Lehi’s dream—with its iron rod, mists of darkness, spacious building, and tree with “most sweet” fruit—is an inspiring invitation to receive the blessings of the Savior’s love and atoning sacrifice. For Lehi, however, this vision was also about his family: “Because of the thing which I have seen, I have reason to rejoice in the Lord because of Nephi and also of Sam. … But behold, Laman and Lemuel, I fear exceedingly because of you” (1 Nephi 8:3–4). When Lehi finished describing his vision, he pleaded with Laman and Lemuel to “hearken to his words, that perhaps the Lord would be merciful to them” (1 Nephi 8:37). Even if you have studied Lehi’s vision many times, this time think about it the way Lehi did—think of someone you love. As you do, the security of the iron rod, the dangers of the spacious building, and the sweetness of the fruit will take on new meaning. And you will understand more deeply “all the feeling of [the] tender parent” who received this remarkable vision.
What impresses you about Nephi’s example in 1 Nephi 7:6–21? How are we blessed when we “frankly forgive” each other? The video “The Lord Delivers Nephi from His Rebellious Brothers” (Gospel Library) could be helpful in your study.
Holding fast to the word of God leads me to the Savior and helps me feel His love.
Lehi’s vision offers an invitation to reflect on where you are in your personal journey to become like Christ. President Boyd K. Packer said: “You are in it; all of us are in it. Lehi’s dream or vision of the iron rod has in it everything a … Latter-day Saint needs to understand the test of life” (“Lehi’s Dream and You,” New Era, Jan. 2015, 2).
As you study, consider filling out a chart like this one.
You could also search the following verses to learn about four groups of people Lehi saw: 1 Nephi 8:21–23, 24–28, 30, and 31–33. What differences do you notice between these groups? Why did some people leave after making it to the tree and tasting the fruit (see verses 24–28)? What do you learn from this experience?
See also Kevin W. Pearson, “Stay by the Tree,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 114–16; “Lehi Sees a Vision of the Tree of Life” (video), Gospel Library.
For an interactive experience to help you learn about Lehi’s vision, click here.
Let learners share their own discoveries. Consider inviting learners to search the scriptures on their own for truths they find. For example, you could invite them to search the scripture references in the chart on their own or in small groups. They will remember and cherish the truths they discover.
Ancient prophets knew about Jesus Christ’s mission and testified of Him.
Why do you think the Lord would want Lehi’s family—and all of us—to know the truths found in 1 Nephi 10:2–16? Consider how you could help your loved ones invite the Savior into their lives.
God will reveal truth to me by the power of the Holy Ghost.
How do you respond when you are asked to live a gospel principle you don’t understand? In the following scriptures, note the differences between Nephi’s response to Lehi’s vision (see 1 Nephi 10:17–19; 11:1) and Laman and Lemuel’s response (see 1 Nephi 15:1–10). What truths did Nephi understand that led him to respond as he did?
With Nephi’s example in mind, make a list of gospel principles you would like to understand better. What could you do to find answers for yourself? (See also “Truth Will Make You Free” in For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices, 30–33.)
Just as Nephi found out for himself that his father’s words were true, we can do the same when we hear the words of modern prophets and apostles. What did prophets and apostles teach us in the most recent general conference? How have you gained a personal witness of what they taught?
Holding fast to the word of God leads me to Him and helps me feel His love.
Your children might enjoy drawing a picture of Lehi’s vision as you read 1 Nephi 8 together. Let them share their pictures, and help them discover what the symbols in the dream represent (see 1 Nephi 11:21–22; 12:16–18; 15:23–33, 36 and this week’s activity page). Ask them to share as many answers as they can to this question: What do we learn from Lehi’s vision?
Do you have something that could represent the iron rod in Lehi’s vision, such as a pipe or a stick? Let your children hold on to it as you lead them around a room to a picture of the Savior. Why is the iron rod important in Lehi’s vision? (See 1 Nephi 8:20, 24, 30). How is the iron rod like the word of God?
Invite some of your children to read 1 Nephi 8:10–12 and describe what Lehi saw. Ask the others to read 1 Nephi 11:20–23 and describe what Nephi saw. Why would the angel show Nephi the baby Jesus to teach him about the love of God? Talk with your children about how they have felt the love of God in their lives. A song like “I Feel My Savior’s Love” (Children’s Songbook, 74–75) could help them think of examples.
God will reveal truth to me by the power of the Holy Ghost.
How could you help your children understand what Nephi taught in 1 Nephi 10:19? Perhaps you could fold a picture of the Savior or another special object inside a blanket and invite your children to unfold it. As you read 1 Nephi 10:19, they could raise their hands when they hear the words “unfolded” and “Holy Ghost.” Then you could share an experience when the Holy Ghost helped you discover truth.
Ask your children to talk about what they do to find answers to a question. What might Nephi say if someone asked him how to find answers to a question about the gospel? Encourage the children to find out by reading 1 Nephi 10:17–19; 11:1.
Have your children ever felt that the Holy Ghost helped them know that something was true? Let them share their experience. What would we say to a friend who thinks that they can’t receive answers through the Holy Ghost? What do we find in 1 Nephi 10:17–19 and 11:1 that could help that friend?
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
