The first instruction was given to the Twelve. They are usually called “disciples” in 3 Nephi, but they were also apostles (Moroni 2:1–2). Jesus began by pronouncing what in English have come to be known as the “Beatitudes” (or as one Primary child called them, “The Beautiful Attitudes”), which are, in a sense, Jesus’ character in words. The English word Beatitude derives from the Latin beatus, which means “to be blessed” or “to be happy or fortunate.” It is the equivalent of the Hebrew ashrei, “blessed is/blessed are …” This ancient form of instruction is especially prevalent in the Psalms: “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly” (Psalm 1:1; see also 2:12; 32:1–2; 40:4; 41:2; 84:4; 106:3; 119:1–2; 128:1; and others). Thus Jesus used this ancient Israelite method of teaching to describe the characteristics and attributes we must possess if we desire membership in the kingdom of God—citizenship in the celestial kingdom. Perhaps that is why President Harold B. Lee stated that the Beatitudes embody “the constitution for a perfect life,” and that in them “the Master has given us somewhat of a revelation of his own character, which was perfect, or what might be said to be ‘an autobiography’ … and in so doing has given us a blueprint for our own lives.”23
In addition, the Beatitudes are particularly well-suited to the temple setting of this entire sermon in 3 Nephi (remember they were at the temple in Bountiful). Several of the Beatitudes are based on the Psalms, and many of the ancient Israelite Psalms were composed in or for the temple or adapted to the ancient Israelite temple service.24 The Lord gave four beatitudes to the Nephites before beginning the well-known collection in the New Testament (Matthew 5:3–12).
1. “Blessed are ye if ye shall give heed unto the words of these twelve.”
2. “Blessed are ye if ye shall believe in me and be baptized.”
3. “More blessed are they who shall believe in your words because that ye shall testify that ye have seen me.”
4. “Blessed are they who shall believe in your words, and come down into the depths of humility and be baptized.”
Elder Spencer J. Condie reminded us: “President Harold B. Lee … suggested that the Beatitudes represent a recipe for righteousness with incremental steps, beginning with ‘the poor in spirit who come unto [Christ]’ (3 Ne. 12:3; emphasis added). The next step in the celestial direction is to mourn, especially for our sins, for ‘godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation’ (2 Cor. 7:10). One then becomes meek and begins to hunger andthirst for righteousness. A natural sequel is a greater inclination to be merciful, an increased desire to become pure in heart, and a stronger desire to be a peacemaker (see 3 Ne. 12:5–9). But even the proper and inspired use of our moral agency has a price indicated in the next beatitude: ‘And blessed are all they who are persecuted for my name’s sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven’ (3 Ne. 12:3–10; emphasis added). As we climb the steps outlined in the Beatitudes, we soon humbly recognize that our lives are on a higher plane than those who love the things of this world. And notwithstanding our attempts to share with them gospel truths that can also elevate their lives, many of them will begin to persecute us and scoff at our lifestyle and point mocking fingers at those who have partaken of the fruits of the gospel (see 1 Ne. 8:26–27).
“The Savior reserved a special blessing for those who would be reviled and persecuted and falsely accused for His sake: ‘Ye shall have great joy and be exceedingly glad, for great shall be your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you’ (3 Ne. 12:11–12).”25