How To Teach: Lessons From An Angel

In the February, 2007 Worldwide Leadership Training meeting, Elder Holland, apostle in the LDS church, outlined 5 components that every teacher should follow. The purpose was to ensure that both good teaching and good learning take place in the church. His five components are:

• Ask, seek, and knock during preparation.
• Teach from the scriptures.
• Teach by and with the Spirit.
• Help the learner assume responsibility for learning.
• Testify.

Following these steps allows the teacher to focus on facilitating discussions that will bring their classes to a greater understanding of the words of Christ through the power of the Holy Ghost. This is a fantastic improvement over lecturing and exercising tight control over "my lesson."

Having fully embraced Elder Holland's guidance, I set about looking for an example in the scriptures. I felt guided to the story of Nephi's vision, during which he learned from and angel the meaning of his father's dream.

Excerpts from that story follow, along with some commentary from me. Try to assess how the angel taught using the principles outlined by Elder Holland, and how Nephi learned by those principles, before reading my comments.

I. Nephi's Discussion With The Angel (1 Nephi 11)

In the beginning of Nephi's vision, he is visited by the Spirit of the Lord and begins to have his father's dream unfolded to him.

9 And it came to pass after I had seen the tree, I said unto the Spirit: I behold thou hast shown unto me the tree which is precious above all.
10 And he said unto me: What desirest thou?
11 And I said unto him: To know the interpretation thereof...

Note the question posed by the Spirit. Why is this a good question? With which of Elder Holland's principles is it consistent? Important: What does Nephi want to know?

13 And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the great city of Jerusalem, and also other cities. And I beheld the city of Nazareth; and in the city of Nazareth I beheld a virgin, and she was exceedingly fair and white.
14 And it came to pass that I saw the heavens open; and an angel came down and stood before me; and he said unto me: Nephi, what beholdest thou?
15 And I said unto him: A virgin, most beautiful and fair above all other virgins.

What question did the angel ask? Why did phrase it this way? If we were a less apt teacher, what might he have said? With which of Elder Holland's principles is it consistent?

16 And he said unto me: Knowest thou the condescension of God?
17 And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.
18 And he said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh.

The angel asked a question for which Nephi did not quite know the answer. How did the Angel answer his question?

19 And it came to pass that I beheld that she was carried away in the Spirit; and after she had been carried away in the Spirit for the space of a time the angel spake unto me, saying: Look!
20 And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms.

Rather than expounding and telling Nephi what would happen next, he said, "Look!" With which of Elder Holland's principles is it consistent? How might we apply this when we teach?

21 And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father! Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw?
22 And I answered him, saying: Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things.

Now something of critical importance happens. Nephi answers his own question from verse 11. How was Nephi able to answer this question? Did the angel give him the answer?  With which of Elder Holland's principles is it consistent? Why is it important?

23 And he spake unto me, saying: Yea, and the most joyous to the soul.

The angel added this comment in response to Nephi's.  With which of Elder Holland's principles is it consistent? How did it help Nephi?

24 And after he had said these words, he said unto me: Look! And I looked, and I beheld the Son of God going forth among the children of men; and I saw many fall down at his feet and worship him.
25 And it came to pass that I beheld that the rod of iron, which my father had seen, was the word of God, which led to the fountain of living waters, or to the tree of life; which waters are a representation of the love of God; and I also beheld that the tree of life was a representation of the love of God.

The angel again says, "Look!" What does it mean that Nephi "beheld" the meaning of the living waters, and the tree of life?  With which of Elder Holland's principles is it consistent?

27 And I looked and beheld the Redeemer of the world, of whom my father had spoken; and I also beheld the prophet who should prepare the way before him. And the Lamb of God went forth and was baptized of him; and after he was baptized, I beheld the heavens open, and the Holy Ghost come down out of heaven and abide upon him in the form of a dove.
28 And I beheld that he went forth ministering unto the people, in power and great glory; and the multitudes were gathered together to hear him; and I beheld that they cast him out from among them.
29 And I also beheld twelve others following him. And it came to pass that they were carried away in the Spirit from before my face, and I saw them not.

What is the Angel doing during this time? Why doesn't he just tell Nephi all of this information?  With which of Elder Holland's principles is it consistent?

30 And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me again, saying: Look! And I looked, and I beheld the heavens open again, and I saw angels descending upon the children of men; and they did minister unto them.
31 And he spake unto me again, saying: Look! And I looked, and I beheld the Lamb of God going forth among the children of men. And I beheld multitudes of people who were sick, and who were afflicted with all manner of diseases, and with devils and unclean spirits; and the angel spake and showed all these things unto me. And they were healed by the power of the Lamb of God; and the devils and the unclean spirits were cast out.
32 And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me again, saying: Look! And I looked and beheld the Lamb of God, that he was taken by the people; yea, the Son of the everlasting God was judged of the world; and I saw and bear record.

In each verse, the Angel tells Nephi to "look." Does the angel know the things that Nephi will see? Why not just explain them to Nephi?  With which of Elder Holland's principles is it consistent?

33 And I, Nephi, saw that he was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world.
34 And after he was slain I saw the multitudes of the earth, that they were gathered together to fight against the apostles of the Lamb; for thus were the twelve called by the angel of the Lord.
35 And the multitude of the earth was gathered together; and I beheld that they were in a large and spacious building, like unto the building which my father saw. And the angel of the Lord spake unto me again, saying: Behold the world and the wisdom thereof; yea, behold the house of Israel hath gathered together to fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

Here the angel teaches Nephi something. What method did he use to teach it?  With which of Elder Holland's principles is it consistent?

36 And it came to pass that I saw and bear record, that the great and spacious building was the pride of the world; and it fell, and the fall thereof was exceedingly great. And the angel of the Lord spake unto me again, saying: Thus shall be the destruction of all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, that shall fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

Again the angel explains something to Nephi. What method did he use to explain it?  With which of Elder Holland's principles is it consistent?


II. Review


Consider these questions in light of Nephi's experience:


1. What specific knowledge did Nephi gain as a result of this learning opportunity?
2. What else did Nephi gain from this experience? How did it impact his life?
3. Can our students gain these things from our teaching efforts?
4. What, specifically, did the angel do to help Nephi learn?
5. How can we follow the angel's example?

Free to Choose

Following are highlights from Nephi’s account of his journey to Jerusalem retrieve brass plates containing Old Testament writings. Knowing that the author of this account (a) talked, preached, and prophesied of Christ, and wrote according to his prophesies, and (b) admonished us to “liken all scriptures unto us,” consider these questions as you read:

1. How does this story witness of Jesus Christ and his divine mission?
2. Who are you in the story, i.e. how does the story relate to you?

We'll note some highlights as we go.

Nephi

1. In the beginning of 1 Nephi Chapter 3, Lehi sends his faithful son, Nephi, to Jerusalem. The purpose of sending him is to secure the blessings of the gospel for all of his posterity by retrieving records containing the scriptures.

This loving father acknowledged the faithfulness of his son, describing him as favored and blessed:

Therefore go, my son, and thou shalt be favored of the Lord, because thou hast not murmured. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded... And it came to pass that when my father had heard these words he was exceedingly glad, for he knew that I had been blessed of the Lord. (1 Nephi 3:6-8)

Highlights. Here we see a father who sends his faithful son to Jerusalem to secure the blessings of the gospel for his posterity.

2. At Jerusalem, Nephi and his three brothers ran into some trouble, and Nephi suffered because of it:

And it came to pass as they smote us with a rod, behold, an angel of the Lord came and stood before them, and he spake unto them, saying: Why do ye smite your younger brother with a rod? Know ye not that the Lord hath chosen him to be a ruler over you, and this because of your iniquities? Behold ye shall go up to Jerusalem again, and the Lord will deliver Laban into your hands. (1 Nephi 3:29)

And it was by night; and I caused that they should hide themselves without the walls. And after they had hid themselves, I, Nephi, crept into the city and went forth towards the house of Laban. (1 Nephi 4:5)

Highlights: The faithful son was outside the city wall with the three others. He was suffering because of the iniquity of his brethren (over whom he had been chosen to rule) when an angel appeared, strengthening and encouraging him. He would have to make one final trip into Jerusalem to complete his mission, and he would do it alone.

3. Having completed his mission, he started his three-day return journey. His mother rejoices to see him alive.

And it came to pass that when he had traveled three days in the wilderness, he pitched his tent in a valley by the side of a river of water. (1 Nephi 2:6)

And it came to pass that after we had come down into the wilderness...mother, Sariah, was exceedingly glad, for she truly had mourned because of us. For she had supposed that we had perished in the wilderness...And she spake, saying: Now I know of a surety that the Lord hath commanded my husband to flee into the wilderness... (1 Nephi 5:1-2,8)

Highlights: On the third day after completing his mission the faithful son returned to his loved ones. His mother, who was sure that he was no more, rejoiced to see him alive and believed the words of the prophet.

We'll pause here to ask our two questions again:

1. How does this story witness of Jesus Christ and his divine mission?
2. Who are you in the story, i.e. how does the story relate to you?

Laban

1. Laban was a powerful man in command of many servants--perhaps 50 according to Nephi’s brother Laman. He was in possession of the plates containing the scriptures that Lehi's posterity would need in their new land. Let's take a look at what kind of person Laban was:

And it came to pass that when Laban saw our property, and that it was exceedingly great, he did lust after it, insomuch that he thrust us out, and sent his servants to slay us, that he might obtain our property. (1 Nephi 3:25)

And after I had [slain Laban], I went forth unto the treasury of Laban. And as I went forth towards the treasury of Laban, behold, I saw the servant of Laban who had the keys of the treasury...And he spake unto me concerning the elders of the Jews, he knowing that his master, Laban, had been out by night among them. (1 Nephi 4:20,22)

Highlights: Laban was a greedy man who was polluting the church and who tried to destroy the faithful son and his mission. He had the scriptures locked in the treasury with his money, where people could not access them.

2. Nephi was led to Laban, whom he found drunk and passed out. He slew Laban according to the promptings of the Spirit.

Nevertheless I went forth, and as I came near unto the house of Laban I beheld a man, and he had fallen to the earth before me, for he was drunken with wine...Therefore I did obey the voice of the Spirit, and took Laban by the hair of the head, and I smote off his head with his own sword. (1 Nephi 4:7,18)

Highlights: While Laban was drunk his sword fell on his own head. He fell to the earth before the faithful son, who destroyed him.

Again, our two questions:

1. How does this story witness of Jesus Christ and his divine mission?
2. Who are you in the story, i.e. how does the story relate to you?

Zoram

1. Nephi met one of the servants of Laban named Zoram. He went with Zoram to obtain the plates, and then made a deal with him:

...And as I went forth towards the treasury of Laban, behold, I saw the servant of Laban who had the keys of the treasury....And it came to pass that I spake with him, that if he would hearken unto my words, as the Lord liveth, and as I live, even so that if he would hearken unto our words, we would spare his life...And I spake unto him, even with an oath, that he need not fear; that he should be a free man like unto us if he would go down in the wilderness with us. (1 Nephi 4:20,32-33)

Highlights: When the faithful son destroyed Laban, his servant "Zoram" was made free to chose. The offer extended to him was "follow me." If he followed, he would receive liberty and life. If he stayed behind, captivity and death were coming soon. He chose to follow the faithful son and they made a covenant.

2. Here is the rest of the record that we have of Zoram:

And it came to pass that we took the plates of brass and the servant of Laban, and departed into the wilderness, and journeyed unto the tent of our father. (1 Nephi 4:38)

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, took one of the daughters of Ishmael to wife; and also, my brethren took of the daughters of Ishmael to wife; and also Zoram took the eldest daughter of Ishmael to wife. (1 Nephi 16:7)

And now, Zoram...I know that thou art a true friend unto my son, Nephi, forever. Wherefore, because thou hast been faithful thy seed shall be blessed with his seed... (2 Nephi 1:30-31)

Highlights: Zoram went to the "tent of our father," was married, and eventually reached the promised land. The father, Lehi, gave him and his posterity a inheritance in the promised land with the faithful son for being "true" and "faithful."

One more time--our two questions:

1. How does this story witness of Jesus Christ and his divine mission?
2. Who are you in the story, i.e. how does the story relate to you?

Summary

Let's reread our highlights in a single narrative:

Here we see a father who sends his faithful son to Jerusalem to secure the blessings of the gospel for his posterity. (See John 3:16)

The faithful son was outside the city wall with the three others. He was suffering because of the iniquity of his brethren (over whom he had been chosen to rule) when an angel appeared, strengthening and encouraging him. He would have to make one final trip into Jerusalem to complete his mission, and he would do it alone. (See Isaiah 53:5, Luke 22:43)

On the third day after completing his mission the faithful son returned to his loved ones. His mother, who was sure that he was no more, rejoiced to see him alive and believed the words of the prophet. (See John 20:13-18)

Laban was a greedy man who was polluting the church and tried to destroy the faithful son and his mission. He had the scriptures locked in the treasury with his money, where people could not access them. (See 1 Nephi 13:5-8)

While Laban was drunk his sword fell on his own head. He fell to the earth before the faithful son, who destroyed him. (See 1 Nephi 22:13)

When the faithful son destroyed Laban, his servant "Zoram" was made free to chose. The offer extended to him was "follow me." If he followed, he would receive liberty and life. If he stayed behind, captivity and death were coming soon. He chose to follow the faithful son and they made a covenant. (See 2 Nephi 2:27)

Zoram went to the "tent of our father," was married, and eventually reached the promised land. The father, Lehi, gave him and his posterity a inheritance in the promised land with the faithful son for being "true" and "faithful." (See Romans 8:17)

Nephi's matter-of-fact story is written in such a way that if we try to liken it unto us, it witnesses of the divine mission of Jesus to make us free, our covenant relationship with him, and the gift of eternal life that awaits us if we follow him and endure to the end. In this kind of story, it is important to understand to which character one can liken oneself.

Also note that the richly symbolic method of story telling is common throughout scripture, and more particularly, the Book of Mormon and the Old Testament. It is worth mentioning that Joseph Smith could not have written a book full of stories with such symbolic complexity and such a powerful witness of the Savior.