What Good Have I Done?

ABRAHAM: “TO BE A GREATER FOLLOWER OF RIGHTEOUSNESS”

Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2

Primary source: Come, Follow Me: Feb 16–22 

20260216 Come Follow Me Abraham

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Explain the Abrahamic covenant (land, posterity, priesthood, blessing all nations) and apply it personally.

2. Identify key differences and additions between Abraham 1–2 and Genesis 12–17.

3. Describe Abraham’s desires and how righteous desire shapes covenant identity.

4. Discuss complex issues (facsimiles, plural marriage, circumcision) with doctrinal grounding and charity.

5. Articulate how they participate in the Abrahamic covenant today.

Introduction to the Lesson

ABRAHAM: “To Be a Greater Follower of Righteousness”
Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2
Primary Source: Come, Follow Me: February 16–22

20260216 Come Follow Me Abraham

Abraham stands at the center of covenant history. Jews, Christians, and Muslims all look to him as a foundational patriarch. In Latter-day Saint theology, however, Abraham is more than an ancient ancestor—he is the prototype of covenant discipleship. His life teaches us not only what God promises, but how God shapes a willing heart.

The scriptural record presents Abraham at a decisive turning point. In the Old Testament, he is called by God to leave his homeland and trust in divine promises (Genesis 12). In the Pearl of Great Price, we are given deeper insight into his inner life. Before he was commanded, Abraham declared his intent:

“I sought for the blessings of the fathers… desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness” (Abraham 1:2).

This statement reframes the entire narrative. Abraham was not merely chosen—he was seeking. His covenant story begins not with geography but with desire.

As we study Genesis 12–17 and Abraham 1–2 together, we see two complementary portraits:

• Genesis emphasizes obedience, promises, and covenant structure.

• Abraham reveals motivation, priesthood aspiration, and divine deliverance.

Together, these chapters teach that covenant identity is not inherited automatically—it is embraced intentionally.

This lesson invites us to consider three guiding questions:

1. What does it mean to be Abraham’s “seed” today?

2. How does righteous desire shape covenant blessings?

3. How do ancient promises apply personally to us?

Abraham’s life assures us that background does not determine destiny. Though he came from an idolatrous household and faced profound uncertainty, his future was defined by covenant trust. His story becomes our story whenever we choose, as he did, to seek righteousness and enter into sacred promises with God.

Today we will explore Abraham not only as a historical patriarch but as a model disciple—one who teaches us how to live in covenant relationship with God and how to “be a blessing” to all the families of the earth.

STRUCTURED TIMELINE (50 MINUTES)

PART I — TEACHING (25 Minutes)

1. Abraham’s Righteous Desire (8 min)

Key Text: Abraham 1:2

“I sought for the blessings of the fathers… desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness.”

Context (Abraham 1):

• Idolatrous family background.

• Attempted sacrifice (unique to Pearl of Great Price).

• Divine deliverance.

Contrast with Genesis 12:

Genesis begins with:

“Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country…” (Gen. 12:1)

Genesis shows obedience; Abraham shows desire before command.

Teaching Point: Covenant life begins with inner desire before outward command (see also Hebrews 11:8–13).

2. The Covenant Framework (10 min)

Core Covenant Texts:

• Genesis 12:1–3

• Genesis 15:5–6

• Genesis 17:1–8

• Abraham 2:9–11

Genesis 12:2–3

“I will make of thee a great nation… and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”

Abraham 2:10–11 (Unique Restoration Expansion)

“As many as receive this Gospel shall be called after thy name… and shall rise up and bless thee.”

Major Promises:

1. Land

2. Posterity

3. Priesthood

4. Universal blessing

Joseph Smith taught:

“All who receive the priesthood receive this oath and covenant.” (D&C 84)

Key Insight: Genesis focuses on nationhood; Abraham emphasizes priesthood and temple covenant continuity.

3. Melchizedek and Priesthood (4 min)

Genesis 14 introduces Melchizedek briefly.

Joseph Smith Translation expands his role (JST Gen. 14).

Theory: Melchizedek = Shem?

• Some Jewish and Latter-day Saint scholars propose this identification.

• Chronologically possible.

• Not doctrinally defined by the Church.

Joseph Smith called Melchizedek:

“A man of faith… who wrought righteousness.”

Purpose: Priesthood authority precedes Sinai and confirms Abraham’s covenant.

4. Complex Topics (3 min overview, detailed notes below)

• Facsimiles in the Book of Abraham

• Plural marriage (Hagar)

• Circumcision as covenant sign

Transition to discussion.

PART II — GUIDED DISCUSSION (25 Minutes)

A. Covenant Identity (8 min)

1. What does it mean today to be “Abraham’s seed”?

2. How does baptism connect you to Abraham? (Abraham 2:10–11)

3. How do we “be a blessing” (Gen. 12:2)?

B. Righteous Desire (5 min)

• What desires shape your covenant path?

• How does Abraham’s example help those from difficult family backgrounds?

C. Wrestling with Hard Texts (7 min)

Invite respectful discussion:

• Why might God use physical signs (circumcision)?

• How do we reconcile plural marriage historically and doctrinally?

• How should we approach scholarly debates about the facsimiles?

Model faithful inquiry: truth-seeking + humility.

D. Personal Application (5 min)

Complete sentence:

“Because of Abraham’s covenant, I will ______.”

Invite brief testimony.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Abraham 1–2 vs. Genesis 12–17

CHAPTER SUMMARIES

Abraham 1: Idolatry, attempted sacrifice, divine deliverance, priesthood desire.

Abraham 2: Migration, covenant promises expanded, global gospel adoption.

Genesis 12: Call to leave homeland; promise of blessing.

Genesis 13: Land promises reaffirmed.

Genesis 15: Covenant ceremony; stars as posterity.

Genesis 16: Hagar and Ishmael.

Genesis 17: Name changes; circumcision; covenant sign.

THREE COMPLEX TOPICS (TEACHER NOTES)

1. The Facsimiles

• Based on Egyptian papyri owned by Joseph Smith.

• Explanations do not fully align with modern Egyptology.

• Some parallels exist (cosmology imagery).

• Possible repurposing of Egyptian imagery in Jewish traditions.

• Faith model: revelation through ancient material.

Emphasize: The text’s doctrinal truths stand independently of Egyptological debates.

2. Abraham’s Plural Wives

Genesis 16 describes Sarah giving Hagar to Abraham.

Doctrine:

• Monogamy is God’s standing law.

• Plural marriage has occurred by divine command in specific times.

• Purpose cited in Jacob 2:30: “raise up seed.”

Historical note:

• Commanded in Abraham’s time.

• Commanded temporarily in early Restoration.

• Discontinued by revelation in 1890.

Approach carefully—acknowledge emotional and cultural sensitivities.

3. Circumcision

Genesis 17:

“This is my covenant… every man child among you shall be circumcised.”

Symbolism:

• Physical reminder of belonging.

• Separation from surrounding culture.

• Mark of covenant identity.

New Testament shift:

• Covenant sign becomes spiritual rebirth (baptism). Circumcision is no longer required.

SCHOLARLY & PROPHETIC INSIGHTS

• Joseph Smith emphasized Abraham’s priesthood authority.

• D&C 132: Abraham received promises of eternal posterity.

• President Russell M. Nelson: Covenant identity defines destiny.

• Melchizedek-Shem theory: plausible but not doctrinal.

CENTRAL DOCTRINAL THREAD

Abraham is not merely ancestor—he is covenant prototype.

We are not studying ancient history.

We are studying our covenant origin story.

 ONE-PAGE STUDENT HANDOUT (PRINTABLE - COPY AND PASTE)

ABRAHAM: COVENANT PEOPLE

Key Scriptures

• Abraham 1:2

• Genesis 12:1–3

• Genesis 15:5–6

• Genesis 17:1–8

• Abraham 2:10–11

The Abrahamic Covenant Includes:

• Land

• Posterity

• Priesthood

• Blessing all nations

Unique Restoration Insights

• Abraham sought priesthood before being called

• Attempted sacrifice (Abraham 1)

• Gospel adoption language (Abraham 2:10–11)

Important Themes

Righteous Desire

“I sought… to be a greater follower of righteousness.”

Covenant Identity

You are Abraham’s seed through baptism.

Be a Blessing

Covenant is outward-facing.

Complex Topics (Briefly)

Facsimiles: Ancient Egyptian images; revelatory explanations; ongoing scholarship.

Plural Marriage: Commanded exception in some eras; not standing law.

Circumcision: Physical covenant sign; replaced by baptism.

Discussion Questions

1. What desire defines your spiritual life?

2. How do you personally bless others because of your covenant?

3. What does it mean to be Abraham’s seed today?

4. How does covenant identity change how you see yourself?

Personal Reflection

Because of Abraham’s covenant, I will:

Labels: Abraham, Come Follow Me, Lesson Plan, Melchizeddek

// posted by John Fisher @ February 17, 2026