Matthew 3

Jehovah (the Lord whose way is prepared)

LORD — in Isaiah 40:3 the divine name Jehovah

For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Matthew 3:3

In Isaiah, the way is prepared for 'the LORD' — Jehovah. Matthew applies it to Jesus, showing that the coming Jesus is Jehovah Himself. John is the forerunner who prepares people for Him.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quotes Isaiah 40:3 — Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
• fulfils 1 Nephi 10:7-8 — Lehi foretold a prophet who would prepare the way of the Lord and baptize the Messiah.
• a parallel account in Mark 1:3 — Mark applies the same verse to John.
• the same event in John 1:23 — John identifies himself as the voice crying in the wilderness.

The Mightier One who baptizes with fire

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Matthew 3:11

John says 'he that cometh after me' is Jesus, so much greater that John is not worthy to carry His shoes. Jesus gives the baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire, which cleanses the soul.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• fulfils 1 Nephi 10:8 — Lehi foretold the forerunner would say he was not worthy to unloose the Messiah's shoe's latchet.
• alludes to 2 Nephi 31:13 — Nephi teaches of the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost that follows following the Son.
• a parallel account in Luke 3:16 — Luke's account of the same testimony.
• a parallel account in Mark 1:7-8 — Mark's account of the same testimony.

Christ the Judge

Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. Matthew 3:12

Like a farmer separating wheat from chaff, Jesus will separate the righteous from the wicked. John foretells Christ's role as the final Judge.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Luke 3:17 — Luke's account of the same saying.
• alludes to Malachi 4:1 — The day that shall burn as an oven, and the wicked shall be stubble.
• alludes to D&C 86:7 — The Lord's parable: gather the wheat, then the tares are bound to be burned.

Jesus is baptized to fulfil all righteousness

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. Matthew 3:13–15

Jesus was sinless, yet He was baptized. He did it to obey the Father and to show us the way; John knew he needed Jesus more than Jesus needed him.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• interpreted by 2 Nephi 31:5-9 — Nephi explains the holy Lamb was baptized to fulfil all righteousness, witnessing obedience and showing the strait gate.
• the same event in 1 Nephi 11:27 — Nephi saw the Redeemer baptized by the prophet.
• a parallel account in Mark 1:9 — Mark's account of the baptism.

Beloved Son

Beloved Son — the Father's own title for Jesus

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: Matthew 3:16–17

The Father speaks from heaven and names Jesus His beloved Son, while the Holy Ghost descends. All three members of the Godhead are present and distinct.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in 2 Nephi 31:8 — Nephi: the Holy Ghost descended upon Him in the form of a dove.
• the same title in 3 Nephi 11:7 — The Father introduces Him to the Nephites: 'Behold my Beloved Son.'
• the same title in Joseph Smith—History 1:17 — In the First Vision: 'This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!'
• the same title in Matthew 17:5 — The Father repeats the declaration on the Mount of Transfiguration.
• a parallel account in Mark 1:10-11 — Mark's account of the baptism.
• alludes to Isaiah 42:1 — Mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him.