West Franklin Children | September 13, 2020

Sunday September 13, 2020 | Jesus’ Baptism

Jesus never sinned, but He obeyed God and was baptized like sinners are baptized. Baptism reminds us of Jesus’ death and resurrection. It reminds us that when we trust in Jesus, we turn from sin and start a new life—a life lived for Jesus.

This Week’s Lesson: Jesus’ Baptism

• Bible Passage: Matthew 3; Mark ; Luke 3; John 1
• Story Point: Jesus obeyed God by being baptized.
• Key Passage: John 3:30
• Big Picture Question: Why did Jesus become human? Jesus became human to obey His Father’s plan and rescue sinners.

John the Baptist lived in the wilderness. His clothes were made out of camel’s hair and he wore a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. John began telling people, “Repent and be baptized because God’s kingdom is almost here.”

Some people asked John, “Who are you?”

John said, “I am not the Messiah.” John also said he wasn’t Elijah, and he wasn’t the Prophet that God had promised to send after Moses.

“Who are you, then?” they asked.

Long before John was born, the prophet Isaiah said, “Someone is shouting in the wilderness. He says, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord; make His paths straight!’” Isaiah was talking about John. John had a very important job. He was supposed to get people ready for Jesus—God’s promised Messiah.

People started to repent; they turned away from their sins and turned to God for forgiveness. Then John baptized them in the Jordan River. Baptism was a picture that the people’s sins had been washed away.

John preached, “Someone greater than me is coming. I am not worthy to remove His sandals. I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

By this time, Jesus was an adult. He went to see John the Baptist at the Jordan River. When John saw Jesus, he said, “Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

Jesus told John that He wanted to be baptized. But John didn’t think he should baptize Jesus. “I need You to baptize me,” John said. “Why do You want me to baptize You?” John was confused. He baptized people who confessed their sins; Jesus never sinned!

Jesus said, “Allow Me to be baptized. God says this is right.” So John agreed, and he baptized Jesus.

Jesus immediately came up out of the water. Suddenly, the heavens opened and Jesus saw the Holy Spirit coming down on Him like a dove. God’s voice came from heaven. “This is My Son,” the voice said. “I love Him, and I am very pleased with Him!”

Christ Connection

Jesus never sinned, but He obeyed God and was baptized like sinners are baptized. Baptism reminds us of Jesus’ death and resurrection. It reminds us that when we trust in Jesus, we turn from sin and start a new life—a life lived for Jesus.

Family Starting Points

• Jesus obeyed God by being baptized.
• Why did Jesus become human? Jesus became human to obey His Father’s plan and rescue sinners.

Activity Pages

• Grades 1-3 Activity Page pdf
• Grades 4-5 Activity Page pdf

Family Activity

• Coin Cleanse

1. Take some old coins that are dirty
2. In a plastic Tupperware container put in the coins with some vinegar and two teaspoons for salt. Put on the top.
3. Shake with coins in
4. Take off top. Pour out vinegar mixture and wash off coins with water. They should be clean.

Just like the coins got a new, shiny start, if we say sorry to Him, God can help us to make a new start.  Tell God about the things you are sorry for doing and think about an area in your life where you’d like to make a new start- it could be with a friend you have argued with for example.  Ask God to help you make a new start.  Take a coin and keep it next to your bed for the next week to remind you of the new start you are making with God’s help.

• Flame Creative Children’s Ministry: Baptism of Jesus: Take home activity

As part of our work on the life of Jesus, our children looked this week at the baptism of Jesus. CLICK HERE for the activity that was given as a take home activity compliment to the lesson.