Seminary
3 Nephi 8–10: The Voice of the Savior in the Darkness

“3 Nephi 8–10: The Voice of the Savior in the Darkness,” Book of Mormon Teacher Manual (2024)

“3 Nephi 8–10,” Book of Mormon Teacher Manual

3 Nephi 8–10

The Voice of the Savior in the Darkness

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family with a girl who is blind feeling the sun for the first time since the three days of darkness following Jesus Christ’s crucifixion

In the Americas, extreme destruction and darkness marked the Savior’s crucifixion. Sometime during the three days of penetrating darkness, Jesus Christ spoke to the people. Then and now, natural disasters, suffering, and trials can be opportunities to learn about and turn to Jesus Christ. This lesson will identify characteristics of Jesus Christ that can help you feel greater love for and trust in Him.

Encouraging students to focus on Jesus Christ. Help students center their gospel learning on Jesus Christ so the Holy Ghost can strengthen their understanding and appreciation of Him. One way to do this is to ask questions that will help students look for evidence of His power, mercy, and atoning mission.

Student preparation: Invite students to read 3 Nephi 8, imagining what it would have been like to be present during these events.

Possible Learning Activities

“A great storm”

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tornado traveling through field
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lightning storm
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hurricane rains and wind hit a town

Ask students if any of them have been in a scary, violent storm or experienced another type of natural disaster. Invite one or two to share what their experience was like, or you could share an experience you have had.

When Jesus Christ was crucified in Jerusalem, a terrible storm and earthquake in the Americas caused great destruction. These events fulfilled Samuel the Lamanite’s prophecies about the signs of the Savior’s death (see Helaman 14:20–27).

To learn about the details of these destructive events, read 3 Nephi 8:5–22. You could also watch the video, “Jesus Christ Appears in the Ancient Americas,” from time codes 0:00–3:19. This video is available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

  • What might you have been thinking or feeling if you had experienced these things?

In the years leading up to this destruction, most of the Nephites had turned from the Lord and cast out the prophets that God had sent to preach to them (see 3 Nephi 7:7–8, 14, 21).

Read 3 Nephi 8:23–25, looking for how survivors reacted after experiencing these destructive events.

  • How would you describe their feelings?

Truths about Jesus Christ

As the people mourned in the darkness, they heard the voice of Jesus Christ speaking to them. He named many cities and explained that those cities and people had been destroyed because of their wickedness. He then taught the people many important truths about Himself.

In addition to having students create the list described in the following paragraph, consider also creating a list that could be prominently displayed for your class throughout your study of 3 Nephi. You could use a large poster board or piece of paper to write the title listed below in italics. Around this, record students’ discoveries about Jesus Christ found during this lesson and in subsequent lessons.

To help you organize these truths, create a heading in your study journal titled: Learning about Jesus Christ in 3 Nephi. You may want to reserve multiple pages in your study journal so you can add truths to this list during your study of the Savior’s ministry among the Nephites over the next few weeks.

Be sure to give students sufficient time to have a meaningful experience studying the Savior’s words in the following verses. It may be beneficial to play reverent instrumental music and allow them to study individually.

You could also divide students into small groups and assign each group to study and discuss one of the following scripture passages: 3 Nephi 9:13–18; 3 Nephi 9:19–22; 3 Nephi 10:4–7; and 3 Nephi 10:8–12. Members from each group could be invited to share what they learned about Jesus Christ from the verses they studied.

Read 3 Nephi 9:13–22 and 10:4–12, looking for what Jesus Christ taught these people about Himself. Write these truths under the heading in your study journal.

After students have had sufficient time to study, discuss what they learned. Give multiple students an opportunity to share their insights and feelings about Jesus Christ. Use questions like the following to help guide this discussion.

  • What did the Savior teach about Himself that was especially significant to you? Why?

    Students could identify many truths about Jesus Christ. You may want to make sure students notice the following: Jesus Christ’s arm of mercy is extended to us (3 Nephi 9:14); Jesus Christ is the light and life of the world (3 Nephi 9:18); Jesus Christ asks that we offer to Him a broken heart and a contrite spirit (3 Nephi 9:20); Jesus Christ desires to gather and protect us (3 Nephi 10:4–7).

    Consider writing these truths on the board. You could invite students to find other accounts in the scriptures in which Jesus Christ demonstrates one or more of the truths they have identified about Him.

    For ideas about how you might spend more time on some of the Savior’s specific teachings from these verses, see the “Supplemental Learning Activities” section.

  • How can the truths you have learned about Jesus Christ impact your love for and trust in Him?

  • What situations have you been in, or might you be in, where remembering one or more of these truths will be important?

Testify of the truths you have discussed today. Encourage students to continue looking for important truths about Jesus Christ as they continue to study His ministry among the Nephites.