The Baptism of Jesus Christ, Matthew 3:13–17

Why was John hesitant to baptize Jesus?

John was hesitant to baptize Jesus because he said that Jesus should be the one baptizing him. He did not feel worthy to baptize the Savior. (He mentioned earlier that he did not feel he was worthy to even buckle the latchets of the Lord’s shoes).

What is taught here about the Holy Ghost? 

We learn that the Holy Ghost comes when we have repented of our sins and are baptized. When are obedient to the Lord’s commandments, we are blessed with the Spirit. Verse 16 describes the Spirit of God “descending like a dove and lighting upon [Jesus]”. When Jesus was baptized, the sign of the dove was given to signify the truth of his baptism.

Jesus Christ said He must be baptized to “fulfill all righteousness.” What are some reasons why  Jesus Christ was baptized? (See 2 Nephi 31:6–11) 

• One reason that Jesus was baptized was to humble Himself before the Father. 
• Jesus was baptized to show Heavenly Father that He would obey all of the commandments. 
• He was baptized to set an example for us, so that we will also repent and be baptized.

What evidence is found in Matthew 3:16–17 that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are three separate personages in the Godhead?

It is obvious that the Holy Ghost is a separate personage because he descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove. Then, Heavenly Father speaks from heaven and says that He is pleased with His Beloved Son.

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As I was studying the Savior’s baptism, I found some other wonderful quotes and scriptures about baptism and the Holy Ghost that strengthened my personal testimony. I felt the Spirit testify to me of the importance of baptism and of the truthfulness of the things I read. I also felt my testimony of the Savior grow as my heart was filled with gratitude for His perfect example.  Here are some of the other references that stood out to me this week:

John 3:5 teaches that “except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

2 Nephi 31:5 which says, “And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!”

2 Nephi 31:13, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel.”

2 Nephi 32:5, “For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.”

“Our first birth takes place when we are born into mortality. Our second birth begins when we are baptized by water by one holding the priesthood of God and is completed when we are confirmed, and ‘then cometh a remission of [our] sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.’” (President James E. Faust)

 “If the sinner will repent of his sins, and go down into the waters of baptism, and there be buried in the likeness of being put into the earth and buried, and again be delivered from the water, in the likeness of being born—if in the sincerity of his heart he will do this, his sins shall be washed away. Will the water of itself wash them away? No; but keeping the commandments of God will cleanse away the stain of sin.” (President Brigham Young)

The Bible Dictionary says, “Baptism is a most sacred ordinance, which a person, having received it, can remember throughout life as a reminder of the personal commitment to Jesus Christ. Its symbolism is beautiful, and its consequences ever so desirable. John the Baptist had the signal honor among all men to take the Son of God into the water and baptize Him, after which he saw the Holy Ghost descend upon Jesus. By being baptized Jesus obeyed the law Himself and set the example for all mankind.”