Jesus is Baptized by John the Baptist

Bible Study Lessons from Matthew 3:13-17

In the verses listed below in Matthew, Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist marking the beginning of Christ's ministry. Here we see a clear appearance of the Trinity - and, exactly what is the Trinity of God?

Matthew 3:13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.

14 But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"

15 Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness."

Then John consented.

16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.

At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him.

17 And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."

Jesus is Baptized by John the Baptist

The Trinity

The doctrine of the Trinity means that God is three persons and yet one in essence. In this passage for Bible study, all three persons of the Trinity are present and active. God the Father speaks; God the Son is baptized; God the Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus.

God is one, yet in three persons at the same time. This is one of God's incomprehensible mysteries. Other Bible references that speak of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are Matthew 28:19; John 15:26; Corinthians 12:4-13..."

Understanding the Trinity

The Trinity is probably one of the most misunderstood excerpts in the Bible. There are some comparisons which have helped me to understand what the Trinity means are ..

1. Water - Water can be in three different forms --

• Liquid
• Frozen (ice)
• Gas (steam)

But, all in all, it's still the same. It is still water no matter what form it takes.

2. We can be three persons. This really helped me to understand from a human perspective: Personally I am three things ..

• I am a son to my parents
• I am a husband to my wife
• I am a father to my children

But, in all these I am still the same person. See how many examples you can come up with.

Some things are very difficult to understand from our limited human perspective but don't you feel that God, the Creator of the universe, with all his power could accomplish this feat?

All we really have to understand is faith - the faith that Jesus came to earth as a child, lived among humans, went to the cross to die for our shortcomings, and rose on the third day so that we could have a relationship with him. I don't always understand this either but I'm sure glad he gave all for me!

Love in Christ

- Bob

Matthew 2:1-12 - 3 Wise Men