“April 18–24. Exodus 18–20: ‘All That the Lord Hath Spoken We Will Do,’” Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: Old Testament 2022 (2021)
“April 18–24. Exodus 18–20,” Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: 2022
A mountain in Egypt traditionally believed to be Mount Sinai.
April 18–24
Exodus 18–20
“All That the Lord Hath Spoken We Will Do”
Read Exodus 18–20, and record impressions you have about how to help members of your class learn from these chapters. Even simple impressions can lead to meaningful learning experiences.
Record Your Impressions
Invite Sharing
To invite class members to share what they learned, you could write on the board 18, 19, and 20—the chapters they read in Exodus this week. Ask class members to write next to each chapter number the numbers of verses they would like to discuss from that chapter. As class members share their insights, ask other members of the class if they had insights about the same passages.
Teach the Doctrine
We can help “bear the burden” of doing the Lord’s work.
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You could encourage your class to discuss the counsel Jethro gave to Moses (see Exodus 18:13–26) by asking them to imagine that they’re having a conversation with someone who feels that her or his Church callings, family obligations, or other responsibilities are “too heavy” and that he or she will “wear away” (Exodus 18:18). How might the counsel in Exodus 18:13–26 help? What additional advice could we share from our personal experiences?
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Talking about Exodus 18:13–26 might offer an opportunity to discuss how ministering can help us “bear the burden with” our leaders in the Lord’s work (Exodus 18:22). What characteristics did Jethro suggest Moses look for in those who would serve as “rulers” of the people? (see Exodus 18:21). Why are those characteristics important in our efforts to minister to each other? How does ministering to family members, Church members, and others help “bear the burden” of our Church leaders? As part of your discussion, you could show one of the related videos found at ministering.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Imageman shaking hands with a womanMinistering to others is one way we can take part in the Lord’s work.
We should put the Lord first in our lives.
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Can you think of a task that works better when we complete the most important steps first? (Examples might include solving a math equation or following a recipe). Share with the class some examples you’re familiar with, and invite them to think of their own. How does completing the most important steps first relate to the commandments in Exodus 20:2–11? What do the commandments teach us about putting God first in our lives? What are things that we may be tempted to put before Him? (For some examples, see the statement in “Additional Resources.”) Reviewing Exodus 20:2–11 can help members of your class reflect on their commitment to put God first.
God is merciful.
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How can you help members of your class understand the importance of the Ten Commandments in our day? You could divide the class into pairs and invite them to read Exodus 20:2–17 and then discuss how obeying each of the commandments blesses them, their families, and people around them. You could also show the video “Obedience to the Ten Commandments” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What blessings does Heavenly Father promise us for obeying His commandments? (see, for example, Mosiah 2:41). How do these commandments demonstrate God’s love for us?
Additional Resources
No other gods.
President Spencer W. Kimball taught that there are parallels between the ancient worship of graven images and the behavior of people today. He said:
“Idolatry is among the most serious of sins. …
“Modern idols or false gods can take such forms as clothes, homes, businesses, machines, automobiles, pleasure boats, and numerous other material deflectors from the path to godhood. …
“Intangible things make just as ready gods. Degrees and letters and titles can become idols. …
“Many people build and furnish a home and buy the automobile first—and then find they ‘cannot afford’ to pay tithing. Whom do they worship? Certainly not the Lord of heaven and earth. …
“Many worship the hunt, the fishing trip, the vacation, the weekend picnics and outings. Others have as their idols the games of sport, baseball, football, the bullfight, or golf. …
“Still another image men worship is that of power and prestige. … These gods of power, wealth, and influence are most demanding and are quite as real as the golden calves of the children of Israel in the wilderness” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 146–47).
Improving Our Teaching
Focus on a few principles. “There is much to discuss in each lesson, but it is not necessary to cover everything in one class period in order to touch someone’s heart—often one or two key points are enough” (Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 7).