John lived in the desert for many years. He was called John the Baptist. He ate honey and grasshoppers. He wore clothes made out of camel’s hair. People came from the cities to listen to John teach.

Matthew 3:1–5

John the Baptist taught the people about Jesus Christ. John told the people to repent of their sins. He told them to be baptized. John the Baptist baptized people in the water. They were baptized to wash away their sins.

Matthew 3:6

The people asked John the Baptist how to live better lives. He told them to share with poor people. He said they should always tell the truth. He told them not to hurt other people. John the Baptist told the people that Jesus Christ was coming to start his church. Jesus would give the Holy Ghost to them when he came. John the Baptist knew Jesus was the Savior. He told the people Jesus Christ was the Savior.

Luke 3:10–14; Matthew 3:2, 11–12; John 1:33–36

One day John the Baptist was baptizing people in the Jordan River. Jesus Christ went down to the river. He asked John the Baptist to baptize him. John the Baptist knew Jesus was righteous. Jesus did not sin. He always obeyed God’s commandments. He did not need to repent. So John thought Jesus did not need to be baptized.

Matthew 3:13–15; 2 Nephi 31:5–7

But God commanded all people to be baptized. Jesus told John the Baptist to baptize him. Jesus went into the water. John the Baptist baptized him. Jesus was baptized to obey God’s commandment.

Matthew 3:16; 2 Nephi 31:7–8

When Jesus came out of the water, the Holy Ghost came to him. God spoke from heaven. God said, “This is my beloved Son.”

Matthew 3:16–17