Mosiah 25-28 Lesson Help for LDS Come Follow Me Sunday School Teachers + Free Canva Template
- May 27, 2024
- 33 min read
Mosiah 25: The people of Zarahemla, which include the descendants of Nephi and Mulek, rejoice upon hearing the accounts of the deliverance of Limhi's and Alma's people. King Mosiah gathers the people and reads the records of Zeniff, Limhi, and Alma, recounting their experiences and the deliverance by the hand of the Lord. The people are moved to gratitude and repentance. Alma the Elder organizes the church throughout the land, establishing priests and teachers to preach the word of God.
Mosiah 26: A generation arises who do not believe in the traditions of their fathers and begin to sin, causing problems within the church. Alma is troubled and seeks guidance from the Lord. The Lord instructs Alma on how to handle the situation, emphasizing repentance and the importance of church discipline. Those who repent are forgiven and welcomed back, while those who refuse to repent are excommunicated. Alma is given authority to judge the people and continues to lead the church with faithfulness.
Mosiah 27: Mosiah issues a decree that there should be no persecution based on religious beliefs. Alma the Younger, the son of Alma the Elder, and the sons of King Mosiah lead a rebellious group, seeking to destroy the church. An angel of the Lord appears to them, rebuking them for their wickedness and commanding them to repent. Alma the Younger is struck dumb and is bedridden for several days. During this time, he experiences a profound conversion and repentance. Upon regaining his strength, Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah become powerful missionaries, dedicated to repairing the damage they caused and preaching the gospel.
Mosiah 28: The sons of Mosiah express a strong desire to preach the gospel to the Lamanites. They plead with their father, King Mosiah, for permission to embark on this mission. After seeking the Lord's guidance, Mosiah grants their request. The sons of Mosiah depart on their mission, filled with faith and determination. King Mosiah, concerned about the future leadership of the Nephites, consults the records of the people and translates the records found by Limhi's people, which turn out to be the record of the Jaredites.
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I can help others come unto Jesus Christ.
Engaging Questions:
Reflective Questions
Personal Mission: Reflect on a time when you helped someone come closer to Jesus Christ. What did you learn from that experience?
Role of Example: How can your personal example of faith and discipleship inspire others to come unto Christ?
Listening to Promptings: Have you ever felt prompted to share the gospel with someone? How did you respond, and what was the outcome?
Group Discussion Questions
Alma the Younger’s Transformation: Discuss the transformation of Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah. How did their conversion experiences enable them to help others come unto Christ?
Role of Testimony: How can bearing testimony of Jesus Christ influence others to seek Him? Share examples from your own life or the scriptures.
Overcoming Fear: What are some common fears or obstacles that prevent us from sharing the gospel, and how can we overcome them?
Deep Dive Questions
Community Conversion: In Mosiah 25-28, what steps did the people of Alma and King Mosiah take to bring others unto Christ? How can these steps be applied in our own efforts to share the gospel today?
Power of Prayer: How did prayer play a role in the conversion of Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah? How can we incorporate prayer into our efforts to help others come unto Christ?
Importance of Repentance: Discuss how Alma the Younger’s experience with repentance influenced his ability to help others find Jesus Christ. How does our personal repentance story equip us to assist others in their spiritual journey?
Personal Reflection Questions
Identifying Opportunities: Reflect on your daily interactions. How can you identify opportunities to share the message of Jesus Christ with others?
Building Relationships: How can you build genuine relationships with those who may not yet know Christ, creating a foundation for sharing the gospel?
Spiritual Preparation: What spiritual practices can you adopt to better prepare yourself to help others come unto Christ?
Action-Oriented Questions
Sharing Your Story: Think of one person you can share your personal testimony of Jesus Christ with this week. How will you approach this conversation?
Inviting Others: What are some inviting yet non-intimidating ways to introduce others to the teachings of Jesus Christ (e.g., inviting them to church activities, sharing a meaningful scripture, etc.)?
Service as a Tool: How can acts of service help others feel the love of Christ and open their hearts to His message?
Application to Modern Life
Using Technology: How can you use social media and other technologies to share the message of Jesus Christ with a wider audience?
Community Involvement: In what ways can you become more involved in your community to create opportunities to share the gospel?
Everyday Conversations: How can you naturally incorporate discussions about Jesus Christ and His teachings into everyday conversations without feeling forced or awkward?
Journal Prompts
Personal Mission Statement: Write a personal mission statement focused on helping others come unto Christ. Include specific goals and actions you plan to take.
Reflections on Success: Journal about a time when you successfully helped someone draw closer to Jesus Christ. What did you do, and how did it feel? What lessons did you learn that you can apply in the future?
Prayer for Guidance: Write a prayer asking for guidance and opportunities to help others come unto Christ. Reflect on how you can recognize and act on these opportunities.
Object Lessons and Activities:
Object Lesson: "The Guiding Light"
Materials: Flashlight, dark room
Procedure: In a dark room, use a flashlight to guide participants to a specific location. Discuss how we can be a guiding light for others, leading them to Jesus Christ, the true source of light.
Activity: "Footsteps to Christ"
Materials: Paper footprints, markers
Procedure: Write steps or actions that lead to Christ on paper footprints (e.g., prayer, scripture study, service). Place them on the floor leading to an image of Christ. Have participants walk the path, discussing each step and how they can help others follow it.
Object Lesson: "The Rope of Support"
Materials: Rope
Procedure: Have participants hold onto a rope and work together to pull someone up or guide them across an obstacle. Discuss how we can support and help others come unto Christ by offering encouragement and guidance.
Activity: "Service Chain"
Materials: Paper strips, markers, tape
Procedure: Write acts of service on paper strips and form a chain. Discuss how each act of service can help bring others closer to Jesus Christ. Display the chain as a reminder of the impact of service.
Object Lesson: "The Bridge to Christ"
Materials: Bridge model or visual representation
Procedure: Use a bridge to illustrate how we can help others cross obstacles to reach Christ. Discuss ways to build bridges for others, such as sharing testimonies, offering kindness, and providing support.
Activity: "Missionary Role-Play"
Procedure: Pair participants and have them role-play different scenarios where they share the gospel with others. After each role-play, discuss what went well and what could be improved, emphasizing the importance of sharing Christ’s love.
Object Lesson: "The Seed of Faith"
Materials: Seeds, soil, pots
Procedure: Plant seeds in pots and discuss how sharing the gospel is like planting seeds of faith. Emphasize the importance of nurturing these seeds through love, teaching, and example.
Activity: "Christ-Centered Crafts"
Materials: Art supplies, paper, markers
Procedure: Have participants create crafts that depict scenes from the life of Christ or symbols of faith. Discuss how these creations can be shared with others to inspire faith and bring them closer to Jesus Christ.
Object Lesson: "The Rescue Team"
Materials: None
Procedure: Create a scenario where someone needs to be rescued, and have participants work together to find and help the person. Discuss how we can be spiritual rescuers by helping others find their way to Christ.
Activity: "Testimony Sharing Circle"
Procedure: Sit in a circle and invite participants to share their testimonies of Jesus Christ. Discuss how sharing personal experiences of faith can inspire and help others come unto Christ. Encourage participants to think of someone they can share their testimony with in the coming week.
Parable: The Lantern Bearer
In a small, isolated village surrounded by dense forests, the nights were often long and dark, with only a few lanterns providing light. A kind-hearted villager named Anna took it upon herself to be the village's lantern bearer. Every evening, she would light her lantern and walk through the village, sharing her light with others and helping them find their way.
One evening, Anna noticed a newcomer sitting alone in the shadows, struggling to find their way to their new home. With a warm smile, Anna approached and extended her lantern, illuminating the path. She walked alongside the newcomer, sharing stories and offering encouragement.
As they reached the newcomer's home, the newcomer thanked Anna for her kindness. Inspired by Anna's example, the newcomer decided to light their own lantern and join Anna in her nightly walks, helping others find their way through the darkness.
In this parable, Anna represents individuals who help others come unto Jesus Christ by sharing the light of His gospel. The lantern symbolizes the knowledge and testimony of Christ, and the act of sharing the light represents efforts to guide others to Him. The newcomer who joins in sharing the light represents those who, having been helped themselves, choose to help others in turn.
The parable illustrates that, like the lantern bearer guiding villagers through the darkness, individuals can help others come unto Jesus Christ by sharing the light of His gospel and leading them to the safety and warmth of His love.
Analogy: The Lifeguard at the Shore
Imagine a crowded beach where people are enjoying the waves and the sun. Among them is a skilled lifeguard named Sam, trained to watch over the swimmers and ensure their safety. One day, Sam notices a swimmer struggling against a strong current, being pulled farther from the shore.
Without hesitation, Sam dives into the water, swimming strongly against the current to reach the struggling swimmer. Once Sam reaches them, he offers a reassuring smile and helps guide them back to the safety of the shore. Grateful and relieved, the swimmer thanks Sam and feels inspired to take swimming lessons to help others in need.
In this analogy, the lifeguard represents individuals who help others come unto Jesus Christ by reaching out and offering assistance in times of spiritual struggle. The beach symbolizes the world, and the strong current represents the challenges and temptations that can pull people away from Christ. The act of rescuing the swimmer symbolizes efforts to bring others back to the safety of Christ's love and guidance.
The analogy emphasizes that, like a lifeguard rescuing swimmers from dangerous currents, individuals can help others come unto Jesus Christ by reaching out and offering support, guidance, and encouragement during difficult times.
Parable: The Gardener’s Seed
In a bustling town, there was a gardener named Liam who was known for his beautiful and bountiful garden. He attributed the success of his garden to the special seeds he used, which had been passed down through generations. One day, Liam decided he wanted to share the beauty and joy of his garden with the entire town.
He gathered some of his special seeds and set out to distribute them to his neighbors. As he handed out the seeds, he explained how to plant and care for them, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm. Some neighbors were skeptical, but others were inspired by Liam's passion and decided to plant the seeds in their own gardens.
With time, those who followed Liam's advice saw their gardens flourish, transforming their yards into vibrant displays of flowers and produce. Inspired by the results, they began to share seeds and gardening tips with others, spreading beauty and abundance throughout the town.
In this parable, Liam represents individuals who help others come unto Jesus Christ by sharing their knowledge and testimony of His gospel. The special seeds symbolize the teachings of Christ, and the act of distributing them represents efforts to spread the gospel. The flourishing gardens represent the growth and blessings that come from embracing and nurturing faith in Christ.
The parable illustrates that, like the gardener sharing his special seeds, individuals can help others come unto Jesus Christ by sharing their testimony and encouraging others to cultivate their own faith, leading to a community enriched by the beauty and blessings of the gospel.
God’s faithful servants seek to do His will.
Engaging Questions:
Reflective Questions
Personal Will vs. God’s Will: Reflect on a time when you felt prompted to align your will with God’s. How did this experience change you?
Daily Decisions: How can you incorporate seeking God’s will into your daily decision-making process?
Faithful Examples: Who is a faithful servant of God in your life that you look up to? How do they seek to do God’s will?
Group Discussion Questions
Role of Faithful Servants: Discuss the role of Alma the Elder and Alma the Younger in seeking to do God’s will. How did their actions impact their communities?
Seeking God’s Will: What are practical ways we can seek to know and do God’s will in our lives today?
Community Efforts: How can we, as a community of believers, support each other in seeking to do God’s will?
Deep Dive Questions
Alma’s Leadership: How did Alma the Elder’s commitment to God’s will influence his leadership and the establishment of the church in Mosiah 25-28?
Transformation of Alma the Younger: How did Alma the Younger’s conversion reflect a dramatic shift to seeking God’s will? What can we learn from his experience about repentance and commitment?
Examples of Obedience: Compare and contrast different examples of obedience to God’s will in Mosiah 25-28. What characteristics do these faithful servants share?
Personal Reflection Questions
Personal Alignment: In what areas of your life do you feel you need to better align your actions with God’s will? What steps can you take to achieve this?
Listening to Promptings: How do you recognize promptings from God, and how do you act on them to seek His will?
Challenges and Rewards: What challenges have you faced in seeking to do God’s will, and what rewards have you experienced?
Action-Oriented Questions
Acting on Promptings: Think of a recent prompting you’ve had from God. How can you act on it this week?
Service Opportunities: Identify a service opportunity in your community where you can seek to do God’s will. What specific actions will you take to contribute?
Encouraging Others: How can you encourage and help others in your family or community to seek and do God’s will?
Application to Modern Life
Balancing Priorities: How can we balance our personal ambitions and responsibilities with seeking to do God’s will?
Modern Challenges: What are some modern challenges that might make it difficult to seek God’s will, and how can we overcome them?
Faithful Servants Today: Who are some modern-day examples of faithful servants of God, and what can we learn from their dedication to doing His will?
Journal Prompts
Reflection on Service: Write about a time when you felt you were truly doing God’s will through an act of service. What did you learn from this experience?
Daily Prayer: Compose a daily prayer asking for guidance to better seek and do God’s will. Reflect on how this prayer helps you throughout your day.
Long-Term Goals: Consider your long-term goals and aspirations. How can you align these with seeking to do God’s will? Write a plan outlining steps to achieve this alignment.
Object Lessons and Activities:
Object Lesson: "Compass and Map"
Materials: Compass, map
Procedure: Show how a compass helps guide travelers to their destination. Explain that just as a compass points north, God's will guides us in the right direction. Discuss how faithful servants use the "compass" of prayer and scripture to seek God's will.
Activity: "Will of God Relay"
Materials: Relay race props
Procedure: Set up a relay race where each leg of the race represents a step in seeking and doing God’s will (e.g., prayer, scripture study, service). Have participants discuss how each step helps them align with God's will.
Object Lesson: "Toolbox of Service"
Materials: Toolbox, various tools
Procedure: Discuss how each tool in the toolbox has a specific purpose, just as each person has unique talents to serve God. Emphasize the importance of seeking God's will to know how to use these talents effectively.
Activity: "God's Will Journaling"
Materials: Journals, pens
Procedure: Have participants write about times when they felt they were doing God’s will. Encourage them to reflect on how seeking His guidance helped them make decisions and overcome challenges.
Object Lesson: "The Shepherd and Sheep"
Materials: Shepherd’s staff or rod, picture of sheep
Procedure: Use the image of a shepherd leading his sheep to illustrate how God guides His faithful servants. Discuss how the shepherd (God) leads the sheep (us) to safety and nourishment by following His will.
Activity: "Service Project Planning"
Materials: Planning materials for a service project
Procedure: Organize a service project where participants can seek to do God's will by serving others. Plan and execute the project together, emphasizing the importance of seeking divine guidance in serving.
Object Lesson: "The Lighthouse"
Materials: Model lighthouse or picture
Procedure: Explain how a lighthouse guides ships to safety, just as God’s will guides us to spiritual safety. Discuss how following His will helps us avoid spiritual dangers and stay on the right path.
Activity: "Decision-Making Role-Play"
Procedure: Create scenarios where participants must make decisions based on seeking God’s will. Have them role-play different responses and discuss how they can seek divine guidance in making important decisions.
Object Lesson: "Gardening God's Way"
Materials: Seeds, soil, gardening tools
Procedure: Plant seeds and discuss how gardeners follow specific steps to ensure growth, similar to how we follow God’s will to grow spiritually. Emphasize the importance of nurturing our faith by seeking and doing His will.
Activity: "Scripture Study Circle"
Materials: Scriptures, notebooks
Procedure: Have a group scripture study focusing on passages that highlight the importance of seeking and doing God's will. Discuss insights and personal applications, encouraging participants to seek God’s guidance in their daily lives.
Parable: The Master’s Vineyard
In a fertile valley, there was a master who owned a vast and thriving vineyard. He entrusted the care of his vineyard to a group of dedicated servants, each with specific tasks to ensure the vineyard’s success. These servants knew their master’s vision and were committed to fulfilling his will.
One season, the master announced that he would be traveling to a distant land. Before leaving, he gathered his servants and gave them detailed instructions on how to care for the vineyard in his absence. The servants listened attentively, understanding the importance of their roles in maintaining the vineyard’s health and productivity.
As the master journeyed away, the servants diligently worked, tending to the vines, pruning branches, and ensuring the soil remained fertile. They encountered challenges—unexpected storms, pests, and periods of drought—but their dedication to the master’s will guided their actions. They supported each other, sharing wisdom and resources to overcome difficulties.
When the master returned, he found the vineyard flourishing, filled with abundant fruit. He praised his faithful servants for their hard work and commitment, knowing they had sought to do his will even in his absence. Their faithfulness had ensured the vineyard’s prosperity.
In this parable, the master represents God, and the vineyard symbolizes the world and His work within it. The dedicated servants represent God’s faithful servants who seek to do His will. Their commitment to the master’s vision, despite challenges, illustrates the importance of steadfastness and obedience in fulfilling God’s purposes.
Analogy: The Conductor’s Symphony
Imagine an orchestra preparing for a grand performance, with each musician skilled in their own instrument. The conductor, who has composed a beautiful symphony, stands before them, ready to guide and direct. Each musician has a copy of the score, detailing their individual parts and how they fit into the overall composition.
The conductor lifts the baton, and the musicians, attentive and ready, begin to play. They follow the conductor’s cues, watching closely for guidance on tempo, dynamics, and expression. Some parts of the symphony are complex, requiring intense focus and collaboration, while others flow smoothly and effortlessly.
Throughout the performance, the musicians seek to align their playing with the conductor’s vision. They trust in his expertise and understanding of the music, knowing that their collective effort will create a harmonious and moving experience for the audience. The conductor, seeing their dedication and unity, leads them through a flawless performance, resulting in thunderous applause and deep satisfaction.
In this analogy, the conductor represents God, and the orchestra symbolizes His faithful servants. The symphony represents God’s will and the work He desires to accomplish. The musicians’ attention to the conductor’s direction illustrates the importance of seeking to do God’s will, trusting in His guidance to create something beautiful and meaningful.
Parable: The Builder’s Blueprint
In a bustling city, a wise builder was known for creating magnificent structures that stood the test of time. He was meticulous in his work, always ensuring that his buildings were not only beautiful but also strong and enduring. One day, he decided to build a grand cathedral, a place where people could gather in peace and worship.
The builder shared his detailed blueprint with a team of skilled craftsmen and laborers. He explained that following the blueprint exactly was crucial to the success and integrity of the cathedral. Each worker had a specific role, from laying the foundation to crafting intricate stone carvings.
As construction began, the workers encountered various challenges—unpredictable weather, supply shortages, and difficult terrain. However, they remained committed to the builder’s vision and instructions. They consulted the blueprint regularly, ensuring their work aligned with the builder’s plan.
Years later, the cathedral stood completed, a testament to their dedication and the builder’s wisdom. People from all over marveled at its beauty and strength, finding solace and inspiration within its walls. The workers knew that their faithful adherence to the blueprint had made this possible.
In this parable, the wise builder represents God, and the blueprint symbolizes His will and divine plan. The craftsmen and laborers represent God’s faithful servants who seek to do His will. Their commitment to following the blueprint, despite challenges, illustrates the importance of obedience and faithfulness in fulfilling God’s purposes.
These analogies and parables highlight the dedication and commitment required of God’s faithful servants as they seek to do His will, trusting in His guidance and wisdom to accomplish His divine purposes.
God freely forgives me as I repent and forgive others.
Engaging Questions:
Reflective Questions
Personal Repentance: Can you share a time when you experienced God's forgiveness through sincere repentance? How did this experience affect you?
Forgiving Others: Reflect on a situation where you needed to forgive someone. How did extending forgiveness to them impact your relationship and your own spiritual well-being?
God’s Forgiveness: How do you feel knowing that God freely forgives us when we sincerely repent? How does this knowledge influence your approach to repentance?
Group Discussion Questions
Alma the Younger’s Story: How does the story of Alma the Younger’s repentance and forgiveness illustrate the power of God’s mercy? What can we learn from his transformation?
The Power of Forgiveness: In what ways can forgiving others lead to healing and peace within our communities and families?
Steps of Repentance: What are the essential steps of repentance according to the teachings in Mosiah 25-28? How can we apply these steps in our daily lives?
Deep Dive Questions
Divine Forgiveness: How does God’s forgiveness, as demonstrated in Mosiah 25-28, compare to human forgiveness? What are the key differences and similarities?
Forgiveness and Repentance Process: How did Alma the Younger’s process of repentance and the subsequent forgiveness he received shape his future actions and leadership?
Scriptural Insights: What insights do Mosiah 25-28 provide about the relationship between repentance, forgiveness, and spiritual growth?
Personal Reflection Questions
Barriers to Forgiveness: What personal barriers have you faced when trying to forgive others? How can you overcome these barriers with God’s help?
Daily Repentance: How can you incorporate daily repentance into your spiritual routine? What benefits do you foresee from this practice?
Forgiving Yourself: Reflect on the concept of self-forgiveness. How does understanding God’s willingness to forgive help you forgive yourself?
Action-Oriented Questions
Act of Forgiveness: Think of someone you need to forgive. What steps can you take this week to extend forgiveness to that person?
Seeking Forgiveness: Identify an area in your life where you need to seek God’s forgiveness. How will you approach this process of repentance and renewal?
Supporting Others: How can you support someone else in their journey of repentance and forgiveness? What practical actions can you take?
Application to Modern Life
Modern Repentance: How can the principles of repentance and forgiveness from Mosiah 25-28 be applied to challenges we face in modern life, such as conflicts at work or within families?
Forgiveness in Society: Discuss the importance of forgiveness in societal contexts, such as restorative justice programs or community reconciliation efforts.
Daily Practices: What daily practices can help you stay mindful of the need for repentance and the importance of forgiving others?
Journal Prompts
Journey of Forgiveness: Write about your personal journey with repentance and forgiveness. How has it evolved over time, and what lessons have you learned?
Prayers for Forgiveness: Compose a prayer asking for God’s help in forgiving others and seeking His forgiveness. Reflect on how this prayer makes you feel.
Steps of Repentance: Outline a specific plan for addressing an area of your life where you need to repent. Include the steps you will take and how you will seek God’s guidance throughout the process.
Object Lessons and Activities:
Object Lesson: "The Eraser of Forgiveness"
Materials: Whiteboard, markers, eraser
Procedure: Write sins or mistakes on the whiteboard. Use the eraser to remove them, symbolizing God's forgiveness when we repent. Discuss how repentance and God's erasing of our sins allow us to start fresh.
Activity: "Forgiveness Chain"
Materials: Paper strips, markers, tape
Procedure: Have participants write down things they need to repent of or forgive others for on paper strips. Link the strips together to form a chain. Discuss how forgiving others and repenting can break the chains of sin and guilt.
Object Lesson: "Dirty Water Cleansing"
Materials: Clear container, dirty water, clean water
Procedure: Show a container filled with dirty water, representing sin. Pour clean water in to gradually cleanse it, representing repentance and God's forgiveness. Discuss how repentance purifies us.
Activity: "Forgiveness Journals"
Materials: Journals, pens
Procedure: Provide participants with journals and encourage them to write about experiences where they have sought or granted forgiveness. Have them reflect on how these experiences brought them closer to God and others.
Object Lesson: "The Healing Balm"
Materials: Bandages, healing ointment
Procedure: Explain how the ointment heals physical wounds. Relate this to how repentance and forgiveness heal our spiritual wounds. Discuss how God's forgiveness acts as a balm for our souls.
Activity: "Forgiveness Role-Play"
Procedure: Create scenarios where participants need to ask for or offer forgiveness. Have them role-play the scenarios and discuss the feelings and outcomes of granting or seeking forgiveness.
Object Lesson: "The Weight of Sin"
Materials: Backpack, heavy objects
Procedure: Fill a backpack with heavy objects representing sins. Have a participant carry the backpack and then remove the weights one by one as they express repentance. Discuss how repentance and forgiveness lighten our burdens.
Activity: "Clean Slate Craft"
Materials: Small chalkboards, chalk, erasers
Procedure: Have participants write mistakes or sins on the chalkboards and then erase them. Discuss how God forgives us and gives us a clean slate when we repent.
Object Lesson: "The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant"
Materials: Bible or storybook
Procedure: Read or summarize the parable of the unforgiving servant from Matthew 18:21-35. Discuss how it relates to the importance of forgiving others as God forgives us.
Activity: "Forgiveness Circle"
Procedure: Sit in a circle and have each participant share a time when they felt God's forgiveness or when they forgave someone else. Encourage them to express how these experiences impacted their lives and relationships.
Parable: The King's Pardon
In a prosperous kingdom, there lived a wise and just king who was known for his mercy and compassion. One day, two citizens of the kingdom, Thomas and John, were brought before the king. Thomas had wronged John by taking his livestock, leaving John in great distress.
Thomas, realizing the gravity of his actions, approached John and sincerely apologized, seeking his forgiveness. John, moved by Thomas’s genuine remorse, forgave him wholeheartedly. Together, they went to the king to resolve the matter.
The king, upon hearing their story, saw the genuine repentance in Thomas and the forgiving heart of John. With a kind smile, the king declared, "Because you have shown true repentance and forgiven each other, I freely forgive you both." He restored Thomas's standing in the kingdom and provided John with new livestock, blessing them both with his grace and mercy.
In this parable, the king represents God, Thomas represents those who repent, and John represents those who forgive others. The king’s pardon illustrates how God freely forgives us when we repent and show forgiveness to others.
Analogy: The Healing Waters
Imagine a valley with a beautiful, flowing river known for its healing properties. People from all over the land come to bathe in the river, seeking to wash away their ailments and find relief. The river is fed by pure, life-giving springs high in the mountains, symbolizing the endless and unconditional grace of God.
One day, two travelers, Sarah and Michael, arrived at the river. Sarah had wronged Michael in the past, and as they stood by the water, she turned to him with tears in her eyes and asked for his forgiveness. Michael, feeling the sincerity of her plea, forgave her with an open heart.
Together, they stepped into the healing waters, feeling the river cleanse them. As the water washed over them, they felt not only physical relief but also a profound sense of spiritual renewal. The river’s healing power was a reminder of God's boundless forgiveness and the peace that comes from forgiving others.
In this analogy, the healing river represents God's forgiveness, while Sarah and Michael symbolize individuals who repent and forgive each other. Just as the river provides healing and renewal, God’s forgiveness brings spiritual healing and peace when we repent and forgive others.
Parable: The Debtor's Release
In a bustling marketplace, there was a wealthy merchant who lent money to many of the townspeople. One of his debtors, a man named Samuel, found himself unable to repay his debt and was filled with anxiety and shame. He decided to approach the merchant, confess his inability to pay, and beg for mercy.
As Samuel made his way to the merchant’s stall, he encountered a fellow debtor, Lucas, who owed him a smaller sum of money. Lucas, too, was struggling and pleaded with Samuel to forgive his debt. Moved by compassion, Samuel forgave Lucas, releasing him from his obligation.
When Samuel reached the merchant, he fell to his knees and confessed his inability to repay the debt. Seeing Samuel’s genuine remorse and learning of his act of forgiveness toward Lucas, the merchant was deeply moved. He said, "Just as you have shown mercy and forgiven your fellow debtor, so too will I forgive you. Your debt is canceled."
Samuel rose, overwhelmed with gratitude, understanding that his willingness to forgive others had opened the door to his own forgiveness.
In this parable, the wealthy merchant represents God, Samuel represents those who repent, and Lucas represents those who seek forgiveness from others. The cancellation of the debt illustrates how God freely forgives us when we show repentance and forgive others.
Analogy: The Cleansing Rain
Imagine a drought-stricken land, where the earth is cracked, and the plants are withered. The people of the land are desperate for rain to renew the soil and bring life back to their fields. One day, dark clouds gather, and a gentle rain begins to fall, bringing relief and renewal to the parched land.
Two neighbors, Emma and James, have been at odds for some time. As the rain falls, Emma feels a prompting to seek James’s forgiveness for a past wrong. She goes to his home, and with heartfelt words, she apologizes. James, touched by her sincerity, forgives her, and they reconcile.
As they stand in the rain, they feel the cleansing water wash away not just the dust from their surroundings but also the burden of their grievances. The rain symbolizes the forgiveness that God freely offers, renewing their spirits and restoring their relationship.
In this analogy, the cleansing rain represents God’s forgiveness, and Emma and James symbolize individuals who repent and forgive each other. Just as the rain brings renewal to the land, God’s forgiveness brings spiritual renewal and peace when we repent and forgive others.
These analogies and parables highlight the profound truth that God’s forgiveness is freely given when we sincerely repent and extend forgiveness to others. They illustrate the transformative power of mercy and the peace that comes from aligning our actions with God's will.
Through Jesus Christ, I can change for the better.
Engaging Questions:
Reflective Questions
Personal Change: Reflect on a time in your life when you felt a significant change for the better through Jesus Christ. What triggered this change, and how did it impact your life?
Power of Christ: How does understanding the Atonement of Jesus Christ inspire you to make positive changes in your life?
Role of Faith: How does your faith in Jesus Christ support you in your efforts to change and improve?
Group Discussion Questions
Alma the Younger’s Transformation: Discuss the transformation of Alma the Younger. How did his encounter with the angel and subsequent repentance illustrate the power of Jesus Christ to change lives?
Steps to Change: What steps did Alma the Younger take to change his life for the better after his conversion? How can we apply these steps in our own lives?
Encouraging Change in Others: How can we help and support others who are seeking to change for the better through Jesus Christ?
Deep Dive Questions
Scriptural Insights: What specific verses in Mosiah 25-28 highlight the power of Jesus Christ to bring about change in individuals? How do these verses speak to you personally?
Repentance Process: How does the process of repentance, as described in these chapters, facilitate lasting change? What role does Jesus Christ play in this process?
Lasting Impact: How did the changes in the lives of Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah impact their communities and future generations?
Personal Reflection Questions
Identifying Areas for Change: Reflect on areas in your life where you feel the need for change. How can you invite Jesus Christ into this process to help you improve?
Daily Practices: What daily practices or habits can you adopt to support positive change through Jesus Christ?
Witnessing Change: How have you witnessed the power of Jesus Christ to change others around you? How does this inspire you?
Action-Oriented Questions
Commitment to Change: Identify one specific area where you want to change for the better. What steps will you take this week to start this change, with Jesus Christ’s help?
Supporting Others: How can you actively support someone else in their journey of change and improvement through Jesus Christ?
Sharing Testimonies: Share your testimony of how Jesus Christ has helped you change for the better with someone who might need encouragement.
Application to Modern Life
Modern Challenges: How can the teachings from Mosiah 25-28 about change through Jesus Christ be applied to modern challenges such as addiction, relationship issues, or personal struggles?
Role of Community: How can your church community foster an environment that supports positive change through Jesus Christ?
Overcoming Doubts: What can you do to overcome doubts or fears about your ability to change through Jesus Christ?
Journal Prompts
Reflecting on Change: Write about a personal experience where you felt a change for the better through Jesus Christ. What steps did you take, and what was the outcome?
Goal Setting: Set a specific goal for change that you want to achieve with Jesus Christ’s help. Outline the steps you will take and how you will rely on Him during this process.
Prayer for Change: Write a prayer asking for Jesus Christ’s assistance in making a specific change in your life. Reflect on how this prayer can guide your actions and mindset.
Object Lessons and Activities:
Object Lesson: "The Caterpillar and Butterfly"
Materials: Picture of a caterpillar and a butterfly, or toy models
Procedure: Show the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly and discuss how, through Jesus Christ, we can undergo a similar transformation and change for the better. Emphasize the process of growth and change.
Activity: "Transformation Journals"
Materials: Journals, pens
Procedure: Have participants write about areas in their lives where they want to change and how they can seek help from Jesus Christ to make those changes. Encourage regular entries to track their progress and reflect on their transformation.
Object Lesson: "The Potter and Clay"
Materials: Clay, potter’s wheel or modeling tools
Procedure: Demonstrate how a potter shapes and molds clay into a beautiful vessel. Discuss how Jesus Christ is the master potter who can shape our lives if we allow Him to, and how He can help us change for the better.
Activity: "Before and After Collage"
Materials: Magazines, scissors, glue, poster board
Procedure: Have participants create a collage that shows “before” and “after” pictures representing areas of their lives they want to improve. Discuss how Christ can help make those positive changes.
Object Lesson: "The Refining Process"
Materials: Picture of a refiner’s fire, or a small fireproof container and sand
Procedure: Explain how precious metals are refined by fire to remove impurities. Relate this to how Jesus Christ can help us purify our lives and change for the better through His Atonement.
Activity: "Steps to Change"
Materials: Paper, markers
Procedure: Have participants write down steps they can take to change for the better with Christ’s help. Place these steps on a path or staircase drawn on the paper. Discuss each step and its importance in the process of change.
Object Lesson: "The Clean Slate"
Materials: Chalkboard or whiteboard, erasers
Procedure: Write “sins” or “bad habits” on the board. Then erase them to symbolize how Jesus Christ can help us start fresh and change for the better when we repent and turn to Him.
Activity: "Scripture Study Circle"
Materials: Scriptures, paper, pens
Procedure: Read and discuss passages from Mosiah 25-28 that highlight transformation through Christ (e.g., Alma’s conversion). Encourage participants to write down personal insights and how they can apply these lessons to their own lives.
Object Lesson: "The Broken and Repaired Object"
Materials: Broken object (e.g., a cracked pot), glue
Procedure: Show the broken object and discuss how it represents our lives before turning to Christ. Then, repair the object with glue, symbolizing how Jesus Christ helps put our lives back together and make us whole.
Activity: "Change Challenge"
Procedure: Create a “change challenge” where participants set a goal for personal improvement with Christ’s help (e.g., daily prayer, kindness, honesty). Track their progress over a month and discuss their experiences and growth at the end.
Parable: The Potter’s Clay
In a quaint village, there was a skilled potter named Samuel who was renowned for his ability to transform simple clay into beautiful and intricate pottery. One day, a villager named Thomas brought a lump of clay to Samuel, asking him to create something special from it.
Samuel smiled and began his work. As he shaped the clay on his wheel, he noticed that it was rough and filled with impurities. With patience and care, Samuel removed the imperfections, kneading the clay until it was smooth and pliable. He then shaped it into a beautiful vase, intricately designed and perfectly crafted.
When Thomas saw the finished vase, he was amazed at the transformation. What had once been a rough and unremarkable lump of clay had become a masterpiece in the hands of the skilled potter.
In this parable, the potter represents Jesus Christ, and the clay symbolizes individuals who seek to change for the better. Just as the potter transforms the rough clay into a beautiful vase, Jesus Christ can transform us, removing our imperfections and shaping us into our best selves through His love and grace.
Analogy: The Tree Pruning
Imagine a neglected orchard with trees that have grown wild and unruly over the years. Their branches are tangled, and their fruit is sparse and of poor quality. One day, a master gardener arrives and begins the work of pruning the trees.
The gardener carefully cuts away the dead and overgrown branches, allowing more sunlight to reach the inner parts of the trees. Though the process is initially painful for the trees, it soon becomes clear that the pruning is beneficial. New, healthy growth begins to emerge, and the trees start to produce an abundance of sweet, ripe fruit.
In this analogy, the master gardener represents Jesus Christ, and the trees symbolize individuals seeking to change for the better. The pruning process represents the transformative power of Christ’s teachings and atonement, which help us remove negative habits and behaviors, allowing us to grow and flourish.
Parable: The Rusty Tool
In a busy workshop, there was a rusty, neglected tool that had not been used in years. Covered in rust and grime, it seemed useless and forgotten. One day, a master craftsman found the tool and decided to restore it.
The craftsman meticulously cleaned the tool, removing the layers of rust and sharpening its edges. He polished it until it gleamed, revealing its true potential. Once restored, the tool became one of the craftsman's most valuable instruments, capable of creating beautiful and intricate works.
In this parable, the rusty tool represents individuals who feel burdened by their past mistakes and shortcomings. The master craftsman symbolizes Jesus Christ, who can restore and refine us through His atonement. Just as the craftsman restores the tool to its former glory, Jesus Christ can help us change for the better, revealing our true potential.
Analogy: The Caterpillar’s Transformation
Consider a caterpillar crawling along a branch, living its life close to the ground. One day, it begins the process of transformation, creating a cocoon around itself. Inside the cocoon, a miraculous change takes place. The caterpillar undergoes a complete metamorphosis, emerging as a beautiful butterfly.
In this analogy, the caterpillar represents individuals who desire to change for the better, and the cocoon symbolizes the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Just as the caterpillar becomes a butterfly, we can experience a profound change through Christ’s atonement, emerging as new and better versions of ourselves.
These analogies and parables illustrate the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Through His love and grace, we can change for the better, shedding our old selves and becoming the individuals we are meant to be.
God hears my prayers and will answer them according to His will and timing.
Reflective Questions
Personal Experience: Can you share a time when you felt that God answered your prayer? How did you recognize His answer, and how did it impact your faith?
Understanding God’s Timing: How do you reconcile your desires with God’s timing when your prayers aren’t answered immediately or in the way you hoped?
Trust in God’s Plan: How does trusting in God’s will and timing help you cope with the uncertainties and challenges in your life?
Group Discussion Questions
Alma the Younger’s Story: Discuss how Alma the Younger’s conversion came as an answer to the prayers of his father and the faithful. What does this story teach us about persistence in prayer and trust in God’s timing?
Community Prayers: How can a community’s collective prayers influence individual lives and the direction of the group as a whole? Can you think of an example from the scriptures or modern life?
Discerning God’s Will: How can we better discern God’s will for us in our prayers? What practices or attitudes can help us align our desires with His?
Deep Dive Questions
Scriptural Analysis: What specific verses in Mosiah 25-28 highlight the importance of prayer and God’s response to prayer? How do these verses speak to you personally?
Role of Patience: How did the people in these chapters demonstrate patience in waiting for God’s answers? What can we learn from their example about patience and faith?
Impact of Prayer: How did the prayers of Alma the Elder and others impact the lives of Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah? What does this teach us about the power of intercessory prayer?
Personal Reflection Questions
Daily Prayer: Reflect on your daily prayer routine. How can you make your prayers more meaningful and aligned with seeking God’s will?
Waiting on the Lord: How do you feel about waiting for God’s answers to your prayers? What scriptures or experiences help you stay patient and faithful during the waiting period?
Gratitude for Answers: How do you express gratitude for answered prayers, even when the answers come in unexpected ways? How does this gratitude affect your relationship with God?
Action-Oriented Questions
Praying with Purpose: Identify a specific concern or desire you have. How will you pray about it this week, seeking to understand and accept God’s will and timing?
Supporting Others: How can you support someone else in your life who is waiting for an answer to their prayers? What can you do to help them feel encouraged and hopeful?
Recording Answers: How can keeping a prayer journal help you recognize and remember God’s answers to your prayers? Start a journal and document your prayers and any insights or answers you receive.
Application to Modern Life
Modern Challenges: How can the principles of prayer and trust in God’s timing from Mosiah 25-28 be applied to modern challenges such as career decisions, health issues, or family concerns?
Community Prayer Efforts: How can your church or community come together in prayer for specific needs or challenges? What are some ways to organize and sustain these prayer efforts?
Navigating Delays: How can you stay faithful and hopeful when it feels like God’s answers to your prayers are delayed? What strategies can help you maintain your faith during these times?
Journal Prompts
Prayer Reflection: Write about a time when you felt that God answered your prayer. How did the experience unfold, and what did you learn from it about God’s will and timing?
Prayer Goals: Set specific goals for your prayer life. How will you seek to align your prayers more closely with God’s will, and how will you be patient in waiting for His answers?
Gratitude Journal: Keep a gratitude journal where you document answers to prayers and moments when you felt God’s presence in your life. Reflect on how this practice strengthens your faith and trust in Him.
Object Lessons and Activities:
Object Lesson: "The Seed and the Tree"
Materials: Seeds, soil, pots
Procedure: Plant seeds in pots and explain that, like our prayers, seeds take time to grow. Discuss how God hears our prayers immediately, but the answers often come in His timing, much like how the seeds will grow into trees over time.
Activity: "Prayer Journals"
Materials: Journals, pens
Procedure: Have participants start a prayer journal, writing down their prayers and the dates they prayed them. Encourage them to record any answers or feelings they receive over time, helping them to see how God answers prayers according to His timing.
Object Lesson: "The Hourglass"
Materials: Hourglass
Procedure: Use an hourglass to illustrate how God’s timing is different from ours. Explain that just as the sand falls at a steady pace, God’s answers come at the right time, even if we can’t see the progress immediately.
Activity: "Prayer Role-Play"
Procedure: Create scenarios where participants practice praying for different needs and waiting for answers. Discuss how they can recognize answers to their prayers and trust in God’s timing.
Object Lesson: "The Delayed Response"
Materials: Envelopes, letters
Procedure: Write letters to participants, but delay giving them out until later in the lesson. Explain that, like the letters, God’s answers to prayers may come later than expected, but they will come in His perfect timing.
Activity: "Waiting Game"
Procedure: Play a game where participants have to wait for a signal before they can move or act. After the game, discuss how waiting for God’s answers can be challenging but trusting in His timing is crucial.
Object Lesson: "The Puzzle of Prayer"
Materials: Puzzle pieces
Procedure: Give each participant a piece of a puzzle and have them work together to complete it. Explain how each piece represents a part of God’s answer to our prayers, and sometimes we need to wait and see how it all fits together.
Activity: "Prayer Walk"
Procedure: Take a prayer walk outside, encouraging participants to pray silently as they walk. Afterward, discuss how being in nature can help them feel closer to God and more attuned to His answers.
Object Lesson: "The Timer"
Materials: Timer or stopwatch
Procedure: Set a timer and discuss how we often have to wait for it to finish before moving on to the next task. Relate this to waiting for God’s answers to our prayers, which come in His perfect timing.
Activity: "Prayer and Answer Box"
Materials: Box, paper, pens
Procedure: Have participants write down their prayers and place them in the box. Later, go through the prayers and discuss how some may have been answered and others may still be waiting. Emphasize trusting in God’s timing for all answers.
Parable: The Patient Farmer
In a quiet valley, there lived a patient farmer named Jacob who was known for his bountiful harvests. Each season, Jacob would carefully prepare his fields, plant his seeds, and pray for rain. He knew that the growth of his crops depended on the right balance of sunlight and rain, both of which were beyond his control.
One year, after planting his seeds, a drought settled over the valley. Jacob continued to pray for rain, trusting that God would provide in His own time. Days turned into weeks, and still, no rain came. Despite his neighbors' doubts, Jacob remained faithful, tending to his fields and trusting in God’s timing.
Finally, when it seemed all hope was lost, dark clouds gathered, and a gentle rain began to fall. The rain continued for days, soaking the parched ground and nourishing the seeds. Jacob’s crops grew tall and healthy, resulting in one of the most abundant harvests the valley had ever seen.
In this parable, Jacob represents individuals who pray and trust in God’s will and timing. The drought symbolizes challenges and periods of waiting, while the eventual rain represents God’s answers to our prayers. The bountiful harvest illustrates the blessings that come when we trust in God’s timing.
Analogy: The Lighthouse Keeper
Imagine a lighthouse keeper named Anna, who faithfully tends the lighthouse on a rocky coast. Each night, she lights the beacon, praying for the safety of the sailors navigating the treacherous waters. She knows that the timing and conditions of the sea are beyond her control, but she trusts that her efforts and prayers will make a difference.
One stormy night, Anna prays with extra fervor as the waves crash violently against the shore. She continues to tend the light, ensuring it shines brightly through the darkness. Unknown to her, a ship caught in the storm sees the light and safely navigates to shore, avoiding disaster.
In this analogy, Anna represents individuals who pray with faith and diligence. The lighthouse beacon symbolizes their prayers, and the stormy sea represents the challenges and uncertainties of life. The ship's safe passage illustrates how God hears and answers prayers, often in ways we may not immediately see or understand.
Parable: The Young Musician
In a bustling town, there was a young musician named Leah who dreamed of playing in the town’s grand orchestra. She practiced diligently every day and prayed for the opportunity to showcase her talent. Despite her hard work, she was often overlooked during auditions, leaving her feeling disheartened.
Leah’s wise mentor encouraged her to keep practicing and trust that the right opportunity would come at the right time. Leah followed this advice, continuing to pray and refine her skills with patience and dedication.
One day, the orchestra’s lead violinist fell ill just before a major performance. Desperate for a replacement, the conductor remembered Leah’s perseverance and invited her to step in. Leah’s performance was exceptional, and she was offered a permanent position in the orchestra.
In this parable, Leah represents individuals who pray and work diligently while trusting in God’s timing. The auditions and rejections symbolize the periods of waiting and challenges we face. The opportunity to play in the orchestra represents God’s answer to our prayers, which often comes when we least expect it but is perfectly timed according to His will.
Analogy: The Gardener’s Seeds
Imagine a gardener named Ethan who plants a variety of seeds in his garden. He prays for each type of plant to grow strong and healthy, knowing that different plants have different growing seasons. Some seeds sprout quickly and bloom within weeks, while others take months or even years to mature.
Ethan tends to each plant with care, watering and nurturing them according to their needs. He trusts that in due time, each plant will flourish and bear fruit. As the seasons pass, his garden becomes a beautiful tapestry of colors and growth, each plant thriving in its own time.
In this analogy, Ethan represents individuals who pray with faith and patience. The seeds symbolize our prayers, and the varying growing seasons represent God’s timing in answering those prayers. The flourishing garden illustrates the beauty and fulfillment that come from trusting in God’s will and timing for our lives.
These analogies and parables highlight the importance of trusting in God’s will and timing when we pray. They illustrate that while we may face challenges and periods of waiting, God hears our prayers and will answer them in the way that is best for us.
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