Jacob 5 is a story with symbolic meaning. It describes trees and fruit and laborers, but it’s really about God’s interactions with His people throughout history. So as you read the basic story, think about what some of the things in the story might symbolize.

For example, if the vineyard represents the world, and the tame olive tree represents Israel (or those who have made covenants with God; see Jacob 5:3), what might the wild olive trees represent? What could the good and bad fruit represent? What other symbols do you see?

Even though Jacob 5 teaches about nations and centuries of world history, it’s also about you and your life. What messages do you find for yourself in Jacob 5?

Perhaps most important, Jacob 5 is about Jesus Christ. Look for Him as you read. What do you learn about Him, for example, in verses 40–41, 46–47?

For additional insights about Jacob 5, see the diagram at the end of this outline.

The “other servants” (Jacob 5:70) who were called into the Lord’s vineyard include people like you. What truths do you find in Jacob 5, especially verses 61–62 and 70–75, about working in the Lord’s vineyard? What have you learned about Him by helping with His work?

As you read about the “last time” that the Lord labors in His vineyard, what inspires you to serve the Lord “with your might”? (Jacob 5:71). Maybe you could think of a personal experience in which you felt joy while serving the Lord of the vineyard—for example, through sharing the gospel, serving in the temple, or strengthening others. You might also explore the examples Elder Gary E. Stevenson shared in his message “Simply Beautiful—Beautifully Simple” (Liahona, Nov. 2021, 47–50).

President Russell M. Nelson taught: “Anytime you do anything that helps anyone—on either side of the veil—take a step toward making covenants with God and receiving their essential baptismal and temple ordinances, you are helping to gather Israel. It is as simple as that” (“Hope of Israel” [worldwide youth devotional, June 3, 2018], ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Consider starting a list of ideas of what you can do to help gather Israel. From your list, what do you feel the Lord would have you do today in His vineyard? According to verse 75, how does the Lord reward us for service in His vineyard?

See also “Israel, Israel, God Is Calling,” Hymns, no. 7; “Old Testament Olive Vineyard”(video), Gospel Library.

One meaning of the word cleave is to adhere to or stick to something firmly, closely, and unwaveringly. How does that definition affect the way you understand Jacob 6:4–5? In the story of the olive tree, how did the Lord of the vineyard extend his “arm of mercy”? (see, for example, Jacob 5:47, 51, 60–61, 71–72). How has He done this for you?

Jacob 5

The Lord cares for His people.

The Nephites’ experience with Sherem is often repeated today: people are trying to destroy faith in Christ. How did Jacob respond when his faith was attacked? What do you learn from his responses? What can you do now to prepare for times when your faith in the Savior will be challenged?
DOWNLOAD Signs Strengthen Testimony sign seeker show-and-tell (HERE or below featuring Sherem)

See also Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Cost—and Blessings—of Discipleship,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 6–9; “Sherem Denies Christ” (video), Gospel Library.

• How can you inspire your children to stand for truth like Jacob did? Your children could watch the video “Chapter 10: Jacob and Sherem” (Gospel Library) and act out the interaction between Jacob and Sherem, using Jacob 7:1–23 as a guide. How did Jacob stand for what he knew was right? Invite your children to share experiences when they stood for the right, or share your own. Perhaps they could also sing a song that expresses courage like Jacob’s, such as “Stand for the Right,” Children’s Songbook, 159.
  DOWNLOAD Stand For Right song visuals (HERE or below)

• Jacob 6:4–5 has an important message for us when we make wrong choices. Maybe you could help your children find it. Which words in these verses give us hope in God’s redeeming love? Elder Allen D. Haynie’s story about getting dirty in a mud pit, in his message “Remembering in Whom We Have Trusted” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 121–22), could help. SEE VIDEO BELOW
  DOWNLOAD “I know in whom I have trusted” 2 Nephi 4:15-24 poster (HERE or below).
  What do this story and Jacob 6:4–5 teach us about what we need to do to be saved in the kingdom of God?