Joseph Smith and the First Vision

Lesson #1 Joseph Smith and the First Vision

Joseph Smith Jr. was born in 1805 in Sharon, Windsor County, Vermont, to Joseph and Lucy Mack Smith.  He had 10 brothers and sisters.  His parents taught him to pray, read the Bible, and to have faith in God.  When he was ten years old, he and his famiy moved to Palmyra New York.  Joseph's parents were poor and had to work hard for a living.  When the boys were old enough they had to help on the farm, which they were happy to do.  For this reason, Joseph did not go to school much--but he learned to read, write, and he could do some basic arithmetic.

At age 14, Joseph Smith was confused about which church to join and he wanted to know which church was true.  After reading James 1:5, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to”, he was determined to ask  God which church was true. He went into a grove of trees and began to pray.  A darkness surrounded Joseph, but as he continued to pray it was taken away.  Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ came to Joseph Smith telling him none of the churches were true and he should not join any of them. 

“The greatest event that has ever occurred in the world, since the resurrection of the Son of God from the tomb and his ascension on high, was the coming of the Father and of the Son to that boy Joseph Smith. . . . Having accepted this truth, I find it easy to accept of every other truth that [Joseph Smith] . . . declared” (President Joseph F. Smith, 6^th President of the Church)

Here are some of the activities and the scripture challenge card for this lesson:

First Vision Bookmark Coloring Page

What We Learn from the First Vision Crossword Puzzle

Scripture Challenge Card Introduction

Lesson #1 Scripture Challenge Card