September 28 - October 11
3 Nephi 17-19
"Behold, My Joy is Full"
Materials: a rock, bread, water, a grape vine, printouts (below)
Opening Song: "Reverently, Quietly" (Children's Songbook, 26)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: 3 Nephi 18: 5:12
Attention Activity: Show the following items to your family: a rock, water, a grape vine, bread. What do all of these things have in common? These common objects are also names for the Savior used in the scriptures (the rock, the living water, the true vine, the bread of life). These everyday objects can remind us of the Savior and the role He has in our lives. Every week we get to remember the Savior in a special ordinance--the sacrament.
Lesson:
When Christ came to visit the Nephites, He showed them how to administer and partake of the sacrament just like He did at the last supper. He wanted everyone to know that this special ordinance was to be done often to remember His atonement.
Read 3 Nephi 18:5-6 Jesus explained that the person who breaks, blesses, and administers the bread must be ordained--that is they must have the priesthood. This is important because the sacrament is a priesthood ordinance that reminds us of the atonement and renews the covenants we made with Heavenly Father when we were baptized.
(Hold up the bread.) During the sacrament we take the bread first. What does the bread represent? Read 3 Nephi 18:7. The bread reminds us of the body of Christ. It is broken bread should remind us of all of the physical pains that the Savior went through for us to ensure the atonement. What were some of the things that happened to Jesus when He was crucified?
(Hold up the water.) What should the water remind us of? Read 3 Nephi 18:11. The water helps us to remember the blood that Christ shed for us in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross. It should help us remember the Savior suffered to save of from out sins and weaknesses. You may need to remind your family that we drink water instead of wine because in D&C 27 the Lord revealed that water should be substituted to coincide with the Word of Wisdom. (Here's the church if they have more questions.)
In 3 Nephi it speaks of how the people were "filled" after they had partaken of the sacrament. This means they were spiritually filled. What do you think it means to be spiritually filled? When we partake of the sacrament, we can get a sense of completeness. We can feel more holy.
The sacrament is a time when we try to be very reverent. We should try our best not to be distracted and focus on Jesus Christ. It is also a good time to reflect. We can ask ourselves questions like "How do I feel about the Savior's sacrifice for me?", "What can I do this week to become more Christlike?" "Am I acting like a disciple of Christ?" "What can I do to improve?" "Who can I serve this week?" You can also try to remember your baptism and the covenants you made.
Have a family member read the following quote from President Eyring: “As you examine your life during the ordinance of the sacrament, I hope your thoughts center not only on things you have done wrong but also on things you have done right—moments when you have felt that Heavenly Father and the Savior were pleased with you. You may even take a moment during the sacrament to ask God to help you see these things. … When I have done this, the Spirit has reassured me that while I’m still far from perfect, I’m better today than I was yesterday. And this gives me confidence that, because of the Savior, I can be even better tomorrow” (“Always Remember Him,” Ensign, Feb. 2018, 5).
Print out the picture below. Encourage family members to put this in the scriptures or someplace they will be able to find it. Choose a question that you want to ask yourself this coming Sunday as you partake of the sacrament. Bear your testimony of the sacrament.
Closing Song: "The Sacrament" (Children's Songbook, 72)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Cinnamon Apple Fritter Bread Recipe here
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