Doctrine and Covenants Section 11

Historical Background

Joseph Smith’s brother, Samuel, was visiting with the Prophet and Emma in Harmony, Pennsylvania, when he heard more from his brother about the Restoration. He was baptized in late April or early May of 1829 and returned to Palmyra. There he told the family of the activities of Joseph and of his own baptism. Upon hearing of these events Hyrum Smith, Joseph’s older brother, made the trip to Harmony. He arrived on the 25th of May 1829. Some time afterward Hyrum asked Joseph what role he might have in the Restoration. Section 11 is the answer to that question.

D&C 11:1-5 The Message

The first five verses of this section resemble verses from other sections. (See sections 6 & 12.) The expression “a marvelous work is about to come forth” is not used after section 20. At that point the Church had been organized. The work had come forth. The answer to anyone who would have been asking about a role in the restoration would have received the same answer.

D&C 11:6-14 Words of Counsel

Have students list the specific things that the Lord told Hyrum he must do to fulfill his role in the Restoration. How are these things like the things that all members of the Church should be doing?

D&C 11:15-27 Preparing to Serve

Hyrum was not yet prepared to serve as a missionary. The Lord instructed him in how to prepare. Have students find in these verses ways that they might prepare to serve effectively as missionaries. How would these things help us be better member-missionaries? Notice in verse 27 that the Lord is speaking not only to Hyrum but to everyone.

D&C 11:28-30 The Light of the World

Ask students how the words in these verses would help Hyrum or anyone who wants to serve in restoring the gospel to the earth.