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FAIR Resources for Come, Follow Me – Restoration Scripture
Week 48: November 24 - 30: "He "Has Sealed His Mission and His Works with His Own Blood""

DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS 135-136

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 135:3 declares Joseph Smith “has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world.” This powerful affirmation highlights Joseph’s prophetic role and ultimate sacrifice in restoring gospel truth. His life and death fulfilled prophecies and served as a sealing witness of the Restoration.

Elder M. Russell Ballard and other prophets have emphasized that faithful discipleship often requires great personal cost. The martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum reminds us that God does not forget His servants and their covenants. Their deaths inspire us to remain true to our testimonies, even when faced with opposition.

Doctrine and Covenants 136 was received as divine instruction on organizing and leading the Saints westward. This revelation confirmed that prophetic guidance would continue, even after the death of the Prophet, reaffirming the Lord’s pattern of working through living prophets.

The Lord instructed the Saints to be organized, unified, and spiritually prepared (D&C 136:2, 4, 23). These verses demonstrate that spiritual direction is not only available in times of peace but also in crisis. God does not leave His covenant people without guidance when they walk in faith.

  • In “This Shall Be Our Covenant,” the Saints pledged to assist one another temporally and spiritually, forming a covenant community. This mutual commitment reflects a Zion-like model, where each member bears one another’s burdens and walks together in faith.

As the Saints embarked on their exodus, their unity and consecration were key to their spiritual survival. Covenant-keeping gave purpose to their suffering and enabled them to see their journey as part of God’s plan. This principle still applies: our sacred promises strengthen us when trials come.

Historical & Contextual Insights

  • Insights in this week’s study
  • In June 1844, amid escalating tensions in Nauvoo, Illinois, Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were martyred at Carthage Jail. This followed years of persecution, political pressure, and internal dissent within the Church.
  • Joseph and Hyrum had surrendered themselves to authorities under a false promise of protection. They were murdered by a mob on June 27, 1844. This left the Saints without their founding prophet at a time of severe instability and external threat.
  • The martyrdom fulfilled Joseph’s own premonitions and confirmed the prophetic warnings he had given. It also served as a powerful, solemn witness of the truthfulness of his mission. This pivotal moment tested the faith and unity of Church members.
  • The Saints’ response—choosing to follow prophetic succession and carry forward the Restoration—shows that faith can persist even amid tragedy. Today, believers can draw strength from their example and trust that God’s work continues despite mortal setbacks.
  • While many sections of the Doctrine and Covenants are revelations dictated by the Lord, Section 135 is unique. It was written by Elder John Taylor, who survived the Carthage attack, as a tribute to Joseph and Hyrum. His firsthand account provides a deeply personal and powerful witness.
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  • John Taylor’s words are rich in both historical memory and doctrinal affirmation. His description of Joseph Smith’s contributions highlights the centrality of the Prophet’s work in restoring gospel truths such as priesthood authority, temple ordinances, and the Book of Mormon.
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  • Though not a revelation in the traditional sense, this section’s inclusion in the canon shows the value the Saints placed on testimony and sacred memory. It invites readers to honor the sacrifices of faithful leaders and to recognize the spiritual weight of history.
    • Doctrine and Covenants 136 provided the first revealed word from the Lord after Joseph Smith’s death.

       

    • Brigham Young received Section 136 at Winter Quarters in January 1847, over two years after the martyrdom. It marked a new chapter in the Church, reaffirming divine guidance through prophetic leadership and laying out inspired instructions for the westward migration.
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    • The revelation addressed both logistical and spiritual needs—organizing companies, appointing captains, and emphasizing obedience, faith, and moral conduct. It helped the Saints maintain spiritual unity in a time of great physical hardship and uncertainty.
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    • This section confirmed that prophetic revelation had not ceased with Joseph’s death. It validated Brigham Young’s leadership and reassured the Saints that God was still directing His people. For modern readers, it testifies that divine guidance continues in every era of the Church.

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

Apologetic Application

  1. Claim: “If Joseph Smith were truly a prophet, God would have preserved his life.”
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  3. Response:
  4. Historical Evidence: Prophets throughout scripture, such as Abinadi, Stephen, and even Jesus Christ Himself, were killed for preaching truth. Martyrdom has often accompanied true prophetic ministry.
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  6. Eyewitness Support: John Taylor, who survived Carthage Jail, bore powerful testimony of Joseph and Hyrum’s character and prophetic mission (D&C 135). His firsthand account affirms their steadfastness and spiritual integrity.
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  8. Spiritual Confirmation: The Spirit testifies that Joseph’s life and death were divinely significant, as echoed in the reverence with which his name is held in sacred text (D&C 135:3). His death was not the end of revelation but a testament to its divine origin.
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  10. Logical Analysis: If Joseph were a fraud, it’s unlikely he and Hyrum would have faced certain death without recanting or fleeing. Their calm submission and unwavering faith under threat support the sincerity and divine nature of their mission.
  • Claim: “After Joseph died, the Church had no direction and fragmented.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: Doctrine and Covenants 136 demonstrates that leadership continued through Brigham Young and the Twelve Apostles, in alignment with earlier teachings about Church governance.
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  • Eyewitness Support: Saints at Winter Quarters recorded spiritual experiences confirming Brigham Young’s role. Many testified of visions or impressions verifying that the mantle of leadership had passed.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: The Lord declared in D&C 136 that He still directed His people through His chosen leaders, guiding them on a covenantal journey westward.
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  • Logical Analysis: The organized westward exodus of tens of thousands under prophetic direction defies the notion of chaos. Instead, it reflects the presence of divine structure, unity, and continuing revelation.
  • Claim: “He used religion to control people and gain followers.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: Joseph turned down opportunities for political power, including offers to abandon Church principles for popularity. He even surrendered to arrest when he could have escaped, knowing it might cost him his life.
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  • Eyewitness Support: Friends and followers, including John Taylor and Willard Richards, witnessed Joseph’s humility, service, and suffering. Their continued loyalty and reverence underscore their belief in his sincerity.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: The enduring spiritual fruits of Joseph’s work—conversion, temples, scripture, and faith—are consistent with divine, not manipulative, origins (see D&C 135:3).
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  • Logical Analysis: Power-seeking individuals tend to flee, manipulate, or hide when threatened. Joseph faced martyrdom directly, without defending himself violently. His focus was always on the gospel, not on self-preservation.

Practical Applications

Practical solutions for someone in faith crisis:

Action Step: Study the lives of Joseph and Hyrum Smith and reflect on how you can stand as a witness of truth in your own life.

Remembering the sacrifices of early Saints can inspire courage and loyalty to gospel truths today. It encourages us to be valiant in our testimony despite opposition or personal cost.

  1. – Read Doctrine and Covenants 135 with a focus on the personal sacrifices Joseph and Hyrum made.
  2. – Identify one specific principle (e.g., boldness, obedience, loyalty) you can emulate.
  3. – Write in your journal how that principle can influence your decisions this week.
  4. – Share your insights with someone else in your home or class.

Encouraging Thought:

“Their innocent blood… is a witness to the truth of the everlasting gospel” (D&C 135:7). You can be a living witness by standing true to your faith each day.

Action Step: Study recent General Conference talks and look for personal direction from today’s prophets and apostles.

Just as the Saints in 1847 needed guidance through uncertainty, we need the clarity and direction of living prophets to navigate today’s spiritual and temporal challenges.

  1. – Choose a recent talk by the President of the Church or an apostle.
  2. – Read it prayerfully, marking action items or phrases that apply to your life.
  3. – Set one short-term goal based on what you’ve learned.
  4. – Pray for strength and follow through with that goal during the week.

Encouraging Thought:

“Let him that is ignorant learn wisdom by humbling himself and calling upon the Lord his God, that his eyes may be opened that he may see, and his ears opened that he may hear;” (see D&C 136:32). The Lord has not stopped speaking—He will lead you personally.

  • Action Step: Choose one way to better support or serve someone in your family, ward, or neighborhood.

In D&C 136, the Lord organized the Saints into companies and emphasized mutual responsibility. Zion communities thrive when individuals act on their covenants to care for each other.

  1. – Identify someone who may need help, encouragement, or a kind gesture.
  2. – Reach out to them with a message, call, or act of service.
  3. – Reflect on how your covenant to “bear one another’s burdens” (Mosiah 18:8) applies.
  4. – Discuss as a family or group one thing you can do to support one another more intentionally.

Encouraging Thought:

“This shall be our covenant—that we will walk in all the ordinances of the Lord” (see covenant language in Winter Quarters). Real strength comes when we walk together in discipleship.

Ideas for Teaching

Objective: Help learners recognize the faith and sacrifice of Joseph and Hyrum Smith and consider how they can stand for truth today.

Printed copies of D&C 135, quotes about Joseph Smith, paper, pens

Activity Steps:

  1. Introduction (5 min): Display a photo of Carthage Jail and ask, “What kind of legacy would you want to leave?” Invite students to reflect quietly.
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  3. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read D&C 135:3 aloud. Ask learners to underline phrases that show Joseph’s impact. Briefly discuss why John Taylor might have chosen this wording.
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  5. Application (5 min): Ask learners to write down one way they can “stand as a witness” this week. Invite a few to share and encourage follow-through.

Follow-Up Question: What does it mean to seal your testimony with your actions—not just your words?

Objective: Help learners see how God gives inspired direction during times of change.

Copy of D&C 136, map of the pioneer trail, markers

Activity Steps:

Introduction (5 min): Show a map of the Saints’ trek west. Ask, “How would you prepare your family to travel 1,000 miles on foot?”

Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read D&C 136:1–4, 17–18. Ask: What specific instructions did the Lord give? Why might those have mattered?

Application (5 min): Invite learners to think about a personal journey or decision ahead. Ask: What kind of direction do you hope for? Have them write a short prayer or question to ask the Lord.

Follow-Up Question: How has the Lord given you guidance in uncertain or challenging times?

Objective: Help learners understand the importance of covenant relationships and mutual support.

Quote from “This Shall Be Our Covenant,” slips of paper with service scenarios, bowl or hat

Activity Steps: 

Introduction (5 min): Read a short excerpt from the Winter Quarters covenant. Ask, “What would it look like today to live in a covenant community?”

Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read D&C 136:10, 23–24. Discuss what the Lord wanted His people to do together and why.

Application (5 min): Have learners draw slips with modern-day service scenarios (e.g., “A neighbor just lost a job”). In pairs, discuss how to respond as covenant-keepers.

Follow-Up Question: How can we make our ward, family, or group more like a covenant community?

QUICK REFERENCE

  • Joseph and Hyrum Smith sealed their testimonies with their blood, fulfilling their prophetic mission and demonstrating ultimate faith.

     

  • Revelation and divine leadership continued after Joseph’s death, as shown in D&C 136 through Brigham Young’s direction for the westward migration.

     

  • Covenants unified the Saints in times of trial, emphasizing mutual responsibility, spiritual endurance, and faith in God’s promises.

     

  • The Lord’s guidance in times of crisis is purposeful, detailed, and rooted in covenant faithfulness.

     

  • The legacy of early Saints invites modern disciples to stand firm, serve each other, and trust in continuing revelation.
  • Why trust modern prophets?
    • Prophetic succession is evident in Church history (D&C 136), showing divine continuity even after Joseph’s death.

       

    • Modern prophets provide timely revelation and practical counsel, continuing the pattern established in scripture.

       

    • Witnesses throughout Church history (e.g., John Taylor) affirm the integrity and divine calling of prophets.
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    • Why does God allow mistakes?
    • God honors agency—His servants learn and grow through real-world experience (see D&C 1:24–28).

       

    • The Lord’s work is still accomplished despite human weakness; Joseph’s martyrdom did not end the Restoration—it propelled it.

       

    • The Saints’ journey west is a testimony that divine power works through mortal leaders to accomplish eternal purposes.