Book of Mormon 2020 - Mosiah 11-17

The scriptures from Mosiah 11 to Mosiah 17 have great power. They contain the story of Abinadi, the prophet. But they contain so much else as well. They provide a wonderful testimony of the importance of understanding the role of Jesus Christ and the Atonement. I first wrote about these chapters in 2016. To access this post, just click on: https://gospeldoctrine2016.blogspot.com/2016/06/book-of-mormon-18-god-himself-shall.html

Abinadi teaching the people

In Mosiah 11, we read about the evil King Noah, who lived in idolatry and laziness, with his wicked priests. Noah’s father Zeniff had been a righteous man but was ‘over-zealous’ in returning to the Land of Nephi. This may have had unexpected repercussions such as the people not being taught the gospel fully or not understanding the scriptures. Noah and his priests led the people into sin. When Abinadi started preaching to the people he warned them repeatedly: “except they repent I will visit them in mine anger” (verse 20); “except they repent…I will deliver them into the hands of their enemies” (verse 21); “except this people repent…they shall be brought into bondage” (verse 23); “except they repent in sackcloth and ashes…I will not hear their prayers” (verse 25). The people were warned that if they did not repent, the natural consequences of their choices would lead to terrible suffering. The people rejected Abinadi and his prophecies through spiritual blindness. Under threat of death, Abinadi left but returned two years later in disguise, allowing him back into the city (Mosiah 12). It is interesting to note that, this time, the words ‘except they repent’ were no longer used. Abinadi told them the things that ‘shall’ and ‘will’ occur (Mosiah 12:2-8).

Abinadi

It is worth noting the meaning of the name ‘Abinadi’ which literally translates to ‘My Father is present with you’. Noah and his priests arrest Abinadi for blasphemy, justified by Abinadi claiming that God would walk among them. King Noah and his priests tried to trap Abinadi but he “answered them boldly, and withstood all their questions” (Mosiah 12:19). The priests asked him a question based on Isaiah. They used words from Isaiah that suggest a prophet should bring messages of peace and good tidings. Abinadi delivered messages of suffering and destruction. Abinadi’s response was perfect. He asked them what they taught the people and they answered, “the Law of Moses” (verse 28) and then he asked,” If ye teach the Law of Moses why do ye not keep it?” (verse 29). The question posed by Noah’s priests is discussed in this little video from Knowhy (Book of Mormon Central).

In Mosiah 13, the wicked priests attempted to stop Abinadi but he knew he had not finished delivering his message and the Lord protected him. Abinadi proceeded to outline the basics of the Law of Moses, citing the Ten Commandments. He stated clearly, “salvation doth not come by the law alone; and were it not for the atonement, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people, that they must unavoidably perish, notwithstanding the law of Moses” (Mosiah 13:28). Then, in Mosiah 14, Abinadi quoted an entire chapter, Isaiah 53, the ‘Song of the Suffering Servant’. The Messianic Chapter is so moving. Although some non-Christian religions argue that Isaiah 53 is not about Christ, I can identify my Lord and Saviour in every verse.

In a ‘Scripture Power’ talk by Hank Smith on Mosiah 11-17 (Our Turtle House), Hank Smith said something that touched my heart. He mentioned how he would use Mosiah 14:3-4, to talk to a child suffering from depression. “He is…a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief…Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows”. He understands grief and sorrow. He also referred to Matthew 26:38, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death”. Christ knows what it is to be subject to depression. He has overcome the greatest darkness imaginable. I love the video clip below from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, The Saviour Understands Me.

In Mosiah 15, Abinadi explained the words of Isaiah. I spent a bit of time pondering over the first four verses. I love this brief explanation from Brother John Bytheway (Gospel Doctrine Prep Lesson 18). “These verses should be understood to be explaining “How Christ is both the Father and the Son”… Jesus Christ is referred to as the Father because of his role as the Creator, (“Father of heaven and earth”), also as Father of our spiritual rebirth (We become the children of Christ), and when he acts and speaks as the Father by divine investiture of authority.” Jesus Christ was half God and half mortal. No mortal could have endured the Atonement. He has given me spiritual rebirth through the Atonement, thereby becoming the Father of my salvation. He was the Son as he had a physical body given to him by his Father.

Father of our spiritual rebirth

Brother Hank Smith in his ‘Scripture Power’ talk by on Mosiah 11-17 (Our Turtle House), suggested that Mosiah 16:7-11 is when Abinadi knew his mission was at an end, his message had been delivered, and not only was he finishing his address to Noah and the wicked priests, but he was reassuring himself as he faced the end of his own mortality. “…The grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ.” Brother Smith suggested that as we read verses 13 to 15, we should imagine Abinadi looking directly at the youngest priest Alma (Brother Bytheway used scriptural references to work out that Alma was only 25 years old at the time). Abinadi stated, “ought ye not to tremble and repent of your sins?...Teach them that redemption cometh through Christ the Lord, who is the very Eternal Father.” Alma was converted by the words of Abinadi. The prophet Abinadi was killed by fire and Alma had to flee for his life because he believed the words of Abinadi. Brother Bytheway’s illustration below shows the influence of Abinadi’s teachings. Even though only one person believed what Abinadi had to say, that single man influenced the lives of great prophets over 500 years of Book of Mormon history. We never know who we can influence, or the lives we can change, by standing up for truth and for our beliefs.