Come, Follow Me Youth Lesson: Week 3 – Created in God’s Image (Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5)

Opening Connection
Imagine your life right now: school deadlines piling up, friendships shifting, maybe feeling a bit lost amid the chaos, like the earth was once “without form, and void” and “empty and desolate” (Genesis 1:2; Abraham 4:2). Yet God transformed that into something magnificent. These Creation accounts remind us that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are Creators who can bring light into our dark moments and fill our emptiness with purpose. As we study Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; and Abraham 4–5, ponder: What can God create in your life? (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026)

Scripture Discovery
Divide into pairs to explore three key passages interactively. First, partner-read Genesis 1:1–25; Moses 2:1–25; and Abraham 4:1–25. Mark phrases showing Jesus as the Creator—“By mine Only Begotten I created these things” (Moses 2:1). Discuss: What does this teach about Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, the world, and yourself? Share one insight each.

Next, as a class, do a treasure hunt in Genesis 1:26–27; Moses 2:26–27; and Abraham 4:26–27. Find words like “image” and “likeness.” Compare across accounts—what repeats? Why does God emphasize we are created male and female in His image?

Finally, scan Genesis 1:28; Moses 2:28; and Abraham 4:28 for our responsibilities. Underline commands to “replenish the earth” and “subdue it.” Pairs contrast: How does this differ from just enjoying creation?

Core Gospel Principles
These truths build from God’s power to our divine potential:

1. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are Creators: Through Jesus, the Only Begotten, all things were organized from chaos into beauty (Genesis 1:1–25; Moses 2:1–25; Abraham 4:1–25; see also Doctrine and Covenants 101:32–34).

2. We are created in God’s image: “God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” (Genesis 1:26; see Moses 2:26–27; Abraham 4:26–27). This truth helps when facing negative feelings about yourself, affirming your sacred body (see “Your body is sacred” in For the Strength of Youth, pages 22–29; President Russell M. Nelson, “God’s Greatest Creation” video, Gospel Library).

3. We have stewardship over God’s creations: “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it” (Genesis 1:28; Moses 2:28; Abraham 4:28; see Doctrine and Covenants 59:16–21, 104:13–18; Gérald Caussé, “Our Earthly Stewardship,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 57–59).

4. God sanctified the Sabbath: On the seventh day, “God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it” (Genesis 2:2–3; Moses 3:2–3; Abraham 5:2–3; see Doctrine and Covenants 59:9–13).

Engaging Activities
Activity 1: Image of God Sentence Completion (10 minutes). In small groups, complete: “Because I know I am created in God’s image, I choose to…” Share one per group. Connect to Mosiah 3:19 and Ether 12:27—how does this counter ideas that we can’t improve? (President Russell M. Nelson, “Your Body: A Magnificent Gift to Cherish,” Liahona, Aug. 2019, 50–55).

Activity 2: Stewardship Case Studies (15 minutes). Groups get scenarios: litter at a park (caring for earth), social media body-shaming (honoring sacred bodies), or skipping church for sports (Sabbath). Role-play responses using Genesis 1:28 and 2:2–3. Present solutions—how do these honor the Creator?

Activity 3: Creation Puzzle Workshop (10 minutes). Individually, sketch a human body or earth element as a puzzle (inspired by Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 32). Assemble while discussing: How does reassembling reflect God’s creative power in our lives?

Life Application Bridge
These principles touch your world directly. At school, seeing peers as God’s image combats comparison—choose kindness because “in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them” (Genesis 1:27). In family or future planning, honor marriage as “ordained of God” between man and woman (see “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Gospel Library; Russell M. Nelson, “Lessons from Eve,” Ensign, Nov. 1987, 87). Care for creations by recycling or appreciating nature amid busy schedules. Keep the Sabbath delightful, distinct from other days (“The Sabbath Is a Delight” video, Gospel Library), preparing you for temple covenants and adult responsibilities.

Unified Closing
Today, we’ve seen how God turns chaos to beauty, creates us in His image, entrusts us with stewardship, and blesses the Sabbath. This week, choose one: Notice a creation and thank Jesus in prayer; do something for your body’s sacredness; or plan a Sabbath activity that feels holy. As you act, I testify that studying these accounts has deepened my awe for the Creators who know and love you perfectly. Who would like to share how this speaks to you? Let’s close in prayer, committing to live these truths.

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