The 3 Nephites

As Jesus was among the ancient American people, he called 12 that would lead the church, which he called the 12 disciples. See my previous post regarding the ancient American people. The story of the 3 Nephites is an amazing, mysterious and intriguing story. 3rd Nephi chapter 28 is one of my most enjoyable passages in all of the Book of Mormon.

Just before Jesus departed from the people from the people, he ask this question to his 12 disciples:

"What is it that ye desire of me, after that I am gone to the Father?"

9 out of the 12 disciples said they wanted continue their ministry amongst the people till an old age. He granted them their wish and even gave them a specific time:

"...after that ye are seventyand two years old ye shall come unto me in my kingdom..."

The Christ turned to the remaining 3 disciples and asked them and did not want to answer, for which I do not know why. Maybe they thought their desire was too much of an ask. It's pretty amazing because Christ was able to actually know what their thoughts were:

"I know your thoughts,and ye have desired... for ye shall never taste of death; but ye shall live to behold all the doings of the Father unto the children of men, even until all things shall be fulfilled according to the will of the Father, when I shall come in my glory with the powers of heaven”

Afterwards, all of the 12 disciples were "caught up into heaven, and saw and heard unspeakable things" and were commanded to not record or divulge. I've always wondered all of the amazing and miraculous things they saw and heard.

But without a doubt, the most intriguing part of this whole story is that the 3 Nephites (and John the Beloved from the New Testament) are still among us. It is said that they would perform amazing things until the 2nd coming of the Lord.

I know this doesn't help much with my salvation, but I've always wondered where these 3 Nephites are and have wondered if they've ever been around us or even if the our Prophet and Apostles have met them or know where they are? And my last wonder is what things they've done in our world and how it has changed the world we live in today?

But what an amazing assignment to help in special ways to help move the gospel forward.