In Ether 3:9 an interesting question is recorded.
Jesus
asked the brother of Jared (after he saw the Lord’s finger), “Sawest thou more than this?” Since we
know that Christ knows all things, we know he already knows the answer to that
question.
I wonder if the reason he asked was to facilitate the agency
of the brother of Jared, who answers “Nay;
Lord, show thyself unto me (Ether 3:10).”
“And
the Lord said unto him: Believest thou the words which I shall speak?
(Ether 3:11)” Again we know that the Lord knows the answer and again the
brother of Jared is given the chance to exercise his agency. He is being asked how
much he believes and trusts: how much faith he has. Does he believe what he
does not know, that has not even occurred yet? How much does he trust Jesus
Christ?
Moroni teaches, "faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith (Ether 12:6).”
Believest thou the words which I shall speak? (Ether 3:11)”
“Do I
believe the words of Jesus Christ?
Even words we may not have heard him speak yet?
Do I believe the words of prophets?
Do I
believe things that I do not know?
Do I
trust that the Lord is omnipotent?
Do I recognize his love for me?
Do I accept
it?
Do I believe?
“And
he answered: Yea, Lord, I know that thou speakest the truth, for thou art a God
of truth, and canst not lie (Ether 3:12).”
