Class 5 – Ancient Prophets Testify of Christ
Suggested Pre-Class Readings
Read 1 Nephi 19:10. Who are the prophets Nephi refers to? Note that these individuals write on the brass plates, but are not part of the Old Testament. Old Testament prophets (as recorded in the Old Testament today) do not seem to have this same clarity about the coming of Christ. How might this relate to 1 Nephi 13:26-29?
Although Old Testament authors were not explicit about Jesus Christ, New Testament authors point out connections between Old Testament passages (for the New Testament writers this would have been their current scripture) and Jesus Christ. Compare these verses as one example of this kind of connection.
Psalm 22:18, compare John 19:23–24
Psalm 22:7–8, compare Matthew 27:41-43
Psalm 22:16, compare Mark 15:25
Psalm 22:1, compare Mark 15:34
As you read these testimonies of ancient Book of Mormon prophets about Jesus Christ, please mark passages that stand out to you. What do these collective witnesses mean to you? Don’t rush through these verses. Let them sink into your heart–focus on what you feel as you read these ancient testimonies of the Savior.
Nephi—2 Nephi 25:19-27
Jacob—2 Nephi 9:21-26
King Benjamin—Mosiah 3:5-17
Abinadi—Mosiah 16:6-15
Alma—Alma 7:7-16
Amulek—Alma 34:8-17
Samuel the Lamanite—Helaman 14:9-19
Questions to focus on
As discussed in the video, and explained by Adam Miller, what lesson can we learn from Jarom 1:11?
What image did Enoch see that brought comfort to him in the midst of great emotional pain?
Be able to explain what ancient prophets and Jesus Christ himself say about looking at or thinking about Christ’s Crucifixion wounds.
What are two ways in which Jesus is “the Father”?
What relevance does the unity of God and Christ have for us in our discipleship?
Be able to explain the basic storyline of Hosea and its relevance for us today.
What lessons can we learn from Nehemiah that will strengthen our Christian discipleship?
What is the context for Ether 12:27? What relevance does this have for us today?
Optional Post-Class Readings
The 1828 Dictionary (great tool to see what words meant when the Book of Mormon was translated!)
Acknowledgements
Insights from, discussions with, and writings or other resources by Dr. Mark Ellison, Dr. Anthony Sweat, Dr. Alonzo Gaskill, Dr. Gaye Strathearn, Dr. Eric Huntsman, Dr. Matthew Grey, and Dr. Frank Judd were very helpful in creating this class.