Scripture Stories
Chapter 42: The Signs of Christ’s Crucifixion


“Chapter 42: The Signs of Christ’s Crucifixion,” Book of Mormon Stories (1997), 117–19

“The Signs of Christ’s Crucifixion,” Book of Mormon Stories, 117–19

Chapter 42

The Signs of Christ’s Crucifixion

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man holding girl’s hand

Thirty-three years had passed since the people had seen the signs of Jesus Christ’s birth.

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people looking up at sky

They now watched for the sign of his death: three days of darkness.

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people arguing

Some did not believe that the sign would come. They argued with those who did believe.

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men in storm

One day a fierce storm came. There was a terrible wind.

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man sitting

Lightning flashed, and thunder shook the whole earth.

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men running away

The city of Zarahemla caught on fire. The city of Moroni sank into the sea. The city of Moronihah was buried.

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man and children

An earthquake shook the whole earth. Highways were broken up, and buildings crumbled. Many cities were destroyed, and many people were killed.

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storm across land

The storm and the earthquake lasted about three hours.

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people walking in darkness

When the storm and earthquake stopped, thick darkness covered the land. There was no light anywhere. The people could even feel the darkness.

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family in darkness

The darkness lasted for three days. Candles would not burn, and the people could not see the sun, moon, or stars.

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people crying in darkness

The people cried because of the darkness, destruction, and death. They were sorry they had not repented of their sins.

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people in darkness

Then the people heard the voice of Jesus Christ.

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destroyed land in darkness

Jesus told them about the terrible destruction in the land. He said that the most wicked people had been killed.

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people praying in darkness

He said that those who had not been killed needed to repent. If they did and came unto him, he would bless them.

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people in darkness

The people were so amazed after hearing the voice that they stopped crying. Everything was silent for many hours.

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family in darkness

Then Jesus spoke again, saying he had often tried to help the people. If they would repent now, they could still return to him.

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people looking up

After three days the darkness left. The people rejoiced and joyfully thanked the Lord.

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