5 TEACHING IDEAS FOR COME FOLLOW ME LESSONS
See the complete list of CFM Lessons
3 Nephi 27 – 4 Nephi
This week’s discussion includes inspiring teachings on prayer, fasting, why we don’t use the cross, Christ’s True Church, and a powerful message from Mormon for our day.
Lesson Notes
You can find the full Come, Follow Me lesson here. Unless you opt to spend a lot of time on a particular quote, try to pick around 2 questions per quote. Choose the questions that resonate the most with you and make a meaningful discussion for your group of personalities.
All blue quotes from the Book of Mormon (unless otherwise noted).
Lesson Prep
- If you want the discussion to be more meaningful, hand out reading assignments ahead of time and ask the reader to answer one question about them (pick one of the questions below and give it to them, along with the assigned quote). The sooner you do this, the better, but if possible, at least show it to them before the Sacrament meeting. You can also text or email it.
- Ask various people to read and participate – especially those who aren’t asked as much.
Lesson Delivery
You can arrange the quotes in any order that makes sense to you. I suggest starting with the most important ones and working your way down. Don’t worry about covering all the quotes.
- Make sure you assign others to read the quotes. You’re talking enough already. Letting others read allows more people to participate.
- Encourage discussion by accepting all reasonable answers. Validate people for participating and be thankful they spoke up. Engage with the answer in a conversational way whenever it feels natural. Never say, “That’s not the right answer,” or “We haven’t got to that part of the lesson yet.”
- Remember, spiritual discussion is golden. We want people to talk about the gospel together.
- If a lesson takes a different turn than you planned, roll with it. The Spirit intends for you to be successful.
- If the discussion gets too non-spiritual, pull it back by going to the following quote or question.
- Avoid videos – they shut down discussion. Save them for personal study.
Quote #1 (mighty)
The Lord has repeatedly taught us the formula for getting our own prophecy and revelation. Let’s review some scriptures:
1 And it came to pass that as the disciples of Jesus were journeying and were preaching the things which they had both heard and seen, and were baptizing in the name of Jesus, it came to pass that the disciples were gathered together and were united in mighty prayer and fasting.
2 And Jesus again showed himself unto them, for they were praying unto the Father in his name; and Jesus came and stood in the midst of them, and said unto them: What will ye that I shall give unto you? (3 Nephi 27:1-2)
Possible discussion questions: What does “mighty prayer” mean? What would make our prayers mighty?
Possible activity: Here are some helpful descriptions. Have class members read them out loud, one per person.
- Mighty prayer means with great intensity, emotion, and/or conviction.
- Latter-day Saints are encouraged to pray with real intent, which could be seen as “mighty” in the sense of being powerful or heartfelt.
- Praying with a strong belief that God can and will answer. Faith is a central gospel principle, and praying with unshakable faith can be considered “mighty.”
Fasting
Fasting is the companion to mighty prayer. Fasting prepares us to receive revelation.
President Ezra Taft Benson explained the process when he taught leaders getting a new calling: “I don’t mean just missing one meal, then eating twice as much the next meal. I mean really fasting, and praying during that period. It will do more to…permit the Spirit to operate through you than anything I know.”
The sons of Mosiah were especially good at getting revelation.
3 But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God. (Alma 17:3)
Fasting invites the spirit of prophecy and revelation.
Possible discussion questions: Why is fasting more than just going without food? What do we use fasting for?
Quote #2 (cross)
Possible engagement tool: Write on the board –
Men judged Christ.
Christ will judge men.
This is one of the most compelling descriptions of the cross’s purpose during Christ’s crucifixion.
14 And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil—
15 And for this cause have I been lifted up; therefore, according to the power of the Father I will draw all men unto me, that they may be judged according to their works. (3 Nephi 27:14-15)
Possible discussion question: What do the verses we just read in 3 Nephi teach us about the purpose of the cross?
Deepen the Understanding
President Holland highlights why we do not wear the cross as a symbol of our faith.
Note: Can be divided between 2 readers.
- Because crucifixion was one of the Roman Empire’s most agonizing forms of execution, many early followers of Jesus chose not to highlight that brutal instrument of suffering. The meaning of Christ’s death was certainly central to their faith, but for some 300 years they typically sought to convey their gospel identity through other means.
- By the fourth and fifth centuries, a cross was being introduced as a symbol of generalized Christianity, but ours is not a “generalized Christianity.” Being neither Catholic nor Protestant, we are, rather, a restored church, the restored New Testament Church. Thus, our origins and our authority go back before the time of councils, creeds, and iconography. (Elder Holland – Oct 2022)
Possible discussion questions: If your friend was executed with a revolver, would you want to wear a revolver around your neck to remember them – is that the way you honor your friend – with the murder weapon? Why is it important to teach people we are restored from the original Church rather than a part of mainstream Christianity?
Quote #3 (church)
Possible intro: Christ gives clear instructions for what should happen at His Church—see what comes to mind as we read these verses.
21 Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do; for that which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do; (3 Nephi 27:21)
Christ often taught by example:
13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.
15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. (John 13:13-15)

Possible question: What does it mean to wash someone’s feet?
Use this answer if needed: Humility, service, and love are the primary elements of washing the feet of another. By washing another’s feet, one demonstrates a willingness to serve others, even in the most menial tasks, reflecting Christ’s example.
Possible activity: Ask, “What examples have Jesus Christ given us of things we should do in His Church?” List them on the board. (Accept all reasonable answers – including baptism)
Quote #4 (message)
Possible intro: Mormon, who saw our day, leaves us a rather poignant (poy + ny + nt) message. Listen to the warnings he gives as we read the following verse.
Turn, all ye Gentiles, from your wicked ways; and repent of your evil doings, of your lyings and deceivings, and of your whoredoms, and of your secret abominations, and your idolatries, and of your murders, and your priestcrafts, and your envyings, and your strifes, and from all your wickedness and abominations, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, that ye may receive a remission of your sins, and be filled with the Holy Ghost, that ye may be numbered with my people who are of the house of Israel. (3 Nephi 30:2)
Possible activity: Have your class help you create and write a list on the board. What did Mormon see as a problem in our day?
- lyings and deceivings
- whoredoms
- secret abominations (an abomination is something that is an extreme offense against God’s commandments)
- idolatries (placing anything above God in one’s life, whether it’s manmade workmanship or other gods)
- murders
- priestcrafts (using the gospel to make money or get fame)
- envyings
- strife
Possible discussion question: How well did Mormon describe our society today? -OR- How accurate is that list, do we have those things in our society today? What does our media often promote (media: movies, YouTube, songs, social media platforms.) What are some examples around us? What can we do to not entangle ourselves?
Last Important question: Have you ever felt prayer, scriptures and/or Sunday meetings have helped you avoid these modern-day soul traps? Can you think of an example of how it helps you?
Summary
Summarize class discussion highlights and/or share your testimony and feelings about the lesson. Thank your class for their excellent contributions and insights.
Final Comment
As you study and teach, you can help others find more truths in the scriptures. Thank you for bringing powerful Book of Mormon teachings into other people’s lives.
If you would like some tips on how to feel more confident while teaching, try “9 Tips for More Class Participation.” Please arrange the quotes in any order that makes sense to you.
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