“Glad Tidings of Great Joy”

Lester Yocum (American, born 1954)
Samuel the Lamanite (2012)
oil on hardboard, 20 x 16 inches
Used with permission of the artist
Private collection, donated to charity

In the account of Samuel in the book of Helaman, we learn of the reactions of the wicked people of Zaramemla when they heard the prophesy of Jesus’ birth and the call that they repent. They threw stones and shot arrows at Samuel, who stood atop a city wall (Helaman 16: 2-3).

Regarding the painting, Samuel the Lamanite was created as album art work for a Christian rock band. The artist writes, “A powerful Lamanite prophet during a period of great Nephite wickedness, Samuel risked his life to warn the nation of the consequences of their choices. Taking refuge on the capitol city’s wall, Samuel was miraculously protected from assault so that he could deliver his message. His actions became the pivot point on which the lives of an entire people turned. My goal with this painting was to highlight Samuel’s faith and the terrible risk he accepted to carry out God’s will.”

Discussion Questions:

1. Samuel quotes the Lord ("thus saith the Lord," Helaman 13:9) and references His "fierce anger" toward the people (Helaman 13:10). How do you reconcile this emotional response with a Savior who loves us beyond measure? See: 1 Nephi 19:9.

2. Samuel describes riches as cursed "because ye have set your hearts upon them" (Hel. 13:18-22) and "slippery" (Helaman 13:33). How can riches be slippery? Can riches also be a blessing? In what ways can you use your riches to follow Jesus? See also: Matthew 6:19, 21.

3. Samuel explains that the Lord will be merciful to those who have "no place for refuge" but are "driven to and fro upon the face of the earth" (Helaman 15:12). Do you know anyone looking for physical, emotional or spiritual refuge? What specific things can you do to follow Jesus' example in responding to this person(s)? When you are longing for refuge, how can you feel Jesus' mercy?

Questions for Youth & Children:

1. Samuel was determined in his obedience to the Lord. First he tried to preach repentance to the people and they threw him out of the city (Helaman 13:2). Then the Lord told him to go back (Helaman 13:3). When the people would not let him back into their city, he climbed up on the wall to tell them the things that the Lord wanted the people to hear (Helaman 13:4). When have you used courage to do something for good? How did it make you feel?

2. Samuel preached repentance to the Nephites and told them all about the signs of Jesus' birth and his death. He taught them about taught them about their agency and the very real consequences of bad choices. And then, he jumped down off the wall, and "he was never heard of more among the Nephites" (Helaman 16:7-8). Sometimes people touch our lives in amazingly good ways, and then they move away or we move away or something happens and we never see them again. Can you think of someone who blessed your life who you never saw again? In what ways did this person bless your life? Do you ever think about this person even though you don't see them anymore? Do you think the Nephites ever thought about Samuel after he was gone from them?

3. Art Project - There are many references in these scriptures to hearts (see: Helaman 13:3-5; 13:8; 13:12; 13:20-21; 13:22; 13:27; 15:7; 16:15; 16:22-23). Some of these talk of the kind of a heart we want to have (the things we want to hold in our hearts) and some talk of the kind of heart we do not want to have. As you read these scriptures, write on one side of the heart a word that describes the heart that you read about. On the other side of the heart, write the opposite kind of a heart. Punch a hole in each heart. With string and sticks (or straws, or wire, or skewers), make a mobile out of the hearts. Look at pictures of mobiles by Henri Matisse for ideas on how to make your mobile. Hang up your mobile to remind you of the kind of heart you want to work to have inside of you.