Jesus' Baptism

When studying Matthew 3:13-17 we can see and understand that John was hesitant to baptize Jesus. John felt inadequate to be the one to baptize Jesus, since Jesus is the ‘Chosen One’ and was perfect.  He felt that he was not even worthy to unlatch Jesus’ shoes, let alone perform such a special ordinance for Jesus. 

In reading additional commentary from the Institute manual I learned, “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.’” (McConkie, DNTC, 1:123–24.)

Additional research of Jesus’ baptism teaches us that there are specific reasons why He was baptized. He was the prime example in showing all of His disciples how to humble themselves before God the Father and that we are to obey God’s will.  Another important key in Jesus baptism was to exemplify the correct way to be baptized.  We must be baptized by immersion and by the right authority.  The third part of his baptismal process shows us that if Christ who is greater than us all has need to be baptized, then no other person is exempt from need of partaking in this ordinance. 

One of my favorite parts of scripture are verses16-17, in Matthew chapter 3.  We learn that as Jesus came out of the water that the Holy Ghost ‘descended like a dove’ and God speaks from the Heavens of His love for His son.  This has been important in my life as I have had discussions with many of my friends who believe in the Trinity.  They have told me that they are one, but cannot explain or even understand it themselves.  I also believe that there is information that is not available to us right now, but I feel grateful to have knowledge of a principle so integral to the understanding of much of the scriptures.