“This Is My Beloved Son”

By Virginia Pearce

“Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him” (3 Ne. 11:7).

The scriptures tell of several times when Heavenly Father has introduced his Son, Jesus Christ, to righteous people. Each time, he has introduced the Savior by calling him his “Beloved Son.” These words show us how much Heavenly Father loves and honors his Son. He is pleased with him and knows all that Christ has willingly done for us. Jesus came to earth as a tiny baby and was born in a stable. As he grew older, he learned by studying and by obeying the commandments. When he was finally prepared, he taught the commandments to all who would listen. He atoned for our sins and was crucified and resurrected so that we will all live again.

Heavenly Father shows respect, honor, and love for Jesus Christ. As we understand the Savior and what he did for us more perfectly, we will respect, honor, and love him.

Instructions

Each of these panels tells about a time when Heavenly Father introduced his Son to men on earth. Cut out the panel along the solid lines and underline the words Heavenly Father said. Put a circle around the words that were exactly the same on each occasion. Fold on dotted lines so that your panels will stand up.

Jesus was baptized in the River Jordan by John the Baptist. When He came out of the water, the heavens were opened, and a voice said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:17).

One day the Savior was walking with his disciples Peter, James, and John. He took them to a high mountain. A bright cloud overshadowed them, “and behold a voice out of the cloud … said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him” (Matt. 17:5).

The people on the American continent knew that the Savior had been crucified. They were talking about this when they heard a voice that made their hearts burn. The voice said, “Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him” (3 Ne. 11:7).

Joseph Smith did not know which church to join. He went into the woods to pray. As he prayed, he saw two Personages standing above him in the air. One of them spoke to him as He pointed to the other, saying, “This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” (JS—H 1:17).

Sharing Time Ideas

Set up four storytelling stations. Have an adult leader at each station tell one of the scripture stories referred to in the Sharing Time activity. As the children rotate to each station in small groups, ask them to listen and discover how all four stories are alike.
Write the names of several children on colored cards. Write various names for the Savior on white cards. Tape the white cards underneath some chairs, and give the colored cards to the appropriate children as they enter. At the beginning of Sharing Time, ask those who have colored cards to bring them to the front. Do they know how their parents chose their names? Discuss the fact that our names represent us. Say the children’s names with varying voice inflections, such as excitement, annoyance, love, anger, and respect. Then have them tell how different ways of speaking their names make them feel. Conclude by having the children with the white cards bring them forward. Discuss showing reverence by speaking the names of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ with respect, honor, and love.
Divide the older children into groups, giving each group a scriptural reference: Matthew 8:1–3 [Matt. 8:1–3]; Matthew 9:23–24 [Matt. 9:23–24]; Mark 3:2; John 4:42; 3 Nephi 11:17 [3 Ne. 11:17]. Ask each group to respond to the question: Did these people show respect, honor, and love for the Savior? For younger children, tell the stories simply, using pictures or flannelboard characters, and ask them the same question.
Have the children sing any of the Primary songs they know about the Savior. At the conclusion of each song, have the children tell how the song helped them understand why we respect, honor, and love the Savior.

Illustrated by Lori Anderson Wing