Conference Parables – Memorable stories in General Conference by those who told them. This story is taken from Boyd K. Packer’s talk “Washed Clean” (April 1997). Included is an object lesson that goes right along with it that teaches the importance of needing to be cleansed from sin AND there’s a bonus video included that was created using the closing lines of his talk. 

OBJECT LESSON: Washed Clean

This object lesson works best if done near your kitchen sink.  

Next to your sink line up 3 bowls. Halfway fill each of the bowls with one of the following:

• Chocolate Syrup
• Washable Paint
• Crushed up Crackers

Have the sink filled with soapy water. (If you don’t do this by a sink, you can use a large bowl filled with soapy water)

Have each person put 1 hand into each of the bowls as you discuss all the many ways people sin. (Act as if each bowl represents a different sin. First with chocolate syrup, then with paint, and end with crushed up crackers)

With everyone’s hand covered in all 3 things, talk about how gross and yucky it is. Then compare their hand to sin and talk about how sin makes us dirty and makes us feel yucky. 

Talk about how uncomfortable it would be to walk around all day with this on your hand. Talk about how it feels to live with a sin that you haven’t repented of. Sometimes we might think that if we just keep living our lives eventually the sin will go away – that is not true. Sin cannot clean itself. We need someone who has the power to cleanse us of our sins. Someone who can make us clean again. That person is our Savior Jesus Christ. 

Now give everyone a chance to wash their hands in the soapy water. Discuss how good it feels to be clean again.

Boyd K. Packer had a similar experience in his life. 

Taken from April 1997 General Conference Talk “Washed Clean” by Boyd K. Packer. You can find the talk on churchofjesuschrist.org by Clicking HERE

ADDITIONAL RESOURCE

*If sharing this for a lesson or devotional, I suggest going around and having each person say one thing that stood out to them about Boyd K Packer’s story and what they liked about it.  

Discuss what they learned from the object lesson and the video about Heavenly Father’s plan and why we need a Savior.

Then close with the following:

At the end of President Packer’s talk, he shared: “If only I could tell you what the Atonement means to me. I once tried to express it in writing and close with these lines:”

(Tanner M did a great job putting Pres. Packer’s closing words to music and video. Watch it below)

Yours Truly,

P.S. This video was used in a Teach Me FHE that goes along with my weekly Come, Follow Me Study Guide. A daily study guide geared towards families with teenagers, singles, empty nesters, or for your own personal study. Check out my Come, Follow Me Daily Study Guides by clicking HERE

P.P.S. Sign up for my monthly Finding JOY Newsletter and receive MORE inspiring gospel-related resources delivered right to your inbox! Helping you be the most effective teacher at home and in your calling. 

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