Lesson 7: 2 Nephi 6-10

February 10-16 
2 Nephi 6-10
"O How Great the Plan of Our God"

Materials: picture of Christ in Gethsemane with cut scripture strips taped to it (see below), photos of sand, grass, and stars (below), video (optional; link below)
Opening Song: "Gethsemane" 
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: 2 Nephi 9:7 Wherefore, it must needs be an ^ainfinite ^batonement—save it should be an infinite atonement this corruption could not put on incorruption. Wherefore, the ^cfirst judgment which came upon man must needs have ^dremained to an endless duration. And if so, this flesh must have laid down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth, to rise no more.

Attention Activity:
Show the picture of the sand below. Ask a family member: Can you count the grains of sand on this beach? Then hold up the meadow picture and the galaxy picture and ask different family members if they can count each blade of grass or each star in the sky. Why can't you count them? These things are infinite--meaning they seem to have no end. They go on forever. 

Lesson:
Last week, we talked about the fall of Adam and Eve and how the fall was part of Heavenly Father's Plan for the redemption of His children. Because Adam and Eve fell and became imperfect, we need a Savior. We will all make mistakes and we need Christ to help us enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Read 2 Nephi 9:7. This verse calls the atonement "infinite". Show the picture of the stars again. How is the atonement infinite? The atonement of Jesus Christ has no end. It goes on forever. 

Activity:
Before FHE, cut out a piece of paper into 7 strips. On each strip right one of the following scripture references from #1 2 Nephi 9:7, #2 2 Nephi 9:10, #3 2 Nephi 9:13, #4 2 Nephi 9:18, #5 2 Nephi 9:21, #6 2 Nephi 9:23-24, #7 2 Nephi 9:2

Loosley tape each strip over a picture a copy of Christ in Gethsemane by Harry Anderson (above) to hide the picture underneath.  Have each family members take turns picking a scripture and reading it. Discuss each scripture as you go. Summarize and clarify each scripture for younger children. There are some ideas below.

2 Nephi 9:7- The atonement means we don't have to be punished for Adam and Eve's transgression in the Garden of Eden and we can be resurrected. 

2 Nephi 9:10- The atonement provides away to escape from Satan.

2 Nephi 9: 13- The atonement allows us to be resurrected again and receive a perfected body. 

2 Nephi 9: 18- Through atonement the righteous can receive eternal life and exaltation.

2 Nephi 9: 21- The atonement is infinite because it saved everyone. All will be saved if they are obedient to Jesus Christ.

2 Nephi 9: 23-24 Faith, repentance, and baptism are essential to fully accept the atonement of Christ and enter into the Kingdom of Heaven

2 Nephi 9: 26- The atonement satisfies the laws of justice. We do not have to be punished for our mistakes because Christ already suffered for them. 

Optional Activity: "Jacob Teaches of the Resurrection" Video from churchofjesuschrist.org (5 min.)

The atonement is infinite in many ways. We already talked about how the atonement is for everyone: children, adults, men, women, righteous, and unrighteous. If we "hearken" unto the Savior, meaning if we are obedient and keep his commandments, we will be saved. 

It is also infinite because it saves us from all our sins. Satan will always try to deceive you and tell you that you are not worth saving, that you're not good enough. But Christ's loving sacrifice covers not only our sins but our weaknesses and imperfections. 

Bare your testimony of the infinite atonement of Jesus Christ. 

Closing Song: "I Stand All Amazed" (Hymnal, 193)
Closing Prayer:

Refreshment:
Valentines Pretzel Buttons link here