“Come, Follow Me” June 17–23: “It Is Finished”

This week’s readings: Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19

Don’t forget to record your impressions and read the ideas outlined in the new Come, Follow Me manuals on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

This scriptural insight comes from Verse by Verse: Volume 1 by Andrew C. Skinner and D. Kelly Ogden.

The hyssop (John 19:29) is a small tree, though we might call it a shrub or a bush. It is used as a food, spice, and medicine, and the woody stem and branches are often used for kindling. Its appearance is unimposing and unpretentious, in contrast to the lofty and mighty cedar. Use of the hyssop branch may have some symbolic relation to the saving blood spread on the houses of Israel during the first Passover night (Exodus 12:21–23) or to the blood of remission that Moses applied to the people (Exodus 24:6–8; Hebrews 9:19–20).

These ideas and topics are compiled from Come, Follow Me and have been adapted for specific situations. Check out the manuals online for more ideas, or come up with your own as you study!

Sometimes in the busy-ness of life, we can feel overworked, alone, or forgotten. Maybe you live far away from your families, or maybe you feel you are struggling or failing in your role as a husband or wife, mother or father, etc. As you study the Atonement of Jesus Christ this week, you might spend time discussing together how Heavenly Father comforted His Son and how He can comfort us (see “None Were with Him” by Elder Jeffery R. Holland for additional insight into this topic). Consider sharing with each other a time when you felt the Lord lift a burden you were carrying, or share a burden that you are currently carrying and help each other see ways that the Lord’s hand is still evident even in the midst of your struggle. 

As you read through the final events of Christ’s life this week, consider making a two-column list of all of the things that were done to the Savior and how He responded to them. Though we do not all suffer the same physical torment that the Savior did, we have all been hurt in some way by the actions or words of others. You might ponder how you react to the things or people that hurt you and how you can react more like Christ. You could also spend some time thinking about why Christ was willing to endure these things for us as you read 1 Nephi 19:9 or Jesus the Christ. 

The events of Jesus Christ’s Atonement and crucifixion can be violent and troubling for young children, so after briefly sharing the story, you might consider focusing your discussion on how Jesus forgave those who treated Him so terribly, and how we can forgive others who say or do things that are unkind. Alternatively, you might discuss how the Savior loves us, and that is why He was willing to sacrifice Himself for us and take turns sharing thoughts or feelings about Jesus.

In this week’s readings, there are several examples of people who did not stand up for what was right or for what they believed, such as Pilot, Peter, and Judas. As you read together, you may consider writing down or sharing the stories of each and why they chose not to stand firm. Contrasting this with the Savior’s unwavering commitment to His Father, you might discuss ways that your family can stand up for what is right. Perhaps there is a specific situation one of your children is facing that you can use as a case study, or you could watch the Church’s video “Everyday Example: When Beliefs Are Questioned”to generate discussion about ways that you can respect others while still sharing your beliefs.

Stay in the loop on Come, Follow Me discussions and insights throughout the week by following the Brightly Beams Instagram account, or check out this week's related Come, Follow Me FHE lesson: Gethsemane.

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