A stained-glass window in Nauvoo Illinois Temple, by Tom Holdman
Videos and Podcasts
Video/ Podcast | Lesson Extention | Additional Materials |
CFM Read-Along (no commentary, just the scripture passages) | Matthew 3; Mark1; Luke 3 | |
Scripture Central | | |
Follow Him | Transcript (also available on Apple) | |
Line Upon Line | ||
Teaching with Power | (also available on Apple) | |
Don't Miss This | | |
CFM New Testament |
**Go to Videos and Podcasts under the Resources Tab for more information regarding these sources.
Additional resources and Insights about this Week's Lesson
Major Topics & Events
Major Events & Doctrines | Location | Scripture Source | Cross-References |
Establishment of Political Hierarchy | | Luke 3:1-2 | |
Isaiah’s prophecy of John | | ||
The beginning of John’s ministry | | ||
Warning to Pharisees and Sadducees | |||
Call to repentance | Bethabara | | |
Jordan River | John 1:31–34; Matt 3:15 - It becometh us to fulfill all righteousness (צֶדֶקצְדָקָה, and sometimes חֶסֶד) | ||
God the Father announces his Son. | | Matthew 1:16-17, Mark 1:10-11, Luke 3:21-22 | |
Luke's genealogy of Christ | | Luke 3:23-38 |
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Church Videos & Resources
Scripture Central
The Bible Project
BYU’s RSC
Messages of Christ
Virtual Tours of Holy Land
Jordan River (Historical context & Jesus' baptism)
The Chosen Series
Some thoughts regarding Bethabara
Bethabara means "house of a ford, passage, or crossing" (See Judges 7:24). In some translations, Bethabara is transliterated as Bethany. However, this should be distinct from the city of Bethany, where Lazarus and his sisters were from. Bethabara is the location where the Bible says John baptized Jesus Christ (John 1:28; compare John 1:29-30-35), and the name is derived from the Hebrew בֵּית + עֲבָרָה. The location is believed to be in modern-day Al-Maghtas, at a junction near the base of the Jordan River, just before it flows into the Dead Sea.
In addition to the Baptism of Jesus, this site is also associated with the life and ascension of Elijah, the location where he was taken up in a whirlwind. It is interesting to note that this was the location where the Pharisees and Sadducees asked John about his connections to Elijah.
Geographically, Bethabara is 1,400 feet (430 meters) below sea level, making it the lowest natural point on the Earth’s surface. This is symbolically significant, especially when one considers the passage from D&C 88:6-7, which states, "He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth; which truth shineth."
Although this statement generally pertains to the Atonement, this location reminds us that Christ began his mortal ministry by demonstrating his intended objective through his Baptism. Furthermore, D&C 122: 7-8 states, "And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?"
At the sacred junction of Bethabara, John the Baptist and Jesus Christ initiated a "ford of passage" through the sacrament of baptism, paving the way for all individuals to follow. The topography of this location is a reminder that no one is beyond the Lord's reach. Jesus demonstrated that he would go to the ends of the earth to meet individuals in their current state to guide them out of their pits of despair if they allow Him to do so. When John expressed his feelings of inadequacy, Christ lovingly reminded him of the significant role he served as an example alongside Himself. The Savior stated, "Suffer it to be so now, for it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness."
The words the Lord spoke to John are the exact word he would offer to anyone seeking his counsel. Ἄφες (aphes) is the Greek word that is translated as "suffer." This word is also used in the Lord's Prayer, interpreted as "forgive," as in "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Aphes also means to "let go," and "leave behind." The Lord wants us to let go of those things that weigh us down, hold us back, keep us shackled, and prevent us from progressing with him in Tzadikah (righteousness and charity). Just like John, the Savior reminds us that we have better things to do than to continue beating up ourselves and others for past mistakes and weaknesses. The process of repentance through the ordinance of baptism offers hope, freedom, and new life in, with, and through Jesus Christ.
Sometimes we find ourselves in pits of despair and may be asked to travel impossible paths. Still, no matter the circumstances, the journey will always be lighter with the Savior as our guide and companion.
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