John 7–10

“I Am the Good Shepherd”

After you’ve studied the scripture passages for this week and reviewed the questions and activities in the manual, consider sharing any of the following articles and activities with your family. These additional resources selected by the Ensign staff can assist you as you strive to teach the gospel in your home.

John 7:14–17

Learning Truth through Obedience

Jesus Christ taught that obedience, or doing God’s will, is ultimately the way we gain a knowledge of the truth. He Himself set the perfect example of obedience.

Articles

“A Life Founded in Light and Truth.” In this Ensign article, President Henry B. Eyring, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, promises that as we keep the commandments, we will know the truth.
“Testimony.” In this general conference address, President Dallin H. Oaks discusses the relationship between obedience and spiritual truth: “Knowledge encourages obedience, and obedience enhances knowledge.”

Activities

“Obedience Brings Blessings.” As this brief video begins, President Thomas S. Monson quotes the scripture “He that keepeth [God’s] commandments receiveth truth and light” (Doctrine and Covenants 93:28). He goes on to teach that “the great test of this life is obedience.”
“How Do I Gain a Testimony?” In this video, President Henry B. Eyring teaches that a testimony will usually come to us “in pieces” and that “obedience to the commandments is part of the nourishment you must provide for your testimony.”
“Obedience Helps Us Be Happy.” In this article from the Friend, Elder L. Whitney Clayton of the Presidency of the Seventy teaches that as we obey the gospel, the Holy Ghost will guide us and bring us peace. Try the accompanying word puzzles with your family (to check your answers, click here).

John 8:2–11; 10:11–15, 27–29

Mercy and the Good Shepherd

The Savior showed mercy to the woman taken in adultery: rather than condemning or accusing her, He inspired her to change her life. As the Good Shepherd, the Savior likewise reaches out and extends mercy to us, inviting us to follow Him, receive forgiveness, and reshape our lives.

Articles

“Our Good Shepherd.” In this general conference address, Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explains that “understanding [the Savior’s] compassion and love helps us exercise faith in Him—to repent and be healed.”
“My Specialty Is Mercy.” In this general conference address, Elder Marion D. Hanks (1921–2011), a former member of the Seventy, teaches that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ specialize in mercy—and that it ought to be our specialty too.

Activities

“Family Fun Time: Forgiveness.” Mercy is at the heart of our willingness to forgive others. Find out how you and your family can build a foundation of forgiveness from this Friend article.
“The Savior Wants to Forgive” (video). When it seemed like he had gone too far, Mark found that the Savior still desired to forgive. Through his experience with the Savior’s mercy, Mark’s life was turned around.