Recovery to Mormonism

What Mormons believe about Christ’s Life

In this article, we’ll explicate what Mormons believe about Christ’s life.  You may find that it bears every resemblance to what most Christians believe about Christ’s life.  Although anti-Mormons and ex-Mormons may insist that Mormons believe wildly different things about Jesus—this brief timeline may clear up a few misconceptions.

Birth

To Mormons, as to all Christians, Jesus Christ’s birth was miraculous—and probably the central event in human history.  Mary was His mother and, although Mary was espoused to Joseph, Jesus was the son of God and His birth was prophesied centuries before it happened. 

His mother was mortal, His father divine—this gave Jesus heavenly and mortal qualities both.  Having both qualities would give Him the ability to be the Savior of the World.  Elder McConkie further explains “that … he [Jesus Christ] submitted to all the trials of mortality, suffering ‘temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death’ (Mosiah 3:5–8), finally being put to death . . .” (Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [1966], 155).  Without mortal qualities, Jesus Christ couldn’t have suffered for us in the way He did.  He could not have the sharp understanding of sin and pain and death.  But He was born a man, if also more than man.  He could carry our sins and sorrows and He could also know us through them—He could know our pains and struggles.  And the prophets were aware of who He would be and what His mission would entail long before he came.  In Isaiah 53:4, we read, “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows.” 

And in the Book of Mormon, which acts as another testament of Christ, we also have prophets who prophecy of Jesus Christ and look for his coming.  (These prophets, and their people, lived in the Americas.)  An example.  The Lord called a prophet named Samuel to prepare the people for Christ’s birth, five years before it happened.  Samuel warned the people to repent, and to believe on Christ, even though His coming was not yet.  He also prophesied certain events—the night before Christ was born in Jerusalem, there would be great lights in the sky and these would be so brilliantly bright that night would be as day.  Darkness would not fall upon the Americas. 

“And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you” (Helaman 14:5).  Although the people of the Book of Mormon wouldn’t see Christ during His mortal ministry, His birth would have a great impact on them and their culture—it was as important to them as to those who lived in Jerusalem. 

And, indeed, the night of Christ’s birth was one of angelic celebration and testimony.  An angel appeared to shepherds in fields near the stable in which Christ was born.  He told them of the “good tidings of great joy,” that “for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2, 10-11).

The great indicator of Christ’s birth, the star in the heavens, was followed by wise men from the east.  These found Jesus and left him gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh.�
The king of Judea, Herod, believed his authority and his throne would be threatened by the Messiah’s coming.  So he ordered that all the children in Bethlehem, two years of age and younger, should be killed.  No newcomer would rule Israel in Herod’s stead.  (see Matthew 2:2, Matthew 2:6)

But Joseph, the husband of Mary, was given a vision from an angel of the Lord—in this vision, he was warned to flee with his family to Egypt.  They did so—and when they returned from Egypt, it would be Nazareth they returned to, not Bethlehem. 

Jesus’ birth was a humble one.  Luke 2:7 reads: “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” There was no mortal splendor or pomp attending to His birth—his glory was reflected in the heavens and by the visitation of angels.

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Childhood of Jesus Christ
But we know little of Jesus’ childhood.  We have only small pieces of information given to us in the New Testament.  Luke 2:40 states: “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.”  From birth, Jesus progressed—He prepared for His role as the Messiah. 

Luke also tells us that, at 12, Jesus accompanied Mary and Joseph to the Feast of the Passover in Jerusalem (Luke 2:41–42).

After the Passover was finished, Mary and Joseph began their journey home to Nazareth and realized that Jesus was not with them (Luke 2:43–45).  He was still in the Jewish temple—this is where they found Him, not only there, but in deep discussion with the religious leaders.  Luke notes that “all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers” (2:47). And when his parents asked Him what He was doing, He answered, “I must be about my Father’s business” (Luke 2:49).  That Jesus would say this would indicate that He was aware of His true father, his Heavenly one, and had had counsel with Him.  Jesus was aware of who He was. 

But there was no arrogance in Jesus.  Luke 2:51 states that he “was subject unto them,” his parents.  He also “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52).  As He grew older, He developed—He was not weak physically, and He was wise and spiritual and spoke well. 

Mortal Ministry
Jesus taught the gospel to all who would hear Him during His mortal ministry.  He healed the sick.  He calmed the waters of the sea—no storm could withstand Him.  He changed water to wine.  And this is far from all.  His miracles were numerous.  He was the Messiah, the Savior of mankind, and the perfect example for all of us—how He lived is how we ought to live. 

Matthew 5 records the Sermon on the Mount.  Many of the principles of the gospel of Christ are present here—here we see the gentleness of the gospel, its focus on love for one another, on service.  Christ was an example of this in Himself.  He was moved to heal the sick through compassion—as He became better known, people would bring their ill to him.

Jesus Christ also organized his church. Matthew 3:14 states, “And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach.” The calling of the twelve was an essential part of the Church’s organization—this would later be lost.  In the beliefs of Mormonism, the Mormon Church is His Church, restored. 

Jesus’ last mortal act, and his most important, was the Atonement.  Upon Himself, He took the sufferings and sins of mankind—this, He did in the Garden of Gesthsemane.  He sealed His sacrifice on Calvary’s cross. 

Three days later, He would be resurrected.  He lives, today, as our advocate with the Father.