This weeks lesson studies Jacob 5-7. Jacob 5 is the longest chapter in The Book of Mormon. It is the allegory of the olive trees.
What is an allegory?
An allegory is a story that teaches a spiritual truth through symbols. In the allegory of the olive trees it talks about a vineyard, tame olive trees, and wild olive trees. What might these symbols represent?
The vineyard represents the world. The Lord of the vineyard is Jesus Christ. The tame olive trees represents Israel (those who have made covenants with God), and the wild olive trees represent the gentile nations (those who have not made covenants with God).
As you read and study chapter 5 can you find different periods of the worlds history within the allegory? Here are some hints:
The scattering of Israel before the time of Christ; The ministry of Christ and the Apostles; The Great Apostasy; The gathering of Israel in the latter days; The millenium and the end of the world.
The “other servants” who were called into the Lord’s vineyard include people like you-as members of the church, we are all responsible to help God gather his children.
In Jacob chapter 7 we learn of a man named Sherem. Sherem was a man who preached among the people that there should be no Christ. In verse 4 we read, “And he was alearned, that he had a perfect knowledge of the language of the people; wherefore, he could use much bflattery, and much power of speech, according to the cpower of the devil.”
As you study this chapter answer these questions:
How did Jacob respond when his faith was attacked?
What do you learn from his responses?
What can you do now to prepare for times when your faith will be challenged?
Riverdale 7th Ward 