Did Joseph Smith Boast He Did More than Jesus?
Just one month before his death, Joseph Smith made a startling claim—he had done more to keep his church together than Jesus ever did. This bold statement, recorded in History of the Church, Volume 6, p. 409, raises serious questions about pride, humility, and the authority of his words.
Ironically, Smith’s boast stands in sharp contrast to a warning found in his own writings:
“For although a man may have many revelations, and have power to do many mighty works, yet if he boasts in his own strength… he must fall and incur the vengeance of a just God upon him.” (Doctrine and Covenants 3:4)
The Bible repeatedly warns against pride and self-exaltation:
- “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” (James 4:6)
- “When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2)
- “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” (Philippians 2:3)
By contrast, Jesus Christ—the very Son of God—demonstrated perfect humility. Paul reminds us:
“Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant… he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:6–8)
Jesus never boasted in Himself but always glorified the Father (John 8:50, John 17:4). His church was built not by human effort, but by divine authority:
“Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)
This video examines Joseph Smith’s controversial boast, the biblical standard of humility, and how this moment fits into the final days of his life. Was this the arrogance of a prophet—or the fulfillment of God’s warning against boasting in one’s own strength? Ultimately, Scripture shows that only Christ is the true foundation of the Church, and His work needs no rival, addition, or replacement.
