“The First Vision,” Friend, January 2025, 26–28.
Scripture Stories
The First Vision
You can read this story in Joseph Smith—History 1:1–20.
When Joseph Smith was young, many churches taught different things about Jesus Christ. Joseph didn’t know which church to join.
One day, he read James 1:5 in the Bible. It said if we need wisdom, we can ask God. Joseph decided to do that.
On a beautiful spring day, Joseph went into the woods to pray to Heavenly Father.
Joseph knelt and started to pray. But then he felt darkness all around him. Joseph was scared. He asked God for help.
Suddenly, Joseph saw a bright light coming down from heaven. He saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ standing in the air. Heavenly Father said Joseph’s name. Then He pointed to Jesus Christ and said, “This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!”
Jesus told Joseph he shouldn’t join any of the churches.
Joseph would help restore the fulness of the gospel on the earth.
Joseph wasn’t confused anymore. He was filled with joy! He knew that God loved him. Some people didn’t believe he had seen Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, but he knew it was true.