- Principle: One way God teaches His children about Jesus Christ is through symbols and shadows.
- Read: 1 Nephi 15:1-15:18
- Nephi gives his brothers a method of finding understanding. How can you use this process in your life to better understand the teachings of the scriptures?
- The Old Testament contains the preparatory priesthood and gospel (D&C 84:26–27 and Galatians 3:24–25). As you come to understand the symbols contained in the Old Testament it will deepen your understanding of Jesus Christ.
- Study the following table to look for how symbols, shadows, and types were used in the Old Testament to prophecy of Christ. Then compare these verses with the fulfillment in the life of Christ.
Scripture Pairs
Old Testament Types, Shadows, and Symbols of Christ compared to The Fulfillment in the Life of ChristGenesis 22:1–14 compare to John 3:16; 19:16–18; Jacob 4:4–5
Exodus 3:7–8, 10–12 compare to Matthew 1:21; 2 Nephi 6:17
Exodus 12:3, 5–7, 13–14, 46 compare to John 1:29; 19:14, 31–36; 1 Peter 1:18–19
Exodus 16:14–15, 18 compare to John 6:5–10, 48–51
Leviticus 8:15, 30; 17:11 compare to Hebrews 9:22; 13:12
Leviticus 16:2–6, 17 compare to Hebrews 9:6–12; 10:11–12
Leviticus 22:19–22 compare to Hebrews 9:14; Doctrine and Covenants 20:22
Numbers 21:4–9 compare to John 3:14–15; Helaman 8:13–15
Jonah 1:17; 2:10 compare to Matthew 12:38–40
- Consider the following questions:
- How do symbols help strengthen your testimony of Jesus Christ?
- How can you use symbols to teach a friend or family member about Jesus Christ?
- How can you better recognize the symbols all around you that testify of Jesus Christ?
- Additional Study
- Russell M. Nelson, “In This Holy Land,” Tambuli, Feb. 1991, 10–19.
- Our Primary Colors, Children's Songbook No. 258