21 And when the multitude had witnessed that he spake these things as he was about to give up the ghost, they were astonished exceedingly; insomuch that the power of God came down upon them, and they were overcome that they fell to the earth. 22 Now, this thing was pleasing unto me, Jacob, for... Continue Reading →
We Did Magnify Our Office unto the Lord – Jacob 1:19
19 And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore, by laboring with our might their blood might not come upon our garments; otherwise their blood... Continue Reading →
Jacob’s Sermon on the Allegory of the Olive Trees – Jacob 4-6
Setting After sharing a sermon which he delivered to his people following the death of his brother, Jacob began to teach his future readers. Purpose Jacob's goal was to teach his readers that the Atonement of Jesus Christ can redeem any of God's children, even those who are currently far from Him. Outline Build your... Continue Reading →
It Has Been Made Manifest Unto Me – Jacob 7:10-12
10 And I said unto him: Believest thou the scriptures? And he said, Yea. 11 And I said unto him: Then ye do not understand them; for they truly testify of Christ. Behold, I say unto you that none of the prophets have written, nor prophesied, save they have spoken concerning this Christ. 12 And... Continue Reading →
Jacob’s Second Sermon – Jacob 2-3
Setting Shortly after the death of his brother, Nephi, Jacob delivered this sermon. He didn't enjoy delivering it, but he knew it was his responsibility to do so, because of his calling as a priest and a teacher (Jacob 1:17-19). Purpose Jacob's objective was to urge the people of Nephi to repent of two sins... Continue Reading →
Ye Have Grieved Their Hearts – Jacob 3:10
10 Wherefore, ye shall remember your children, how that ye have grieved their hearts because of the example that ye have set before them; and also, remember that ye may, because of your filthiness, bring your children unto destruction, and their sins be heaped upon your heads at the last day. (Jacob 3:10) The Lord... Continue Reading →
Ye Have Broken the Hearts…and Lost the Confidence – Jacob 2:35
35 Behold, ye have done greater iniquities than the Lamanites, our brethren. Ye have broken the hearts of your tender wives, and lost the confidence of your children, because of your bad examples before them; and the sobbings of their hearts ascend up to God against you. And because of the strictness of the word... Continue Reading →
Stiff Necks and High Heads – Jacob 2:13-14
13 And the hand of providence hath smiled upon you most pleasingly, that you have obtained many riches; and because some of you have obtained more abundantly than that of your brethren ye are lifted up in the pride of your hearts, and wear stiff necks and high heads because of the costliness of your... Continue Reading →
Counsel Me Not – Jacob 5:21-22
21 And it came to pass that the servant said unto his master: How comest thou hither to plant this tree, or this branch of the tree? For behold, it was the poorest spot in all the land of thy vineyard. 22 And the Lord of the vineyard said unto him: Counsel me not; I... Continue Reading →
Lessons from the Writings of Jacob
Here are some things I've learned and tried to apply to my decisions as I've studied the words of Jacob over the past two weeks: Teaching An effective teacher is motivated by a deep desire for their students' happiness. They put their best efforts into their teaching, because they want their students to experience the... Continue Reading →