“Lesson 3 Class Preparation Material: Lehi’s Dream of the Tree of Life,” Teachings and Doctrine of the Book of Mormon Teacher Material (2021)
“Lesson 3 Class Preparation Material,” Teachings and Doctrine of the Book of Mormon Teacher Material
Lesson 3 Class Preparation Material
Lehi’s Dream of the Tree of Life
Think about the people, organizations, internet sites, or social media platforms that influence your thoughts, choices, and actions each day. How many of these sources are encouraging you to follow Jesus Christ? As you study, consider how the word of God can help increase your capacity to walk the strait and narrow path that leads to the Lord and the blessings of His Atonement.
Section 1
How can I feel the love of God more in my life?
As Lehi’s family “tarried in the wilderness” (1 Nephi 8:2) during their journey to the promised land, Lehi received a vision from God. In his vision Lehi was led by a man wearing a white robe into “a dark and dreary wilderness” (1 Nephi 8:1–7).
Study in Preparation for Class
Read 1 Nephi 8:8–12 for Lehi’s account of what he saw after praying to the Lord for mercy.
Nephi later received a vision similar to his father’s. When Nephi asked to understand the meaning of the tree of life, he was shown “the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh … bearing a child in her arms” (1 Nephi 11:18, 20). An angel then appeared to help Nephi further understand the meaning of the tree.
Study in Preparation for Class
Read 1 Nephi 11:21–22, looking for what Nephi concluded about the meaning of the tree.
Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught: “To partake of the love of God is to partake of Jesus’ Atonement and the … joys which it can bring” (“Lessons from Laman and Lemuel,” Ensign, Nov. 1999, 8).
Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles also said:
Partaking of the fruit of the tree also symbolizes that we embrace the ordinances and covenants of the restored gospel—being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and entering the house of the Lord to be endowed with power from on high. Through the grace of Jesus Christ and by honoring our covenants, we receive the immeasurable promise of living with our righteous family throughout eternity.
No wonder the angel described the fruit as “the most joyous to the soul” [1 Nephi 11:23]. (“Fruit,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 117)
Ponder in Preparation for Class
Think about the words Lehi used (see 1 Nephi 8:10–12) to describe the tree of life and its fruit. What do these words teach you about God’s love as shown through the gift of His Son Jesus Christ?
Section 2
What can keep me from Jesus Christ and the fruits of His Atonement?
Not all of the people in Lehi’s dream tasted of the fruit or stayed after partaking of it. We learn from this account that while some refused to receive the Savior and the blessings that come from His Atonement, others tasted of His goodness and later turned away from Him because they were distracted, embarrassed, or enticed to live in sin.
Study in Preparation for Class
Study 1 Nephi 12:16–18 carefully, looking for the elements of Lehi’s dream that kept people from the tree and what Nephi discovered that each element symbolized.
People hold to the iron rod in the mists of darkness.
Discuss in Preparation for Class
With the help of a family member or friend, identify some current examples of the “fountain of filthy water” (1 Nephi 12:16), the “mists of darkness” (verse 17), and the mocking of those in the great and spacious building. Be prepared to share your examples in class.
Section 3
How can I resist temptation and remain faithful to Jesus Christ?
In his vision, Lehi saw three groups of people who were seeking to walk the strait and narrow path that leads to the tree and its fruit. Lehi also saw a rod of iron that ran along the path leading to the tree.
Nephi taught that the rod of iron represents the word of God and that those who held to it “would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them” (1 Nephi 15:24). President Ezra Taft Benson noted that the word of God is found “in the scriptures, in the words of living prophets, and in personal revelation” (“The Power of the Word,” Ensign, May 1986, 80).
Study in Preparation for Class
As you read the following scripture passages, look for the difference between those who relied on the word of God and those who did not.
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Group 1: 1 Nephi 8:21–23
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Group 2: 1 Nephi 8:24–28
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Group 3: 1 Nephi 8:30, 33
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Group 4: 1 Nephi 8:31–32
Sister Ann M. Dibb, former counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, offered this word of encouragement to those who have let go of the rod of iron:
Holding to the iron rod is not always easy. We may let go because of peer pressure or pride, thinking we can find our own way back—later. … Nephi says, “And many were lost from his view, wandering in strange roads” (1 Nephi 8:32). In difficult times in our own lives, we may find we are also “wandering in strange roads.” Let me reassure you that it is always possible for us to find our way back. Through repentance, made possible by the atoning sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we can regain and recommit to a strong grip on the iron rod and feel the loving guidance of our Heavenly Father once again. The Savior has extended an open invitation to us: repent, hold on, and don’t let go. ( “Hold On,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 81)
Ponder in Preparation for Class
Consider which of the groups that Nephi described best reflects your current situation. In what ways is the word of God helping you come closer to the Savior and His atoning power? Are there changes you want to make so you can better hold to the rod?