There are many shadows and types of Jesus in the scriptures. The Book of Mormon is no different. Types and shadows are parallels that point us to Jesus. They are reflections of him. These can be attributes, traits, objects, names, events, religious practices, prophecies, prophets, saints, anything, or anyone that typifies Christ. For example, Jesus is called the second Adam (see 1 Corinthians 15:20-23). Just as Adam was the first human, Jesus is the first resurrected and glorified human. Jesus is also compared to Jonah (see Luke 11:30) who was thrown overboard a ship in order to save those onboard. A whale swallowed him and he spent three days in the whale before it spit him out on land. This is a type or shadow of Jesus who was crucified to save us. After three days he was resurrected.

Every human is a reflection of Jesus. All of humanity was made in the image of his spiritual body which is in the form of a human (see Ether 3:15). When we are baptized, we are born again and reflect more of his light within us. We adopt Jesus into our life and are made again in his divine image as we accept him as our parent in covenant. We take upon ourselves his name and become Christians or little-Christs, following his example imperfectly. As we follow him, we become in a small sense a living representation of him. We try to do what he would do and say what he would say. We attempt to live our lives as he lived. We offer loving service and sacrifice in the similitude of Jesus’ sacrifice by giving our will to God (see Doctrine and Covenants 138:13 and John 6:38-40). He is our example and we shape our lives after him.   

Fortunately, Jesus can work with the weak and the flawed who sincerely give their hearts to him. He can work with us even as we stumble and follow him imperfectly. That gives me a lot of hope. I know that he won’t give up on me. He has already proven that he sees potential in each of us. He created the universe and died for us. Jesus plays the long game. It’s as if he has already walked a billion miles just for me and another billion miles just for you. When considering the timespan of the universe, surely he won’t give up walking with us as we stumble during our short lives. He has already proven his love and demonstrated that his commitment is far greater than anything that can happen with the little time we have.

Because Jesus appreciates sincere effort, I have hope in him despite my flaws. I can strive to follow Christ’s example and he will still walk with me when I stumble. Striving to follow Jesus is what it means to me to be a Christian. I am reminded of the scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 138:13 which describes the righteous in paradise, “who had offered sacrifice in the similitude of the great sacrifice of the Son of God, and had suffered tribulation in their Redeemer’s name.” This sacrifice is allowing our own will to be swallowed up in God. We follow Jesus’ example as his own will was swallowed up in the will of the Father. It is the sacrifice of offering a broken heart and a contrite spirit. It is putting down our pride and fear in order to become humble, curious, and teachable. As sons and daughters of Jesus, we strive to follow our Father’s example. As we emulate our Father, we become in a small sense, imperfect reflections of him.

It is the privilege of all the faithful saints to mirror their lives after Jesus. It is the great desire of Jesus that we become divine beings among the hosts of heaven. He is the Lord of Hosts and he invites us to become one with him. He would have us choose him as our Father. He would like to be one with us. He would like us to remember him so that his teachings, his words, and his actions will be constantly on our minds and hearts. In this way his influence can reside inside us and a part of us. This is the symbolic act of baptism and in partaking of the sacrament.  

There are numerous reflections and types of Jesus found in the Book of Mormon. In a sense, these children of Christ also become names for Jesus. Just as a child can be known by the name of their parent, a parent can also be known by the name of their children. Abraham is a child of God. Likewise, Jehovah is the God of Abraham. Because Christians are reflections of Jesus, Jesus is also known as the true representation or version of what Christians strive to become. He is the perfect archetype of what it is to be human. As we learn the stories of the children of Israel, we learn something about the Father of Israel. Hence names for Jesus include names such as the Last Adam, the true Moses, and so forth. In a sense, the lives of these Christians are mini stories representing and pointing us to Jesus. Devout Christians eventually become living reflections of Christ.  

Nephi said that we should liken the scriptures to ourselves and our situations. The prophets wrote in symbolism and parallels so that the scriptures could be likened. They wrote the scriptures to help us get closer to Jesus by embracing the good and learning to reject the bad.  While many scriptures speak to the flaws of humanity, others appear designed to point us to our divine potential. It seems as if the prophets wrote them down with the intent that we would liken them to Christ so that we could become more Christlike.

Archetype stories that are symbolic representations of Jesus come in different varieties. A common archetype story is the resurrection cycle. The resurrection cycle has within it a death and rebirth pattern that is symbolically representative of Jesus’ resurrection. Baptism is an example of a ritual that is symbolic of his resurrection. We allow our sinful and wounded natures to die and be buried in the water. Then we are reborn and symbolically resurrected as new creatures with new life in Jesus.  Resurrection cycles can be observed in the regular cycles of nature. Our lives follow the same pattern with birth, death, and then rebirth into eternal glories.

Another archetype story is the hero’s journey. The hero’s journey seems to be an expanded variant of the resurrection cycle. In the hero’s journey, a hero leaves the safety of home and descends into a place of danger. They enter the world to perform a mission, find a treasure, or go on a quest. Along the way they encounter trials. Sometimes they descend into prison or into an underworld. Upon descending into the lowest depths of a trial they are transformed. When they rise, they emerge victorious and changed. They gain the treasure, gain new wisdom, or complete the mission. Having been transformed by the experience they journey home with an adventure, a treasure, and a transformation they didn’t possess before. A simplified hero’s story has much in common with a chiasmus where the beginning and the end parallel one another with a reflection point at the center. I think about resurrection patterns and the hero’s journey in similar terms as a living chiasmus. Each day we begin afresh and hopefully with each virtuous cycle we become a little holier.

Some archetype stories of Christ are reflective of a specific event in the life of Jesus or a specific miracle he performed. For example, Moses struck the rock with his staff. Water miraculously poured out from where it had been struck to quench the people’s thirst. That event is easily compared to Jesus who is our rock. While on the cross, the soldier pierced his side with a spear and water and blood poured out. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross saves us just as the water saved the Israelites.  

Sometimes archetype stories are found in the parables that Jesus taught. For example, a shepherd going after the sheep is representative of Jesus coming after us when we stray.  Archetype stories can be used to represent Jesus, the house of Israel, Christians, the kingdom of God, or other things.   

Lehi’s family camped in a valley next to a river. Lehi compared the sea and the mountains to Jesus. He told his oldest son to be like the river continually running towards the Lord. He told his next son to always be close to the Lord like the valley that is in the shadow of the mountain. Lehi used the features in his environment to teach his children to trust in the Lord. Likewise, his son Nephi likened the scriptures to himself and his people for their benefit and learning.  He also expounded the scriptures to show how they point to Jesus. While searching the Book of Mormon there are many “types” that can be likened to Jesus and his kingdom. No type is a perfect reflection. None of us are perfectly mirror Jesus. What I believe is important for our understanding of types are the parallel themes, ideas, and events that point us to Jesus.

Nephi stated, “Behold, my soul delighteth in proving unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ; for, for this end hath the law of Moses been given; all things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the typifying of him.” 2 Nephi 11:4

Prophets and kings of the Nephite nation followed Lehi and Nephi’s examples.  King Benjamin taught his people that the miracles contained in the scriptures pointed to the future coming of Jesus. “And many signs, and wonders, and types, and shadows showed he unto them, concerning his coming; and also holy prophets spake unto them concerning his coming…” Mosiah 3:15

Alma taught that the gospel rituals were also designed to point the minds of the people towards Jesus. “Now these ordinances were given after this manner, that thereby the people might look forward on the Son of God, it being a type of his order, or it being his order, and this that they might look forward to him for a remission of their sins, that they might enter into the rest of the Lord.” Alma 13:16

In church restoration history, Joseph Smith was imprisoned in liberty jail. During this time, he pleaded with the Lord for deliverance. The Lord told him that through Jesus, these trials would be turned into good. Joseph received many revelations while he was malnourished and mistreated in liberty jail. He gained increased empathy and charity for the saints as he suffered. Joseph was imprisoned and must have remembered the imprisonment of Paul, Jeremiah, or other ancient prophets. He came to understand a little better the imprisonment of these ancient prophets and the sufferings of the Lord for his people.

Archetype stories in the scriptures can be specific or more general. Specific types mirror a specific gospel principle or aspect of Jesus’ life. Other archetypes follow a more general pattern. In most everyday cases the events in a Christian life are more general. If I help a child stand back up after they tripped and fell down, that could be considered an act that is weakly likened to the parable of the Good Samaritan.  The reflection might be weak but there is some vague general resemblance. General parallels stretched too far to provide much meaning become an exercise in parallelomania. They don’t hold much value other than being an example of good/bad, of a general resurrection cycle, or a general hero’s journey. While parallels can be made back to Jesus, it may be a stretch. It’s like taking a move and trying to state that because of some general parallels it was always intended for a certain character to be a Jesus figure, when there was never any such intent by the screen writers. It’s seeing shapes in clouds and faces in everyday objects to make connections that are not really there. It is a trick of the mind to overextend. And yet, sometimes those illusions are still valued and part of the human experience. To attribute meaning to a cloud that roughly has the shape of a dragon is a delight of the imagination. To create something that wasn’t there is the divine talent of being a creative being. To see things that are not there, is essential to making new connections and creating new ideas. It is a sign of intelligence. And yet, when stretched too far without meaningful application, they simply remain illusions rather than ideas capable of generating useful insights and progress in our journey towards new discoveries of goodness. Parallelomania can lead us to apply our own meaning or conclude that there was an intended message, when none was ever originally intended. This occurs in works of literature and cinema. Fans will impose messages and make parallels or insights into characters that the author never thought of. Parallelomania is a result of human creativity. Parallelomania comes with being an intelligent human. In terms of moral goodness and interpretation of scripture it can either allow us to extract silver linings or cause harm as our own meaning is superimposed on the text. Texts displaying human weakness can be reshaped and reinterpreted into good lessons of morality or can be interpreted as God’s will forever solidifying the moral failing and passing it on to future generations. People have rationalized all sorts of atrocious doctrines to justify harmful behavior over millennia. I don’t think that parallelomania is by itself harmful if one realizes that they are illusions where creative meaning has been superimposed. There is a two-part challenge in discovering parallels. One challenge is determining which parallels are legitimate and which ones are illusionary or the results of parallelomania. How hard do we have to squint and stretch the shadows to see it? How singular must our focus be on aspects of a story that support the parallel and how much of the story must we ignore to see it? Another challenge is determining how to use those parallels in a constructive manner that is useful and not harmful. Which parallels expand the soul’s capacity for love and beauty? If Jesus is our example of all that is good, then anything good may contain a shadow reflection of the concept of his goodness. However, we may have to squint and stretch the shadows to superimpose meaning and transform it into a memory of Him.

Below is an example list of prophet and saint reflections of Jesus from the Book of Mormon. These examples may also help us to understand the spiritual sight of Joseph Smith Jr. as he dictated the scripture. What parallels and messages did Joseph see or intended to convey? Readers are encouraged to make up their own minds about which parallels were intended to be made in the text and which ones are follow-on stretches of my imagination due to overly enthusiastic parallelomania (there definitely are some!). Readers are encouraged to find additional living examples that reflect Christ and his teachings in the scriptures. If you find a strong parallel in the Book of Mormon, please share it with me.

Book of Mormon saints whose lives reflected, mirrored, or foreshadowed Jesus.

Aaron was a prince and the son of the king Mosiah. Instead of taking the throne he chose to serve by being a missionary to the Lamanites who hated his people. As Aaron preached repentance and faith in Jesus, he was reviled, mocked, and thrown in prison. Eventually he came before the king of the land and preached the gospel of Jesus to him. He served the king who had previously imprisoned him. Upon praying, the king fell down in the glory of Jesus.  Aaron extended his hand and rose him back up again. Aaron continued teaching the people.  He consulted with the king to give the people a new name. Jesus in like manner is the prince of peace who chose to come to earth to serve and teach a fallen people. He was reviled, mocked, and his liberty taken away. Jesus patiently walks with us. He looks compassionately towards us.  Jesus raised the dead. Jesus offers his followers a new name as Christians.

Abinadi was a righteous prophet who declared repentance. He called out the hypocrisy of the religious leaders. He even declared the gospel of Christ to religious leaders who should have known the true meaning of the law of Moses. The wicked priests convinced the king to have him killed. He was martyred in a torturous manner that prolonged his suffering. Jesus likewise called out the hypocrisy of religious leaders in his day. Wicked religious leaders convinced the Roman leaders to crucify him in a torturous manner. One might say that Jesus was a second Abinadi or that Abinadi like Moses was a precursor symbol and foreshadow of Jesus.

Abish was a maidservant to a Lamanite queen. Her father had a vision and had been converted to the Lord. When the king was taught the gospel by Ammon who was a foreigner, he was overcome by the Holy Spirit and lay motionless for three days. Some people in the king’s house thought that he may have died and began to stink, but Ammon ensured them that he was in trance overcome with the joy of the Lord. When the king rose, he explained the marvelous light and joy that he had experienced. Then he, the queen, and many of their household were overcome by the Spirit and they all experienced overwhelming joy that caused them to slump and become motionless. Abish knew that this was the workings of the Lord. She gathered the people to see this marvelous event so that they could glory in the Lord. She knew that this event had happened for the glory of God. When the people gathered, they did not all react with joy. Some of the people saw their monarchy motionless and thought that Ammon must have brought an evil on the king and queen’s household. One person was about to slay Ammon who lay there motionless, but he was struck down by the Lord. This caused some of the people to become more fearful. Abish began to weep because the people did not respond with faith but with fear and commotion. She took hold of the queen’s hand and at her touch the queen exited the trance and rose with joy. The queen then took the hand of the king and he rose. The king then taught the people about the redemption of Christ and many people were converted. This event has similarities with the raising of Lazarus in the New Testament found in John chapter 11. The sisters of Lazarus came to Jesus and told him that Lazarus was sick. Jesus said that the sickness was not unto death but for the glory of God. Jesus remained where he was for two more days and then told his disciples that he went to see Lazarus who had died. Lazarus had been in the grave for four days before his arrival. Before he arrived, his sisters came to meet Jesus. Jesus talked with Martha and then wept with Mary. Some of the people told Jesus that Lazarus was dead so long that he must have began to stink, but Jesus told them to remove the stone from the grave. He then called to Lazarus who rose from the dead. Many of the Jews were converted

Adam was the first human that was created. He was alone in the Garden of Eden. God caused him to sleep. God took his rib to create another person. What was one person, became two. The Adam that emerged was different than the previous Adam. God created both Adam and Eve. In like manner, Jesus was born of God. Jesus was alone in that he was the only person who walked the earth who was truly alive without sin. Jesus died. His side was pierced with a spear. What emerged afterwards was not just Jesus who was resurrected, but many saints were also resurrected. We will all be resurrected because of him. Adam was the first of many who became alive. Jesus is also the first of many who have become spiritually alive unto resurrected immortality and eternal life. 

Alma the Younger went through a powerful transformation. He was admonished by an angel for his wickedness. He fell down and lost his physical strength. He experienced the horrors and the pains of hell because of his sins and misery that he had caused.  When he called out to Jesus he was saved and became encircled by the love, joy, and light of Jesus. This experience transformed Alma and he dedicated his life to serving and shepherding the people. Jesus suffered the pains of hell and the sins of the world. He made a way for our escape. Alma’s suffering the pains of hell because of his sins and misery that he caused is a small glimpse into the suffering that Jesus experienced for us. Alma’s symbolic rebirth in Christ follows the death and resurrection pattern. Alma’s diligent and untiring efforts to teach and serve the people is an archetype of Jesus as the good shepherd who goes to great lengths to rescue us. Alma journeyed into enemy territory to preach the gospel of Christ to liberate those in sin. Jesus also has journeyed into enemy territory. He took upon him the sins of the world and descended into hell to liberate the captives. He redirects us and gathers us home.

Alma the Elder was a priest of the wicked king Noah. When he heard the words of the prophet Abinadi, he repented. He began teaching the people the gospel at the waters of Mormon which was a secluded area with trees. It was a hidden oasis. There the people came to know the gospel of Jesus and were baptized. To these converts, this hidden oasis was likened to the spiritual tree of life and spring of living waters in Lehi’s vision. The wicked king and priests could be likened to the people in the great and spacious building in Lehi’s vision. Alma the Elder was an archetype of Jesus as the Good Shepherd leading the flock to the oasis in the desert.  He was guiding them with the rod of iron. The waters of Mormon and the forest of Mormon are symbolic representations of Jesus as the tree of life and the waters of life. The people’s conversion at that oasis is symbolic of the people eating the fruit of the tree of life in Lehi’s dream. They internalized the goodness of Jesus. The waters and forest of Mormon is where the people came to know Jesus. It is where they tasted his goodness.  

Ammon was a prince who left his kingdom to be a missionary and serve a fallen people. He was a humble minister and a faithful servant. He served as a shepherd, fought the Lamanites who scattered the king’s sheep, and had the sheep gathered again. He saved the lives of his fellow servants. Ammon is an archetype of Jesus who left his heavenly kingdom to serve and teach us in a fallen world. Jesus is our shepherd. He fights our battles and gathers each of us since we all stray now and then. He works with and encourages his disciples to assist in gathering the sheep. He is gathering scattered Israel back into one fold. Jesus is our Ammon.

Amulek was a believer who saw an angel and became the missionary companion of Alma the younger. He took Alma into his home who was malnourished and cared for him. He testified boldly of the savior and the resurrection. He preached that the unrepentant wicked would suffer the torments of fire, brimstone, and the spiritual captivity of the chains of hell.  Amulek and Alma were taken prisoner and forced to witness Christians being martyred in fire as his captors mocked him about his preaching of fire and brimstone. Amulek and Alma were then beaten and thrown into prison. The wicked lawyers, judges, priests, and teachers came to them in prison to question them. They beat Amulek and Alma. They spit on them, stripped them of their clothes, and withheld food and water. After many days of maltreatment and another round of abuse, the spirit descended on Amulek and Alma. They cried out to God, and broke their restraints. The prison shook, the walls fell down, and the wicked captors were slain in the rubble. When the people in the city saw Alma and Amulek emerging from the prison they fled as a goat fleeth with her young from two lions. Jesus is the lion of Judah. When he comes again he will divide the goats from the sheep. Jesus said that his sheep are those that fed him and gave him drink. They are those who took him in, clothed him, and visited him in prison. The goats will be sent away into everlasting punishment which torment is described with imagery of fire and brimstone.

The Brother of Jared is a prophet at the time of the Tower of Babel. He prayed to God that his family language would be maintained. The family journeyed to the seashore and built eight barges. He conversed with God about how to provide air and light in the barges for the journey.  He melted and purified 16 stones in fire. He brought them to God and asked God to touch the stones so that they would shine with light. He saw God’s finger and Jesus revealed himself to the Brother of Jared. Jesus told him that his spirit body was in the form and likeness of his future mortal body. Jesus caused a furious wind to blow on the sea which pushed their vessels towards the promised land. The stones provided light within the barges that were sometimes immersed under the mountainous waves. In like manner, Jesus is our light in the dark abyss.  The eight barges that traversed the waters are a symbolic parallel of baptism in Christ or becoming reborn in Christ. The promised land is symbolic of Jesus and his kingdom as our final destination. We will become new divine creatures transformed through his power and will take upon ourselves a future resurrected body in his kingdom.

Captain Moroni is a striking archetype of Jesus as the warrior Messiah. He raised the standard of liberty. He inspired the people to defend the cause of freedom. He inspired the people to be more faithful in their devotion to Jesus. Moroni was the chief captain of the Nephite army. Hundreds of years later, the prophet Mormon was inspired by Captain Moroni who was a faithful Christian and archetype of Jesus. He even named his son after him. Mormon describes Captain Moroni in messianic terms. He assists the reader to make the connection that Captain Moroni is an archetype for Jesus as the true Messiah. Jesus is our true liberator and our true cause of freedom. This parallel is quite striking and overwhelmingly evident. It is as if Mormon is yelling out that just as Moses and other prophets were an archetype of Jesus, Moroni is an archetype of the warrior Messiah who is our True Chief Captain.

Mormon didn’t misunderstand that Moroni was only a man with natural faults. He understood that the True Captain is Jesus. He wrote in symbolic parallelism so that we can learn more about Jesus through the life and attributes of Moroni. It is Jesus that we truly follow, not Moroni. It is Jesus that calls us to wake up. It is the spirit of Jesus that is the spark of freedom that is fanned into a blazing fire. Jesus is our true example of who we are to be like and who we are to follow. Only by being like Jesus can the powers of hell be shaken forever. Captain Moroni is powerless without Jesus. This fact is intended to be obvious. Mormon played with the text and drew a parallel pointing the reader to Jesus. Captain Moroni was only able to do what he did because he followed Jesus and was an example of a faithful and true Christian pointing others to Jesus. Captain Moroni fought earthly battles. Jesus as the True Captain fights on a larger and holier battlefield.

“Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni [a faithful Christian and earthly archetype of Jesus], behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.” Alma 48:17  

This verse screams out that it is really about Jesus as our spiritual Moroni.  It uses language that is in direct parallel with the name Jehovah as the self existent one who was, is, and ever will be our true example. It draws on parallels for how Moroni raised an earthly army and fought for the people’s minds and hearts. Jesus in parallel fights the devil and the powers of hell over the hearts and minds of humanity.  

Mormon continued his writings by proceeding to list the names of other archetypes who became living symbols of Christ. These “men of God” or “men of Christ” were Christians. They lived their lives as archetypes of Jesus. These men were no less serviceable to the people than the earthly Moroni, because they also were faithful followers of Jesus. What could be said of Moroni as an archetype and disciple of Jesus could be said of them also. These devout Christians included Ammon, the other sons of Mosiah, Alma and his sons, and Helaman and his brethren. Mormon included their accounts in the scriptures so that when we learn about them our minds would again be pointed to Jesus.

Enos was a hunter.  One day while hunting he pondered on his father’s teachings about Jesus.  His pondering led to prayers throughout the night for a remission of his sins. The voice of the Lord spoke to him stating that his sins were forgiven because of his faith in the future Messiah who would come to earth. Upon hearing that his sins were forgiven, he prayed to secure blessings for his people and a preservation of their scriptures.  Upon receiving these blessings, he prayed for the salvation of his enemies, the Lamanites. Enos through faith and prayer gained hope in Christ which led to charity. He was transformed by God’s love and ended up praying for the welfare of his enemies. He prayed for God’s kingdom and God’s glory. This transformation of heart mirrors aspects of the Lord’s Prayer that Jesus taught his disciples. Enos exemplified the Savior’s teaching to love our enemies and pray for them.

Eve is known as the mother of all living. All of humanity can trace their history to her. We all have our origin in her. She birthed humanity. Jesus is the Last Eve. Just as we all have our origin in Eve, we will all trace the genetics of our future immortality to Jesus in the resurrection.  Just as Eve suffered in childbirth, so did Jesus suffer on the cross so that we might be born into new life. Jesus is like Eve who is the mother of all and the source of life for humanity. Through Eve we have a knowledge of good and evil. The Book of Mormon also states that the spirit of Christ is given to everyone that they may know good from evil. Eve ate the fruit in the garden that made her wise. Jesus drunk the bitter cup in the garden of Gethsemane to know our pain and birth us in new love.

Gideon shepherded the people to safety on several occasions. He was slain by an antichrist because of his words. Jesus is the shepherd of Israel who was slain because of his words and miracles.

Helaman was a prophet, military captain, and a father figure to the young stripling warriors.  The young stripling warriors followed his commands with exactness.  None of the young warriors were killed in battle even though they suffered many wounds.  Likewise, Jesus is our messianic military captain and father who leads us in our battle against sin, misery, and the devil.  As we follow Jesus’ commandments with exactness, we know that we will win the day even though we may suffer wounds in this life. We can become spiritual warriors. We can strive to change our lives to a better way of thinking, loving, and being.

Isaac was the miraculous and only begotten son of Sarah. He was the chosen one that God would fulfill his covenant promises through. The Lord commanded Abraham to sacrifice Isaac.  Isaac went with his father to the mountain and carried the wood for his own sacrifice. Just as Abraham took the knife, an angel appeared and commanded him to stop. The family’s faith and willingness to submit their will to God had been proven. Abraham saw a ram in the thicket which served as the sacrifice in the place of Isaac.  Isaac’s willingness to be sacrificed is symbolic of Jesus. Jesus is the only begotten son of God. He is the son of Mary. He is the chosen one.  He went up willingly to the hill Golgotha. He carried his own wooden cross. He went willingly like a lamb to the slaughter. Jesus is our ram in the thicket who died in our place for our sins.

Isaiah was an ancient prophet of Israel. His words are contained in the Hebrew Bible. Nephi carried a copy of his words on the brass plates so that the Nephite nation could also have his prophecies. Isaiah’s prophecies focused on Jesus and the future of covenant Israel. Isaiah is the most quoted prophet from the Hebrew Bible in the Book of Mormon. Jesus endorsed Isaiah’s prophecies and stated that his words were great. Jesus stated that Isaiah prophecies touched on all things that would happen to the house of Israel to include the latter-day gathering Jesus is known as the Word. Jesus was known as Jehovah before his birth. He covenanted with Israel, performed great miracles and spoke great words to his prophets. Jesus is symbolized by the words of Isaiah which are great. Jesus is the gatherer of Israel in latter-days.

Jacob was the brother of Nephi. He taught the people at the temple and warned them against every type of sin and misery. Sherem, who was an antichrist, sought out Jacob to question and contend with him. Sherem claimed to be a strict adherent to the law of Moses but he did not believe in Christ. While he claimed to follow the outward law, his inward fruits were evil. Jacob contended with Sherem who was an anti-Christ and a deceiver. Because Sherem was hard hearted, strict and undeviating in his false teaching, and because he asked for a sign, Jacob cursed Sherem by the power of Christ.  Sherem fell down to the ground and had to be nourished for many days before he eventually died. Before Sherem died he confessed his sins.  

Jesus is like Jacob who can discern deceit and looks at our fruits and the true purpose of God’s laws. Jesus contended with the religious leaders in his day who were hard hearted like Sherem. They were strict adherents to the law of Moses but missed the purpose of the law and did not produce good works. Jesus threw out the money changers at the temple and healed the blind and lame. The chief priests and scribes were displeased with Jesus’ healings because of the praise of the people. Then Jesus cursed a fig tree which had no fruit and it died. When Jesus came to the temple again, the chief priests questioned him about his authority and he gave them parables about producing good works and good fruits. He told them that those who blindly follow the law of Moses while not producing the good fruits of God will stumble and fall.  They will reject the cornerstone who is Christ. The kingdom of God will be taken away and given to others who can bring forth good fruits. Like Sherem, those who reject the God of life will be left to their own devices and will stumble and fall in their rejection of Christ. They may be like a fig tree that looks good from afar but up close is absent of any fruit. Like Jacob, those who fill their hearts with the love of Jesus will be filled with his goodness and his good fruits. Just like Jacob who cursed Sherem by the power of Jesus and Sherem fell, so is Jesus able to curse sin and death until they fall at his feet. Jesus is able to crush the head of Satan.

Joseph of Egypt was the chosen one who was sold by his brothers for silver, falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife who stripped him of his garment.  Joseph was cast into prison with two thieves.  Joseph interpreted dreams and then was raised to be the King’s right hand.  He saved the people from famine, forgave his brothers, and exalted his family.  His suffering, forgiveness, and saving are all representative of Jesus.  Jesus was betrayed by Judas and sold for silver.  He was falsely accused, bound, stripped, and crucified between two criminals.  During his sojourn in the spirit world, Jesus broke down the doors of the spirit prison to free the captives.  He was resurrected and ascended to take his place at God the Father’s right hand.  Jesus is the bread of life and saves us from spiritual famine. He forgives us of our sins when we sincerely repent. His covenant family will be exalted in the kingdom of God.  

Joseph Smith Jr. was prophesied by Joseph of Egypt and by the Isaiah to be a latter-day prophet and seer. He was prophesied to be like other archetypes of Jesus. Like Moses, he was given a sacred record with the task of revealing the word of God and leading Israel. Like Isaiah, his lips were touched with the coals of the restoration of God’s word until they became a hot fire. He was an instrument in the hands of the Lord as he dictated with the Book of Mormon and other scriptures. He received many revelations and restored lost doctrines. He received priesthood keys from John the Baptist as well as Peter, James, and John. He rebuilt the temple and reinstituted temple worship. Moses and Elijah appeared to him at the temple and gave him the keys of the gathering and restoration of Israel. Joseph revealed the doctrine of Christ for the redemption of the dead. His spiritual gift mirrored his ancestor Joseph of Egypt’s ability to interpret dreams. He led the saints on a spiritual exodus west. Like Moses, he led the people towards a future promised land.

During Jesus’ earthly ministry, Jesus revealed many scriptures and teachings. He cleansed the temple and taught temple doctrines. Moses and Elijah appeared to him on the mount of transfiguration. Jesus led the saints on a spiritual exodus towards the kingdom of heaven. Even death could not stop him. He is now gathering Israel and preparing the world for his return as the warrior Messiah.

King Benjamin was a righteous and humble king who fought with the sword and defended his people. He established peace in the land. He labored with his own hands rather than living off the taxation of the people. He was a servant leader who taught that service to others was really service to God. He pointed the people toward their Heavenly King. Likewise, Jesus is the king of kings who fights our battles. He is humble, meek, and the model of servant leadership. He taught that the great commandment is to love God and love our neighbor. Jesus is our intermediary with God the Father.

Lamoni was a Lamanite king. After being taught the gospel, he called out for God to reveal himself to him. He then fell to the ground.  He had a vision of God and was transfixed motionless on his bed. He slept in God. On the third day he rose from his bed a new person and immediately prophesied. He was reborn with a new heart that had been changed in Jesus. Lamoni’s transformation is symbolic of Jesus who was crucified and on the third day was resurrected with eternal glories.

Lehi was a prophet at Jerusalem around 600 B.C. He preached the word of God and the Jews sought to take away his life. He had a vision of the tree of life. His family traveled in the wilderness on their own exodus. The family suffered hunger and Lehi directed his son Nephi on where to find food. He shepherded his family through the wilderness and over oceans to a promised land. Among his last words and hopes were that his sons be united as one family. 

Likewise Jesus preached and was persecuted by religious leaders in his day. Jesus is symbolized by the tree of life through his sacrifice on the cross. Jesus suffered hunger as he fasted for 40 days in the wilderness. Jesus directed his disciples on where to find food by casting their nets. Jesus is symbolically the manna of God and bread of life. Jesus shepherds us through this mortal life and through the next life in the spirit world towards a promised land in the mansions of his Father. Jesus stated that his disciples are to be united. If we are not one, then we are not his.

Lehi and Nephi were the sons of Helaman who lived shortly before Jesus was born. They were missionaries who preached the gospel. They were taken by an army of Lamanites and were imprisoned and malnourished. When their captors were about to slay them, Lehi and Nephi were encircled in a pillar of heavenly light. The earth shook and a cloud of darkness came over the guards and captors, but Lehi and Nephi remained encircled by light. God spoke to the guards and captors to repent. They repented and called out to God until they had faith in Christ.  Then the darkness dispersed and they were all encircled by light. The people had truly repented, let go of their hate, stopped warring, and became peaceable.

This event foreshadowed Christ’s appearance after his resurrection to the Nephite people. When Christ died, the land was covered in darkness and there were earthquakes. Sometime after his resurrection, he descended from heaven to visit the people in a column of light. He taught them and prayed with them until they were all encircled by light. Afterwards, the people had peace for hundreds of years. Jesus is our light and our way out when the earth moves beneath our feet and darkness descends upon us.

Melchizedek who reigned under his father was called the prince of peace and was the king of Salem. The name Salem means peace. He brought peace to the land and is an archetype of Jesus who is the true prince of peace. Jesus is the true king of Jerusalem and true king of Zion. Jesus will bring peace to the entire world when he returns. Jesus is the true high Priest. Alma made clear connections between Melchizedek and Jesus and then stated that angels were declaring that Jesus would soon be born.

Moses was the liberator of ancient Israel from the Egyptian Pharaoh. As a child his life was put in danger as Pharaoh had the male infants killed. He was raised in the Egyptian court. Upon receiving his mission from God, he performed many miracles. Jesus gave Moses power to smite Egypt. Jesus gave him power over the waters to divide the sea so the people could pass through on dry land. Moses’ face was illuminated with heavenly light when he talked with the Lord. Moses received the law and the 10 commandments on Mount Sinai. He struck a rock with his staff and water came out to quench the people’s thirst. When poisonous serpents bit the people, Moses constructed a brazen serpent on a pole. When the people were bitten, if they would look at the brazen serpent on the pole they would be healed. In battle, Moses held up his arms and as long as his arms were held up, Israel won the battle. However he became tired so Aaron and Hur held up his arms as he sat on a rock so that Israel could continue to win.  Moses prophesied that the future Messiah would be like himself and a prophet to the people.  

Moses is an archetype of Jesus. Jesus is our liberator from sin, misery, and death. As a child his life was put in danger. His family fled to Egypt. When he returned to the land of Israel, he performed many miracles and smote the hypocrisy and pride of the religious elite. He taught the sermon on the mount and gave the people a new law and commandments. He had power over the waters to stop the storms, calm the waves, and even walk on water. He was encircled by light on the mount of transfiguration. When Jesus was on the cross, his arms were outstretched and two others were crucified on his right and left. The soldier pierced his side with a spear and out came water and blood. Jesus is the source of living waters. Everyone that looks to Jesus on the cross in faith will be healed from the poisonous wounds of sin and misery. We are victorious because of Jesus’ sacrifice and outstretched arms on the cross.

Nephi was the son of Lehi who lived in Jerusalem around 600 B.C. Nephi and his brothers were tasked with going to Jerusalem to obtain the brass plates which had the scriptures written on them from the wicked Laban. First they asked for the plates and then they attempted to purchase the plates. Laban stole their property and threatened to kill Nephi and his brothers. He sent soldiers to kill them, so they fled for their lives with soldiers nipping at their heals. The Lord directed Nephi to attempt a third time to obtain the plates. The Lord directed Nephi to Laban who had passed out being drunk with wine. Nephi cut off Laban’s head, impersonated Laban, obtained the plates, and returned to his brethren. He also freed Zoram who was Laban’s servant. They all journeyed back to the tent of their father and Zoram became part of the family. From there, Nephi helped his family to the promised land. He saved them several times on their journey. He built a ship for them to cross over oceans. He freely forgave his brethren when they rebelled and threatened him.
Jesus is the prophesied seed of Eve who would have power to crush the head of the evil serpent even though the serpent would bite at his heel. Even though Nephi fled from Laban who was on his heels, Nephi eventually cut off his head. It took Nephi 3 attempts to be victorious in obtaining the brass plates that contained the word of God. In symbolic parallel, Jesus rose from the dead in victory on the third day after his crucifixion. Jesus cut off the head of the evil serpent whose bite is the misery venom of sin and death. Just as Nephi put on Laban’s clothing to obtain the word of God for his family, Jesus took our sins upon himself so we could obtain the words of life. We are like Zoram who was freed from both a wicked taskmaster and a wicked city marked for destruction. Through friendship with our liberator, we gain the words of eternal life. Just as Zoram who was a friend to Nephi became part of the family, we also become part of the family of Christ. After being freed in the covenant of baptism into new life, Jesus then walks with us on our journey towards his heavenly kingdom in a new promised land.

Sarah and Abraham in the Hebrew Bible were faithful and the Lord blessed them. Even though Sarah was old and past the age of bearing children, Sarah and Abraham were promised that they would have a posterity. Their posterity would be more numerous than the stars in the sky and the sands on the seashore. Like the promise given to Eve that her seed would crush the serpent who is the devil, Sarah was also promised that the Lord would establish his covenant with her seed to bless the entire world. These promises were fulfilled when the Messiah came through their lineage. Abraham and Sarah submitted their will to God and waited on the Lord.  Likewise Jesus submitted his will to his Heavenly Parents.

Sarah was barren and could not have children. However, through a miracle she birthed a nation through her son Isaac. Jesus who was a man and could not bear children, also birthed a nation. Jesus’ seed is more numerous than the stars in the sky or the sands on the seashore.  Jesus is our Abraham and our Sarah. Jesus is the father and mother of Christians through the covenant of baptism. Children of Christ are tasked with becoming the salt of the earth with a mission to bless the world. Through unity in Jesus, the peace of Zion is established and the children of Jesus have power through him to overcome the serpent.

Samuel the Lamanite was a prophet who declared the gospel in the Nephite capital city. The Nephites who had become wicked threw him out of the city. The Lord told him to return and prophesy the things that came into his heart. He went onto the city wall and warned the people that they would suffer destruction if they didn’t repent. He prophesied that Jesus would soon be born and there would be light in the sky at his birth. The earth would quake and be covered in darkness at his death.  He prophesied that Jesus would be the first of many to be resurrected. He pleaded with the people to develop faith in Christ. Those who were angry with Samuel began to throw stones and shoot arrows at him. The Spirit of the Lord protected him so that he could not be hit. When they came to take him with their hands, he jumped down from the wall and fled into Lamanite lands where he continued to preach the gospel of Christ.

The account of Samuel reminds me of the passage in Ephesians 6 about the armor of God which is symbolic of putting on Jesus. Jesus is the truth. He is the my breastplate of righteousness. He is my gospel shoe of peace that allows me to walk peaceably. He is my shield of faith that guards me against the poisonous darts of hate. The account of Samuel who was an outsider who leapt from the wall also seems similar to me to Jesus’ advice to leap for joy.

“Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.” Luke 6:22-22

When the miracle occurred and the people saw that they could not hit Samuel with their stones and arrows, they said that he was possessed by a devil. This also reminds me of the time when Jesus healed a person who was blind and dumb. He not only healed them of these things but he also cast a devil out of them. The Pharisees said that Jesus cast out devils by the false god Beelzebub the prince of devils. In a similar manner, Samuel’s preaching opened the minds of some of the people who repented and were baptized. Their spiritual eyes and ears had been opened. Their spirits were changed through the miracle of Christ’s grace that comes through repentance, faith, and baptism in Jesus.

Teancum was fearless warrior who snuck into the enemy camp alone with a javelin to slay the wicked king Amalickiah. Amalickiah was a Nephite traitor, deceiver, flatterer, and antichrist who sought power by force. Teancum was victorious in killing Amalickiah and his soldiers won the battle the next day. After Amalickiah’s death, the wicked Ammoron ascended to the kingship in his brother’s place and continued to wage war with the Nephites. After several more years of wars, Teancum had an opportunity to repeat his act of bravery. He snuck into the camp alone.  However, this time after he had struck a fatal blow to the wicked king Ammaron, his guards were alerted. Teancum was captured and killed. Teancum’s success in killing Ammoron allowed the Nephite armies to be victorious the next day. Teancum risked and sacrificed his life. He saved many lives even though he lost his own. In like manner Jesus fought for us in the garden of Gethsemane and on the cross. Jesus conquered the wicked brother, traitor, and deceiver called sin that causes so much misery and suffering. He also conquered the wicked brother called death. He sacrificed his own life so that we can have both physical and spiritual life.

Unnamed women of Ammonihah were separated from their husbands and burned in the fire with their children and scriptures. They died and sacrificed everything rather than reject Jesus and the truth. These unnamed martyrs died in similitude of Jesus’ sacrifice. They died rather than rejecting the truth in Jesus.  They submitted their own will to Jesus, just as Jesus submitted his own will to his father. Of them, Jesus said that great would be their reward in heaven and that they would inherit the kingdom of heaven.

Zenos was an ancient prophet in Israel.  He gave the allegory of the olive tree that covers the scattering and gathering of Israel.  He taught the people how to pray.  He was slain for his bold testimony.  Likewise Jesus taught in parables, taught the people how to pray, and was slain for his words.