At a young age, Joseph Smith desired to follow Jesus Christ and sought to know which church was right and which he should join. However, there were multiple churches teaching different things, and young Joseph found it difficult to discern the truth. This lesson can help students follow Joseph Smith’s example in their efforts to learn truth from God.
Possible Learning Activities
A time of confusion
In this lesson, students will study Joseph Smith—History 1:1–14 with a focus on Joseph Smith’s actions as he sought to know which church to join. In the following lesson, “Joseph Smith—History 1:15–20,” students will study Joseph’s experience in the Sacred Grove. Depending on available time in class, you could combine these two lessons.
Invite students to share examples of times they have received conflicting information. For example, they may have seen differing reports and opinions about a topic on social media or in the news.
Why can it be difficult at times to identify reliable information?
How could those same challenges make it difficult for someone to find the truth about Jesus Christ and His doctrine?
As students learn about Joseph Smith’s experience, invite them to think about how his example can help them in their own search for truth.
At a young age, Joseph Smith was concerned for the welfare of his soul. Within the community, and even within the Smith family, there were differing opinions about which church contained the truths necessary for salvation.
Consider dividing the following verses among students so the class can quickly find Joseph’s challenges in identifying the truth.
Read Joseph Smith—History 1:5–10, looking for why it was difficult for Joseph to identify God’s truth among the various religions.
How have you seen similar confusion about religion in the world today?
Why do you think it matters that we seek to know the truth from God rather than accepting everything that is taught?
To help students relate Joseph’s example to their lives, consider copying the following chart onto the board and filling it out as a class throughout the lesson.
Create the following chart in your study journal, and label the quadrants as you see below:
Questions Joseph had for God
Questions I have for God
What Joseph did
What I will do
Look back at what you read in Joseph Smith—History 1:8, 10. Write Joseph’s questions and actions in the appropriate quadrant.
Students might identify from verse 10 that Joseph’s questions were “What is to be done?” and “Who of all these [churches] are right?” They might notice in verse 8 that Joseph’s actions included reflecting and attending different church meetings.
It may be helpful to direct students to paragraph 3 in the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document (2023) as you discuss the following question.
Why do you think Heavenly Father would be pleased that Joseph asked these questions?
Following the example of Joseph Smith
As we seek to know what is true, it can be helpful to follow this invitation from President Russell M. Nelson:
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President Russell M. Nelson
The Prophet Joseph Smith set a pattern for us to follow in resolving our questions. …
In like manner, what will your seeking open for you? What wisdom do you lack? What do you feel an urgent need to know or understand? Follow the example of the Prophet Joseph. (Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 95)
One truth we can learn from President Nelson is that we can follow the example of Joseph Smith to learn the truth of God for ourselves. Reflect on the questions President Nelson asked. How would you answer those for yourself? Ponder some questions you have and write them in the “Questions I have for God” quadrant in your study journal.
Which of your questions do you feel inspired to prioritize at this point in your life? Why?
As you continue to study Joseph Smith—History throughout the lesson, continue to fill out the chart in your study journal. Look for ways you can follow Joseph’s example to find answers to your own questions. In the “What I will do” quadrant, write down impressions you receive to act.
After students read the following passage, invite them to continue filling out the “What Joseph did” quadrant on the board.
Read Joseph Smith—History 1:11–14, looking for additional actions Joseph took to learn the truth of God. Consider writing what you find in the “What Joseph did” quadrant.
To see additional questions and actions Joseph took to find answers from God, you could watch the video “The Restoration,” available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, from time code 1:15 to 15:34.
If you choose to watch “The Restoration” video, consider pausing it every time students identify a new question Joseph had or action he took. Ask a student to add them to the quadrants on the board.
These are examples of actions students might notice Joseph taking in the video: asking his parents questions, having discussions with preachers, taking time to ponder what he was learning, reading various selections from the Bible, and not giving up when answers didn’t come quickly.
Even though Joseph did not know which church to join, what did he know about God? (See paragraphs 2–3 in the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge,” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document [2023].)
Which of Joseph’s actions have you tried in your life? Which would you like to try?
Recall the invitation President Nelson gave to “follow the example of the Prophet Joseph.” Seek help from Heavenly Father as you ponder what you can do to follow Joseph’s example in your search for truth.
If needed, you could share ways students can follow the example of Joseph Smith, such as these:
Find a scripture that is meaningful to you. Make a plan to reflect on it again and again. You could create a poster and place it where you will see the passage throughout the day. Or you might try memorizing it and reciting it from memory every day for a week.
Determine to pray to God vocally in a private location. Create an outline of what you would like to include in your prayer.
In the “What I will do” quadrant in your study journal, write one or two ways you will follow the example of Joseph Smith. Include specific details of how you will carry out these actions as you seek answers from God. You may want to share your plan with a trusted friend or family member. It is important to remember that even the best plans may take time to bring the desired results. Return to your study journal and Joseph Smith—History periodically to evaluate how you are doing.
Allow students to share testimony of faithful actions that can lead to revelation and answers to spiritual questions. Testify that as we follow the example of Joseph Smith, God will help us learn the truth for ourselves.