Lesson 663

(Lesson 663)(06-11-13) The next usage of a form of the term "baptize" appears in Matthew 3:16-17, "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

It is obvious that this usage of the term "baptized" implies that the medium into which Jesus was immersed, was water in that He "went straightway out of the water".

In verse 17, it is clearly established that the water immersion (baptism) Jesus subjected Himself to was of great importance to God the Father in that it prompted Him, for the first time, to publicly acknowledge Jesus as His Son.~