3 Nephi 8–10

The Voice of the Savior in the Darkness

In the Americas, extreme destruction and darkness marked the Savior’s crucifixion. Sometime during the three days of penetrating darkness, Jesus Christ spoke to the people. Then and now, natural disasters, suffering, and trials can be opportunities to learn about and turn to Jesus Christ. This lesson will identify characteristics of Jesus Christ that can help you feel greater love for and trust in Him.

“A great storm”

Think about times when you have experienced violent storms or natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, or tornados. What are these experiences like?

When Jesus Christ was crucified in Jerusalem, a terrible storm and earthquake in the Americas caused great destruction. These events fulfilled Samuel the Lamanite’s prophecies about the signs of the Savior’s death (see Helaman 14:20–27).

To learn about the details of these destructive events, read 3 Nephi 8:5–22. You could also watch the video, “Jesus Christ Appears in the Ancient Americas,” from time codes 0:00–3:19. This video is available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

• What might you have been thinking or feeling if you had experienced these things?

In the years leading up to this destruction, most of the Nephites had turned from the Lord and cast out the prophets that God had sent to preach to them (see 3 Nephi 7:7–8, 14, 21).

Read 3 Nephi 8:23–25, looking for how survivors reacted after experiencing these destructive events.

• How would you describe their feelings?

Truths about Jesus Christ

As the people mourned in the darkness, they heard the voice of Jesus Christ speaking to them. He named many cities and explained that those cities and people had been destroyed because of their wickedness. He then taught the people many important truths about Himself.

To help you organize these truths, create a heading in your study journal titled: Learning about Jesus Christ in 3 Nephi. You may want to reserve multiple pages in your study journal so you can add truths to this list during your study of the Savior’s ministry among the Nephites over the next few weeks.

Read 3 Nephi 9:13–22 and 10:4–12, looking for what Jesus Christ taught these people about Himself. Write these truths under the heading in your study journal.

1. List the truths you learned about Jesus Christ in your study of 3 Nephi 9–10. Then answer at least two of the following questions:

   • What did the Savior teach about Himself that was especially significant to you? Why?

   • How can the truths you have learned about Jesus Christ impact your love for and trust in Him?

   • What situations have you been in, or might you be in, where remembering one or more of these truths will be important?

Optional: Want to Learn More?

Will Jesus Christ really forgive me when I have made big mistakes?

President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles emphasized:

Letters come from those who have made tragic mistakes. They ask, “Can I ever be forgiven?”

The answer is yes!

The gospel teaches us that relief from torment and guilt can be earned through repentance. Save for those few who defect to perdition after having known a fulness, there is no habit, no addiction, no rebellion, no transgression, no offense exempted from the promise of complete forgiveness. (Boyd K. Packer, “The Brilliant Morning of Forgiveness,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 19)

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

God doesn’t care nearly as much about where you have been as He does about where you are and, with His help, where you are willing to go. (Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Best Is Yet to Be,” [Brigham Young University devotional, Jan. 13, 2009], 27, speeches.byu.edu)

3 Nephi 9:20. What does it mean to have a broken heart and contrite spirit?

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) taught the following concerning a broken heart and contrite spirit:

True repentance involves a change of heart and not just a change of behavior (see Alma 5:13). Part of this mighty change of heart is to feel godly sorrow for our sins. This is what is meant by a broken heart and a contrite spirit. God’s gifts are sufficient to help us overcome every sin and weakness if we will but turn to Him for help. Most repentance does not involve sensational or dramatic changes, but rather is a step by step, steady and consistent movement toward godliness. (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [1988], 71.)

Elder Bruce D. Porter (1952–2016) of the Seventy explained:

The Savior’s perfect submission to the Eternal Father is the very essence of a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Christ’s example teaches us that a broken heart is an eternal attribute of godliness. When our hearts are broken, we are completely open to the Spirit of God and recognize our dependence on Him for all that we have and all that we are. The sacrifice so entailed is a sacrifice of pride in all its forms. Like malleable clay in the hands of a skilled potter, the brokenhearted can be molded and shaped in the hands of the Master. …

… Those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit are willing to do anything and everything that God asks of them, without resistance or resentment. We cease doing things our way and learn to do them God’s way instead. (Bruce D. Porter, “A Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 32)