Seminary
2 Nephi 11: Witnesses of Christ

“2 Nephi 11: Witnesses of Christ,” Book of Mormon Student Manual (2024)

“2 Nephi 11,” Book of Mormon Student Manual

2 Nephi 11

Witnesses of Christ

Jesus Christ as a shepherd

Who comes to mind when you think of witnesses of Jesus Christ? Nephi loved the witnesses of his brother Jacob and of the prophet Isaiah so much that he recorded them along with his own witness of Jesus Christ. This lesson can help strengthen your testimony of the reality of Jesus Christ.

The importance of witnesses

Imagine that you needed to account for where you were last night from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

  • How could you verify what you were doing at that time?

  • Are there any witnesses who could verify where you were?

  • Why are witnesses important when we are searching for truth?

Read 2 Nephi 11:2–3, looking for the witnesses Nephi mentioned and what experience they had.

  • Why would these three people be powerful witnesses?

  • What would you want to learn from them?

  • What truths do you learn about God in verse 3?

Read 2 Nephi 11:4, 6, looking for what Nephi specifically wanted his people to know.

One of the truths we can learn from 2 Nephi 11 is that Heavenly Father sends witnesses to testify of the reality of His Son.

  • Why do you think Heavenly Father uses witnesses to testify of His Son?

Take a moment to ponder your own beliefs and feelings about the Savior Jesus Christ. Think about witnesses of the Savior and how they have affected you and your beliefs about Him. As you continue this lesson, look for ways witnesses may help and strengthen you in your life.

Before 2 Nephi 11, Nephi included the teachings and testimony of his younger brother Jacob. After 2 Nephi 11, Nephi included the teachings and testimony of the prophet Isaiah. You might want to write “2 Nephi 9–10 is Jacob’s witness” next to Jacob’s name in verse 3 and “2 Nephi 12–24 is Isaiah’s witness” next to Isaiah’s name in verse 2.

Witnesses of Jesus Christ

Apostles around the Christus in Rome

This lesson can help you deepen your personal testimony of Jesus Christ. Whether you already know for yourself that He lives or you are still wondering if He is real, the Holy Ghost can help you come to know Him better through God’s chosen witnesses. The current depth of your testimony of Him is not as important as your desire to know Him better moving forward.

Study the writings of at least two of the following witnesses of Jesus Christ. Consider recording what you learn and feel as you study.

  1. Jacob—Find a teaching or testimony of Christ that is meaningful to you that Jacob shared in 2 Nephi 9–10. (Possible verses include 2 Nephi 9:10–12, 20–23, 41; 10:25.)

  2. Isaiah—Find a teaching or testimony of Christ that is meaningful to you that Isaiah shared in 2 Nephi 12–24. (Possible verses include 2 Nephi 16:1–3; 17:14; 19:6–7; 22:2; 24:3.)

  3. Nephi—Find a teaching or testimony of Christ that is meaningful to you from Nephi’s personal writings. (Possible verses include 1 Nephi 11:31–33; 19:8–10; 2 Nephi 4:18–21; 25:26, 29.

Modern witnesses of Christ

Recall that Nephi testified that “God sendeth more witnesses” (2 Nephi 11:3). Some of these witnesses are His latter-day Apostles. Watch the testimonies of at least two of the following modern witnesses of Jesus Christ. Be mindful of feelings and thoughts you may receive from the Holy Ghost as you watch. The full videos are available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

5:47

“Special Witnesses of Christ—President Russell M. Nelson” (watch from time code 4:32 to 5:47)

3:45

“Special Witnesses of Christ—President M. Russell Ballard” (watch from time code 2:22 to 3:45)

4:57

“Special Witnesses of Christ—Elder Quentin L. Cook” (watch from time code 3:53 to 4:57)

5:24

“Special Witnesses of Christ—Elder Neil L. Andersen” (watch from time code 4:20 to 5:24)

5:51

“Special Witnesses of Christ—Elder D. Todd Christofferson” (watch from time code 4:30 to 5:51)

Your witness of Jesus Christ

Notice that Nephi chose a prophet he admired (Isaiah), somebody he knew personally (his brother Jacob), and his own testimony as three witnesses to testify of the reality of Jesus Christ.

icon, record

  1. Complete the following exercise to help you follow Nephi’s example:

    • Record a teaching about the Savior that is meaningful to you from Nephi, Jacob, Isaiah, or a modern prophet.

    • Record the name of someone you know personally whom you consider to be a witness of Jesus Christ. Include what you have learned from their testimony. (You may want to talk to or text that person to ask how he or she gained a testimony of Christ.)

    • Record how you feel about your own testimony of Jesus Christ. This might include experiences you have had or things you have learned about Him. Or you might choose to record your desire to gain a testimony of Jesus Christ and what you are willing to do to help that testimony grow.