Luke 3: Baptism of Jesus

                In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, the word of the Lord came unto John in the wilderness. John departed from the wilderness and went to Jordan, where he preached “…baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;” (Luke 3:3) John cried out to the people and said; “…Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight…” (Luke 3:4) There came one man who wished to be baptized, yet John must have found him not worthy or lacking in repentance, because he tells the man; “…O generations of vipers…. Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance…” (Luke 3:8) John explains that everyone who does not bring forth the fruit of repentance will be like a bad tree, which will be cut down and tossed aside.

What are fruits worthy of Repentance?

In order to be baptized, one must first find Faith in Jesus Christ, Second Repent of those things not in alignment with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, meaning that you must follow ALL of God’s commandments. It is not just enough to believe in Jesus Christ, for if one truly believes in Him, and accepts Jesus as their personal Savior, then that same person will want to make their life like His, and follow in His footsteps. Third, that person can receive a baptism, for the remission of those sins. But that baptism needs to be done with the proper authority. Why do you think people came to John? It is because John had the Authority given to him. Finally after baptism you can receive the Holy Ghost, by the laying on of hands, again by someone who has the Authority to do so.

Many people who have gathered to be baptized of John ask him, how they can be baptized for a remission of their own sins. John explains that they need to give freely of themselves and their time, talents and wealth.

“…He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none….” (Luke 3:11)

                “…Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.” (Luke 3:14)

The people were astonished by John’s words, but he reassured them that he was only a man; “…I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.” (Luke 3:16)

                John then rebukes Herod for marrying Herodias, who was Phillips wife and for all the evils which Herod had done, including putting John into jail.

Jesus then comes to be baptized of John; “…the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son, in thee I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21-22) Jesus was about 30 years old when He was baptized.  Jesus was baptized at a later age to help us understand that baptism should be done at an age of accountability. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that age of accountability has been decided through revelation of being eight years old. Baptizing before that age is a mockery before God.

The Genealogy of Jesus Christ is given, however it differs from the genealogy given by Matthew, giving his actual lineage through Mary, instead of his legal lineage through Joseph.

Lineage of Jesus Christ:

• Joseph was the son of Heli
  • Heli was the son of Matthat
    • Matthat was the son of Levi
      • Levi was the son of Melchi
        • Melchi was the son of Janna
          • Janna was the son of Joseph
• Joseph was the son of Mattathias
  • Mattathias was the son of Amos
    • Amos was the son of Naum
      • Naum was the son of Esli
        • Esli was the son of Nagge
          • Nagge was the son of Maath
• Maath was the son of Mattathias
  • Mattathias was the son of Semei
    • Semei was the son of Joseph
      • Joseph was the son of Juda
        • Juda was the son of Joanna
          • Joanna was the son of Rhesa
• Rhesa was the son of Zorobabel
  • Zorobabel was the son of Salathiel
    • Salathiel was the son of Neri

• Neri was the son of Melchi
  • Melchi was the son of Addi
    • Addi was the son of Cosam
    • Cosam was the son of Elmodam
      • Elmodam was the son of Er
        • Er was the son of Jose
          • Jose was the son of Eliezer
            • Eliezer was the son of Jorim
              • Jorim was the son of Matthat
              • Matthat was the son of Levi
                • Levi was the son of Simeon
                  • Simeon was the son of Juda
                    • Judas was the son of Joseph
                      • Joseph was the son of Jonan
                        • Jonan was the son of Eliamkim

• Eliamkin was the son of Melea
  • Melea was the son of Menan
    • Menan was the son of Mattatha
      • Mattatha was the son of Nathan
        • Nathan was the son of David
          • David was the son of Jesse
• Jesse was the son of Obed
  • Obed was the son of Booz
    • Booz was the son of Salmon
      • Salmon was the son of Naasson
        • Naasson was the son of Aminadab
          • Aminadab was the son of Aram

• Aram was the son of Esrom
  • Esrom was the son of Phares
    • Phares was the son of Juda
      • Juda was the son of Jacob
        • Jacob was the son of Isaac
          • Isaac was the son of Abraham
• Abraham was the son of Thara
  • Thara was the son of Nachor
    • Nachor was the son of Saruch
      • Saruch was the son of Ragau
        • Ragau was the son of Phalec
          • Phalec was the son of Heber
• Heber was the son of Sala
  • Sala was the son of Cainan
    • Cainan was the son of Arphaxad
      • Arphaxad was the son of Sem
        • Sem was the son of Noe
          • Noe was the son of Lamech
• Lamech was the son of Mathusala
  • Mathusala was the son of Enoch
    • Enoch was the son of Jared
      • Jared was the son of Maleleel
        • Maleleel was the son of Cainan
          • Cainan was the son of Enos

• Enos was the sons of Seth
  • Seth was the son of Adam
    • Adam was the son of God.