The Vision of the Tree of Life Lesson 3 Book of Mormon Lesson 3 - The Vision of the Tree of Life

Recap Lesson 2 See that safety and salvation, through the examples of Lehi and Nephi, come through obedience to the Lord

Purpose Understand the symbols in the vision of the tree of life and the application of these symbols in their lives

King Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream He dreamed of a large image, or statue, of a man. Each part of the man’s body was made of a different material. A stone destroyed the image and became a mountain, filling the whole earth. King Nebuchadnezzar Dream

The various parts of the image represented kingdoms that have reigned on the earth. The stone represented the kingdom of God, which would consume all other kingdoms in the latter days.

Pharaoh’s Dream He dreamed of seven lean and ill cattle devouring seven fat and healthy cattle and seven poor ears of corn devouring seven good ears of corn. Pharaoh’s Dream

The seven healthy cattle and seven good ears of corn represented seven years of prosperity that would come to Egypt. The seven ill cattle and seven poor ears of corn represented seven years of famine that would follow the years of plenty.

Apostle Peter’s Vision He saw unclean animals lowered from heaven in a great sheet, and he was commanded to kill and eat these animals.

The unclean animals represented the Gentiles, who were now to be taught the gospel.

Lehi and Nephi’s Vision They saw the tree of life, the iron rod, the great and spacious building with two distinct groups of people.

The major elements of the vision of the tree of life are: The iron rod The great and spacious building The people along the iron rod The people in the great and spacious building The river of filthy water The mist of darkness

Jeffrey R. Holland “The images of Christ and the tree [are] inextricably linked. … At the very outset of the Book of Mormon, … Christ is portrayed as the source of eternal life and joy, the living evidence of divine love, and the means whereby God will fulfill his covenant with the house of Israel and indeed the entire family of man, returning them all to their eternal promises” Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught that the tree of life is a symbol of Jesus Christ. Christ and the New Covenant [1997], 160, 162 Hyperlink is: http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/book-of-mormon

“The Iron Rod” Hymn, no. 274 1. To Nephi, seer of olden time, A vision came from God, Wherein the holy word sublime Was shown an iron rod. (Chorus) Hold to the rod, the iron rod; 'Tis strong, and bright, and true. The iron rod is the word of God; 'Twill safely guide us through. 2. While on our journey here below, Beneath temptation's pow'r, Through mists of darkness we must go, In peril ev'ry hour. 3. And when temptation's pow'r is nigh, Our pathway clouded o'er, Upon the rod we can rely, And heaven's aid implore. With class members, sing or read the words to “The Iron Rod” (Hymns, no. 274). https://www.lds.org/music/library/hymns/the-iron-rod?lang=eng 4. And, hand o'er hand, the rod along, Through each succeeding day, With earnest prayer and hopeful song, We'll still pursue our way.

Book of Mormon Study Guide