Lehi was mocked and his life sought not alone because of his denouncing the wickednes of his people and his prophecy of doom for the inhabitants of Jerusalem but also because of his prophecy of the coming of a Messiah. Many prophets both before and after him had been or would be killed for bearing the same testimony. Among their number, of whom we learn in the Book of Mormon, were Zenos (Helaman 8:19) and Abinadi (Mosiah 7:26-28).
“It is the Love of God”
Nephi answered perfectly, from understanding given by the power of the Spirit. Again, the tree represented more than an abstract emotion, more than a vague (albeit divine) sentiment. It was the greatest manifestation of the love of God-the gift of Christ. “For God so loved the world,” Jesus explained to Nicodemus, “that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).