Parallels between 3 Nephi 19 and the Gospels -- Part 2

In part 1, we looked at several parallels between 3 Nephi 19 and the Gospels. The connections are undeniable, but this part will be more speculative as I will try to discuss what this all might mean. As mentioned, the learning points are perhaps found in the differences and the major difference is how the disciples respond to the Savior's invitation to watch and pray. 

In Gethsemane, the disciples ironically failed to follow Jesus' instructions while he literally paid the price for their sins. They did the exact opposite of what he commanded and fell asleep instead of staying awake. As a consequence, they were gently rebuked for not even being able to "watch one hour".

In America, the disciples not only prayed as Jesus instructed, but they prayed "without ceasing" and were "filled with desire" (3 Nephi 19:24). As a consequence they were blessed.

Fulfillment of the Priestly/Aaronic blessing

Speaking of parallels. By taking a closer look at the blessing that the disciples received in 3 Nephi 19, we notice similarities to a passage in Numbers in the Old Testament. In the Book of Numbers, there are lots of instructions concerning the tabernacle. Aaron and his sons had a special role as high priests in the tabernacle and later in the temple. In Numbers 6, they were instructed to give a special blessing to the people of Israel.

23 Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,

24 The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:

25 The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

26 The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

27 And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.

In 3 Nephi 19, when Jesus had prayed to the Father, he returned to his disciples and found them still praying. Verse 25 describes what happened next

And it came to pass that Jesus blessed them as they did pray unto him; and his countenance did smile upon them, and the light of his countenance did shine upon them, and behold they were as white as the countenance and also the garments of Jesus; and behold the whiteness thereof did exceed all the whiteness, yea, even there could be nothing upon earth so white as the whiteness thereof.

It seems at this moment, that Jesus as the High Priest after the order of Melchizedek fulfilled the Aaronic blessing on his disciples. I have seen several Bible commentators suggest that the traditional Christian belief of the holy trinity is hidden in the threefold repetition of "the Lord" in Numbers 6. I think that is a stretch, but regardless we see the repetition of three again, as also manifest in the number of times Jesus prayed and interacted with his disciples both in 3 Nephi 19 and in Gethsemane.

The impact of the Holy Ghost

In part 1, I quoted the last two verses of 3 Nephi 19, which indicated that faith made the difference. We do observe in the Gospels that Jesus rebukes the Apostles several times for their lack of faith ("O, ye of little faith"). Still it may seem puzzling that the Apostles in the New World had so much more faith than the Apostles in the Old World. 1 Nephi 12:9 even teaches that the Apostles in the New World will be judged by the Apostles in the Old World. How to reconcile this apparent discrepancy?

We should realize that despite the parallel events, the circumstances were different. As the disciples in the Old World followed Jesus in his mortal ministry, the disciples in the New World saw him descend from heaven in his glory. The major difference, however, and perhaps the main takeaway from all this, is the difference made by the Holy Ghost. In John 16:7, before the intercessory prayer, Jesus told his disciples

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

This is a bold statement. It was expedient for the disciples that Jesus left, because then the Holy Ghost would come. This did not happen until about 50 days later at the feast of Pentecost. Consequently, as the disciples were asked to watch and pray in Gethsemane, they had not yet received the Holy Ghost. In 3 Nephi 19, however, the disciples in America experienced a Pentecostal event of sorts as they received the Holy Ghost right before the events discussed in this series.

9 And they did pray for that which they most desired; and they desired that the Holy Ghost should be given unto them...

13 And it came to pass when they were all baptized and had come up out of the water, the Holy Ghost did fall upon them, and they were filled with the Holy Ghost and with fire.

14 And behold, they were encircled about as if it were by fire; and it came down from heaven, and the multitude did witness it, and did bear record; and angels did come down out of heaven and did minister unto them.

Realizing that the two sets of Apostles were at different stages in their conversion process, we should not judge Peter and the others too harshly. Rather, we should realize and learn about the importance of the Holy Ghost. The transformation of Peter and the other Apostles after the day of Pentecost is evident. They boldly testify of Christ under persecution and work great miracles. It is truly a gift to be "most desired". 

What 3 Nephi 19 is teaching us with its parallels to the Gospel, is that the Holy Ghost also helps and inspires us to watch and pray unceasingly. This, in turn, prepares us for marvellous blessings as promised to the people of Israel of old.