Our Mothers Knew It with Maria Eckersley

A Creative Study of Come, Follow Me

3: D&C [JSH 1:1-26 & VOICES OF THE RESTORATION: JOSEPH SMITH’S FAMILY]

“I Saw a Pillar of Light”

January 13 - January 19

WEEK 03 SUMMARY

=================

Lesson Summary:

In Joseph Smith—History 1:1-26, Joseph Smith recounts his experience growing up amid a religious revival in New York. Confused about which church to join, 14-year-old Joseph was inspired by James 1:5 and prayed for guidance. In the spring of 1820, he experienced a vision where Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him in a grove of trees. They instructed him not to join any of the existing churches. Despite facing ridicule and persecution for sharing his vision, Joseph remained firm in his conviction, knowing he had received divine guidance.

SPARK 1: THEY KNEW IT NOT

================

OBJECT LESSON: “I Reflected on It Again and Again”: Fruits of the Spirit Sticks

QUESTIONS:

• Joseph writes this record to combat the “evil-disposed and designing persons” who are attacking the Church. Have you ever had to defend your faith in this way? What strategies do you see Joseph using that give us an example to follow?
• Is there a particular detail in one of the different accounts that makes you feel more connected to Joseph’s story?
• In Helaman, the Spirit is described as a “voice of perfect mildness,” what do you think that sounds like? Usually, “perfect” in scripture means whole or complete. Does that change your perspective on this phrase?

SPARK 2: TEACHING IN THE SAVIOR'S WAY

===========================

OBJECT LESSON: “Many Other Things Did He Say Unto Me”: First Vision Flip Book

QUESTIONS:

• In some accounts, the pillar of light is described as a fire. Do you see parallels between Joseph’s experience and the Burning Bush? Does the Sacred Grove add new light to your understanding of Moses or Enoch’s call to be prophets?
• In verse 26, Joseph is told to “continue as I was until further directed.” Why not have Joseph stay close to a church until Moroni comes a few years later? He’s a teenage boy, wouldn’t some church be better than none? Why not?
• Joseph compares himself to Paul, who also saw a light and heard a voice. Do you think Paul’s death also struck a chord with Joseph? Could that be why he says so little to his mother that day about his experience?

SPARK 3: CANCER OF CONTENTION

=======================

OBJECT LESSON: “They Draw Near unto Me with Their Lips”: Hypocrisy Marshmallow Shooters

QUESTIONS:

• In verse 14, Joseph talks about having “anxieties” and stepping into unknown territory. He decides to pray vocally for the first time. What do you think his anxieties were? How was he able to work through them? What solutions do you see in his strategies?
• When have you seen the cancer of contention grow firsthand? Are there things that fuel its growth? Have you seen it be cured? What happened?
• Elder Andersen said this was a “spiritually defining memory” for Joseph. What memories fit that description for you?

CHAPTERS

=========

00:00:14 INTRO

00:03:30 QUICK GLANCE

00:07:13 SPARK 1 INSIGHTS

00:17:13 SPARK 1 OBJECT LESSON

00:21:10 SPARK 1 QUESTIONS

00:23:12 SPARK 2 INSIGHTS

00:32:51 SPARK 2 OBJECT LESSON

00:36:07 SPARK 2 QUESTIONS

00:38:50 SPARK 3 INSIGHTS

00:49:30 SPARK 3 OBJECT LESSON

00:54:48 SPARK 3 QUESTIONS

00:57:27 WRAP UP

Follow Maria on:

• Creative Come Follow Me digital course