There are only a few times mentioned in the scriptures where God the Father speaks. This is My Beloved Son focuses on those sacred moments. This lesson plan utilizes images found in the Gospel Art Book and scripture references to teach this primary song.
The 3 instances mentioned in the scriptures where God the Father speaks are during Christ’s baptism, when Christ appears to the Nephites and the first vision. The 1st – 3rd verses discuss these instances.
These scenes are depicted in the following Gospel Art Book images that are needed for this lesson plan:
- Gospel Art Book (GAB) Picture of Christ being baptized HERE [Gospel Art Book picture #35]
- Gospel Art Book (GAB) Picture of Christ visiting the Nephites HERE [Gospel Art Book picture #82]
- Gospel Art Book (GAB) Picture of the First Vision HERE [Gospel Art Book picture #90]
*TIP: Take the binding out of the Gospel Art Book, place the pages in sheet protectors and put it in a binder. This way the images can be used individually as needed.
Place these images in a sheet protector with its associated scripture reference on the backside. The scripture references are:
- Matthew 3:16-17
- 3 Nephi 11: 6-8
- JS History 1:17
- 3 Nephi = Christ visits America
- JS History = First Vision
Available to download are these printables that contain the scripture references:
Activity
Place the images on the board with the scripture references facing out.
There are 3 times mentioned in the scriptures when Heavenly Father spoke. These scriptures will tell you the answers. Begin with Matthew, then 3 Nephi then JS History.
Have Senior primary look up the scriptures and read them. For Jr, simply paraphrase as you reveal each image.
What did Heavenly Father say at each of these events (hint: It’s the exact same thing!) [This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!] Write the answer on the board with chalk above the 3 pictures.
We’re going to be learning a song that talks about all these great events.
Have the children listen to the 1st verse as you and the teachers sing, or play the song on a phone +speaker. Have them answer the following and write the answers on the board underneath each picture:
- a one-syllable word that is sung on three notes [hear]
- Heavenly Father didn’t just say, “This is my Son.” He used a word that described his great love for his Son. [Beloved]
Using the piano, learn the phrase “This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” Break it down by singing “Hear Him!” first. Pitch lead with your hand when you sing “Hear” and have them follow you.
When everyone has it memorized, continue on with the rest of the phrase. Sing it several times having the children repeat it until they have it memorized.
Sing or play the song again and answer these questions for the 1st verse:
- The song doesn’t say “Heavenly Father” spoke from heaven. Another of his names is used. What is it? [God, the Father]
- When and where was Jesus baptized? [When His work had just begun!] and [in Jordan’s waters]
Sing or play the 1st verse using the piano then go on with the 2nd verse, answering these questions:
- The Nephites heard the Father testify that this was his Beloved Son. The song uses another word for “testify.” What is it? [Witness]
- What words describe how the Savior looked as the Nephites gazed into heaven? [White-robed]
Sing or play the 2nd verse using the piano then go on with the 3rd verse, answering these questions:
- The song doesn’t say “Joseph saw two beings,” they are described as this [glorious]
- How did they appear to Joseph Smith? [Shining brighter than the sun]
Bear Testimony
Bear testimony to the children that you know Heavenly Father said “This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him” when Jesus Christ was baptized, when Christ appeared to the Nephites and when Joseph Smith kneeled to pray. They can also hear these words themselves as they read the scriptures and pray.
Verse 4
These printables are filed on my Resource Library page under Song Title > This is My Beloved Son.
4 thoughts on “This is My Beloved Son, vs. 1 – 3”
I just wanted to say how much I REALLY appreciate all the hard work you do! The time and effort you put into your calling is amazing! (It's exactly what I would do if I had the time, but I have 4 small children and just don't right now.)
I was recently called as the Primary Chorister and your blog is a Godsend! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!
I truly appreciate your willingness to share what you've learned, and where you've found it.
On Easter Sunday, the week before conference, we too will be singing Follow the Prophet. I wrote a verse for President Monson,
Thomas S. Monson is a prophet –
The one that we know now.
We want eternal life and he can show us how…..
Listening to conference and living what we learn,
We’ll regain God’s presence through blessings that we earn.
I thought I'd share it, also.
Hi Camille,
I love your site; it is such a help to me! The link to the DeFord music doesn't work and when I searched the DeFord site I couldn't find the song on it. Do you know how I can find the music or do you have a copy you could email me?
Thank you!
Dawn
Hi Dawn!
I just searched my files on my computer and my physical singing time files and I don't have it. I must have downloaded my copy direclty from the website and probably gave my physical copy to my pianist. I'm shocked that I don't have a copy anywhere! I'm really sorry!
~Camille