Not My Will, But Thine, Be Done, by Harry Anderson

February 10–16

2 Nephi 6–10

“O How Great the Plan of Our God!”

As you read 2 Nephi 6–10, ponder what the Lord is trying to teach you. As you identify these truths, record them and prayerfully consider how you can act on what you are learning.

Record Your Impressions

It had been at least 40 years since Lehi’s family left Jerusalem. They were in a strange new land, half a world away from Jerusalem and the rest of God’s covenant people. Lehi had died, and his posterity had already started what would become a centuries-long contention between the Nephites—“who believed in the warnings and the revelations of God”—and the Lamanites, who did not (2 Nephi 5:6). In these circumstances, Jacob, who was Nephi’s younger brother and now ordained as a teacher for the Nephites, wanted the covenant people to know that God would never forget them, so they must never forget Him. This is a message we surely need in our own world, where covenants are belittled and revelation rejected. “Let us remember him, … for we are not cast off. … Great are the promises of the Lord,” he declared (2 Nephi 10:20–21). Among those promises, none is greater than the promise of an “infinite atonement” to overcome death and hell (2 Nephi 9:7). “Therefore,” Jacob concluded, “cheer up your hearts”! (2 Nephi 10:23).

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

2 Nephi 6–8

The Lord is merciful to His people and will fulfill His promises.

To help his people understand that they were part of the house of Israel and could trust God and His promises, Jacob quoted prophecies of Isaiah, recorded in 2 Nephi 6–8. Isaiah described the scattering of Israel and the Savior’s promised gathering and redemption of His people. As you read, ponder questions like the following:

• What do I learn about the Savior’s redeeming love for me?

• What comfort does the Savior offer to those who seek Him?

• What can I do to more faithfully “wait” for the Savior and His promised blessings?

2 Nephi 9:1–26

Through His Atonement, Jesus Christ delivers all people from physical and spiritual death.

What words or images would you use to communicate to someone our desperate need for a Redeemer to rescue us from death and sin? Jacob used the words “awful” and “monster.” What did Jacob teach about “that monster, death and hell” and the “escape” that God has prepared for us? (2 Nephi 9:10). As you read 2 Nephi 9:1–26, consider marking in one color what would happen to us without the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Then, in another color, you could mark what we can receive through the Savior’s Atonement. What truths do you find about the Atonement of Jesus Christ that cause you to praise the “wisdom of God, his mercy and grace”? (2 Nephi 9:8).

See also “Atonement of Jesus Christ,” Gospel Topics, topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

2 Nephi 9:27–54

I can come unto Christ and receive the glorious blessings of His Atonement.

Jesus Christ came “into the world that he may save all men if they will hearken unto his voice” (2 Nephi 9:21; italics added). In other words, we must be willing to accept the saving blessings He offers. After describing the great plan of redemption, Jacob gave important warnings and invitations, found in 2 Nephi 9:27–54, to help us receive the blessings of the Atonement. Consider recording them on a chart like this one:

Warnings	Invitations
Warnings	Invitations
Warnings	Invitations

What do you feel prompted by the Spirit to do in response to these warnings and invitations?

2 Nephi 10:20, 23–25

Because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, I can “cheer up” my heart.

Jacob’s message was a joyful one. “I speak unto you these things,” he said, “that ye may rejoice, and lift up your heads forever” (2 Nephi 9:3). As you read 2 Nephi 10:20, 23–25, what do you find that gives you hope? What else have you found in 2 Nephi 9–10 that has given you hope? What will you do to remember these things when you feel discouraged?

See also John 16:33.

Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Family Home Evening

As you read the scriptures with your family, the Spirit can help you know what principles to emphasize and discuss in order to meet the needs of your family. Here are some ideas.

2 Nephi 8:3–7

When you read 2 Nephi 8:3, you could show pictures of a desert and a garden. How does the Lord turn the deserts of our lives into gardens? In verses 4–7, what does the Lord counsel us to do in order to receive the joy described in verse 3?

2 Nephi 8:24–25

How can Isaiah’s encouraging words to the people of Zion strengthen us in our efforts to become more faithful disciples of Jesus Christ? How is waking up and getting dressed similar to what God wants us to do spiritually?

2 Nephi 9:1–26

What could your family do to better understand the magnitude of Jesus Christ’s “infinite atonement”? (verse 7). Perhaps they could look at or think about things that seem infinite in number—blades of grass in a field, grains of sand on a beach, or stars in the sky. How is the Savior’s Atonement infinite? What phrases in 2 Nephi 9 deepen our gratitude for what the Savior did for us?

2 Nephi 9:27–44

Perhaps one day this week your family could search 2 Nephi 9:27–38, looking for the warnings (preceded by “wo”). Which of these seem especially important for your family to discuss? On another day, you could search 2 Nephi 9:39–44, looking for what Jacob invited his people to remember.

2 Nephi 9:28–29, 50–51

What are some examples of “the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men”? (verse 28). What can we do to place more value on the things of God and less on the things of the world?

2 Nephi 9:45

Your family might enjoy making a paper chain and then taking turns putting it on and shaking it off. How are sins like chains? How does the Savior help us shake them off?

For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.

Suggested song: “I Feel My Savior’s Love,” Children’s Songbook, 74–75.

Improving Our Teaching

Be available and accessible. “Some of the best teaching moments start as a question or concern in the heart of a [family] member. … Let them know through your words and actions that you are eager to hear them” (Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 16).

The Savior will save all God’s children “if they will hearken unto his voice” (2 Nephi 9:21). He Healed Many of Diverse Diseases, by J. Kirk Richards