“Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world” (3 Nephi 11:10). With these words, the resurrected Savior introduced Himself, fulfilling over 600 years of Book of Mormon prophecies. “That appearance and that declaration,” Elder Jeffrey R. Holland wrote, “constituted the focal point, the supreme moment, in the entire history of the Book of Mormon. It was the manifestation and the decree that had informed and inspired every Nephite prophet. … Everyone had talked of him, sung of him, dreamed of him, and prayed for his appearance—but here he actually was. The day of days! The God who turns every dark night into morning light had arrived” (Christ and the New Covenant [1997], 250–51).
See also “Jesus Christ Appears in the Ancient Americas” (video), Gospel Library.
You might notice that themes related to darkness and light are repeated throughout 3 Nephi 8–11. What do you learn from these chapters about spiritual darkness and light? (see, for example, 3 Nephi 8:19–23; 9:18; 10:9–13). What brings darkness into your life? What brings light? Why do you think the Savior introduced Himself as “the light and the life of the world”? (3 Nephi 9:18; 11:11).
The events described in 3 Nephi 9–11 are among the most sacred in the Book of Mormon. Read them slowly, and ponder carefully. Here are some questions to help you. Consider recording the impressions that come to you.
How would I have felt if I were among these people?
What impresses me about the Savior in these chapters?
Elder Neil L. Andersen remarked, “I testify that the Savior is able and eager to forgive our sins” (“Repent … That I May Heal You,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 40). Search 3 Nephi 9–10 for evidence of Christ’s eagerness to forgive. What do you find in 3 Nephi 9:13–22; 10:1–6 that helps you feel His love and mercy? When have you felt Him “gather” and “nourish” you? (see 3 Nephi 10:4).
The Lord requires “a broken heart and a contrite spirit.”
Before the Savior’s coming, animal sacrifices were a symbol of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice (see Moses 5:5–8). What new commandment did the Savior give in 3 Nephi 9:20–22? How does it point us toward Him and His sacrifice?
What does it mean to you to offer a sacrifice of a broken heart and a contrite spirit? Why do you feel the Savior wants this sacrifice from you?
How do you know when God is speaking to you? Perhaps the experience of the people in 3 Nephi 11:1–8 can help you understand some principles of hearing and understanding God’s voice. You might note the characteristics of God’s voice that the people heard and what they did to better understand it.
You could also benefit from hearing from today’s prophets, apostles, and other Church leaders who have experience hearing and following God’s voice. Several of them share their experiences in the “Hear Him!” video collection in the Gospel Library. Consider watching one or more.
How will you apply what you learned to hear and recognize the voice of God more clearly?
Jesus Christ invites me to gain a personal witness of Him.
About 2,500 people were gathered at the temple in Bountiful when Jesus Christ appeared (see 3 Nephi 17:25). Despite this large number, the Savior invited them each “one by one” to feel the nail prints in His hands and feet (3 Nephi 11:14–15). As you read, imagine what it might have been like to be there. In what ways is the Savior inviting you to “arise and come forth unto” Him? (3 Nephi 11:14).
For more ideas, see this month’s issues of the Liahona and For the Strength of Youth magazines.
When I am in darkness, Jesus Christ can be my light.
To help your children relate to the experiences described in 3 Nephi 8–9, you could retell or listen to a recording of portions of these chapters in a darkened room. Discuss what it might have been like to be in darkness for three days. Then you could talk about why Jesus Christ called Himself the Light of the World (see 3 Nephi 9:18). What did Jesus invite the people, and us, to do so He can be our light? (see 3 Nephi 9:20–22).
Jesus protects His people as a hen protects her chicks.
The imagery of a hen gathering her chicks can be a powerful teaching tool to help children understand the Savior’s character and mission. You could read 3 Nephi 10:4–6 while your family looks at a picture of a hen and chicks. Why would a hen need to gather her chicks? Why does the Savior want to gather us close to Him? How do we come to Him for safety?
How will you help your children feel the Spirit as you read 3 Nephi 11:1–15 together? Perhaps you could ask them to tell you when they find something in these verses that helps them feel God’s love. You could do the same with the pictures in this outline or the video “Jesus Christ Appears at the Temple” (Gospel Library). Tell your children about how you feel when you read and ponder these events. Let them share their feelings too.
Perhaps you could read some of these verses in a soft, “small voice” (3 Nephi 11:3). Or you could play a recording of a song like “This Is My Beloved Son” (Children’s Songbook, 76) softly so that it is difficult to hear. What did the people have to do to understand the voice from heaven? (see verses 5–7). What do we learn from their experience?
As you read 3 Nephi 11:21–26, you could invite your children to stand up every time they hear the word baptize. What did Jesus teach about baptism? If your children have seen a baptism before, ask them to describe what they saw. Why does Jesus want us to be baptized?
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
