3 Nephi 20–26

Overview

During the Savior’s ministry among the Nephites, He declared that Heavenly Father would remember His covenant to gather scattered Israel, and He revealed signs to help us recognize when the latter-day gathering had begun. He emphasized the importance of preserving and studying the scriptures and the words of prophets. He used Malachi’s words to teach the Nephites about the law of tithing and the blessings of living this commandment. He also quoted a message He originally shared with Malachi that included the return of Elijah and his important role in temple and family history work.

Prepare to Teach

The following information provides teachers with ideas of what may need to be prepared in advance for each lesson.

3 Nephi 20–22

Lesson purpose: This lesson can help students participate in the gathering of Israel.

• Student preparation: Invite students to think during their daily scripture reading of ways the Book of Mormon has helped them come closer to Jesus Christ.

• Items: A group of sticks or toothpicks; a much thicker piece of wood and a nail or other piece of metal

• Videoconference teaching suggestion: Consider displaying the matching activity and giving students time to read the verses. Then invite students to take turns using the drawing feature to match each set of verses to its description. Or invite students to write the correct answers using the chat feature.

3 Nephi 23

Lesson purpose: This lesson is intended to help students study the Lord’s words more diligently.

• Student preparation: Invite students to spend time studying the scriptures before this lesson, paying particular attention to what they do that makes their study more meaningful. Encourage them to evaluate the value and quality of their study and the impact it is having or not having in their lives.

• Items: Various objects to hide throughout the room

• Picture: An image of the Savior asking Nephi for the records

• Videoconference teaching suggestion: To begin the lesson, consider displaying a brief list of things students would have to search for in their room or house. These might include a phone, book, picture, cup, pillow, shoe, or other random things they might have access to. Give students a set amount of time (for example, one minute), and ask them to find as many items as they can. Then ask the questions listed at the beginning of the lesson, starting with “What does it mean to search?”

3 Nephi 24

Lesson purpose: This lesson is intended to help students feel a desire to pay tithing.

• Student preparation: Invite students to read 3 Nephi 24:8–10 and think about experiences they or others have had with the Lord’s law of tithing.

• Material for students: Copies of the section “Lesson Number 1—Significant but Subtle Blessings” in David A. Bednar, “The Windows of Heaven,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 17–18

• Videoconference teaching suggestion: Consider displaying the scenarios listed at the beginning of the lesson as you ask which ones students feel are most relevant to them and why. Then invite students to use the chat to share questions or concerns they may have about tithing.

3 Nephi 25

Lesson purpose: This lesson is intended to help students participate in family history and temple work.

• Student preparation: Invite students to prepare to share about an individual they have learned about in their family history, living or deceased. It may be useful for students to speak with a parent or grandparent or use the FamilySearch app.

• Handout: A four-generation pedigree chart

• Video: “The Promised Blessings of Family History 2” (4:04)

• Videoconference teaching suggestion: Instead of distributing the four-generation pedigree chart as a handout, consider displaying it for students to copy. After students have had a chance to share about someone in their family history, consider inviting one student to log in to FamilySearch.org, share his or her screen, and show four generations.

Doctrinal Mastery Review 21

Lesson purpose: This lesson will give students an opportunity to deepen their understanding of and explain truths from one or more of the doctrinal mastery passages from the Book of Mormon.

• Student preparation: Invite students to come prepared to share a list of what they do to better understand the scriptures in their study.

• Videoconference teaching suggestion: Consider contacting a few students before class and asking them to prepare to share a talent or to talk about an area in which they have great understanding. Ask them to explain how they gained their understanding and abilities. Inquire what they could do to continue progressing in those areas. Begin class by inviting them to share.