Seminary
2 Nephi 32:1–7: “Feast upon the Words of Christ”

“2 Nephi 32:1–7: ‘Ye Must Press Forward,’” Book of Mormon Student Manual (2024)

“2 Nephi 32:1–7,” Book of Mormon Student Manual

2 Nephi 32:1–7

“Feast upon the Words of Christ”

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family eating dinner

Picture a celebratory feast with plenty of delicious food. How do you see yourself enjoying such a feast? After teaching his people about following Jesus Christ along the covenant path, Nephi sensed that they were still unsure about what to do after baptism. He responded by encouraging his people to “feast upon the words of Christ” and assured them that the Savior’s words would guide them forward (2 Nephi 32:3). This lesson is intended to help you feast upon the words of Jesus Christ.

Time to eat!

Look at the following images and think about similarities and differences between having a snack, eating a meal, or feasting during a special occasion.

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banana
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bowl of rice
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banquet

  • What are some similarities and differences you thought of?

  • If we compared studying the words of Christ to these three ways of eating, what might each represent?

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ desire to bless you with guidance, direction, help, and comfort. Think about the last time you studied the Savior’s words. Would you describe the experience as snacking, eating, or feasting? What about during the last week or month? As you continue your study, seek the help of the Holy Ghost to know how studying the words of Christ has been a blessing in your life. Also seek inspiration to help you know how to improve your efforts to feast on the words of Christ.

The words of Jesus Christ

Recall that Nephi taught his people about the “strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life” and the qualifications to begin that journey (see 2 Nephi 31:17–18). Nephi perceived that his people wondered what to do after receiving the ordinance of baptism and how to continue on the covenant path.

Read 2 Nephi 32:1–3, looking for Nephi’s counsel about studying the words of Christ. As you do, think about your own concerns, questions, and needs and how Nephi’s teachings can benefit you. It may be helpful to know that the phrase “speak with the tongue of angels” (2 Nephi 32:2) “simply means [to] … speak with the power of the Holy Ghost” (Boyd K. Packer, “The Gift of the Holy Ghost: What Every Member Should Know,” Ensign, Aug. 2006, 50).

2 Nephi 32:3 is a doctrinal mastery passage. Consider marking doctrinal mastery passages in a distinctive way so you can locate them easily. You will have an opportunity in the next lesson to practice applying the doctrine taught in this passage to a question or situation.

  • What did you discover?

One truth you may have discovered from 2 Nephi 32:3 is when we feast upon the words of Jesus Christ, they will tell us all things we should do. Consider marking this truth in your scriptures.

  • Where can we find the words of Jesus Christ?

  • Why do you think Nephi used the word “feast” when describing how we should study the Savior’s words (2 Nephi 32:3)?

Read the following statement by Elder Takashi Wada of the Seventy. If available, consider watching Elder Wada’s message on ChurchofJesusChrist.org from time code 0:53 to 1:42.

9:37
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Elder Takashi Wada

When I was young, I thought that feasting was simply having a big meal with rice, sushi, and soy sauce. I now know true feasting is more than enjoying a delicious meal. It is an experience of joy, nourishment, celebration, sharing, expressing love to families and loved ones, communicating our thanksgiving to God, and building relationships while enjoying abundant, incredibly delicious food. I believe when we feast upon the words of Christ, we ought to be thinking of the same kind of experience. Feasting upon the scriptures is not just reading them. It should bring us real joy and build our relationship with the Savior. (Takashi Wada, “Feasting upon the Words of Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 38–39)

  • What stood out to you from Elder Wada’s statement?

  • Remembering what you know about Jesus Christ, why might His words bring feelings of joy, nourishment, and love?

  • How can feasting upon the Savior’s words provide direction for your life and tell what you should do?

If possible, watch “Come Follow Me—Lito” (0:59), available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, to learn how the Lord can reveal knowledge and truth as you feast upon His words.

0:58

Considering your own experiences can help you feast upon the words of Christ.

  • What helps you, or could help you, not just read the words of Christ but feast on them?

There are many study methods to improve feasting on the words of Christ that may help, including praying for inspiration before you study, asking questions you have before and during study, defining words, pondering, cross-referencing, taking notes, looking for truths about Heavenly Father and the Savior, and likening the scriptures to our own lives (See 1 Nephi 19:23).

  • What general impressions or specific guidance have come to you while feasting upon the words of Christ?

Feasting on the words of Christ

Using what you have learned today, take several minutes to practice feasting upon the words of Christ. This could include studying scriptures or words of the prophets. Try to accomplish one or more of the following while you feast:

  • Build your relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

  • Love and trust Them more.

  • Find truths that bring you joy and nourishment.

  • Receive guidance for what you should do in your life.

  1. Complete the following:

    Record some of the things you learned, felt, and experienced while feasting on the words of Christ.