It took Martin and Lucy Harris years to acquire one of the finest farms in Palmyra, New York. But in 1829 it became clear that the Book of Mormon could be published only if Martin mortgaged his farm to pay the printer. Martin had a testimony of the Book of Mormon, but Lucy did not. If Martin went forward with the mortgage and the Book of Mormon did not sell well, he would lose his farm, put his marriage at risk, and damage his reputation in the community. Although our circumstances are different from Martin’s, at some time or another we all face difficult questions like those he faced: What is the gospel of Jesus Christ worth to me? What am I willing to sacrifice to help build God’s kingdom? Martin Harris ultimately decided that he would mortgage his farm so the first 5,000 copies of the Book of Mormon could be printed. But even this sacrifice—and any sacrifice we might make—is small compared to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, “the greatest of all” (Doctrine and Covenants 19:18), who bled from every pore to save the repentant.
For more information about the publication of the Book of Mormon, see Saints, 1:76–84.
Joseph Smith explained that the revelation in section 19 is “a commandment … to Martin Harris, given by him who is Eternal” (section heading). Look for places in verses 1–12 where the Lord emphasizes His eternal nature. Why do you think it was important for Martin Harris to know this about the Lord? Why is it important for you to know it?
Why do you think Jesus Christ is called “the beginning and the end”? (verse 1).
Jesus Christ suffered so that I can repent and come unto Him.
The New Testament describes the Savior’s suffering in Gethsemane from the perspective of the people who observed it. In Doctrine and Covenants 19:15–20, Jesus Christ told about His suffering from His own perspective. As you read this sacred personal account, look for how the Savior described His suffering. Consider what each word or phrase teaches you. Why was the Savior willing to suffer? You can discover more in John 15:13; Mosiah 3:7; Alma 7:11–12; Doctrine and Covenants 18:10–13.
The feelings you have as you study the Savior’s suffering might prompt questions like these: Why did the Savior have to suffer for my sins? Why do I need to repent to receive the full blessings of His sacrifice? You might find insights about these questions and others in Elder Ulisses Soares’s message “Jesus Christ: The Caregiver of Our Soul” (Liahona, May 2021, 82–84). As you study, what impressions come to your mind? Consider recording your feelings about Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for you.
As part of your study and worship, you might look for a hymn that you can listen to or sing that expresses your gratitude to the Savior for His suffering on your behalf. “I Stand All Amazed” (Hymns, no. 193) is a good example.
What do you feel Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ would have you do as a result of what you have felt and studied?
Peace comes from learning of Jesus Christ and following Him.
Consider the Savior’s invitation: “Learn of me.” What do you learn about Jesus Christ in Doctrine and Covenants 19? Record your thoughts, and ponder how these truths about the Savior help you find peace. What does it mean to you to “walk in the meekness of [His] Spirit”?
See also Henry B. Eyring, “Finding Personal Peace,” Liahona, May 2023, 29–31; “Peace in Christ” (video), Gospel Library.
God’s blessings are greater than the treasures of the earth.
The Book of Mormon did not sell very well in Palmyra. As a result, Martin Harris ended up having to sell a large portion of his farm to pay the debt to the printer (see “The Contributions of Martin Harris,” in Revelations in Context, 7–8). Ponder Martin’s sacrifice—and the blessings you’ve received because of it—as you read Doctrine and Covenants 19:26–41. You might also think about what the Lord has asked you to sacrifice. What do you find in these verses that inspires you to make these sacrifices with “rejoicing” and “gladness”? (see also verses 15–20).
You can help your children feel reverence and gratitude for the Savior by reading together Doctrine and Covenants 19:16–19 or “Chapter 51: Jesus Suffers in the Garden of Gethsemane,” in New Testament Stories, 129–32, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library. Consider pausing to make sure your children understand and to let them express their feelings. For example, in verse 16, what are “these things” Jesus suffered for us? (see Mosiah 3:7; Alma 7:11–12). What do we learn from His description of His suffering? How can we show our gratitude for what He did for us?
Help children learn from the scriptures. Some children have a hard time reading scriptures. Focusing on a single verse or phrase may help them.
You and your children could look in Hymns or the Children’s Songbook for songs that help you express your feelings about Jesus Christ (see the topic indexes in these books).
Jesus Christ obeyed Heavenly Father, even when it was hard.
Suffering for our sins was very difficult, but Jesus Christ was willing to do it to obey His Father and to show His love for Him and for us. You could look together at a picture of Jesus Christ suffering in Gethsemane (like those in this outline) and ask your children to tell you what they know about what is happening in the picture. You might read together Doctrine and Covenants 19:18–19, 24 to emphasize that suffering for our sins was the hardest thing anyone has ever done, but because Jesus loved His Father and us, He obeyed God’s will (see also Mosiah 3:7). What difficult things does God ask us to do? How can we find courage to obey Him?
You might help your children think of simple actions that go along with phrases in Doctrine and Covenants 19:23. Read the verse several times while they do the actions. What are some ways we can learn of Christ and listen to His words?
God’s blessings are greater than the treasures of the earth.
You and your children could take turns holding a copy of the Book of Mormon and sharing what you love about it. Briefly talk about Martin Harris’s sacrifice so the Book of Mormon could be printed (see Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 33). What did the Lord say to Martin in Doctrine and Covenants 19:38 that might have helped him be faithful and obedient? Help your children think of something they can sacrifice to obey God or help in His work.
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
