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Sep 2929 min read

“I Am the Law, and the Light”


CFM: September 30–October 6





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3 Nephi 12-16

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3 Nephi 12-16
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3 Nephi 12-16 (not yet posted)

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3 Nephi 12-16

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3 Nephi 12-16

Book of Mormon Matters with John W. Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson

3 Nephi 12-16

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3 Nephi 12-16

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3 Nephi 12-16 (not posted yet)

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3 Nephi 12-16

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3 Nephi 12-16

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3 Nephi 12-16

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3 Nephi 12-16

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3 Nephi 12-16

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3 Nephi 12-16

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3 Nephi 12-16

Our Mothers Knew It

3 Nephi 12-16
Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class, Book of Mormon
Jesus Christ's Ministry Among the People of Nephi

Resources and Insights for this Week's Lesson  






The Book of Mormon: A Cultural and Religious Dialogue


This lesson is absolutely packed with so much information that I am going to reserve comments for the Overview outlines. There are many Biblical cross-references in this lesson, including hyperlinks to interlinear dictionaries and concordances. A great deal can be learned from following the hyperlinks underlined in the overviews below. The primary reason that the summaries are included is to provide a location where the hyperlinks can be attached. There is so much that can be said for studying these words from the earliest sources that we have. We can learn more about the culture, the context, the language, and so on. Whenever anything gets translated from one language into another, it is very easy for things to get lost in translation, and this is usually where misunderstandings arise. Frequently, when we can go back to the source, many of these misunderstandings can be clarified. The underlined hyperlinks on the Overview outlines below will take you to online interlinear resources to explore and enjoy. Take your time, and dig into this material. It can be very rewarding. Generally, anything with red or blue lettering is a treasure hunt waiting to happen.


This is really an opportunity to let the Spirit guide you through these passages. Follow the promptings you receive. Research the topics that resonate with you personally. Ask questions. Look up words that stand out, even if you know what they mean. Frequently, you will find things that surprise you. This is my favorite way to study the Scriptures because I feel like I am learning at the feet of the Savior when I allow myself to be guided by His Spirit.


I will underline various concepts and things that stand out to me to help you get started. But this is intended to be your adventure, so if something stands out to you that is not underlined, you have the tools to find it.



Additional Resources:


 

Overview


3 Nephi 12


In 3 Nephi 12, Jesus delivers to the Nephites a sermon that closely mirrors the Sermon on the Mount from the New Testament (Matthew 5-7). This sermon begins with the Beatitudes, which pronounce blessings on those who are spiritually inclined and uphold righteous characteristics. Jesus extends the higher law to the Nephites, emphasizing internal purity, love, and forgiveness, transcending the strictures of the Mosaic law. He calls His followers to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, underscoring their role in exemplifying and spreading the gospel. This chapter not only establishes a covenant relationship between Christ and His people but also lays down foundational teachings for living a Christ-centered life.


References and Cultural Contexts for Investigation, Contemplation, and Discussion:


Major Topics/ Themes

​Cross-References, Videos & Resources

3 Nephi 12

Matthew 5 INT

Verses 1-12: The Beatitudes


Verses 3-12: Echoing Matthew 5:3-12 (INT), Jesus pronounces blessings in the form of the Beatitudes (Latin term for Hebrew אַשְׁרֵי Ashri and Greek μακάριος makários. Eight beatitudes are specified in both accounts (eight and nine are extensions of the same theme). 1. The poor in spirit (*who come unto me - God -Matt 11:28-29) shall inherit the kingdom of heaven (*BoM clarification). 2. Those who mourn shall be comforted. 3. The meek shall inherit the earth. 4. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness shall be filled. 5. The merciful shall obtain mercy. 6. The pure in heart shall see God. 7. The peacemakers shall be called the children of God. And 8, those who are persecuted for righteousness sake shall receive the kingdom of heaven; Jesus reminds these people that God's prophets have been persecuted throughout history. *Note that the pattern of the 8 Beatitudes corresponds with the poetic form of Psalms 119, where each letter has eight stanzas devoted to it that teach the student about the symbolic principles associated with each Hebraic letter. Psalm 119 is written in the form of an acrostic poem, where each segment begins with the associated letter of the alphabet. The Savior draws upon a similar form in the literary structure of His beatitudes; he even starts them all with the letter Aleph, with the Hebraic/ Aramaic word Ashri, which was later translated into Greek, then Latin as beati, then English as "Blessed." In the Book of Mormon, the Savior expands upon this theme, adding two additional and very significant preambles. The order and authority of the Melchizedek priesthood are reinstated with the organization of the 12, and the ordinances are restored, allowing the people to be born again through the waters of baptism and the fire of the Holy Ghost to receive a remission of their sins and to receive a personal witness of God. These are crucial components for the fulfillment of the proceeding beatitudes.

Verses 13-16: Salt of the Earth and Light of the World

What Would Jesus Do? (3 Nephi 11-28)

Verses 13-16: Jesus teaches that His followers are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, similar to Matthew 5:13-16. He warns the Israelites not to lose their flavor and emphasizes the importance of letting their light shine for others to glorify God, stating that men do not light a candle and put it under a bushel, but they put it on a candlestick to provide light for all who are in the house (family). God counsels us to be generous with the light we have received and to shine/act on that light through good works.

  • Cross-references: Matthew 5:13-16

Verses 17-20: Fulfillment of the Law


Verses 17-20: Christ clarifies that He has come to fulfill the law, not to destroy it. He underscores the enduring nature of the law (νόμος nomos, תּוֹרָה Torah), once again drawing attention to the very letters of the alphabet that make up the law (as he did previously in his reference to Psalm 119), stating that every letter, including every jot (iota, yod) and tittle (keraia, likely derived from Hebrew qeren) of the Law is fulfilled in Christ. He emphasizes the importance of believing and living according to Law that He has outlined: faith, repentance, obedience to the commandments, humility, and coming unto Christ with a broken heart and contrite spirit. He emphasizes that this is the only way to the kingdom of heaven. In the New Testament, Jesus explains that one's righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees. In the BofM, the political system is different, so this segment is omitted. However, he goes on to explain how one must interpret the law on a higher level than the carnal laws had previously specified, outlining a celestial hierarchy (Derived from ἱερός (hierós, “holy”) +‎ -άρχης (-árkhēs, “ruler,” “leader,” "previously established order," "government") of good, better, and best.

  • Cross-references: Matthew 5:17-20


Verses 21-26: On Anger and Reconciliation


Verses 21-26: Reiterating Matthew 5:21-26, Jesus demonstrates how the sixth commandment, "Thou shalt not murder," can be interpreted on a three-tiered system (Exodus 20:13). 1. Good/Carnal/Telestial level: don't murder. 2. Better/Terrestrial level: Don't be angry with your brother. Don't slander him and call him names (such as Raca or Fool). 3. Best/Celestial level: Come unto Christ and utilize the power of His Atonement, recognizing that we also have reasons to repent. In order to receive God's forgiveness and grace, we must be willing to extend that grace to others and forgive them for their trespasses. Christ teaches us that before we come to His altar (to partake of the Sacrament and participate in sacred ordinances), we should do all we can to be reconciled with our brother, to lay our gifts (of a broken heart and contrite spirit) upon God's altar, to allow Him to carry those burdens for us. This process of faithfully utilizing the Power of Jesus' Atonement will qualify us for the Higher Order of the Law and the Celestial Kingdom if we are sincerely striving to be faithful. Christ's teachings regarding the principles of good, better, and best in this context demonstrate how the Commandments are more than a list of thou shalt nots. Rather, they are quite literally the keys to peace, happiness, and the Kingdom of God.

  • Cross-references: Matthew 5:21-26

Verses 27-32: On Adultery and Divorce


  • Verses 27-30: Christ continues with this explanation, using the Seventh Commandment, which focuses on fidelity and adultery, echoing Matthew 5:27-30. 1: Good/Carnal/ Telestial Law: Don't have unlawful intercourse. 2: Better/Terrestrial Law: Keep thoughts and passions in harmony with the Gospel Standards.  Jesus stresses the importance of purity of heart, putting things into perspective by advising that it is better to sacrifice one part of the body or to take up our crosses to deny ourselves of some of our temporal wants/needs than it is to sacrifice our eternal progression. 3: Best/ Celestial Law: He stresses the importance of purity of heart, advising that it is better to lose one part of the body than for the whole body to be cast into hell.

  • Verses 31-32: These verses outline 3: Best/ Celestial Law: Jesus addresses the topic of fidelity and the importance of an eternal family by clarifying some topics on divorce and separation. A Celestial Family is the goal and the promise affixed to faithfully living the seventh commandment. This Law of Chastity was connected to the covenant bonds of matrimony. Additionally, it was connected to the covenant bonds between Israel and God, and it is sometimes referred to as the "New and Everlasting Covenant." Thus, in the Biblical literature, the worship of foreign gods was often equated to being unfaithful to one's spouse, and this is a topic that Christ addresses on the individual level, but this also has broader implications as well. Marriage and Divorce can be a complicated topic; it was problematic among both the Nephites and the Jewish communities in Jerusalem, and it is a topic that can still cause considerable issues and anguish today. In order to understand how this topic was intended in this passage, there are some cultural and linguistic concepts and terminology that need to be clarified. First, there is a big difference between the terms ἀποστάσιον "divorce" and ἀπολύσῃ "putting away." These words, along with their cultural applications, are discussed in more detail in our lessons "What Lack I Yet?" According to Jewish Law, in order for a woman to get a divorce, she had to receive a written document, called a "get," to move on and remarry. Oftentimes, this process would require the husband to pay back the woman's dowry, and in some cases, he would have to pay additional restitution. Rather than pay back the sum, some men would "put their wives away." This was not a legal divorce according to Jewish Law; it was merely a separation, so technically, the woman was still married. We observe this situation in the story of the woman at the well, who was trapped in a marriage and was forced to turn to another man for her support. During this time, women could not own property or have a job. The only means that were available to them to support themselves and their children in these situations was to rely on another man, possibly a relative, as was with the story of Ruth and Boaz. However, if a relative was not available or willing to care for her, the woman would be left destitute and would have to rely on the support of a man who was not her husband, and frequently this scenario resulted in adultery. In many cases, the "put away" woman would have to turn to prostitution, or she and her children would starve and die. That was the harsh reality of the culture, and this was an injustice that Jesus harshly condemned. Rather than support these unjust laws, Christ was a strong advocate for women; he taught that husbands should love their wives, they should cleave unto them, and that women should be treated as ezer kenegdow, a term usually translated as help-meets, but means much more. This term does not mean subservient or less than. In fact, it is a term that is only used only for wives and the Lord himself. It describes a powerful co-partner who comes to the aid of one in dire straits. Women were created to help men reach their divine and eternal potential, and this was something that the culture struggled to understand. Marriage is the crowning jewel of our eternal experience. Husbands and wives should honor their partners and support them in their divine roles as fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers. We should treat each other with respect and compassion. If a couple cannot do so, they need to get a proper and legal divorce before they move forward with an intimate relationship with someone else. These passages are not intended to condemn women, although many have misinterpreted this passage over the years. If anything, it was a criticism of and warning to negligent and abusive men at that time who failed to meet their obligations to their families. In modern day, although cultural circumstances have changed, the admonition to love and prioritize our families still holds true, for men and women. These translations do not always make these distinctions clear, but understanding the terminology and culture of the time can help us to better understand the intentions of the words and the incredible blessings that can come from faithfully living this Law.

    • Cross-references: Matthew 5:27-32


Verses 33-37: On Oaths


Verses 33-37: Jesus moves beyond the Ten Commandments and addresses perjury issues and the custom of swearing oaths. He teaches against swearing oaths entirely. He instructs us to simply be honest and say 'Yes' or 'No'; anything beyond this comes from evil. He clarifies that swearing by anything beyond the integrity of our word is dishonest because those are things we do not control or have power over.


Verses 38-42: On Retaliation


Verses 38-42: Consistent with Matthew 5:38-42, Christ explains that we must move beyond seeking retaliation in our quest for justice. Christ's Atonement answered those demands, and he instructed us to extend mercy, show humility and generosity, and go the extra mile. He cites Leviticus 23:20, the teaching of "an eye for an eye," and admonishes his followers to turn the other cheek, to avoid contention and bickering, and to serve generously. Additionally, in the cultural context of the New Testament, Christ also admonished the people not to stir up contention with the Romans. For example, Roman soldiers could legally require the Jews to carry their packs one stadia. They could legally strike the Jews on the cheek. They could hold one's property as a security for a debt. Thus, Jesus was teaching his followers how to wisely and successfully interact with their governing officials, admonishing them to abide by the laws of the land to secure their peace and survival. Jesus was not endorsing the government or its practices; however, he was trying to dissuade the Jews from trying to establish a Messianic kingdom by force of arms.


Verses 43-48: Love for Enemies


Verses 43-48: Jesus concludes this chapter by teaching his followers to love their neighbors and their enemies and to pray for their persecutors. He recognizes the challenging requirements of being children of the Father, and he reminds his followers that the Father makes the sun to rise on both the evil and the good. In other words, He loves all of his children, and seeks for their redemption. The Atonement of Jesus Christ opened the way to gather the sinner and the saints. Justice was satisfied in accordance with the Law, and a new beginning dawns where Christ's mercy can be extended to all.


3 Nephi 13

In 3 Nephi 13, Jesus continues His sermon to the Nephites, often referred to as the Nephite Sermon on the Mount. This chapter parallels Matthew 6 in the New Testament and includes key teachings on righteous living, avoiding hypocrisy, the proper way to pray, and prioritizing spiritual treasures.


References and Cultural Contexts for Investigation, Contemplation, and Discussion:

Major Topics/ Themes

​Cross-References, Videos & Resources

3 Nephi 13

Matthew 6 INT: "He taught them as One Having Authority"

Verses 1-4: On Giving Alms

Jesus Christ Teaches How to Live the Higher Law | 3 Nephi 12–14

Avoid Hypocrisy in Almsgiving:

  • Jesus warns against performing acts of charity (חֶסֶד) to be seen by others.

  • Key Teaching: When giving alms, do not sound a trumpet as the hypocrites do. The reward for those seeking the praise of others is limited to worldly recognition.

  • Private Charity: Jesus emphasizes that charitable deeds should be done in secret, and God, who sees in secret, will reward openly.


Verses 5-8: On Prayer


Avoid Vain Repetition in Prayer:

  • Jesus instructs the Nephites not to pray as the hypocrites, who love to pray standing in public places to be seen by men.

  • Private, Sincere Prayer: Instead, disciples should pray in private, in their closets, where they can commune sincerely with God.

  • Avoid Repetition: Jesus discourages vain repetitions (idle and tedious babble), as the Father already knows our needs before we ask.


Verses 9-13: The Lord’s Prayer

Why Is the Lord's Prayer Different in 3 Nephi?

Pattern for Prayer:

  • Jesus provides a model for how to pray, which is the same prayer taught to His followers in the Old World:

  • Focus: This prayer centers not only on the prayer itself but also on divine patterns that can help us ascend to God by focusing on His will, demonstrating faith in Him, practicing daily repentance, forgiving others, relying on Him to steer us away from evil as we strive to obey His counsel and heed His Law, and as we draw upon his power through the ordinances of the Priesthood which he bestows upon us through administrative keys, sacred covenantal ordinances, and presence.




Verses 14-15: On Forgiveness


  • Jesus reinforces the importance of forgiving others. Those who forgive will receive forgiveness from Heavenly Father.

  • Conditional Forgiveness: If you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive you.


Verses 16-18: On Fasting


Avoid Hypocrisy in Fasting:

  • Jesus commands that fasting, like prayer and almsgiving, should be done sincerely and without drawing attention to oneself.

  • Anointing and Washing: When fasting, the disciples should anoint their heads and wash their faces, so as not to appear outwardly to be fasting, but rather to do so in secret.

  • Secret Devotion: God, who sees in secret, will reward the sincere faster openly.


Verses 19-21: Treasures in Heaven


Prioritize Spiritual Wealth:

  • Jesus instructs the Nephites to lay up treasures in heaven, not on earth. Earthly treasures are subject to decay and theft, but heavenly treasures are eternal.

  • Heart and Treasure: "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." This teaching connects material focus with spiritual orientation.


Verses 22-23: Light of the Body


The Eye as the Light of the Body:

  • Jesus teaches that the eye is the light of the body. If one’s eye is single to righteousness, the whole body will be full of light.

  • Spiritual Vision: A good, focused spiritual vision leads to spiritual enlightenment, while spiritual darkness comes from misdirected focus and distraction, resulting in greater darkness, due to the absence of light through Christ.


Verses 24: Serving Two Masters


No Man Can Serve Two Masters:

  • Jesus teaches that it is impossible to serve both God and mammon (wealth or materialism).

  • Exclusive Devotion: One must choose where their loyalty lies, as serving both will lead to divided devotion, conflicts of interest, and failure to fully serve God.


Verses 25-34: Trust in God’s Providence


Do Not Stress About Temporal Needs:

  • Jesus counsels His disciples not to be overly anxious about food, drink, or clothing, stating that life is more than meat and raiment. He counsels his followers to consider the lilies of the field and the birds of the air; they do not sow, reap, gather, toil, or spin, yet the Lord provides for them. He states that even Solomon, in all his glory, was not arrayed like one of these.

  • Trust in God: If God cares for the birds and lilies, He will certainly provide for His children.

  • Seek First the Kingdom: The key focus for disciples is to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” trusting that all temporal needs will be met in due course. This is a message that counsels us to simplify by setting our priorities in order.

  • Take No Thought for Tomorrow: Jesus urges the Nephites to live in the present and trust God’s providence, trusting that tomorrow will take care of itself.


3 Nephi 14


In 3 Nephi 14, Jesus continues His sermon to the Nephites, mirroring His teachings from Matthew 7 in the New Testament. This chapter is filled with timeless counsel on judgment, discernment, and the importance of building a foundation on His gospel. The chapter emphasizes the necessity of sincere faith and righteous living and warns against hypocrisy and false teachings.


References and Cultural Contexts for Investigation, Contemplation, and Discussion:

  • Judgment and Self-Reflection:

    • Jesus teaches the importance of avoiding hypocritical judgment and focusing on improving oneself before criticizing others.

  • Seek God's Guidance:

    • Through prayer, faith, and sincere effort (ask, seek, knock), disciples are promised to receive the help and guidance they need.

  • Discernment and Fruitful Living:

    • Jesus provides clear warnings about false prophets and emphasizes that true disciples can be recognized by their "fruits"—their righteous actions and integrity.

  • Commitment to Discipleship:

    • Salvation requires more than words; it requires sincere obedience to the will of the Father. Only those who actively live the gospel will enter the kingdom of heaven.

  • Foundation on Christ:

    • Those who hear and act on Jesus' teachings are likewise builders who construct their lives on a strong foundation, which will help them withstand the trials and challenges of life.

  • Literary and Linguistic Observations:

Major Topics/ Themes

​Cross-References, Videos & Resources

3 Nephi 14

Matthew 7 INT

Verses 1-5: Judging Others


Avoid Unrighteous Judgment:

  • Jesus teaches the Nephites to refrain from judging others hypocritically, as the measure they use to judge others will be used against them. (κρίνω, שָׁפַט, דּוּן, and רִיב, note that all of these words indicate the concept of condemning and issuing punishment; they are very different from the concept of discernment. The English language frequently lumps the two together.)

  • The Beam and the Mote: He uses the metaphor of removing a beam from one’s own eye before pointing out the mote (small speck) in another's eye, symbolizing the need for self-reflection before judging others.


Verse 6: Holy Things


Don’t Cast Pearls Before Swine:

  • Jesus advises against giving holy things to dogs, and casting pearls before swine, those who will not appreciate or understand them. This verse encourages discernment when sharing sacred truths.


Verses 7-11: Ask, Seek, Knock


God’s Willingness to Bless:

  • Jesus invites His followers to “ask, seek, and knock,” promising that those who sincerely ask will receive, those who seek will find, and those who knock will have doors opened to them.

  • Analogy of Earthly Parents: He compares God’s willingness to give good gifts to His children with the natural inclination of earthly parents to give good things to their children. He uses the symbols of bread, stones, fish, and serpents.


Verse 12: The Golden Rule


Do Unto Others:

  • Jesus gives the famous "Golden Rule": “Therefore, all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.”

  • This succinctly captures the heart of Christ-like living and is a foundational principle of Christian conduct.


Verses 13-14: The Strait and Narrow Path


Two Paths:

  • Jesus describes two paths/ gates: the wide and broad path leading to destruction and the strait and narrow path leading to life. Few find the narrow path, emphasizing the importance of focused and committed discipleship.


Verses 15-20: Beware of False Prophets


Judging by Fruits:

  • Jesus warns the Nephites to beware of false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing but are inwardly like ravening wolves.

  • Good and Bad Fruits: A good tree produces good fruit, and a corrupt tree produces bad fruit. This metaphor teaches how to discern the legitimacy of prophets and teachers by examining their "fruits"—their actions and teachings.

Verses 21-23: Doing the Will of the Father


Not All Will Enter the Kingdom:

  • Jesus warns that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of the Father.

  • He stresses the importance of not merely professing faith but acting on His teachings. Many will claim to have performed works in His name, but their motives were self-serving and violated the law's intent. These will be denied.

Why Is 3 Nephi Important for Understanding the Godhead?

Verses 24-27: The Wise and Foolish Builders


Building on a Sure Foundation:

  • Jesus concludes this part of His sermon with a parable comparing wise and foolish builders. The wise builder builds his house on a rock, which withstands storms (symbolizing the trials of life), while the foolish builder builds on sand, and his house is destroyed when the storms come.

  • Foundation on Christ: This parable illustrates the importance of building one’s life on the foundation of Christ and His teachings.



3 Nephi 15


In 3 Nephi 15, Jesus continues teaching the Nephites after delivering the Sermon on the Mount. He clarifies His relationship with the Law of Moses and explains the connection between the Nephites and the "other sheep" mentioned in His ministry in Jerusalem. This chapter provides crucial doctrinal insights about the fulfillment of the law and the inclusion of other groups in Christ's ministry.


References and Cultural Contexts for Investigation, Contemplation, and Discussion:

  • Fulfillment of the Law of Moses:

    • Jesus completes the law of Moses and ushers in a higher law based on His teachings and the gospel of His Atonement.

    • This fulfillment marks a transition from outward rituals to inward, Christ-centered devotion.

  • The Other Sheep:

    • Jesus’ reference to the "other sheep" during His ministry in Jerusalem referred to the Nephites and others who were not part of the Jewish nation.

    • This expands the understanding of Christ’s mission as one that includes all people, especially the scattered tribes of Israel.

  • Unity Under Christ:

    • Jesus emphasizes that His ultimate goal is to bring all His sheep—regardless of their location or time period—into one fold.

    • The image of one fold and one shepherd reflects the future gathering and unity of Israel under Christ.

  • Revelation to the Faithful:

    • Jesus reveals that the Jews in Jerusalem were not prepared to receive certain knowledge because of their unbelief.

    • However, He shares deeper truths with the Nephites and will also visit other lost tribes of Israel.

    • The Reward Is Worth the Effort

  • Literary and Linguistic Observations:

Major Topics/ Themes

​Cross-References, Videos & Resources

3 Nephi 15

Jesus Christ Testifies of One Fold and One Shepherd | 3 Nephi 15–16

Verses 1-5: The Law of Moses Fulfilled in Christ


Christ as the Fulfillment of the Law:

  • Jesus explains that these were the words he taught during his mortal ministry, stating that those who remember them and do them will be raised up at the last day. He addressed some of the questions that some had regarding the Law of Moses and he declared that the law given to the people of Israel through Moses has been fulfilled in Him.

  • Key Teaching: The law of Moses, with all its types and shadows, pointed toward Christ’s atoning mission and fundamental aspects of the Plan of Salvation.

  • Transition to a New Law: With the introduction of Jesus' higher interpretation of the Law, the people are no longer tethered by the rigid rules and "checkboxes" that they were accustomed to with the law of Moses. Jesus' introduction of this interpretation helped them to better understand the intended meaning and purpose; the whys. The Law of Moses, as they had previously understood it, was a preliminary interpretation of the law designed to help them with the fundamental basics, preparing them to live the fuller law that he now presented.


Verses 6-10: Continuation of the Covenant


The Covenant Continues:

  • Although the law of Moses has been fulfilled, the covenant made with the house of Israel remains in place. There are still prophecies yet to be fulfilled. However, the law that was given to Moses has an end in Christ. (Jhn 18:37, purpose, completeness, τέλειος téleios, תָּמִים tâmîym)

  • Focus on Obedience to Christ: Christ is the Law and the light. Thus, the people should now look to Jesus, keep His commandments, and live His gospel.

  • Obeying Christ's Words: Jesus emphasizes that those who listen to His words, keep His commandments, and endure to the end will be given eternal life.


Verses 11-16: The Other Sheep


Clarification on the "Other Sheep":

  • Jesus describes the Nephites as the "other sheep," saying that he spoke of them to His disciples in Jerusalem (referenced in John 10:16). However, they did not understand the meaning.

  • Key Insight: The Jews in Jerusalem did not yet understand the significance of gathering all of the fold under one shepherd.

  • The Separation of the Nephites: The Nephites were separated from the Jews long ago as part of God’s divine plan, and there are other groups yet to be known.

Descendants of Joseph

Verses 17-18: The Jews’ Limited Understanding


Jesus Withheld Knowledge from the Jews:

  • Jesus explains that He did not reveal the existence of the Nephites to the Jews because of their unbelief and spiritual blindness.

  • Mysteries of the Kingdom: The Jews, in their rejection of the gospel, could not receive the greater knowledge of the other tribes scattered across the world.


Verses 19-21: One Fold, One Shepherd


Jesus’ Universal Ministry:

  • Jesus declares that He was commanded by the Father to minister to the Nephites and other groups as part of His broader mission.

  • Unity Among the Flock: His mission is to gather all His sheep into one fold under one shepherd, fulfilling the prophecy that "there shall be one fold, and one shepherd."

  • Unity of Israel: This refers to the eventual gathering and unification of all the lost tribes of Israel, not just the Jews in Jerusalem. All will hear his voice, including the Gentiles, those whom the Jews had previously looked down on. Personal and cultural prejudices and ignorance kept them from receiving the greater light and knowledge that Christ wanted to give them.

Why Did Jesus Say That There Were “Other Sheep” Who Would Hear His Voice?

Verses 22-24: Other Lost Tribes


Other Groups Beyond the Nephites:

  • Jesus reveals that there are even more “lost sheep” besides the Nephites, who He has not yet visited.

  • The Gathering of Israel: These groups are part of the broader house of Israel, and Jesus declares that He will visit them in time, in accordance with the Father’s will.

  • Unrevealed Knowledge: Jesus tells the Nephites that the people of Jerusalem knew nothing about these other groups due to their disbelief.


3 Nephi 16


In 3 Nephi 16, Jesus continues addressing the Nephites following His teachings in 3 Nephi 15. He expands on the theme of the gathering of Israel and the inclusion of the Gentiles in God’s plan of salvation. He prophesies about future events, particularly concerning the Gentiles, the scattering and gathering of Israel, and the latter-day restoration of the gospel. This chapter provides important insights into God's covenant with Israel and His mercy toward all nations. 


References and Cultural Contexts for Investigation, Contemplation, and Discussion:

  • The Gathering of Israel:

    • Jesus emphasizes the central role of the gathering of Israel in the latter days. Although Israel has been scattered due to unbelief, God's covenant with them remains, and they will be restored.

  • The Role of the Gentiles:

    • The gospel will be taken to the Gentiles in the last days. If the Gentiles accept it, they will be blessed and included in the covenant. If they reject it, they will face God's judgment.

    • Gentiles in the Book of Mormon

  • The Fulfillment of God's Covenants:

    • Despite the unbelief of both the Jews and the Nephites in the past, God will fulfill His promises to the house of Israel. The covenants made with their fathers—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—will be realized in the future through the gathering of Israel and the preaching of the gospel.

  • Warnings Against Pride:

    • Jesus warns the Gentiles against pride, a common theme throughout scripture. If they become prideful and reject the gospel, they will lose the blessings they once received.

  • Universal Scope of Christ’s Mission:

    • Jesus reaffirms that His ministry is for all of God's children, including the scattered tribes of Israel and the Gentiles. His work spans across nations, peoples, and time periods, with the ultimate goal of uniting all under His gospel.

  • Literary & Linguistic Observations:

Major Topics/ Themes

​Cross-References, Videos & Resources

3 Nephi 16


Verses 1-3: Jesus' Other Sheep


The Other Sheep Not Yet Visited:

  • Jesus reiterates that He has other "sheep" who were not of the Nephites or the people of Jerusalem. He will visit them as well, fulfilling the Father's commandment.

  • These "other sheep" are understood to be other remnants of Israel scattered across the world, some of whom know nothing about Him. Jesus’ mission is universal, and it extends beyond just the Jews and Nephites.


Verses 4-5: The Gentiles Will Hear the Gospel


Future Preaching to the Gentiles:

  • Jesus tells the Nephites that after His resurrection and ascension, His disciples in Jerusalem will take the gospel to the Gentile nations.

  • The Gentiles will hear the gospel message, and those who accept it will receive the blessings of the gospel. They will be gathered from the four quarters/corners of the Earth


Verses 6-7: The Fulfillment of Covenants to the House of Israel

Why is the Sermon at the Temple Echoed throughout the Rest of 3 Nephi?

Scattering of Israel:

  • Jesus prophesies that because of Israel's unbelief, they will be scattered among all nations. This refers to the scattering of the tribes of Israel after rejecting Christ.

  • Mercy for Israel: Despite their scattering, the promises made to the house of Israel will still be fulfilled in the Latter Days, and they will be gathered again.

Echoes of the Sermon at the Temple

Verses 8-10: The Role of the Gentiles


The Blessings and Warnings to the Gentiles:

  • Jesus explains that the Gentiles will receive the gospel first in the latter days. If they repent and accept the gospel, they will be counted among the covenant people of Israel.

  • Warning of Pride: However, Jesus warns that if the Gentiles become prideful and reject the gospel after receiving it, they will face consequences, and the fullness of the gospel will be given back to Israel.


Verses 11-12: The Gathering of Israel


Israel's Return to the Covenant:

  • Jesus promises that in the last days, Israel will be gathered once again and restored to their covenants with God.

  • The Gentiles' Role: The Gentiles play a critical role in this gathering as they will help bring the gospel to the scattered remnants of Israel.


Verses 13-16: The Gentiles' Fate


Blessings and Judgments for the Gentiles:

  • Jesus warns the Gentiles that if they harden their hearts, reject the gospel, and persecute the house of Israel, they will lose their privileged position.

  • Israel's Rise: In the end, only those who accept and live according to God's covenant will receive an inheritance; the rest will be cut off.


Verses 16-20: Prophesy of Isaiah will be fulfilled through Music (Isaiah 52:8 INT)





Church Videos & Resources


Scripture Central

  • Study Guide The study guide with the Reading Plan is now up under the Scripture Central Podcast Materials


BYU’s RSC








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