Without Disclosing My True Identity
At times, Joseph smiled and gently laughed, as Christ explained the myths and legends that
had developed into a system of beliefs that created the world’s major religions.^36
“Am I to become a myth?” Joseph quipped, showing his own sense of humor.
“You will become as real to the people as they have allowed Moses to become,” answered Christ.
A general outline was given to Joseph that detailed some of the upcoming events. He
was told that Hyrum would work closely with him; and together the two brothers would be
the last two mortals needed to present a complete understanding of the things that have
been hidden since the foundation of the world.
Laying the Foundation for Future Responsibilities
In all, Joseph spent almost six hours with Christ. Christ was careful not to
overwhelm the young boy’s mind by presenting too many real truths that were too deep
and unnecessary at the time. Christ knew he was speaking with a teenage boy. He knew
that four men had been alive since his mortal lifetime; he knew that these men (the Three
Nephites and John the Beloved) had gained generations of hands-on knowledge concerning
mortality, as well as a true knowledge of the Universe. In the near future, these men would
be instrumental in instructing Joseph, as his mentors and best friends. These men would
fulfill their prophesied roles outlined in the Book of Mormon:
Therefore, great and marvelous works shall be wrought by them, before the
great and coming day when all people must surely stand before the
judgment-seat of Christ; Yea even among the Gentiles shall there be a great
and marvelous work wrought by them, before that judgment day.^37Joseph Smith, Jr., while mortal, acted as the “front man”^38 for these four volunteer,
semi-immortal disciples of Christ. His brother, Hyrum, in a later incarnation, would be the
very last “front man.” The world will not only come to know Joseph and Hyrum, but also
the Marvelous Work and a Wonder that they have brought forth to the world, under the
specific direction of the semi-mortal men “who were never to taste of death.”^39
Christ knew that the young Joseph would need a special adjustment to his mortal
brain so that he could remember some things that would assist him in his final mortal
incarnation. But this was not the occasion for this advanced “brain-adjustment procedure”
to take place. (This task would be delegated to the next-to-appear advanced, resurrected
being, named “Moroni” in mortality, who would call upon Joseph three years later.) Joseph
was told that when the time was right, he would be visited by another advanced human
who would instruct him further.
The purpose and mission was then explained (without too many intimate details at
the time) about the aforementioned semi-immortals who had been on the earth a long time
(“the Brothers”) and who would be available to support and assist him, when necessary.
Joseph was assured that he would understand everything he needed to before he
commenced his mission.
Christ didn’t need to ask if Joseph would accept the calling. What fourteen-year-
old boy would turn down such an opportunity when it was presented by Christ himself?
Furthermore, an advanced human would never require something that was contrary to a
mortal’s free will, or inconsistent with a foreordained choice made before mortality by