February 15-21
Doctrine and Covenants 14-17
"Stand as a witness"
Materials: a bag, paper and art supplies, scriptures, video (optional)
Opening Song: "The Golden Plates" (Children's Songbook, 86b)
Opening Prayer:
Attention Activity:
Witness Game: Explain that you will ask a family member to leave the room. When that person is gone the rest of the family will choose something to put into a bag. The family member will return and have to make a guess at what was in the bag.
While the family member is out of the room, explain that one person will be lying and the rest of the family will tell the truth and stand as a witnesses to what it is in the bag. When the family member returns they can choose to listen to the witnesses or not.
After the game, explain that the world uses witnesses to testify of the truth. In court, witnesses are called to testify about what they saw or heard in a case. Heavenly Father has also used witnesses to testify of the truth of his gospel.
Lesson:
Can you think of a time that witnesses are used by the Lord? (baptisms, temple ordinances, missionaries, the witnesses to The Book of Mormon) Why does the Lord use witnesses? Read 2 Corinthians 13:1. After the translation of the gold plates was complete, Heavenly Father gave permission to three special men to be witnesses of The Book of Mormon. These men were Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdery, and David Whitmer. As a family read together the introduction to Section 17.
Activity: Draw it out
Directions: Have paper and art supplies set out for your family. While a family member reads D&C 17 and "The Testimony of the Three Witnesses", have everyone draw a picture of what they read. It may help to make a list of everything the witnesses saw. Have your family members share their pictures.
Why was it so important for the witnesses to see the gold plates? Why was it also important that the breastplate and the Urim and Thummim were also shown to the witnesses? The sword of Laban was perhaps the item most out of place at the scene. But it also could be seen as a testament to the truth of the writings in The Book of Mormon, that the events described in the book are in fact historical.
Over time, other witnesses were eventually added to the list of witnesses to the gold plates. These include the eight men who penned "The Testimony of the Eight Witnesses," which comprised of Joseph's brothers and father, as well as more members of the Whitmer family, and Hiram Page. Mary Whitmer was also shown the plates by the angel Moroni although she never wrote an official statement. (Emma felt the plates through a tablecloth that Joseph wrapped them in, but never saw them).
We've now learned that their were at least 13 people who saw the gold plates. 12 stood as witnesses to the plates divine authenticity. How can you be a witness to The Book of Mormon? How can we be witnesses for the Lord?
As we try to emulate Christ's example and bear our testimonies of His church, we can act as His witnesses. Bear your testimony.
Optional Activity: "A Day for the Eternities" Video from churchofjesuschrist.org
Closing Song: "I'll go where you want me to go" (Hymns, 270)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Golden Grahams marshmallow treats
No comments:
Post a Comment