PROVO, Utah — As His mortal ministry began, Jesus Christ invited Peter and Andrew to follow Him and become “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19).
Today, the Lord extends the same invitation, said Sister Amy A. Wright, first counselor in the Primary general presidency. But with that invitation comes a “piercing” question and answer: “What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am” (3 Nephi 27:27).
“In order to become like Jesus, it is essential that we know His true character and attributes,” Sister Wright said.
Her remarks came Thursday, June 22, during the 2023 Seminar for New Mission Leaders at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. Sister Wright’s address focused on what individuals learn about Christlike attributes from the names Book of Mormon prophets used for the Savior.
Moroni — faith in Jesus Christ
Sister Wright said in a world filled with hatred, sin and war, “Moroni repeatedly beckons us to come unto Jesus Christ. … [He] is indicating this is not merely a promising idea but exactly what we need to do!” (See Mormon 9:37, Ether 12:41 and Moroni 10:30.)
Lehi — hope
Lehi spoke intimately and poetically about the Savior’s love, Sister Wright said, referring to Him as the Messiah.
It’s no wonder that Lehi, who anguished over the disobedience of his people and his children, testified of a Messiah who would restore the fallen, lost and broken, she continued.
Knowledge of the Messiah gave Lehi “great hope,” Sister Wright said. (See Moroni 7:42.)
Mormon — charity and love
Mormon spoke of Jesus as the Savior “in connection with the redemption of the Israelites and most powerfully in the salvation of little children,” Sister Wright said. (See 3 Nephi 5:20, 26 and Moroni 8:8.)
To Mormon, the title “Savior” seems to have epitomized charity and love, she added.
Jacob — virtue
Jacob repeatedly called Jesus the Holy One of Israel. This is noteworthy considering Jacob’s temple responsibilities, Sister Wright said.
“The purpose of temple sacrifice and service in ancient Israel was to purify the people,” she said. “... As the true unblemished lamb, the Holy One of Israel personifies virtue.”
King Benjamin — integrity
King Benjamin’s devotion to God shows in how he referred to Jesus as Lord Omnipotent.
“To King Benjamin, ‘Lord Omnipotent’ may have symbolized righteous governance founded on the attribute of integrity,” Sister Wright said.
Alma the Younger — knowledge
Alma the Younger used many names for Jesus, but one that possibly resonated with his leadership responsibilities was “Shepherd,” Sister Wright said.
“Alma the Younger seems to have learned from the Good Shepherd that a righteous leader consistently seeks to nourish his sheep with truth and knowledge,” Sister Wright said.
Samuel the Lamanite — patience
Sister Wright said Samuel the Lamanite faced “fierce opposition,” so it makes sense that he called Jesus the Lord of Hosts.
“This title speaks of His role as the head of the hosts, or the leader of a battle,” Sister Wright said. “... Amidst the battle of good and evil, Samuel, like Jesus, demonstrated great patience for the wicked and continued to invite them to soften their hearts, repent and keep His commandments.”
Abinadi — humility
Abinadi stood alone in preaching, in bearing persecution and in his martyrdom by fire, Sister Wright said.
Perhaps this is why Abinadi referred to Jesus as “the Son,” Sister Wright said. As the Only Begotten Son, Jesus stood alone in submitting to His Father’s will.
“Submission comes from a place of humility. From the ever-obedient Son of the Eternal Father, Abinadi learned the true meaning of humility,” Sister Wright said.
Nephi — diligence
Nephi was often persecuted by his own brothers for his righteousness, Sister Wright said. Despite this, he was diligent in following the Lord.
It’s no wonder that Nephi called Jesus “the Lamb of God,” Sister Wright continued.
“As the Lamb of God, Jesus was willing to submit to the will of His Father,” Sister Wright said. “... He set the perfect example of diligence and did so with significant effort and care.”
Amulek — obedience
Amulek sacrificed his wealth and family relationships for the word of God, Sister Wright said. Despite this, Amulek called Jesus “the Son of God.”
“Portraying Christ in His familial relationship with the Father may have been especially sensitive to Amulek,” she said. “... [But] to Amulek, the Son of God epitomized obedience.”
Building valiant testimonies
Sister Wright said she hopes missionaries will seek Jesus throughout their missions and after.
“As missionaries strive to develop His Christlike attributes, I testify that they will have experiences with their Savior … that are so deeply profound and personal they will choose to be valiant in their testimonies all the days of their lives,” she said.
