The baptism of Jesus Christ in the New Testament is an immensely important part of Jesus Christ’s life. His baptism marks the beginning of his ministry and is a sign to many of Jesus’s followers that He is the Father’s “beloved son” ( Matthew 3:17 ). But the purpose of baptism, both Jesus’s and his followers’, is left a little vague in the New Testament. What is the purpose of baptism? What is...

The lesson from Come Follow Me for this week centers on John 1 and the topic of recognizing Jesus as the Messiah. The prologue to the Gospel of John ( John 1:1–18 ) introduces us to the pre-existent Christ: “In the beginning … the Word was with God.” Our Savior’s mission began long before He was born in Bethlehem. Holy prophets throughout history foresaw His coming and shared their divine...

This week’s Come Follow Me material is particularly special because members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints get to study the birth of Jesus Christ yet again after the Christmas season. The birth of Jesus Christ is a revered tradition among many Christian faiths. However, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has additional insight into the birth of Jesus Christ thanks...

According to Matthew, when the angel Gabriel appeared to Joseph, he said that Mary’s conception, and the birth of Jesus “was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet,” and quoted Isaiah: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” ( Isaiah 7:14 ; cf. Matthew 1:22–23 ). Gabriel’s point was to show that Jesus was the long-...

Take Your Scripture Study to the Next Level This year Latter-day Saints have been asked to take their scripture study up a notch. The Church is re-directing the center of learning to the home, where individuals and families can be flexible to study in ways that best suit their circumstances. With the onset of 2-hour church and the beginning of the Come Follow Me curriculum , members of the Church...