That Our Children Might See the Face of the Savior

This entry is part of my general conference application series.

That Our Children Might See the Face of the Savior, by Cheryl C. Lant
Recently Released Primary General President


For our family scripture study, we look at a scripture picture book, reading a chapter, and then the children choose which picture they like and we read the corresponding scriptures from the Bible. In this way their attention is kept, they learn the scripture stories, and learn to recognize the language of scripture (particularly the King James English). We are currently reading from the Old Testament (here is the scripture story book we're using: link), in Exodus with Moses and the children of Israel.

The other night, we read of how the Lord instructed the host of Israel to come to the bottom of Mount Sinai where He spoke to them from a cloud (see Ex. 19:9-19). As we read, the children were asked what they thought it would be like to hear the voice of the Lord. We also discussed what we would like to hear the Lord say to us. It was a good discussion.

As we continued to read, they were surprised to learn that after hearing the 10 Commandments, the people were afraid and no longer wanted the Lord to talk to them. They asked that Moses speak instead (see Ex. 20:18-21). My children couldn't understand why anyone would not want Jesus to speak to them! In fact, they wanted to be in the group of 70 who later went up higher and actually saw Jehovah (see Ex. 24:9-11)

The same night that we read this, I reviewed Sister Lant's talk. I thought of how much my children wanted to see the face of the Savior, and wondered what I needed to do further to help them (and me) prepare. Sister Lant addressed this:

What does it mean to seek the face of the Savior? Surely it means more than just recognizing His picture. Christ’s invitation to seek Him is an invitation to know who He is, what He has done for us, and what He has asked us to do. Coming to Christ, and eventually seeing His face, comes only as we draw close to Him through our faith and our actions. It comes through a lifetime of effort. . .

It is our sacred responsibility as parents and leaders of this rising generation of children to bring them to the Savior so that they might see His face and the face of our Father in Heaven as well. As we do so, we also bring ourselves.

Now that we recognize the duty of parents, the question remains: How?


Sister Lant answered this by using the example of the righteous Nephite parents who literally brought their children to see the face of the Savior when he visited them following his resurrection and ascension into heaven (see 3 Ne. 11 & 17). She spoke of a three-part pattern:

1. Love the Lord with all our hearts and love our children;
2. Become a worthy example of seeking the lord and striving to live the gospel; and
3. Teach our children the gospel and how to live it.

I'm grateful for my sweet children who want to see the face of the Savior, and I'm grateful that I, as a parent, have the opportunity to help them—and our whole family—to come to Christ, "see [His] face, and know that [He] is" (see D&C 93:1):

We can help them to one day see the face of the Savior as we teach the principles of the gospel and fill our homes with the joy of living them. Together we can come to know Him. We can feel of His love and His blessings. And through Him we can return to the presence of the Father. We do this as we are willing to be obedient, faithful, and diligent in following His teachings.

Will it be easy? Of course not! But it will be worth it!