Seminary
Alma 20–22: “What Shall I Do That I May Have … Eternal Life?”

“Alma 20–22: ‘What Shall I Do That I May Have … Eternal Life?’” Book of Mormon Teacher Manual (2024)

“Alma 20–22,” Book of Mormon Teacher Manual

Alma 20–22

“What Shall I Do That I May Have … Eternal Life?”

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What can help you desire to follow God more than anything else? The father of King Lamoni had once been a wicked man, but after learning essential truths about our Savior and Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation, his desires began to change significantly. This lesson can help you desire the things of God more than anything the world has to offer.

Testifying of Jesus Christ. Look for opportunities to testify of the Lord’s power, mercy, and influence in our lives. Encourage students to ask, “What does this passage of scripture teach about Jesus Christ that would help me understand and rely on His teachings and Atonement?”

Student preparation: Invite students to read Alma 20 and 22, looking for how King Lamoni’s father changed in these chapters. Have them think about possible reasons for that change.

Possible Learning Activities

Are you willing?

Have you ever noticed that certain circumstances can influence your willingness to do something—or not do something?

For example, think of situations where you would be willing to do the following. Then think of circumstances that would make you less willing to do them.

Consider dividing the students into small groups and assigning each group to discuss one of the following actions. Then members of each group could share their responses with the class.

  • Clean your bedroom.

  • Read a book.

  • Walk a long distance.

Invite students to do some self-evaluation by sharing the following instructions. Do not ask students to share their responses to the questions.

Certain things can motivate us to follow God.

Take a moment to think about your desires to follow God. If you feel a desire to follow Him, what has helped you to feel that desire? If you do not currently have a desire to follow Him, what do you think contributes to those feelings?

Today you will learn about a man whose desire to follow God increased significantly within a short period. As you study, pay attention to what caused this change. Look for teachings that can help you have a greater desire to follow God and receive the blessings only He can offer you.

Ammon and Lamoni meet Lamoni’s father

Summarize the following information to help students prepare to study the events of Alma 20. Be careful to not take too much time on this portion of the lesson. You will want students to have enough time to study the account of Aaron teaching Lamoni’s father in Alma 22.

While Ammon was serving and teaching King Lamoni’s people in the land of Ishmael, the Lord revealed to Ammon that Aaron and others from their group had been imprisoned in the land of Middoni. Ammon and the king made plans to travel there to deliver Aaron and the others. On their way, they met Lamoni’s father, who was the king over all the land (see Alma 20:1–8).

It may be beneficial to invite two or three willing students to read the following verses while the rest of the class members follow along in their scriptures.

Read Alma 20:13–28, looking for the interaction that took place between Ammon, Lamoni, and Lamoni’s father.

  • How did you notice the desires of Lamoni’s father change throughout his interaction with Ammon and Lamoni?

  • What were some of the things that contributed to that change?

Consider marking in verse 23 what Lamoni’s father was willing to give up if Ammon would spare his life. You can compare his reaction in this verse with his reaction in other verses you will study later in the lesson.

Aaron teaches Lamoni’s father

After Aaron and those who were with him were released from prison, Ammon returned to the land of Ishmael with King Lamoni. The Spirit led Aaron to visit Lamoni’s father in the land of Nephi (see Alma 22:1).

Read Alma 22:2–6, looking for questions Lamoni’s father had while meeting with Aaron.

  • What might you share about Heavenly Father and His plan in response to the king’s questions in verses 5–6?

Read Alma 22:7–14 and look for how Aaron answered the king’s questions. Note that the word merit in verse 14 means “to earn or deserve.”

  • What did the king learn about God and His plan that likely impacted his perspective about life?

  • How can believing and understanding Aaron’s teachings about God and His plan influence us?

Read Alma 22:15–18, looking for what the king desired and was willing to do after Aaron taught him.

Before discussing the next two questions, consider inviting multiple students to write their favorite phrases from these verses on the board. You could then ask students whether any of the phrases describe something they have felt before or if they have any questions. Invite willing students to share their questions or experiences. Tell students not to share anything too personal or private.

  • What words or phrases help you see that the king’s desires had changed from the time he met Ammon and Lamoni on the road to Middoni?

  • What did the king say in verses 15 and 18 that he would be willing to give up?

  • Based on what you have learned from your study of Alma 20 and 22, what were some of the factors that contributed to the change the king experienced?

One truth we can learn from this account is that when we understand our need for Jesus Christ, our desire to follow Him and receive the blessings He can offer us increases.

  • Why do you think understanding our need for the Savior can have such a big impact on our desires and actions?

  • What can help or has helped you better understand your need for Jesus Christ?

How our righteous desires can impact us

The king’s experience with Aaron had a profound impact on the king and his people. The king, his wife, his entire household, and many other Lamanites became converted to the Lord and were faithful to Him for the rest of their lives (see Alma 22:23; 23:6).

Think back to what the king said he desired in verses 15–18. These include

List the king’s desires on the board if this has not already been done. Rather than asking the next question, consider inviting students to write a brief description in their study journals of the kind of person they could become in 5 or 10 years if they were to consistently desire these things during that time.

Students could then share their insights with the class.

  • What difference do you think it would make in your life to consistently desire these things?

  • What might we need to give up or change to obtain these blessings?

Ponder what you have learned and felt as you have studied today. Consider what you can do to more fully desire the blessings Heavenly Father wants to give you. Think about what you might need to do or give up to receive these blessings. Record your thoughts and spiritual impressions in your study journal.

Give students sufficient time to record their thoughts and impressions in their study journals. Consider inviting a few willing students to share with the class some of what they wrote that is not too personal.