It had been at least 40 years since Lehi’s family left Jerusalem. They were in a strange new land, half a world away from Jerusalem. Lehi had died, and his family had already started what would become a centuries-long contention between the Nephites—“who believed in the warnings and the revelations of God”—and the Lamanites, who did not (2 Nephi 5:6). Jacob, who was Nephi’s younger brother and was now ordained as a teacher for the Nephites, wanted the covenant people to know that God would never forget them, so they must never forget Him. This is a message we surely need today (see Doctrine and Covenants 1:15–16). “Let us remember him … for we are not cast off. … Great are the promises of the Lord,” Jacob declared (2 Nephi 10:20–21). Among these promises, none is greater than the promise of an “infinite atonement” to overcome death and hell (2 Nephi 9:7). “Therefore,” Jacob concluded, “cheer up your hearts”! (2 Nephi 10:23).
The Lord is merciful to His people and will fulfill His covenants.
To help his people understand that they were part of the house of Israel and could trust God and His promises, Jacob quoted prophecies of Isaiah, recorded in 2 Nephi 6–8. That message is for you too, because Latter-day Saints are also part of God’s covenant people. As you read these chapters, think about questions like the following:
What do I learn about the Savior’s redeeming love for me? What words or phrases express this love especially well?
What does the Savior offer to people who seek Him?
What can I do to more faithfully “wait” for the Savior and His promised blessings?
One way to deepen your appreciation for Jesus Christ is to think about what would have happened to us without Him. As you read 2 Nephi 9:1–26, consider listing or marking in one color what would happen to us without the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Then, in another list or color, you could identify what we can receive through the Savior’s Atonement. Based on what you read, how would you explain why we need the Atonement of Jesus Christ? What did you find that inspires you to praise the “wisdom of God, his mercy and grace”? (2 Nephi 9:8).
In addition to teaching what Jesus Christ saved us from, Jacob also gave insights about how He did it. Consider recording what you find in 2 Nephi 9:11–15, 20–24.
Jacob was so awed by God’s plan of redemption that he exclaimed, “O how great the plan of our God.” Look for his exclamations in 2 Nephi 9 (most of them are found in verses 8–20). What do you learn from these verses about God’s plan? What experiences have helped you feel some of what Jacob felt? As part of your worship and study, consider looking for a hymn that might express how you feel about Him, such as “How Great Thou Art” (Hymns, no. 86).
See also “Where Justice, Love, and Mercy Meet,” “Jacob Teaches of the Resurrection” (videos), Gospel Library; Gospel Topics, “Atonement of Jesus Christ,” Gospel Library.
What could you do to better understand Jesus Christ’s “infinite atonement”? (2 Nephi 9:7). Perhaps you could look at things that seem infinite in number—blades of grass in a field, grains of sand on a beach, or stars in the sky. How is the Savior’s Atonement infinite? How is it also personal? What phrases in 2 Nephi 9 help you feel grateful for what the Savior did for you?
In 2 Nephi 9, Jacob used two powerful and contrasting phrases: “the merciful plan of the great Creator” and “that cunning plan of the evil one” (2 Nephi 9:6, 28). Perhaps you could draw a path and label it Heavenly Father’s Plan. Then search 2 Nephi 9:27–52. Look for warnings and invitations that Jacob gave to help us follow this plan. Write what you find beside the path. How does Satan try to lead us away from God’s plan? What do you feel inspired to do in response to Jacob’s warnings and invitations?
Jacob’s message was a joyful one. “I speak unto you these things,” he said, “that ye may rejoice, and lift up your heads forever” (2 Nephi 9:3). As you read 2 Nephi 10:20, 23–25, what do you find that cheers your heart? What will you do to remember these things when you feel discouraged?
See also John 16:33; D. Todd Christofferson, “The Joy of the Saints,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 15–18; “Jacob Encourages the Nephites to Be Reconciled with God” (video), Gospel Library.
How will you help your children understand and feel that they need the Savior Jesus Christ? This week’s activity page could help. It uses a simple analogy of a pit and a ladder. Consider using 2 Nephi 9:21–22 to talk with your children about why you are grateful for Jesus Christ.
One way to help your children understand why we need the Savior is to teach them about the Fall. You could show a picture of Adam and Eve, such as Leaving the Garden of Eden (Gospel Library), and a picture of Jesus Christ on the cross. Consider asking them to describe what is happening in each picture. How are we like Adam and Eve? Perhaps 2 Nephi 9:6–10 can help them see what Jesus Christ does for us. Consider inviting your children to share their feelings about Jesus Christ. A song like “I Feel My Savior’s Love” (Children’s Songbook, 74–75) could help.
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Leaving the Garden of Eden
Teach truth with stories and examples. Be sure the stories and examples you use teach truth. For example, when using this week’s activity page, teach that Jesus Christ came into the “pit” to help us each step of the way as we climb out.
To encourage your children to “[delight] in righteousness” or joyfully obey the Lord (2 Nephi 9:49), perhaps you could share examples in which a child makes a good choice or a bad choice. Invite your children to stand up when the choice brings happiness and sit down when the choice brings sadness. When have we felt happy because we made a choice to follow Jesus Christ?
Your children are likely to interact with people (if they haven’t already) who think that the Lord’s commandments are foolish or out of date. Maybe you and your children could talk about how to explain why we’re happy to keep the commandments. Why is it important to trust God’s counsel even if we do not completely understand it? You could encourage them to look in 2 Nephi 9:20, 28–29, 42–43 for help with thinking about and discussing these questions.
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
