Mark 3:13-21, Luke 6:12-16

Luke tells the that the Savior -

"...went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
13 ¶ And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
14 Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,
15 Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphæus, and Simon called Zelotes,
16 And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor." (New Testament Luke 6:12 - 16)

As we ponder that Savior prayed all night and then called called twelve from all His disciples, you would have to assume the Savior was in sincere prayer to learn the will of God in the choosing of them that he would call apostles. In other words, these twelve were literally called of God. It becomes apparent that his apostles were seperate from his disciples. Mark tells us -

"...he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,
15 And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils..." (New Testament Mark 3:14 - 15)

As apostles, the Savior later teaches them -

"...Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you." (New Testament John 15:16)

These men were specifically chosen, and not only chosen, but ordained. Paul taught of priesthood ordinations and callings -

"...no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God..." (New Testament Hebrews 5:4)

Joseph Smith later taught -

"We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof." (Pearl of Great Price Articles of Faith 1:5)

Paul taught there are many offices or callings in the priesthood for the Savior -

"...gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ..." (New Testament Ephesians 4:11 - 13)

Elder Talmage taught of the specific ordination and calling of an apostle -

“Discipleship is general; any follower of a man or devotee to a principle may be called a disciple. The Holy Apostleship is an office and calling belonging to the Higher or Melchizedek Priesthood, at once exalted and specific, comprising as a distinguishing function that of personal and special witness to the divinity of Jesus Christ as the one and only Redeemer and Savior of mankind. The apostleship is an individual bestowal, and as such is conferred only through ordination.” (Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p. 227. Italics added.)

As Peter moved to fill the vacancy of the Quorum of Twelve caused by the apostasy of Judas, he instructed the disciples of the requirements of an apostle -

"Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection..." (New Testament Acts 1:21 - 22)

President Harold B. Lee teachs of important principle as he relates -

“May I impose to bear my own testimony. I was visiting with one of the missionaries some years ago when two missionaries came to me with what seemed to be a very difficult question, to them. A young Methodist minister had laughed at them when they had said that apostles were necessary today in order for the true church to be upon the earth. And they said the minister said: ‘Do you realize that when they met to choose one to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Judas, that they said it had to be one who companied with them and had been a witness of all things pertaining to the mission and resurrection of the Lord? How can you say you have apostles, if that be the measure of an apostle?’ And so these young men said, ‘What shall we answer?’ I said to them: ‘Go back and ask your minister friend two questions. First, how did the Apostle Paul gain what was necessary to be called an apostle? He didn’t know the Lord; had no personal acquaintance. He hadn’t accompanied the apostles. He hadn’t been a witness of the ministry, nor the resurrection of the Lord. How did he gain his testimony sufficient to be an apostle? Now the second question you ask him: How does he know that all who are today apostles have not likewise received that witness?’ I bear witness to you that those who hold the apostolic calling may, and do know of the reality of the mission of the Lord.” (“Born of the Spirit,” Address to Seminary and Institute Faculty, 26 June 1962.)

It is a apparent that each office and calling in the priesthood brings with with it a solemn oath of being -

"...faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods...and the magnifying their calling..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 84:33)

Returning to the example the Savior praying all night in prayer to know and the will of God, we too should do the same in our offices and callings. Paul explains the simpleness of the way with Jesus Christ -

"..For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (New Testament Hebrews 4:15 - 16)

Mark 2:1-12, John 5:1-16

It seems that in many cases that physical illness or ailments have a strong connection to spiritual illness or ailments. When they brought one sick with palsy, when -

"...they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee." (New Testament Mark 2:4 - 5)

After his sins were forgiven, the Savior said -

"...take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all..." (New Testament Mark 2:11 - 12)

You can sense that this healing not only required faith, but also repentance for which he was told his sins were forgiven. It was then, the one with palsy was physically healed.

We see this with Zeezrom as he -

"...lay sick at Sidom, with a burning fever, which was caused by the great tribulations of his mind on account of his wickedness, for he supposed that Alma and Amulek were no more; and he supposed that they had been slain because of his iniquity. And this great sin, and his many other sins, did harrow up his mind until it did become exceedingly sore, having no deliverance; therefore he began to be scorched with a burning heat." (Book of Mormon Alma 15:3)

In this repentant state -

"...Alma said unto him, taking him by the hand: Believest thou in the power of Christ unto salvation?
7 And he answered and said: Yea, I believe all the words that thou hast taught.
8 And Alma said: If thou believest in the redemption of Christ thou canst be healed.
9 And he said: Yea, I believe according to thy words.
10 And then Alma cried unto the Lord, saying: O Lord our God, have mercy on this man, and heal him according to his faith which is in Christ.
11 And when Alma had said these words, Zeezrom leaped upon his feet, and began to walk..." (Book of Mormon Alma 15:6 - 11)

James taught -

"Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him." (New Testament James 5:14 - 15)

At the pool of Bethesda -

"...a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years." (New Testament John 5:5)

Whom said to the Savior -

"...Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me." (New Testament John 5:7)

The Savior answers -

"...Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked..." (New Testament John 5:8 - 9)

As you read further, you would have to assume that he was a repented, faithful person for -

"Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee." (New Testament John 5:14)

It appears in these many verses that healing is not based on faith in Christ alone, but a demonstration of that faith through true and obedient repentance receiving forgiveness of their sins.

John 5

After the Savior had taught the purpose of the Sabbath, Luke wrote that -

"...it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God." (New Testament Luke 6:12)

In that the Savior is our great Exemplar, I've wondered at times what transpired during these times of prayer. I've wondered how his prayers may have differed for those of other sincere prayers. I believe we learn in a small degree of some of his prayers as the Savior addresses those who -

"...sought to slay him..." (New Testament John 5:16)

"...Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work." (New Testament John 5:17)

"...The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel." (New Testament John 5:19 - 20)

"...I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me." (New Testament John 5:30)

Even the Savior did seek to learn the will of the Father and do his will. To all, he testifies -

"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." (New Testament John 5:39)

As we humbly kneel in prayer, seeking to learn and do the will of the Father, the more we become like our great Exemplar -

"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps..." (New Testament 1 Peter 2:21)

The Savior said to his disciples -

"Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 12:48)

Mathew 9:2-8, Mark 2:1-12, Luke 5:17-26

Matthew writes that -

"...Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people." (New Testament Matthew 4:23)

Jesus commanded his twelve apostles that -

"...as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils..." (New Testament Matthew 10:7 - 8)

King Benjamin prophecied that the Savior would -

"...go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 3:5)

And in the new world, the Savior -

"...showed himself unto them, and had gone unto the Father, after having healed all their sick, and their lame, and opened the eyes of their blind and unstopped the ears of the deaf, and even had done all manner of cures among them, and raised a man from the dead..." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 26:15)

And also -

"...there were great and marvelous works wrought by the disciples of Jesus, insomuch that they did heal the sick, and raise the dead, and cause the lame to walk, and the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear; and all manner of miracles did they work among the children of men; and in nothing did they work miracles save it were in the name of Jesus." (Book of Mormon 4 Nephi 1:5)

On one occasion during the Savior's mortal ministry -

"...as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judæa, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.
18 ¶ And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him.
19 And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.
20 And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee." (New Testament Luke 5:17 - 20)

It becomes evident here that the Savior had not only power to heal the man physically, he had the power to heal him spiritually by forgiving him of his sins. In our day, the Lord has blessed us with miraculous medical technologies that were not available in ancient days. I believe the challenge to modern priesthood holders is to assist in the great work of healing spiritually. President Harold B. Lee said -

“The great call has come now in the sermons of the brethren to aid those who are in need of aid, not just temporal aid, but spiritual aid. The greatest miracles I see today are not necessarily the healing of sick bodies, but the greatest miracles I see are the healing of sick souls, those who are sick in soul and spirit and are downhearted and distraught, on the verge of nervous breakdowns. We are reaching out to all such, because they are precious in the sight of the Lord, and we want no one to feel that they are forgotten. . . .
“You cannot lift another soul until you are standing on higher ground than he is. You must be sure, if you would rescue the man, that you yourself are setting the example of what you would have him be. You cannot light a fire in another soul unless it is burning in your own soul. You teachers, the testimony that you bear, the spirit with which you teach and with which you lead, is one of the most important assets that you can have, as you help to strengthen those who need so much, wherein you have so much to give. Who of us, in whatever station we may have been in have not needed strengthening?” (Lee, “Stand Ye in Holy Places,” p. 123. Italics added.)

I believe even today we are called to heal the sick - both physically and spiritually.

Matthew 8 - 9, Mark 1 - 2, Luke 4 - 5

Upon being confronted and accused by those that claimed the Savior was possessed with a devil, there were -

"...certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee." (New Testament Matthew 12:38)

To which the Lord answered -

"...An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign..." (New Testament Matthew 12:39)

When Sherem demanded of Jacob -

"...Show me a sign by this power of the Holy Ghost, in the which ye know so much..." (Book of Mormon Jacob 7:13)

Jacob answered -

"...What am I that I should tempt God to show unto thee a sign in the thing which thou knowest to be true? Yet thou wilt deny it, because thou art of the devil." (Book of Mormon Jacob 7:14)

When -

"...Korihor said unto Alma: If thou wilt show me a sign, that I may be convinced that there is a God, yea, show unto me that he hath power, and then will I be convinced of the truth of thy words." (Book of Mormon Alma 30:43)

Alma answered -

"...Thou hast had signs enough; will ye tempt your God? Will ye say, Show unto me a sign, when ye have the testimony of all these thy brethren, and also all the holy prophets?" (Book of Mormon Alma 30:44)

Moroni teaches -

"...signs shall follow them that believe in my name." (Book of Mormon Ether 4:18)

Nephi taught that God works -

"...mighty miracles, signs, and wonders, among the children of men according to their faith." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 26:13)

"For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them..." (Book of Mormon Ether 12:12)

These scriptures themselves suggest that the Savior himself probably would perform no such miracles unless there was sufficient faith present. Matthew wrote that -

"...Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people." (New Testament Matthew 4:23)

But a better understanding comes from the the inspired verson provided by the Prophet -

"And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people which believed on his name." (New Testament Matthew 4:23, JST)

All of the Saviors miracles seem to take on much more meaning as we come to understand that they were provided for those of faith.

Matthew 4:13, Luke 4:16 - 31

As Jesus returned to his native home of Nazereth -

"...he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read." (New Testament Luke 4:16)

I'm sure many people had heard rumors of some of the miraculous the Savior had performed such as changing the water to wine at the wedding. So all eyes must have been on Him as -

"...there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias..." (New Testament Luke 4:17)

When the Savior -

"...opened the book, he found the place where it was written,
18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord." (New Testament Luke 4:17 - 19)

I'm sure the Jews were familiar with this prophecy of the Messiah so I would guess they waited as if to say "Okay - So....".

"...he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him." (New Testament Luke 4:20)

And then the Savior humbly begins to testify -

"...This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." (New Testament Luke 4:21)

I'm sure the worshippers were shocked and -

"...all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?" (New Testament Luke 4:22)

The Savior understood that -

"...No prophet is accepted in his own country." (New Testament Luke 4:24)

For most New Testament readers, this story seems easy to believe and accept in that it happened years ago. But what seemed to strike me is what if the same happened today. How would the people of our day react. What if a young man of 15 years of age stood in the congregation and testified of being visited by the Father and the Son. Interesting comparison!

John 3 - 4

In a brief conversation, the Savior taught Nicodemus three basic principles in the process of entering the kingdom of God. As Nicodemus, a Pharisee, visited with the Savior under the cover of night, the Savior said -

"...Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (New Testament John 3:3)

I think it is significant that the Savior taught that a re-birth or a change had to take place in a person just to "see" the kingdom of God. Alma as his brethren -

"...have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?" (Book of Mormon Alma 5:14)

This born again then must be a spiritual re-birth or spiritual witness or communication which of which the Holy Ghost changes ones heart. Alma taught that -

"...he changed their hearts; yea, he awakened them out of a deep sleep, and they awoke unto God. Behold, they were in the midst of darkness; nevertheless, their souls were illuminated by the light of the everlasting word..." (Book of Mormon Alma 5:7)

I think this is what Paul meant when he said -

"Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery..." (New Testament Romans 16:25)

It is all a mystery to those who never experience this re-birth, this change of heart, this witness by the Spirit. But even though one "sees" the kingdom of God, he has not entered into the kingdom of God. The Savior goes on to explain -

"...except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (New Testament John 3:5)

There appears to be a strong distinction that more faith is required. After one receives a witness of the Spirit does not mean he is "born of the Spirit". To enter the kingdom, one has to be born of the water or baptized and then receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost and be baptized by Fire. President Harold B. Lee taught -

“Baptism by immersion symbolizes the death and burial of the man of sin; and the coming forth out of the water, the resurrection to a newness of spiritual life. After baptism, hands are laid upon the head of the baptized believer, and he is blessed to receive the Holy Ghost. Thus does the one baptized receive the promise or gift of the Holy Ghost or the privilege of being brought back into the presence of one of the Godhead, by obedience to whom and through his faithfulness one so blessed might receive the guidance and direction of the Holy Ghost in his daily walks and talks, even as Adam walked and talked in the Garden of Eden with God, his Heavenly Father. To receive such guidance and such direction from the Holy Ghost is to be spiritually reborn.” (Harold B. Lee in CR, Oct. 1947, p. 64.)

Nephi taught his people -

"...I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost..." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 31:13)

In this manner you enter in the kingdom of God, -

"...then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 31:18)

But even though you have entered in the the gate -

"...I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.
20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 31:19 - 20)

This is the process -

"...this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 31:21)

Mathew 3 - 4:11, Mark 1, Luke 3 - 4:13, John 1:14 - 2:12

The Savior said of John the Baptist -

"...Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist..." (New Testament Luke 7:28)

That is quite a powerful statement considering such revered prophets as Abraham, Joseph and Moses. Very little is written of John other than the events of his birth and the baptism of the Savior. But as we consider his mission and the manner in which he accomplished it, the more we recognize his greatness. John was raised in the most humble of circumstances. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught:

“When Herod’s edict went forth to destroy the young children, John was about six months older than Jesus, and came under this hellish edict, and Zacharias caused his mother to take him into the mountains, where he was raised on locusts and wild honey. When his father refused to disclose his hiding place, and being the officiating high priest at the Temple that year, was slain by Herod’s order, between the porch and the altar, as Jesus said.” (Teachings, p. 261. Compare Matthew 23:35.)

John's calling must have been of great importance in that there were many prophecies concerning John the Baptist. Isaiah prophecied -

"The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God." (Old Testament Isaiah 40:3)

Nephi, speaking the words of his father Lehi, wrote -

"...he spake also concerning a prophet who should come before the Messiah, to prepare the way of the Lord—
8 Yea, even he should go forth and cry in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight; for there standeth one among you whom ye know not; and he is mightier than I, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. And much spake my father concerning this thing.
9 And my father said he should baptize in Bethabara, beyond Jordan; and he also said he should baptize with water; even that he should baptize the Messiah with water.
10 And after he had baptized the Messiah with water, he should behold and bear record that he had baptized the Lamb of God, who should take away the sins of the world." (Book of Mormon 1 Nephi 10:7 - 10)

Each of the gospel writers also wrote of "one crying in the wilderness" but John himself said -

"...I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias." (New Testament John 1:23)

John the Baptist understood his calling and the magnitude of his work to prepare for the Savior's ministry. Not only did he cry in a physical wilderness, but also a spiritual wilderness in that much of the people had fallen into spiritual darkness. His calling was to call repentance and prepare the valiant to hear the words of Christ. When the angel appeared to Zacharias, he prophecied of his son -

"...he shall go before [H]im in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." (New Testament Luke 1:17)

When John was asked -

"...Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not...." (New Testament John 1:21)

But he was after the order of the spirit and power of Elias. Joseph Smith explained it as follows:

“. . . for the spirit of Elias was a going before to prepare the way for the greater, which was the case with John the Baptist. He came crying through the wilderness, ‘Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’ And they were informed, if they could receive it, it was the spirit of Elias; and John was very particular to tell the people, he was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
“He told the people that his mission was to preach repentance and baptize with water; but it was He that should come after him that should baptize with fire and the Holy Ghost.
“If he had been an impostor, he might have gone to work beyond his bounds, and undertook to have performed ordinances which did not belong to that office and calling, under the spirit of Elias.
“The spirit of Elias is to prepare the way for a greater revelation of God, which is the Priesthood of Elias, or the Priesthood that Aaron was ordained unto. And when God sends a man into the world to prepare for a greater work, holding the keys of the power of Elias, it was called the doctrine of Elias, even from the early ages of the world.
“John’s mission was limited to preaching and baptizing; but what he did was legal; and when Jesus Christ came to any of John’s disciples, He baptized them with fire and the Holy Ghost.” (Teachings, pp. 335–36.)

Not only did John prepare the people for the Savior's ministry but was given the calling and blessing to testify to his disciples -

"...Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." (New Testament John 1:29)

Not only was he blessed of the testimony of the Savior, but the personal witness and vision of the Holy Ghost. Each gospel writer described the descending of the Holy Ghost "like a dove", but Luke provided even a greater physical description -

"...the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him..." (New Testament Luke 3:22)

And John was privileged to hear -

"...a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased." (New Testament Luke 3:22)

We know that John understood his role and calling as -

"...the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;
36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!
37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus." (New Testament John 1:35 - 37)

Having accomplished his mission, John humbly stepped out of the picture allowing the Savior to lead all the repentant disciples. John's calling as an "Elias" continued into the modern era as returned and layed hands on Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery declaring -

"UPON you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth, until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 13:1)

Again, as a preparer for Joseph and Oliver to be visited by Peter, James, and John and recieve the higher or Melchizedek Priesthood.

Mathew 3 - 4:11, Mark 1, Luke 3 - 4:13

The words baptism or baptize are not mentioned in the Old Testament yet when John baptized in the wilderness in Judea, none of gospel authors seem to suggest that this was a new or strange practice. This topic alone strongly suggests that many doctrines had been intentionally removed from the scriptures. Mark explains thatJohn the Baptist did -

"...preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins." (New Testament Mark 1:4)

A purpose then of baptism was to receive a remission of sins upon sincere repentance. But even with a remission of sins it seems that this alone did not complete the changing or refining of the individual. This took a higher power and authority. John understood this and taught -

"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..." (New Testament Matthew 3:11)

Moroni explained that in the Americas, the saints -

"...were not baptized save they brought forth fruit meet that they were worthy of it.
2 Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the church that they truly repented of all their sins.
3 And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end.
4 And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ..." (Book of Mormon Moroni 6:1 - 4)

An essential step was being cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost. Nephi taught -

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost..." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 31:13)

It is the baptism of fire that seems to refine or change the individual. We see with the people of Alma that -

"...he changed their hearts; yea, he awakened them out of a deep sleep, and they awoke unto God..." (Book of Mormon Alma 5:7)

This baptism of fire, cleansing, or changing may not necessarily be apparent as the Savior taught -

"...him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost, even as the Lamanites, because of their faith in me at the time of their conversion, were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 9:20)

The need for baptism becomes even more clear John tells the Savior-

"...I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him." (New Testament Matthew 3:14 - 15)

And the Savior was then baptized by the Holy Ghost and by fire as -

"...the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him..." (New Testament Matthew 3:16)

It is hard to believe that this same doctrine has not been taught through all generations of time. The Savior himself stating -

"...this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me.
33 And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God.
34 And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 11:32 - 34)

Mathew 1 - 2, Luke 1:5 - 2

When the Father and the Son visited the prophet Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove, Joseph relates -

"...One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!" (Pearl of Great Price JS-History 1:17)

John emphasized -

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son..." (New Testament John 3:16)

Luke testifies the same as he records the angels words to Mary -

"...behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest..." (New Testament Luke 1:31 - 32)

This must have perplexed Mary as she humbly asks -

"...How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?" (New Testament Luke 1:34)

It is then the angel clearly explains how he shall be the Son of the Highest in that -

"...The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." (New Testament Luke 1:35)

The angel told Nephi -

"...Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father!..." (Book of Mormon 1 Nephi 11:21)

Jesus Christ was born as the son of a mortal woman and an immortal father. I believe the gift of the immortal father was the very control of his life and his own death. The gift of a mortal woman was the gift of -

“the veil of forgetfulness common to all who are born to earth, by which the remembrance of primeval existence is shut off” was cast over him. (Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p. 111.)

Having forgotten all he was susceptible to all manner of tempations, sorrow, and pain. Like all others, he had to learn -

"...precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little." (Old Testament Isaiah 28:10)

And John testified -

I, John, saw that he received not of the fulness at the first, but received grace for grace;
13 And he received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 93:12 - 13)

As He learned, His temptations exceeded all others. Alma prophesied -

"...he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities." (Book of Mormon Alma 7:11 - 12)

Paul talked of the Savior's tempations -

"...For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted." (New Testament Hebrews 2:18)

And of his mortal sufferings and tempations, King Benjamin said -

"...And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 3:7)

Though the Savior had an immortal father and a mortal mother -

"Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered." (New Testament Hebrews 5:8)

This is the testimony of Jesus Christ for -

"...the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (New Testament John 1:14)

Mathew 1 - 2, Luke 1:5 - 2

Just as the Savior, Paul taught the Corinthians -

"...In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." (New Testament 2 Corinthians 13:1)

Referring to the gifts of the Spirit, the Lord revealed -

"To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.
14 To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 46:13 - 14)

Mormon taught -

"...have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men.
30 For behold, they are subject unto him, to minister according to the word of his command, showing themselves unto them of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness.
31 And the office of their ministry is to call men unto repentance, and to fulfil and to do the work of the covenants of the Father, which he hath made unto the children of men, to prepare the way among the children of men, by declaring the word of Christ unto the chosen vessels of the Lord, that they may bear testimony of him.
32 And by so doing, the Lord God prepareth the way that the residue of men may have faith in Christ, that the Holy Ghost may have place in their hearts, according to the power thereof; and after this manner bringeth to pass the Father, the covenants which he hath made unto the children of men." (Book of Mormon Moroni 7:29 - 32)

At the birth of the Savior, "chosen vessels of the Lord" were called to stand as witnesses of God to bear testimony of coming of the Messiah -

"As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:" (New Testament Luke 1:70)

To Mary the Angel Gabriel testified -

"...behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." (New Testament Luke 1:31 - 33)

To Joseph -

"...the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." (New Testament Matthew 1:20 - 21)

When Mary went to visit Elisabeth and -

"...when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (New Testament Luke 1:41 - 43)

And as Zecharias regained his speech, he testified that the -

"...child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us..." (New Testament Luke 1:76 - 78)

The shepherds of the sacred sheep heard of the angel -

"...unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." (New Testament Luke 2:11)

"And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child." (New Testament Luke 2:17)

The wise men from the east followed -

"...the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 ¶ And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." (New Testament Matthew 2:9 - 11)

At the temple when the Savior was just eight days old, stood -

"...Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." (New Testament Luke 2:25 - 32)

And at the same time -

there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem." (New Testament Luke 2:36 - 38)

There was sufficient witness and testimony that was noised abroad -

"...that the residue of men may have faith in Christ, that the Holy Ghost may have place in their hearts, according to the power thereof..." (Book of Mormon Moroni 7:32)

For those who sincerely seek the Lord.