“And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.” (Mark 1:9)

The simple act of Jesus being baptized was so important it was recorded in all four Gospels. John the Baptist, who would be the forerunner of Jesus, said the following as he came out of the wilderness, preaching and looking interesting wearing camel skin and eating locust and honey.

But his message was clear that the kingdom of God was at hand.

These were John’s declarations:

• He was to bear witness of the light, but he was not that light.
• Jesus would come unto his own, and his own received him not.
• And word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory.
• He that cometh after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
• He would bear record that Jesus was the Son of God.

As we read, it seems as if John did not know Jesus, stating “and I knew him not.” However, we know they were related. In an event that occurred prior to their births, Mary greeted Elisabeth and the babe (John) “leaped in my womb for joy.”

John saw Jesus coming and he proclaimed, “Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world.” 

The sinless Son of God, at the age of 30, came to John to be baptized. Understanding this event, John even acknowledged to Jesus that he needed to be baptized of Him. But Jesus confirmed this wonderful spiritual act by telling John, “Suffer it to be so now; for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.”

God always has a way of confirming His will. After His baptism was complete (although recorded somewhat differently in the Gospels), it was written, “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: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

The Bible and The Book of Mormon both declared “Hear ye Him.”

Remember the day of your baptism and the joy you and others around you felt. Remember the forgiveness of sins. Remember the words “…calling them by name, saying: Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.”

If you can’t remember that day—or if that day for you has not come yet—there is still time to “Hear ye Him.”

This simple act was only one event in the life of Jesus, and it is only one event in our lives. 

But it is this act that has made all the difference. 

Think of the eternity of blessings that reach not only to us but that show as a shining example for those who have yet to act. 

“And it came to pass.”

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.