Tuesday, September 24, 2013

The Baptism of Jesus Christ



Topic Choices:

Choice 1: Matthew 3:13–17. The Baptism of Jesus Christ

Review Matthew 3:13–17 and the institute student manual commentary for Matthew 3:16, “What Is the Significance of the Holy Ghost Descending ‘like a Dove’?” (pg. 28–29). Then write answers to the following questions:
  • Why was John hesitant to baptize Jesus?
  • What is taught here about the Holy Ghost? 
  • Jesus Christ said He must be baptized to “fulfill all righteousness.” List three reasons why Jesus Christ was baptized (see 2 Nephi 31:6–11).
  • What evidence is found in Matthew 3:16–17 that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are three separate personages in the Godhead?




·         Why was John hesitant to baptize Jesus, who wouldn’t be? John like any of us felt inferior to the Savior, and knowing that he was the Savior, felt unworthy to baptize him. My first thought would have been something similar to John’s, that is, I have needed to be baptized of thee.

·         The Holy Ghost has been called to be a witness of all things that are true. When the Holy Ghost descended like a dove, he witness that all righteousness had been fulfilled like Christ said. The dove being a symbol of the testifier appeared for all to see and for all to know that this was good.

·         Jesus was baptized to fulfill all righteousness.
o   Jesus was baptized to show obedient in keeping the commandments.
o   Jesus was baptized to show us the way (follow his example).
o   Jesus was baptized to show us humility.

·         God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit are three separate beings. If Heavenly Father proclaims he is well please in his son for all to hear, with Christ being in the flesh, then, they must be two.

In same, the Holy Spirit made himself manifest in the form of a dove. All three were witnessed in their different forms. I had a missionary explain it to me like this; Jesus was not a ventriloquist throwing his voice to the heavens to trick his disciples. He did not use smoke and mirrors to create an illusion of the dove (Holy Spirit).


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