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Faithful Study Resources for Come, Follow Me

FAIR Resources for Come, Follow Me – Restoration Scripture
Week 10: March 3 - 9: “Learn of Me”

Doctrine and Covenants 19

Doctrinal Focus
Historical & Contextual
Apologetic Application
Practical Applications
Ideas for Teaching
Quick Reference

Doctrinal Focus

  • Key doctrines addressed in this week’s reading

Doctrine and Covenants 19:1–12 emphasizes that God is endless and His works are eternal. Recognizing His eternal nature helps us trust in His timing and plan, even when challenges arise. Understanding that His wisdom surpasses our finite perspective allows us to develop faith in His guidance.

Christ’s title as “the beginning and the end” (D&C 19:1) illustrates His role in both the creation and redemption of mankind. Through His atoning sacrifice, He brings about new beginnings for us, allowing us to overcome sin and receive eternal life. Accepting Christ’s role in the plan of salvation provides peace and direction in our lives.

In Doctrine and Covenants 19:15–20, Christ personally describes His suffering, stating that He “bled from every pore” to fulfill the will of the Father. This firsthand account deepens our understanding of the depth of His love and sacrifice. His suffering was not only for sins but also for our pains and sorrows, making Him the perfect source of healing and hope.

Christ teaches that if we do not repent, we must suffer even as He did (D&C 19:16–17). However, through sincere repentance, we can be freed from spiritual burdens and guilt. The process of repentance is not meant to be a punishment but a gift that leads us back to God, bringing joy and peace.

Martin Harris sacrificed his financial security to ensure the publication of the Book of Mormon. While this choice led to personal loss, it also resulted in immeasurable blessings for millions who have received the book. His example teaches that when we put God’s work first, the eternal rewards far outweigh any worldly sacrifices.

Doctrine and Covenants 19:26–41 reassures that God’s blessings are greater than the treasures of the earth. Martin Harris had to exercise great faith to move forward despite uncertainty about his financial future. Like him, we are sometimes called to make difficult choices that require trust in God’s promises, knowing that He will provide in ways beyond our understanding.

Historical & Contextual Insights

  • Insights in this week’s study
  • In 1829, Joseph Smith was working to publish the Book of Mormon, but financial resources were scarce. Martin Harris, a prosperous farmer from Palmyra, New York, was one of the early supporters of the Book of Mormon’s translation. However, his wife, Lucy Harris, was skeptical and opposed his involvement.
  • The only way to fund the printing of the Book of Mormon was for Martin Harris to mortgage his farm to pay for the first 5,000 copies. This decision placed his financial stability, marriage, and community reputation at risk. Doctrine and Covenants 19 was a revelation given to Martin Harris, emphasizing the eternal perspective of sacrifice and obedience. The Lord assured him that the treasures of heaven are far greater than those of the earth, encouraging him to trust in God’s plan.

This revelation reinforced the principle that God’s work often requires faith-filled sacrifices. Martin’s willingness to act despite uncertainty demonstrates trust in God’s promises. His choice ultimately enabled the Book of Mormon to reach countless people, shaping the Restoration of the gospel.

Like Martin Harris, we may face moments where following God’s will requires personal sacrifice. This account teaches us that temporal losses can lead to eternal blessings. When we prioritize faith over fear, we align ourselves with God’s greater purposes and experience His promised peace.

  • Throughout scripture, God has required His followers to place spiritual priorities above temporal security. Just as Martin was asked to mortgage his farm, figures such as the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17) and the rich young ruler (Mark 10) faced similar tests of faith. Martin’s choice to financially support the Book of Mormon’s publication highlights the principle that faith often demands tangible sacrifices.
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  • Martin did not make this decision lightly—he hesitated because he understood the severe consequences if the Book of Mormon did not sell well. This internal struggle makes his eventual decision even more significant, showing his personal commitment to God’s work.
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  • His story reminds us that discipleship often comes at a cost. While we may not be asked to mortgage a farm, we may need to give up habits, relationships, or comforts that hinder our spiritual growth. The principle of consecration applies to all aspects of life, not just financial matters.
  • Unlike the accounts in the Gospels, which describe Christ’s suffering from an external viewpoint, Doctrine and Covenants 19:15–20 offers a deeply personal testimony from the Savior Himself. He declares that He “suffered both body and spirit” and describes the agony of atoning for the sins of the world. This passage provides unique insight into the depth of His suffering and the infinite nature of His love.
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  • Christ’s description of His suffering as causing Him to “tremble because of pain” adds a deeply human element to the Atonement. It reminds us that His sacrifice was not abstract or distant—it was an intensely personal and excruciatingly real act of love.
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  • This passage teaches us that repentance is not just about avoiding punishment but about embracing the mercy Christ offers. Because He has already suffered for our sins, we can choose to repent and access His healing power instead of experiencing the full weight of justice ourselves.

If you have questions on this week’s reading, please email your questions to us here.

Apologetic Application

  • Claim: “The idea that Christ suffered for sin in Gethsemane rather than solely on the cross is a later doctrinal development, not found in the Bible.”
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  • Response:
    1. Historical Evidence: The New Testament includes references to Christ’s suffering in Gethsemane, such as Luke 22:44, which describes Him sweating “as it were great drops of blood.” This aligns with Doctrine and Covenants 19:18, where Christ Himself testifies of suffering “which caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble.”
    2. Eyewitness Support: The Gospel writers provide different perspectives on the Atonement, with Matthew, Mark, and Luke describing the agony in Gethsemane, while John emphasizes the suffering on the cross. The combined accounts support the idea that Christ’s suffering began in the garden and continued through His crucifixion.
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    4. Spiritual Confirmation: Many Latter-day Saints and other Christians have received personal witness through prayer and study that Christ’s suffering in Gethsemane was an essential part of the Atonement. Modern revelation, such as Doctrine and Covenants 19, clarifies this doctrine and reaffirms its truth.
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    6. Logical Analysis: If Christ’s suffering in Gethsemane was merely emotional distress, it would not make sense for Him to describe it as causing Him to “bleed from every pore.” The intensity of His suffering, as described in both scripture and prophetic revelation, suggests it was far more than mere sorrow—it was the weight of the world’s sins pressing upon Him.
  • Claim: “Joseph Smith manipulated Martin Harris into mortgaging his farm, exploiting his wealth for personal gain.”
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  • Response:
    1. Historical Evidence: Martin Harris was an independent, successful businessman who made his own financial decisions. He actively sought divine confirmation regarding the Book of Mormon, including taking characters from the plates to scholars for verification before making his financial commitment.
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    3. Eyewitness Support: Martin Harris bore a lifelong testimony of the Book of Mormon, even after suffering personal financial losses. Despite his struggles, he reaffirmed his witness as one of the Three Witnesses and later rejoined the Church near the end of his life.
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    5. Spiritual Confirmation: Doctrine and Covenants 19 reassures Martin that earthly sacrifices lead to eternal rewards. Many who study his story prayerfully recognize the faith and conviction behind his decision, rather than coercion or deceit.
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    7. Logical Analysis:
    8. If Joseph Smith were only seeking financial gain, he would not have needed Martin Harris’s sacrifice—he could have pursued traditional funding methods or sought support from wealthier backers. Instead, the financial struggle and Martin’s personal sacrifices suggest that Joseph was focused on fulfilling divine instructions rather than personal enrichment.
  • Claim: “Doctrine and Covenants 19 was given to pressure Martin Harris into mortgaging his farm.”
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  • Response:
    1. Historical Evidence: Many of Joseph Smith’s revelations, including this one, called for personal sacrifice and were not for his personal benefit. If this were self-serving, Joseph himself would have gained financially, but instead, the funds went directly to printing the Book of Mormon, not to his own expenses.
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    3. Eyewitness Support: Martin Harris was not blindly obedient; he was known as a skeptical and cautious man who sought multiple witnesses before making decisions. If he had felt coerced, he likely would have distanced himself from the project instead of continuing to support it.
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    5. Spiritual Confirmation: The revelation in Doctrine and Covenants 19 speaks of eternal truths, not just Martin’s financial decision. Many readers find personal application in its teachings on sacrifice, repentance, and the eternal nature of God’s plan, confirming its divine inspiration.
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    7. Logical Analysis: If Joseph were fabricating revelations for personal gain, he would have crafted messages that served him financially or politically. Instead, this revelation places demands on a supporter rather than promising easy rewards, which suggests its authenticity as divine counsel rather than manipulation.

Practical Applications

Practical solutions for someone in faith crisis:

Action Step: Take time each day to reflect, pray for forgiveness, and commit to improving.

Repentance is not just about correcting mistakes—it is a joyful process that brings peace and renewal. Doctrine and Covenants 19:16–19 reminds us that Christ has already suffered for our sins, allowing us to repent and move forward instead of carrying guilt indefinitely.

  1. – Set aside a moment each night to review your day.
  2. – Identify areas where you fell short and determine how you can improve.
  3. – Pray sincerely, asking for forgiveness and strength to change.
  4. – Take action the next day to avoid repeating past mistakes.

Encouraging Thought:

  • “Repentance is not only possible but also joyful because of our Savior.” – Elder Dale G. Renlund (“Repentance: A Joyful Choice”)

Action Step: Identify one worldly distraction or habit that prevents spiritual growth and work to replace it with something uplifting.

Martin Harris’s decision to mortgage his farm for the printing of the Book of Mormon teaches that God often asks us to make sacrifices to build His kingdom (D&C 19:26–41). While these sacrifices may seem difficult, they lead to eternal blessings and personal growth.

  1. – Reflect on your priorities and identify one area where you can better serve God.
  2. – Choose a specific distraction or habit to minimize (e.g., excessive social media, entertainment, or unproductive use of time).
  3. – Replace that habit with something spiritually strengthening, such as scripture study, service, or temple attendance.
  4. – Monitor your progress and adjust as needed.

Encouraging Thought:

  • Action Step: Study Christ’s words in Doctrine and Covenants 19 and record personal impressions about how He brings peace.

Christ invites us to “learn of [Him]” (D&C 19:23), promising peace as we walk in the “meekness of [His] Spirit.” In a world filled with stress and uncertainty, turning to the Savior helps us find comfort and direction.

  1. – Read Doctrine and Covenants 19:23 and reflect on what Christ teaches about peace.
  2. – Write down ways the Savior has brought peace into your life.
  3. – Set a goal to trust in Him more fully in a specific area of your life (e.g., relationships, work, health).
  4. – When facing difficulties, remind yourself of Christ’s promise of peace and seek His help through prayer.

Encouraging Thought:

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you … Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:27

Ideas for Teaching

Objective: Help learners understand the principle of sacrifice in following God’s will, using Martin Harris’s experience as an example.

Fake money (monopoly money or printed bills), slips of paper with “spiritual rewards” written on them (e.g., “Eternal Peace,” “Closer to God,” “Guidance”), a small box.

  1. Activity Steps:
  2. Introduction (5 min): Give each participant some fake money and tell them they must “buy” blessings by sacrificing their money. Some will hesitate, some will spend freely—observe reactions.
  3. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Doctrine and Covenants 19:26–38 about Martin Harris mortgaging his farm. Discuss how real sacrifices often require faith without immediate rewards.
  4. Application (5 min): Discuss modern examples of sacrifices for the gospel, such as time, effort, or social status. Have participants write down one thing they could sacrifice to grow spiritually.

Follow-Up Question: What is one sacrifice you feel prompted to make for your faith, and how can you take steps to do it?

Objective: Help learners personally connect with Christ’s suffering and understand the importance of repentance.

A heavy backpack filled with books or weights, slips of paper, a trash bin.

  1. Activity Steps:
  2. Introduction (5 min): Have a volunteer wear the heavy backpack and attempt simple tasks (e.g., walking across the room, picking up something). Ask: “How does this burden affect you?”
  3. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Doctrine and Covenants 19:15–20, where Christ describes His suffering. Ask: “What do these words teach us about how Christ carries our burdens?”
  4. Application (5 min): Have participants write down a personal burden (a sin, worry, or hardship) on a slip of paper. As they drop it into the trash bin, remove books from the backpack to symbolize relief through Christ.

Follow-Up Question: How can we rely more on Christ’s Atonement to lighten our spiritual burdens?

Objective: Teach learners how studying Christ’s words can bring peace into their lives.

A puzzle with missing pieces, a printout of Doctrine and Covenants 19:23, a whiteboard or chart paper.

  • Activity Steps:
    1. Introduction (5 min): Show the incomplete puzzle and ask: “How do you feel when something is missing?” Explain that peace often feels incomplete without Christ.
    2. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Doctrine and Covenants 19:23, “Learn of me… and you shall find peace.” Discuss how learning of Christ fills in missing pieces of our spiritual understanding.
    3. Application (5 min): On the whiteboard, write ways Christ brings peace (e.g., through prayer, service, scripture). Have participants share personal experiences of finding peace through Christ.

Follow-Up Question: What is one way you can learn more of Christ this week to invite greater peace into your life?

QUICK REFERENCE

  • – God’s nature is eternal, and His plan extends beyond our mortal understanding (D&C 19:1–12).
  • – Christ personally describes His suffering, showing the depth of the Atonement (D&C 19:15–20).
  • – Repentance allows us to access Christ’s grace and avoid personal suffering for sin (D&C 19:16–17).
  • – Martin Harris’s financial sacrifice demonstrates faith and commitment to God’s work (D&C 19:26–41).
  • – True peace comes from learning of Christ and following Him (D&C 19:23).
  • Why trust modern prophets?
    • – Modern prophets receive revelation just as ancient prophets did (Amos 3:7).
    • – Joseph Smith’s revelations, including Doctrine and Covenants 19, contain doctrinal insights that align with and clarify biblical truths.
    • – Many of his prophecies have been fulfilled, strengthening their credibility.
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  • Why does God allow mistakes?
    • – God allows agency, which means even faithful individuals (like Martin Harris) may struggle before fully following divine direction.
    • – Mistakes provide opportunities for growth, repentance, and reliance on Christ’s grace.
    • – Even early Church leaders faced challenges, but God’s plan moved forward despite human weaknesses.
  • Gospel Topics: Atonement of Jesus Christ (churchofjesuschrist.org)
  • Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources: Martin Harris (history.churchofjesuschrist.org)