March 4-10: 2 Nephi 20-25
We Rejoice in Christ
Stephen Moore (b. 1956)
Healing Blessing, 2001
9.5” x 9.5”, Conté crayon and olive oil baked on rice paper
Courtesy of Glen and Marcia Nelson
Years ago in New York City, Stephen Moore, a local artist, created a series of works that responded to personal and public tragedies. He called them “Healing Blessings,” and he left these images of red crosses created with Conté crayon and olive oil on the scenes of violent acts throughout the city. He also gave these thoughtful images to friends whose lives were impacted by illness and accidents. The work above was given to Glen and Marcia Nelson as their young daughter was in the hospital with a brain tumor. We read the prophesy in 2 Nephi 25:13 that after three days in the sepulchre Jesus that would come forth "with healing in his wings.” Showing Christlike compassion is a healing extension of the Savior’s gift to us.
Discussion Questions
Isaiah explains that even after a slew of wicked behavior by the people, "For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still" (2 Nephi 20:4). When have you felt Jesus' love and rescue even when you have done something that you later wish you hadn't?
Jesus taught, "Judge not unrighteously, that ye be not judged; but judge righteous judgment" (Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 7:1). Some concepts of "righteous judgment" are described in 2 Nephi 21:2-5, including in "the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge ..." How can you use these principles of righteous judgment in your interactions with others? When have you felt the charity of a righteous judgment by another?
After quoting Isaiah extensively, Nephi writes: "For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do" (Nephi 25:23). How can we share in Nephi's earnestness to spread the good news of Christ to those we love?
Questions for Children & Youth:
Jesus is The Prince of Peace (2 Nephi 19:60), and when He comes again, animals and people who were enemies before will be peaceful together (like the wolf and the lamb, the leopard and the kid, and the calf and the lion; 2 Nephi 21:6-9). What do you think that will look like? Draw a picture or write a poem about this kind of peace on the earth.
In these scriptures, Jesus is praised because "he hath done excellent things" (2 Nephi 22:5). What excellent things do you know about that Jesus has done? What excellent things have you done when you are following Jesus?
Nephi explains that his 'soul delighteth in plainness" (2 Nephi 25:4). What are some simple words that describe Jesus? What are some plain words that describe how Jesus loves and blesses us?