FHE Lesson: Checking In on Our Goals with the Children and Youth Program

Opening Song: I will walk with Jesus 

Opening Prayer: (Assign someone in advance or ask for a volunteer)

Lesson & Discussion:

1. Scripture & Message
   
   

• Read Luke 2:52: "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."

• Discuss how Jesus grew spiritually, physically, socially, and intellectually and how we are encouraged to do the same.

1. Spiritually – “In favor with God”

• Jesus prayed often (Luke 5:16 – "And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.")

• He studied and taught the scriptures (Luke 2:46-47 – Jesus, as a boy, was found teaching in the temple.)

• He fasted and resisted temptation (Matthew 4:1-11 – Jesus fasted for 40 days and overcame Satan’s temptations.)

2. Physically – “In stature”

• Jesus worked as a carpenter, which required physical strength (Mark 6:3 – “Is not this the carpenter?”)

• He walked long distances to teach and serve others (John 4:6 – Jesus was weary from his journey and rested at Jacob’s well.)

• He physically healed and cared for others, demonstrating endurance (Matthew 8:16 – Jesus healed the sick and cast out devils.)

3. Socially – “In favor with man”

• Jesus made friends and loved others (John 15:13 – “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”)

• He attended social gatherings, such as the wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11 – Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding feast.)

• He showed kindness to all, including outcasts like tax collectors and sinners (Luke 19:5-10 – Jesus dined with Zacchaeus, a tax collector.)

4. Intellectually – “In wisdom”

• Jesus amazed scholars with His understanding at age 12 (Luke 2:46-47 – He discussed deep doctrine with temple teachers.)

• He used parables to teach complex truths in a way people could understand (Matthew 13 – The Parable of the Sower, Mustard Seed, etc.)

• He learned the scriptures and used them to teach and respond to challenges (Matthew 22:15-22 – Jesus outwitted the Pharisees with His wisdom.)

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2. Review the Children and Youth Goal Categories
   
   

• Spiritual (e.g., scripture study, prayer, attending church)

• Physical (e.g., exercise, healthy eating, sports)

• Social (e.g., making new friends, being kind, serving others)

• Intellectual (e.g., learning a new skill, improving in school)

3. Age-Appropriate Engagement:
   
   

• For younger children: Use pictures or simple drawings to represent different goal categories. Ask questions like: 

• What’s something you’ve learned recently? 

• What’s something fun you’d like to try?

• For older children: Let them share a goal in one of the four areas and discuss their progress. Use questions like:

• What’s been working well for you?

• What has been challenging?

• How can we support each other?

4. Short Activity: “My Next Step”
   
   

• Have each child write or draw one small step they can take this week to improve in one goal area.

• Younger kids can draw a picture of their goal.

• Teens can write a note in their phone or journal.

5. Encouragement & Testimony
   
   

• Share a short story or personal experience about setting and adjusting goals.

• Emphasize that progress matters more than perfection and that setbacks are part of growth.

• Quote Elder Lawrence: "Our Heavenly Father knows our divine potential. He rejoices every time we take a step forward."

Closing Prayer: (Assign someone)

Treat: A simple family favorite snack