“The parable…recorded by Jacob in chapter five of his book, is one of the greatest parables ever recorded. This parable in and of itself stamps the Book of Mormon with convincing truth. No mortal man, without the inspiration of the Lord, could have written such a parable. It is a pity that too many of those who read the Book of Mormon pass over and slight the truths which it conveys in relation to the history, scattering, and final gathering of Israel” (Answers to Gospel Questions, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith Jr., 5 vols. [1957–66], 4:141).
Jacob wrote 7 chapters, commanded by Nephi to only write the most important things pertaining to the will of the Lord. One of the chapters is 77 verses long. It gives the detailed analogy, or parable, of the olive tree vineyard. The previous chapters lead up to this great analogy, and the chapters that follow bring it to a nice close. Why so much effort to portray this analogy? If read with just light effort it gives a great account of the scattering of Israel, the teaching and conversion of the gentiles, missionary work, the gathering of Israel, and the cycle of iniquity and repentance. Then if you read it with sincerity, wanting to know the full message that the Lord wants us to understand, you realize it is a parable about love, forgiveness, compassion, understanding, rescuing, effort, emotions, and determination. This parable can be used to help us not only in missionary work, but in our homes, our communities, our country, and the world. I fell in love with Jacob 5, and am hoping to give you a little insight to how encouraging and motivating this chapter is. There’s no way possible to put everything into one post, so I am going to ramble on for a bit, and when you catch the excitement, please go study Jacob 5. Take your time, pray, think, and then start applying it to every aspect of your life. Open your hearts and eyes to how the Lord can you use you today, right now, to prune the vineyard and bring good fruit to those around you. As you pray, the Lord will guide, then you can act, and partner with the Lord in this great work of saving souls. This isn’t just a gospel of conversion, we aren’t in competition with any other religion. This is a gospel of forgiveness and love. Christ’s light will shine brightest as we spread genuine, heartfelt love for others. Kindness, service, and generosity are some of the sweetest fruits available. Start with your own olive tree, and work diligently to rid yourself of the wild branches. Graft in the good branches, and nourish your roots with the Love of God. As you do this, you will find that you bear sweet fruit, it will pour out of your heart, and others will want to have what you have. This is how it works. Share the joy that you have, and help others graft in the goodness into their lives. As we labor diligently with the Savior, we will help gather Israel, lift others, and change lives. The ultimate goal is for everyone to have sweet fruit pouring from them, so that we as a community, country, world, can look to the Lord with one accorded, serve him faithfully, and return home joyously.
Why does the Lord use the olive tree for this analogy? Why not the great oak or the redwood? Russell M. Nelson gives a good discription of the significance of the olive tree.
“Olive trees are special in the Holy Land. The olive branch is universally regarded as a symbol of peace. This tree provides food, light, heat, lumber, ointments, and medicine. It is now, as it was then, crucial to life in Israel. It is not a deciduous tree, but everbearing—always green. Even if the tree is chopped down, life will spring from its roots, suggesting everlasting life. Jewish tradition often refers to the olive tree as the tree of life. To me it seems to prefigure the Resurrection.”(Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Why This Holy Land?” Ensign, Dec. 1989, 17–18)
Exactly! The olive tree represents life, which is what each and every one of us is doing, we are living right now. If we choose to live with Christ as our master, then this analogy will give us great insight to help us get through the difficult moments of trials or distractions that try to pull us away from Him.
Jeremiah 11:16 The Lord called thy name, A green olive tree, fair, and of goodly fruit: with the noise of a great tumult he hath kindled fire upon it, and the branches of it are broken.
Jeremiah refers to the green olive tree. Why? Because green represents life. I am not a talented gardener, therefore, many of my plants die. They slowly lose their green beauty, and wither into a brown plant until all life leaves and they crumble to the ground. Our source of light and life is Christ and Christ only. When we make choices that take us away from that source of light, we, too, will gradually lose that life that brings ultimate joy and peace. After an extended period of walking where their is no spiritual nourishment, we will eventually spiritually crumble. I have had many times when I thought that my plants were dead, and I was devastated that I had once again failed in my garden. I immediately started to be more attentive to these withered plants–both watering and nourishing them with renewed interest. It is amazing to watch as life slowly comes back into their stems and leaves. Their crispy leaves gain soft, pliable leaves again, ready to grow in the light. This is exactly what Jacob tells us over and over again. Christ never gives up on us, even when he feels all must be lost, he tries again and again and again.
Amos 4:9 I have smitten you with blasting and mildew: when your gardens and your vineyards and your fig trees and your olive trees increased, the palmerworm devoured them: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord.
Just as green represents life, locusts and other insects eat the green leaves, representing what Satan does to us. He sends “bugs” into our lives to expose our weaknesses and shortcomings. We must fight the bugs, not allowing them to eat their way through us, or they will also devour us spiritually. The only cure to get rid of our “bugs” in our lives is repentance. Through repentance, we can kill the devouring insects, and keep our minds, bodies, and souls free from Satan’s attacks.
James 3:12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
James explains another important part of the olive tree analogy. An olive tree is an olive tree, it’s not a fig tree, or an oak tree. It is an olive tree, and only an olive tree. We must decide who we are. We can only serve one master, the Master that we serve suffered for us in a grove of olive trees. We, too, are diving beings, and in need of nourishment from our Master. As we make choices in life, we must consider which master we follow, and make our choices accordingly. As we review the analogy of the olive tree, keep in mind who The Master is, and how much He loves us. Let’s follow Him. Let’s take it even further, and choose to be a servant working in the vineyard with Christ, side-by-side. Let’s remember all He has done for us, and all he continues to do for us.
“Jesus came to the base of the Mount of Olives to effect the first component of the Atonement. This He did at the Garden of Gethsemane. The word Gethsemane comes from two Hebrew roots: gath, meaning ‘press,’ and shemen, meaning ‘oil,’ especially that of the olive.
“There olives had been pressed under the weight of great stone wheels to squeeze precious oil from the olives. So the Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane was literally pressed under the weight of the sins of the world. He sweated great drops of blood—His life’s ‘oil’—which issued from every pore. (See Luke 22:44; D&C 19:18.)
“… Remember, just as the body of the olive, which was pressed for the oil that gave light, so the Savior was pressed. From every pore oozed the lifeblood of our Redeemer. Throughout the joyous days of your mission, when your cup of gladness runs over, remember His cup of bitterness which made it possible. And when sore trials come upon you, remember Gethsemane.” Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Why This Holy Land?” Ensign, Dec. 1989, 17–18.
Now let’s break down the parable. Remember, as you study this parable and pray about it, you will be able to apply it to YOUR life right now!
Verse three is a good introduction.
Jacob 5:3 For behold, thus saith the Lord, I will liken thee, O house of Israel, like unto a tame olive tree, which a man took and nourished in his vineyard; and it grew, and waxed old, and began to decay.
Verse four Introduces the Master, Jesus Christ, who has unbelievable faith in us:
Jacob 5:4 And it came to pass that the master of the vineyard went forth, and he saw that his olive tree began to decay; and he said: I will prune it, and dig about it, and nourish it, that perhaps it may shoot forth young and tender branches, and it perish not.
With the stage set, we can get started!
Jacob. 5:5 And it came to pass that he pruned it, and digged about it, and nourished it according to his word.
Christ puts all His effort forth to help us grow strong, he labors diligently, pruning us. When I think of pruning I think of love. The currant bush analogy is perfect for this understand. The Lord will cut us back, so that we can grow taller and more full. He will give us trials, so that we can accomplish greatness, and grow in His light. He will also bring tender mercies all along the way, to lift our burdens, so that our growth is joyous.
“How could you do this to me? I was making such wonderful growth. … And now you have cut me down. Every plant in the garden will look down on me. … How could you do this to me? I thought you were the gardener here.”
(Gardner) replied “Look, little currant bush, I am the gardener here, and I know what I want you to be. I didn’t intend you to be a fruit tree or a shade tree. I want you to be a currant bush, and someday, little currant bush, when you are laden with fruit, you are going to say, ‘Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for loving me enough to cut me down.” -D. Todd Christofferson
Jacob 5:6 And it came to pass that after many days it began to put forth somewhat a little, young and tender branches; but behold, the main top thereof began to perish.
After lots of tender mercies, laboring diligently, His work starts to shine forth, and tender branches appear, but the tops are perishing. Is this not what happens? It is the pride cycle; we struggle, he loves us, we start to grow, then we think we’ve got it on our own and we turn away. If we aren’t fully focused on the Savior we won’t be able to grow fully, our tops must be looking at Him as well. We can’t be half in and half out. We can’t only turn to the Lord when we are struggling and then forget him when times are good. Like Job of old, we must look to him always through prosperity and despair. We must look to Christ and not look back. Think of Lot’s wife in the Old Testament, who looked back and turned to salt. It’s because she couldn’t fully commit, she was halfway in and halfway out, and so her gaze turned back. We must keep our gaze forward. I also think of Laman and Lemuel, who were obedient in many ways, they followed their father, and left their home, friends, and their lives in Jerusalem. They journeyed through the wilderness for all the same years as the rest of the family, they got on the boat and sailed across unknown waters. Yet, they never allowed their hearts to be turned to the Lord. They didn’t ask in prayer for help and guidance, they didn’t ask to understand why this was all necessary. They were just mindlessly following, building a grudge of bitterness the entire time. Eventually the feelings of their hearts and minds overrode their obedience to their father and for generations their posterity fought against God. We have to be all in.
“There is a lie—a vicious lie—circulating…and taking its toll among the young. And it is that a “balanced man” is one who deliberately guards against becoming too righteous. This lie would have you believe that it is possible to live successfully and happily as a “double-minded man” with one foot in Babylon and one foot in Zion. (See James 1:8.)” -Carlos E. Asay
Jacob 5: 7 And it came to pass that the master of the vineyard saw it, and he said unto his servant: It grieveth me that I should lose this tree;
This is a devastating image in my mind, Christ being devastated over our actions. I can’t imagine. After all his hard work, all his love, and nourishment, and we still look away. We still become corrupt, we still allow the bugs to come and devour our green leaves.
“It is Heavenly Father who gives us our daily bread, which includes both the food we eat and the strength we need to keep His commandments. The Father gives good gifts. He hears and answers our prayers. Heavenly Father delivers us from evil when we let Him. He weeps for us when we suffer. Ultimately, all of our blessings come from the Father.
Heavenly Father guides us and gives us the experiences we need based on our strengths, weaknesses, and choices so that we might bear good fruit. The Father chastens us when necessary because He loves us. He is a “Man of Counsel,” who will counsel with us if we ask.” -Brian K. Ashton
Jacob 5:9 Take thou the branches of the wild olive tree, and graft them in, in the stead thereof; and these which I have plucked off I will cast into the fire and burn them, that they may not cumber the ground of my vineyard.
This is the best, most simple description of how to rid ourselves of those bugs, or sins in our lives. Those things that grieveth the Savior, and that stop our tree from providing good fruit. He tells us that we must pluck off the wild branches, those things in our lives that are devouring our spiritual growth. We must pluck them off, and burn them. We must flee from evil like Joseph of Old. We must bury our sins deep in the earth, never to dig them back up, so that they will never tarnish our good branches again.
“When our best efforts are not quite enough, it is through His grace that we receive the strength to keep trying. The Lord says: “If men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.” -Julie B Beck
Jacob 5:13 And these will I place in the nethermost part of my vineyard, whithersoever I will, it mattereth not unto thee; and I do it that I may preserve unto myself the natural branches of the tree; and also, that I may lay up fruit thereof against the season, unto myself; for it grieveth me that I should lose this tree and the fruit thereof.
Within the first 13 verses of this chapter, the Lord has continually pruned, dug, grafted, and nourished the olive trees in an attempt to not lose them. As I read this I realized that the Lord will go to every possible extent to try and save His children from destruction. No matter what we have done, he is willing to help us back to the life. He is aware of all his trees, those in the north, south, east, and west. This parable clearly shows that when the Lord tells us that we should forgive 70 x 70 times, it is because he forgives us that many times. He is begging us to follow Him, to trust Him.
“God Almighty is my shield; and what can man do if God is my friend?” (Joseph Smith in History of the Church, 5:259).
Jacob 5: 15…Come, let us go down into the vineyard, that we may labor in the vineyard.
16 And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard, and also the servant, went down into the vineyard to labor. And it came to pass that the servant said unto his master: Behold, look here; behold the tree.
He is asking those who are following Him, who are bearing good fruit to help him. Just like President Russell M. Nelson has asked us all to help gather Israel and to nourish our vineyards. What are our vineyards? It can be our homes where we can show patience, love, and instruction. It can be in our communities where we support good leaders, be honest in our dealings with others, and forgive all who trespass against us. My favorite part is that the Lord will labor with us, side by side. We are doing His work, and He is anxious to gather ALL who will listen.
“These surely are the latter days, and the Lord is hastening His work to gather Israel. That gathering is the most important thing taking place on earth today. Nothing else compares in magnitude, nothing else compares in importance, nothing else compares in majesty. And if you choose to, if you want to, you can be a big part of it. You can be a big part of something big, something grand, something majestic!” -President Russell M. Nelson
Jacob 5:17 And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard looked and beheld the tree in the which the wild olive branches had been grafted; and it had sprung forth and begun to bear fruit. And he beheld that it was good; and the fruit thereof was like unto the natural fruit.
18 And he said unto the servant: Behold, the branches of the wild tree have taken hold of the moisture of the root thereof, that the root thereof hath brought forth much strength; and because of the much strength of the root thereof the wild branches have brought forth tame fruit. Now, if we had not grafted in these branches, the tree thereof would have perished. And now, behold, I shall lay up much fruit, which the tree thereof hath brought forth; and the fruit thereof I shall lay up against the season, unto mine own self.
Have you ever worked hard at a garden, and then the fruit and veggies start to bear fruit? There’s such a joy that comes from the success of those plants that you love so much. Every day, you spend tending to your plants, loving them, nourishing them, and pulling out the weeds that threaten to take over. Christ feels the same way. It brings him great joy when we are conquering our weaknesses, honoring him, and living every day in His light, through looking outward and upward. I also love the effort you can feel in this verse. He is excited about the success that he sees with one of his wild branches. As the nourishment from the root came up, it started to soften and bring forth good fruit. That is exactly how it works. Those times in our lives where we feel distant from the Lord, for whatever reason, we just need to go back to the basics and be nourished. Through prayer, scriptures, temple work, service, and other nourishments, our hearts will soften, distractions will fall back into balance, and we can once again align our lives with the Saviors.
“Lay up against the season”, just like fall, spring, winter, and summer, the Lord fully understands that life offers different challenges with each “season”. He will prepare us for these, so that we are ready for whatever life brings, whether it is the bitter cold of loss, the burning heat of financial obligations, the pour raining of illness, or just the falling leaves of mortality. Mark always tells me during those beautiful sunsets nights of life, when the temperature is perfect, that we can enjoy our evening walk, but be ready for a tornado, or flood to come. “Whenever life seems perfect, I know there’s a trial ahead?” -(Mark Jorgensen) We must always be laboring in our own vineyards, and preparing for whatever comes our way. Adversity and mortality are real and present in everyone’s life.
“Accept trials, setbacks, and “surprises” as part of your mortal experience. Remember that you are here to be proved and tested, “to see if [you] will do all things whatsoever the Lord [your] God shall command [you]” (Abraham 3:25)” -Elder Jörg Klebingat
Jacob 5:20…this long time have I nourished it, and it hath brought forth much fruit.
It takes time to bring forth the desirable fruit. We learn line upon line, here a little, there a little. It’s a beautiful progression, because the knowledge of the love of the Lord is ever growing, As we follow the masters guidance, and accept his nourishment, we will feel a steady increase of understanding, and love. Once we start to grow in the love and knowledge of the Lord, goodness will fill our lives and we will be able to share that with others. This goodness is spread from one person to another, and changes lives one at a a time. As we feel the love of the Lord in our lives, we should be ever grateful, for it comes from constant, diligent work from our Savior.
“Revelation and testimony do not always come with overwhelming force. For many, a testimony comes slowly—a piece at a time. Sometimes it comes so gradually that it is hard to recall the exact moment we actually knew the gospel was true. The Lord gives us “line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little.”
In some ways, our testimony is like a snowball that grows larger with every turn. We start out with a small amount of light—even if it is only a desire to believe. Gradually, “light cleaveth unto light,” and “he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day,” when “in due time [we] receive of his fulness.”- Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Jacob 5:21 And it came to pass that the servant said unto his master: How comest thou hither to plant this tree, or this branch of the tree? For behold, it was the poorest spot in all the land of thy vineyard. 22 And the Lord of the vineyard said unto him: Counsel me not; I knew that it was a poor spot of ground; wherefore, I said unto thee, I have nourished it this long time, and thou beholdest that it hath brought forth much fruit.
The Lord can bring forth good fruit in the most difficult times in our lives. He also can find faithful, God-fearing people in the most unlikely places. His work is ever stretching, there is no end. He works diligently in all soils and all lands to bring to pass the immortality of man. He is determined to save all His children, if they choose to follow. There is no place you can go that is out of the reach of the Savior’s hand. His hand is always extended, and always ready to grab hold of you and rescue you. Once we look to him, grab his hand, and follow, we will be shocked at the goodness we can bear.
“Our challenges, including those we create by our own decisions, are part of our test in mortality. Let me assure you that your situation is not beyond the reach of our Savior. Through Him, every struggle can be for our experience and our good (see D&C 122:7). Each temptation we overcome is to strengthen us, not destroy us. The Lord will never allow us to suffer beyond what we can endure (see 1 Corinthians 10:13).
We must remember that the adversary knows us extremely well. He knows where, when, and how to tempt us. If we are obedient to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, we can learn to recognize the adversary’s enticements. Before we yield to temptation, we must learn to say with unflinching resolve, “Get thee behind me, Satan” (Matthew 16:23).” -Robert D. Hales
Jacob 5:25 …I planted in a good spot of ground; and I have nourished it this long time, and only a part of the tree hath brought forth tame fruit, and the other part of the tree hath brought forth wild fruit; behold, I have nourished this tree like unto the others.
In the mission field, often the greatest conversions are found in the most humble situations. I believe this is because humility is essential to our ability to look up, and accept the Saviors help in our lives. Prosperity seems to be a canker to humility. People with much seem to think they don’t need the Lord, they can do it on their own. That is another good aspect of trials, they soften our hearts. They are often the pruning we need to focus on the Lord. In complete opposites, distractions are used by the devil to move us away from the Lord. Often what appears good to the world, is not good for our souls. It is wise for us to be extremely careful with the distractions we allow in our lives, because whether we like it or not, the info we put in our minds will affect our hearts and minds. Likewise, trials may appear bad, yet, are often good, if we will allow the Lord to work through them to strengthen us and make our weaknesses strong.
Then it all starts again, the work of the master, he refuses to give up on us. 27- “Let’s prune it, and dig about it, and nourish it a little longer.” Here we go again, the Lord is giving us another chance, he loves us too much to lose us to what he knows is utter spiritual destruction. Yet, the trees are unable to listen or to accept the Lord’s nourishment, they allow the wild branches to take root, and instead of good fruit, vs 30 “All sorts of fruit did cumber the tree.”The Lord is exhausted with his labors in vain, vs 31-32 “Behold, this long time have we nourished the tree, and I have laid up unto myself against the season much fruit. …..this time it hath brought forth much fruit, and there in NONE OF IT WHICH IS GOOD.”
Then he tells how these are his best trees, those that he knows have good roots. vs 36 “Nevertheless, I know that the roots are good, and for mine own purpose I have preserved them; and because of their much strength they have hitherto brought forth, from the wild branches, good fruit.”Does this not sound like President Russell M. Nelson’s devotional to the youth, as he calls the youth the best that have ever come, the finest players? The Lord has saved his best for last, he has a great purpose. With that comes Satan’s greatest tactics, he plans to lie, trick, distract, persuade, and capture the elect. The elect are YOU! We are the elect. The Lord needs us. If you are living on the earth right now… you have been saved for a great purpose. Your roots are strong. You were the top warriors in the preexistence.
“Our Heavenly Father has reserved many of His most noble spirits—perhaps, I might say, His finest team—for this final phase. Those noble spirits—those finest players, those heroes—are you!” -President Russell M. Nelson
Jacob 5:41 And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard wept, and said unto the servant: What could I have done more for my vineyard?
Have you ever wept over something that you have labored long and hard to earn, but is lost? Or a gift that is the most special to you? There is nothing more precious or special then our children. I have seen and heard the tears of a mother who lost her son. It is the most devastating sound that I have ever heard. I have seen a mother weep over a wayward child as well, and it is heartbreaking! Here we read that the Savior wept. He stands in his vineyard, and weeps from the lost trees, even his finest, the ones with the strongest roots, the ones he saved until the end, knowing they were strong enough to rescue the others. Yet, none were good. He is devastated, and heart broken. It breaks my heart to even think about it. He gives a good description of how sad he is, “this last, whose branch hath withered away, I did plant in a good spot of ground; yea, even that which was choice unto me above all other parts of the land of my vineyard.” (Jacob 5:43)
Wake up America!!! Is this not directly speaking to us? We live in the choice land, choice above all other land. Christ expects so much from us, why do we not keep focused? He isn’t asking us to do it alone, he is asking us to labor alongside him. He needs us! We need him. Others need us! And we need them!
“Consider the principle taught in the sequence of this scriptural injunction: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength” (D&C 59:5; emphasis added). What the Lord requires first is our hearts. Imagine how our choices would be affected if we loved the Savior above all else. How we would spend our time and money, or dress on a hot summer day, or respond to the call to visit teach and take care of one another, or react to media that offend the Spirit.” -Sheri L. Dew
Jacob 5:47 But what could I have done more in my vineyard?….and I have stretched forth mine hand almost all the day long, and the end draweth nigh.
Here again is the cry of a parent. What more could I have done? I tried my absolute best to save my trees. If we think of our own efforts as parents, it is crushing to hear how sad the Lord is. Then to think of his perfect effort, his all power, all knowing, all understanding, and his perfect mercy, all stretched out and available to us. Yet, we disregard it as nothing of importance. This chapter is so emotional, the Lord is pouring out his heart to us, so that we can understand what is happening, and hopefully, stay clear of the lies and distractions that encumber our branches and spoil our fruit.
“The writings of Jesus’s early Apostles frequently use the image of “the world” to represent opposition to gospel teachings. “Be not conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2), the Apostle Paul taught. “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God” (1 Corinthians 3:19). And, “Beware,” he warned, “lest any man spoil you … after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Colossians 2:8). The Apostle James taught that “the friendship of the world is enmity with God[.] Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4).” – Dallin H. Oaks
Jacob 5:48 And it came to pass that the servant said unto his master: Is it not the loftiness of thy vineyard—have not the branches thereof overcome the roots which are good? And because the branches have overcome the roots thereof, behold they grew faster than the strength of the roots, taking strength unto themselves. Behold, I say, is not this the cause that the trees of thy vineyard have become corrupted?
Here is the key to what happens to us quickly if we are not careful and purposeful in our living. The Lord asks “What else could I have done?” And the servant responds with the reality of what happens to the vineyard that caused the corrupt fruit. Remember this is the Lord’s finest, grown on the best soil, with strong roots. “Is it not the LOFTINESS?” What is loftiness? It is a word used when one acts high above others. This sounds familiar? I would say that its synonym is PRIDE! Which is the opposite of humble, meek, or soft hearted. The branches were so full of pride that they over took those strong roots, and bypassed the good soil, and spoiled the tree.
“See that ye are not lifted up unto pride; yea, see that ye do not boast in your own wisdom, nor of your much strength.
“Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness.” Alma 38:11-12
Jacob 5: 51 And the Lord said: Yea, I will spare it a little longer, for it grieveth me that I should lose the trees of my vineyard.
The most beautiful response from the Lord, who is grieving over the condition of his vineyard. Let’s not give up hope. Let’s labor a little more, put more effort forth. Let’s keeping trying.
Parents, remember this when your teens are making you weep. Don’t give up! Keep trying!! Believe in them, even if their fruit is currently spoiled.
“Perseverance is demonstrated by those who keep going when the going gets tough, who don’t give up even when others say, “It can’t be done.”-James E. Faust
Jacob 5:52 Wherefore, let us take of the branches of these which I have planted in the nethermost parts of my vineyard, and let us graft them into the tree from whence they came; and let us pluck from the tree those branches whose fruit is most bitter, and graft in the natural branches of the tree in the stead thereof. 53 And this will I do that the tree may not perish, that, perhaps, I may preserve unto myself the roots thereof for mine own purpose.
The Lord starts all over, from the beginning. He is going to graft, pluck, burn, and cut back. He must cut down the pride, so that humility may enter the hearts of His followers. Think currant bush again.
This is such an act of love. The Lord cuts us back so that we can grow taller. He knows our potential and doesn’t want us to grow in the wrong directions or to be over run by weeds. He is in a constant motion of helping us to have the best, most joy filled life possible.
This is another principle we should apply to our families, the idea of constant change. It’s true that anything left alone becomes chaotic or dies. We are in need of everyday nourishment, everyday pruning, and everyday learning. My mom always taught me the pyramid theory. I love this theory because it is simple, and easy to pull out of the minds filing cabinet when frustrated and trying to figure out what to do or how to fix a situation. It’s a three tier theory. God is at the top, then marriage, and then the family. If the family unit isn’t working, then put your focus up a tier. If your battling with your kids, focus on your marriage and make sure your relationship with your spouse is strong and healthy. If that needs help, then go up another tier, strengthen your relationship with God. Once your relationship with God is strong that filters down to marriage, and then to children, making the family unit healthy and strong. I have found this to be fool proof. It is natural to think that if the battle with children is intense, then focusing on the children will fix it, but what happens is often a higher relationship is suffering, which then aids the disruption below. We need to constantly fight pride with our learning from God, pride in our marriages, and pride with our children. As we recognize that, we can do a lot in fixing ourselves, then progress starts to happen. The reason this works is because it takes the focus off others. We can’t change others, but we can change ourselves. With the help and guidance of the Lord, we are able to know what we need to change to improve the different tiers.
Think of how humble God was in designing the plan of salvation. Satan’s plan was low risk, high on success and glory. Every one of his spirit children would get the chance to live, but wouldn’t have agency, but all would return home, spotless. Spotless, without any knowledge or understanding. We would be completely dependent on our Heavenly Father for all wisdom, knowledge, and compassion. We wouldn’t have the ability to progress, because we wouldn’t possess the necessary understanding that is needed for eternal progression. Through His selfless, humble character, God gave us agency. The ability to choose for ourselves, right or wrong, and good or bad. It’s our turn to be selfless and humble and follow Him, with His all knowing, all caring, all understanding, and all love. He is in this for us, we just have to trust him to love us more than we love ourselves and to know more then we know. We need to accept the pruning and allow it to take root, so we can blossom with good fruit. Then we can please the father and his greatest wish come true,“this I do that the tree may not perish, that, perhaps, I may preserve unto myself the roots thereof for mine own purpose.” (Jacob 5:53)
How exciting is this? He has a purpose for us. This alone sends chills up my spine, because it makes me feel so important. This world is huge, and there are so many people, it’s sometimes hard to believe that we are actually part of a bigger plan. That the Lord has a plan for us, one we may not understand. He is willing to put forth all effort to preserve us for this purpose, of which we are the star.
“Even though we may not have seen our Savior with our physical eyes, we can know that He lives. As we draw closer to Him, as we seek to receive a personal witness through the Holy Ghost of His divine mission, we will have a better understanding of our purpose; the love of God will dwell in our hearts; we will have the determination to be one in the kaleidoscopes of our families, wards, and communities; and we will minister to each other “in newer, better ways.” -Reyna I. Aburto
Jacob 5:54 And, behold, the roots of the natural branches of the tree which I planted whithersoever I would are yet alive; wherefore, that I may preserve them also for mine own purpose, I will take of the branches of this tree, and I will graft them in unto them. Yea, I will graft in unto them the branches of their mother tree, that I may preserve the roots also unto mine own self, that when they shall be sufficiently strong perhaps they may bring forth good fruit unto me, and I may yet have glory in the fruit of my vineyard.
The Lord put great effort into preserving The Book of Mormon as well. All those stories, were not only lived, but recorded to aid us in the latter days. Moroni’s lonely sacrifice to protect the sacred records for us. Joseph Smith’s courage and determination to follow through fully, so that the Gospel of Jesus Christ could be here on earth again, in it’s fullness. The early saints left their homes and possessions to walk west, follow the prophet of God, to a land they knew nothing about. All this we done so that we would have the Book of Mormon in our homes and be able to apply it in our lives, so that we could be tools for the Lord in gathering Israel, and bringing Christ to the whole world. All this effort was put into place for thousands of years previous to the time when the Book of Mormon was actually going to come to the earth. At the same time, there was destruction happening to God’s precious words. The Bible was being tossed to and fro among political rulers, and dictated to support their own personal desires. The entire time the Lord was watching, pruning, and preparing his vineyard to have the full fruits again. He was aware of the evil designs of man, and the lost simple truths that occurred over centuries. The entire time he was in motion to restore that which was lost. Do we doubt that he can not only fix us, but has a plan in motion to help us restore that which has been robbed through the tricks of the adversary, so that we can become great. We are precious in the sight of God, each and every one of us. So not only is he in constant motion to help us, but he is in constant motion to help others. Along the way he needs “Moronis” who are willing to sacrifice to help others reach their potential too. Then we have more than just a tree with good fruit, we have a vineyard with good fruit. It is absolutely amazing!!
“God, who oversees the interlacings of galaxies, stars, and worlds, asks us to confess His hand in our personal lives, too (see D&C 59:21). Have we not been reassured about the fall of one sparrow and that the very hairs of our heads are numbered? (see Matt. 10:29–30; D&C 84:80). God is in the details! Just as the Lord knows all of His vast creations, He also knows and loves each in any crowd—indeed, He knows and loves each and all of mankind! (see 1 Ne. 11:17).” -Neal A. Maxwell
Jacob 5: 59 And this I do that, perhaps, the roots thereof may take strength because of their goodness; and because of the change of the branches, that the good may overcome the evil.
As we understand this better, it helps us to then see that trials, or pruning, are truly gifts from God, for they build our character and prepare us for eternity. These are skills and an education that can’t be obtained at the universities. Trials are as if we area being tutored by Heavenly Father himself, if we will allow him to teach and guide us. The Book of Mormon is a tool that has been preserved for our day to help us. Through its teachings and the spirit it brings our lives, we will feel the Lord’s love during the toughest moments in our lives.
“The attitude with which we approach each day controls the outcome. We must be more concerned with what we do with what happens to us than what happens to us. Proper attitude toward self is an eternal pursuit. Positive personal attitude will insist that we deliver our best, even though less might seem adequate for the moment. Proper attitude demands we be realistic—even tough with ourselves and self-disciplining.”-Marvin J. Ashton
Jacob 5:61 Wherefore, go to, and call servants, that we may labor diligently with our might in the vineyard, that we may prepare the way, that I may bring forth again the natural fruit, which natural fruit is good and the most precious above all other fruit.
We need to labor with the Lord. Missionary Work is necessary to fully harvest the vineyard. Through our efforts to help others, we will be working side by side the Savior. This is the most important work that is on the earth today.
“We need to get up off the couch, put down the remote, and wake up from our spiritual slumber. It is time to put on the full armor of God so we can engage in the most important work on earth. It is time to “thrust in [our] sickles, and reap with all [our] might, mind, and strength.” The forces of evil have never raged more forcefully than they do today. As servants of the Lord, we cannot be asleep while this battle rages.” President Russell M. Nelson (April 2019)
Jacob: 64 Wherefore, dig about them, and prune them, and dung them once more, for the last time, for the end draweth nigh. And if it be so that these last grafts shall grow, and bring forth the natural fruit, then shall ye prepare the way for them, that they may grow.
65 And as they begin to grow ye shall clear away the branches which bring forth bitter fruit, according to the strength of the good and the size thereof; and ye shall not clear away the bad thereof all at once, lest the roots thereof should be too strong for the graft, and the graft thereof shall perish, and I lose the trees of my vineyard.
After asking for help from us, he gives us the best advice. Be patient. As you find people who are interested in the church, or who want to find a relationship with Christ, take it slow. This is a huge reminder to all of us. This is why we can’t judge someone else for where they are on the path to Christ. We don’t know what bad branches they are dealing with. It’s not a process that is accomplished overnight, it takes time. We need to understand this for ourselves and for others. We need to stick with it, stay true to what we know, and allow the pruning to take place. Then as we help teach and nourish others growing testimonies, we need to be patient with them as well. Leave all judging aside, and just be a friend, full of kindness, and ready to serve and assist. If we can’t allow the process to take place, and we try to force instant change on others, we can destroy them all together.
“If you open your mind and heart to receive the Light of Christ and humbly follow the Savior, you will receive more light. Line upon line, here a little and there a little, you will gather more light and truth into your souls until darkness has been banished from your life.
God will open your eyes.
God will give you a new heart.
God’s love, light, and truth will cause dormant things to spring to life, and you will be reborn into a newness of life in Christ Jesus.
The Lord has promised, “If your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.”
This is the ultimate remedy for spiritual sickness. Darkness vanishes in the presence of light.” -Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Jacob 5:66 For it grieveth me that I should lose the trees of my vineyard; wherefore ye shall clear away the bad according as the good shall grow, that the root and the top may be equal in strength, until the good shall overcome the bad, and the bad be hewn down and cast into the fire, that they cumber not the ground of my vineyard; and thus will I sweep away the bad out of my vineyard.
I am a witness of the beautiful process of conversation when accompanied by a faithful servant of the Lord. There was an investigator who came with the missionaries a couple of times. One of the sisters in the ward took her under her wing, and she brought her to church every week. Every week she sat with this family, right up front. Which was a good view for me as I sat in the rear. Over a couple years time, it was amazing to watch the transformation of this investigator, who was soon be baptized, as her countenance changed, and she slowly developed her own light. During this time, I watched as theses two ladies became the dearest friends. I realized that all new members, or struggling members need a friend–one who sits with them every week, who laughs with them, and who cries with them. It was the most beautiful visual description of what the Lord is asking us to do. He is asking us to seek out those who want to know Christ, and want to partake in the restored gospel, then he is asking us to work diligently and tenderly to help their testimonies and confidence in who they are grow. It’s here a little there a little. Everyone’s “little” is different.
As we work diligently to rid the vineyard of the bad branches, there will come a distinct separation, and the bad will be destroyed and the good will flourish.
“My heartfelt plea is that we will encourage, accept, understand, and love those who are struggling with their faith. We must never neglect any of our brothers and sisters. We are all at different places on the path, and we need to minister to one another accordingly.” -M. Russell Ballard
Jacob 5:68 And the branches of the natural tree will I graft into the natural branches of the tree; and thus will I bring them together again, that they shall bring forth the natural fruit, and they shall be one.
This is the climax of the entire chapter, in my opinion. If we follow what the Lord is asking us to do, if we labor with him in the vineyard, and patiently prune, dig, and pluck, then, over time, the vineyard will be ripe with goodness and all will become one. He is teaching us how to become one in our marriages, as families, and as a church family. It first and foremost involves having the Lord as our master, and remembering that we labor with him and for him. Then it takes understanding, kindness, and love, for ourselves and for others. Forgiveness is absolutely necessary, as we are dealing with all sorts of bad branches, and different trees, so our hearts need to be pure towards one another. Then we can come to Christ as ONE.
“On every continent and across isles of the sea, the faithful are being gathered into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Differences in cultural background, language, gender, and facial features fade into insignificance as members lose themselves in service to their beloved Savior. Paul’s declaration is being fulfilled: “As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” -Russell M. Nelson
Jacob 5: 70 And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard sent his servant; and the servant went and did as the Lord had commanded him, and brought other servants; and they were few.
71 And the Lord of the vineyard said unto them: Go to, and labor in the vineyard, with your might. For behold, this is the last time that I shall nourish my vineyard; for the end is nigh at hand, and the season speedily cometh; and if ye labor with your might with me ye shall have joy in the fruit which I shall lay up unto myself against the time which will soon come.
Even though we are taught that this is what we need to do, that we need to labor with the Lord in the vineyard, even though the prophet today has told us that this is the most important work on the earth today, there will only be a few who will except the invitation to labor with him. When reading Jacob, I used to wonder why only a few came to help. As the years have passed, and the invitation has been extended to us numerous times, I am starting to see why only a few respond to the invite. It’s scary, and hard to know where to start. There are so many distractions taking our time, it is difficult to find time to work in the vineyard. However, we have been asked to help, so we need to find ways to share the joy that we have. We need to ask the Lord to help us know how we can help. What joy that will bring when we can stand in front of the Savior and say, I was one of the few who labored with you. The truth is that the work will be done, whether at the hands of many or few. The Lord’s plan will not be frustrated by Satan’s distractions. We just have to decide if we are willing to make the sacrifices necessary to help the Lord. The work is already moving forward, and laborers are in great need. So the best day to start is today.
“We do His work. Great is the charge He has given us to “warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ.” Ours is a call to labor with all our “heart, might, mind and strength” “to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion.” We are “called to serve” by the Father of us all.” -Joseph B. Wirthlin
Jacob 5:72 And it came to pass that the servants did go and labor with their mights; and the Lord of the vineyard labored also with them; and they did obey the commandments of the Lord of the vineyard in all things.
This is my all time favorite part! We get to labor along side the Savior. This is His work, and He has asked us to help. He will work along side us every step of the way. As we work, we need to work together, with one accord. “They became like unto one body; and the fruits were equal; and the Lord of the vineyard had preserved unto himself the natural fruit, which was most precious unto him from the beginning.” (Jacob 5:74)
“In spite of what we all feel are our limitations and inadequacies—and we all have challenges—nevertheless, may we labor side by side with the Lord of the vineyard, giving the God and Father of us all a helping hand with His staggering task of answering prayers, providing comfort, drying tears, and strengthening feeble knees. If we will do that, we will be more like the true disciples of Christ we are meant to be.’ -Jeffrey R. Holland
Jacob 5:75 And it came to pass that when the Lord of the vineyard saw that his fruit was good, and that his vineyard was no more corrupt, he called up his servants, and said unto them: Behold, for this last time have we nourished my vineyard; and thou beholdest that I have done according to my will; and I have preserved the natural fruit, that it is good, even like as it was in the beginning. And blessed art thou; for because ye have been diligent in laboring with me in my vineyard, and have kept my commandments, and have brought unto me again the natural fruit, that my vineyard is no more corrupted, and the bad is cast away, behold ye shall have joy with me because of the fruit of my vineyard.
In the beginning the Lord is grieved by the wickedness, but then in the end, after all the hard work, and the help of His servants (us), he is happy. This makes me so happy. If you ever wanted to know how to give back to the Savior for all He has done for us, this is a really good way. In return he promises us joy! I can’t hardly stand it! Joy for everyone!! The best part is that in the end verse 77, he promises us that when the evil tries to come back, he will fight our battles for us. It’s a win win for everyone. Joy all around, and we help him, he helps us.
“That is why our quest is to bask in the Light of Christ, which brings peace, joy, and happiness.” -M. Russell Ballard
Jacob 5 brings a peace and assurance in a world where the unknown is on the horizon. Life seems so scary and dismal. However, when we understand who we are fighting with, and whose side we are on, suddenly the darkness turns to light, and we can see, so that we can fight with the Lord to bring goodness back. Goodness will be restored, we just need to make sure that we are part of that vineyard. We need to strengthen our roots with daily prayer and scriptures and we need to follow the prophet with exactness. Then we need to be patient and loving to others as they find their way.
Let’s go!!
It’s time to go to work!!!
-Sherri Jorgensen
Here is the Currant Bush video: https://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/the-will-of-god-2
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