Questions for Review:

1. What do we learn about the importance of prayer in the Savior's second visit to the Nephite-Lamanites?  (3 Nephi 19:17-24)

Not everybody was present during that first visit. We don't know why they weren't at the temple that day, but it certainly makes me think what I should expect out Church meetings in general.

Those who weren't present in the first visit didn't touch Jesus and didn't have their children blessed individually by him and ministered to by angels. However, they still would see the heavens open and angels coming down to minister to the Twelve Disciples, as well as the transfiguration of the Twelve-still quite a testimony, but not as great as the one given to those present at the first visit.

Once again, I ask myself: Am I in the places where I am expected to be--at the times in which I am supposed to be in attendance?

But let's give some credit to this second group of people: traveling at night in complete darkness (ok, maybe under a bright moonlight) is already quite an effort.  Add to that the fact that the roads at this point had been destroyed, and that the geographic features of the terrain had been changed, and we can see that this second group had to make a tremendous effort to be at the temple in the next morning.

The Disciples organize and teach the multitude (5-9)

. What did the Twelve teach the people? Why did they do that?

The Twelve pray to Jesus, and Jesus consecrates those prayers to the Father (17-24)

Jesus always acknowledges the Father's hand in all things, even in those actions he performs by himself

What do we learn about our acknowledgment of the Lord's hand in our lives?  (read Acts 17:28; Mosiah 2:20; D&C 59:21; 88:11,13)

Also read Exodus 34:29-30,33-35; Matthew 17:2; D&C 63:21  Then, consider this account from an early converts' meeting attended by the Prophet Joseph Smith:

"After prayer and singing, Joseph began talking. He began very solemnly and very earnestly. Suddenly, his countenance changed and he stood mute; he seemed almost transfixed. He was looking ahead and his face outshone the candle which was on a shelf just behind him. ...  He looked as though a searchlight was inside his face. ...  After a short time he looked at us very solemnly, as if to pierce each heart, then said, "Brothers and Sisters, do you know who has been in your midst this night?"

One of the Smith family said, "An angel of the Lord?" Joseph did not answer.  Martin Harris was sitting at the Prophet's feet on a box.  He slid to his knees, clasped his arms around the Prophet's knees and said, "I know, it was our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ."

Joseph put his hand on Martin's head and answered, "Martin, God revealed that to you.  Brothers and Sisters, the Savior has been in your midst this night.  I want you to remember it. He cast a veil over your eyes for you could not endure to look upon Him. ...  I want you to remember this as if it were the last thing that escaped my lips. He has given you all to me, and commanded me to seal you up to Everlasting Life, that where he is there you may be also.  And if you are tempted of Satan say, 'Get behind me Satan, for my Salvation is secure.' "(Mary Elizabeth Rollings Lightner, Young Woman's Journal, XVI, pp.556-557; Quoted in Hyrum L. Andrus' Principles of Perfection)

Jesus administers the sacrament miraculously (20:3-7)

The Lord will gather his people and make them powerful (20:18-19)

. But notice how He is going to do it ...

The gospel will be taken by the Gentiles to the remnants of the Nephites and Lamanites (21:2-7)

Those who do not come unto Christ in the last days will be "cut off" (21:9-12, 20)

. "Cut off" from what or where? Read John 15:4-7; D&C 121:19-20

Blessings for the repentant Israel (22:5-8, 13-14, 17)

The Lord proclaims: "Great are the words of Isaiah" (23:1-3)

Notice that this is not a common statement made by the Lord, and he is not used to speaking in superlatives either

Copyright © 1994-2007 - Marcus H. Martins
This web page was published only as a support for classroom discussion.
For more information, contact Dr. Marcus Martins at: martinsm@byuh.edu