How much power did King Noah really have? He seemed to have absolute power, “[walking] after the desires of his own heart” (Mosiah 11:2), supporting himself and his priests “in their laziness, and in their idolatry, and in their whoredoms” by the egregious taxes which he levied on his people (Mosiah 11:3-7), and building spacious buildings out of “fine wood…ornamented with gold and silver and with precious things” (Mosiah 11:8-13).
When Abinadi arrived with a sober message from God, it appeared that the king had all the power and the prophet had none. But as Abinadi addressed Noah and his priests, a different picture emerged. The king’s guards were unable to remove him before he was finished because “he spake with power and authority from God” (Mosiah 13:6). When the king sentenced him to death, he replied, “I will not recall [my] words;… that ye may know of their surety, I have suffered myself that I have fallen into your hands” (Mosiah 17:9). Who had the real power here?
As we study the story of Noah and Abinadi this week, think about the difference between worldly power and eternal power. How can we avoid placing our trust in ephemeral sources of power, and how can we recognize and respect durable sources of power?
Outline
- Mosiah 11 – Noah rules in wickedness, Abinadi brings a warning
- Mosiah 12 – Noah’s priests ask Abinadi to explain Isaiah 52:7-10.
- Mosiah 13 – Abinadi reviews the law but testifies that salvation comes through God’s atonement.
- Mosiah 14 – Abinadi quotes Isaiah’s testimony that the Savior would suffer for our sins.
- Mosiah 15 – Abinadi returns to the original question and answers: those who preach Christ publish peace.
- Mosiah 16 – He shares his personal testimony that salvation comes through Christ.
- Mosiah 17 – The Martyrdom of Abinadi – As he burns to death, Abinadi reiterates his testimony and his prophecy.
Key Themes
- Heavenly Father loves us, but He will allow us to suffer some of the consequences of our poor choices.
- Gaining knowledge and wisdom requires effort. We have to apply our hearts.
- Like training wheels on a bicycle, laws can help us develop divine attributes.
- Jesus can heal you because he has borne your griefs and carried your sorrows.
- We can have confidence in God’s ultimate resolution of all injustices.
Connections
- Like Abinadi, Ezekiel was called to preach to “a rebellious nation” (Ezekiel 2:3-4). And like Abinadi, Ezekiel needed to preach fearlessly. (See Ezekiel 2:6.)
- Jeremiah prophesied of a time when God’s law would be “[written] in [our] hearts” (Jeremiah 31:33). Abinadi recited the law to Noah’s priests, “for I perceive that they are not written in your hearts” (Mosiah 13:11).
- King Ahasuerus made a rash decision on the advice of his “wise men” (Esther 1:10-22). So did King Herod (Matthew 14:9). Noah likewise allowed his pride to get the better of him. He was inclined to let Abinadi go until his priests appealed to his ego by shouting, “He has reviled the king” (Mosiah 17:12). Be careful not to let others pressure you into a bad decision.
Applications
- Don’t overestimate or overstate your contributions to your accomplishments.
- Avoid self-justification, and be open to advice that is difficult to hear.
- Before you correct or contradict someone, look for common ground, and build from there.
- Write God’s commandments in your heart by loving and living them.
- Don’t judge people by worldly standards. The Savior didn’t look powerful during His mortal life.
- Strive to emulate the Savior’s self-discipline, subordinating your flesh to your spirit and to the will of God.
- “Declare his generation,” by testifying of the power of the Atonement in your life.
- Prioritize the truth over convenience, acceptance, and influence.
Recommended Posts
- Abinadi’s Sermon to the Priests of King Noah – Mosiah 12-16
- What Does It Mean to “Publish Peace?”
- How Is Jesus Both “the Father and the Son?”
Blog Posts: May 14-19
Sackcloth and Ashes
The people of Ninevah dressed in sackcloth and sat in ashes to symbolize their penitence. As a result, God turned away the consequences Jonah had prophesied. Abinadi likewise urged his people to “repent in sackcloth and ashes,” but they did not.
Jesus Quoting Abinadi
Jesus quoted Abinadi twice, once just before He was born, and once just after His death. Nephi, whose great-great-great-grandfather Alma had heard Abinadi speak those words, may have recognized this as an endorsement of Abinadi’s testimony.
Despised
To despise someone is to “look down on” them. So despisers may have an inaccurate view of their own status and position. Abinadi and Jesus were both despised, so when you are despised, you are in good company.
Hearing Hard Truths
Noah and his priests were angry with Abinadi and labeled him as “mad.” We use a variety of strategies to avoid accepting difficult messages. We attack the messenger, we respond emotionally, or we look for allies. In the end, it’s better to actually listen
Types and Shadows
A type is a copy of something. A shadow is a representation of something. It’s important not to confuse the type or the shadow with the thing itself. Abinadi taught that the law cannot save us, but it can point us to Christ, who can save us.
Being the Father and the Son
Jesus is both the Father and the Son in at least four ways: 1. He submits His will to His Father and He offers us new life. 2. He created the earth, then lived on it. 3. He is completely unified with HIs Father 4. His mortal body was subject to His spirit
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