COME FOLLOW ME Doctrine and Covenants – APRIL Lesson 16 “I Am He Wo Liveth, I Am He Who Was Slain” Easter – CHURCH & HOME Activities

Joseph Smith knew how it feels to mourn the death of loved ones, including his father and two of his brothers. Joseph and Emma buried six of their children, each younger than two years old. From the revelations God gave, Joseph and Emma gained an eternal perspective.

Look for truths about death and God’s eternal plan in Doctrine and Covenants 29:26–27; 42:45–46; 63:49; 88:14–17, 27–31; 93:33–34. How do these truths affect the way you view death? How do they affect the way you live?

See also 1 Corinthians 15; Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 174–76; Easter.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

IDEAS FOR TEACHING CHILDREN

• To teach your children about resurrection, you could start by showing them pictures of the death and Resurrection of the Savior. Let your children share what they know about these events. You could also sing a song like “Did Jesus Really Live Again?” (Children’s Songbook, 64).

• Consider an object lesson that could help your children understand what happens when we die (our spirits and bodies separate) and when we are resurrected (our spirits and bodies come back together, and our bodies are perfect and immortal). For example, what happens when we remove the battery from a flashlight or the ink container from a pen? What happens when they are reunited? (See Alma 11:44–45.)

• Do your children know someone who has passed away? Let them share a little about these individuals, and then read together Doctrine and Covenants 138:17. Talk with each other about how it feels to know that our loved ones will be resurrected and have bodies again.

• If you have older children, you might invite them to look for phrases that capture the message of Easter in the following passages: Doctrine and Covenants 63:49; 88:14–17, 27; 138:11, 14–17. They could do the same with the video “Because He Lives” (Gospel Library). How can we share this message with others?

One way to focus on the Savior at Easter time is to study revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants that teach about His atoning sacrifice.

• The truths Joseph Smith learned about forgiveness through Christ can give your children hope that they can be forgiven of their mistakes and sins.