October 14-October 20: 3 Nephi 20-26

Mary Ann Broomhead (American, born 1829)
Martyrdom Sampler (1844)
Textile with cotton and silk thread, human hair, 27.2 x 24.25 inches
Church History Museum

“Ye Are the Children of the Covenant”

This unique embroidery sampler was crafted by Mary Ann Broomhead, a girl who commemorated the martyrdom of Joseph. The text of the sampler is embroidered using strands of her own hair, reflecting both physical and spiritual significance. Just as records can capture important moments in our lives, this sampler serves as a tangible expression of memory and emotion. Consider how you document your own significant experiences, like your baptism or other spiritual moments. Reflect on what you feel compelled to record and how these practices can help deepen your understanding and connection to your journey.

Discussion Questions:

1. Isaiah is quoted extensively in these chapters, including a description of Jesus: "As many were astonished at thee - his visage was so marred, more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men --" (3 Nephi 20:44; see also Isaiah 52:14). This describes Jesus' appearance defaced by metal spikes driven into His hands and feet and His torso pierced with a spear; His body was disfigured as He suffered for the sins of all of us. In studying the history of these verses, the Book of Mormon provides further insight as Jesus helps us to understand that these verses also refer to Joseph Smith who would be "marred" by evil men who will take his life (see 3 Nephi 21: 9-10). How can the Book of Mormon help us to understand the words of Isaiah?

2. Isaiah also described Jesus' appearance in Isaiah 53:2: "...he hath no form not comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him" (footnote 53.2.d provides an alternate Hebrew translation for the word "beauty" to mean "it is not for his appearance"). This verse is repeated in the Book of Mormon at Mosiah 14:2. President Joseph Fielding Smith, the tenth president of the Church, wrote of this description: “Did not Christ grow up as a tender plant? There was nothing about him to cause people to single him out. In appearance he was like men; and so it is expressed here by the prophet that he had no form or comeliness, that is, he was not so distinctive, so different from others that people would recognize him as the Son of God. He appeared as a mortal man.” (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:23.) When you imagine Jesus in your mind, how do these insights impact your thoughts of how He looks, knowing that He was actually pretty ordinary in His appearance? (Might this give you courage to create an artistic impression of Jesus to display in your home?)

Questions for Youth & Children:

1.  We are coming into Tithing Settlement season.  Why do you think we have Tithing Settlement with the Bishop?  What blessings have you seen in your life from paying tithing?  (3 Nephi 24: 10)

2.  Jesus talked to the Nephi about the records that he was keeping and reminded  him to include the words of Samuel (3 Nephi 23:6-13).  Did you journal about your baptism?  If you did, reread what you wrote to see if there is anything that you would like to add and include your additional thoughts.  If you did not write about your baptism experience, write a journal entry about this experience: what happened; who was there; how did you feel?  What other spiritual experiences have you had that you can record?  What can you do to establish a pattern of recording these feelings and impressions?

3.  Elijah came to "turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers" (3 Nephi 25:6).  Who is a relative that you admire?  Call, text or write a note to this relative telling them why you admire them.