Large fires can start from a single spark. Abinadi was only one man testifying against a powerful king and his court. His words were rejected for the most part, and he was sentenced to death. Yet his testimony of Jesus Christ, who is the “light … that can never be darkened” (Mosiah 16:9), sparked something inside the young priest Alma. And that spark of conversion slowly grew as Alma brought many others to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. The flames that killed Abinadi eventually died out, but the fire of faith that his words created would have a lasting influence on the Nephites—and on people who read his words today. Most of us will never face quite what Abinadi did because of our testimonies, but we all have moments when following Jesus Christ is a test of our courage and faith. Perhaps studying Abinadi’s testimony will fan the flames of testimony and courage in your heart as well.
See also “Abinadi Testifies of Jesus Christ” (video), Gospel Library.
I can stand for Jesus Christ, even when I stand alone.
While you’re studying Mosiah 11–13; 17, look at the pictures of Abinadi in this outline. What do you learn about standing as a witness for Christ? In particular, you could focus your study on passages and questions like these:
How would you describe Noah and his people? Why would it require courage for Abinadi to share God’s message with them? (see Mosiah 11:1–19, 27–29; 12:9–15).
How would you describe Abinadi? What did Abinadi understand that helped him be bold in his testimony? (see Mosiah 13:2–9, 28, 33–35; 17:8–10, 20).
When have you felt like you were standing alone in defense of the Savior and His gospel? How did He help you feel He was with you? As you ponder this, you could read the account of Elisha and his young servant in 2 Kings 6:14–17. What inspires you about this account?
You could also search pages 31–33 of For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices to find phrases that give you courage to defend the truth. Or you could do the same in the lyrics of a hymn like “Do What Is Right” or “Let Us All Press On” (Hymns, nos. 237, 243).
How will you apply what you learned from Abinadi? The video “Dare to Stand Alone” (Gospel Library) portrays situations in which you can stand for Christ and His gospel. What other examples can you think of?
Teach by the Spirit. “Powerful gospel teaching requires not just preparing a lesson but preparing yourself spiritually [to] hear and follow the guidance of the Spirit as you teach” (Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 17).
I need to apply my heart to understanding God’s word.
King Noah’s priests were familiar with the word of God. They could quote passages of scripture and claimed to teach the commandments. And yet, their lives seemed unaffected by the Savior’s gospel. Why was that?
Think about this as you read Mosiah 12:19–37. What do you think it means to apply your heart to understanding God’s word? What words or phrases inspire you to make changes in the way you approach learning the gospel?
Ponder Abinadi’s observation that the commandments were “not written in [the] hearts” of the priests (Mosiah 13:11). What might this phrase mean? As you read Mosiah 13:11–26, consider whether these commandments are written in your heart.
In Mosiah 14–15, notice words and phrases that describe the Savior and what He suffered for you. Which verses help deepen your love and gratitude toward Him?
Abinadi taught that God the Son—Jesus Christ—would be the Redeemer (see Mosiah 15:1), dwelling in the flesh, becoming both man and God (verses 2–3). He completely subjected Himself to the will of God the Father (verses 5–9). Because of this, Jesus Christ is both the Son of God and the perfect earthly representation of God the Father (see John 14:6–10).
Jesus Christ is also the Father in the sense that when we accept His redemption, we become “his seed” and “heirs of the kingdom of God” (Mosiah 15:11–12). In other words, we become spiritually reborn through Him (see Mosiah 5:7).
Why do you feel it’s important to know these truths about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? How does Abinadi’s testimony strengthen your faith in Them?
I can stand for Jesus Christ, even when I stand alone.
At some time in our lives, we all face pressure to make choices that go against our faith in Jesus Christ. What can your children learn from Abinadi about standing as a witness of Jesus Christ, even when it is unpopular? The artwork in this outline or “Chapter 14: Abinadi and King Noah” (in Book of Mormon Stories, 38–42) could help them visualize the account in Mosiah 11–13; 17. Ask them what they like about Abinadi.
Your children might enjoy acting out parts of Abinadi’s story. Then they could act out real-life scenarios to practice what they might do if others want them to do something wrong. Or they could share experiences when they were brave in following Jesus Christ. How did Abinadi follow Jesus Christ? (see Mosiah 13:2–9; 17:7–10). Why didn’t King Noah do what he knew was right? (see Mosiah 17:11–12).
King Noah’s priests knew the commandments but did not have them “written in [their] hearts” (Mosiah 13:11). How will you help your children know the commandments and love them? Maybe they could write the commandments from Mosiah 12:33–36 and 13:11–24 on heart-shaped pieces of paper. As they do, talk with them about what these commandments mean and how to follow them. How do we write these commandments in our hearts?
You could also sing together a song about commandments, such as “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47). What blessings come from keeping the commandments?
Heavenly Father sent Jesus Christ to lead me back to Him.
Though it’s a short chapter, Mosiah 14 has several words and phrases that describe Jesus Christ. Maybe you and your children could list them as you read the chapter together. Then you could talk about how you feel about the Savior as you study these words and phrases.
To teach about Jesus Christ, Abinadi quoted the prophet Isaiah, who compared us to lost sheep. Perhaps your children could share experiences when they lost something or were lost themselves. How did they feel? What did they do? Then you could read together Mosiah 14:6 and 16:4–9. How are we like sheep who wander from God? How does Jesus Christ help us come back?
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
