8 Upon You My Fellow Servants
Upon You My Fellow Servants
In a wooded area near Harmony on May 15,
1829, John the Baptist appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. He placed
his hands on their heads and conferred the Aaronic Priesthood upon them,
calling them “my fellow servants.”
Doctrine and Covenants 13:1: “Upon you my fellow servants, in
the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which
holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel
of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of
sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth, until the sons
of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness.”
John the Baptist was of the
tribe of Levi and held the Aaronic Priesthood when he was on earth. He is the
one who baptized His cousin Jesus (See Matthew 3:1–6, 13–17).
John called Oliver and Joseph
his fellow servants. That’s amazing. They are were engaged in the work of
redemption.
Doctrine and Covenants 14:1: Be an active as you serve
faithfully in His Church. As you serve in God’s kingdom, you are also a fellow
servant.
I can participate in God’s “great and marvelous work.”
Doctrine and Covenants 12; 14
Doctrine and Covenants 12; 14: The Lord gave these two section in response to Joseph
Knight’s and David Whitmer’s desires to know what they should do in this great
work.
How can you help “to
bring forth and establish the cause of Zion?”
Doctrine and Covenants 12; 14: What principles and Christlike attributes do
you find in these sections that can help you to bring forth and establish Zion?
(See notes below.)
12:6 Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my
commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion.
14:6 Seek to bring forth and establish my Zion. Keep my
commandments in all things.
The Knight and Whitmer Families
For Kids
Heavenly Father blesses me
through the Aaronic Priesthood.
Doctrine and Covenants 13
Look
at some keys and talk about what they allow us to do. Look for the word keys in
section 13.
Can
you find more words and phrases that talk about the blessings for the Aaronic
Priesthood?
Video:
Blessings of the Priesthood: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2009-05-0020-blessings-of-the-priesthood?lang=eng
Jesus Christ sent John the
Baptist to restore the Aaronic Priesthood.
Doctrine and Covenants 13
What do you think it means to be a fellow
servant with John the Baptist?
Matthew 3:13–17 John felt unworthy to baptize Jesus. But
Jesus said to suffer it to be so now, to fulfill all righteousness. Think on
that. Not only was Jesus fulfilling all righteousness by following the
commandment to be baptized; John was also fulfilling all righteousness by
performing this sacred ordinance and fulfilling his sacred responsibilities.
God witnessed that this was approved and recorded in Heaven, by speaking from
heaven and testifying that Jesus is His
Beloved Son in Whom He is well pleased; and by sending the Holy Ghost to
confirm that in the form of a dove.
Luke 1:13–17 Zachariah and Elisabeth were blessed with a son
whose mission it was to prepare the way of the Lord and to prepare the people
to accept the Lord and His gospel.
3:2–20 John taught the gospel of repentance and baptism, and
he pointed the people towards Jesus.
As a fellow servant with John, I am to be a minister and to invite other to
come unto Christ and receive the saving ordinances that will prepare them to
meet Him.
Doctrine and Covenants 13 How do the keys of the Aaronic
priesthood help accomplish John’s mission to prepare the way of the Lord? (See
notes below.)
What
is “the ministering of angels”?
2 Nephi 32:2–3 “Angels speak by the power of the Holy
Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ.”
Moroni 7:29–32 “Angels are subject unto him, to minister
according to the word of his command. ..
31 And
the office of their ministry is to call men unto repentance, and to fulfil and
to do the work of the covenants of the Father, which he hath made unto the
children of men, to prepare the way among the children of men, by declaring the
word of Christ unto the chosen vessels of the Lord, that they may
bear testimony of him.
32 And
by so doing, the Lord God prepareth the way that the residue of men
may have faith in Christ, that the Holy Ghost may have place in their
hearts, according to the power thereof; and after this manner bringeth to pass
the Father, the covenants which he hath made unto the children of men.
Angels There are ministering spirits and resurrected beings (or
translated beings). Missionaries can also be called angels, as they to
administer the gosepl of salvation.
What
is “the gospel of repentance”?
How
do the ordinances of the Aaronic Priesthood (such as baptism and the sacrament)
help prepare the way for you to receive the Savior in your life?
The
gospel of repentance:
Doctrine and Covenants 84:26–27:
26 And the lesser priesthood continued, which priesthood holdeth
the key of the ministering of angels and
the preparatory gospel;
27 Which gospel is
the gospel of repentance and of baptism, and
the remission of sins, and
the law of carnal commandments, which the Lord in his wrath
caused to continue with the house of Aaron among the children of Israel
until John, whom God raised up, being filled with the Holy Ghost
from his mother’s womb.
The Priesthood and the Savior’s Atoning Power
Baptism
is the gateway to the Celestial Kingdom.
How
does baptism and participating in the ordinance of the sacrament prepare you to
receive the Savior in your life? I make covenants with Him, and He offers me
promised blessings.
What are priesthood keys?
Aaronic Priesthood holders
receive the keys of the ministering of angels and the keys of the preparatory
gospel of repentance and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins.
(see Doctrine and Covenants 13:1; 84:26–27).
Melchizedek Priesthood holders receive the key of the mysteries of the kingdom,
the key of the knowledge of God, and the keys of all the spiritual blessings of
the Church (see Doctrine and Covenants 84:19; 107:18).
“The
second way the term priesthood keys is used refers to leadership. Priesthood
leaders receive additional priesthood keys, the right to preside over an
organizational division of the Church or a quorum. In this regard, priesthood
keys are the authority and power to direct, lead, and govern in the
Church.”
For Kids
John the Baptist restored the
Aaronic Priesthood.
Doctrine and Covenants 13; Joseph Smith—History 1:68–74
Video:
Angels Resote the Priesthood: Chapter 6: Joseph and Oliver Are Given the Priesthood or https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-stories-2025/08-angels-restore-priesthood?lang=eng
Allow the children to draw pictures to depict
these verses: Matthew 3:13–17: John baptized Jesus. Joseph Smith—History 1:68–74?
John conferred the Priesthood on Joseph and Oliver. Then baptized each
other and then ordained each other priest in that priesthood.
Why was it important that the Lord sent John the
Baptist to give Joseph Smith the priesthood authority to baptize?
Ordinances give me access to
God’s power.
Joseph Smith—History 1:66–75
Joseph Smith—History 1:66–75, including the note at the end
of verse 71 What empresses you most about Joseph’s and Oliver’s
words? (See notes below.)
Ordinances
and blessings
John 14:26 Gift of the Holy Ghost is referenced. He will
teach us all things and bring all things to our remembrance.
Acts 2:38 Baptism by immersion unto the remission of sins is
a commandment; after which we can receive the Holy Ghost.
Doctrine and Covenants 84:19–22 The Melchizedek Priesthood
was restored so that men can administer the gospel and hold the keys of the
mysteries of the kingdom and of the knowledge of God. The power of Godliness is
manifest through the ordinances of this Priesthood. The power of the Priesthood
and the ordinances are necessary for the power of Godliness to be made
manifest. We need this Priesthood (which is more fully received in the temple)
in order to see the face of God the Father and live.
131:1–4 There are three degrees of glory. Through celestial
marriage preformed in temples, we can receive the hightest degree of glory.
Joseph Smith—History 1:73–74 After Joseph and Oliver were
baptized, they experienced great and glorious blessings. The Holy Ghost came
upon them and they were blessed with the Spirit of prophesy and prophesied much
concerning the coming forth of the Church. They were filled with the Spirit and
rejoiced in their God of salvation.
There
minds were opened to new understanding.
With the Power of God in Great Glory
Saints, 1:65–68: I have been listening to Saints while I exercise.
For Kids
Helping others come to Jesus
Christ is “of the most worth.”
Doctrine and Covenants 15:4–6; 16:4–6
Doctrine and Covenants 15:4; 16:4 Peter and John Whitmer wanted to know what would be of
most worth for them to do.
What
things do you like to do? What things are important for you to do in your
family? at school? at Church?
Read
Doctrine and Covenants 15:6 “and 16:6 with the children:
Listen
and raise your hand when you hear the Lord say “of the most worth.
15:6 And
now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth
unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that
you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in
the kingdom of my Father. Amen.
16:6
And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth
unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring
souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen.
How
can we bring souls to Jesus Christ?
First,
we have to follow and love Jesus ourselves. Second, we need to love others.
What
are some things we can do?
“being
friends to others, sharing the scriptures with a friend, or praying for someone
in need.”
Gospel Art Book Children can get more ideas from these
pictures.They can express ideas be drawing their own pictures, too.
Have
each child choose something to do to show kindness to someone this week.
Bringing souls unto Christ is
of great worth.
Doctrine and Covenants 15–16
Doctrine and Covenants 15:4; 16:4 (see section above)
Why
bringing souls to Christ is of such great worth. What are you doing to “bring
souls” unto Christ?
Saints, 1:68–71 I listened.
For Kids:
I can be a witness of the Book
of Mormon.
Doctrine and Covenants 17
Video:
Witnesses See the Book of Mormon Plates: Bearing Testimony to the World: Chapter 7: Witnesses See the Gold Plates or https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-stories-2025/09-witnesses?lang=eng
Mary Whitmer was shown the golden plates by the Angel Moroni
Witnessess
See the Book of Mormon Plates: Bearing testimony to the world
The Lord uses witnesses to
establish His word.
Doctrine and Covenants 17
What
are witnesses? Why does the Lord use the law of witnesses? Why is the witness
of the Holy Ghost the most important witness we can receive?
2 Corinthians 13:1: 1 This is the
third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or
three witnesses shall every word be established.
Ponder
these questions as you read God’s words to the Three
Witnesses in Doctrine and Covenants 17. The Testimony of Three Witnesses (See notes below.)
How
do witnesses help bring about God’s “righteous
purposes”? (verse 4).
What
are you able to bear witness to? Will you choose to use both your voice and
your actions to bear witness of Jesus Christ?
Saints, 1:73–75: I listened
Video:
A Day for the Eternities: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2018-03-2000-a-day-for-the-eternities?lang=eng
CHAPTERS:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/12?lang=eng
Revelation given through
Joseph Smith the Prophet to Joseph Knight Sr., at Harmony, Pennsylvania, May
1829. Joseph Knight believed the declarations of Joseph Smith concerning his
possession of the Book of Mormon plates and the work of translation then in
progress and several times had given material assistance to Joseph Smith and
his scribe, which enabled them to continue translating. At Joseph Knight’s request, the Prophet inquired of the Lord and received the
revelation.
Doctrine and Covenants 12: What principles and Christlike attributes do you find in these sections
that can help you to bring forth and establish Zion?
The next few
sections will all be similar. We need to stay in tune with the Lord and follow
His light and example. His words are true and constant, and His will and ways
will prevail. There are so many prepared and preparing to follow the Lord and
build up Zion. As you do your part, you will shine your light and help others
turn to the Savior and receive direction and salvation through following Him.
Vs 3-4 Do you desire
to bring souls to Christ? If you get to work, you are called of God.
Vs 8 The Lord
expects us to serve the way He does.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/13?lang=eng
An extract from Joseph Smith’s history recounting the ordination of the Prophet and
Oliver Cowdery to the Aaronic Priesthood near Harmony, Pennsylvania, May 15,
1829. The ordination was done by the hands of an angel who announced himself as
John, the same that is called John the Baptist in the New Testament. The angel
explained that he was acting under the direction of Peter, James, and John, the
ancient Apostles, who held the keys of the higher priesthood, which was called
the Priesthood of Melchizedek. The promise was given to Joseph and Oliver that
in due time this higher priesthood would be conferred upon them. (See section 27:7–8, 12.)
The keys and powers of the
Aaronic Priesthood are set forth.
Doctrine and Covenants 13 How do the keys of the Aaronic
priesthood help accomplish John’s mission to prepare the way of the Lord?
The Aaronic priesthood lays the foundation for the doctrine of Christ. It is the gospel of repentance and baptism by immersion, after which comes the laying on of hands and the Gift of the Holy Ghost, which ordinances belong to the Melchizedek Priesthood.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/14?lang=eng
Revelation given through
Joseph Smith the Prophet to David Whitmer, at Fayette, New York, June 1829. The
Whitmer family had become greatly interested in the translating of the Book of
Mormon. The Prophet established his residence at the home of Peter Whitmer Sr.,
where he dwelt until the work of translation was carried to completion and the
copyright on the forthcoming book was secured. Three of the Whitmer sons, each
having received a testimony as to the genuineness of the work, became deeply
concerned over the matter of their individual duty. This revelation and the two
following (sections 15 and 16) were given in answer to an inquiry through the
Urim and Thummim. David Whitmer later became one of the Three Witnesses to the
Book of Mormon.
14 What
principles and Christlike attributes do you find in this section that can help
you to bring forth and establish Zion?
Vs 4-7 Much of our
own salvation is linked to the care that we give others. Seek to bring forth
and establish Zion. Keep the commandments and endure to the end. You'll receive
Eternal LIfe.
Vs 8 Just because
the Gift of the Holy Ghost was given to you, it doesn't mean that you feel Him
with you or receive of His power and guidance, unless you humble yourself and
ask in faith. If you want to declare the gospel, you need the Holy Ghost with
you.
Vs 9-10 Jesus is the
Christ, the Son of the living God; He is the Creator; He is the light that
shines in darkness; and it is His commission and responsibility to take the
fulness of His Gospel from the Gentiles to the House of Israel. Will you join
Him in His work?
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/15?lang=eng
Revelation given through
Joseph Smith the Prophet to John Whitmer, at Fayette, New York, June 1829 (see
the heading to section 14). The message is intimately and
impressively personal in that the Lord tells of what was known only to John
Whitmer and Himself. John Whitmer later became one of the Eight Witnesses to
the Book of Mormon.
Vs
4 Have you asked the Lord what would be the most worth for you to be doing?
I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/16?lang=eng
Revelation given through
Joseph Smith the Prophet to Peter Whitmer Jr., at Fayette, New York, June 1829
(see the heading to section 14). Peter Whitmer Jr. later became
one of the Eight Witnesses to the Book of Mormon.
Same and yet personal, because the message is from Jesus Christ and received through the Spirit. Spirit speaking to spirit is deeply personal.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/17?lang=eng
Revelation given through
Joseph Smith the Prophet to Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris,
at Fayette, New York, June 1829, prior to their viewing the engraved plates
that contained the Book of Mormon record. Joseph and his scribe, Oliver
Cowdery, had learned from the translation of the Book of Mormon plates that
three special witnesses would be designated (see Ether 5:2–4; 2 Nephi 11:3; 27:12). Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin
Harris were moved upon by an inspired desire to be the three special witnesses.
The Prophet inquired of the Lord, and this revelation was given in answer
through the Urim and Thummim.
Vs 1
We have to rely on Jesus Christ words with full purpose of heart, if we do we
can receive the things that we desire, which are right.
Vs 2
It is by our faith that the Lord allows us to gain revelation and receive gifts
of the Spirit.
Vs 3
When you have gained faith and God has manifest truth to you, it's up to you to
value that and testify of it.
Vs
4-6 My testimony will sustain the testimony of others and offer credence to
their words. The building of the Kingdom requires the testimony and devotion of
all the saints.
Vs 7
If we desire it and do the Lord's work and ask for it, we can receive the same
knowledge as the prophets.
Vs
8-9 Jesus tells us that if we will increase our faith in the words that He
gives His prophets and leaders and testify to the same, the gates of hell will
not prevail against us. His grace will always be sufficient, and we'll be
lifted up at the last day.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/pgp/js-h/1?lang=eng&id=p66-p75#p66 JSH
Oliver Cowdery serves as scribe in translating the Book of Mormon—Joseph and Oliver receive the Aaronic Priesthood from John the Baptist—They are baptized, ordained, and receive the spirit of prophecy. (Verses 66–75.)
Note,
in particular, the blessings they received because they received the priesthood
and were baptized. What blessings has the Savior given you through priesthood
ordinances?
69 Upon
you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah, I confer the Priesthood of Aaron,
which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of
repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins;
and this shall never be taken again from the earth until the sons of Levi do
offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness.
Vs 70-71 After John conferred the Aaronic
Priesthood on Joseph and Oliver, Joseph baptized Oliver and then Oliver
baptized Joseph; then Joseph ordained Oliver to the Aaronic Priesthood, and
then Oliver ordained Joseph.
*(from
Oliver Cowdery’s testimony) The assurance that we were in the presence of an
angel, the certainty that we heard the voice of Jesus, and the truth unsullied
as it flowed from a pure personage, dictated by the will of God, is to me past
description, and I shall ever look upon this expression of the Savior’s
goodness with wonder and thanksgiving while I am permitted to tarry; and in
those mansions where perfection dwells and sin never comes, I hope to adore in
that day which shall never cease.”
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