Seminary
Ether 12:28–41: Jesus Christ: “The Fountain of All Righteousness”

“Ether 12:28–41: Jesus Christ: ‘The Fountain of All Righteousness,’” Book of Mormon Student Manual (2024)

“Ether 12:28–41,” Book of Mormon Student Manual

Ether 12:28–41

Jesus Christ: “The Fountain of All Righteousness”

a painting of Christ

Depending on what we seek, we can find much good or much bad in the world. After learning of the destruction of the Jaredites and witnessing the destruction of the Nephites, Moroni pled with all his readers to seek Jesus Christ and the blessings He has to offer. This lesson can help you feel a greater desire to seek Jesus Christ in your own life.

Fountains

A fountain is defined as “the source from which something proceeds or is supplied”—for example, “a spring of water issuing from the earth” (Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, “fountain”).

A fountain of water

  • If you had access to a miraculous fountain that supplied a continuous flow of anything you chose, what would you want it to produce?

Draw a quick picture of a fountain producing what you chose, and briefly explain why you would want that.

Read Ether 12:28, looking for the fountain the Lord referred to after teaching Moroni about His ability to turn our weaknesses into strengths.

  • What is the fountain the Lord referred to?

  • What does this verse teach about how we come to Christ?

One truth this verse teaches is that faith, hope, and charity bring us to Jesus Christ, the Fountain of All Righteousness.

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  1. Answer the following questions:

    • Why is “the Fountain of All Righteousness” a good title for Jesus Christ?

    • What do you think or feel is constantly coming from Him?

    • How do you think developing faith, hope, and charity brings us to Jesus?

List some examples that illustrate how the Savior is the Fountain of All Righteousness. These examples could come from the scriptures, from your life, or from the lives of people you know. If you need help thinking of an example, you could read the account of the Savior in Mark 2:1–12 or watch “Jesus Forgives Sins and Heals a Man Stricken with Palsy” (2:57).

2:57

Jesus Forgives Sins and Heals a Man Stricken with Palsy

Ponder how these examples influence your feelings toward Jesus Christ. Think about your current desire to come to Jesus Christ and partake of the righteousness that comes from Him. Is your desire as strong as you want it to be? Why or why not?

As you continue to study, seek truths about Jesus Christ that can positively influence your desire and ability to come unto Him and partake of the righteousness He offers.

Gifts that flow from Christ

Read Ether 12:29–37, looking for blessings that Jesus Christ offers those who come to Him with faith, hope, and charity.

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  1. Answer the following questions:

    • What blessings did Moroni say come from seeking Jesus?

    • Which of these blessings have you or others experienced as you have sought the Savior?

    • Which of these blessings do you most look forward to receiving in the future? Why?

Seek Jesus

At the end of Ether 12, Moroni shared a sacred experience he had. Read verse 39, and try to imagine what that experience must have been like for Moroni.

Read and consider marking Moroni’s invitation in verse 41.

  • After having the experience he described in verse 39, why do you think Moroni would offer us this invitation?

Like Moroni, Elder Melvin J. Ballard (1873–1939) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles had a sacred experience with the Savior. Read his description of this experience, and again try to imagine what it must have been like.

Elder Melvin J. Ballard

I found myself one evening in the dreams of the night in that sacred building, the temple. After a season of prayer and rejoicing I was informed that I should have the privilege of entering into one of those rooms, to meet a glorious personage, and, as I entered the door, I saw, seated on a raised platform, the most glorious being my eyes have ever beheld or that I ever conceived existed in all the eternal worlds.

As I approached to be introduced, He arose and stepped towards me with extended arms, and He smiled as He softly spoke my name. If I shall live to be a million years old, I shall never forget that smile. He took me into His arms and kissed me, pressed me to His bosom, and blessed me, until the marrow of my bones seemed to melt! When He had finished, I fell at His feet, and, as I bathed them with my tears and kisses, I saw the prints of the nails in the feet of the Redeemer of the world. The feeling that I had in the presence of Him who hath all things in His hands, to have His love, His affection, and His blessing was such that if I can receive that of which I had but a foretaste, I would give all that I am, all that I ever hope to be, to feel what I then felt!

… I see Jesus not now upon the cross. I do not see His brow pierced with thorns nor His hands torn with the nails, but I see Him smiling, with extended arms, saying to us all: “Come unto me!” (Melvin J. Ballard, “I Know That He Lives,” Ensign, Dec. 2014, 80)

  1. Answer the following questions:

    • What stood out to you most from Elder Ballard’s experience? Why?

    • What thoughts or feelings about the Savior do Elder Ballard’s and Moroni’s experiences bring to your mind?

Ponder what you have learned and felt today. What most influenced your desire to seek Jesus in your life? Commit to act on any promptings or impressions you have had.