2024 Come, Follow Me
Book of Mormon Lesson 8:
February 19 — February 25

Come, Follow Me Book of Mormon Lessons | Come, Follow Me Book of Mormon Resource Index

It had been at least 40 years since Lehi’s family left Jerusalem. They were in a strange new land, half a world away from Jerusalem. Lehi had died, and his family had already started what would become a centuries-long contention between the Nephites—“who believed in the warnings and the revelations of God”—and the Lamanites, who did not (2 Nephi 5:6). Jacob, who was Nephi’s younger brother and was now ordained as a teacher for the Nephites, wanted the covenant people to know that God would never forget them, so they must never forget Him. This is a message we surely need today (see Doctrine and Covenants 1:15–16). “Let us remember him … for we are not cast off. … Great are the promises of the Lord,” Jacob declared (2 Nephi 10:20–21). Among these promises, none is greater than the promise of an “infinite atonement” to overcome death and hell (2 Nephi 9:7). “Therefore,” Jacob concluded, “cheer up your hearts”! (2 Nephi 10:23).

2 Nephi 6: Jacob recounts Jewish history: The Babylonian captivity and return; the ministry and crucifixion of the Holy One of Israel; the help received from the Gentiles; and the Jews’ latter-day restoration when they believe in the Messiah. About 559–545 B.C.

2 Nephi 7: Jacob continues reading from Isaiah: Isaiah speaks messianically—The Messiah will have the tongue of the learned—He will give His back to the smiters—He will not be confounded—Compare Isaiah 50. About 559–545 B.C.

2 Nephi 8: Jacob continues reading from Isaiah: In the last days, the Lord will comfort Zion and gather Israel—The redeemed will come to Zion amid great joy—Compare Isaiah 51 and 52:1–2. About 559–545 B.C.

2 Nephi 9: Jacob explains that the Jews will be gathered in all their lands of promise—The Atonement ransoms man from the Fall—The bodies of the dead will come forth from the grave, and their spirits from hell and from paradise—They will be judged—The Atonement saves from death, hell, the devil, and endless torment—The righteous are to be saved in the kingdom of God—Penalties for sins are set forth—The Holy One of Israel is the keeper of the gate. About 559–545 B.C.

2 Nephi 10: Jacob explains that the Jews will crucify their God—They will be scattered until they begin to believe in Him—America will be a land of liberty where no king will rule—Reconcile yourselves to God and gain salvation through His grace. About 559–545 B.C.