One way to deepen your appreciation for Jesus Christ is to think about what would have happened to us without Him. As you read 2 Nephi 9:1–26, consider listing or marking in one color what would happen to us without the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Then, in another list or color, you could identify what we can receive through the Savior’s Atonement. Based on what you read, how would you explain why we need the Atonement of Jesus Christ? What did you find that inspires you to praise the “wisdom of God, his mercy and grace”? (2 Nephi 9:8).

In addition to teaching what Jesus Christ saved us from, Jacob also gave insights about how He did it. Consider recording what you find in 2 Nephi 9:11–15, 20–24.

Jacob was so awed by God’s plan of redemption that he exclaimed, “O how great the plan of our God.” Look for his exclamations in 2 Nephi 9 (most of them are found in verses 8–20). What do you learn from these verses about God’s plan? What experiences have helped you feel some of what Jacob felt? As part of your worship and study, consider looking for a hymn that might express how you feel about Him, such as “How Great Thou Art” (Hymns, no. 86).

See also “Where Justice, Love, and Mercy Meet,” “Jacob Teaches of the Resurrection” (videos), Gospel Library; Gospel Topics, “Atonement of Jesus Christ,” Gospel Library.

In 2 Nephi 9, Jacob used two powerful and contrasting phrases: “the merciful plan of the great Creator” and “that cunning plan of the evil one” (2 Nephi 9:6, 28). Perhaps you could draw a path and label it Heavenly Father’s Plan. Then search 2 Nephi 9:27–52. Look for warnings and invitations that Jacob gave to help us follow this plan. Write what you find beside the path. How does Satan try to lead us away from God’s plan? What do you feel inspired to do in response to Jacob’s warnings and invitations?
DOWNLOAD 2 Nephi 9:13 scripture poster/card set (HERE or below) “Oh how great the plan of our God!”

• To encourage your children to “[delight] in righteousness” or joyfully obey the Lord (2 Nephi 9:49), perhaps you could share examples in which a child makes a good choice or a bad choice. Invite your children to stand up when the choice brings happiness and sit down when the choice brings sadness. When have we felt happy because we made a choice to follow Jesus Christ?

• Your children are likely to interact with people (if they haven’t already) who think that the Lord’s commandments are foolish or out of date. Maybe you and your children could talk about how to explain why we’re happy to keep the commandments. Why is it important to trust God’s counsel even if we do not completely understand it? You could encourage them to look in 2 Nephi 9:20, 28–29, 42–43 for help with thinking about and discussing these questions.

Jacob’s message was a joyful one. “I speak unto you these things,” he said, “that ye may rejoice, and lift up your heads forever” (2 Nephi 9:3). As you read 2 Nephi 10:20, 23–25, what do you find that cheers your heart? What will you do to remember these things when you feel discouraged?
DOWNLOAD I Will Remember Jesus: Last Supper shadow box (HERE or below)

See also John 16:33; D. Todd Christofferson, “The Joy of the Saints,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 15–18; “Jacob Encourages the Nephites to Be Reconciled with God” (video), Gospel Library.