Jesus Christ's life is
an example to me
by Melanie Day


 

SING - “Do As I’m Doing”

Did you know that from this song, you are learning how to be a good follower and you are learning something. You are learning by following the example of the leader.  Today we are going to talk about a wonderful and loving leader. 

Jesus taught us how to live Heavenly Father's commandments.  He was a perfect example.  Do you wonder what you should do sometimes? I do. That’s when I try to think about the Savior and the choices He made and the things He did....

[In advance prepare fortune cookies - click here for recipe - and put the following strips of paper inside fortune cookies and discuss each scenario.  Don't let the children eat the cookie, just let them break it.  There won't be enough for everyone....it is just a fun and different idea for asking some of the following questions:

- I like to spend too much time watching television and playing video games. … What would Jesus Christ want me to do?
 

- Soon I will be eight years old. I’m not sure that I want to be baptized. I am a little bit afraid. … What would Jesus Christ want me to do?

- I’ve been saving my money to buy a new bike. If I don’t pay my tithing this month, I’ll have enough. What would Jesus Christ want me to do?

- I like going to church on Sundays, especially Primary. But sometimes I’d rather be out playing with my friends. … What would Jesus Christ want me to do?

- When I went to the store, I stole some bubblegum. It tastes good, but I don’t like it because I know what I did was wrong. I don’t want anyone to know what I did, though. … What would Jesus Christ want me to do?

- The meanest, toughest bully at school lives next door to me. He’s always picking on me, and it hurts. … What would Jesus Christ want me to do?

- My grandma died. I miss her so much—all I want to do is stay in my room and cry. … What would Jesus Christ want me to do?

** add more scenarios as needed.

STORY - Read and discuss the "Magic Question" from March 1995, Friend.

OBJECT LESSON - You will need a drinking glass or pint size jar with at least three inches of water, an egg, and a lot of salt.  The glass and water symbolize the world.  The egg represents each of us.  The salt is the teachings of Jesus or the gospel.  Put the egg into the water and the egg will sink.  Explain that without Jesus we would sink too.  Then add the salt or the teachings of Jesus, making sure that you spread the gospel (dissolve the salt in the water) around.  The egg will float symbolizing that Jesus' teachings will help keep us afloat!

SUMMARY: It is easy to do things that hurt others or ourselves when we do not think carefully before we act or when our minds are full of anger, fear, or confusion. Because our actions follow our thoughts, thinking about Jesus Christ can help us. Thoughts of His life, His example, and what He wants us to do can calm our minds and help us make righteous choices.  As you think about the Savior, ask yourself, “What would Jesus Christ want me to do?” Answering this question will help each of us follow Him and choose the right.  The Savior loves us and wants us to be happy. He wants us to be kind, loving, forgiving, helpful, obedient, honest, and thankful. When we do these things, we are keeping His commandments. Following the example of Jesus Christ will help us be happy.  Bear your testimony.
 

OTHER optional activity ideas:

Ask three or four ward members to come prepared to teach a scriptural story about the example of Jesus and to tell how they have applied His example in their lives. (Idea taken from March 2005 Friend)

Latter-day “Examples of the Believers” Game
 

(September 1997 Friend) Instructions: Color the “What Does Jesus Christ Want Me to Do?” reminder. Mount it on heavy paper, cut it out along the heavy black lines, fold it on the dotted lines, then glue it where indicated. Put your reminder in a place where you will see it often.
 

Click to View Larger Format
Illustrated by Jerry Harston
 

SOURCES:

“Sharing Time: Jesus Christ Shows Us the Way,” Friend, Mar. 1999, 14
“Sharing Time: What Does Jesus Christ Want Me to Do?” Friend, Sept. 1997, 36
“What Would Jesus Christ Want Me to Do?” Friend, Mar. 1998, 8