFT gift box. When children are eight they can be baptized and receive this special gift illustrated in this box. “I can’t wait until I’m eight! I can receive a special gift. The Holy Ghost can be with me, to comfort, teach and help me obey.” Glue the heart bottom leaving the pocket open to insert the Holy Ghost (spirit image). READ MORE
AGES 8-11. HOLY GHOST The Comforter Can Guide & Teach Me JOHN 14:26 rebus. Youth can guess the picture prompts to help them memorize, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
SCRIPTURE MEMORIZATION ACTIVITY. THE HOLY GHOST TESTIFIES OF TRUTH Moroni 10:5 scripture poster/card set. Children want to be honest, they want to be trusted, and know they can trust the Holy Ghost to always tell them the truth as they seek His power. Moroni 10:5: “By the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” This member of the Godhead is there for those who are baptized, who keep God’s commandments, and who seek guidance. READ MORE
MUSIC ACTIVITY. “THE HOLY GHOST” song visuals. Youth will know from this song that Jesus promised to “send the Holy Ghost to comfort us.” He is “Our true, eternal friend.” This “Holy Spirit whispers with a still small voice” to our mind and heart like a light to “guide us ev’ry hour.” This light will help us “do what’s right each time” we “make a choice.” We receive this gift of the Holy Ghost through the priesthood after we are baptized. As we CHOOSE THE RIGHT, we can have His Spirit to guide us.
. . . PRIESTHOOD BLESSINGS . . .
I am blessed by the ordinances of the Aaronic Priesthood.
John the Baptist held the Aaronic Priesthood, so reading about him in Matthew 3 is a good opportunity to teach the children about the Aaronic Priesthood. Help them recognize the blessings and power that come to us through this priesthood.
-
Invite the children to make a list of Aaronic Priesthood duties, using Doctrine and Covenants 20:46, 58–60; 84:111. Ask the children to look in Matthew 3 for examples of John fulfilling some of these duties. How can all of us invite others to come unto Christ, as John did?
-
Display some pictures of Aaronic Priesthood holders performing the ordinances of baptism and the sacrament (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 103–4, 107–8). Discuss how these ordinances prepare us to receive Jesus Christ and the blessings of His Atonement.
-
Read together Doctrine and Covenants 13:1, and testify that John the Baptist restored the Aaronic Priesthood to Joseph Smith. Ask the children how they have been blessed because the Aaronic Priesthood was restored.
ACTIVITIES FOR:
I am blessed by the ordinances of the Aaronic Priesthood.
POST-AND-PRESENT ACTIVITY. PRIESTHOOD BLESSINGS show-and-tell. Youth can learn ways the priesthood blesses us, to: Bless a baby, baptize, confirm and give the power of the Holy Ghost, heal the sick, bless the sacrament and temple blessings. Children’s hands can be traced and placed next to specific blessings received. READ MORE
CHILDREN’S LESSON ACTIVITY, Ages 1-5. PRIESTHOOD BLESSINGS poster or coloring page. Children can view blessings that come from the priesthood (the power of God) with these five spotlights: Baby blessing, sacrament, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and a blessing for the sick. READ MORE
AGES 4-7. PRIESTHOOD BLESSINGS spiral kite. Children can twirl this kite as they are reminded of “Priesthood Power. The power of the wind will move and move this kite. The priesthood is a special power that is even stronger than the wind. Heavenly Father gives a man who holds the priesthood power to heel the sick, name babies, and bless the sacrament, baptize, and give a father’s blessing.” READ MORE
AGES 8-11. PRIESTHOOD POWER word search. Youth can learn the duties of callings in the priesthood crossing through words as they find them to solve what duties match with positions below. For example, the Deacon passes the sacrament, or a Bishop leads the ward. READ MORE
SCRIPTURE MEMORIZATION. ARTICLES OF FAITH 1:5 scripture poster/card set (missionary work and priesthood authority). Youth learn that men must have God’s authority to receive the Aaronic or Melchezidek Priesthood. “We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.” READ MORE
SONG VISUALS “THE PRIESTHOOD IS RESTORED”. Youth can know from this song that “The priesthood is restored, The truth made known to man, That God has spoken to the earth, His pow’r is here again.” God’s priesthood was taken from the earth after Jesus and His apostles died. The priesthood’s power to baptize, give the Holy Ghost, temple ordinances, and more was given to the Prophet Joseph Smith by heavenly messengers. See Restoration of the Priesthood (HERE). READ MORE
JANUARY 2023 PRACTICE SONG VISUALS
SUMMARY OF SUBJECTS FOR:
NEW TESTAMENT
Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3
JANUARY (week 5)
Lesson 5: January 23-29, 2023
“Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord”
#ComeFollowMe #NewTestament #Primary #FamilyHomeEvening #SundaySchool #ChurchofJesusChrist #GospelGrabBag #LessonActivities #SongVisuals #PrepareYetheWayoftheLord #BeBaptizedasJesusWas #TheHolyGhostHelpsMe #AaronicPriesthood #KeepBaptismalCovenants
