“Lesson 33: The Savior Appears to the Nephites,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon (1997), 118–20

“Lesson 33,” Primary 4, 118–20

Lesson 33

The Savior Appears to the Nephites

Purpose

To strengthen each child’s testimony that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that he is our Savior, and that he lives today.

Preparation

Prayerfully study 3 Nephi 8–11. Then study the lesson and decide how you want to teach the children the scripture account. (See “Preparing Your Lessons,” p. vi, and “Teaching from the Scriptures,” p. vii.)
Additional reading: 3 Nephi 7.
Select the discussion questions and enrichment activities that will involve the children and best help them achieve the purpose of the lesson.
Materials needed:
1. A Book of Mormon for each child.
2. Pictures 4-43, Christ Appears to the Nephites (Gospel Art Picture Kit 315; 62047); 4-44, World Map; and 4-45, Jesus Teaching in the Western Hemi-sphere (Gospel Art Picture Kit 316; 62380).

Suggested Lesson Development

Invite a child to give the opening prayer.

Attention Activity

Ask the children if any of them have been in a scary, violent storm. Invite one or two of the children to share such an experience, or you could share an experience you have had. Explain that at the time Jesus Christ was crucified in Jerusalem, there was a terrible storm and great destruction in America. Using the map, show where he lived and died in what is now called Israel. Explain that this lesson is about what happened in America at the time of Jesus Christ’s death.

Scripture Account

Using the pictures at appropriate times, teach the children the account of the signs of the Savior’s death and his visit to the Nephites from 3 Nephi 8:5–11:41. (For suggested ways to teach the scripture account, see “Teaching from the Scriptures,” p. vii.)

Discussion and Application Questions

Study the following questions and the scripture references as you prepare your lesson. Use the questions you feel will best help the children understand the scriptures and apply the principles in their lives. Reading the references with the children in class will help them gain insights into the scriptures.

What had Samuel the Lamanite prophesied to the Nephites about the Savior’s death? (Helaman 14:20–27.) Why was he trying to prepare them? (Helaman 14:28–29.) How were these prophecies fulfilled? (3 Nephi 8:5–25.)
What did the Savior say was the reason the people had been killed? (3 Nephi 9:2, 12.) What did he say to the people who had not been killed? (3 Nephi 9:13–14.) What does it mean to come unto Christ? What blessings will we receive as we become more like the Savior?
What did Jesus teach the people about his mission? (3 Nephi 9:15–17.) Why is it important for us to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God?
What did Jesus say was the reason he came into the world? (3 Nephi 9:21.) What must we do to be saved from our sins? (3 Nephi 9:22.) How did understanding the Atonement make the people feel? (3 Nephi 10:10.)
How many times did the people at the temple in the land Bountiful hear the voice from heaven and not understand it? (3 Nephi 11:3–4.) What did the people do so they could understand the voice? (3 Nephi 11:5–6.) What does it mean to “open their ears to hear it?” (We must listen and be ready to receive what Heavenly Father wants us to hear.)
What did the people hear Heavenly Father tell them the third time? (3 Nephi 11:6–7.) What important things do we learn from this introduction? (We learn that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, they are two separate beings, the Father loves the Son, and we are to hear, or listen to the Son.) What can we do to better hear and understand the words of Jesus Christ?
What did the people see as they looked up toward heaven? (3 Nephi 11:8.) When the Savior told them who he was, why do you think the people fell down to the earth? (3 Nephi 11:10–12.) How would you have felt if you had been there? Why did Christ have the people feel the wounds in his body? (3 Nephi 11:14–15.)
How did the Nephites feel and show gratitude and love for the Savior? (3 Nephi 11:16–17.) How can we show love and gratitude for him and what he has done for us?
What important ordinance did Jesus Christ give Nephi the power to perform? (3 Nephi 11:19–21.) How should baptisms be performed? (3 Nephi 11:22–27.)
What did the Savior say about arguments and contention? (3 Nephi 11:28–30.)
What did he say all of us have to do to gain eternal life? (3 Nephi 11:33–38.)
Explain that the greatest news in the world today is that Jesus Christ lives. Many people think of him as having lived long ago and having died on the cross. What knowledge do we as members of his church have that makes us feel especially close to the Savior? (We know that he suffered for our sins and gave his life for us and that he lives and directs his church today.)

Invite the children to express their feelings about Jesus Christ.

Enrichment Activities

You may use one or more of the following activities any time during the lesson or as a review, summary, or challenge.

Read and discuss the first, second, or fourth article of faith. Help the children memorize one of them.
Discuss the meaning of having a testimony. One of the most important things a person can have in this life is a testimony that Jesus Christ is a real person and is the Son of God, which makes him divine. A testimony is a spiritual feeling and a strong belief that becomes knowledge. When you begin to gain a testimony, you feel within you that the gospel is true. This feeling grows and becomes stronger as you nourish it by study, prayer, and obedience. You will begin to make right choices because of your faith and the love you have for Heavenly Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. When we bear our testimony, we express to others our feelings and commitment to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. We also bear testimony by the way we live, dress, and act. When we choose the right, we are showing others that we have a testimony of Jesus Christ and his gospel.
Discuss why it is important for us to continually learn about Jesus Christ. Explain that we tend to become like those we know, admire, and respect. We can draw closer to Jesus Christ and become more like him as we learn of him and try to follow his example.
Sing or read the words to “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, p. 34), “This Is My Beloved Son” (Children’s Songbook, p. 76), or “Had I Been a Child” (Children’s Songbook, p. 80).

Conclusion

Testimony

Bear testimony of the reality and divinity of Jesus Christ.

Suggested Family Sharing

Encourage the children to share with their families a specific part of the lesson, such as a story, question, or activity, or to read with their families the “Suggested Home Reading.”