"Arise and Come Forth unto Me"

Carl Christian Anton Christensen (American, born Denmark, 1832-1903)
Suffer the Children to Come Unto Me, Christ in the Americas (1903)
oil on canvas, 24 x 30 inches
Church History Museum, Salt Lake City, Utah

The following three weeks in the Come, Follow Me curriculum look at the account of Jesus in the Americas. For artists, it is an opportunity to imagine what might that scene have looked like. Along with the symbolic image from last’s week’s Come, Follow Me (Art Companion) by Sardinian-Italian artist Anna Maria Carta, we will present paintings from different centuries and countries. They have disparate sensibilities regarding historical authenticity and painting styles. A challenge that contemporary artists have is this: how is Jesus to be painted? What does He look like and what do the people look like? We are pleased to present four diverse approaches.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think the people were drawn to gather at the temple in Bountiful to discuss the signs of Jesus' death? Role play with others in your family or study group how the discussion might have unfolded among members of this "great multitude" (3 Nephi 11:1-2).

2. Jesus repeatedly describes that we should become as little children (3 Nephi 9:22; 3 Nephi 11:37-38). What is it about little children that is particularly exemplary for us to follow?

3. Art project: When you think of the Second Coming of Jesus, what images come to your mind? Sketch these images and describe to those in your family or study group why you equate these images with Jesus and His return.

Questions for Youth & Children:

1. Jesus asks that we bring to him "a broken heart and a contrite spirit" (3 Nephi 9:20). What does this mean to you? What can you do to show Jesus that you are willing to give Him a broken heart and a contrite spirit?

2. Have you ever seen a hen with her little baby chicks under her wings? Jesus says many times that he wants to gather us like chicks under His wings and take care of us (3 Nephi 10:4-6). Why do you think this is the image that Jesus chose? When have you felt someone gather you in and take care of you? How did it make you feel? What can you do to help others to feel like that?

3. When Jesus came down from heaven to visit the people, he met them "one by one" (3 Nephi 11:15). How do you think you might have felt when it was your turn?