When Jesus Christ was about thirty years old, he began to preach the glad tidings of salvation. About the same time, John the Baptist was also preaching to the people and baptizing them. He lived in the wilderness, and wore a garment of camel's hair, with a leathern girdle about his loins. He told of the coming of Christ, and warned all to repent of their sins. Many believed and were baptized.

Jesus also went to him to be baptized. John with great humility said, I have more need to be baptized by thee. But Jesus answered, Suffer it to be so this time. Then John baptized him in the river Jordan, and as he was coming out of the water, the Spirit of God descended upon him in the form of a dove, and a voice from heaven was heard, saying, This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.