Episode 5, Part B

Listen to Episode 5, Part B here.

I loved Episode 5 SO MUCH, but I just couldn't go on without talking about John the Baptist, Jesus' Baptism, the Pharisees, and Vipers.  So here it is- a rushed rundown of Christ's baptism and an outtake from the original Episode 5 wherein I describe the various sects of Ancient Israel and fun with snakes.

(Photo "Joy" from Reflections of Christ https://reflectionsofchrist.myshopify.com/)



John the Baptist, Bible Dictionary:

Son of Zacharias and Elisabeth, being of priestly descent through both parents. This lineage was essential, since John was the embodiment of the law of Moses, designed to prepare the way for the Messiah and make ready a people to receive Him. He was the outstanding bearer of the Aaronic Priesthood in all history and was entrusted with its most noble mission.

Baptized by FIRE

Matthew 3:11

11 aI indeed bbaptize you with water unto crepentance: but dhe that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not eworthy to bear: he shall fbaptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with gfire:

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles discussed what it means to be baptized with fire:

“We are commanded and instructed to so live that our fallen nature is changed through the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost. President Marion G. Romney taught that the baptism of fire by the Holy Ghost ‘converts [us] from carnality to spirituality. It cleanses, heals, and purifies the soul. … Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, and water baptism are all preliminary and prerequisite to it, but [the baptism of fire] is the consummation. To receive [this baptism of fire] is to have one’s garments washed in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ’ (Learning for the Eternities, comp. George J. Romney [1977], 133; see also 3 Nephi 27:19–20).

“Hence, as we are born again and strive to always have His Spirit to be with us, the Holy Ghost sanctifies and refines our souls as if by fire (see 2 Nephi 31:13–14, 17). Ultimately, we are to stand spotless before God” (“Clean Hands and a Pure Heart,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 81).

Why did Jesus travel from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John the Baptist?  John was the only one authorized with the correct keys

John was reluctant- but Jesus needed to be baptized to fulfill all righteousness.

2 Nephi 31:4–11

4 Wherefore, I would that ye should remember that I have spoken unto you concerning that prophet which the Lord showed unto me, that should baptize the Lamb of God, which should take away the sins of the world.

5 And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!

6 And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in being baptized by water?

7 Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments.

8 Wherefore, after he was baptized with water the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove.

9 And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them.

10 And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father?

11 And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son.

HOW? By immersion

GODHEAD

Matthew 3:16-17

16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained how the members of the Godhead are one but are also separate beings:

“We believe these three divine persons constituting a single Godhead are united in purpose, in manner, in testimony, in mission. … I think it is accurate to say we believe They are one in every significant and eternal aspect imaginable except believing Them to be three persons combined in one substance, a Trinitarian notion never set forth in the scriptures because it is not true” (“The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 40).

Link to (what I called a map, but is just actually some descriptions) about the four sects of Ancient Israel according to Josephus from the University of Cincinnati: https://www.artsci.uc.edu/content/dam/artsci/departments/judaic%20studies/Docs/dating_game.pdf