Why is the First Vision important?

Prepare Yourself Spiritually

In the spring of 1820, God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith. This vision, which marked the beginning of the Restoration of the gospel, is the most important event since the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith’s humble prayer led to the Restoration of gospel truths, priesthood authority, and saving ordinances. “That one revelation answers all the [questions] regarding God and his divine personality. … His interest in humanity through authority delegated to man is apparent. The future of the work is assured. These and other glorious truths are clarified by that glorious first vision” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay [2003], 93).

Resources to Help You Prepare

These resources are to help you prepare for the “Learn together” section of the meeting.

Joseph Smith—History 1:7–25
Adilson de Paula Parrella, “Essential Truths—Our Need to Act,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 115–16
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Fruits of the First Vision,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2005, 36–38
“First Vision Accounts,” Gospel Topics
“The Restoration” (video)

19:13
The Restoration
“Ask of God: Joseph Smith’s First Vision” (video)

6:35
Ask of God: Joseph Smith's First Vision
“Face to Face: What do we learn about the nature of God from the First Vision?” (video)

3:9
What do we learn about the nature of God from the First Vision?

Questions to Ponder before You Teach

How did you receive a witness that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ? How has your life been blessed because of this testimony? What is the significance of the First Vision for you?

How can studying the First Vision deepen the testimony of each young man in your quorum? How can you help the young men understand the significance of this great event?

What can the young men do to prepare to learn? For example, they could read a talk, watch a video, or study a scripture related to this doctrine.

Meeting Outline

1. Counsel Together and Share Experiences

Led by a member of the quorum presidency; approximately 5–10 minutes

Lead a discussion about items such as the following:

Our quorum: Who is missing today? What visits do we need to make? Who should we invite to an upcoming activity? Who needs our help and prayers?
Our duties: What assignments do we need to make? What assignments have we fulfilled? How have we invited others to come unto Christ, and how can we invite others now?
Our lives: Remind the quorum of the discussion from the last meeting. What experiences have we had with applying what we learned? What experiences have we had in the past few weeks that strengthened our testimonies of the gospel?

If possible, discuss these items beforehand in a quorum presidency meeting.

2. Learn Together

Led by a leader or teacher or a member of the quorum; approximately 25–35 minutes

After studying the above resources and following the inspiration of the Spirit, you may select one or more of the activities below to help quorum members understand the doctrine.

Invite the young men to write down some of the blessings they have received and truths they have learned because of the First Vision. Ask them to look for other blessings of the First Vision as they read the last 10 paragraphs of Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s talk “The Fruits of the First Vision” or Elder Adilson de Paula Parrella’s talk “Essential Truths—Our Need to Act.” Invite them to share what they find and their feelings about the importance of the First Vision.
As a quorum, read about Joseph Smith’s First Vision in Joseph Smith—History 1:7–20. Invite the young men to look for truths we can learn from Joseph’s experience (for example, the Father and the Son are real, separate beings; Satan and his power are real, but God’s power is greater; God hears and answers prayers; revelation has not ceased). Invite a young man to write the truths on the board. How are these truths different from what other religions believe? How would our lives be different if we did not know these things?
Invite the young men to silently read and ponder Joseph Smith’s First Vision and his testimony in Joseph Smith—History 1:11–19, 24–25 (or watch the video “The Restoration”). Ask them to think about why the First Vision is significant in the history of the world. Why is it important to us as individuals? Share your testimony about the importance of the First Vision, and invite the young men to share their thoughts and testimonies.

19:13
The Restoration
Invite the young men to review scriptural accounts of God the Father and Jesus Christ manifesting Themselves to people on earth (such as Matthew 3:13–17; Acts 7:54–60; 3 Nephi 11:3–10). You could also show pictures of these events (see Gospel Art Book [2009], nos. 35, 63, and 82). Ask them to summarize each account. Then invite them to read Joseph Smith—History 1:17 (see Gospel Art Book, no. 90). How was Joseph Smith’s First Vision similar to these other manifestations? How was it unique? Invite the young men to share why the First Vision is important to them.

3. Plan to Act

Led by a member of the quorum presidency; approximately 5–10 minutes

Ask the young men to discuss any feelings or impressions they had during the meeting. What was meaningful to them? Is there something they can do personally or as a quorum to apply what they have learned?
Give the young men a few minutes to record what they will do in the coming weeks to act on their impressions. Invite them to share their ideas.
Remind the young men that they will have the opportunity to share their experiences at the beginning of the next meeting.