Baptized Like Jesus

Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3 | Jan 23-29

As John the Baptist helped to prepare the people to receive the Savior, he taught the people to repent and be baptized. John held the Aaronic Priesthood and had authority from God to baptize. When we are baptized our sins are washed away and we are made clean. John taught that the Savior would baptize us with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. When we are baptized and then confirmed as members of Jesus Christ’s church, we are given the gift of the Holy Ghost. This is sometimes described as a baptism of fire.

Even though Jesus was sinless, He knew He needed to be baptized to keep the commandments and give us an example. Jesus went to John the Baptist to be baptized in the Jordan River. Jesus was baptized by immersion, which means He was fully immersed (covered) in the water. Heavenly Father spoke from heaven, saying “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17) The heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descended upon Jesus.

We can be baptized as Jesus was and do the things that are pleasing to our Heavenly Father so that we can have His Spirit to be with us.

Watch

WATCH THE VIDEO >

Read and Discuss

Scripture

Mark 1:9–11

“And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Questions

Why was Jesus baptized?
What authority did John have to baptize Jesus?
How was Jesus baptized?
What does baptism by immersion mean?
Why do we need to be baptized like Jesus?
How did Heavenly Father show that He was pleased with Jesus? (See Luke 3:22)
How does Heavenly Father show he is pleased with us when we are baptized?

Quote

“When I was eight years of age my mother talked with me about repentance and about the meaning of baptism…I dressed in white and was baptized. I remember that day as though it were yesterday and the happiness I felt at having had this ordinance performed.” Thomas S. MonsonGET THE FULL LESSON >

View past lessons & resources on our website.

More Resources

Activity

I Can Be Baptized like Jesus

During this fun baptism activity your family will learn by discussion and demonstration how we are baptized by immersion like Jesus!

Treat

Immersion Cookies (Shortbread)

Immersion is the dipping of something in liquid so that it is completely covered. When we are baptized by immersion we are completely covered with water. When eating “Immersion Cookies” completely immerse (dunk) cookies into a cold glass of milk. YUM!