3 Nephi 17

Jesus

Jesus — Greek form of Joshua / Yeshua, "Jehovah saves"

Behold, now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words he looked round about again on the multitude, and he said unto them: Behold, my time is at hand. 3 Nephi 17:1–3

Jesus sees that the people cannot take in everything yet. He tells them to go home, ponder, and pray to the Father in His name, and promises to come back the next day.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfilled by 3 Nephi 19:2-3 — The people spend the whole night gathering for the place where Jesus has promised to show Himself.

Ministry to the lost tribes

But now I go unto the Father, and also to show myself unto the lost tribes of Israel, for they are not lost unto the Father, for he knoweth whither he hath taken them. 3 Nephi 17:4

The risen Lord says He will personally show Himself to the lost tribes of Israel. The Father knows where each of them is.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to 3 Nephi 16:1-3 — His promise to visit His other sheep.

Compassionate healer

And it came to pass that when Jesus had thus spoken, he cast his eyes round about again on the multitude, and beheld they were in tears, and did look steadfastly upon him as if they would ask him to tarry a little longer with them. 3 Nephi 17:5–10

Jesus sees their tears and stays to heal every sick, lame, blind, and afflicted person. Because of His Atonement He knows their suffering and is full of mercy. The people worship Him and bathe His feet with their tears.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• fulfils Alma 7:11-12 — Alma prophesied that He would take on our infirmities so His bowels may be filled with mercy and He would know how to succor His people.
• alludes to Luke 7:38 — A woman at Jerusalem also washed His feet with tears and kissed them.

Advocate with the Father

Advocate — one who pleads another's cause

And it came to pass that he commanded that their little children should be brought. 3 Nephi 17:11–17

With the children gathered around Him, Jesus kneels and prays to the Father for the people. His words were too sacred and marvelous to write down, but the multitude felt joy they could not describe as He prayed for them.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to 1 Corinthians 2:9 — Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man.
• alludes to 3 Nephi 19:31-34 — The next day He again prays words that cannot be written.

Jesus blesses the children

And it came to pass that when Jesus had made an end of praying unto the Father, he arose; but so great was the joy of the multitude that they were overcome. 3 Nephi 17:18–22

Jesus says His joy is full. He weeps, then takes each child one by one to bless them and pray for them. It shows His personal love for every individual.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Mark 10:16 — At Jerusalem He took up the children in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them.

Appearance to the Nephites (witnesses)

And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones. 3 Nephi 17:23–25

At Jesus' word the people see angels in fire ministering to their children. About 2,500 men, women, and children each saw and heard for themselves, so their witness of Christ is sure.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to 3 Nephi 19:14 — Angels come down again and minister, encircled as if by fire, after the disciples are baptized.