The First Lesson

I was reading 3 Nephi 11 this morning, which is about the Savior visiting the Nephites and Lamanites and one thing that stood out to me is that after introducing Himself, the very first thing He taught them was about baptism. Baptism is one of the most important parts of the gospel for several reasons. First, it is the fundamental covenant upon which all others are built. It initiates the cycle of continual repentance and cleansing from sin through the Sacrament and renewal of the baptismal covenants. But most importantly, it is necessary for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost can lead and guide us in all things so the Savior knew that if the people of the Americas at least had baptism and the Holy Ghost, then they would be all right in the end. Obviously, He goes on to teach them many other important things but I thought it was interesting that the very first thing He taught was about baptism.