HAPPY EASTER!
Below you will find some teaching ideas and an original, completely free 1/2 page activity sheet that aligns with the Come Follow Me reading for Exodus 14-18. The crossword and/or word searches are a great way to review or introduce the concepts from the reading for Primary, Sunday School, or families. Our home ward hands them out along with the sacrament programs, so that people of all ages can enjoy them. I hope you enjoy this fun way to learn the gospel together.
************************************
"Stand Still, and See the Salvation of the Lord"
Guess the word game: Using a hangman style game (I recommend drawing a snowman piece by piece, instead of drawing a hanging man), have your class guess the word, DELIVERANCE. (11 letters)
Talk about the deliverance of the Children of Israel (after they experienced great fear) and relate it to ways that the Lord delivers us in modern times. I love how the CFM manual talks about the Lord doing a "great work" in our lives. What are some of those great works?
Discuss some of the symbolism found in these chapters:
Manna: I think manna symbolizes divine providence, daily dependence on God, and spiritual sustenance. It represents God’s grace in meeting immediate needs, a test of obedience, and a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the "Bread of Life". Discuss some ideas of ways we can turn to God daily.
Wilderness: I think it's interesting that the Lord didn't lead the Children of Israel directly to the promised land, but had them wander in the wilderness first. Ask your class for some other scripture stories where people end up in the wilderness and discuss how God meets each of them where they are in each story. What is the symbolism of the wilderness in our modern lives? A place where we must walk by faith rather than sight, relying on the Lord to "prepare the way"
Jesus’ Temptation (Matthew 4:1-11): Following his baptism, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the Judean wilderness. There, he fasted for 40 days and overcame temptation by the devil, relying on scripture to remain obedient, serving as a direct contrast to Israel's disobedience in their own wilderness.
Moses at Mount Sinai/Horeb (Exodus 3): After fleeing Egypt, Moses tended sheep in the wilderness of Midian. God met him at the burning bush in this barren place, turning a moment of exile into his calling to liberate Israel.
Elijah’s Desert Journey (1 Kings 19): Exhausted and in despair after fleeing Queen Jezebel, Elijah traveled into the wilderness. God provided for him and met him in a "still small voice," strengthening him for continued prophetic work.
Hagar in the Wilderness (Genesis 16/21): After escaping abuse, Hagar found herself in the desert, where an angel met her at a well, providing hope and promising a blessing for her family.
John the Baptist (Matthew 3): John preached repentance in the wilderness of Judea before Jesus' ministry, symbolizing a place of preparation and return to God.
Lehi and Sariah’s Family (1 Nephi 2–18): Leaving Jerusalem, they face trials, find sustenance, and receive the Liahona, learning that God will light their path in the wilderness.
The Brother of Jared (Ether 2–3): The Lord directs them in a desert, commanding them to build barges and speaking to them in a cloud.
The Sons of Mosiah (Alma 17:9): They fast and pray for strength in the wilderness to prepare for their mission among the Lamanites.
Rock: Helaman 5:12 would be a great scripture to use alongside Exodus 17 and your discussion about how Christ can be our rock. Discuss what it looks like to have Christ as our foundation in modern times.
Click here to access the printable activity sheet on Google Drive.
