Two members of the Sanhedrin, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, prepared Jesus's body for burial and buried Him in Joseph's tomb. Their courageous service literally fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy that the Messiah would be "with the rich in his death."
Abinadi, Authority, and the Image of God
King Noah maintained authority by cultivating inequality through displays of power. Abinadi threatened that order by proclaiming that God himself would come to earth and live among humanity. Noah's son Limhi later explained Abinadi's death by connecting this claim with the doctrine that humanity was created in God’s image.
A Proclamation
Anyone can declare something, but only a person with authority can proclaim it. Ancient prophets proclaimed truths to kings by divine authority. Modern prophets have also issued six declarations with specific messages and warnings for church members, world leaders, and all people.
Mahaleel and Our Times of Awakening
Doctrine and Covenants 107 reveals that Adam's posterity received the priesthood at widely different ages. We are all on different spiritual timelines. There is no prescribed time to find God. Some find Him early, some later. We can all afford to be patient and hopeful, supporting one another through every phase of our journey.
“O God…”
The expression "O God" is characteristic of the Old Testament, and particularly the book of Psalms. The few times it appears in the Book of Mormon, it conveys a special earnestness. So, it's fitting that the sacrament prayers would begin with those words.
Ether’s Courage
Ether was unpopular because of the truths he shared. He had to hide in the cavity of a rock, and even after that, he went back to call the king to repentance. Integrity can be lonely, but we need to stand up for what's right, even when it's not popular.
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
Limhi’s Psalm
When a search party arrived from Zarahemla, Limhi declared his faith in the form of a psalm. The psalm echoes the prophecies of Abinadi, explaining the consequences of rejecting God. But Limhi's people now trusted in God and were led to safety and freedom
God With Us
Isaiah prophesied that a virgin would bear a son and call him "Immanuel," which means "God with us." As Abinadi testified, God Himself came to earth. Jesus fulfilled that prophecy. We are not only walking toward God and Christ. We are walking with Them.
Numbered with the Transgressors
Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would be "numbered among the transgressors." He did this in at least 4 ways: 1. He became mortal. 2. He spent time with sinners. 3. He was condemned and punished like a sinner. 4. He absorbed the consequences of our sins.