In 3 Nephi 17:1-7, we read the following:
Behold, now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words he looked round about again on the multitude, and he said unto them: Behold, my time is at hand. I perceive that ye are weak, that ye cannot understand all my words which I am commanded of the Father to speak unto you at this time. Therefore, go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto you again. But now I go unto the Father, and also to show myself unto the lost tribes of Israel, for they are not lost unto the Father, for he knoweth whither he hath taken them. And it came to pass that when Jesus had thus spoken, he cast his eyes round about again on the multitude, and beheld they were in tears, and did look steadfastly upon him as if they would ask him to tarry a little longer with them. And he said unto them: Behold, my bowels are filled with compassion towards you. Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy.
What is rather interesting about this text is that this pericope supports the concept of contingent, not exhaustive, foreknowledge. How so? Notice the following:
(1) Jesus tells the people that, due to their weakness, they must go back to their homes and ponder the words he gave them while he will return to the Father.
(2) The people, not wishing to leave Jesus, greatly mourn.
(3) As a result of this, Jesus is personally moved and changes His mind—instead of ascending back to the Father and dismissing the people to ponder His teachings, he asks for them to bring forth their sick so he can heal them.
Again, this is another text that supports the “Open” view of the future.
