It was about how when we take the steps of repentance we can take out the "rocks" of our lives and become better. Jesus Christ, through the Atonement, has given us the gift of being able to be forgiven of the rocks in our lives when we repent.
I love how the outline brought in the scripture about Alma the Younger, perfect example! I wanted to be able to use some visuals though so these are from the Alma the Younger story cutouts (this isn't all of them), you can purchase them for just $1.60 (below printouts). It includes Alma when he's wicked, laying down and then when he has repented and an angel to visit him. These are about the size of a computer paper so all the kids can see them.
NOTE: If you purchase the cutouts, the free lesson plan below (including the shoe page) is included for your convenience.
THIS IS INCLUDED IN THE DOWNLOAD BELOW:
Materials Needed:-small river rocks/pebbles for the kids (you can find them at the dollar store) they look like this:
-Printouts for board
-Picture of Garden of Gethsemane
Lesson (Included in download of printouts):
Begin by handing out the rocks and have the kids put them into their sock/shoe. Ask, "what is the Atonement?" (you can also write their answers on the board)
(Hold up picture) After the Last Supper, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane, there He left the disciples and prayed and went through great pains as He suffered every temptation, every pain, every sickness and every sin that anyone on Earth, had been on Earth, or would be on Earth would go through. He did this because He loves us and helps us through those things and He wants us to return to live with Him and Heavenly Father.
The Atonement accomplished two things, first everyone would be resurrected, second; those who would repent of their sins will be forgiven.
The Atonement was accomplished by Jesus because He was perfect and could suffer. It was an act that
we couldn't do for ourselves.
(Share story from President Hinckley)
Put up the printout shoe and have a few kids come up and walk around with the rocks in their shoes and ask how that feels? Is it uncomfortable? Can you walk a long time with that in your shoe?
The pebble in your shoe is a sin. How is repenting and being forgiven like taking the rock out of your shoe?
As we sin and make mistakes (which we all will), we have this uncomfortable thing come into our lives that we know isn't right and if we continue to make the same bad choices we can lose the promptings and help from the Holy Ghost. But when we take out the rock and repent, we are doing the things that Heavenly Father wants us to do and will be blessed and forgiven.
How do we repent? (Go through the "rocks" and discuss any that you feel necessary or if kids have questions).
