Today’s exploration of spiritual one-liners focuses on three simple words that reveal the personal nature of Christ’s ministry: “one by one.” In His visit to the Nephites, “the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one” (3 Nephi 11:15).
Think about those words: “one by one.” Not in groups, not as a crowd, but individually. Each person had their own sacred moment to feel His wounds, to know for themselves. This personal pattern appears throughout Christ’s ministry. When He healed the sick, it was one by one (Mark 1:34). When He blessed children, it was one by one (3 Nephi 17:21). Even with 2,500 people waiting (3 Nephi 17:25), He ensured each person had their own sacred experience with Him.
This pattern appears throughout Christ’s ministry. When He healed at Capernaum, “he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them” (Luke 4:40). When He blessed the children among the Nephites, He took them “one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them” (3 Nephi 17:21). Even His great promise about service focuses on individual impact: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40).
Following Christ’s example means seeing beyond crowds to individuals. It means taking time for personal connections in our ministering. A text to someone struggling. A moment to truly listen. A prayer for someone in need. These individual acts might seem small, but this is how Christ patterned His personal ministry.
I testify that Jesus Christ knows and ministers to us individually. As we mirror His example of “one by one” ministry, we participate in His divine pattern of personal care and connection.
Elder Linder 