Lesson 30: Ezra 1; 3-7; Nehemiah 2; 4-6; 8

July 18-24
Ezra 1; 3-7; Nehemiah 2; 4-6; 8
"I Am Doing a Great Work"

Materials: The Friend activity pages printed, pens/pencils, video (link provided)
Opening Song: "I love to see the temple" (Children's Songbook, 95)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Print out the one or both of the following activity pages from The Friend and have each family member complete. 

Find that Temple! Answers: 1-c, 2-b, 3-a, 4-f, 5-e, 6-d

Temples around the World (top part) Answers: 1-a, 2-h, 3-e, 4-f, 5-b, 6-c, 7-d, 8-g

Today we are going to talk about temples. Here are some fun facts about temples:

• 166 operating temples
• 41 temples under construction
• 7 temples under renovation
• 68 temples are announced and being planned
• Total: 282 Temples in 74 countries (As of Jun. 27, 2022)

Lesson:

Around 586 BCE, the Babylonian army led by Nebuchadnezzar invaded Jerusalem. They burned the temple, carried of the sacred objects within, and led the Israelites away captive. Decades later, around 530 BCE, the Israelites returned to Jerusalem and sought to rebuild their lives. They also desired to rebuild the temple: "and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the Lord" (Ezra 3: 8). Why do you think the Israelites made rebuilding the temple a priority?

Read Ezra 3: 10-13. How did the Israelites react to laying the foundation of the temple? After some setbacks, the building of the temple had stopped for a while. Then, a man named Zerubbabel started the work on the temple again after being urged by 2 prophets named Zechariah and Haggai who we'll read more about later this year. Read Ezra 6:16. How did the Israelites feel about the completion and dedication of the temple? 

As we've read these passages today we've talked about how the Israelites praised God, offered thanks, and had joy while they worked to complete the House of the Lord. Today, we continue this tradition. Before each temple is dedicated, the youth in that area lead a celebration in a performance called, "The Cultural Celebration." Watch "The Late Hawaii Temple Youth Cultural Celebration" video from churchofjesuschrist.org. 

Activity:

Go onto temple.churchofjesuschrist.org/list. Have family members call out places and countries around the world and see what the temple looks like in that location. As you look at the pictures of the temple ask family members the following discussion questions:

•  What feeling do you get on the temple grounds or inside the temple?
• How does the temple bring you joy? 
• Why do you go to the temple?
• How can we show our gratitude for the temple and its blessings?

Bear your testimony of the temple and the joy it brings you. 

Closing Song: "Families Can Be Together Forever" (Children's Songbook, 188)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Lemon Cookies recipe here