Here’s a complete Primary-style lesson based on Elder Robert D. Hales’ General Conference talk “Becoming a Disciple of Our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Becoming a Disciple of Jesus Christ
20-Minute Children’s Primary Lesson or Family Home Evening Lesson
Objective
Help children understand that being a disciple of Jesus Christ means choosing to follow Him every day.
Attention Activity (3 Minutes)
Follow the Leader
Invite one child to come to the front.
Play a quick game of Follow the Leader.
Have the leader do simple actions:
- Clap hands
- Spin around
- Hop on one foot
- Wave
- Fold arms
After a minute ask:
- Why were you doing the same things as the leader?
- Was it easier when you watched carefully?
- What happens if we stop watching the leader?
Explain:
“Today we’re learning that Jesus Christ is our perfect leader. A disciple is someone who follows Jesus.”
Lesson Introduction
Show a picture of Jesus.
Ask:
- Who is this?
- Do you think Jesus wants us to follow Him?
- What does it mean to follow Jesus?
Explain:
Elder Robert D. Hales taught that becoming a disciple means following Jesus every day—not just sometimes.
A disciple doesn’t just believe in Jesus.
A disciple tries to live like Jesus.
What Does a Disciple Do? (5 Minutes)
Write on the board:
A disciple chooses Jesus every day.
Ask children to raise their hands and answer:
What would Jesus do?
Scenario 1:
Your little brother breaks your toy.
Would Jesus:
- Yell?
- Forgive?
Scenario 2:
A new child sits alone.
Would Jesus:
- Ignore them?
- Include them?
Scenario 3:
Mom asks for help cleaning.
Would Jesus:
- Complain?
- Help?
Scenario 4:
Someone says something unkind.
Would Jesus:
- Say something mean back?
- Show kindness?
Comment:
“Every day we make choices. Every good choice helps us become more like Jesus.”
Object Lesson: Footsteps to Jesus (4 Minutes)
Cut out paper footprints before class.
Place footprints across the floor leading to a picture of Jesus.
On each footprint write:
- Pray
- Read Scriptures
- Be Kind
- Serve
- Forgive
- Obey
- Share
Invite children to take turns stepping on the footprints.
Read each word aloud.
Explain:
“We don’t become like Jesus all at once. We get closer to Him one step at a time.”
Ask:
Which footprint would you like to work on this week?
Video (3 Minutes)
Show:
“Following Jesus Christ” (Children’s Video)
Available on the Gospel for Kids section of ChurchofJesusChrist.org or Gospel Library.
Alternative:
“Choose the Right Way”
or
“I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus”
Ask afterward:
- What did you notice?
- How did the people follow Jesus?
- What can you do this week?
Keeping Attention Throughout
Sprinkle these questions during the lesson:
- Raise your hand if you’ve ever prayed.
- Who likes helping people?
- Give me a thumbs up if you’ve ever forgiven someone.
- Touch your nose if you know Jesus loves you.
- Show me with your fingers how many days are in a week. Can we follow Jesus every day?
These quick interactions help children stay engaged.
Wrap-Up Discussion (2 Minutes)
Review:
Today we learned:
- Jesus is our leader.
- A disciple follows Jesus.
- We become disciples one choice at a time.
- We can follow Jesus every day.
Bear testimony:
“I know Jesus Christ loves us. I know He helps us become more like Him when we choose to follow Him. Even small acts of faith matter.”
Activity Page (5 Minutes)
Title:
How Can I Follow Jesus This Week?
Draw a large footprint in the center of a page.
Around the footprint place simple pictures to color:
- Praying hands
- Scriptures
- Heart
- Friend
- Church building
- Family
At the bottom write:
This week I will:
☐ Pray
☐ Read scriptures
☐ Help someone
☐ Be kind
☐ Follow Jesus
Invite children to color the page and choose one thing they will do this week.
Closing Challenge
This week, every morning ask yourself:
“How can I follow Jesus today?”
Then do one thing that helps you walk in His footsteps.
This lesson works especially well for Primary children ages 5–11 and typically runs 18–22 minutes depending on discussion.
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