Anciently, the Lord commanded Moses to build a tabernacle “according to the pattern shewed to [him] in the mount” (Hebrews 8:5; see also Exodus 25:8–9). The tabernacle was to be the center of Israel’s wilderness camp (see Numbers 2:1–2).
In 1833, the Lord commanded Joseph Smith to build temples “not after the manner of the world” but rather “after the manner which I shall show” (Doctrine and Covenants 95:13–14; see also 97:10). Like the tabernacle in the wilderness, the temple was meant to be a central feature in Kirtland (see Doctrine and Covenants 94:1).
Today, temples are found around the world. Even if they aren’t at the center of our cities, they point us to Christ, who should be the center of our lives. Though each temple differs in appearance, within them we learn the same divine pattern—a heavenly plan to bring us back into the presence of God. Sacred ordinances and covenants connect us to Christ and strengthen our families “not after the manner of the world” but after the pattern God shows us.
In Doctrine and Covenants 94, the Lord gives instructions about constructing administrative buildings in Kirtland—an office and a printing house. What impresses you about what the Lord says about these buildings in Doctrine and Covenants 94:2–12? How does it compare with what He says about the temple in 97:10–17?
What does it mean to you to be “wholly dedicated unto the Lord”?
When the revelation in section 95 was received, about five months had passed since the Lord commanded the Saints to build a house of God (see Doctrine and Covenants 88:117–19)—and they hadn’t started yet. Notice how the Lord corrected them in this revelation. You might even make a list of principles you find for giving inspired correction. What do you learn about the Lord from the way He corrected His Saints?
After being chastised for not building a house of the Lord in Kirtland, Church leaders chose a site in a wheat field where they would build. Hyrum Smith, the Prophet’s brother, immediately ran to get a scythe to begin clearing the field. “We are preparing to build a house for the Lord,” he said, “and I am determined to be the first at the work” (in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 271, 273). Why do you think Hyrum was so eager to build the temple? Ponder this as you read Doctrine and Covenants 95:8, 11–17; 97:10–17.
In our day, the Lord “is accelerating the pace at which we are building temples” (Russell M. Nelson, “Focus on the Temple,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 121). If someone asked you why the Church of Jesus Christ builds so many temples, what would you say? Look for possible answers in:
President Russell M. Nelson’s messages announcing new temples (such as “Now Is the Time,” Liahona, May 2022, 126).
You might compare the Saints’ efforts to build the Kirtland Temple to your efforts to prepare for meaningful experiences with the Lord in the temple. How can you show the same sense of urgency that Hyrum Smith felt toward the Lord’s holy house? For example, what could you do that would be like clearing the field, as Hyrum did? What sacrifices do you feel the Lord wants you to make? (see Doctrine and Covenants 97:12).
Think about a time when you were accepted—or not accepted—into a group or team. How is that similar to or different from what Doctrine and Covenants 97:8–9 teaches about what it means to be accepted of the Lord? What do you think the Lord is trying to teach you with the metaphor in verse 9?
Create a spiritual environment for learning and teaching. “The Holy Ghost,” Jesus promised, “shall teach you all things” (John 14:26). So whether you’re learning on your own or with others, make it a priority to invite the Spirit. Sacred music, prayer, and loving interactions can all help create a peaceful, spiritual setting where the Holy Ghost can teach you truth.
To the Saints in the 1830s, Zion was a place. In the revelation in section 97, the Lord expanded the definition to describe a people—“the pure in heart” (verse 21). As you read verses 18–28, you could substitute this definition when you read the word Zion. What does it mean to you to be pure in heart?
For some background on sections 95 and 97, you could share with your children “The Kirtland Temple” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories for Young Readers (Gospel Library; see also Saints, 1:210). Your children might enjoy pretending they are helping to build the Kirtland Temple (cutting wood, hammering nails, painting walls, and so on). You could also show them a picture of the Kirtland Temple, like those in this outline, while you read Doctrine and Covenants 95:8 to teach your children why the Lord wants us to build temples.
After reading together Doctrine and Covenants 97:15–16, you and your children could share with each other why the temple is special to you. You could also sing together a song to help your children feel reverence for the Lord’s house, such as “I Love to See the Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 95). Why is the temple sacred?
To help your children understand what the word pure could mean in Doctrine and Covenants 97:21, you could look at a glass of clean water together and add something to the water that makes it impure (such as dirt or pepper). Why is it important for water to be pure? Then your children could read verse 21 and put their finger on the word pure. What does it mean for our hearts to be pure? Verses 1–2 and 8–9 could provide some ideas. How does the Savior help make our hearts pure?
The Lord blesses people who keep covenants with Him.
Do your children know what covenants we make with the Lord when we are baptized or in the temple? Consider reviewing those covenants with them by reading Mosiah 18:9–10, 13 or General Handbook, 27.2. Share with each other how you are striving to “observe [your] covenants by sacrifice” (Doctrine and Covenants 97:8).
You could invite your children to draw pictures of what Doctrine and Covenants 97:9 describes. As they share their pictures, talk about how the Lord has blessed you for keeping your covenants. How are those blessings like being a “fruitful tree which is planted … by a pure stream”?
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
