During the second day of His ministry among the Nephites and Lamanites, Jesus emphasized the importance of scripture. He expounded upon passages from Isaiah and Micah. (See 3 Nephi 20, 21, 22.) He commanded the people to diligently search the words of Isaiah and other prophets. (See 3 Nephi 23:1-5.) He instructed Nephi to add important details to their record of recent events. (See 3 Nephi 23:7-13.) He quoted to them two chapters from the book of Malachi, which they did not have previously. (See 3 Nephi 24, 25.) Ultimately, He “expounded all the scriptures in one” (3 Nephi 23:14; see also 3 Nephi 26:1-5).
In the process of sharing these scriptures, Jesus discussed many doctrinal topics, including covenants, tithing, the gathering of Israel, and eternal families. But the whole was greater than the sum of the parts. It was the combination of these principles, as a unified doctrine, which transformed and unified them.
Here are some lessons I’ve learned from these chapters:
Outline
- 3 Nephi 20 – The Fulfilling of the Covenant
- 3 Nephi 21 – The Remnant of Jacob
- 3 Nephi 22 – “Lengthen Thy Cords and Strengthen Thy Stakes” (Isaiah 34)
- 3 Nephi 23 – Jesus Endorses the Words of Isaiah and Samuel the Lamanite
- 3 Nephi 24 – “A Refiner’s Fire” (Malachi 3)
- 3 Nephi 25 – The Hearts of the Fathers and the Children (Malachi 4)
- 3 Nephi 26 – Conclusion of Jesus’s Ministry
Key Themes
- The sacrament nourishes our souls and helps us become more like Jesus Christ.
- Covenants can give us a sense of purpose, connectedness, and confidence.
- The Book of Mormon is a sign that God is gathering His people.
- When our children are taught directly by God, they will find peace.
- The principles of the gospel are interrelated, and we apply them best when we understand them holistically.
- Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus communicated to us the depth of God’s love for us. Through His atonement, He shields us, and He heals us.
Connections
- Paul said that God would not only reveal truths to us but that He would ultimately “gather together in one all things in Christ” (Ephesians 1:10). As Jesus shared scriptures with the Nephites and the Lamanites, He “expounded all the scriptures in one” (3 Nephi 23:14).
- Hezekiah built storerooms in the temple to hold the offerings of the people. (See 2 Chronicles 31:11.) Nearly 300 years later, Malachi chastised the people for not filling the storehouses with their tithes and offerings. (See Malachi 3:10.) Jesus quoted this passage to the Nephites and Lamanites at the temple in Bountiful. (See 3 Nephi 24:10.)
- Malachi prophesied that Elijah would turn the hearts of parents and children toward one another. (See Malachi 4:5-6.) Jesus quoted this prophecy to the Nephites and Lamanites. (See 3 Nephi 25:5-6.) On April 3, 1836, Elijah appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland, Ohio temple and gave them the power to seal families together forever. (See Doctrine and Covenants 110:13-16.)
Applications
- We need to prepare to meet the Savior when He returns by establishing peace and holiness.
- Exercise faith in God by preparing now for the blessings He has promised to give you.
- Look for connections, patterns, and themes as you read the word of God.
- Show God that you value your spiritual experiences by writing them down. Keeping a journal can help us see the hand of the Lord in our lives more clearly.
- Learn about your ancestors, so that you can build strong relationships with them.
- Help your students receive personal revelation. Help them become fully engaged in the process of acquiring spiritual knowledge.
Recommended Posts
- How Will the Remnant of Jacob Be Like a Lion Among Sheep?
- How Is Christ the “Messenger of the Covenant?”
- How Is Christ Like a “Refiner’s Fire” and “Fuller’s Soap?”
- What Offering Will the Sons of Levi Make in Righteousness?
- What Is the “Book of Remembrance” Mentioned by Malachi?
- What Is the Day of Burning Spoken of by Malachi?
- How Did Elijah Turn the Hearts of Fathers and Children Toward Each Other?
Blog Posts: October 15-20
Chronicling My Life
When I was in high school, I discovered something about note-taking. When I write something down, I remember it. I retain new information better when I carefully record it, even if I never look at my notes again. We write for many reasons, including to connect with other people, to share important information, and to…
Searching
We normally “search” for something in particular. But the Savior’s instruction to “search the prophets,” may have a more general meaning. We may benefit from simply asking what the prophets were trying to say and what their messages mean for us.
“Loose Thyself”
Do we make repentance harder than it needs to be by thinking of it as the beginning of the process instead of the end? The Savior has already paid the price for our sins in full. All we have to do is set aside our chains, let them go, and walk away.
Everlasting Kindness
A sign commonly seen at a marathon says, “Pain is temporary; race results are online forever.” Isaiah shared a similar sentiment with the children of Israel, saying that their pain was “a small moment,” but that God’s kindness would be everlasting.
“They That Feared the Lord Spake Often”
Malachi indicated that talking with other believers frequently can strengthen our faith and help us maintain our perspective. One of the purposes of regular church attendance is to build that kind of relationship with fellow believers.
“He Did Loose Their Tongues”
During the Savior’s ministry in the Americas, one of His miracles was to “loose [the] tongues” of children, so that they spoke “marvelous things.” Sometimes we’re hesitant to speak up. The Savior can loose our tongues and help us share uplifting messages.
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