Jesus Is Baptized

Matthew 3:1-15; Mark 1:1-11; Luke 3:1-12, 15-18, 21-22


Our true story comes from the parts of the Bible called the Gospel of Matthew, the Gospel of Mark, and the Gospel of Luke. Matthew was a disciple of Jesus. That means Jesus was his teacher. Mark loved Jesus and told people about Him so that they could know Jesus, too. Luke loved Jesus and wanted others to know and love Jesus, too. And the word gospel means “good news!”

 A long time ago, before Jesus began teaching and helping people, there was a man named John. John loved God very much. God sent John to help people get ready for Jesus.

John lived near a river. He told the people, “Turn back to God. God loves you.” People listened to John, and many were baptized in the river as a sign that they wanted to follow God.

One day, Jesus came to the river. Jesus asked John to baptize Him. John was surprised. He knew Jesus was very special. But Jesus said it was the right thing to do—to listen to God and obey Him.

So, John baptized Jesus in the river.

When Jesus came up out of the water, something wonderful happened. God’s Spirit came down like a gentle dove. Then a voice from heaven said, “You are My Son. I love You. I am very pleased with You.”

God showed everyone that Jesus was His Son. God loved Jesus very much.

Jesus listened to God and obeyed Him. And God loves us too.

Jesus listened to God and obeyed Him. God loves Jesus, and God loves us too.


Dear God,

Thank You for Jesus, who listened to You and obeyed You. Thank You for John, who helped people get ready for Jesus. Thank You for loving Jesus and telling the world He is Your Son. Help us listen to You, obey You, and remember that You love us too. We love You, God.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.






Bible Verse: “For nothing will be impossible with God.” — Luke 1:37, BSB

Paraphrase: “Nothing is too hard for God.”



Activities

These activities help preschoolers engage with the story through movement, crafts, music, and storytelling, making the lesson fun and memorable.


1. Getting Ready for Jesus

Objective: To help children understand that John helped people get ready for Jesus.

Materials: Open space, Optional: small blue cloth to represent the river

Activity: Explain that John told people to get ready for Jesus by listening to God. Invite children to pretend they are walking to the river. Encourage simple motions like walking, stopping, and listening. Lay the blue cloth on the floor and explain that this represents the river where John baptized people.

Talk About It: “John helped people get ready for Jesus. How can we listen to God?”


2. Listening and Obeying

Objective: To help children practice listening and following instructions, just as Jesus listened to God.

Materials: None.

Activity: Play a simple listening game. Give gentle instructions such as “clap your hands,” “stand up,” or “sit down.” Explain that Jesus listened to God and obeyed Him, and we can practice listening too.

Talk About It: “Jesus listened to God. We can listen too.”
 

3. “Jesus Was Baptized” Song (Musical Activity)

Objective: To help children remember that Jesus was baptized and that God loves Him.

Materials: None (optional: gentle swaying or hand motions)

Activity: Teach children the following song to the tune of “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush” (Public Domain). Encourage gentle motions such as moving hands down like water or pointing upward when singing about God.

Song: “Jesus Was Baptized” (to the tune of “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush”)

    This is the way that Jesus obeyed,
    Jesus obeyed, Jesus obeyed.
    This is the way that Jesus obeyed,
    Listening to God.

    This is the way God said, “I love You,”
    Said “I love You,” said “I love You.”
    This is the way God said, “I love You,”
    To His Son.

Talk About It: “Jesus listened to God, and God said He loved Jesus. How do you know God loves you?”


4. God Loves Me

Objective: To help children understand that God loves them, just as He loves Jesus.

Materials: Paper, Crayons or markers.

Activity: Invite children to draw a picture of themselves. As they draw, remind them that God loves each one of them. If appropriate, help them say their name and add it to the picture.

Talk About It: “God said, ‘I love You’ to Jesus. God loves you too.”

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Story illustrations are the copyright of James M. Thomas. All rights reserved.
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