How Did the Savior Minister?

When President Russell M. Nelson taught about ministering in 2018, he invited Church members to care for each other “in the Savior’s way” (“Ministering,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 100). Author Merrijane Rice and composer Jennette Jay Booth knew ministering might be an unfamiliar word, and they wanted to help children understand what it means—so they wrote a song to help explain it.

Sister Rice began by thinking about stories from the scriptures. Jesus used His gentle hands to heal the blind. He spoke kindly to a lonely woman at a well. He prayed for His disciples and others. These simple, loving acts showed what it means to minister in ways that disciples of Christ of all ages can emulate—helping with their hands, being a kind friend, and praying for others.

Once the words were finished, Sister Rice sent them to Sister Booth, who felt inspired right away. She started writing music that would help children feel the love of Jesus. “I hope this song will help children feel that every time they are kind or helpful, even in very small ways, Jesus is with them,” Sister Booth said. “I hope it fills them with His love, both for them and for others.”

Find lyrics, sheet music, and recordings for How Did the Savior Minister?

On This Page

Scriptures

Principles

Jesus Christ always helped and served others.
We become more like Jesus Christ when we help and serve others.
When we serve others, we help them feel God’s love.

Questions to Ponder

What are some ways that Jesus Christ helped and served others?
What are some ways that you can help and serve others?
Who could you pray for today?

Related Gospel Study Guides

From Topics and Questions, Gospel Library:

Activities for Families

Discuss and practice the way the Savior ministered.
- After singing this song, invite family members to explore examples from the Savior’s life when He served others, was a friend to all, and prayed with love—three actions mentioned in this song. You might read simple scripture stories or look at pictures in the Media Library that show Jesus doing these things. Invite your children to share what they learn about the Savior from these examples. How did He show that He loved and cared about others? Point out that this song helps us remember how we can follow Jesus by serving others, being a friend, and praying for others—just as He did.
- Take turns acting out real-life scenarios in which someone might need help or kindness. One person can be the minister, and another can be the person being ministered to. Here are a few examples to try:
  - A neighbor who lives alone and may feel lonely
  - A busy young mother who could use help with her toddler so she can rest or go to the store
  - Someone who is sick or just returned home from the hospital and might enjoy a visit
  - A child at school who looks sad and alone and might need a friend
  - A new person or family at church who would love a friendly welcome
  - Missionaries in your area who might appreciate help or encouragement
  - An older couple who may need help with snow, leaves, or technology
Pray for opportunities to serve. This song teaches about serving, helping, and lifting others just as the Savior did. Explain to your children that we can pay attention to others and notice when they are struggling or need help. The Holy Ghost will guide us to do good as the Savior would. As a family, seek the Lord’s guidance through prayer to help you know who might need love, friendship, or help this week. Talk about people in your family, neighborhood, ward, or school who might need ministering. Discuss ways you can serve them as the Savior would.

Music Helps

Each verse of this song starts with the question “How did the Savior minister?” followed by an answer and a personal application. Try singing this song with varying feeling or volume based on the message of each line. For example, “I want to live as Jesus did” could be sung more energetically than the questioning lines.