3 I Saw a Pillar of Light
I Saw a Pillar of Light
The Doctrine and Covenants is a book of
answers to prayers. That is so cool. Questions taken to the Lord are important.
He wants to bless us and given us answers to our questions. We can find many
answers by studying the scriptures and desiring to learn the message and gain
revelation for ourselves that they are true. And the further example is that we
can take our own questions to the Lord. He will answer us according to our
faith, desires, and His will and timing.
Joseph Smith’s question, when he was
just 14 years old, led to the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the
formation of His Church in these last days. Similarly, when I prayed to find
out the truthfulness of The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ,
when I was only twelve, the Spirit bore powerful witness to me that it is true.
God does hear and answer the prayers of His children, who are seeking truth and
to do His will, no matter what age they are.
Joseph Smith—History 1:10 The
circumstances of the religious climate of the day were confusing and
troublesome to Joseph. The confusion of current-day society is also so
perplexing. The Lord knew that we needed light and truth to bring us peace in
our own lives, spiritual safety, and direction back to Him. He knew that we
needed the gospel of Jesus Christ, with His Church established again on the
earth. We needed prophets, seers, and revelations to speak by the power of His
voice to lead and guide us. We needed Priesthood power and authority, so that
we could receive more that the principles of the gospel, we now can make
covenants with God, participate in saving ordinances, and be guided by the gift
and power of the Holy Ghost.
The story of Joseph Smith’s first vocal
prayer provides us with a pattern. We can
study things out for ourselves, and we can take our concerns to Heavenly Father
and pray for answers and direction in the name of His Son. “We can ask
questions, study the scriptures, ponder, and ultimately ask God.”
Joseph received the revelation he needed
to do his work and fulfill his mission, and we can do that too.
Joseph Smith—History 1:26 “In
response to Joseph’s prayer, a pillar of light descended from heaven. God the
Father and Jesus Christ appeared and answered his questions. Joseph’s testimony
of that miraculous experience boldly declares that anyone “who [lacks] wisdom
might ask of God, and obtain… We can all receive…
a clearer vision, illuminated by heavenly light.”
Joseph Smith is the Prophet of the Restoration.
Joseph Smith—History 1:5–26
Joseph Smith—History 1:1 Joseph
Smith wrote his history so that we’d know the facts and not the distortions
that have been said, written, and circulated about him.
As you read Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26, what
strengthens your testimony of his divine calling? (see notes below.)
See also Saints, 1:3–19: I listened to this yesterday
For Kids:
Joseph Smith was prepared to be a prophet of God.
Joseph Smith—History 1:3–14
As we learn about Joseph’s youth, we can relate more to him and his experiences.
Read together Joseph Smith—History 1:3–14 to find out facts about Joseph.
We can learn much
about Joseph in Chapter 1: Joseph Smith and His Family
Video: Joseph Smith’s Family: A Family of Faith
Joseph Smith—History 1:3–4 Joseph Smith
was born on December 23, 1805.
Saints, 1:10–11 I listened to this yesterday.
How did Joseph Smith’s experiences help
him to become a prophet?
For Kids:
God can answer my questions through the scriptures.
Joseph Smith—History 1:10–13
Show some books to the children, including scriptures. Ask, “What questions do you think these books can answer?”
Joseph Smith—History 1:10–11 What question
did Joseph have and how did the scriptures help him find the answer? Joseph
wondered which church was true. It was confusing to him that they all claimed
to be, but that they were all different. He was reading in the Bible and found
out that he could ask Heavenly Father to find the answer.
When he came to James 1:5: “If any of you lack wisdom,
let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally,
and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him:, he relates that
“Never did any passage
of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did
at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of
my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person
needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and
unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know; for the
teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same
passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the
question by an appeal to the Bible” (See
verse 12.)
Do you have a scripture that has meant a
lot to you?
Search, Ponder, and Pray:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/childrens-songbook/search-ponder-and-pray?lang=eng
For Kids:
Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers.
Joseph Smith—History 1:10–17
How do we communicate with each other?
When you need to talk to your mom, where do you go to do that? How about if you
want to talk to a cousin or your grandma and they aren’t at your house? How do
you do that? Can you do other things besides talking?
How do we ask Heavenly Father questions?
How do we show Heavenly Father that we love Him and are thankful to Him in our
prayers?
Read Joseph Smith—History 1:16–19 Heavenly
Father delivered Joseph from the powers of darkness, and they answered his
questions. He was to join none of the churches that were currently on the
earth.
How does God answer our prayers that
same way? We can all be delivered from doubts, fears, and anxieties. We can all
be delivered from our sins and feel light, truth, and peace restored to our
lives. We can have the Holy Ghost help us know when we are doing right and help
us steer away from those things that would harm us.
Have you ever asked for God’s help and
received an answer?
How can I receive answers to my prayers?
Joseph Smith—History 1:5–25
Joseph Smith—History 1:13 Joseph
determined to ask of God when he couldn’t tell what the answer was.
Have you ever lacked wisdom? Like Jospeh, you can ask of God.
When you read Joseph Smith—History 1:5–25, look for
expressions that relate to your own experience.
verses 8, 11, 14–15 How did Joseph
prepare for his sacred experience?
verses 11–12 How is scripture
study an important part of seeking revelation?
verses 18–25 Why is it important
to act upon new knowledge that we receive.
(See notes below.)
Invite sharing. Searching the
scriptures invites impressions from the Holy Ghost. Sharing these impressions
can invite the Holy Ghost to bear witness to others, as well as to the
individual who is sharing.
The First Vision: A Pattern for Personal Revelation
Look at pictures in Gospel Art Book or Come, Follow Me to refresh your
memory of people who have communicated with God.
What experiences have you had receiving
answers to prayer? How can you help others to have good experiences as well?
Testify that God answers prayer and teach the pattern of prayer.
Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Joseph Smith—History 1:15–20
Joseph had faith that God would answer his prayer; but, he had no way of knowing how much his life would change, and how that would change the course of history for so many people.
How have the results of the First Vision impacted your life? What truths have you learned about our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ?
Read Joseph Smith—History 1:15–20, and then fill in the following statement: “Because the First Vision happened, I know that … Satan will try to dissuade, distract, and/or destroy anyone that is seeking truth. The light of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father can dispel all darkness, drive away all fear, and bring me escape from self-destruction and give me perfect peace. Heavenly Father always introduces His Son to us, because Jesus is our appointed Savior and Mediator with the Father. For a Church to be the Church of Jesus Christ, Jesus has to stand at its head and its members must be given Priesthood Power and authority through Him to run the affairs of the Church and administer in the ordinances of the Church.
I’m grateful that Joseph Smith was true to his testimony and took on the responsibility to act on the light he received and share it with the world.
Video: Ask of God: Joseph Smith’s First Vision:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2017-01-0100-ask-of-god-joseph-smiths-first-vision?lang=eng
Why are there various accounts of the First Vision?
Joseph Smith—History 1:15–20
There are at least four accounts Joseph gave, sometimes through a scribe, and to different audiences. Others who had heard an account, also wrote second hand accounts. “Each account adds details that help us better understand Joseph Smith’s experience, just as each of the four New Testament Gospels helps us better understand the Savior’s ministry.
Here is a lesson about the different accounts: First Vision Accounts: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/first-vision-accounts?lang=eng
For Kids:
Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Joseph Smith—History 1:17–19
Allow the children to be the trees
swaying softly in the Sacred Grove as you tell them the story of the First
Vision. “Then ask them to stand very still and quiet when you tell them
Heavenly Father and Jesus appeared to Joseph.”
Allow the older children to recount the
story of the First Vision using pictures.
Read together Joseph
Smith—History 1:14–17
Video: Chapter 2: Joseph Smith’s First Vision: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-stories-2025/03-joseph-smiths-first-vision?lang=eng
I can remain true to what I know, even if others reject me.
Joseph Smith—History 1:21–26
Joseph Smith faced so much scrutiny and ridicule for sharing the account of his vision. Today young people face that same ridicule for their beliefs and their faith. It’s a crazy mixed up world.
Who have you respected for their testimony and valiance and
their determination to follow Jesus no matter the cost? How will you stay true?
What are some patterns in your life, your worship, and your service that help
you to be true to your covenants and to the trust Heavenly Father and Jesus
have in you?
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/pgp/js-h/1?lang=eng
Vs 1-2 Joseph wanted to write his testimony of the rise of the Lord's Church, so that people could have a first-hand account and receive the truth.
Vs 3-4 Family background and history.
When you read Joseph Smith—History 1:5–25, look for
expressions that relate to your own experience.
Vs 5-7 Religious climate in the
community and among Joseph’s family.
Vs 8-10 Joseph's Smith turmoil and
confusion over the way people of different religions treated one another.
verses 8, 11, 14–15 How did Joseph
prepare for his sacred experience?
8—He was observant; 11-13 He sought
after truth.
verses 11–12 How is scripture
study an important part of seeking revelation?
Vs 11-13 Joseph looked to the word of
God to find answers to his questions. James 1:5 impressed him so deeply, that
he decided he would ask of God, because he had no idea which church was right
or which he should join.
Vs 14-15 Joseph found a quiet place to
pray aloud first thing in the morning.
Vs 15-16 Joseph found that faith in God
and persistence in prayer brings deliverance. He found out that God has all
strength and power.
16I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the
brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it
fell upon me.
17 It no sooner
appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me
bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness
and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them
spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is
My Beloved Son. Hear Him!
verses 18–25 Why is it important
to act upon new knowledge that we receive.
Vs 18-20 Joseph found out that the true
Church was not on the earth at that time. He was to join none of them.
Joseph determined to be truth to the
light and testimony he received.
Vs 21-23 Even though Joseph was only 14,
he was hated for sharing his religious experience. Religious leaders and
profressors were very prejudiced against him and persecuted him. They united
together to persecute him.
This has always been the case when
something is indeed true.
24 However, it was
nevertheless a fact that I had beheld a vision. I have thought since, that I felt much
like Paul, when he made his defense before King Agrippa, and related the
account of the vision he had when he saw a light, and heard a voice; but still
there were but few who believed him; some said he was dishonest, others said he
was mad; and he was ridiculed and reviled. But
all this did not destroy the reality of his vision. He had seen a vision,
he knew he had, and all the persecution under heaven
could not make it otherwise; and though they should persecute him unto death,
yet he knew, and would know to his latest breath, that he had both seen a light
and heard a voice speaking unto him, and all the world could not make him think
or believe otherwise.
25 So it was with me. I
had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in
reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying
that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; and while they were persecuting me,
reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was led to say in
my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a
vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to
make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and
I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at
least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation.
Vs 24-25 Joseph resolved to be true to
the vision He'd been given, no matter the persecution or cost to him.
Vs 26 Joseph listened to the instructions
from God and Jesus and didn't join any of the churches. He also knew for
himself that God answers the prayers of the faithful.
As you read Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26, what
strengthens your testimony of his divine calling?
Later Study:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-home-and-church-doctrine-and-covenants-2025/03a-voices-of-the-restoration-joseph-smiths-family?lang=eng
People, Places, Events
- Lucy Mack Smith
- The Sacred Grove
- Joseph Smith’s First Vision Accounts
- Christian Churches in Joseph Smith’s Day
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