His Name Shall Be Called...The Prince of Peace  

Nephi delighted in the words of Isaiah, although he acknowledged that they were difficult for many to understand. For him, they were plain because he was filled with the spirit of prophecy. How can something be both easy and hard to comprehend?

Artists balance this tension of intelligibility, too. Lisa Draper works largely in abstraction. When asked what abstract art allows that isn’t otherwise possible, she responded with this statement, “Working in abstraction allows me to communicate what might become lost in realism.  Because my intent isn’t immediately clear, each person will interpret my art differently. Isaiah taught in layers.  He knew that, much like an abstract piece of art, insight would emerge according to reader needs and readiness. Thus, the Spirit is able to communicate both original intent as well as exactly what we need for that period of our life.”

Discussion Questions:

• What words, phrases, or verses in these Isaiah passages speak to you? Explain one of these to someone else in your family or study group and see if they have a similar interpretation or if they can amplify or suggest another interpretation that gives you new insights.

• Think of at least three reasons why the temple can be described as "the mountain of the Lord's house" (2 Nephi 12:2).

• This week we move into the month that ends with Resurrection Sunday (aka Easter), the holiest of days.  What could you do this month leading up to that special day to think about the Atonement and how you will celebrate in a way unique to you that focuses your thoughts on Jesus?

For Children & Youth:

• Nephi explains that God often uses three witnesses to affirm things that are true (2 Nephi 11:3; think about witnesses, for example, to the Book of Mormon).  Who are three "witnesses" who have helped you develop your testimony of Jesus?  These could be people in your family, a teacher, a prophet or other church leader, or characters in scriptures.  What have you learned from each of these people about Jesus?

• How does your home feel like "a place of refuge, and a covert from storm and from rain" (2 Nephi 14:6)?  How can you make sure it feels like a refuge for you and everyone else who lives there?

• In this week's reading, we remember Jesus' birth ("for unto us a child is born"; 2 Nephi 19:6) and by the end of the month, we will be remembering His resurrection with Easter.  Jesus is "The Prince of Peace" (2 Nephi 19:6).  What can you do to follow Jesus in spreading peace?  Can you think of a situation where you were a peacemaker?  What gave you the courage to spread peace?