As you prepare to teach Doctrine and Covenants 135–136 in Sunday School this week, you’ll be guiding your class through sacred and emotional moments in Church history—honoring the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith and studying the Lord’s instructions to the Saints as they prepared to journey west. These sections are rich with testimony, courage, and trust in the Lord’s timing and plan. To help your class reflect deeply and engage meaningfully with these powerful teachings, we’ve gathered a collection of thoughtful discussion questions, simple object lesson ideas, and personal sharing prompts. These tools are designed to invite the Spirit, encourage heartfelt participation, and help your class connect past events with their own journey of faith today.
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Joseph and Hyrum Smith sealed their testimonies with their blood. (Doctrine and Covenants 135; 136:37–39)
10 Engaging Questions
- How would you have felt living in Nauvoo at the time of the martyrdom?
- Why do you think the Lord allowed Joseph and Hyrum to be killed?
- What reassurance do you find in Doctrine and Covenants 135?
- What parallels do you see between Joseph and Hyrum and other martyrs in scripture?
- How does their sacrifice strengthen your testimony of Christ’s work?
- What words or phrases in section 135 inspire you to stay faithful?
- How can remembering their example give us courage today?
- Why is sealing a testimony with blood considered the ultimate witness?
- How can we honor their sacrifice in the way we live the gospel?
- What message would you share with someone struggling to understand the martyrdom?
5 Object Lessons
- Blazing torch – A life given to carry light forward.
- Signed contract – Their blood was the seal of their testimony.
- Seeds planted in soil – Their sacrifice brought forth greater growth.
- Broken but shining vessel – Even in death, their witness brought light.
- Anchor – Their steadfastness secures our faith.
10 Personal Sharing Prompts
- Share when you felt strengthened by Joseph Smith’s example.
- Reflect on how sacrifice has deepened your testimony.
- Tell about a time you honored someone’s legacy by living faithfully.
- Share how you’ve felt the Spirit when singing “Praise to the Man.”
- Reflect on how remembering the Prophet helps you endure trials.
- Share a teaching of Joseph Smith that has impacted your life.
- Reflect on how Joseph’s death testifies of the truth of the Restoration.
- Tell about when you realized the Restoration work cannot be stopped.
- Share what you’d say to someone struggling with why God allows suffering.
- Reflect on how Joseph and Hyrum’s courage inspires your daily faith.
Joseph Smith was a prophet and witness of Jesus Christ. (Doctrine and Covenants 135:3)
10 Engaging Questions
- What accomplishments of Joseph Smith stand out most to you?
- How have his contributions influenced your faith in Christ?
- Why is Joseph Smith’s role central to your testimony of the Restoration?
- What truths about Christ did Joseph reveal that bless your life today?
- How might you describe Joseph Smith to someone who doesn’t know him?
- Why is it significant that his mission was accomplished in only 20 years?
- How do Joseph’s teachings help you draw closer to the Savior?
- What role did his translation of the Book of Mormon play in your testimony?
- How would you write a short eulogy or tribute to Joseph Smith?
- How does remembering Joseph’s mission strengthen your covenant keeping?
5 Object Lessons
- Translator’s dictionary – Symbolizing the Book of Mormon translation.
- Open door – Joseph unlocked truths of eternity.
- Lantern – His mission brought light to a dark world.
- Foundation stone – His role established Christ’s church anew.
- Messenger bag – He carried divine truths for us.
10 Personal Sharing Prompts
- Share a truth about Christ you learned through Joseph Smith.
- Reflect on your testimony of the Book of Mormon.
- Tell about how you explain Joseph Smith’s mission to others.
- Share what Joseph Smith means to your family.
- Reflect on how his example strengthens your discipleship.
- Share a favorite Joseph Smith quote or teaching.
- Reflect on how Joseph’s role helps you feel closer to God.
- Share how you’ve felt the Spirit testify of Joseph’s calling.
- Reflect on why you believe he was a prophet.
- Tell about when your testimony of Joseph deepened.
I can help accomplish the Lord’s will as I follow His counsel. (Doctrine and Covenants 136)
10 Engaging Questions
- How did the Lord’s counsel in section 136 turn a trial into a spiritual experience?
- What principles stand out to you for enduring difficult journeys?
- Why was unity so important for the Saints as they crossed the plains?
- How do these verses show the Lord’s love during trials?
- What modern challenges could be compared to the westward migration?
- How does obedience bring both temporal and spiritual blessings?
- What counsel here helps you during “deep waters” in your life?
- How do we see Brigham Young’s leadership patterning Christ’s?
- How can trials become refining rather than crushing?
- What covenant principles do you see in section 136?
5 Object Lessons
- Trail map – Shows how counsel directs a safe journey.
- Tent stakes – Symbolize unity and stability while traveling.
- Heavy backpack – Burdens carried become lighter with guidance.
- Compass – The Lord always points us in the right direction.
- River crossing – Difficult trials are passable with help and preparation.
10 Personal Sharing Prompts
- Share a time the Lord turned hardship into growth.
- Reflect on when counsel from leaders helped you endure.
- Tell about an experience of finding unity in a trial.
- Share how obedience has blessed your family.
- Reflect on a journey (literal or spiritual) where God sustained you.
- Tell about how you’ve seen the Lord’s hand in “wilderness” moments.
- Share how hymns like “Come, Come, Ye Saints” inspire you.
- Reflect on what helps you keep a covenant perspective during trials.
- Tell about someone who showed faith during adversity and strengthened you.
- Share how following prophetic counsel brought you peace.
