Jesus Christ had just spent the day ministering in the land of Bountiful, teaching His gospel, letting the people see and feel the marks in His resurrected body, and testifying that He was the promised Savior. Now it was time to leave. “My time is at hand,” He said (3 Nephi 17:1). He was about to return to His Father, and He knew that the people needed time to ponder what He had taught. So, promising to return the next day, He dismissed the multitude to their homes. But no one left. They didn’t say what they were feeling, but Jesus could sense it: they hoped He would “tarry a little longer with them” (3 Nephi 17:5). He had other important things to do, but showing compassion for God’s children is always a high priority to Him. So Jesus stayed a little longer. What followed was perhaps the most tender example of ministering recorded in scripture. Those who were present could only say it was indescribable (see 3 Nephi 17:16–17). Jesus Himself summed up the unplanned spiritual outpouring with these simple and powerful words: “Now behold, my joy is full” (3 Nephi 17:20).
About 2,500 people were present when the Savior appeared, yet He found a way to minister to them one by one. What do you notice about the way He ministered in 3 Nephi 17; 18:24–25, 28–32? What needs did He minister to? What attributes made His ministering effective? You might also think about how He ministers to you. How can you follow His example? (See also 3 Nephi 18:24–25 and 28–32.)
See also “Jesus Christ Has Compassion and Heals the People” (video), Gospel Library.
Imagine what it would be like to hear the Savior pray for you. How would such an experience affect how you pray? Ponder this as you study 3 Nephi 17:13–22; 18:15–25; and 19:6–9, 15–36. What do you learn from Jesus Christ’s example and teachings about prayer? Consider looking for insights about how, when, where, for whom, and why to pray. What other insights do you gain from these verses?
I can be filled with the Spirit as I take the sacrament.
When we do something often, it can become routine or casual. We sometimes end up doing it without even thinking. How can you keep this from happening with the weekly ordinance of the sacrament? As you read 3 Nephi 18:1–12, ponder how you can be spiritually “filled” each time you take the sacrament (see also 3 Nephi 20:1–9). According to verses 5–7, 11, what are some things you should “always” do? You might also ponder why Jesus gave us the ordinance of the sacrament—and whether the sacrament is accomplishing His purposes in your life. Why is the sacrament sacred to you?
In his message “Always Remember Him” (Ensign or Liahona, Feb. 2018, 4–6), President Henry B. Eyring gave “three suggestions about what you could remember each week when you partake of the sacred emblems of the sacrament.” What stands out to you about his suggestions? What can you do to improve your worship during the sacrament and throughout the week?
What else can you do to worship more meaningfully? You could ask yourself questions like these: “How is the Savior’s sacrifice influencing my daily life?” “What am I doing well as His disciple, and what can I improve?”
Allow time to ponder. Sometimes, studying the scriptures becomes a blend of reading, praying, and pondering. When you allow quiet time to reflect and speak with God about what you are learning, you can increase the power of His word in your life.
Suppose you had a friend who knew nothing about Jesus Christ except that you are one of His followers. What would your friend conclude about Him, based on your actions? What does it mean to you to “hold up your light that it may shine unto the world”? (3 Nephi 18:24). What other invitations did the Savior give in 3 Nephi 18:22–25 that help you hold up that light?
See also Bonnie H. Cordon, “That They May See,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 78–80.
Disciples of Jesus Christ seek the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Think about your recent prayers. What do your prayers teach you about your deepest desires? After spending a day in the presence of the Savior, the multitude “did pray for that which they most desired”—the gift of the Holy Ghost (3 Nephi 19:9). Why is the gift of the Holy Ghost so desirable? As you read these passages, ponder your own desire for the companionship of the Holy Ghost. How can you earnestly seek for that companionship?
For more ideas, see this month’s issues of the Liahona and For the Strength of Youth magazines.
The Savior loves each of Heavenly Father’s children.
You could use a picture like those in this outline or the video “Jesus Christ Prays and Angels Minister to the Children” (Gospel Library) to help your children visualize the account in 3 Nephi 17. Consider reading phrases or verses from 3 Nephi 17 that emphasize the Savior’s love for the people (such as verses 7 and 20–25). Your children could then draw a picture of themselves with Jesus. As they do, help them think of ways that Jesus has shown His love for them.
I can think about Jesus when I take the sacrament.
Perhaps you could invite your children to tell you what happens during the sacrament. Then you could read 3 Nephi 18:1–12 and ask your children to raise a hand when they hear something that is similar to what we do today. What does Jesus Christ want us to remember or think about during the sacrament? (see 3 Nephi 18:7, 11).
Singing together a song about prayer, such as “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13), is a good way to help your children think about why we pray. You and your children could then read 3 Nephi 18:18–21 and talk about what Jesus taught about prayer. Inviting your children to tell you how they feel when they pray could help them share their testimony of prayer.
It may be fun for children to go on a hunt for some of the treasured blessings of prayer. You could write the following scripture references on pieces of paper and hide them: 3 Nephi 18:15; 3 Nephi 18:20; 3 Nephi 18:21; 3 Nephi 19:9; and 3 Nephi 19:23. Your children could then find the papers and read the verses, looking for things Jesus Christ or His disciples taught about prayer.
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
