Matthew 3

Monday, June 10, 2013


We are told to repent (verse 2). There were people who were trying to be baptized who had not yet repented of their sins. Before we can be baptized, we must first repent of our sins. This is essential and is what we are told to do. It allows us to be "clean" before we are baptized (verse 7). 
In verse 11, we learn that without the Atonement, we could not be able to receive the Holy Ghost. Heavenly Father has provided us with a way to receive extra guidance from Him. This is through the gift of the Holy Ghost. But we cannot receive this gift until we are baptized. Through this verse, we learn that without Christ, we would not be able to receive this gift.
Something I think that is essential to remember and is also referred to in verse 11 is that God is mightier than us all. He knows everything and loves each and every one of us dearly. It often helps me to remember that Heavenly Father can accomplish far more than man. Things we find impossible are possible for Him to accomplish. In Luke 1:37 we are told "For with God nothing shall be impossible." We know that if we have faith in our Heavenly Father and trust Him even when we are afraid and unsure, all things can be accomplished. Faith is something we all need to have. We are told that even if we have faith just the size of a grain of mustard seed, we can move mountains. This is incredibly reassuring because that is barely any faith at all and yet, Heavenly Father is satisfied with that. He also realizes that we are not perfect and trials can seem like absolute mountains in our lives. A returned missionary once told me to not look at the mountain (or trial) that is right in front of me. He said to look ten feet in front of it. So look beyond our trials and know that Heavenly Father will help us. He will never ask us to do something if He is not willing to help us. 
We all need to be baptized just as Christ was. He came to set an example for us in hope that we would all follow it. When we follow the example of Christ, we may one day be able to return to our Father in Heaven.