3 Nephi 27:1-12 The Name of the Lord
The disciples were wondering what to call the church that Christ had established. When he answered their question he also answered other questions. Have students list the other questions that Jesus answered in these verses. Why must we be careful in the way that we use the name of the Lord?
3 Nephi 27:13-22 This Is My Gospel
In these verses Jesus explains what is meant by “the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Have students list all the elements that make up the gospel of Jesus Christ. Why is it that we must “repent . . . and come unto [Christ] and be baptized in [Christ’s] name”? How do the ordinances and covenants of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints help persons meet the requirements of the gospel of Jesus Christ?
3 Nephi 27:23-33 And Now I Go to the Father
Before his departure from his Nephite disciples, Jesus asked them to do to things. What did he ask them to write? What did he ask them to be? And what did he ask them to do? Why did he joy in their generation and sorrow in the fourth generation? What should we write, and be and do in order to return to the Father?
3 Nephi 28:1-11 More Blessed Are Ye
These verses speak of the blessings that the disciples requested of the Lord before he ascended into heaven. Nine disciples requested one thing (verse 2), and three requested something else (verse 6). Compare what Jesus said to both groups concerning their desires. What valuable lesson can we learn about the desires of our hearts?
3 Nephi 28:12-40 The Three Nephites
List all the things that Mormon knew about the three Nephite disciples. What do we learn from these verses about those disciples and about being transfigured? Cross-reference: Moses 1:9-11.
3 Nephi 29:1-9 The Words of the Lord
When the Book of Mormon comes forth among the Gentiles in America it will be a sign that the covenant that the Lord made with the house of Israel is about to be fulfilled. According to this chapter, what other truths will be confirmed by the coming forth of the Book of Mormon? What else that the Lord has promised will also come to pass?
3 Nephi 30:1-2 Become a Part of the House of Israel
What are the things the Gentiles will have to do to become a part of the house of Israel? How do our missionaries help persons become eligible for the blessings of the house of Israel?
4 Nephi 1:1-18 There Was No Contention in All the Land
Read these verses and list all the things that happened to the people because they were converted to Christ. What evidence is there in your life that you are converted to Christ?
4 Nephi 1:23-49 Dwindling in Unbelief and Wickedness
Trace the fall of the Nephites. List the step by step decline that they went through until there were “none that were righteous save it were the disciples of Jesus”. What evidence is there that we as individuals, neighborhoods, cities and nations are not on that same path?
Friday, October 31, 2008
3 Nephi 22-26 New Scripture Revealed
3 Nephi 22:1 Then Shall that which Is Written Come to Pass
Have students determine what the word “then” means in the first line of 3 Nephi 22:1. In order to do this they will have to read 3 Nephi 21:23-29. “Then” in the context of verse 1 means: when the Lamanites, the Gentiles, and the lost tribes of Israel have been gathered together from their dispersion and come to New Jerusalem.
3 Nephi 22:1-17 In a Little Wrath I Hid My Face
For many years the house of Israel experienced terrible persecution. However, when the gathering of Israel has been completed, there will be great blessings. Have students read these verses and list the blessings promised to the righteous of the house of Israel. Ask students to explain what the Lord means when he says, in verse 8, “with great mercies will I gather thee”. Ask students what mercies have been granted to them when they have been gathered into the house of Israel.
3 Nephi 22:17 Memorize
Have students memorize this verse. Why would this verse bring comfort to those who are part of the house of Israel today?
3 Nephi 23:1-14 Holy Scripture
When Jesus spoke to the Nephites he spoke of the writings of two prophets. Have students search this chapter and identify the writings Jesus told the Nephites to explore and preserve. (Isaiah, 1-4; Samuel the Lamanite, 9-13) Ask students why they think the Lord would want the Nephites to preserve the words of these two prophets.
3 Nephi 24-25 The Writings of Malachi
In addition to Isaiah and Samuel the Lamanite, the Lord instructed the Nephites to include the revelations given to Malachi. These words were written after Lehi left Jerusalem. The Lord invites Israel to “Return unto me and I will return unto you” (24:7). Ask students to read 24:7-11 and discuss how paying tithes is like “returning to the Lord.” Ask students to speak of the blessings they have received through the payment of tithing.
Notice that the Lord speaks of destroying the “root and branch” of the wicked in 25:1. But, he speaks of “the heart of the fathers [being turned by the Lord] to the children” in 25:6. Have students explain why the coming of Elijah will stop the Lord from smiting the earth with a curse.
3 Nephi 26:1-5 He Did Expound All Things
Have students read these verses and list the things of which Jesus spoke to the Nephites. Why did Jesus want them to hear these things? Why has he kept many of these things from us today?
3 Nephi 26:6-12 I Was about to Write
Find verses that explain what Mormon wanted to write and was withheld from doing so. What reason did the Lord give Mormon for not letting him write all the things that the Lord taught the Nephites? What can we do to prepare ourselves to receive all that the Lord wants to give us in this generation?
3 Nephi 26:13-21 They Did Minister One to Another
Have students read these verses and select one event that they would want to have been a part of. Have them explain why they would have wanted to participate in such events. What sorts of events can we participate in today that were available to the Nephites?
Have students determine what the word “then” means in the first line of 3 Nephi 22:1. In order to do this they will have to read 3 Nephi 21:23-29. “Then” in the context of verse 1 means: when the Lamanites, the Gentiles, and the lost tribes of Israel have been gathered together from their dispersion and come to New Jerusalem.
3 Nephi 22:1-17 In a Little Wrath I Hid My Face
For many years the house of Israel experienced terrible persecution. However, when the gathering of Israel has been completed, there will be great blessings. Have students read these verses and list the blessings promised to the righteous of the house of Israel. Ask students to explain what the Lord means when he says, in verse 8, “with great mercies will I gather thee”. Ask students what mercies have been granted to them when they have been gathered into the house of Israel.
3 Nephi 22:17 Memorize
Have students memorize this verse. Why would this verse bring comfort to those who are part of the house of Israel today?
3 Nephi 23:1-14 Holy Scripture
When Jesus spoke to the Nephites he spoke of the writings of two prophets. Have students search this chapter and identify the writings Jesus told the Nephites to explore and preserve. (Isaiah, 1-4; Samuel the Lamanite, 9-13) Ask students why they think the Lord would want the Nephites to preserve the words of these two prophets.
3 Nephi 24-25 The Writings of Malachi
In addition to Isaiah and Samuel the Lamanite, the Lord instructed the Nephites to include the revelations given to Malachi. These words were written after Lehi left Jerusalem. The Lord invites Israel to “Return unto me and I will return unto you” (24:7). Ask students to read 24:7-11 and discuss how paying tithes is like “returning to the Lord.” Ask students to speak of the blessings they have received through the payment of tithing.
Notice that the Lord speaks of destroying the “root and branch” of the wicked in 25:1. But, he speaks of “the heart of the fathers [being turned by the Lord] to the children” in 25:6. Have students explain why the coming of Elijah will stop the Lord from smiting the earth with a curse.
3 Nephi 26:1-5 He Did Expound All Things
Have students read these verses and list the things of which Jesus spoke to the Nephites. Why did Jesus want them to hear these things? Why has he kept many of these things from us today?
3 Nephi 26:6-12 I Was about to Write
Find verses that explain what Mormon wanted to write and was withheld from doing so. What reason did the Lord give Mormon for not letting him write all the things that the Lord taught the Nephites? What can we do to prepare ourselves to receive all that the Lord wants to give us in this generation?
3 Nephi 26:13-21 They Did Minister One to Another
Have students read these verses and select one event that they would want to have been a part of. Have them explain why they would have wanted to participate in such events. What sorts of events can we participate in today that were available to the Nephites?
3 Nephi 16-21 The Lord's Covenant with Israel
3 Nephi 16:1-20 The Promises of the Lord
In the context of 3 Nephi 16 the word “Gentiles” means those who are not descendants of Lehi or descendants of the Jews from Jerusalem. The expression “House of Israel” means those who are descendants of Lehi or descendants of the Jews from Jerusalem. Divide students into two groups and have one list the promises made to the Gentiles and the other list the promises made to the house of Israel.
3 Nephi 17:1-10 Faith to Be Healed
Verse 6 declares that Jesus was “filled with compassion”, verse 10 says that the Nephites “did bathe [the Lord’s] feet with their tears.” Have students explain why Jesus and the Nephites were so filled with emotion. Ask students what it is that fills them with similar emotion. What are the things they are grateful for that only the Lord could do for them?
3 Nephi 17:11-25 Jesus wept
Find the phrases “Jesus groaned within himself”, “he wept”, “he wept again”. What is it that is causing the Lord to have such an emotional reaction? How do we feel about our children? What causes us to weep for joy when we think of our children?
3 Nephi 18:1-16 This Shall Ye Do in Remembrance
Jesus demonstrated how he should be remembered. He broke bread and poured wine and distributed it to the disciples. They gave it to the multitude. Have students find the statements of the Lord that explain why we should do these things today and what is meant by this ordinance.
3 Nephi 18:17-39 How We Should Worship
After speaking to the disciples about the sacrament, Jesus turned his attention to the multitude and gave them instructions concerning their meetings. He explained what they should do and what they should not do when they met together. Have students read these verses and list the things that Jesus said concerning their behavior during meetings. What can we do to make our meetings more in harmony with the Lord’s instructions?
3 Nephi 19:1-15 Jesus Came to Them
The Lord had departed from the Nephites for a time. As they waited, the disciples did certain things. List the things they did. Have students explain why they think Jesus waited until all these things were done before he appeared to the Nephites again. When should we expect that the Lord will manifest himself to us?
3 Nephi 19:16-36 Jesus Prayed to the Father
Sometimes people can become distressed because the Nephites are praying to Jesus and not to the Father. There is no explanation as to why they prayed to Jesus. The only concern the Nephites appear to have is that they do what Jesus asked them to do. And in so doing they were blessed with spiritual manifestations beyond anything any other group had ever seen. Ask students to find the words that Jesus used when he prayed to the Father. What do these words teach us about his relationship with the Father? What can we do to make our prayers more like those of the Son of God?
3 Nephi 20:1-13 Now I Finish the Commandment
Jesus produces bread and wine to distribute to the Nephites. After having done this he explains that he will fulfill the covenant God made to the house of Israel that he would gather them again to the knowledge of the Lord their God. How is the sacrament service symbolic of the gathering of Israel? What are the deacons taking to the congregation? Where do they go when they take the emblems? What do the priests do before the emblems are brought back? What do the deacons bring back to the table? What happens to it when they bring it back? Cross-reference: D&C 115:5-6.
3 Nephi 20:14-22 I Will Be in the Midst of You
What are the promises that the Lord makes to the House of Israel concerning the land of America? What must we do to take advantage of the promises the Lord has made concerning the people who live in this land?
3 Nephi 20:23-46 I Will Remember the Covenant
Find the word “covenant” in verses 25, 26, 27, 29, 46. What is the covenant that the Lord has made to the faithful people who are of the house of Israel?
3 Nephi 21:1-11 A Sign from the Lord (Scripture Analysis)
Take the students through the following scripture analysis so that they might understand the importance of the Book of Mormon.
1 And verily I [Jesus Christ] say unto you [the house of Israel], I give unto you a sign, that ye may know the time when these things [the fulfilling of the covenant God made with Israel to gather them] shall be about to take place—that I shall gather in, from their long dispersion, my people, O house of Israel, and shall establish again among them my Zion;
2 And behold [pay attention], this is the thing which I will give unto you for a sign—for verily I say unto you that when these things which I declare unto you, and which I shall declare unto you hereafter of myself, and by the power of the Holy Ghost which shall be given unto you of the Father [the words Jesus Christ has spoken that will be recorded and come forth in the Book of Mormon], shall be made known unto the Gentiles that they [the Gentiles] may know concerning this people who are a remnant of the house of Jacob [the Lamanites], and concerning this my people [the Lamanites] who shall be scattered by them [the Gentiles];
3 Verily, verily, I say unto you, when these things shall be made known unto them of the Father [the words that Jesus spoke to the Nephites as found in the Book of Mormon], and shall come forth of the Father [in the form of the Book of Mormon], from them [Gentiles] unto you [the Lamanites, the children of Israel];
4 For it is wisdom in the Father that they [the Gentiles] should be established in this land [America], and be set up as a free people by the power of the Father, that these things [the Book of Mormon] might come forth from them [the Gentiles] unto a remnant of your seed [the Lamanites], that the covenant of the Father [to gather the house of Israel] may be fulfilled which he hath covenanted with his people, O house of Israel;
5 Therefore [since the Father will fulfill his covenant to gather Israel and this message will come from the Gentiles to the house of Israel through the Book of Mormon], when these works and the works which shall be wrought among you hereafter shall come forth from the Gentiles, unto your seed which shall dwindle in unbelief because of iniquity;
6 For thus it behooveth the Father that it [the Book of Mormon] should come forth from the Gentiles, that he may show forth his power unto the Gentiles, for this cause that the Gentiles, if they will not harden their hearts, that they may repent and come unto me and be baptized in my name and know of the true points of my doctrine, that they may be numbered among my people, O house of Israel;
7 And when these things [the coming forth of the Book of Mormon from the Gentiles to the house of Israel] come to pass that thy seed [the Lamanites] shall begin to know these things—it shall be a sign unto them [the Lamanites], that they may know that the work of the Father hath already commenced unto the fulfilling of the covenant which he hath made unto the people who are of the house of Israel.
8 And when that day shall come [that the Lamanites hear the message of the Book of Mormon from the Gentiles], it shall come to pass that kings shall shut their mouths; for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.
9 For in that day [when the Book of Mormon shall come forth], for my sake shall the Father work a work, which shall be a great and a marvelous work among them; and there shall be among them those who will not believe it, although a man shall declare it unto them.
10 But behold [pay attention], the life of my servant [Joseph Smith] shall be in my hand; therefore [because the life of Joseph Smith is being protected by the Lord] they [the unbelievers and the hard of heart] shall not hurt him, although he shall be marred because of them. Yet I will heal him, for I will show unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil.
11 Therefore [because the wicked will not be able to destroy the work that Joseph Smith shall bring forth, though they may mar him] it shall come to pass that whosoever will not believe in my words, who am Jesus Christ, which the Father shall cause him to bring forth unto the Gentiles [the Book of Mormon], and shall give unto him [the Lord’s servant, Joseph Smith] power that he shall bring them forth unto the Gentiles, (it shall be done even as Moses said) they [the unbelieving among the Gentiles] shall be cut off from among my people who are of the covenant [the house of Israel].
After doing this scripture analysis, invite students to express what they have learned concerning the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, and the restoration of the house of Israel.
3 Nephi 21:12-29 Then Shall the Work of the Father Commence among All . . . My People – Scripture Analysis
Take the students through the following scripture analysis and ask them what questions are being answered concerning the gathering of Israel.
12 And my people who are a remnant of Jacob [the Lamanites] shall be among the Gentiles, yea, in the midst of them [the Gentiles] as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who, if he go through both treadeth down and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.
13 Their [the Lamanites’] hand shall be lifted up upon their adversaries, and all their enemies shall be cut off.
14 Yea, wo be unto the Gentiles except theyrepent; for it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Father, that I will cut off thy [the Gentiles’] horses out of the midst of thee, and I will destroy thy chariots;
15 And I will cut off the cities of thy [the Gentiles’] land, and throw down all thy strongholds;
16 And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thy [the Gentiles’] land, and thou shalt have no more soothsayers;
17 Thy graven images I will also cut off, and thy [the Gentiles’] standing images out of the midst of thee, and thou shalt no more worship the works of thy hands;
18 And I will pluck up thy groves out of the midst of thee; so will I destroy thy [the Gentiles’] cities.
19 And it shall come to pass that all lyings, and deceivings, and envyings, and strifes, and priestcrafts, and whoredoms, shall be done away.
20 For it shall come to pass, saith the Father, that at that day [the day that the Lamanites overthrow the power of the Gentiles] whosoever will not repent and come unto my Beloved Son, them will I cut off from among my people, O house of Israel;
21 And I will execute vengeance and fury upon them [the unrepentant among the Gentiles], even as upon the heathen, such as they have not heard.
22 But if they [the Gentiles] will repent and hearken unto my words, and harden not their hearts, I will establish my church among them [the Gentiles], and they [the Gentiles] shall come in unto the covenant and be numbered among this the remnant of Jacob [the Lamanites], unto whom I have given this land for their inheritance;
23 And they [the Gentiles who come into the covenant] shall assist my people, the remnant of Jacob, and also as many of the house of Israel as shall come, that they may build a city, which shall be called the New Jerusalem.
24 And then [when the Lamanites, the repentant Gentiles, and others of the house of Israel shall assemble to build the New Jerusalem] shall they assist my people that they may be gathered in, who are scattered upon all the face of the land, in unto the New Jerusalem.
25 And then [when the New Jerusalem has been built] shall the power of heaven come down among them; and I also will be in the midst.
26 And then [when the New Jerusalem is built and the Lord has sent power from heaven to assist] shall the work of the Father commence at that day, even when this gospel shall be preached among the remnant of this people [the Lamanites]. Verily I say unto you, at that day [when the New Jerusalem is built and the gospel is preached among the Lamanites and the power of the Lord is with them] shall the work of the Father commence among all the dispersed of my people, yea, even the tribes which have been lost, which the Father hath led away out of Jerusalem.
27 Yea, the work shall commence among all the dispersed of my people, with the Father to prepare the way whereby they [all the dispersed of the tribes of Israel] may come unto me, that they may call on the Father in my name.
28 Yea, and then shall the work commence, with the Father among all nations in preparing the way whereby his people may be gathered home to the land of their inheritance.
29 And they [all the dispersed tribes of Israel] shall go out from all nations; and they shall not go out in haste, nor go by flight, for I will go before them, saith the Father, and I will be their rearward.
In the context of 3 Nephi 16 the word “Gentiles” means those who are not descendants of Lehi or descendants of the Jews from Jerusalem. The expression “House of Israel” means those who are descendants of Lehi or descendants of the Jews from Jerusalem. Divide students into two groups and have one list the promises made to the Gentiles and the other list the promises made to the house of Israel.
3 Nephi 17:1-10 Faith to Be Healed
Verse 6 declares that Jesus was “filled with compassion”, verse 10 says that the Nephites “did bathe [the Lord’s] feet with their tears.” Have students explain why Jesus and the Nephites were so filled with emotion. Ask students what it is that fills them with similar emotion. What are the things they are grateful for that only the Lord could do for them?
3 Nephi 17:11-25 Jesus wept
Find the phrases “Jesus groaned within himself”, “he wept”, “he wept again”. What is it that is causing the Lord to have such an emotional reaction? How do we feel about our children? What causes us to weep for joy when we think of our children?
3 Nephi 18:1-16 This Shall Ye Do in Remembrance
Jesus demonstrated how he should be remembered. He broke bread and poured wine and distributed it to the disciples. They gave it to the multitude. Have students find the statements of the Lord that explain why we should do these things today and what is meant by this ordinance.
3 Nephi 18:17-39 How We Should Worship
After speaking to the disciples about the sacrament, Jesus turned his attention to the multitude and gave them instructions concerning their meetings. He explained what they should do and what they should not do when they met together. Have students read these verses and list the things that Jesus said concerning their behavior during meetings. What can we do to make our meetings more in harmony with the Lord’s instructions?
3 Nephi 19:1-15 Jesus Came to Them
The Lord had departed from the Nephites for a time. As they waited, the disciples did certain things. List the things they did. Have students explain why they think Jesus waited until all these things were done before he appeared to the Nephites again. When should we expect that the Lord will manifest himself to us?
3 Nephi 19:16-36 Jesus Prayed to the Father
Sometimes people can become distressed because the Nephites are praying to Jesus and not to the Father. There is no explanation as to why they prayed to Jesus. The only concern the Nephites appear to have is that they do what Jesus asked them to do. And in so doing they were blessed with spiritual manifestations beyond anything any other group had ever seen. Ask students to find the words that Jesus used when he prayed to the Father. What do these words teach us about his relationship with the Father? What can we do to make our prayers more like those of the Son of God?
3 Nephi 20:1-13 Now I Finish the Commandment
Jesus produces bread and wine to distribute to the Nephites. After having done this he explains that he will fulfill the covenant God made to the house of Israel that he would gather them again to the knowledge of the Lord their God. How is the sacrament service symbolic of the gathering of Israel? What are the deacons taking to the congregation? Where do they go when they take the emblems? What do the priests do before the emblems are brought back? What do the deacons bring back to the table? What happens to it when they bring it back? Cross-reference: D&C 115:5-6.
3 Nephi 20:14-22 I Will Be in the Midst of You
What are the promises that the Lord makes to the House of Israel concerning the land of America? What must we do to take advantage of the promises the Lord has made concerning the people who live in this land?
3 Nephi 20:23-46 I Will Remember the Covenant
Find the word “covenant” in verses 25, 26, 27, 29, 46. What is the covenant that the Lord has made to the faithful people who are of the house of Israel?
3 Nephi 21:1-11 A Sign from the Lord (Scripture Analysis)
Take the students through the following scripture analysis so that they might understand the importance of the Book of Mormon.
1 And verily I [Jesus Christ] say unto you [the house of Israel], I give unto you a sign, that ye may know the time when these things [the fulfilling of the covenant God made with Israel to gather them] shall be about to take place—that I shall gather in, from their long dispersion, my people, O house of Israel, and shall establish again among them my Zion;
2 And behold [pay attention], this is the thing which I will give unto you for a sign—for verily I say unto you that when these things which I declare unto you, and which I shall declare unto you hereafter of myself, and by the power of the Holy Ghost which shall be given unto you of the Father [the words Jesus Christ has spoken that will be recorded and come forth in the Book of Mormon], shall be made known unto the Gentiles that they [the Gentiles] may know concerning this people who are a remnant of the house of Jacob [the Lamanites], and concerning this my people [the Lamanites] who shall be scattered by them [the Gentiles];
3 Verily, verily, I say unto you, when these things shall be made known unto them of the Father [the words that Jesus spoke to the Nephites as found in the Book of Mormon], and shall come forth of the Father [in the form of the Book of Mormon], from them [Gentiles] unto you [the Lamanites, the children of Israel];
4 For it is wisdom in the Father that they [the Gentiles] should be established in this land [America], and be set up as a free people by the power of the Father, that these things [the Book of Mormon] might come forth from them [the Gentiles] unto a remnant of your seed [the Lamanites], that the covenant of the Father [to gather the house of Israel] may be fulfilled which he hath covenanted with his people, O house of Israel;
5 Therefore [since the Father will fulfill his covenant to gather Israel and this message will come from the Gentiles to the house of Israel through the Book of Mormon], when these works and the works which shall be wrought among you hereafter shall come forth from the Gentiles, unto your seed which shall dwindle in unbelief because of iniquity;
6 For thus it behooveth the Father that it [the Book of Mormon] should come forth from the Gentiles, that he may show forth his power unto the Gentiles, for this cause that the Gentiles, if they will not harden their hearts, that they may repent and come unto me and be baptized in my name and know of the true points of my doctrine, that they may be numbered among my people, O house of Israel;
7 And when these things [the coming forth of the Book of Mormon from the Gentiles to the house of Israel] come to pass that thy seed [the Lamanites] shall begin to know these things—it shall be a sign unto them [the Lamanites], that they may know that the work of the Father hath already commenced unto the fulfilling of the covenant which he hath made unto the people who are of the house of Israel.
8 And when that day shall come [that the Lamanites hear the message of the Book of Mormon from the Gentiles], it shall come to pass that kings shall shut their mouths; for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.
9 For in that day [when the Book of Mormon shall come forth], for my sake shall the Father work a work, which shall be a great and a marvelous work among them; and there shall be among them those who will not believe it, although a man shall declare it unto them.
10 But behold [pay attention], the life of my servant [Joseph Smith] shall be in my hand; therefore [because the life of Joseph Smith is being protected by the Lord] they [the unbelievers and the hard of heart] shall not hurt him, although he shall be marred because of them. Yet I will heal him, for I will show unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil.
11 Therefore [because the wicked will not be able to destroy the work that Joseph Smith shall bring forth, though they may mar him] it shall come to pass that whosoever will not believe in my words, who am Jesus Christ, which the Father shall cause him to bring forth unto the Gentiles [the Book of Mormon], and shall give unto him [the Lord’s servant, Joseph Smith] power that he shall bring them forth unto the Gentiles, (it shall be done even as Moses said) they [the unbelieving among the Gentiles] shall be cut off from among my people who are of the covenant [the house of Israel].
After doing this scripture analysis, invite students to express what they have learned concerning the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, and the restoration of the house of Israel.
3 Nephi 21:12-29 Then Shall the Work of the Father Commence among All . . . My People – Scripture Analysis
Take the students through the following scripture analysis and ask them what questions are being answered concerning the gathering of Israel.
12 And my people who are a remnant of Jacob [the Lamanites] shall be among the Gentiles, yea, in the midst of them [the Gentiles] as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who, if he go through both treadeth down and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.
13 Their [the Lamanites’] hand shall be lifted up upon their adversaries, and all their enemies shall be cut off.
14 Yea, wo be unto the Gentiles except theyrepent; for it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Father, that I will cut off thy [the Gentiles’] horses out of the midst of thee, and I will destroy thy chariots;
15 And I will cut off the cities of thy [the Gentiles’] land, and throw down all thy strongholds;
16 And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thy [the Gentiles’] land, and thou shalt have no more soothsayers;
17 Thy graven images I will also cut off, and thy [the Gentiles’] standing images out of the midst of thee, and thou shalt no more worship the works of thy hands;
18 And I will pluck up thy groves out of the midst of thee; so will I destroy thy [the Gentiles’] cities.
19 And it shall come to pass that all lyings, and deceivings, and envyings, and strifes, and priestcrafts, and whoredoms, shall be done away.
20 For it shall come to pass, saith the Father, that at that day [the day that the Lamanites overthrow the power of the Gentiles] whosoever will not repent and come unto my Beloved Son, them will I cut off from among my people, O house of Israel;
21 And I will execute vengeance and fury upon them [the unrepentant among the Gentiles], even as upon the heathen, such as they have not heard.
22 But if they [the Gentiles] will repent and hearken unto my words, and harden not their hearts, I will establish my church among them [the Gentiles], and they [the Gentiles] shall come in unto the covenant and be numbered among this the remnant of Jacob [the Lamanites], unto whom I have given this land for their inheritance;
23 And they [the Gentiles who come into the covenant] shall assist my people, the remnant of Jacob, and also as many of the house of Israel as shall come, that they may build a city, which shall be called the New Jerusalem.
24 And then [when the Lamanites, the repentant Gentiles, and others of the house of Israel shall assemble to build the New Jerusalem] shall they assist my people that they may be gathered in, who are scattered upon all the face of the land, in unto the New Jerusalem.
25 And then [when the New Jerusalem has been built] shall the power of heaven come down among them; and I also will be in the midst.
26 And then [when the New Jerusalem is built and the Lord has sent power from heaven to assist] shall the work of the Father commence at that day, even when this gospel shall be preached among the remnant of this people [the Lamanites]. Verily I say unto you, at that day [when the New Jerusalem is built and the gospel is preached among the Lamanites and the power of the Lord is with them] shall the work of the Father commence among all the dispersed of my people, yea, even the tribes which have been lost, which the Father hath led away out of Jerusalem.
27 Yea, the work shall commence among all the dispersed of my people, with the Father to prepare the way whereby they [all the dispersed of the tribes of Israel] may come unto me, that they may call on the Father in my name.
28 Yea, and then shall the work commence, with the Father among all nations in preparing the way whereby his people may be gathered home to the land of their inheritance.
29 And they [all the dispersed tribes of Israel] shall go out from all nations; and they shall not go out in haste, nor go by flight, for I will go before them, saith the Father, and I will be their rearward.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
3 Nephi 12-15 Jesus Teaches the Nephites
3 Nephi 12:1-12 “Blessed”
The word “blessed” appears 13 times in verses 1-12. Have students select three “blessed’s” that have special meaning to them and explain what blessings they have received as they have followed the Lord’s counsel.
3 Nephi 12:13-19 Salt and Light, Jots and Tittles
Have students read verse 19 and ask them to remember what Jesus taught about salt and light (see verses 13-16). How does repentance and having a broken heart and a contrite spirit make us like the salt and light Jesus spoke of?
3 Nephi 12:1-20 The Qualifications for Entering the Kingdom of Heaven
In 3 Nephi 12:20 the Lord declares, “Therefore come unto me and be ye saved; for verily I say unto you, that except ye shall keep my commandments, which I have commanded you at this time, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. The commandments to the multitude up to this point have been:
1) Give heed to the words of the twelve Nephite disciples (3 Nephi 12:1)
2) Be meek and mild and come to Christ (3 Nephi 12:2-12)
3) Be the salt of the earth (3 Nephi 12:13)
4) Be the light of the Nephite people (3 Nephi 12:14-16)
5) Repent and come unto Christ (3 Nephi 12:17-20)
Invite students to read 3 Nephi 12:1-20 and list these commandments.
3 Nephi 12:21-48 Christ’s Commandments vs. The Traditions of the Leaders
For the remainder of 3 Nephi 12 and all of chapters 13 and 14, the Lord will explain the difference between his commandments and the traditions of the people. Assign students to pick out two or three of the commandments and explain how the Lord’s commandments are different from the traditions of the Nephites.
1) Murder vs. Anger (see 3 Nephi 12:21-26)
2) Adultery vs. Lust (see 3 Nephi 12:27-32)
3) Oaths vs. True Commitment (see 3 Nephi 12:33-37)
4) Vengeance vs. Graciousness (see 3 Nephi 12:38-42)
5) Hating Enemies vs. Loving Enemies (see 3 Nephi 12:43-48)
Have students read 3 Nephi 12:46-47 and explain what old things have been done away in Christ. What are some things we may do because of tradition that should be done away in Christ?
3 Nephi 13:1-24 How to Love People
Christ explains the difference between the old way of helping people and the new way he expects his disciples to follow. He talks about the following ideas:
1) How to give to the poor (3 Nephi 13:1-4)
2) How to pray (3 Nephi 13:5-15)
3) How to fast (3 Nephi 13:16-18)
4) How to set priorities (3 Nephi 13:19-24)
3 Nephi 13:25-34 Counsel to the Disciples
How does the Lord use examples from the life of the people (birds, clothing, and flowers) to help his disciples understand how the Father will watch over them in their ministry? How has the Father watched over you as you have served him in your callings?
3 Nephi 13:33 These Things?
Have students read 3 Nephi 13:33 and explain what the words “these things” refer to. See verses 25-34. Invite students to tell how putting God first in their lives has resulted in “these things” being added unto them.
3 Nephi 14:1-27 More Counsel to the Multitude
The Lord gives more counsel to the multitude on how to have peace in their relationships with each other. For example:
1) How to judge others (3 Nephi 14:1-5)
2) How to treat sacred things (3 Nephi 14:6)
3) How to treat people (3 Nephi 14:7-14)
4) How to recognize false prophets (3 Nephi 14:15-27)
Assign students to summarize the Lord’s counsel in their own words. How has following this counsel helped them come to Christ? How has this counsel helped them in their homes, in their church assignments, in their employement?
3 Nephi 15:18 Scripture Analysis
Write this verse on the board and have students explain the meaning of the highlighted words.
“And now, because of stiffneckedness [stubbornness] and unbelief they [the Jews in Jerusalem] understood not my [Christ’s] word; therefore [because the Jews in Jerusalem did not understand Christ’s words because the Jews were stubborn] I [Christ] was commanded to say no more of the Father [of what the Father desired to teach them through Christ] concerning this thing [that there were other members of the house of Israel who Jesus would appear to and teach] unto them [the Jews in Jerusalem].”
Are there things that are being held back by the Father because of our stubbornness and unbelief?
The word “blessed” appears 13 times in verses 1-12. Have students select three “blessed’s” that have special meaning to them and explain what blessings they have received as they have followed the Lord’s counsel.
3 Nephi 12:13-19 Salt and Light, Jots and Tittles
Have students read verse 19 and ask them to remember what Jesus taught about salt and light (see verses 13-16). How does repentance and having a broken heart and a contrite spirit make us like the salt and light Jesus spoke of?
3 Nephi 12:1-20 The Qualifications for Entering the Kingdom of Heaven
In 3 Nephi 12:20 the Lord declares, “Therefore come unto me and be ye saved; for verily I say unto you, that except ye shall keep my commandments, which I have commanded you at this time, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. The commandments to the multitude up to this point have been:
1) Give heed to the words of the twelve Nephite disciples (3 Nephi 12:1)
2) Be meek and mild and come to Christ (3 Nephi 12:2-12)
3) Be the salt of the earth (3 Nephi 12:13)
4) Be the light of the Nephite people (3 Nephi 12:14-16)
5) Repent and come unto Christ (3 Nephi 12:17-20)
Invite students to read 3 Nephi 12:1-20 and list these commandments.
3 Nephi 12:21-48 Christ’s Commandments vs. The Traditions of the Leaders
For the remainder of 3 Nephi 12 and all of chapters 13 and 14, the Lord will explain the difference between his commandments and the traditions of the people. Assign students to pick out two or three of the commandments and explain how the Lord’s commandments are different from the traditions of the Nephites.
1) Murder vs. Anger (see 3 Nephi 12:21-26)
2) Adultery vs. Lust (see 3 Nephi 12:27-32)
3) Oaths vs. True Commitment (see 3 Nephi 12:33-37)
4) Vengeance vs. Graciousness (see 3 Nephi 12:38-42)
5) Hating Enemies vs. Loving Enemies (see 3 Nephi 12:43-48)
Have students read 3 Nephi 12:46-47 and explain what old things have been done away in Christ. What are some things we may do because of tradition that should be done away in Christ?
3 Nephi 13:1-24 How to Love People
Christ explains the difference between the old way of helping people and the new way he expects his disciples to follow. He talks about the following ideas:
1) How to give to the poor (3 Nephi 13:1-4)
2) How to pray (3 Nephi 13:5-15)
3) How to fast (3 Nephi 13:16-18)
4) How to set priorities (3 Nephi 13:19-24)
3 Nephi 13:25-34 Counsel to the Disciples
How does the Lord use examples from the life of the people (birds, clothing, and flowers) to help his disciples understand how the Father will watch over them in their ministry? How has the Father watched over you as you have served him in your callings?
3 Nephi 13:33 These Things?
Have students read 3 Nephi 13:33 and explain what the words “these things” refer to. See verses 25-34. Invite students to tell how putting God first in their lives has resulted in “these things” being added unto them.
3 Nephi 14:1-27 More Counsel to the Multitude
The Lord gives more counsel to the multitude on how to have peace in their relationships with each other. For example:
1) How to judge others (3 Nephi 14:1-5)
2) How to treat sacred things (3 Nephi 14:6)
3) How to treat people (3 Nephi 14:7-14)
4) How to recognize false prophets (3 Nephi 14:15-27)
Assign students to summarize the Lord’s counsel in their own words. How has following this counsel helped them come to Christ? How has this counsel helped them in their homes, in their church assignments, in their employement?
3 Nephi 15:18 Scripture Analysis
Write this verse on the board and have students explain the meaning of the highlighted words.
“And now, because of stiffneckedness [stubbornness] and unbelief they [the Jews in Jerusalem] understood not my [Christ’s] word; therefore [because the Jews in Jerusalem did not understand Christ’s words because the Jews were stubborn] I [Christ] was commanded to say no more of the Father [of what the Father desired to teach them through Christ] concerning this thing [that there were other members of the house of Israel who Jesus would appear to and teach] unto them [the Jews in Jerusalem].”
Are there things that are being held back by the Father because of our stubbornness and unbelief?
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