Seeing the Savior Through the Eyes of Wonder: A Lesson for Every Disciple

Sometimes, when we’re deep in study, or maybe we’re wrestling with a tough doctrinal question in a missionary discussion, the weight of the gospel can feel immense. It can feel like trying to explain the infinite to a finite mind. It can feel like trying to hold the entire scope of the Atonement in one’s own heart.

But I was reminded this week of something beautiful—a film that shows the story of Jesus through the eyes of children. And honestly, it hit me like a spiritual refresher course. It reminded me that no matter how many years we’ve been in the field, or how many times we’ve been through the MTC, we can always approach the Savior with the pure, unadulterated wonder of a child.

It’s easy, when we get into the rhythm of the work, to treat the gospel like something we’ve already mastered. We know the scriptures, we know the testimonies, we know the process. But the children in this film—Benjamin, Sarah, Caleb—they represent that fresh, questioning spirit that every single one of us needs to cultivate.

When they watch the miracles, their questions aren't, "How does this fit into the established canon of theology?" Their questions are, "How can this be?" And that, my friends, is the purest form of discipleship. It’s the willingness to be astonished.

The Gift of Wonder in Missionary Preparation

As we all strive to be better internet missionaries, we often focus on our talking points: the plan of salvation, the Book of Mormon, the necessity of temple attendance. These are vital, of course. But the children remind us that the *feeling* of the gospel—the sheer, breathtaking reality of what was done—is the first thing that draws people in.

Think about it. They see the storm calmed, the blind seeing again, the resurrection. These aren't just anecdotes; they are demonstrations of divine power that defy natural explanation. When you’re preparing for your own mission, or even just having a casual conversation with a neighbor, don't just recite the facts. Share the wonder. Let the Spirit guide you to the moments where you can pause and say, "Isn't that incredible?"

This isn't just for the mission field, though. It’s for our living rooms, our family gatherings, and even our study groups in HolyPlaces. When we approach the scriptures—whether it’s an Isaiah study or just a casual Bible Study Group—let's bring that childlike awe. Let’s treat the revelations like miracles waiting to be uncovered.

I was thinking a lot about the questioning nature of the children, and it made me think of Davee. If you’re ever feeling stuck on how to answer a tough question—the kind that makes you want to retreat to the safety of your own knowledge—I highly recommend running it by Davee in his AI Investigator role. He’s fantastic at walking you through the hard questions an investigator might ask, helping you frame an answer rooted in testimony rather than just doctrine.

A Reminder to Be Christlike

The film shows Jesus teaching kindness and love, and how He cared for everyone, especially children. That’s the core message, isn't it? To be Christlike. It means cultivating that same open-minded, loving curiosity in our own hearts. It means being willing to be taught, even by the "little ones" in our lives.

As we continue in the work, let's commit to keeping that sense of awe alive. Let's keep asking, "How can this be?" and let the Spirit whisper the answers to us, so we can pass that wonder along to others.

If you want to dive deeper into the foundational stories that inspire this kind of wonder, I highly recommend revisiting the writings of Abraham Gesner. There’s a wonderful collection in LivingBook that really helps anchor us in the historical and spiritual context of these events. It’s perfect reading for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of the gospel narrative.

For those of us who are feeling the pull toward service, remember that every member can be an internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Keep sharing the wonder!

Next Steps for Our Community:

If you're looking for a low-stakes way to practice that questioning spirit, join a Book Club in HolyPlaces this week. It's a wonderful way to learn from others' perspectives!