Gospel Art Picture Kit
3 Nephi 8:12, 14, 19–23; 3 Nephi 11:1–12
Behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him. 3 Nephi 11:8
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At the time of Jesus’ Crucifixion there were great storms and earthquakes in the land of the Nephites. An earthquake shook the whole earth. Many cities were destroyed and many people killed. The storm and earthquake lasted for about three hours. Then thick darkness covered the land for three days. After the darkness ended, many Nephites gathered at the temple in Bountiful. They were amazed at the great changes in the land and were talking about Jesus Christ and the signs of His death. (See 3 Nephi 8:12, 14, 19–23; 3 Nephi 11:1–2.)
Then the Nephites heard a voice come from heaven, but they did not understand it. The voice was not harsh or loud but was a quiet, small voice that made their hearts burn. The second time the voice spoke the people still could not understand it. But when they heard the voice a third time, they understood it. The voice was Heavenly Father saying, “Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him” (3 Nephi 11:7; see also 3 Nephi 11:1–6).
The Nephites looked up toward heaven and saw Jesus Christ dressed in a white robe, descending from heaven. He came and stood among the people. They were afraid to speak because they did not understand what was happening. They thought Jesus was an angel. (See 3 Nephi 11:8.) He stretched forth His hand and said, “Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world” (3 Nephi 11:10; see also 3 Nephi 11:9).
Then the multitude remembered the prophecies that said Jesus would appear to them after His Resurrection. The Nephites all fell to the ground and worshiped Jesus. (See 3 Nephi 11:12.)
Summary
When Jesus was crucified, there were great storms and earthquakes in the land of the Nephites. Thick darkness covered the land for three days. After the earth grew quiet and the darkness ended, many Nephites gathered at the temple. There they heard the voice of Heavenly Father introducing His Beloved Son. As they looked upward, they saw the Savior descend from heaven. He stretched forth His hand and declared that He was Jesus Christ. For many years the prophets had testified that Jesus would appear to them after His Resurrection. Now the Nephites remembered the prophecies, and they fell down to worship Him.
Artist, Arnold Friberg
© 2002 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA
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