“The Signs of Christ’s Crucifixion,” Liahona, Oct. 1996, 14
The Signs of Christ’s Crucifixion
Thirty-three years passed after the people saw the signs of Jesus Christ’s birth. 3 Ne. 8:2
They watched for the sign of his death—three days of darkness—that Samuel the Lamanite had told them would come. 3 Ne. 8:3
Some did not believe that the sign would come. They argued with those who believed. 3 Ne. 8:4
One day there came a great storm. There was a terrible wind. 3 Ne. 8:5–6
Lightning flashed, and thunder shook the whole earth. 3 Ne. 8:6–7
The city of Zarahemla caught fire. The city of Moroni sank into the sea. The city of Moronihah was buried. 3 Ne. 8:8–10
Highways were broken up, and buildings crumbled. Many cities were destroyed, and many people were killed. 3 Ne. 8:13–15
The storm and the earthquake lasted about three hours. 3 Ne. 8:19
When the storm and earthquake stopped, thick darkness covered the land. There was no light anywhere. The people could even feel the darkness. 3 Ne. 8:20
For three days there was total darkness. Candles would not burn. The people could not see the sun, moon, or stars. 3 Ne. 8:21–23
The people cried because of the darkness, destruction, and death. They were sorry that they had not repented of their sins. 3 Ne. 8:23–25
Out of the darkness came a voice that said, “Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God.” 3 Ne. 9:1, 15
Jesus told of the terrible destruction in the land. He said that the wickedest people had been killed. 3 Ne. 9:12–13
He said that those who had not been killed still needed to repent and that if they did and came unto him, he would bless them. 3 Ne. 9:13–14
The people were so amazed that they stopped crying. There was silence in the land for many hours. 3 Ne. 10:1–2
Jesus spoke again, saying that he had often tried to help them and that if they would repent, they could still return to him. 3 Ne. 10:3–6
At the end of three days, the darkness left and the earth stopped shaking. The people stopped crying and joyfully thanked the Savior. 3 Ne. 10:9–10
Illustrated by Jerry Thompson