#16 The Baptism of Jesus

#16 The Baptism of Jesus

           

Author’s note: It would be easy to include information about baptism in general here; however, my purpose is to try and limit comments and observations to those pertinent to the specific baptism of our Savior.

  Scriptures:

  Matthew 3 and JST Mathew 3

  Mark 1 and JST Mark 1

  Luke 3 and JST Luke 3

  John 1; 1 Nephi 11; 2 Nephi 31; D & C Section 93

Jesus comes to John the Baptist (JB) to be baptized. It is now time for him to begin his ministry on earth; he has been prepared by the Father and now at age thirty qualifies under Jewish law to teach and be heard. Jesus knew JB was the only legal administrator there with the authority to perform baptisms. John, knowing by the Spirit who Jesus was, objected at first.  Jesus explains to John the need for authority (John holds the Aaronic Priesthood) and for all things to be done in proper order. Jesus must so likewise be obedient and be baptized to “fulfill all righteousness.” John then baptizes Jesus.

“To fulfill all righteousness:”

Jesus was the one sinless person. Jesus did not need to have any sins forgiven; however, as he himself said, it was necessary for him to be baptized. Nephi gives us four reasons as to how and why he did this:

     1. He humbled himself before the Father.

     2. He showed obedience and covenanted to keep the commandments.

     3. Baptism is required of all to enter the Celestial Kingdom.

     4. Jesus was to set the example for all to follow.

All who attain the Celestial Kingdom will, like Jesus, need to “fulfill all righteousness,” which means to perform every ordinance, keep the commandments, and do all else the Father requires to attain eternal life. None but Jesus is perfect in this life, but as we strive to live righteously, continue to repent, and endure to the end, the Atoning Sacrifice of our Savior will make up for where we fall short.

When we enter the waters of baptism we symbolize the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.  Just so also when Jesus was baptized did this portend of the Atonement, when Jesus would open the doors of the resurrection for all of God's earthly children.

As Jesus went forth with his ministry he taught all to follow him ... “What manner of men ought ye to be? ... even as I am.” 3 Nephi 27:27. When we enter the waters of baptism we commit and proclaim to the world identification with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection. We bind ourselves to him in whose name we are baptized.

The King James version of the Bible says when Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens opened unto Him and he saw the Spirit of God descending, and heard the voice of the Father from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” The Joseph Smith translation says John the Baptist saw and heard these things too. Also, that the Father said, “in whom I am well pleased. Hear ye him.” As Jesus “went up straightway out of the water” John saw the heavens open, he beheld the manifestations of the Holy Ghost, and he heard the voice of the Father testifying of the divinity of his Son. We are not told whether any of the multitude also saw or heard these things. I cannot help but feel this was the Father's announcing his Son to the world, “Hear ye Him.” These additional words given in the JST would add strength to John's testimony of Jesus as the Son of God.

“The Sign of the Dove:”

Prophet Joseph Smith:

“The sign of the dove was instituted before the creation of the world, a witness for the Holy Ghost, and the devil cannot come in the sign of the dove. The Holy Ghost is a personage, and is in the form of a personage. It does not confine itself to the form of the dove, but in sign of the dove. The Holy Ghost cannot be transformed into a dove; but the sign of a dove was given to John to signify the truth of the deed, as the dove is an emblem or token of truth and innocence.”  (Teachings of Joseph Smith p.275-276)

It thus appears that John witnessed the sign of the dove, that he saw the Holy Ghost descend in the “bodily shape” of the personage that he is, and that the descent was “like a dove.” (Apostle Bruce R. McConkie)

Also, of interest is the fact that all four gospel writers record this event with the words, “like a dove.” This is not the case with many of the recorded events about Jesus.

We also see plainly here the three separate members of the Godhead; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost in the same place and at the same time, separately.

Glenn R. McGettigan

February 2012; Revised April 2014

References:

“Scriptural Teachings of Prophet Joseph Smith.” Smith / Galbraith

“Doctrinal New Testament Commentary.”  McConkie

“Companion Study of New Testament.”  Ludlow

“Teachings of Prophet Joseph Smith.”

“Our Lord of the Gospels.” Clark

“Jesus the Christ.” Talmage

“Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ.” Holzapfel and Wayment

“LDS Bible Dictionary.”

“Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words.”

“Biblical Archeological Review.” March 1992 Jesus / Baptism / Dead Sea Scrolls

“Latter Day Prophets and Doctrine Covenants.” Volume 1. Whitney

“Journal of Discourses” Volume 2. Grant

“Commentary on the Book of Mormon.” Volume’s 1 & 2. Reynolds & Sjodahl

“Answers to Gospel Questions.” Volume 2. Smith