KING AND PROPHET

It is interesting to me that one of the most explicit messianic prophecies should have come from a man we acknowledge as a king, but often don't recognize as a prophet as well. Of course, I am speaking of King Benjamin of the Nephites. When he spoke to his people from the tower, he told them that he had received instructions from an angel. 

In a few short verses, this prophet king tells us so much about the Savior Jesus Christ, including the fact that His Atonement is infinite.

To introduce his prophecy, Benjamin does what any well-trained researcher does: he cites his source.  His particular source was impeccable and he wanted his people to not only know of the Messiah to come, but to know how he knew.

Benjamin saw and angel just

like his ancestor, Nephi, did

Wrote he:

. . . the things which I shall tell you are made known unto me by an angel from God.  And he said unto me: Awake; and I awoke, and behold he stood before me.  . . . For the Lord hath . . . sent me to declare unto thee that thou mayest rejoice; and that thou mayest declare unto thy people, that they may also be filled with joy. (Mosiah 3: 2, 4)

Here are just a few things from Mosiah 3 relating to Jesus Christ:

• He will come from heaven to live amongst men
• He will have a physical body
• He will work miracles such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk , the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear
• He will cast out devils - literally - and also exorcise the evil spirits which dwell in the hearts of men
• He will be tempter
• He will experience hunger, thirst, and fatigue
• He will feel pain, so much so that He will bleed from every pore
• He will bring salvation through faith in his name:
• Jesus Christ
• the Son of God
• the Father of heaven and earth
• the Creator of all things
• His mother shall be called Mary

• His enemies will claim He has a devil and shall beat Him, and shall crucify Him
• He shall rise from the dead on the third day
• He is the judge of the world
• His blood atones for the sins of 
• those who have fallen by the transgression of Adam
• who have died not knowing the will of God
• or who have sinned ignorantly 
• little children 
• the penitent (Mosiah 3: 2-11, 21)

There is so much information in these few verses.  The Angel said it was good news that would bring Benjamin and his people great joy.  This is good news for us today, as well, when our world is in such a commotion and joy if often difficult to find.  Benjamin's people looked forward to the coming of Jesus Christ.  We look forward to His coming again. Therein lies our joy.

© Dr. Kathleen Rawlings Buntin Danielson April 2020