3 Nephi 18:1–14

“In Remembrance of Me”

sacrament cup with water and bread crust

We regularly have opportunities to partake of the sacrament. In 3 Nephi 18, Jesus taught how the sacrament can bless our lives and instructed how to perform this ordinance. This lesson can help you have meaningful experiences remembering the Savior as you partake of the sacrament.

A strong relationship

Think of some people you feel really close to and have a strong relationship with.

• What have you or they done to strengthen those relationships?

Now think about how close you feel to the Savior.

• What do you think could help you strengthen your relationship with the Savior?

As you study today, invite the Holy Ghost to teach you how to draw closer to the Savior and strengthen your relationship with Him.

Jesus Christ institutes the sacrament

The Savior was filled with compassion for the people when He perceived their desire for Him to stay with them longer (see 3 Nephi 17:1–6). After blessing the children and the sick and afflicted, the Savior provided a way for the people to always have His Spirit with them.

Read 3 Nephi 18:1–11, and look for what the Savior did.

You may want to watch the video “Jesus Christ Introduces the Sacrament to the People” from time code 0:12 to 6:12, available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org, and follow along in your scriptures.

• What did you discover about the sacrament from the Savior’s teachings?

• What does the Savior promise in the sacrament prayers if we always remember Him?

You may consider marking the principle in 3 Nephi 18:7, 11 that as we partake of the sacrament and always remember the Savior, we will have His Spirit to be with us.

When Jesus Christ refers to us having His Spirit with us, He is referring to the gift of the Holy Ghost.

• What are some ways we can always remember the Savior in our daily lives? How can always remembering the Savior help us have the Holy Ghost with us?

• How could having the Holy Ghost with you bless your life right now?

Our experience with the sacrament

Think about how your relationship with the Savior could be strengthened if you had more meaningful experiences partaking of the sacrament. Respond to each statement with “always,” “sometimes,” “rarely,” or “never.”

1. I take time before church to prepare for the sacrament.

2. During the sacrament, I try to remember Jesus Christ.

3. My experience with the sacrament influences how I act during the week.

1. Copy and fill out the following:

A more meaningful sacrament experience

• What do I want to remember about Jesus Christ?

  Consider the following:

  • What He suffered

  • What He has done for me or others I know

• How can I prepare for the sacrament?

• What can I do during the sacrament to remember Jesus Christ?

The promises of taking the sacrament

Read 3 Nephi 18:12–14, and look for what the Savior promised those who remember Him and partake of the sacrament.

• What do you think it means to build on the Savior’s rock?

• How can partaking of the sacrament help us build on the Savior’s rock?

• What can you do to make partaking of the sacrament more meaningful each week?

Optional: Want to Learn More?

3 Nephi 18:7, 11. What can make my sacrament experience more meaningful?

Elder Peter F. Meurs of the Seventy taught:

Elder Peter F. Meurs

I invite all of us to consider five ways to increase the impact and power of our regular participation in the sacred ordinance of the sacrament, an ordinance that can help us become holy.

1. Prepare in Advance. …

2. Arrive Early. …

3. Sing and Learn from the Words of the Sacrament Hymn. …

4. Spiritually Participate in the Sacrament Prayers. …

5. Ponder and Remember Him as the Sacrament Emblems Are Passed. …

I testify of the multitude of blessings available to us as we increase our preparation for and spiritual participation in the ordinance of the sacrament. (Peter F. Meurs, “The Sacrament Can Help Us Become Holy,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 85–87)

To learn about how these five ways can make your sacrament experience more powerful, read or watch “The Sacrament Can Help Us Become Holy,” available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

3 Nephi 18:28–29. What can I do if I feel unworthy to partake of the sacrament?

“It’s important to remember that ‘you do not need to be perfect in order to partake of the sacrament, but you should have a spirit of humility and repentance in your heart’ (True to the Faith [2004], 148). In most cases not involving serious sins, if you’ve reflected on your conduct and humbly and sincerely desire to repent and follow the Savior, you should partake of the sacrament. You can then experience the cleansing effect of this ordinance and renew your covenant to take upon yourself the name of Jesus Christ and keep His commandments. If you have any questions, talk to your bishop” (“When Should I Not Partake of the Sacrament?,” New Era, Nov. 2017, 48).

Elder John H. Groberg of the Seventy taught:

Elder John H. Groberg

What does it mean to partake of the sacrament worthily? Or how do we know if we are unworthy?

If we desire to improve (which is to repent) and are not under priesthood restriction, then, in my opinion, we are worthy. If, however, we have no desire to improve, if we have no intention of following the guidance of the Spirit, we must ask: Are we worthy to partake, or are we making a mockery of the very purpose of the sacrament, which is to act as a catalyst for personal repentance and improvement? (John H. Groberg, “The Beauty and Importance of the Sacrament,” Ensign, May 1989, 38)