Lesson 2 Student Choice

Choice 1: Review Matthew 3:13-17 and the institute student manual commentary for Matthew 3:16, "What Is the Significance of the Holy Ghost Descending 'like a Dove'?" (pg. 28-29). Then write answers to the following questions:

1. Why was John hesitant to baptize Jesus?
John was hesitant to baptize Jesus because he felt unworthy to baptize the Son of God.  John felt that Christ should be the one baptizing him.

2. What is taught here about the Holy Ghost?
I found it interesting in the reading in the manual that the Holy Ghost did not take the form of a dove, but in the form of a "personage" and that his descent was "like a dove".  It is worth noting that the Holy Ghost came after Christ's baptism.  Christ was first baptized with water, then with fire just as we are.

3. Jesus Christ said He must be baptized to "fulfill all righteousness." List three reasons why Jesus Christ was baptized (see 2 Nephi 31:6-11).
Christ was baptized to show us an example of what we should do.
He was baptized to show submission to the Father. Christ did not need to be baptized for a remission of sins because He is perfect and without sin, but He did need to follow the commandments of the Father and baptism is one of those commandments.
In John 3:5 it says, "except a man be born of water . . . he cannot enter into the kingdom of god." Christ had to fulfill the commandment to be baptized so that He could return to Father.

4. What evidence is found in Matthew 3:16-17 that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are three separate personages in the Godhead?
When Christ is baptized the Holy Ghost descends and "lighted" upon Jesus and the Father is heard from the heavens saying, "This is my Beloved Son.." All three members of the Godhead are present and making themselves known to the people who witnessed the baptism of Christ.

Choice 4: Luke 1:39–45; 2:8–38; Matthew 2:1–18. Others Who Learned of the Birth of Jesus Christ

1.    Fill in the chart below as you study the scriptures indicated:

Who	How they learned about the Savior	What they knew about the Savior	What they did with their knowledge
Elisabeth (Luke 1:39-45)	When Mary came to visit her/babe leapt in her womb	The Savior was the child Mary was carrying	Praised, said that Mary and Christ were "blessed" and wondered that Mary would come to see her
Shepherds (Luke 2:8-18)	An angel	Christ was born that day, where to find Him	Went straight to find Him, testified of His birth to others
Simeon (Luke 2:25-35)	he was led to the temple by the spirit the day that Jesus was brought there	that he would see him before he died, that the babe in the temple was Christ	blessed them and prophesied
Anna (Luke 2:36-38)	she never left the temple so she was there when Mary, Joseph, and Jesus arrived	recognized Him	gave thanks, spoke of Him to others
Wise Men (Matthew 2:1-12)	saw His star	He had been born and that He was King of the Jews	Sought Him, gave gifts, departed a different way to protect Him
Herod (Matthew 2:1-18)	told by the Wise Men	all that the Wise Men told him	hunted for Him, killing all children that were of the same age
Chief Priests (Matthew 2:1-6)	prophesy	where He would be born, that He would rule	shared what they knew with Herod
Nephites (3 Nephi 1:12-22)	prophesy, voice of the Lord, signs of His birth	He would save them, the atonement would happen	many fell to the earth in fear, most believed and were converted

2.    Write a response to the question: What do I know about the Savior, how have ​I learned it, and what am I doing with what I know?

What I know about the Savior has come from reading the scriptures, Sunday School lessons, and seminary. I know the facts that are available via the scriptures and prophets but don't feel like I have a personal relationship with Him.  This is why I chose to take this New Testament class.  I desire to change what I know into an opportunity to know Him.