LESSON: The Baptism of Jesus Christ

MOTIVATION

1. What do you usually do when there is an upcoming event or occasion

(ex. Quiz/exam, )

 The Baptism of Jesus is a preparation for His public ministry

 It is a powerful illustration of Jesus’ obedience to the will of the God,
the Father
 The Baptism of Jesus revealed both who He is and what His mission is
 It showed that Jesus is called to accomplish His Father’s saving work
through the power of the Holy Spirit.

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 3:13-17 (New International Version

The Baptism of Jesus

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14

But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you
come to me?”

15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all

righteousness.” Then John consented.

16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that

moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a
dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son,
whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

DISCUSSION

Who baptized Jesus? (Matthew 3:13.)

Why did John the Baptist hesitate to baptize Jesus? (Matthew 3:14.)

Why did Jesus want to be baptized? (Matthew 3:15; 2 Nephi 31:7, 9.)

Why do we need to be baptized? (John 3:5.)

What happened right after Jesus was baptized? (Matthew 3:16–17.)

When we are baptized, we covenant to:

Become members of the Church.

Help others.

Stand as witnesses of Heavenly Father at all times and in all places.

Serve Heavenly Father and keep his commandments.

If we keep our covenants, Heavenly Father covenants to:

Forgive our sins.

Give us many blessings.

Give us eternal life.

EFFECTS OF THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

For the forgiveness of our sins

To become members of the Church

So we can receive the gift of the Holy Spirit

Give us daily guidance through the Holy Spirit.

To be obedient