Instructing the Twelve: In Israel, a shepherd has "lead sheep" with bells around their necks to assist in leading the flock. These are older sheep from the previous year. They
have more experience and know their shepherd better than the flock. 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.
"And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him." (Matthew 5:1)
Instructing the Multitude: Among the Nephites, the Twelve and the multitude knew the Savior well. He was able to
teach the Twelve with the multitude.
"And it was the more righteous part of the people who were saved, and it was they who received the prophets and stoned them not; and it was they who
had not shed the blood of the saints, who were spared . . ." (3 Nephi 10:12)
". . . it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words unto Nephi, and to those who had been called, (now the number of them who had been
called, and received power and authority to baptize, was twelve) and behold, he stretched forth his hand unto the multitude, and cried unto them, saying: Blessed are ye if ye shall give heed
unto the words of these twelve whom I have chosen from among you to minister unto you, and to be your servants; and unto them I have given power that they may baptize you with water; and
after that ye are baptized with water, behold, I will baptize you with fire and with the Holy Ghost; therefore blessed are ye if ye shall believe in me and be baptized, after that ye have
seen me and know that I am." (3 Nephi 12:1)
Looking at Human Characteristics: What the Savior taught in this particular sermon is often interpreted as being a
Christian guideline by those who only have the New Testament account. It seems that many attempt to interpret human characteristics listed in the Beatitudes. Blessed are the poor in
spirit . . . mournful . . . meek . . . hunger and thirst after righteousness . . . merciful . . . pure in
heart . . . peacemakers . . . persecuted for righteousness’ sake." (Matthew 5:3-11) (emphasis added)
Looking to the Lord: However, we may learn more of the Lord’s intention as the Book of Mormon account is
considered. There are only a few additional words, yet they turn the direction of the Beatitudes to the Savior instead of to the people. Note the extra words in the Nephite rendition of this
same sermon. "Blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me . . ." (3 Nephi 12:3) (emphasis added) In that sense, the Sermon on the Mount is inviting
all people, whether rich or poor in spirit, happy or mourning, popular or persecuted, to come unto him. He also promised a specific blessing for "coming unto him."
Comparing Both Scriptural Accounts:
"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6) Again, more
insight can be gained through another rendition of that verse which states that those hungering and thirsting after righteousness would be filled. "Blessed are they which do hunger and
thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost." (3 Nephi 12:6)
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