When Jacob is called to teach the Nephites, he knows they have already experienced 40 years in a strange land. He feels anxious to teach them about God’s promises and the assurances they have through Jesus Christ. This Book of Mormon FHE lesson will help you teach others about the great plan of God and how they can remember Christ when things don’t go as planned.
Scripture
Therefore, your hearts, and remember that ye are to for yourselves—to the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life.
Hymn
I Know My Father Lives| Hymn #302
1. I know my Father lives and loves me too.
The Spirit whispers this to me and tells me it is true,
And tells me it is true.
2. He sent me here to earth, by faith to live his plan.
The Spirit whispers this to me and tells me that I can,
And tells me that I can.
Lesson
FOR CHILDREN
Before the lesson, gather up all the ingredients for cookies (or your family’s favorite treat). To begin, have your children close their eyes and hold out their hands. Promise them you are going to give them a cookie. With their eyes closed, place an ingredient in their hand. As they open their eyes, wait for their reactions. If they ask questions, let them know you’ve fulfilled your promise. You’ve given them cookies.
Read aloud: Heavenly Father has a plan for his children. He has promised us good things and gave his Son, Jesus Christ, so we might all find joy forever. However, Heavenly Father’s plan may be different from ours. The scriptures tell us that sometimes the way he looks at things and the way we look at things are different.
Ask: We said we’d give you cookies, but gave you ingredients instead. What can we learn from this activity about Heavenly Father’s plan?
Read aloud: Together as a family, we will work together to make something delicious. With Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, we will work together to find eternal life. Life is not always easy. Things don’t always make sense. Along with all of the good times, we will face hard times. We will feel sadness, anger, and guilt. We will make mistakes. However, if we trust him, Heavenly Father will keep his promises.
In the Book of Mormon, Jacob reminds the people of these promises. They’ve been living in a strange land for over 40 years. They are far away from their people. Jacob tells them the Lord will help them and has not forgotten them. He reminds them Jesus Christ is the best part of Heavenly Father’s plan.
Ask: How is Jesus Christ the best part of Heavenly Father’s plan?
Finish the lesson with your testimony.
FOR TEENS & ADULTS
Begin the lesson by sharing a personal experience from your life where things didn’t go as planned. Ask everyone to think of their own experiences when life didn’t go as planned. When you are done sharing, invite others to share.
Read aloud: Throughout his teachings in 2 Nephi, Jacob testifies of the goodness of God and his plan for us. Of all the things to remember about God’s plan, it is that it centers on Jesus Christ. When our plans don’t work out or life takes a different path, Jesus is the one we need to turn to. Jacob was born in the wilderness of a new land. His father died when he was young. He watched as his brothers fought. He already is beginning to see some of the contentions that will eventually tear his family apart for centuries to come. In trying to help his people, he reminds them that God will never forget them and to focus on Jesus Christ.
Have someone read 2 Nephi 9:52:
Behold, my beloved brethren, remember the words of your God; pray unto him continually by day, and give thanks unto his holy name by night. Let your hearts rejoice.
Ask: How can we rejoice, no matter our circumstances?
Finish the lesson with your testimony.
FOR SINGLE STUDY
Read through 2 Nephi 6-10. Make two columns in your notes. On one side, write down what will happen without the Atonement of Christ. On the other side, write what we gain because of Jesus Christ.
Featured Products
Free Come, Follow Me Coloring Pages Here!
Treat
TreatMake your favorite cookie recipe together as a family!
Activity
ActivityBook of Mormon Video
After making your favorite cookies as family, consider watching the following Book of Mormon video.
Aleah is a graduate of Southern Virginia University, where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Dance. She now works full time as a marketing and product manager, writer, and editor. She currently hosts the podcast “Single to the Glory” about singlehood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.
