3 Nephi 12–13

(1.) SERMON AUDIENCE IN ISRAEL AND AMERICA: In the Galilee, Jesus spoke to the Twelve. In the Book of Mormon lands he spoke to the multitude and the Twelve he choose from them.

(2.) INSTRUCTING THE TWELVE AND THE MULTITUDE: In Israel, in a possible shepherd’s model, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, gave the Sermon on the Mount, apparently to the twelve disciples. In turn, their mission was to teach the multitudes. Among the Nephites, the Twelve and the multitude knew the Savior well. He was able to teach the Twelve with the multitude.

(4.) LOOKING AT HUMAN CHARACTERISTICS: What the Savior taught in Israel is often interpreted as being a Christian guideline, human characteristics listed in the Beatitudes . . . poor in spirit . . . mournful . . . meek . . . hunger and thirst after righteousness . . . merciful . . . pure in heart . . . peacemakers . . . persecuted for righteousness’ sake." (Matthew 5:3-11)

(5.) LOOKING TO THE LORD: However, we may learn more of the Lord’s intention in the Book of Mormon account. The few additional words turn the direction of the Beatitudes to the Savior. "Blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me . . ." and ". . . for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost." (3 Nephi 12) He is inviting all, whether rich or poor in spirit, happy or mourning, popular or persecuted, to come unto him, promising a specific blessing of the Holy Ghost.

(6.) RESTORING THE HIGHER LAW: In this remarkable sermon, Jesus also indicated that the Law of Moses was fulfilled in him, that he was restoring a higher law, one that was governed and dictated more by the spirit and intent than by the letter of the law, which was given at Mount Sinai.

(7.) THE OLD AND NEW LAWS IN A CHIASMUS: The Savior’s ministry and atonement is the turning point that pivots the . The two sets of law form a chiasmus around the ministry and atonement of Jesus – the lesser law that would lead to him and the higher law to live like him. The Jewish holiday commemorating the giving of the lesser law at Mount Sinai is celebrated fifty days after Passover. The same day was also used in giving the gift of the Holy Ghost, the higher law, a day called Pentecost. (Acts 2:1-4)