Lesson 48: D&C 135-136

November 22-28
Doctrine and Covenants 135-136
He "has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood"

Materials: pencils and paper, video clip 
Opening Song: "We thank thee oh God for a prophet" (Hymns, 19)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Use this link from The Friend to do a tutorial on how to "Draw Joseph Smith." Have family members create their own drawing with pencils and paper. 

Lesson:

In June of 1844, Joseph was once again locked up in a jail for crimes he did not commit. He was in a Carthage Jail with his brother Hyrum as well as John Taylor and Willard Richards. Joseph had encountered hard times in the past, but he knew somehow that this time was different. He had a feeling he would not return alive saying that he was like a lamb going to the slaughter. 

The mob came in the afternoon on June 27th and gunshots were heard by the men from the upper floor of the jailhouse. To learn more about that fateful day, we will watch a video. 

Show "Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration" from time stamp 00:55:25-1:00:00 (length 5 min 35 seconds)

or

"Carthage Jail: The Martyrdom of Joseph Smith, Carthage, Illinois" from BYU journey publications (This is a more detailed description; length 15 min. 35 seconds)

After the deaths of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, the saints were in mourning for many weeks. William W. Phelps wrote a poem published in the Nauvoo newspaper entitled, ''Joseph Smith" which we now know as "Praise to the Man." You can see the original poem here. 

John Taylor had been in Carthage Jail with Joseph that day and witnessed the death of the prophet. He wrote his account of events now included as D&C 135. Read D&C 135: 3. President Taylor remarked, that Joseph Smith is second only to Jesus Christ in the work of salvation for this world. 

This year we have talked a lot about Joseph Smith. We have heard stories, watched videos, and read revelations given to him. What have you learned about Joseph Smith? What have you learned from his teachings?

Activity: Using the back of the paper you drew on earlier, take a few minutes to write your testimony of the prophet, Joseph Smith. Keep this written testimony in your scriptures or another special place. 

Bear your testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith and the restoration of the gospel. 

Closing Song: "Praise to the man" (Hymns, 27) 
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Pumpkin spice cupcakes recipe here