Jesus’ Baptism Playlist

The Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist
Baptism is the sacrament that unites us with Jesus Christ and makes us members of God’s family, the church. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, baptism initiates us into the Church, assures us that God forgives our sins, bestows the promise of God’s grace upon us and calls us to a life of Christian service and fulfillment.

Start by reading the Bible Story or watching the video and going through the wondering/discussion questions. Then pick the activities your family or small group would like to do, as many or few as you like. Close your time with prayer – use your own or the one provided.

Bible Story
Read Matthew 3: 13-17 from your favorite Bible.

Wonder/Discussion Questions

For children

  • I wonder what your favorite part of this story is?
  • I wonder how John felt after baptizing Jesus?
  • I wonder how Jesus felt after he was baptized?
  • I wonder what Jesus did after he was baptized?

For Youth and Adults

  • Why was John hesitant to baptize Jesus?
  • What do you think Jesus meant when he said, “This is necessary to fulfill all righteousness”?
  • What happened when Jesus came out of the water?
  • Why do you think God was pleased?
  • Why do we get baptized?
  • What is it about Jesus’ baptism that would inspire you towards baptism?

Prayer

Dear God, we thank you for the gift of your Son Jesus. As we learn more about Him and the sacrifice he made for us, let all that we do be in response to his love and example. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

A prayer to share with the group – Anniversary of a Baptism by Rev. Traci Smith
My baptism is special. I remember what it means. God, you love me. You choose me.
You delight in me too. I remember that baptism means I am loved, I am chosen, I am a delight!
As I grow in faith, help me learn to love mystery and walk in your ways. Amen.

Activities

Baptism Stories

  • For families – Share stories about your child’s baptism. Share photos or other mementoes with each other.
  • For small gatherings – Leaders, if parents are not participating in your small gathering, contact parents ahead of time and ask them to give their child something they can share with the group about their baptism.

Walk & Explore Around the Lake
Go on a walk near the lake (or another body of water). What lives in and around the water? Why is the water important? Think about the symbol of water from Jesus’ baptism story. Think about what it would have been like to see Jesus baptized here.

Activity Page

Draw the Story Page

Coloring Page

Videos

Books

When God Made You by Paul Matthew Turner

 

Water Come Down by Walter Wangerin