Sunday School: Gospel Doctrine
Lesson 13: The Allegory of the Olive Trees


“Lesson 13: The Allegory of the Olive Trees,” Book of Mormon Class Member Study Guide (1999), 9

“Lesson 13,” Book of Mormon Class Member Study Guide, 9

Lesson 13

The Allegory of the Olive Trees

Jacob 5–7

Jacob 5 contains an allegory from Zenos, a Hebrew prophet mentioned several times in the Book of Mormon. An allegory is a literary device in which one object or event is used to describe or represent another. The following chart may increase your understanding of the allegory:

Symbol

Meaning

Vineyard

The world

Master of the vineyard

Jesus Christ

Tame olive tree

The house of Israel, the Lord’s covenant people

Wild olive tree

Gentiles (people not born into the house of Israel)

Branches

Groups of people

Servants

Prophets and others called to serve

Fruit

Lives or works of people

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Explain that the servants mentioned in Jacob 5:61–72 are Latter-day Saints who share the gospel (D&C 133:8). Discuss ways family members can prepare to share the gospel, both as full-time missionaries and in everyday activities. Set a goal that will help family members become better prepared to do missionary work.

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