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John CHAPTER 14 Jesus speaks of many mansions—He says that He is the way, the truth, and the life and that to see Him is to see the Father—He promises the first and second Comforters.
John CHAPTER 15 Jesus is the vine; His disciples are the branches—He discourses on the perfect law of love—His servants have been chosen and ordained by Him—The world hates and fights true religion—He promises the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth.
John CHAPTER 16 Jesus discourses on the mission of the Holy Ghost—He tells of His death and resurrection, announces that He is the Son of God, and says that He has overcome the world.
John CHAPTER 17 Jesus offers the great Intercessory Prayer—He is glorified by gaining eternal life—He prays for His Apostles and all the Saints—He explains how the Father and Son are one.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “John 14–17” Today we call it the “Last Supper,” but we don’t know if Jesus’s disciples fully realized, when they gathered for the annual Passover feast, that this would be their last meal with their Master before His death. Jesus, however, “knew that his hour was come” (John 13:1). He would soon face the suffering of Gethsemane, the betrayal and denial of His closest friends, and an agonizing death on the cross. Yet even with all of this looming before Him, Jesus’s focus was not on Himself but on His disciples. What would they need to know in the days and years ahead? Jesus’s tender teachings in John 14–17 reveal how He feels about His disciples, then and now. Among the many comforting truths He shared was the reassurance that, in one sense, He will never leave us. “If ye keep my commandments,” He promised, “ye shall abide in my love” (John 15:10).
New Testament Stories “Other Teachings at the Last Supper”
Jesus Christ is “the way, the truth, and the life”
Family members may enjoy taking turns leading your family on a walk along a path. How is Jesus “the way”? Where does He lead us? Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “John 14–17”
God wants you to find your way back to Him, and the Savior is the way [see John 14:6]. God wants you to learn of His Son, Jesus Christ, and experience the profound peace and joy that come from following the path of divine discipleship.(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 21)
What are some ways we can follow the Savior back to Heavenly Father?
I show my love for Jesus Christ by keeping His commandments.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 14–17” Help the children understand that they can show the Savior they love Him by keeping His commandments.
- Help the children recite John 14:15. Ask them to say “If ye love me” when you hold up a paper heart. Ask them to say “Keep my commandments” when you hold up the scriptures.
- Help the children think of some of Jesus’s commandments. Invite them to suggest ways they can keep each commandment. Testify that doing these things shows our love for Jesus Christ.
Old Testament Coloring Book “The Ten Commandments” The ten commandments.
- Sing together a song about the commandments, such as “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47).
- Play the game on this week’s activity page with the children.
Latter Day Kids “If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments” Lesson ideas
I show my love for Jesus Christ by keeping His commandments.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 14–17” As you read these passages in your personal study, think about the children you teach. How will they be blessed when they understand that their obedience to the Savior is a sign of their love for Him?
List some laws and commandments that you feel demonstrate Heavenly Father’s love for you. To help you think of some commandments, you might review the Ten Commandments (see Exodus 20:3–17) or For the Strength of Youth [booklet, 2011]. New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “John 14:15–31; 15:10–14”
- Invite the children to share ways Jesus showed He was obedient to Heavenly Father. Show pictures from the Savior’s life to help them (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 34–35, 56–57). Ask the children to talk about times when they obeyed Heavenly Father.
Jesus Christ gave us the perfect example of how to obey God’s laws and commandments out of pure love. After the Last Supper, He said, “But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do” (John 14:31). New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “John 14:15–31; 15:10–14”
- Invite a child to read John 14:15. Let the children take turns drawing pictures that represent someone keeping a commandment, while the rest of the children guess what he or she is drawing. For examples of commandments, see the For the Strength of Youth booklet (2022). How does keeping these commandments show the Savior that we love Him?
Friend June 1999 “Keep the Commandments”
The Holy Ghost helps me.
John 14:26–27; 15:26; 16:13–14
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 14–17” Jesus taught His disciples important truths about the Holy Ghost. Consider how these truths might bless the children you teach.
- Show the picture The Last Supper (Gospel Art Book, no. 54). Explain to the children that at the Last Supper, Jesus taught His disciples about the Holy Ghost. Share some of the truths He taught in John 14:26–27; 15:26; 16:13–14.
Enlightens your mind and understanding
For the Strength of Youth April 2023 “God’s Gift to Help You Learn” The spirit of learning and knowledge is one of the many gifts of the Holy Ghost. He can help you in so many ways, including in your learning.
Peace and Comfort
Friend April 2019 “ A Comforting Song “ Mia is feeling sad, so she sings a Primary song, and she feels the comforting influence of the Holy Ghost.
Testifies of Christ and Truth
Friend September 2015 “A New Feeling” – Child feels Holy Ghost while reading the scriptures
- Share an experience when the Holy Ghost comforted you, guided you, or helped you know the truth. Testify that the Holy Ghost can help the children in similar ways.
Friend June 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities”
Story: Jesus taught His disciples about the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost can comfort and teach us. He can help us know what is right. (See John 14:26.)
Song: “The Still Small Voice” (Children’s Songbook, 106–7)
Activity: Go to page 8 to make a cup telephone. Talk about how the Holy Ghost can help us hear what Heavenly Father wants to teach us.
Friend June 2023 “Can You Hear Me?” Make this play phone. Talk about how the Holy Ghost can help us hear what Heavenly Father wants to teach us.
Friend June 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities for Little Ones” Whisper “I love you” to your little one. Tell them that the Holy Ghost whispers words of love and truth to our hearts and minds. We can’t often hear them with our ears, but they make us feel loved and safe.
- Together with the children, sing a song about the Holy Ghost, such as “The Holy Ghost” (Children’s Songbook, 105). Invite them to listen for things mentioned in the song that the Holy Ghost does.
Teaching Children the Gospel “If I Listen With My Heart – Verse Three” Teaching ideas
The Holy Ghost guides, comforts, and testifies of truth.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 14–17” Have the children you teach received the gift of the Holy Ghost? What do they know about how the Holy Ghost can help them? Consider how you will help them better understand the roles of the Holy Ghost.
- Give the children the following verses to read in pairs: John 14:26; 15:26; and 16:13. Ask them to find words that teach them what the Holy Ghost does. Write the words on the board.
Enlightens your mind and understanding
For the Strength of Youth April 2023 “God’s Gift to Help You Learn” The spirit of learning and knowledge is one of the many gifts of the Holy Ghost. He can help you in so many ways, including in your learning.
Peace and Comfort
Friend October 2017 “Sarah and the MRI” Sarah had to have another scary MRI where she was all alone in a tube. Her mother reminder her that there was someone who could be with her to comfort her—the Holy Ghost. Her dad blessed her that she would feel the comfort of the Holy Ghost, and she did. The Holy Ghost felt warm and comforting like being wrapped in a blanket.
Friend June 2023 “A Prayer for Comfort” A close family friend died and Maycie was feeling sad. She was also worried about his family and how sad they were. She said a prayer for comfort for them and her family. After the prayer, she felt a wave of warmth come over her. She knew that it was the Holy Ghost comforting her.
Testifies of Christ and Truth
Friend September 2015 “A New Feeling” – Child feels Holy Ghost while reading the scriptures
- Share an experience when the Holy Ghost guided you, comforted you, warned you, or testified of truth to you. Invite the children to share any experiences they have had. How did they recognize the Holy Ghost’s influence?
Friend June 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities”
Story: Jesus taught His disciples about the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost can comfort and teach us. He can help us know what is right. (See John 14:26.)
Song: “The Still Small Voice” (Children’s Songbook, 106–7)
Activity: Go to page 8 to make a cup telephone. Talk about how the Holy Ghost can help us hear what Heavenly Father wants to teach us.
Friend June 2023 “Can You Hear Me?” Make this play phone. Talk about how the Holy Ghost can help us hear what Heavenly Father wants to teach us.
Friend June 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities for Little Ones” Whisper “I love you” to your little one. Tell them that the Holy Ghost whispers words of love and truth to our hearts and minds. We can’t often hear them with our ears, but they make us feel loved and safe.
- Invite each child to draw his or her face on a paper bag. Shine a flashlight, representing the Holy Ghost, into each bag. Then put things in the bags that block the light, such as a pieces of cloth, to teach that our wrong choices can limit the influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives. Let the children remove the things from their bags to represent repentance.
New Era January 2019 “How to Get Better Revelation Reception” Use a cup and string communication device and put folded papers on the string of things that might interfere with receiving revelation. (See article for more information.)
Friend August 2012 “I Choose to Fill My Life with Things That Invite the Spirit” This game can be used for ideas on things that invite the spirit and things that block the spirit. If the game is played, I suggest players choosing characters on the board that the game is about.
I can know Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 14–17” Jesus Christ taught that “life eternal” is to know “the only true God, and Jesus Christ.” As the children you teach come to know Them, they will find spiritual strength that will bless them throughout their lives and help them achieve eternal life.
- Read John 17:3, and ask the children to listen for who Jesus wants us to know. Show a few pictures that represent ways we can come to know Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, such as pictures of the scriptures, a family learning together, and someone serving another person. Put the pictures face down, and invite the children to take turns turning them over and describing what is in the picture. How do these things help us know Heavenly Father and Jesus?
- Talk with the children about things they do to get to know their friends better. How do we get to know Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ better? Share ways you have done this.
New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “John 17”
Think of an important figure in your nation’s history.
- What are some things you know about that person?
- How would you describe the differences between your knowledge about the historical figure and how well you know a close family member?
Now take some time to record in your study journal how you feel about your knowledge of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Is it based only on facts you know about Them, or is it becoming more personal than that? How do you think it would bless your life to know Them on an even more personal level?
Heavenly Father and Jesus want me to know Them.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 14–17” You will bless the lives of the children by helping them come to know Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ better.
- Display a plant (or a picture of one) as the children take turns reading verses in John 15:1–9. How is Jesus like a vine? How are we like branches? What can we do to “abide in,” or stay close to, the Savior?
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “John 14–17”It might be fun to read these verses outside next to a vine, a tree, or another plant. What happens to a branch when it is removed from the plant? You could talk about how we are like branches and what it means to “abide” in the Savior and “bear fruit.”
Jesus said that He was like a vine. His disciples are like branches of the vine. Only a branch that is firmly attached to the vine can produce good fruit.
![New Testament stories [art]](https://i0.wp.com/assets.churchofjesuschrist.org/8d/3f/8d3fe1f35d446876be9fe93797fceffb9bd8596d/jesus_last_supper_paul_mann.jpeg?ssl=1)
Jesus promised His Apostles that if they lived the gospel, their fruit (their works) would be good. If they did not follow Him, they would be like branches cut off from a plant and produce nothing.
What is your “fruit” that shows that you are attached to the vine, which represents Jesus Christ?
“Jesus said, ‘Without me ye can do nothing’ [John 15:5]. I testify that that is God’s truth. Christ is everything to us and we are to ‘abide’ in Him permanently, unyieldingly, steadfastly, forever. For the fruit of the gospel to blossom and bless our lives, we must be firmly attached to Him, the Savior of us all, and to this His Church, which bears His holy name. He is the vine that is our true source of strength and the only source of eternal life. In Him we not only will endure but also will prevail and triumph in this holy cause that will never fail us” (“Abide in Me,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 32). Jeffery R. Holland
- Read aloud John 17:3. Ask the children what they are doing to know Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Share how you are coming to know Them.
New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “John 17”
Think of an important figure in your nation’s history.
- What are some things you know about that person?
- How would you describe the differences between your knowledge about the historical figure and how well you know a close family member?
Now take some time to record in your study journal how you feel about your knowledge of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Is it based only on facts you know about Them, or is it becoming more personal than that? How do you think it would bless your life to know Them on an even more personal level?
If you want to stay close to someone who has been dear to you, but from whom you are separated, you know how to do it. You would find a way to speak to them, you would listen to them, and you would discover ways to do things for each other. The more often that happened, the longer it went on, the deeper would be the bond of affection. If much time passed without the speaking, the listening, and the doing, the bond would weaken.
God is perfect and omnipotent, and you and I are mortal. But he is our Father, he loves us, and he offers the same opportunity to draw closer to him as would a loving friend. And you will do it in much the same way: speaking, listening, and doing.
(Henry B. Eyring, “To Draw Closer to God,” Ensign, May 1991, 66)
Additional Resources
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “John 14–17”
Why do you think Jesus Christ warned His disciples of persecution? How are disciples of Christ persecuted today? How can the Savior’s counsel in these verses help us when we face persecution?
How has Jesus Christ overcome the world? How has His Atonement brought us peace and good cheer? (see also Doctrine and Covenants 68:6).
Jesus Christ intercessory prayer
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “John 14–17”
Jesus’s words recorded in John 17 are known as the Intercessory Prayer. In this prayer, Jesus prayed for His Apostles and “them also which shall believe on [Him] through their word” (John 17:20). That means He was praying for you. What did Jesus request from His Father in behalf of you and all other believers? What does that teach you about His feelings for you?
![New Testament stories [art]](https://i0.wp.com/assets.churchofjesuschrist.org/f4/2d/f42d0acc932714dbedfa79537f32657851e2a337/jesus_prays_disciples_mann.jpeg?ssl=1)
In His prayer in John 17, Jesus emphasized His unity with the Father. In what ways are the Father and the Son “one”? (John 17:11, 21–23). Note that the Savior prayed that His disciples may be one “even as”—or in the same way that—He and His Father are one (John 17:22). What does that mean for you? Think about your relationships—for example, with your spouse or other family members, with ward members, and with fellow Christians. How can you work toward the kind of unity that Jesus has with the Father?
What would help your family learn how to be more united like Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father? Maybe you could talk about a favorite sports team and how they work together toward a common goal. Or you could listen to a choir or orchestra and discuss how the musicians unite to create beautiful music.
Red Crystal Several lesson ideas
Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Continue in My Love” Lesson ideas
Start the below video starting at 3:23
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