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Alma 18: Ammon Serves and Teaches King Lamoni

“Alma 18: Ammon Serves and Teaches King Lamoni,” Book of Mormon Student Manual (2024)

“Alma 18,” Book of Mormon Student Manual

Alma 18

Ammon Serves and Teaches King Lamoni

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King Lamoni being taught by Ammon

We don’t know why King Lamoni regarded Ammon so highly when they first met. Perhaps it was Ammon’s willingness to serve or the light of Christ he reflected, or that he was King Mosiah’s son. Whatever the reason for the positive first impression of Ammon, Lamoni was deeply touched by the faithfulness with which Ammon served him over the following three days. Because of what he felt, Lamoni was willing to believe all of Ammon’s words. This lesson is intended help you find ways to help others come closer to God through your Christlike love and service.

Preach the gospel

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, then of the First Presidency, taught:

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President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

One of the greatest sermons ever pronounced on missionary work is this simple thought attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi: “Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words.” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Waiting on the Road to Damascus,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 77)

  • How can we preach the gospel without using words?

  • Why is that such a powerful way to preach?

Jesus Christ was the perfect example of teaching the gospel.

  • Can you think of accounts of Jesus helping others learn about Heavenly Father even while not saying very much?

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Ammon defending the flocks

You might remember that when Ammon began his mission among the Lamanites in the land of Ishmael, he did not immediately begin teaching the gospel. Instead, he promised the king, “I will be thy servant” (Alma 17:25). Ammon was then assigned to watch over the king’s flocks. Through the power of God, he protected the flocks and the other servants from Lamanites who attempted to scatter the sheep.

As you study Alma 18 today, pay attention to the impact Ammon’s faithful service had on King Lamoni. Be thinking of ways you can help others come closer to God by loving and serving them in Christlike ways.

The impact of Ammon’s Christlike love and service

Read Alma 18:1–11, looking for the effect Ammon’s actions had on King Lamoni. You could also watch “Ammon Defends the King’s Flocks” from time code 2:57 to 5:24 as you follow along in your scriptures. This video is available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

  • What stands out to you about Ammon’s actions in these verses?

  • What impact did Ammon’s actions have on the king?

After Ammon had finished preparing the king’s horses and chariots, he came to the king and noticed that Lamoni’s countenance had changed. Through the Spirit, Ammon perceived the king’s thoughts and knew that Lamoni was marveling over the miraculous way Ammon defended the king’s flocks (see Alma 18:12–19).

Read Alma 18:20–23, looking for what Lamoni desired. You could also watch “Ammon Teaches King Lamoni about the Gospel of Jesus Christ” from time code 0:23 to 1:56 as you follow along in your scriptures. This video is available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

  • What role do you think Ammon’s Christlike love and service played in the king’s willingness to believe Ammon’s words?

One truth we can learn from this account is that through our Christlike love and service, God can prepare the hearts of those we serve to receive gospel truths.

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  1. Answer the following question:

    • What are some ways we can help others come closer to God through our Christlike love and service?

Ammon teaches Lamoni gospel truths

Read Alma 18:24–43, looking for what Ammon taught Lamoni. You could make a list of what you find, paying attention to the words “rehearsed,” “expounded,” and “told.” You could also watch the video “Ammon Teaches King Lamoni about the Gospel of Jesus Christ” from time code 1:56 to 5:41, available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org, and follow along in your scriptures.

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  1. Answer the following questions:

    • What are some of the important truths that Ammon helped Lamoni understand?

    • What impact did these truths have on Lamoni?

    • Why are these truths important for us to understand today?

Although many of the Lamanites thought Lamoni had died when he fell to the earth, Ammon later helped them understand that the king “was under the power of God,” or “carried away in God” (Alma 19:6). You will learn more about Lamoni’s conversion as you study Alma 19.

Applying what you have learned

Think of someone you feel you could help come closer to God through Christlike love and service.

  1. Answer the questions from at least two of the following bullet points:

    • How can you serve or show Christlike love to this person?

    • How might your efforts help this person come closer to God?

    • What obstacles do you see that could make it difficult to serve this person with pure love? How can you overcome those obstacles?