Alma 17-22 Missionaries among Kings

Alma 17:1-4 They Taught with Power
In verse 3 is says that the sons of Mosiah taught with power and authority of God. Have students read verses 1-4 and discuss those things that made it possible to teach with this power and authority. How can we teach with power and authority of God today?

Alma 17:5-10 Be Comforted!
Compare the things the Lord did for the sons of Mosiah to the things the sons of Mosiah did for themselves. What must modern missionaries depend upon the Lord for? What should missionaries do for themselves?

Alma 17:11-17 Great Was the Work They Had Undertaken
Have students find things in these verses that would have caused discouragement or frustration. Compare the Lamanites to people today to whom the missionaries will be sent. Ask students why the Lord would ask missionaries to go to such people. Cross-reference: Moses 7:26-29, 32.

Alma 17:18 Ammon Administered to His Brothers
Have students read this verse and compare the what Ammon did with his brothers to things that leaders do to prepare missionaries for service today. How are modern missionaries prepared to serve? Who sets missionaries apart prior to their service? What is the purpose of the Missionary Training Centers? Cross-reference: D&C 88:118-126.

Alma 17:19-18:23 Ammon Prepares to Teach the King
In these verses are several events that lay a foundation for Ammon to be able to preach the gospel to the Lamanites. Review the characteristics of the Lamanites (see Alma 17:14-15). Have students identify in Alma 17:19-18:23 the actions taken by Ammon that prepared the heart of the King so he could be taught. What can modern Church members and missionaries to do prepare their friends and neighbors to be taught?

Alma 18:24-40 Ammon Teaches the King
Have students list the fundamental doctrines Ammon taught the King. How are these doctrines similar to the doctrines taught in Preach My Gospel, chapter 3? Why would it be important for students to be able to teach these doctrines from their hearts?

Alma 18:41-19:14 Being Overcome by the Spirit
Compare the things that caused King Lamoni, King Lamoni’s wife, and Ammon to be overcome to the point that they fainted as if they were dead. What are the things that cause us to be overwhelmed with joy today? Cross-reference: D&C 18:44-45.

Alma 19:15-36 The Work Begins among the Lamanites
Ammon, King Lamoni, and King Lamoni’s wife lie lifeless before Lamanites. Contention builds among the people and Ammon’s life is about to be taken. A Lamanite convert named Abish takes an action that stops the dissension and saves Ammon’s life. Have students read Alma 19;29-36 and describe how King Lamoni’s wife and King Lamoni were changed by their experience. Together with Ammon, these people become three witnesses to the Lamanites. What is their testimony?

Alma 20:1-8 Ammon and King Lamoni Are Friends
Compare how King Lamoni greeted Ammon in Alma 17:20 to the relationship between Ammon and King Lamoni in Alma 20:1-8. What has caused that relationship to change? What is it we can do to improve our relationships with others and prepare them to embrace the gospel?

Alma 20:9-30 King Lamoni’s Father
Invite students to read through these verses looking for the emotions of King Lamoni, his father, and Ammon. What is it that causes them to feel joy or sorrow or fear? How are God’s purposes being accomplished through this experience? What evidence do you see that God is working in your home, neighborhood, or community?

Alma 21:9 The Doctrine of Christ
Compare what Aaron taught and how he taught it in these verses to what Ammon taught and how he taught it in Alma 18:36. How are their approaches similar? See also Alma 22:12-14. What pattern is there in their teaching that we should follow today?

Alma 22:28-34 A Geography Lesson
Have students read these verses and draw a map of the land of Zarahemla. Explain that we do not have any authorized or accurate maps of the land as it was 2,000 years ago. But, ask them to do the best they can. Why would Mormon want us to know these details? How is the situation of the Nephites similar to the situation of all righteous people today?