“September 14–20. 3 Nephi 8–11: ‘Arise and Come Forth unto Me,’” Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 (2020)
“September 14–20. 3 Nephi 8–11,” Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: 2020
I Am the Light of the World, by James Fullmer
September 14–20
3 Nephi 8–11
“Arise and Come Forth unto Me”
In 3 Nephi 8–11, the people heard the voice of God speaking to them. As you read these chapters, pay attention to what His voice says to you.
Record Your Impressions
“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).
Ideas for Personal Scripture Study
Jesus Christ is the Light of the World.
You might notice that themes related to darkness and light—both physical and spiritual—are repeated throughout 3 Nephi 8–11. What do you learn from these chapters about spiritual darkness and light? What brings darkness into your life? What brings light? Why do you think the Savior chose to introduce Himself as “the light and the life of the world”? (3 Nephi 9:18; 11:11). How has Jesus Christ been a light in your life?
If I repent, the Savior will gather, protect, and heal me.
How do you imagine the people felt after experiencing the destruction and darkness described in 3 Nephi 8? How do you think they may have felt when they heard the Savior’s voice speaking about light, mercy, and redemption in chapters 9 and 10?
Even though the Savior proclaimed that the terrible destruction was a result of the people’s sins, He promised that he would heal those who would return to Him and repent (see 3 Nephi 9:2, 13). Elder Neil L. Andersen remarked: “I am amazed at the Savior’s encircling arms of mercy and love for the repentant, no matter how selfish the forsaken sin. 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 mercy and His eagerness to forgive. For example, what do you find in 3 Nephi 9:13–22 and 10:1–6 that helps you feel the Savior’s love and mercy? Ponder experiences when you have felt Him “gather” and “nourish” you (see 3 Nephi 10:4). Consider recording these experiences in a journal or sharing them with your loved ones.
I can learn to hear and understand God’s voice.
Have you ever felt that you were struggling to understand a message that God was communicating 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. How might this account apply to your efforts to hear and recognize the voice of God in your life through personal revelation?
Jesus Christ invites me to gain a personal testimony of Him.
There were about 2,500 people gathered 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). What does this suggest to you about the importance of having personal experiences that build faith in Jesus Christ? In what ways does the Savior invite you to “arise and come forth unto” Him? (3 Nephi 11:14). What experiences have helped you gain a witness that He is your Savior? You might also consider how the Savior’s example in these verses could inspire your efforts to minister to others.
One by One, by Walter Rane
Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Family Home Evening
As you read the scriptures with your family, the Spirit can help you know what principles to emphasize and discuss in order to meet the needs of your family. Here are some ideas.
3 Nephi 8–9
To help your family 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 how Jesus Christ is “the light … of the world” (3 Nephi 9:18).
3 Nephi 10:1–6
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 these verses 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? What might happen if a chick chose not to gather when called?
3 Nephi 11:1–7
Perhaps you could read some of these verses in a soft, “small voice” (3 Nephi 11:3). What did the people have to do to understand the voice from heaven? What do we learn from their experience?
3 Nephi 11:21–38
Is someone in your family preparing to be baptized? Reading 3 Nephi 11:21–38 could help them prepare. How can pondering the Savior’s teachings in these verses help family members who have already been baptized?
3 Nephi 11:29–30
What do these verses teach us about contention? How can we “[do] away” with contention in our home? (3 Nephi 11:30).
For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.
Suggested song: “This Is My Beloved Son,” Children’s Songbook, 76.
Improving Personal Study
Record impressions. Elder Richard G. Scott said, “Knowledge carefully recorded is knowledge available in time of need. … [Recording spiritual impressions] enhances the likelihood of your receiving further light” (“Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 88).
One Shepherd, by Howard Lyon