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Our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ, are our greatest examples of mentoring. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, “The most powerful and capable being in the universe has as His greatest purpose to mentor you, His children, and provide a way for them to one day live with Him. . . . Think of the people Jesus ministered to during His mortal life. . . . His teachings centered on assuring ordinary people that God was among them, would answer their prayers, place them on His shoulders, and carry them home.”[1]

In the Book of Mormon, the Savior continued his Father’s work of mentoring, this time among the Nephites after his resurrection. In 3 Nephi we see how the Savior fulfilled important mentoring roles in his visit to the Nephites. While he was not a traditional mentor in interacting with them over an extended period, the Savior mentored them as individuals and as a group in powerful experiences during his brief time with them. A key feature of mentoring is the transformative growth opportunities it offers for individuals who are mentored.[2] In 3 Nephi we see a society transformed by their visit with the Savior, and the Savior’s mentoring during his time with them and what the Nephites learned from him played an essential role in their becoming “all converted unto the Lord” (4 Nephi 1:2).

This essay will show how the Savior mentored the Nephites through his words, teachings, and actions and will provide the reader with ideas about how to be a better mentor from the Savior’s example and teachings. Using an adaptation of foundational mentoring principles by Amaury Nora and Gloria Crisp,[3] this article discusses (1) his emotional support for them, (2) his knowledge support in teaching them, providing learning about specific subject knowledge, and (3) the role model he was for them. These mentoring principles are further applied by examining scriptural examples and by additional mentoring research. His example can strengthen and inspire readers to be effective mentors as they serve in their personal and professional lives and in their Church callings and assignments. Mentoring in the Savior’s way can make a difference in the lives of those we work with, minister to, and love.

The Savior Mentors with Emotional Support

First, he provided emotional support for the Nephites. In mentoring, emotional support can be defined as supportive help to identify challenges and provide increased confidence about responsibilities ahead.[4] Nora and Crisp described this aspect of mentoring as “an emotional safety net” that also includes “words of encouragement and support, providing… attentiveness and nurturing.”[5] The Savior began his ministry to the Nephites with an immediate personal engagement and established a relationship of trust with them, reflecting the mentoring emotional support he would provide during his time with them. In 3 Nephi 11 we read that he invited them to interact with him “one by one.”

And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them saying:

Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.

And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come.

And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying:

Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him. (3 Nephi 11:13–17)

Because the Nephites had individual and personal time with him after his appearance, including touching the prints in his hands and feet, they were able to gain a knowledge of his divinity and then give their own witness of him. This interaction created both a trust and knowledge of what they had only believed before. Later in chapter 17 he had the people bring their sick to him one by one, and he healed “every one” (3 Nephi 17:9). “He took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them” (3 Nephi 17:21).

In these examples, we see how the Savior prioritized the individual. He provided emotional support not just for a group of Saints but for each Nephite by allowing them to interact with him personally, and he included groups that might be marginalized such as the sick and the little children. He also created trust between him and the Nephites through his caring and personal interaction with each of them. In mentoring research, trust in the mentor determines how positive the mentee felt about the mentoring relationship, and supportive mentors look for opportunities to build trust with mentees.[6] The Savior’s inclusion of all shows us how we need to pay particular attention in mentoring individuals who may not reach out for help.

It is noteworthy that the Savior began his ministry to the Nephites with this one-by-one interaction. As we begin our ministries in different callings or look to improve our service, we can learn from his example. Establishing a personal connection with individuals should be a highest priority of mentors.[7] The Nephites “were in number about two thousand and five hundred souls; and they did consist of men, women, and children” (3 Nephi 17:25), and the Savior ministered to them individually. He reminds us of our responsibility to reach out to the one, no matter how small or large our assignments.

The Savior concluded his ministry with one-by-one ministry to the apostles. Third Nephi 28:1 explained, “And it came to pass when Jesus had said these words, he spake unto his disciples, one by one, saying unto them: What is it that ye desire of me, after that I am gone to the Father?” When three of the twelve did not speak, Jesus continued to reach out to them individually.

And when he had spoken unto them, he turned himself unto the three, and said unto them: What will ye that I should do unto you, when I am gone unto the Father?

And they sorrowed in their hearts, for they durst not speak unto him the thing which they desired.

And he said unto them: Behold, I know your thoughts, and ye have desired the thing whichJohn, my beloved, who was with me in my ministry, before that I was lifted up by the Jews, desired of me.

Therefore, more blessed are ye, for ye shall never taste of death; but ye shall live to behold all the doings of the Father unto the children of men, even until all things shall be fulfilled according to the will of the Father, when I shall come in my glory with the powers of heaven. (3 Nephi 28:4–7)

He knew the needs and desires of each apostle. He did not need to ask them. However, he still showed the value of each apostle and each apostle’s feelings, first by asking each individual his desire. Then even when those desires were not verbally shared, he discerned them and helped all these disciples achieve their righteous hopes. Although three of the apostles expressed an unconventional desire—to continue to live and serve beyond their normal life span—the Savior did not discourage them. Instead, he provided the help they needed to achieve their desired goal to serve until he comes again. Without his miraculous help, their desires would have been impossible.

While we do not have the perfect mentoring abilities of the Savior in discerning individual needs, we can ask for and be blessed with the gift of discernment in mentoring and, as worthy members of the Church, have the gift of the Holy Ghost to help identify individual needs. The Savior recognized his apostles as unique individuals with unique capacities to serve him and our Heavenly Father and to minister to others. Through mentoring, we can support others to achieve goals that may seem impossible to them. We help others elevate their vision and confidence to see what they can be and become.[8]

When the Savior first descended from heaven and invited the Nephites to feel his wounded side and the nail prints in his hands and feet, he also promised them a three-part knowledge and blessing from that interaction: they would “know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world” (3 Nephi 11:14). In the same way, our mentoring can help those we serve learn for themselves and develop unshakable testimonies of the Savior as we foster that connection and point them to him.

The Savior Mentors with Knowledge Support

A second important part of mentoring is providing knowledge support, or helping mentees understand information that needs explanation, clarification, or even correction. The Nephites had the unique blessing of having Jesus Christ, the Creator of the universe, with them to share knowledge and understanding for issues they were facing. While the all-knowing Savior could have provided knowledge for them on any or all topics, we see how the specific knowledge he shared with them helped them better understand the doctrine of Christ and being children of the covenant.

One of the first doctrines Christ emphasized was baptism. He explained how it should be done, who is eligible for baptism, and what words should be used for the baptism. In providing these details about baptism, he wanted the Nephites to clearly understand that this is the correct way to baptize and explained, “And there shall be no disputations among you” (3 Nephi 11:22). To help the Nephites comprehend what they needed to know about the gospel, he further emphasized “this is my doctrine” and “this is not my doctrine” (see 3 Nephi 11:30–32, 35, 39–40).

The Savior also mentored by providing additional resources for the Nephites. He referred them to the words of Isaiah in the strongest terms: “Ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah. For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel” (3 Nephi 23:1–2). He also counseled them to read the words of other prophets, “Search the prophets, for many there be that testify of these things” (3 Nephi 23:5).

In a poignant moment in 3 Nephi, the Savior provided a mentoring example of kindly correcting when a mistake has been made. He first told the Nephites that they needed to record scriptures they had not recorded. He then asked Nephi to show him their record and asked why they had not preserved the words of Samuel the Lamanite. The Savior said,

Verily I say unto you, I commanded my servant , the Lamanite, that he should testify unto this people, that at the day that the Father should glorify his name in me that there were who should arise from the dead, and should appear unto many, and should minister unto them. And he said unto them: Was it not so?

And his disciples answered him and said: Yea, Lord, Samuel did prophesy according to thy words, and they were all fulfilled.

And Jesus said unto them: How be it that ye have not written this thing, that many saints did arise and appear unto many and did minister unto them? . . .

And it came to pass that Jesus commanded that it should be written; therefore it was written according as he commanded. (3 Nephi 23:9–11, 13)

As the Lord and Savior, Jesus could have given them any instruction, but the attentive personal mentoring he had shown them previously likely would have made his correction easier for the Nephites to accept and follow. The Savior’s example is instructive for mentors to remember that a foundational personal relationship with those we serve can help them be more receptive when information shared requires change. In 3 Nephi 24, we see the Savior also commanded the Nephites to write the words of the prophet Malachi from the Old Testament, which he also “expounded” (3 Nephi 24:1). These teachings included messages about paying tithes and offerings, the Second Coming, and the return of Elijah the prophet (3 Nephi 24–26).

These examples show how the Savior noticed what knowledge the Nephites were missing. He helped them identify it and add it to the learning they would have. He also took the time to explain principles to them and why they were valuable for their happiness. As mentors, we should take the time to explain concepts. We are patient when information needs to be clarified. We also understand the importance of teaching doctrine and the power in knowledge for mentees. We see that “when Jesus had expounded all the scriptures in one, which they had written, he commanded them that they should teach the things which he had expounded unto them” (3 Nephi 23:14). He taught and mentored the disciples, and then he asked them to teach the people with what they had learned.

The Savior had an eternal perspective that was greater than the Nephites’ earthly view, and he tried to expand their knowledge by sharing some of that understanding with them. He said, “These scriptures which ye had not with you, the Father commanded that I should give unto you; for it was wisdom in him that they should be given unto future generations” (3 Nephi 26:2). By offering the Nephites the missing scriptures, not only was the Savior mentoring them and providing spiritual knowledge for them; under the direction of his Father, he was providing support for future generations who would also need that knowledge and counsel.

He also provided clarification with the name of the church, which was causing disagreements among the people (3 Nephi 27:3). The Savior said,

Verily, verily, I say unto you, why is it that the people should murmur and dispute because of this thing?

Have they not read the scriptures, which say ye must take upon you the name of Christ, which is my name? For by this name shall ye be called at the last day;

And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day.

Therefore, whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my name; therefore ye shall call the church in my name; and ye shall call upon the Father in my name that he will bless the church for my sake.

And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses’ name then it be Moses’ church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel. (3 Nephi 27:4–8)

Not only did he clarify the correct name of the church but he also explained why the church was called in his name, including an explanation for why they were to take upon themselves his name. Still today, the Savior’s teachings help modern Saints understand or explain why the church is called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.[9]

Just as the Savior clarified the name of the church, he also resolved the disagreements and confusion the Nephites had on uncertainties of doctrine. In 3 Nephi 11:28 he said, “And according as I have commanded you thus shall ye baptize. And there shall be no disputations among you, as there have hitherto been; neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine as there have hitherto been.” The Savior’s mentoring dissipated the contention that had been among Nephites, but it required multiple efforts, even by him, to eliminate the disagreements.

The Savior also helped the new apostles better understand their roles and callings when he spoke directly to them. He said, “Remember the words which I have spoken. For behold, ye are they whom I have chosen to minister unto this people. Therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. . . . For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things” (3 Nephi 13:25, 32). As we mentor, we can help those we are responsible for understand their roles and responsibilities. We can help them learn how to use their talents. We can encourage them in the journey ahead and reassure them that Heavenly Father will help them, even as they face difficulties.

The Savior Mentors as a Role Model

In 3 Nephi the Savior also provided a perfect example to the Nephites of how to live the gospel. Being a role model is one of the most important responsibilities of a mentor as we show mentees possibilities for their future and provide encouragement and a vision for their potential.[10] As our divine role model, the Savior provided many aspects of gospel living to emulate during his time among the Nephites. He said, “Behold I am the light; I have set an example for you” (3 Nephi 18:16). While his time with the Nephites was not long, his impact was lasting (see 4 Nephi 1). Even for modern role models, it is the quality, not a prescribed quantity, of mentoring interactions that can have the greatest impact on mentoring.[11] Mentors should not minimize the potential impact of their intentional mentoring efforts.

Three examples of role modeling the Savior used are (1) administering the sacrament; (2) teaching prayer; and (3) showing support for his apostles as leaders. First, in chapter 18, Jesus taught the Nephites how to administer the sacrament, as well as its importance: “And it came to pass that Jesus commanded his disciples that they should bring forth some bread and wine unto him” (3 Nephi 18:1). After he asked the disciples to bring the bread and wine for the sacrament, the Savior himself broke and blessed the bread to show how the sacrament should be administered. He oversaw the administration of the sacrament twice in this example—first to the disciples, then to the multitude. Then the Savior took the time to explain what is required for the sacrament—the one administering it must be ordained and the importance of following his example in administering it (3 Nephi 18:5–7). He also explained the meaning and significance of the bread and in later verses the wine (3 Nephi 18: 7, 11) and how both are a representation of him. He promised the Nephites that if they would remember him, they would have his Spirit to be with them: “And this ye shall do in remembrance of my body, which I have shown unto you. And it shall be a testimony unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you” (3 Nephi 18:7).

Later, in chapter 20, he again provided a model for the sacrament and breaking and blessing the bread. In this example, no one brought the bread or wine for the sacrament. Still, they were able to miraculously witness the Savior administer the sacrament another time. He reiterated the importance of the sacrament ordinances when he said, “He that eateth this bread eateth of my body to his soul; and he that drinketh of this wine drinketh of my blood to his soul; and his soul shall never hunger nor thirst, but shall be filled” (3 Nephi 20:8). The Savior reinforced the principles of the sacrament by administering it to the Nephites twice and by explaining its expected practice and significance. In our roles, our examples will often be the most powerful mentoring, but taking the time to explain principles as the Savior did—even if it requires multiple attempts—can strengthen those we serve.

Second, the Savior is also a role model of prayer and how to pray. In chapter 17 we read how the Savior asked for all the children to be brought around him, and then he prayed. His prayer was an example to the Nephites and to all of us, even though the specific words are not recorded. First, he commanded the multitude to kneel: “he commanded the multitude that they should kneel down upon the ground” (3 Nephi 17:13). Then the Savior began to pray: “he himself also knelt upon the earth; and behold he prayed unto the Father, and the things which he prayed cannot be written, and the multitude did bear record who heard him” (3 Nephi 17:15).

In chapter 19 we see an even more detailed example of the Savior’s prayer with and for the Nephites: “And tongue cannot speak the words which he prayed, neither can be written by man the words which he prayed. And the multitude did hear and do bear record; and their hearts were open and they did understand in their hearts the words which he prayed” (3 Nephi 19:32–33). In verses 20–23 we read the words of the Savior’s actual prayer:

Father, I thank thee that thou hast given the Holy Ghost unto these whom I have chosen; and it is because of their belief in me that I have chosen them out of the world.

Father, I pray thee that thou wilt give the Holy Ghost unto all them that shall believe in their words.

Father, thou hast given them the Holy Ghost because they believe in me; and thou seest that they believe in me because thou hearest them, and they pray unto me; and they pray unto me because I am with them.

And now Father, I pray unto thee for them, and also for all those who shall believe on their words, that they may believe in me, that I may be in them as thou, Father, art in me, that we may be one. (3 Nephi 19:20–23)

Even if the people did not audibly hear the words the Savior spoke in his prayer, they were blessed to understand them. The Savior was a role model as he invited the Nephites to participate in praying with him. Perhaps to their surprise, they were also invited to receive the miraculous blessings of the prayer. He taught them by example about what a prayer might consist of, including gratitude, a request for the Holy Ghost to be with them, a prayer for others, and a prayer for testimony.

The Savior once again invited the Nephites to participate with him in his prayer—the disciples specifically by praying and the multitude by kneeling and participating (3 Nephi 19:16, 19). Here we see again that the Savior mentored the Nephites by teaching them how to pray by praying with them and not simply telling them to pray or having them watch him pray. As we lead others, this is an important mentoring lesson we learn from the Savior that we need to invite participation and active learning. As we do, those we serve can have their own spiritual experiences as the Nephites did. We read in 3 Nephi 19:24 that as the disciples were following the Savior’s example of prayer and prayed “without ceasing, . . . they were filled with desire.” The Savior’s example of prayer led the Nephites to strengthen their prayers, as well as their personal motivations. As role models, we can motivate those we serve to be filled with desire to live gospel principles with more commitment in their own lives.

In a third example of role modeling, we see the Savior’s support for the apostles. He showed the people how they should look to them in how they follow him. In 3 Nephi 12:1 the Savior told the Nephites directly, “Blessed are ye if ye shall give heed unto the words of these twelve whom I have chosen from among you to minister unto you, and to be your servants; and unto them I have given power that they may baptize you with water.” In his visit, the Savior was clear about his support for the leaders of his church. He also described them in terms of the service they would give, that they would “minister” and “be your servants” (3 Nephi 12:1).

In mentoring research, mentors positively influenced how mentees viewed the role model’s sponsoring organization.[12] As mentors, our support for the prophets and apostles follows the Savior’s example and helps those we mentor see that we know where to look for spiritual safety in challenging times. When they came to us with doubts about their faith or with questions in personal times of struggle and uncertainty, they will see us as trusted, faithful sources[13] to reassure them of the Savior’s love for them and of the truthfulness of the gospel. In his ministry to the Nephites, the Savior showed his support for the apostles by publicly presenting them in a united ministry with him. We can also see the Savior’s support of the Nephite apostles as a model for us today of following his living prophets and standing with them. He gave us a personal and a leadership example for the importance of sustaining his living prophets in our personal lives and as mentors to others.

Conclusion

The Savior’s numerous examples of mentoring can strengthen and inspire disciples of Christ to be more effective mentors as they minister to others and serve in their own Church callings and assignments. We can consider how to provide more empathetic emotional connection to those we mentor, how we can be more helpful in conveying knowledge, even in difficult situations, and how we can be role models who emulate the Savior’s example. In our professional relationships, we can consider how we might more effectively mentor a colleague, especially if correction needs to be given. In our family relationships, we can remember the importance of one-on-one time together as we hope to create eternal influence for good. We can also remember the Savior’s relatively brief time with the Nephites as we keep in mind the perspective that our love, commitment, and service will be the key to effective mentoring more than an arbitrary length of interaction.

While there will be challenges trying to follow the Savior’s perfect example of mentoring, we can take courage in our commitment to be better mentors from the Savior’s words to the Nephites. He said we could ask for gifts we need from our Heavenly Father:

, and it shall be given unto you; s, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened.

Or what man is there of you, who, if his son ask bread, will give him a stone?

Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? (3 Nephi 14:7–11)

We can ask for the gift of mentoring in the Savior’s way and have faith that he and our Heavenly Father will help us mentor like they do. The Savior also said to his disciples, “Hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do” (3 Nephi 18:24). The Savior has counseled us to hold up our light to the world. Mentoring gives us opportunities to share our light in gospel and secular contexts. We can study the Savior’s example of mentoring and know that he will help us magnify our light as we share his light of mentoring with others.

At the end of the record of his ministry in 3 Nephi, his final recorded words are “And the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and the Father giveth the Holy Ghost unto the children of men, because of me” (3 Nephi 28:11). Mentoring will be individual and will require unique skills and creative insights for individual mentoring opportunities across the world. As we assist our Heavenly Father in his eternal plan of bringing his children home, we can have confidence that the Holy Ghost will help us in our efforts to encourage them forward on the covenant path. We can develop the gifts we need to share the Savior’s light as we follow Heavenly Father’s and Jesus Christ’s examples of mentoring. We can learn to mentor as the Savior did.

Notes

[1] Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Young Adult Area Devotional with Elder Uchtdorf,” January 9, 2022. See also Neal A. Maxwell, “Jesus, the Perfect Mentor” (Church Educational System fireside at Brigham Young University, February 6, 2000).

[2] Camey L. Andersen and Richard E. West, “Improving Mentoring in Higher Education in Undergraduate Education

and Exploring Implications for Online Learning,” Revista de Educación a Distancia 20, no. 64 (2020). This article is a literature review of ten years (2008–18) of mentoring and higher education research. While research referenced mentoring and higher education, principles cited are applicable to general mentoring.

[3] Amaury Nora and Gloria Crisp, “Mentoring Students: Conceptualizing and Validating the Multi-dimensions of a Support System,” Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice 9, no. 3 (2007): 337–56. Their mentoring principles are based on a literature review of mentoring studies and are differentiated by their functional roles as opposed to definitions of mentors.

[4] Nora and Crisp, “Mentoring Students,” 342–43.

[5] Nora and Crisp, “Mentoring Students,” 349–50.

[6] Stephen Bear and Gwen Jones, “Students as Protégés: Factors that Lead to Success,” Journal of Management Education 41, no. 1 (2017): 146–68.

[7] Kathy Luckett and Thembi Luckett, “The Development of Agency in First Generation Learners in Higher Education: A Social Realist Analysis,” Teaching in Higher Education 14, no. 5 (2009): 469–81.

[8] Camey L. Andersen and Richard E. West, “‘We Overwhelm Them with Hope’: How Online Mentors Can Support Online Learners,” Online Learning 25, no. 4 (2021). This research studied online mentoring in a global higher education initiative (BYU-Pathway Worldwide). Many mentoring principles are applicable to general mentoring. See also Cara Poor and Shane Brown, “Increasing Retention of Women in Engineering at WSU: A Model for a Women’s Mentoring Program,” College Student Journal 47, no. 3 (2013): 421–28; Teresa Smith-Ruig, “Exploring the Links between Mentoring and Work-Integrated Learning,” Higher Education Research & Development 33, no. 4 (2014): 769–82.

[9] Russell M. Nelson, “The Correct Name of the Church,” Liahona, October 2018, 87–89. See also Neil L. Andersen, “The Name of the Church Is Not Negotiable,” Liahona, October 2021, 116–19.

[10] Andersen and West, “We Overwhelm Them with Hope.”

[11] Shouping Hu and Yanli Ma. “Mentoring and Student Persistence in College: A Study of the Washington State Achievers Program,” Innovative Higher Education 35, no. 5 (2010): 329–41.

[12] Ivan H. Allen and Samuel M. Lester Jr., “The Impact of a College Survival Skills Course and a Success Coach on Retention and Academic Performance,” Journal of Career and Technical Education 27, no. 1 (2012): 8–14; Jeanett Castellanos et al., “Mentoring Matters: Racial Ethnic Minority Undergraduates’ Cultural Fit, Mentorship, and College and Life Satisfaction,” Journal of College Reading and Learning 46, no. 2 (2016): 81–98.

[13] Russell M. Nelson, “Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains,” Liahona, April 2021, 103.