Older Primary Lesson Plan: Introduction to the Old Testament

Opening Connection
Gather the children in a circle and hold up a flashlight. Ask, "What happens when you shine a light in a dark room? It shows the way!" Share that the Old Testament is like a lamp: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). This year, we'll discover how it lights up Jesus Christ, just like families find light together at home or school. Who’s excited to hunt for Jesus in these ancient stories?

Scripture Discovery
We'll explore two treasures: Exodus 6:3 and Isaiah 9:6.
First, do a partner treasure hunt: Give each pair a printed Exodus 6:3 (“And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them?”). Have partners hunt for "Jehovah" with colored pencils (blue for names). Ask: "Who is speaking? Who is Jehovah?" (From teaching children section: Jesus Christ was known by different names before He was born.)
Next, read Isaiah 9:6 together (“For unto us a child is born... and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”). Compare: How does this point to baby Jesus? Use thumbs up/down: Does the Old Testament show Jesus?

Core Gospel Principles

1. The Old Testament testifies of Jesus Christ through symbols like manna (Exodus 16:4), the sacrificial lamb (Exodus 12:3–5), and the brass serpent (Numbers 21:4–10)—just as Jesus said, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35, 48).
2. Jesus Christ is Jehovah in the Old Testament (Exodus 6:3; see Joseph Smith Translation footnote).
3. Heavenly Father wants covenants with us, like baptism promises (Mosiah 18:10, 13: “...stand as witnesses of God at all times...bear one another’s burdens”).

Interactive Learning Activities

Activity 1: Symbol Hunt Object Lesson (Object Lesson type)
Materials: Small bowl of bread bits (manna), toy lamb or picture, bendy straw or string (serpent), printed symbol cards.
Steps: 1. Place items on table. 2. Show each: "This bread is like manna—Jesus is our Bread of Life (John 6:35)." Lamb: "Spotless lamb points to Jesus (John 1:29)." Serpent: "Look and live, like faith in Jesus (John 3:14)." 3. Children pass items, saying the symbol.
Connects to Scripture Discovery: Like hunting "Jehovah," these show Jesus hidden in Old Testament.
Questions: "How does bread help a hungry friend, like Jesus helps us?" "What symbol shines brightest to you?"

Activity 2: Jehovah Name Charades (Games type)
Materials: Slips with names (Jehovah, God Almighty, Wonderful, Counsellor, Prince of Peace from Isaiah 9:6, Exodus 6:3).
Steps: 1. Divide into teams. 2. One child draws slip, acts out name (e.g., crown for Prince of Peace, helping for Counsellor—no words!). 3. Team guesses, then reads scripture tie-in. Play 5-6 rounds with cheers.
Connects to Scripture Discovery: Builds on partner hunt by acting Jehovah's names Jesus used.
Questions: "How does knowing Jesus' names make you feel safe, like Psalm 23?" "Share a time Jesus helped you."

Activity 3: Covenant Promise Hearts (Hands-On Crafts type)
Materials: Paper hearts, crayons, markers.
Steps: 1. Each child gets heart. 2. Draw/write one promise like baptism: "I’ll be a witness for Jesus" (Mosiah 18:10). 3. Decorate with symbols from Activity 1. 4. Share in pairs: "I promise to..." Glue to sticks for waving.
Connects to Scripture Discovery: Links Jehovah's covenants to our lives, like standing as witnesses.
Questions: "Why keep promises with God and family?" "How is this like Abraham's covenant (Exodus 19:5)?"

Life Application Bridge
These symbols, names, and covenants show Jesus lighting our path daily. At school, share bread (snack) like manna—be kind. At home, keep promises like "help Mom" to honor covenants. Choose friends who help you remember Jesus is Jehovah, your guide.

Testimony Time
Sit in circle with hearts out. Ask: "What symbol or name helped you feel Jesus closer today?" Listen warmly, then share: I love seeing Jesus as our Bread of Life in these stories—it fills my heart with peace.

Take-Home Challenge
This week, shine your lamp: Find one Old Testament symbol of Jesus (like a picture or bread at dinner) and tell your family, "Jesus is our Bread of Life (John 6:35)!" Draw it on your heart and share your covenant promise.

Teacher Tips

1. Prep symbols ahead; adapt charades for shy kids by pairing acting with a friend. 2. Time activities: 5 min each for flow—use timer bell as "Jehovah's light" signal. (712 words)