See also Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Be Not Afraid, Only Believe,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 76–79.

In Daniel 2, Daniel saw a vision about kingdoms that would come and go. But he also saw something that would last forever—a stone that would eventually fill the whole earth.

Let’s read Daniel 2:34–35, 44–45 together.

What stands out to you in these verses?

Daniel said that God would set up a kingdom that “shall never be destroyed.” How does that help us understand the Church and God’s work in the latter days?

President D. Todd Christofferson taught that this prophecy refers to the latter-day kingdom of God.

What do you think it means that the stone was “cut out without hands”?

And thinking about our own lives, what role can each of us play in helping God’s work move forward?

What are some simple things we can do to build God’s kingdom in our families, our neighborhoods, or in the Church?

Daniel and his friends were taken to Babylon. The king wanted them to eat his food and drink his wine.

But Daniel did not want to eat food that Heavenly Father had told him not to eat. Daniel asked if he and his friends could eat healthy food and drink water instead.

Daniel said:

“Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.”
— Daniel 1:12

After ten days, Daniel and his friends looked healthier than the other young men.

“And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.”
— Daniel 1:15

Heavenly Father blessed Daniel and his friends because they chose to obey Him.

“As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom.”
— Daniel 1:17

Questions and Answers

Question: What did Daniel and his friends choose to eat and drink?
Answer: They chose healthy food and water.

Question: Why did Daniel make this choice?
Answer: He wanted to obey Heavenly Father and take care of his body.

Question: What happened after Daniel and his friends ate healthy food for ten days?
Answer: They looked healthier and stronger.

Question: What other blessings did Heavenly Father give them?
Answer: He gave them knowledge, learning, and wisdom.
— Daniel 1:17

Question: What can we learn from Daniel?
Answer: We can choose things that are good for our bodies and follow Heavenly Father’s teachings.

The Word of Wisdom

Heavenly Father has given us a law of health called the Word of Wisdom. It is found in Doctrine and Covenants 89.

The Lord promises blessings to those who follow His law of health:

“And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings… shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones.”
— Doctrine and Covenants 89:18

“And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.”
— Doctrine and Covenants 89:20

Think About It

Question: How can I take care of my body?
Answer: I can eat healthy foods, make good choices, and follow Heavenly Father’s teachings.

Question: How does Heavenly Father bless me when I take care of my body?
Answer: He can bless me with health, strength, and other blessings.

Question: What can I do like Daniel?
Answer: I can be brave and choose what is right, even when other people make different choices.

Question: What is one healthy choice I can make today?
Answer: I can choose something that helps my body stay healthy and strong.

Question 1: How might you have felt if you were in Daniel’s position?
Answer: I might have felt scared, worried, or confused because the king wanted something that seemed impossible.

Question 2: What did Daniel do? (see Daniel 2:16–18)
Answer: Daniel asked the king for more time. Then he asked his friends to pray and ask God for help and revelation.

Question 3: How did God prepare Daniel? (see Daniel 1:17)
Answer: God gave Daniel and his friends knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. God also gave Daniel the ability to understand visions and dreams.

Question 4: What can we learn from Daniel’s words and actions after receiving the Lord’s help? (see Daniel 2:19–30)
Answer: Daniel was grateful to God and gave Him the credit. He did not take the glory for himself. Daniel trusted God and was willing to share what God had revealed to him.

1. What does “Son of Man” mean?
The title “Son of Man” was used to describe the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. In Daniel 7:13–14, Daniel saw the Son of Man coming with power and glory. He would receive an everlasting kingdom, and all people would worship and serve Him.
See also: Moses 6:57.

2. What do we learn about the Messiah from Daniel 7:13–14?
We learn that Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah. He would come with great power and glory and receive an everlasting kingdom. His kingdom will never end.
See: Daniel 7:13–14; Moses 6:57.

3. Why did Jesus call Himself “the Son of Man”?
Jesus used this title to teach people about who He was and His divine mission. He would suffer, die, and one day return in glory.
See: Matthew 25:31; Mark 9:31; Mark 10:45.

4. What did Jesus teach about Himself in these verses?
Jesus taught that He was the Savior and Messiah. He would suffer and die for others, but He would also come again in glory and power.
See: Matthew 25:31; Mark 9:31; Mark 10:45.

5. What happened when Jesus declared that He was the Son of Man?
In Mark 14:61–64, Jesus testified that He was the Christ and referred to Himself as the Son of Man. The people became angry and accused Him of blasphemy. They believed His declaration was a serious offense.

6. How does Daniel’s prophecy affect the way we think about Jesus’s suffering and death?
Daniel’s prophecy reminds us that Jesus’s suffering and death were not the end. He is the Son of Man who would receive an everlasting kingdom and come again in power and glory.
See: Daniel 7:13–14; Mark 15.

7. Can we face persecution for declaring the truth about Jesus Christ?
Yes. Just as Jesus was rejected for declaring the truth, we may also face opposition or persecution when we stand for what is right.

8. What promises does the Lord give to those who remain faithful?
The Lord promises that those who are faithful can receive heavenly blessings, knowledge, and glory. His promises show that our faithfulness is worth any persecution we may experience.
See: Daniel 7:13–14; Doctrine and Covenants 121:29, 46.

9. What should we remember about Jesus Christ?
Jesus Christ is the Son of the Eternal Father and the promised Messiah. He suffered and died for us, and He will come again in power and glory. His kingdom is everlasting.
See: Daniel 7:13–14; Doctrine and Covenants 49:6.

Also Study:

Guide to the Scriptures, “Son of Man,” Gospel Library