The resurrected Savior appeared to the Nephites.
3 Nephi 8:1-23 The Loud, Turbulent Voice
In the scriptures we learn that the voice of the Holy Ghost is a “still, small voice” (see 1 Kings 19:12; 1 Nephi 17:45; and D&C 85:6). As we learn in 1 Nephi 17:45, when we do not respond to the voice of the Spirit, the Lord sends the “voice of thunder”. Have students read 3 Nephi 8:1-23 and see the different ways the Lord spoke to the Nephites when they ignored the voice of the Spirit. What lessons have the students learned in their lives when they have ignored the voice of the Spirit? What blessings have come as they have heeded the voice of the Spirit? Cross-reference: Helaman 13:32-33.
3 Nephi 9:1-14 The Cry of the Blood of Prophets
In verses 5, 8, and 11, the voice of the Lord makes reference to the “blood of the prophets and the saints”. Ask students what the Lord did to those who persecuted the prophets and the righteous members of the church, or saints. Cross-reference: Helaman 14:20-27.
3 Nephi 9:15-22 Jesus Bears Witness of Himself
As Jesus speaks to the Nephites he does two things: He testifies of Himself, and He tells the righteous people what their blessings will be if they follow Him. Invite students to make two lists: first, a list of statements Jesus makes about Himself; and second, a list of those things He says about righteous people. Now that the Law of Moses has been fulfilled by the Lord’s resurrection, we are no longer to offer animal sacrifices to worship the Lord our God. Ask students why they think the Lord asked us to offer a different kind of sacrifice.
3 Nephi 10:1-8 The People Weep and Howl
Have students read 3 Nephi 10:8. Have them find things in verses 1-7 that would make the Nephite people “weep and howl.” Cross-reference Helaman 14:27-30.
3 Nephi 10:9-14 A Foreshadowing of Things to Come
Help students understand that the events described in these chapters is a foreshadowing of events that will occur when Jesus comes again in glory (see 88:87-97). What is there in these verses that should give us hope if we keep the commandments?
3 Nephi 10:18 When Did Jesus Appear to the Nephites
Help students see that Jesus did not appear to the Nephites immediately after His resurrection. Remember, the great destruction among the Nephites, which was a sign of Christ’s death, happened “in the first month” of the thirty-fourth year after the signs were given of His birth. The appearance of Christ happens “in the ending of the thirty-fourth year” (3 Nephi 10:18).
3 Nephi 11:1-8 The Appearance of Christ among the Nephites
As students read the account of the appearance of Christ to the Nephites, ask them to describe what kind of people the Nephites were, based on these verses. How do we know they were good people? What reward came to them because of their goodness? What rewards have come to you because of your goodness?
3 Nephi 11:9-41 There Shall Be No More Disputations
In verse 22 and again in verse 28, the Lord warns the Nephites that there must not be disputations (arguments) among them. Have students read 3 Nephi 11:9-41 and find all the things that Jesus did so that it would be impossible for a sincere person to be able to argue about anything concerning His visit. What can we do to avoid arguments and contention among ourselves? Have students memorize 3 Nephi 11:29.
3 Nephi 11:31-41 The Doctrine of Christ
Have students read these verses and answer this question: what is the doctrine of Christ? Why does it mean to be built upon His doctrine? Why will those who are built upon His doctrine be protected against the forces of evil?
