Book of Mormon Primary Lessons

“Lesson 17: Ammon, a Great Servant,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon, 57

We can share the gospel by setting a good example and bearing testimony of Jesus Christ. The Lord blesses us as we bear witness of him and his gospel. We can share the gospel with others by our example as we live the gospel of Jesus Christ. This lesson is about a great missionary who had a strong testimony.

Read Alma 17, 18, and 19.

The sons of Mosiah went to "their brethren, the Lamanites, to the knowledge of the truth" (Alma 17:9). After the sons of Mosiah repented, they prepare for their missions by "[giving] themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God" (Alma 17:2–3).

The sons of Mosiah want to go on a mission to the Lamanites "that perhaps they might bring them unto repentance" (Alma 17:16). It is important that all of Heavenly Father’s children hear and understand the gospel of Jesus Christ. This requires missionary work even to those whom we may consider to be our enemies.

Ammon goes to the land of Ishmael and becomes the servant of King Lamoni—Ammon saves the king’s flocks and slays his enemies at the waters of Sebus.

When Ammon fought the wicked Lamanites he hoped the "hearts of [his] fellow-servants, that [he] may lead them to believe in my words" (Alma 17:29).

The wicked Lamanites "did not fear Ammon . . . for they knew not that the Lord had promised [Ammon's Father] Mosiah that he would deliver his sons out of their hands; neither did they know anything concerning the Lord; therefore they delighted in the destruction of their brethren; and for this cause they stood to scatter the flocks of the king." (Alma 17:35). The Lord fulfill this promise when "one of [their brothers] . . . drew his sword and went forth . . . to slay him . . . fell dead" (Alma 19:22–23).

Ammon’s example caused King Lamoni to think Ammon was "the Great Spirit, and . . . desire him that he come in unto [him]" (Alma 18:9–11). Who has set a good example for you? For whom can you set a good example?

Ammon’s testimony and the Spirit of the Lord had such a great affect on King Lamoni that "he began to cry unto the Lord, saying: O Lord, have mercy; according to thy abundant mercy which thou hast had upon the people of Nephi, have upon me, and my people" (Alma 18:40–43).

The queen and her servant Abish show their great faith by believing the words of Ammon. "having been converted to the Lord . . . when she saw that all . . . had fallen to the earth . . . she knew that it was the power of God; and supposing that this opportunity . . . by beholding this scene it would cause [the people] to believe in the power of God, therefore she ran forth from house to house, making it known unto the people" (Alma 19:8–12, 17). King Lamoni and the queen both testify of Jesus Christ (Alma 19:12–13, 29–30).

King Lamoni testified, "behold, I have seen my Redeemer; and he shall come forth, and be born of a woman, and he shall redeem all mankind who believe on his name" (Alma 19:12–13).

Labels: Abish, Alma, Ammon, Book of Mormon, Example, Ishmael, King Lamoni, Lesson 17, Mission, Sebus, Servant, Testimony